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DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM AUGUST 26, 2013 I VOL. 42 I #34

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DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

A Guide to Downtown Dining After Dark SEE PAGES 9-19

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Photo by Gary Leonard

Chef Sascha Lyon with some of the cast iron pan creations that he and his kitchen crew whip up at the Italian restaurant Soleto.

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AROUND TOWN

Blossom Plaza Construction Delayed

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he wait for a long-desired Chinatown project will be a little longer. Construction on the $95 million Blossom Plaza was scheduled to begin this month, following a ceremonial groundbreaking held in May. Now, the start of work has been pushed back to October, said Frank Frallicciardi of project developer Forest City Residential West. The delay comes at the request of First District City Councilman Gil Cedillo, who was sworn in July 1. The previous officeholder, Ed Reyes, had orchestrated the deal so that work would begin in August. Frallicciardi said Cedillo wanted to push back construction to ensure it does not interfere with the Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival, which takes place Sept. 21. The festival brings thousands of people to Central and West plazas, just north of the Blossom Plaza site. The project will replace the shuttered Little Joe’s restaurant and include about 240 market rate and affordable rental units, 20,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a 175-space parking garage and a public plaza that would connect Broadway to the Gold Line station. Completion is still expected by 2015, Frallicciardi said.

Suds to Go at Spring Street?

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tap. Now, owners Michael Leko and Will Shamlian want customers to be able to take the booze home. Leko and Shamlian presented a plan on Tuesday, Aug. 20, to the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council that would enable the business at 626 S. Spring St. to have off-site sales. Currently, Spring Street Bar offers 26 beers on tap. But Leko said several breweries have approached him about selling their limited-edition suds in 750-millileter bottles.

The price would run about $20, and patrons could buy and consume the beer at the bar, or get it to go. “This is not a revenue stream for us, but more of a marketing thing,” Leko said.

Additional permit changes the proprietors hope to make are opening at 6 a.m. for special occasions such as World Cup soccer matches.

The city must sign off on the changes and the owners also need an OK from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Urban Partners Gets Partners In West Coast Expansion

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owntown’s Urban Partners last week announced that it has joined with Seattle’s Harbor Urban and the Mack Real Estate Group to form a development and investment firm dubbed Mack Urban. The company will remain headquartered in Downtown’s Bradbury Building. Paul Keller, who founded Urban Partners with Dan Rosenfeld and the late Ira Yellin about 15 years ago, will be CEO of Mack Urban. “This partnership will provide us a number of things,” said Keller. “It will allow us more flexibility in determining how long we own assets.” He said the new company also provides an opportunity to look at additional types of development

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ince 2010, Spring Street Bar patrons have imbibed a wide selection of craft beers on

August 26, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

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beyond multi-family, urban-infill projects, which has been its focus to date. Urban Partners has developed Downtown projects including the Caltrans headquarters and the 1,600-bed student housing complex University Gateway. Keller said the goal now is to take on a variety of projects up and down the West Coast. He added that Mack Urban is looking at new Downtown developments, though he would not provide specifics — yet. “I am highly confident that very soon we will be able to announce us making some additional investment decisions in the Central Business District,” he said.

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August 20, 2013

Program Sends Disadvantaged Youth to USC Football Game

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he fate of the USC football team following last year’s disappointing 7-6 season remains up in the air. Still, that is not stopping a perennial charitable campaign from powering forward. The Los Angeles Sports Council announced recently that it is teaming with the university for the Touchdown for Youth program, which sends economically disadvantaged kids to a Trojans’ game. Each $30 tax-deductible donation buys Continued on page 21

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EDITORIALS

August 26, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

Wow! The Courthouse Rises

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roject groundbreakings have become de rigueur in Downtown Los Angeles. Still, there is something noteworthy about the start of construction of the Federal Courthouse on the southwest corner of First Street and Broadway.

Work began on the $400 million development on Aug. 8. All the bigwigs showed up to stick shovels in the ground and give speeches. Political and business leaders talked about how the development would streamline legal functions in Los Angeles, as federal court operations are now split between two buildings, one dating to 1938.

Still, the most important aspect of the project for Downtown is that it eliminates one of the most frustrating eyesores in the heart of the Civic Center. It also hints at a future in which the area’s other noteworthy blight spots become vibrant, active parts of the community.

A lot of credit for the courthouse, which will rise immediately west of the Los Angeles Times building, goes to Congresswoman Lucille RoybalAllard, who before federal redistricting represented Downtown (Xavier Becerra now claims the territory). In fact Roybal-Allard, a longtime supporter of Downtown, surprised many when, in January 2012, her office sent out a press release stating that the project would happen. Most local officials were caught unawares.

That is partly because the property had become a persistent black eye on Downtown. The land once held a state office building, though it was razed years ago. Plans for a $400 million federal courthouse had been discussed as early as 2001, but the project ground to a halt five years later when the cost estimate soared north of $1 billion. The years under President George W. Bush also conspired against a new courthouse — a Republican regime was loathe to reward a “Blue State” like California with hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds.

However, Roybal-Allard managed to keep the project alive. The inauguration of President Barack Obama changed the political landscape, and a downscaling of the building and a consequent decrease in the budget provided the opportunity to move forward. The 431,000-squarefoot edifice is scheduled to open in 2016.

This page repeatedly expressed cautious optimism for the project, saying we’d believe it when work finally started. Now it has, and though we might be better served by having a cynical eye until it actually opens, we are enthusiastic.

Again, part of that optimism is tied to other potential improvements in the area. The northeast corner of the same intersection holds the graffiti pit where another state office building once stood. The land across the street from City Hall has been derelict for four decades, though the city has purchased it and intends to create a park there, potentially expanding Grand Park.

Having these two projects moving forward at the same time (just as the former Hall of Justice is also being modernized) would be a great victory for Downtown.

Then again, maybe we are getting ahead of ourselves. We’re pleased the courthouse is underway. We hope it is the start of something even better.

New Ninth Street School Deserves Community, Business Support

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mid all the Downtown development activity, one big-budget project has been frequently overlooked. This is curious, because it has the potential to be a key part of the Central City’s continued revival, and could benefit numerous local inhabitants and businesses.

The project is the Ninth Street Elementary School, which, like all Los Angeles Unified School District institutions, began classes on the ridiculously early date of Aug. 13. About 300 kindergarten through fifth grade students met their teachers that day.

The school has been ignored by most Downtowners because of two things: its location and its past. The address of 820 Towne Ave. is on the edge of Skid Row, an area that most parents would prefer to avoid. Additionally, before it shut down in 2010 for a renovation, Ninth Street had an abysmal academic performance index (or API) score of 695. It ranked as one of the lowest-performing elementary schools in California.

Those are legitimate factors for caution if not outright skepticism.

However, there is a greater reason for the entirety of Downtown to recognize that the school has, to use a cliché, a chance for a new beginning.

Now is the time for local business and community groups to recognize that partnering with the school can help both current and future students and all of Downtown. Changing Ninth Street’s reputation and raising its test scores won’t happen quickly or easily, but a new principal and leadership structure provide chances that did not previously exist.

The LAUSD has provided the spark for a change in attitude and community interaction following a $54 million renovation of the campus.

During the three-year construction process, approximately 100 outdated bungalows were replaced by a state-of-the-art educational facility that can hold up to 450 students. There are new classrooms, large playgrounds, a library and Wi-Fi. The 78,000-square-foot campus (which also holds a charter middle school operated by Para Los Niños) offers athletic facilities, space for arts programs and high-tech elements.

As Los Angeles Downtown News has reported, the lack of quality elementary school options is a serious issue for area families, and in recent years some moved out of Downtown when their children reached kindergarten age. The Metro Charter Elementary School, which will open Sept. 3, will begin to alter the landscape, but there

remains a need for more choices. In the long run, Metro Charter’s three kindergarten classes holding about 72 students per year will not be enough to sustain a growing Downtown.

It will be tough at first to persuade individual middle-class families to send their kids to a school on the edge of Skid Row. However, if a cross-section of Downtown engages with Ninth Street and can provide financial and other support, then over time the school could evolve into a legitimate choice for a larger swath of Downtowners.

As any parent of an LAUSD student can attest, an involved community is key to improving the learning environment.

Ninth Street is currently comprised largely of the children of lowincome workers in the garment industry, and for years students eagerly lined up each morning, knowing school was a chance to escape the misery of Skid Row. Proximity and the ability to do good for those who need it should be enough to inspire the community to help, but there is another reason for business groups and Downtown law, accounting, architecture and other firms to get involved.

The reason is their employees. Downtown is increasingly a destination for 20- and 30-somethings who want to live close to their jobs.

These are also the people who are getting married and starting families.

If these individuals move away come school time, then area businesses may find it harder to hold on to their workers. However, if people can live here and have a quality local public school, that gives them a strong reason to remain at their job.

While business and community groups may not be able to impact the daily operations of the school, they could provide valuable financial help though a support organization such as a “Friends Of Ninth Street Elementary” group. If community and parental involvement can help boost the API score (an initial target is 800, and it should go up from there) and provide some programs the school district cannot afford, then more parents will consider the school, even with the surrounding neighborhood. Plenty of good schools have risen in dodgy areas.

The opportunity to help Ninth Street School is one of Downtown’s great opportunities. The LAUSD has done the most difficult part by taking on the renovation. Now it is time for the community to get involved. It is in Downtown’s long-term interest to have a large number of good schools.

August 26, 2013

Downtown News 5

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

County Buildings in the Crosshairs With Grand Park Thriving, the Question Becomes What to Do With Two Aging Edifices

By Dan Rosenfeld ith the success of Grand Park, which opened last summer, observers inevitably ask: What about the buildings on either side? What do we do with them?

They are referring, of course, to the massive structures housing the County’s Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, which is on the north

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GUEST OPINION side of the park and stretches up to Temple Street, and the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, which is south of the park and fronts First Street.

These buildings flank the popular gardens, fountains and coffee house of Grand Park.

However, because of their age, condition and efficiency (or lack thereof), they are increasingly subjects of discussion. Still, despite the talk, no one has quite figured out what the County should do with its buildings.

In historical perspective, these two structures were part of the ambitious redevelopment of Bunker Hill that began in the late 1950s. Replacing an eclectic mix of Victorian homes, tenements, slums, former stables and brothels, City and County leadership leveled the slopes of Bunker Hill, planted the Music Center and the headquarters of the Department of Water and Power squarely on the summit, and created a classic mall lined by large County structures. The huge buildings

were intended more as “frames” than as icons like City Hall and the DWP edifice. In this context, they have performed well.

At the same time, the buildings today express an antiquated notion of government: massive, monolithic and sadly lacking in character. None of the transparency, public access or creative vitality of, say, the Walt Disney Concert Hall or the Caltrans headquarters (which, for the record, I helped develop with the firm Urban Partners) are reflected in this 1960s vision of Los Angeles.

In 1997, the County joined the City in drafting the landmark Civic Center Shared Facilities and Enhancement Plan, sometimes called the “Ten Minute Diamond Plan.” Under this plan, each sovereign government methodically upgraded its facilities, with new federal court and office buildings, new state buildings, and the gleaming restoration of City Hall. Now, the spotlight is back on the County.

Within the County “family” there is considerable dissatisfaction with these buildings.

They are not exactly lovable. Adjectives like “Mussolini-esque” are not entirely misplaced.

It is hard to imagine a vigorous argument that the buildings should be preserved.

On the other hand, given their central location, public transit access and the success of Grand Park as both a destination for visitors and an attraction for area workers and residents, any decision regarding these buildings

photo by Gary Leonard

The opening of Grand Park has again sparked the issue of what to do with two huge and aging county owned buildings on either side of the new attraction. One possibility is tearing them down and expanding the park.

should be based on rational and quantitative analysis, and not on personal emotion or taste.

The decision should include five methodical steps: 1) The County should develop space stand­ ards for its employees. Recent innovations in

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6 Downtown News

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

August 26, 2013

Tick, Tick, Tick, BOOM! A Trio of Local Government Thingies Are Primed to Explode

By Jon Regardie he past two months have been a curious time in Downtown. With a new political class being sworn in on July 1, things in City Hall have been fairly quiet.

The most noteworthy event during that period, the haggling over a new contract for Department of Water & Power workers, was relatively minor stuff. After all, during the

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THE REGARDIE REPORT negotiations no one blew a gasket or threatened something wacky like a strike. Well, Councilman Gil Cedillo raised the possibility of a strike, but that’s just Gil being Gil. During that timeframe, a few interesting stories and events blipped onto the radar screen, only to quickly disappear. In retrospect, three merit mention. Rather than fade away, what occurred may ultimately be seen as the first sparks in a trio of amazing conflagrations.

Below are the Downtown events that should be considered ticking time bombs.

Tick, Tick, Tick… When José Met Francine: City Hall watchers went gaga on Aug. 12, when the Los Angeles Times’ David Zahniser broke the news that a workplace discrimination complaint had been filed against 14th District City Councilman José Huizar by his former deputy chief of staff, Francine Godoy. The complaint, filed with the state’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (who knew we had one?), contained some

salacious claims, in particular that Godoy suffered repercussions after declining the boss’ amorous advances.

The City Council quickly clammed up, though president Herb Wesson convened a panel that looks into sexual harassment complaints. The office of José Carlos Danger, I mean Huizar, also erected a media wall, saying nothing beyond a spokesman’s initial statement of, “He strongly and emphatically denies the assertions made in the claim sent to the City and intends to fully cooperate with the City in any investigation of this matter.”

When Will Things Go Boom?: To be clear, Huizar has not been charged with any wrongdoing. That said, the other shoe could drop tomorrow in the form of a news story (whichever journalist or blogger gets Godoy to talk will win an invisible pony) or months from now.

In the meantime, questions swirl: Will Godoy follow the complaint with a lawsuit? If so, will details spill, or will there be a quick settlement in which money is paid under the condition that no one talks? Did Huizar and Godoy ever have a romantic relationship? If so, were furry handcuffs involved? How about Jell-O? This one could get messy. And not because of the Jell-O. Tick, Tick, Tick… A Baca-Tanaka Fracas: Sheriff Lee Baca has spent a lot of time in the hot seat. The stories are legion: that under his watch the department unfairly targeted minorities in the Antelope Valley; that depu-

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ties in Downtown jails routinely beat inmates; that Baca recorded a YouTube version of Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” complete with the horsey dance, while wearing his sheriff’s uniform (I made one of those up).

Now the past is coming back as Baca runs for re-election. One of his foes is his longtime undersheriff, Paul Tanaka.

When Will Things Go Boom?: The election is next June, so by May the situation should be nuclear. Baca, who has held the job since 1998, has a vast fundraising network and loads of supporters. Tanaka is popular among sheriff’s deputies and also has deep community ties and will likely raise a lot of money. The two worked with each other for years and know where all the department’s skeletons are buried (not actual skeletons. I think).

Interestingly, the guy to watch during the bloodbath may be Bob Olmsted, who spent 32 years in the department, rising to the rank of commander. Olmsted went public with allegations of dysfunction and corruption in the department, and could pull some vital media endorsements with his “clean card.” Don’t be surprised if he slides into the runoff as Baca and Tanaka rip each other apart.

Tick, Tick, Tick… Rookie Ron Raises a Ruckus: A funny thing happened on the way to reaching an agreement on a new contract for DWP employees: As the City Council asserted that a plan on the table was the Greatest Deal Ever!!!! and Mayor Eric Garcetti pushed for it to

photo by Gary Leonard

Sheriff Lee Baca, who has held the job since 1998, looks to be facing his toughest election ever. The embattled lawman is running against his former top aide, Paul Tanaka, as well as Bob Olmsted, who spent 32 years in the department. The vote takes place next June.

be improved, new City Controller Ron Galperin inserted himself in the mix. On Aug. 16, he released an online database full of juicy details.

Among the findings were that, from January to June, DWP workers’ pay on average exceeded comparable city employees’ salaries by almost 21%. Individual job comparisons were eyeContinued on page 23

August 26, 2013

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Downtown News 7

8 Downtown News

August 26, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

As Wal-Mart Arrives, Divide Continues Store Near Chinatown Almost Ready to Open

By Richard Guzmán owntown workers and residents have recently welcomed a range of grocery options.

Urban Radish, a small upscale market, was embraced when it debuted in July in the Arts District. There was also an eager reception for a 24,000-square-foot Smart & Final Extra that opened the same month in South Park. The announcement that Whole Foods will bring a 42,000-square-foot store to Downtown has been the most heralded retail move of the year.

Things have been different for Downtown’s newest grocer. As a 33,000-square-foot WalMart Neighborhood Market prepares to open, possibly this week, on the ground floor of Grand Plaza, a 302-unit senior housing complex at 701 W. Cesar Chavez Ave., reaction remains mixed.

One thing is certain, however: The nation’s largest grocer thinks it will find an audience.

“We expect the store to be very successful,” said Rachel Wall, a senior manager of community affairs for the Bentonville-Ark.-based company. “We offer a number of conveniences in an area that has long been underserved.”

The market will fill a space that has been empty since the building opened in 1991. It is catty-corner from the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and includes 140 parking spots, as well as loading docks that can handle delivery trucks.

The store employs 65 people and sells typical grocery goods such as canned food, produce, dairy items and household supplies and beauty

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products. A pharmacy is part of the project.

“You’ll find produce, organic products, a lot of healthy options,” said Kenney Tran, the store manager. “We’ll have a lot of the staple items people shop for.”

Going Small The Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market brand was created by the company in 1998 to offer mostly grocery items in spaces smaller than the typical Wal-Mart superstore, which averages about 150,000 square feet.

The Downtown store will have a large meat section and a bakery with bread and other goods baked on-site daily. There is an emphasis on Latino-oriented products such as sweetbreads and bollios, a version of baguettes. Several signs in the store are in English and Spanish.

There are also prepared meals such as rotisserie chicken and sandwiches. Although only a fraction of the size of a superstore, online shoppers can order any item from a larger WalMart and have it delivered free of charge to the Downtown market, where it can be picked up.

The Downtown Wal-Mart will be the second store in the city, following one in the San Fernando Valley. Currently there are 290 Wal-Mart Neighborhood Markets in the United States, including 24 in California.

According to the trade publication Supermarket News, Wal-Mart is the nation’s top grocer and generates about $170 billion in annual sales. Mark Hamstra, the journal’s retail editor who follows the chain, said typical customers for a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market tend to

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Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market store manager Kenney Tran prepares for the opening of the Downtown store. It could come as soon as this week.

be lower to middle-income shoppers.

“They tend to do very well in those stores,” said Hamstra.

According to the latest Downtown Los Angeles Demographic Study, released by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District in 2011, the median household income in Downtown is $86,300. Although the store will draw residents from nearby communities such as Echo Park and Angeleno Heights, Hamstra said it could appeal as well to relatively affluent Downtown inhabitants.

“They’ll do some selective shopping at WalMart,” he said. “I think Wal-Mart is really good at picking off those types of shoppers.”

Wall said that, even with the deluge of Downtown grocery options, she expects the store to carve out a niche.

“We know there are other stores opening nearby, but I think Downtown customers and customers in this general area have been underserved when it comes to a traditional grocery store, and that’s what we’re looking to provide,” she said.

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August 26, 2013

Downtown News 9

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

let’s do dinner PHOTOS BY GARY LEONARD

Kitchen essentials The Tools Four Downtown Chefs Use and The Meals They Want You to Eat

By Richard Guzmán eing a chef at a topnotch restaurant is one of the hardest jobs in Downtown. The hours are long, the pressure intense, and customers always have to be treated as the boss, even when they send back a perfectly prepared and plated dish.

Still, top chefs say that nothing compares to running a kitchen and coming up with creative dishes. And over the past decade, Downtown Los Angeles has shown that it has plenty of appetite for those who can do something new with food.

We checked in with four local top-notch chefs. Each described a few pieces of kitchen equipment they can’t do without, as well as a dinner they think every customer should try.

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Maya Fields

Nola’s

Inglewood native Fields attended culinary school in Atlanta before landing a job as a line cook at Nola’s in July 2012. She worked her way up, and about two months ago was named executive chef of the Arts District eatery.

Essential Kitchen Tool: The Po Boy, fried catfish, chicken and calamari all have one thing in common at Nola’s: They go in the fryer.

Actually, make that three fryers. They are in use day and night, and Fields said they are critical for preparing the Cajun and Creole dishes.

“They’re traditional, nothing fancy or too big, but we have them going all the time,” Fields said.

Essential Dinner: Fields recommends Nola’s homemade fried chicken for dinner. However, she points out that it’s not for diners in a hurry, since it takes 20 minutes to prepare. It’s worth the wait, Fields assures. “It’s very crispy, tender and juicy inside,” she said. It is served with mac and cheese and collared greens.

At 734 E. Third St., (213) 680-3003 or nolasla.com.

10 Downtown News

August 26, 2013

LET’S DO DINNER

Damon GorDon

Water Grill

Gordon has been at Water Grill since January 2012. He arrived after the veteran seafood restaurant underwent a $1.5 million renovation.

Essential Kitchen Tools: Water Grill’s upgrade included the installation of a Josper grill, a charcoal broiler that can hit 1,000 degrees. “The great thing about the Josper is that it doesn’t give it too much of a smoky flavor. You can tell it’s grilled but without getting that robust char on it, so it’s very good for fish,” he said. Gordon also treasures his knives from a company called Inox.

The Japanese blades are made of carbon steel and chromium. “If you have a good knife, it obviously makes all precision cuts that much better,” he said Essential Dinner: To start, Gordon recommends an oyster platter. Water Grill oysters hail from shellfish-rich destinations such as Baja California, Puget Sound in Washington and Prince Edward Island in Canada. Then, he turns to the wild Spanish octopus. It’s cooked for five hours, then grilled and served with a tomato sauce and black olives. It is garnished with feta cheese, olive oil and oregano.

At 544 S. Grand Ave., (213) 891-0900 or watergrill.com.

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Downtown News 11

LET’S DO DINNER

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Industriel Urban Farm Cuisine Luna arrived about a year ago and turned the heavily French menu into one with a modern, American, farmto-table focus.

Essential Kitchen Tool: Bread at Industriel is made in-house daily, so it’s no surprise that the baker’s oven is critical for Luna. “We dedicate ourselves to making bread,” he said. The restaurant uses the bread for sandwiches and pastries.

Essential Dinner: Luna recommends the chevre gnocchi plate for dinner. It was formerly an appetizer, but due to its popularity it was upgraded to an entree. The Italian dumpling is usually prepared with potatoes, but Luna makes his with French goat cheese and egg yolk flower. It is cooked in browned sage butter and pine nuts and forest mushroom are added. “It’s like no gnocchi you’ve ever had,” Luna said. “It is the softest cheese doughnut you will ever have.”

At 609 S. Grand Ave., (213) 488-8020 or industrielfarm.com.

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August 26, 2013

LET’S DO DINNER

Sascha Lyon

Soleto Trattoria & Pizza Bar

Lyon has overseen the menu at the Italian restaurant since it opened in July 2012. The food is inspired by Southern Italian cooking and some family recipes.

Essential Kitchen Tool: The pizza oven at Soleto is key. The woodburning device generates temperatures of 800 degrees. In addition to pizzas, it is used for sausages, peppers and other vegetables. “It’s so hot that it can bring out the flavor profile of an item, whether a vegetable or piece of protein,” Lyon said. He also sings the praises of his cast iron pans. They’re used to cook meatballs and other items, and are often thrown right in the pizza oven.

Essential Dinner: Lyon recommends the potato, bacon and egg pizza. He got the recipe from a friend’s Sicilian mother, who made it at home in New York. Under the potato, bacon and egg toppings is fontina cheese, garlic cream, scallions and thyme. “It’s a little bit earthy,” Lyon said.

At 801 S. Figueroa St., (213) 6223255 or soletorestaurant.com.

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Downtown News 13

LET’S DO DINNER

Get on the List Scoring Dinner Reservations on Busy Downtown Nights

By Richard Guzmán t’s something everyone has dealt with: You call a restaurant to book a table at 8 p.m. on Saturday night.

The person on the other end of the line doesn’t quite laugh, but you can hear the snark as he or she says, “We have a table at 5:15. Will that do?”

Of course it won’t.

In many instances you’re stuck. However, there are ways to avoid ever being put in that situation. It’s a big issue in Downtown Los Angeles, where certain restaurants are always a tough reservation. The matter can be complicated near L.A. Live, when huge ticket-holding crowds all hope to come in at about the same time and want to eat and dash to make the game at Staples Center or the concert at the Nokia Theater.

With that in mind, here is some advice from experts at two busy Downtown restaurants.

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Alex Hasbany is the general manager at The Palm. The Flower Street steak and lobster stalwart is a popular power-lunch spot and a prime destination for dinner before games and concerts.

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The Palm gets packed for dinner during game and concert nights. General Manager Alex Hasbany recommends arriving two hours before an event.

Los Angeles Downtown News: How busy is The Palm when there’s an event at L.A. Live?

Alex Hasbany: The bar is packed and the dining room is packed. It’s jammed from top to bottom.

Q: What are your biggest challenges on those nights?

A: There’s a tremendous amount of pressure on getting people in and out. They just spent $100 on tickets to go to an event and they’re there with friends and family. They want to be in and out.

Q: When do things start getting busy?

A: It depends on the time of the event. We can start getting busy at 4:30 or even 4 o’clock if it’s an early enough event.

Continued on page 14

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August 26, 2013

LET’S DO DINNER

Q: When should people call to make dinner reservations?

A: I would say as far in advance as possible. Typically the best way to make a reservation is to go online at The Palm website. If it’s the day of, sometimes we get cancelations, so it’s best to call.

Q: What if someone forgets to make reservations on a packed night? Is there any hope of getting a table?

A: There’s always a possibility; everyone forgets every now and then. We have a very large bar area, we have about 15 seats at the bar itself and plenty of tables that are first-come first-served. We also have a patio and sometimes if you get lucky you can still get a table.

Q: What if someone just shows up without a reservation on a busy night? Is there still a chance to get a table?

A: There are tables at the bar that are first-come first-served. There’s also a large family table that we take walk-ins for and we have a patio outside.

Q: What size group is the easiest to accommodate on a busy night?

A: It’s always easier to seat a party of two to four; we have our tables set up for that. We can always accommodate those larger parties. It might just take a little bit longer.

Reservations, 13

Q: How quickly can you get people in and out? If someone has tickets for a 7 p.m. event, what time should they make dinner reservations?

A: I would say 5 p.m. to give yourself enough time.

Q: Is there a dress code on a night when there may be an event?

A: We don’t have a dress code. We just require that people have clothes on and come with a form of payment.

At 1100 S. Flower St., (213) 763-4600 or thepalm.com.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Dave Burke is a chef/partner of the L.A. Live steakhouse that opened in 2008. As

photo by Gary Leonard

Fleming’s Steakhouse chef/partner Dave Burke recommends reservations on busy nights, but there is seating for walk-ins at the bar and patio.

the name implies, the menu focuses on meat and wine, but there are also seafood dishes and a few salads.

Los Angeles Downtown News: How busy does Fleming’s get during an event at L.A. Live?

Dave Burke: It really depends on the event. Concerts and basketball games generally bring in the big business. We do get very busy and we do fill every table.

Q: How early do people start arriving on a busy night?

A: Generally two hours before an event.

Sometimes even a little earlier.

Q: Do you need reservations on event nights?

A: We always recommend reservations, whether it’s an event night or just a regular night, just to help plan.

Q: On a busy night, how soon should people make reservations?

A: I’m one of those over-prepared kind of guys, so I generally would call as soon as I know I’m going to the concert or the event.

Q: Is there a dress code?

A: Business casual I guess, but we’ve seen plenty of people dress in whatever.

Just try not to do tank tops.

Q: Say you’ve got tickets for an 8 p.m. event. What time should you be at Fleming’s?

A: Anywhere from 5:30 to 6:30, you should be fine.

Q: What dish do you recommend if you’re in a hurry?

A: Steaks don’t take that long. Appetizers are always nice and quick. We have burgers and flatbreads.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-9911 or flemingssteakhouse.com. richard@downtonnews.com.

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August 26, 2013

Downtown News 15

Let’s Do Dinner

Dinner Well After Dark In Downtown, It’s Never Too Late to Eat

By Richard Guzmán unger doesn’t always strike at the best moments. Sometimes the urge for a burger hits at 2 a.m. after the bars close. Sushi or steak cravings might arise at midnight. Then there are the folks who work at night and need a meal at, say, 4 a.m.

Downtowners don’t have to worry much about keeping hunger on a schedule. The Central City holds plenty of spots that serve dinner deep into the night or the early morning, and a few that operate 24 hours a day.

Here are some of the Downtown restaurants that guarantee that, no matter what time it is, you never go hungry.

H

Pacific Dining Car: It can be difficult to get a table at a high-end restaurant. That is not a problem at Pacific Dining Car. It’s not because business is slow at the veteran City West eatery, but because the hours are long and dinner is served all day and night. The steakhouse in a former rail car, long a destination for Downtown power players, is open 24 hours a day.

So if you are in a law office working an 80-hour week (sadly, it happens fairly frequently in Downtown) and you get out at 10 p.m. and need a rib eye, a filet

photo courtesy of Takami Sushi & Robata

Japanese skewers, sushi and a view are served late into the night at Takami. It is on the 21st floor of an office tower and adjacent to a dance club.

mignon or the hanger steak marinated in red wine, the PDC has you covered.

Bonus: The chairs are tall and privacy is at a premium here.

At 1310 W. Sixth St., (213) 483-6000 or pacificdiningcar.com.

Pete’s Café and Bar: The restaurant at Fourth and Main streets is considered a pioneer in the Downtown dining scene.

It opened in 2002, at a time when the

Historic Core pretty much shut down after dark. Today, the corner spot is usually packed late into the night thanks to the lively patio scene, the loyal regulars and the visitors drawn by the merry commotion. Dishes include the hefty Hellman burger and the blue cheese fries, which are still addictive after all these years.

Pete’s, which recently spent about a month celebrating its 10th anniversary, serves food until 2 a.m. seven days a

week. Lighter late-night fare includes the seared ahi tuna appetizer and the tangy asparagus salad.

At 400 S. Main St., (213) 617-1000 or petescafe.com.

L.A. Prime: It’s all about the meat and the view at L.A. Prime, the steakhouse on the 35th floor of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. On the menu are steaks, veal chops, lamb, fish and shellfish. Though it doesn’t stay open as late as some other area spots, it does have a 10:45 p.m. last seating on the weekends. Favorites include the massive, 24-ounce porterhouse and the bone-in filet mignon. Though beef is in the name, it isn’t the only late-night option: L.A. Prime also serves a seared bluefin tuna steak and a crispy chicken breast. Another bonus of late-night dining here is that Downtown, and indeed all of Los Angeles, is illuminated, and you can see city lights for miles and miles.

At 404 S. Figueroa St., (213) 612-4743 or thebonaventure.com.

L.A. Café: Dinner doesn’t have to be a formal affair with properly placed silverware and white tablecloths, or even any tablecloths at all. It can be a casual meal in a cool, street-side spot. That’s the situation at L.A. Café in the heart of the Historic Core. Food is ordered at the counter and brought to a handful of sidewalk tables or eaten at a small counter inside. There are also seats in a little Continued on page 19

MAKING DISHES LOOK ALMOST TOO GOOD TO EAT. ALMOST. The menu at Checkers Downtown can best be described as an epicurean adventure from classic to contemporary. Under the creative direction of Executive Chef David Baker, the menu features California cuisine rooted in fresh, market-driven ingredients and seasonal cooking. Checkers Downtown combines the charm and refinement of old Los Angeles with the vibrancy and electricity of today’s Downtown.

For reservations please call 213-891-0519

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16 Downtown News

August 26, 2013

Let’s Do Dinner

All the World Is in Downtown It’s Easy to Have An International Dinner at a Range of Price Points

By Jon Regardie lot of things make the Downtown Los Angeles dining scene stand out.

There’s the explosion of restaurants in the past five years. There’s the hit parade of well-known chefs. There’s even the swath of area kitchen folk who have appeared on reality shows.

Still, what may be most important to area residents and workers is that there is always somewhere to eat, no matter what you like.

If you’re a fan of, say, Mexican food, you have a long list of nearby options. It’s the same with Italian. Or Japanese. Even better, in most instances there are varying price points that satisfy all budgets.

Below are a few of the options for some of the most popular food groups.

A

Mexican: Those around the Seventh Street corridor can drop by Mas Malo (515 W. Seventh St.), where the margaritas are strong and the dinner options include the Ensenada bacon-wrapped shrimp. A few blocks away Border Grill (445 S. Figueroa St.) never disappoints, thanks to its ceviches and entrees including the grilled skirt steak. Yxta Cocina Mexicana (601 S. Central Ave.) is a delightful destination in an unexpected location, with standout tacos and house specials including the

photo by Gary Leonard

Yxta is a delightful destination in an unexpected location, with high-quality Mexican food in a strip mall at Sixth Street and Central Avenue.

camaraones al ajillo. If history is on your agenda, go mingle with the tourists at La Golondrina (17 Olvera St.). For those tacos that everyone is talking about, be prepared to wait in line at Guisados (1261 W. Sunset Blvd); whether you opt for the

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steak, chicken, pork, fish or vegetarian tacos, you’ve made a good choice. Actually, they’re also talking about the tacos at Mexicali (702 N. Figueroa St.), where options include the hefty, three-meat Zuperman. FYI, Mexicali is cash only.

Italian: When it comes to Italian food in Downtown these days, everyone mentions Bestia (2121 Seventh Place), though good luck getting a reservation. Celestino Drago’s Drago Central (525 S. Flower St.) is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city.

It’s hard to go wrong here, but be sure to try the pasta known as garganelli, and the agnolotti will remind you of the old country. A few rungs down the price ladder is the original Colori Kitchen (429 W. Eighth St.), which cooks up faithful renditions of chicken parmagiana, spaghetti topped with pesto and ravioli stuffed with pumpkin.

New on the scene is Maccheroni Republic (332 S. Broadway). Since opening in January, it has drawn a steady crowd hungering for plates that are usually $15 or less. The agnolotti with osso bucco is memorable. If you’re heading to L.A. Live, Soleto (801 S. Figueroa St.) will satisfy. The cheery room has a variety of pizzas, main courses and pastas.

Give the orecchiette with spicy sausage and chili flakes a try. Other Italian options include Cicada (617 S. Olive St.), where the upscale food is complemented by Art Deco elegance, Il Mare (1111 S. Hope St.), run by former Palm chef Kay Lee in South Park, and Portofino (464 S. Main St.) in the Historic Core.

French: For a while, French food was even scarcer in Downtown than French people.

Oh, sacre bleu, how times have changed.

Over in the Arts District, Church & State (1850 Industrial St.) packs ’em in with seasonal fare: They offer escargots and roasted

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August 26, 2013

Downtown News 17

Let’s Do Dinner

photo by Gary Leonard

Drago Centro is not just one of the finest Italian restaurants in Downtown. It is also one of the best Italian spots in all of Los Angeles.

patio and a solid bistro menu. To kick it old school, head to Taix (1911 Sunset Blvd.), where authentic choices include paté, ratatouille and, ribbit, frog legs.

marrow bones as starters, and bouillabaisse and steak frites as entrees. Perch (448 S. Hill St.) has a fantastic view overlooking Pershing Square. You can start with mussels or baked brie, and then move on to entrees including braised short ribs. The beautiful and massive Les Noces du Figaro (618 S. Broadway) debuted last year and serves a traditional menu with options including French onion soup and beef bourguignon.

Another newcomer is Coco Laurent (707 S. Grand Ave.). Across the street from Bottega Louie, it has a perfect people-watching

Japanese: Little Tokyo is filled with restaurants, though it’s not the only place in Downtown to find Japanese food. Folks fawn over Sugarfish (600 W. Seventh St.), where the best option remains the “Trust Me” menu of chef selections. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s Sai Sai Noodle Bar (506 S. Grand Ave.) serves up exactly what the name im-

photo by Gary Leonard

The Arts District’s Church & State draws crowds for its French fare including escargots and roasted marrow bones.

plies. Not far from Staples Center and FIDM is Yojie (501 W. Olympic Blvd.), which has loads of shabu shabu selections and, for the record, claims to specialize in “Japanese fondue.” Back in Little Tokyo, the choices — and there are way too many here to make every reader happy — include Hama Sushi (347 W. Second St.), also helmed by a chef you should trust to select the freshest options (warning: Don’t ask for a California roll here), Sushi Gen (422 W. Second St.), which has

some of the best sashimi around, and Sushi Go 55 (333 S. Alameda St.), in the shopping center that includes the new bowling alley X Lanes. Other choices include Oiwake (122 Japanese Village Plaza Mall), where the karaoke is almost as popular as the food. If huge bowls of ramen in broth are your thing, go no further than Koraku (314 E. Second St.), which is as crowded at 11 p.m. as it is at 7 p.m. regardie@downtownnews.com.

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August 26, 2013

Let’s Do Dinner

freshwater swimmers in the world. It resembles a buff eel with fins and can grow to nearly 10 feet in length. But looks don’t matter. What counts is the taste, which is similar to a rich, buttery cod.

At 517 W. Seventh St., (213) 622-3744 or mo-chica.com.

Take a Meal on the Wild Side Adventurous Diners in Downtown Can Choose Brains, Lamb Neck, Rattlesnake and Rabbit Sausage and More

Wag the Tail: The Spice Table in Little Tokyo will shut down sometime next year to make way for the Regional Connector. Still, chef and owner Bryant Ng isn’t just phoning it in. He continues to wow diners with unusual dishes such as a grilled pig tail. When it lands on the table the end of the oinkster looks like what you expect: It’s thick and chunky on one side and the other end forms a sort of handle, kind of like a boneless chicken drumstick. But don’t try to pick it up by the tail, as the meat is so tender that it just falls apart. The pig tail is juicy and delightfully messy.

At 114 S. Central Ave., (213) 620-1840 or thespicetable.com.

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Guzzling the Gizzard: The crown prince of adventurous Downtown dining is Ilan Hall, the chef/owner of The Gorbals, a 1,400-square-foot spot hidden inside the lobby of the Alexandria Hotel. Hall instantly gained notice for his Jewish-Scottish cuisine highlighted by dishes such as a bacon-wrapped matzoh ball. These days, he seems to be out to prove that you can eat all parts of an animal.

The Gorbals serves, for example, a lamb neck, which is braised in red wine with tomatoes and herbs. It comes out tender, hearty and rich and is served atop a creamy oatmeal. Hall’s menu rotates constantly, but another dish that frequently appears is the popcorn chicken gizzard (the gizzard is the pouch on the lower part of a bird’s stomach that your mom always threatened to make you eat). Although it can be tough, Hall pressure cooks it in a cornmeal batter, which softens it up. It looks a bit like tempura when served.

At 501 S. Los Angeles St., (213) 488-3408 or thegorbalsla.com.

Ancient Bites: When Ricardo Zarate opened Mo-Chica on Seventh Street, one of his goals was to make Peruvian food the next big cuisine in L.A. Part of his process involved plucking an ancient Amazonian fish out of the jungle and putting it in the bellies of Angelenos. The fish is the paiche, and it happens to be one of the largest

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Hear Piggy, Piggy: A number of restaurants do a version of crispy pig ears. But Lazy Ox was one of the first to serve them in Downtown, and the pig ear chicharrones still stand out. Lazy Ox’s version is less greasy than typical chicharrones, which are made of deep-fried pork skin. Here, the ears are leaner, saltier and chewier, though the kitchen manages to maintain a perfect crunch factor. Squeeze a little lime on them for a more authentic Latin tinge or pair them with the house-made pickled vegetables. Another option is

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At Water Grill, sea urchin is on the menu. Fortunately, the kitchen staff separates the good stuff from the spikes.

Ummmmm, Brains: Burgers aren’t the only thing to sink your teeth into for dinner at Umamicatessen. Diners at the Broadway joint can also do the zombie and take a bite out of some brains (OK, not human brains). The Pigg Style Fries are covered in ham puree and what the menu terms “brainaise,” which is a mix of pig brains and mayo aioli. The fries taste like fries, and the sauce has lemon and mustard touches. There’s an unidentifiable aftertaste, which must be the brains.

At 825 S. Broadway, (213) 413-8626 or umami.com.

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By Richard Guzmán here’s nothing wrong with enjoying a nice steak, a plate of pasta or an inventive salad for dinner.

Nothing at all.

That said, sometimes you want to live on the dining wild side. Sometimes you want to try something a little different.

Or maybe a lot different.

When that happens, Downtown is ready and waiting. A number of restaurants have unusual dinner options. Here are a few of the most adventurous local kitchens and some of the dishes they serve.

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18 Downtown News

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Downtown News 19

Let’s Do Dinner

dipping them in harissa, a hot chili sauce that comes with the dish.

At 241 S. San Pedro St., (213) 626-5299 or lazyoxcanteen.com.

Slithering Sausages: There should be no surprises when you bite into a Wurstküche meal. The Arts District sausage emporium bills itself as the “purveyor of exotic grilled sausages,” and delivers what it promises with options such as a rattlesnake and rabbit version. It’s mildly spicy and buttery, and not as lean or gamy as one would imagine (and no, it does not taste like chicken). Another option is the crocodile and pork sausage. It is hickory smoked and packed in a thick casing and has a robust flavor.

At 800 E. Third St., (213) 687-4444 or wurstkuche.com.

Spikes, Spikes Baby: It is never a good idea to bite directly into a spiky sea urchin shell. Instead, let a professional dig out the good stuff inside the odd but tasty sea creatures. Chef Damon Gordon of Water Grill is the man for the job.

He prepares his Channel Island Red Sea Urchin by carefully removing the long black spikes to get to the rich orange roe.

It is then served raw with a tangy ponzu sauce. The roe is presented next to the shell, but that’s just for looks. So again, do not bite into the shell.

At 544 S. Grand Ave., (213) 891-0900 or watergrill.com. richard@downtownnews.com.

Late Night, 15 “parklet” in front of the restaurant. L.A. Café is open 24 hours a day so, even at 3 a.m. you can order a chili cheeseburger, eggs and bacon or a chicken salad sandwich.

At 639 S. Spring St., (213) 612-3000 or thelacafe.com.

Takami Sushi & Robata: Three things make a late-night dinner stand out at Takami Sushi & Robata: the view, thanks to the restaurant’s location on the 21st floor of a Financial District office building; the dinner menu that focuses on robata, or Japanese skewers; and Takami’s location adjacent to Elevate Lounge, a dance club. Takami is open until 11 p.m. MondayThursday and serves until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Robata choices include Angus New York steak, lamb, pork loin and a tasty bacon-wrapped tomato. There are also seafood selections including a Chilean sea bass and shrimp. If skewers aren’t your thing, the chefs have sushi rolls and what the restaurant calls Japanese tacos, made with gyoza skin stuffed with spicy tuna, crab, shrimp and avocado.

After eating, burn off the calories right away with some elevated dance moves. Or get hungry by dancing and then eat. It’s up to you.

At 811 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 236-9600 or takamisushi.com.

The Escondite: The Escondite, which means “hiding spot,” isn’t living up to its name. It is well-known to Downtowners thanks to its big burgers and even bigger selection of beer,

cocktails and live music. Also bringing in the crowds are specials like Triple Threat Thursdays, when a shot, a burger and beer go for $15. The full menu is served until 1 a.m. Burger offerings include the Fat Albert, made with bacon and maple syrup on a glazed doughnut bun — consider yourself warned. There’s also the Truckstopper, a burger topped with garlic mashed potatoes and gravy. Consider yourself warned again.

At 410 Boyd St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com.

The Original Pantry Café: Heaping portions of food and the right to state you’ve been at this Downtown institution late at

night is what The Pantry offers its customers. Since it began serving in 1924 it has, according to legend, never been closed and never been without a customer. The scene gets interesting in the early morning hours when clubs and bars shut down and hungry partiers get a craving for pancakes, steak and eggs or a big slab of meat. A late-night dinner can be followed by a slice of apple pie, which is always pretty good. The other bonus is that, even if there is a line, the restaurant owned by former Mayor Richard Riordan never stops serving, so you will eventually get a table.

At 877 S. Figueroa St., (213) 972-9279 or pantrycafe.com. richard@downtownnews.com.

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August 26, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Illegal Turtle Sales Leave Some Shell-shocked Health Concerns, Including Salmonella, Cited as Chinatown Shops Hawk the Reptiles

By Donna Evans tacked between sparklers and widebrimmed hats, the green, inch-long turtle with the pointy head scrabbled about its plastic aquarium, just another item for sale at the compact shop in Chinatown.

It was hardly a lone sight. The turtles, known as red-headed sliders, are pervasive along Broadway. On an early afternoon last week, at least five stores between Alpine and Ord streets featured the reptiles out front, along with their sidewalk inventory of golden Buddha statues and parasols.

Many shoppers or tourists might think the turtles are a nice impulse buy for kids. That’s a problem, according to state officials, as the young animals are susceptible to carrying salmonella, and could endanger public health.

“It’s illegal for these stores to be selling these turtles,” said Andrew Hughan, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hughan said that when the animals are smaller than four inches, the likelihood that they carry salmonella increases. The bacterium can easily spread to humans whose skin comes in contact with them, even if the animal is healthy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a series of eight multi-state outbreaks of salmonella related to turtles sickened 391 people, including cases in California, from mid-2011 to this past May. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps and the illness usually lasts four to seven days.

S

Most people recover without treatment.

The CDC website points out that the Food and Drug Administration banned the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than four inches long in 1975.

The DFW stages intermittent inspections in Chinatown and other neighborhoods. If Fish and Wildlife wardens find that the stores are not licensed to sell animals, they will cite the owner, Hughan said. Turtles and other illegally sold animals can be seized and euthanized.

Last week, red-headed sliders were for sale at stores including Hing Fat Co., The Great Wall Co., and a kiosk inside the Far East Plaza. The turtles sell for $5-$9, depending on the aquarium’s size.

At Rosa Toys and Accessories, three aquariums were stacked on the floor in front of parasols for sale. They lacked price tags, and a saleswoman said that the animals were not for sale, but instead were good luck charms for the store. In Chinese culture, she explained, it is believed that the turtles will help attract more business.

A few storefronts to the north, at The Great Wall Co., orange price tags were affixed to all the aquariums. When asked about the turtles, a clerk who declined to give her name or identify the owner pointed out that numerous stores in Chinatown sell them.

When called by a reporter, George Yu, president of the Chinatown Business Improvement District, said that he has “dusted off an old notice and updated it with current CDC warnings,” and that notices were being hand delivered to

area stores.

“We continue to try to educate our merchants,” he said.

The education effort had little impact on Zan Dubin Scott. Although the Los Angeles resident understands that the turtles are “profoundly symbolic” to certain cultures, she said she was shocked and disgusted last month when she walked along Broadway and saw the animals being sold at multiple businesses.

“This is chronic and blatant animal cruelty, continuing to occur within blocks of Downtown’s LAPD hub and L.A. City Hall,” she said.

Hughan echoed Scott’s concern, and said that, in the effort to prevent people from buying potential salmonella-carrying turtles, the Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages people to call a tip line if they spot what they believe to be animal cruelty (the number is 888334-2258). From there, a warden is dispatched, he said.

The issue of illegal animal sales has arisen in Downtown before, and it is not only a problem in Chinatown. The sales have been observed in the Fashion District, and in a 2010 raid, police officers in that area seized more than 120 animals. The rabbits, birds and other creatures were turned over to the city’s Department of Animal Services.

Some were found to be malnourished. That led to a felony charge of animal cruelty, according to the LAPD. Last month, the DFW wrote six tickets for wildlife violations for illegal animals sales in the Fashion District.

photo by Donna Evans

Illegal turtle sales occur throughout Chinatown. Health experts say young animals can carry salmonella.

Animal rights activist Alexandra Paul has seen the turtles being sold in Chinatown, and believes a lack of rigorous enforcement allows the practice to continue.

“When they are busted… the same dealers are back out on the same corner the next day with more animals,” she said.

The reality, Hughan said, is that other than a handful of surprise inspections a year, Fish and Wildlife lacks the resources to stay on top of the turtle vendors. However, should a violation be determined, Hughan said a fine of up to $1,000 can be levied on the seller. The amount, he said, is up to the district attorney. donna@downtownnews.com

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AROUND TOWN, 2 a ticket for a child; USC hands out the seats to youth groups affiliated with the university’s athletic department. Since Touchdown for Youth’s founding in 1993 by Shell Ausman, more than 48,000 young people have attended a game, according to the Sports Council. This year’s game is on Sept. 21 when the Trojans play Utah State at the Coliseum. “Touchdown for Youth can provide a special experience to young people who may never have been on a campus or inside the Coliseum, perhaps inspiring them to one day pursue a college education,” said USC Athletic Director Pat Haden in a prepared statement. To contribute, call (213) 482-6333.

Public Toilets Vandalized, Closed

I

Downtown News 21

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

t appears someone is intentionally disabling public restrooms in Skid Row. Five automated public toilets have

been vandalized since Aug. 16, with the unidentified suspect opening a maintenance hatch and stealing the computer chip that enables the toilet to flush and the doors to open, according to an LAPD crime report. Skid Row community activist “General” Jeff Page said he is “deeply troubled” by the vandalism because it renders the $250,000 units useless “in regards to helping to ease the already overwhelming need of toilets in Skid Row.” Representatives from the County Bureau of Specialized Surveillance & Enforcement Environmental Health Division plan to inspect the toilets.

Haunted House Returns To Variety Arts Center

H

alloween will arrive early in Downtown, when Blumhouse Productions once again takes over the Variety Arts Center. Last year the company run by producer Jason

Blum (the Paranormal Activity series, Insidious and Sinister) turned the historic building just north of L.A. Live into a haunted house. The sequel comes Sept. 27-Nov. 3, and this time the story is inspired by Blum’s summer film The Purge.

The storyline for the haunted house, dubbed The Purge: Fear the Night, will place visitors at the annual convention of the New Founding Fathers, the governing party of a future United States where all crime is legal once a year for 12 hours.

But not everyone believes in the purge, as visitors to the 89-year-old Downtown theater will find out. “We had such a fantastic response last year, and we wanted to build on what we learned and take it to the next level,” Blum said in a prepared statement. The event is for ages 18 and over. Admission is $65 and the length of the tour is up to each attendee, but it is expected that people will take up to two-and-a-half hours to go through the six-story building, according to Blumhouse officials. Tickets and additional information are at purgelive.com.

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22 Downtown News

August 26, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Ready to Roll ‘Bike Trains’ Organization Helps Newbie Cyclists Commute in Groups

Participants in one of nine L.A. Bike Trains commuter rides cycle down Spring Street.

The group treks try to make traveling by bike more approachable for novice riders.

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By Ryan Vaillancourt hen it comes to riding a bicycle, especially on city streets, the rule of safety in numbers applies.

A group of cyclists pedaling at the same pace is simply more visible to car drivers. There’s another plus about riding in a group: It’s more fun.

Those beliefs led cycling advocates Nona Varnado and Bruce Chan to form L.A. Bike Trains, an upstart organization that hosts weekly morning rides between various residential neighborhoods and employment hubs.

By creating a group setting to ride to work, Bike Trains hopes to inspire people to ditch their cars and take to the streets on two wheels. It seems to be getting some traction: After launching in May with four routes, Bike Trains is now up to nine routes, four of which culminate in Downtown (other destinations include Long Beach and Santa Monica).

“Our number one target audience is the people who basically don’t feel comfortable riding by themselves,” Varnado said. “They might not have any experience or might not know how to get there.”

Here’s how it works: Would-be participants pick a route that corresponds with their commute (most rides start in the Silver Lake/Los Feliz area). Riders convene at a starting point and roll out by 8 a.m. Downtown destinations include Fifth and Olive streets and Seventh Street and Grand Avenue. Some routes pick up regular riders along the way Each ride is led by a “conductor,” an experi-

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enced cyclist with safety training for riding in the street.

In Action On a recent Wednesday morning ride, conductors Kelli Bachmann and Kelly Majewski met up at Sunset Boulevard and Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz for a trek to Downtown via Sunset. It started with just four riders, but as the petite peloton rolled east, it slowly grew.

Nat Gale, a transportation planner in the office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, joined the train near Café Tropical at Sunset and Silver Lake boulevards. A half-mile farther east, Ryan Johnson, a transportation consultant who works near Pershing Square, joined in.

Johnson, who wore green sunglasses emblazoned with the logo of CicLAvia, said he learned about Bike Trains by virtue of being part of L.A.’s growing cycling culture. Johnson and Gale are both regulars on the Wednesday Silver Lake to Downtown route.

Even though the recent ride had no beginner participants, Bike Trains is clearly geared toward casual commuters, and not Lycra-loving roadies or renegade fixie die-hards.

With Bachmann and Majewski leading the way, their long skirts parachuting down Sunset, the group rolled at an easy pace. Riders used universal hand signals to note obstacles in the bike lane. When an errantly parked car impeded progress, the group carefully veered in unison into the nearest traffic lane, then fell back into the line. It took about 15 minutes to travel from Silver Lake to First and Spring streets in Downtown.

Currently, most Bike Train routes attract from two to 10 participants, said Varnado, who worked as a bike messenger in New York and Budapest before moving to Los Angeles.

The rides, which are free, are slowly growing in popularity, with most regular participants connecting through various social networks.

“In Los Angeles, cycling is totally social,” Varnado said. “I always thought of my bike as transportation. Here, it’s recreational, it’s road riding, but it’s not transportation yet. I thought if we took social riding and turned that into transportation that this could really be a game changer.”

Beginners who are uncomfortable even riding to the morning meet-up point can contact Bike Trains for a “valet service.” The conductor will meet valet users at their home, escort them to the starting point, and make sure they know how to properly lock their bike at the workplace, Varnado said.

Additional information is at labiketrains.org.

August 26, 2013

Downtown News 23

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Time Bombs, 6 popping: DWP custodians earned 26% more than those working for the city. Low-level city accountants make 25% less than the equivalent folks crunching watery and powerful numbers.

The report faded into the background as the council, Garcetti and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 18, the union representing most DWP employees, did in fact craft a better deal. Still, if I had all the excess pay between what a DWP and city tree trimmer make, I’d use it to wager that the council crew was borderline furious that Galperin dropped his report at that moment. The council likes to control everything in City Hall. This was the Controller, well, taking control.

When Will Things Go Boom?: Potentially very

soon and very frequently. L.A. Observed columnist Bill Boyarsky recently penned an excellent piece detailing how Galperin took a “Big Data” approach to the DWP’s pay, comparing it to the number crunching done by political campaigns, sports teams and Nate Silver.

A look at Galperin’s website indicates more will come. A slew of audits and reports are in the works (likely including some initiated by his predecessor, Wendy Greuel). The DWP salary comparison page notes that additional details on pensions, healthcare costs “and other interesting sets of data for both the City and the DWP” will be spilled in the coming weeks.

The council probably won’t like a lot of this.

The public probably will.

Boom. regardie@downtownnews.com

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Wal-Mart, 8 arrival would put nearby mom-and-pop shops out of business. Others protested the store’s nonunionized labor practices.

In March 2012, then-First District City Councilman Ed Reyes introduced a motion aimed at stopping Wal-Mart from opening in Chinatown.

However, store officials had outfoxed the city by securing its permits the day before the council vote.

Aiha Nguyen, senior research policy analyst for the Downtown-based Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, one of the groups that has protested the store, said LAANE is disappointed that Wal-Mart is set to open.

“It’s going to put nearby stores in jeopardy,” she said, adding that “food access and other

options will be lost.”

Others disagree.

“I think that not only Chinatown, but the greater Downtown area has needed grocery store options and this is a perfect spot for it,” said George Yu, executive director of the Chinatown Business Improvement District.

“There’s no reason I can’t shop at Target, Urban Radish and Wal-Mart. Customers from across the board will be coming to this market.”

Yu said the Wal-Mart is having a positive effect on the area even before it opens.

For years, the only other business on the ground floor of the building was a Subway restaurant. About two months ago, a new Mexican restaurant opened next to Subway. A Papa John’s Pizza restaurant is set to arrive soon. richard@downtownnews.com.

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24 Downtown News

August 26, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

The Central City Crime Report

witness wrote down an out-of-state license plate number that is believed to belong to the suspect, who fled. Detectives are investigating the incident.

A Rundown on Downtown Incidents, Trends and Criminal Oddities

By Donna Evans n the Central City Crime Report, we survey the recent week in public safety. All information is provided by the LAPD’s Central Division.

I

Fatal Stabbing: On Aug. 17 at 11 p.m., a group of homeless men who had set up camp in the 600 block of Wilshire Boulevard told a newcomer, 56-year-old Rodney Paul Craig, that he needed to move farther away. A physical confrontation ensued, and during the fracas Craig was repeatedly struck.

He suffered a puncture wound and collapsed, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Authorities arrested Anthony Johnson, 23, on suspicion of murder. Two additional

Broadway Blues: On Aug. 17, a fight broke out in the Broadway Bar. During the altercation, Jeremy Aguilar and Gilbert Diaz allegedly pulled out knives and stabbed three men. The victims suffered puncture wounds to their heads, backs and ribcages. Authorities Opening arrested Aguilar and Diaz on suspicion of aggravated assault.

suspects remain at large.

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Stay Safe Around Trains

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Safe Routes to School Program Launches

Metro is leading a program to help children get active while traveling to school safely. Safe Routes to School will organize activities for schools, parents and students to develop safe options for walking, biking and taking public transportation. More information at metro.net/srts.

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Downtown News 25

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DT

CALENDAR

Grand Park closes out its Splash + Surprise lineup on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 31. In addition to cavorting in the fountain, there is a free arts-oriented activity.

THE

DOG DAYS

OF A HOT SUMMER

AUG 5

photo by Gary Leonard

This is a huge weekend for Downtown outdoor films, with five events. The lineup includes a Street Food Cinema double bill at Exposition Park with St. Elmo’s Fire and Reality Bites.

dlines! a e H y il a D r ✔ Signp atUDowpntofwonNews.com nu

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Keep Going

Starts Aug 7 & Aug 9

photo by Lisa Rose

Check Our Website forEat Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com park’s website on Monday, Aug. 26. Past activiSee Hear: It’s obvious what goes down at

Electric Dusk Drive-In: The former Historic

by Richard Guzmán Core Devil’s Night Drive-In seems to be doing ummer doesn’t officially end until Sept.

21, but with major events and series such fine in its new home and new incarnation as the Electric Dusk Drive-In. The summer season ends as Chinatown Summer Nights, Grand Saturday, Aug. 31, with the classic 1958 Alfred Performances and the FYF Fest having concluded, it sure feels like the cultural high period Hitchcock film Vertigo. It stars Jimmy Stewart as in Downtown Los Angeles is drawing to a close. a detective who suffers from acrophobia (fear of heights). He’s investigating the activities of his The situation is exacerbated in the coming E friend’s much younger wife and becomes obweek,MO asBIL many folks leave town IE forto the55 long 8* 67 B Text DTNMOV sessed with her. We’re not telling you anything Labor CLU Day weekend. else about it. The drive-in is at the City Market of Others, however, put a different spin on the Text DTNMOVIE to 55678 to Join Our Movie Club Los Angeles, a former produce warehouse comsituation: They see this as the last chance to and be Entered to Win Movie Tickets! plex. There is room for 110 cars and the films have a big celebration before the doldrums of *Carrier temperatures msg & data rates apply.

Reply HELP for help. STOP quit. 4 msgs/month max. foot screen. There is are toshown on a 24-by-18 school and lower take over. also an Astroturf area with room for about 225 For those who hold the latter outlook, Downtown still has options, including a surpris- people as well as a snack shack selling hot dogs, burgers and drinks. The movie begins at 8 p.m. ing number of (almost) end-of-summer films.

At 1000 San Julian St., (818) 653-8591 or Here are some things to do. electricduskdrivein.com.

Al Fresco Films Friday Night Flicks: Downtown now has a Street Food Cinema: Films, food trucks and handful of outdoor film venues, and that’s a music unite at Exposition Park on Aug. 31 with good thing. A veteran of the al fresco movie an ’80seriffic double feature. Doors open at experience is Pershing Square, where the free nNews .Downtowsince /L.A 5:30 p.m. and there is lawn seating for up to Friday Night Flicks have been screening ok.com Facebo 1,800 people to check out St. Elmo’s Fire and 2008. On Aug. 30, the park presents Steven Reality Bites. On the off chance that you need Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin. The 2011 Like Downtown News on Facebook entertainment before four hours of celluloid motion capture film is based on the Belgian & Beof Entered to Win Movie bliss featuring Winona Ryder, the band is Wing comic book the same name.

Movies are Tickets! & Hollow, an indie folk duo that will take the projected on a 40-by-20-foot inflatable screen stage at 6:30 p.m. There will also be about a and people can bring blankets, lawn chairs and dozen food trucks. picnic baskets. Showtime is 8 p.m.

At 700 Exposition Park Drive or At 533 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or streetfoodcinema.com. laparks.org/pershingsquare.

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Downtown’s other venue-hopping film series: People will nosh from food trucks, check out bands and see some movies. On Aug. 31 at 8 p.m., the film is Quentin Tarantino’s breakthrough Pulp Fiction at Los Angeles State Historic Park. It’s violent, it’s bloody and it’s awesome, but there’s also a really uncomfortable scene, so don’t bring any young kids unless you want to start explaining what The Gimp is. The band that Now night Playing will be the rock group Torches. They play at 7 p.m.

At 1245 N. Spring St. or eatseehear.com.

ties were arts and crafts and a mobile mural lab.

At 200 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8080 or grandparkla.org.

On the Theater Front Archway Theatre: The former Al’s Bar now holds the Archway, a 50-seat theater that offers new works, contemporary revivals and classics with a modern twist. Running through Sept. 8 is Critics, an update of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 18th century comedy The Critics.

The three-act drama adapted by director and theater owner Steven Sabel focuses on two critics who are watching the rehearsal of a play written by a man named Mr. Puff. Critics satirizes the world of theater and pokes fun at writers, directors and actors. It plays Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

At 308 S. Hewitt St., (213) 237-9933 or archwayla.com.

Movies in the Park: Plan on staying a long time at Grand Park on Aug. 31, because the free outdoor film is the 1984 fantasy flick The Never Ending Story (OK, it’s not really that long).

Crowds can start to grab lawn seats at 5:30 p.m. and the night includes food trucks. The free movie starts at 8:30 p.m.

At 200 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8080 or Downtown Repertory Theatre Company: The grandparkla.org.

Now Playing/StartsAug 23 1863 Pico House doesn’t get much public use Get Wet these days. So take your opportunity to enjoy Splash + Surprises: Speaking of Grand Park, something that is both romantic and tragic. The this is the final week for Splash + Surprises, a Downtown Repertory Theater Company has a free, Saturday-morning family event in which kids and their grown-ups are encouraged to ca- run of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You can listen to the “Wherefore art thous” at 7 p.m. on vort in the fountain that is the centerpieces of the $56 million park. The huge space has jets of Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 29-31. This is the last weekend and entrance is free, though reservawater, and children regularly don bathing suits tions are recommended.. and spend hours running about. The fun goes At 425 N. Main St. or downtownrep.com. from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and includes a richard@downtownnews.com. “surprise” activity, which will be revealed on the

s.com Sign up at DowntownNew

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Now Playing/Starts Aug 23

26 Downtown News

X

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Marks Pershing Square Photos by Gary Leonard

E

xene Cervenka and John Doe were front and center on Saturday, Aug. 17, as the band X drew a huge crowd to Pershing Square. The L.A. punk rock stalwarts, who decades ago played tiny Central City clubs, had an adoring audience who arrived early and stayed late. The show was the last in Pershing Square’s series of Saturday night summer concerts.

SAVE MONEY, SAVE ENERGY! Saving energy means saving money, especially during the hot summer months when energy can cost you more and is in higher demand. Listed below are some simple and effective ways to help you save energy, trim costs and gain control over your energy use.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).

• Set your air-conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summer.

• Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day – use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during evening hours.

• Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use.

• Be aware of “energy vampires,” those devices that use energy when you think they are turned off. Examples are cell phone chargers, electric tooth brush chargers, computer monitors, printers, and fax machines.

Cash Rebates

You can also receive cash rebates while saving on your energy bill, when you buy qualifying energyefficient products. These include refrigerators, air conditioners, pool pumps, windows, and more. To download an application and learn more, please log onto www.ladwp.com/crp or call 1-800-DIAL DWP. 1-800-DIAL DWP • www.ladwp.com • Follow us on twitter@ladwp.com

August 26, 2013

by Dan Johnson | calendar@downtownnews.com

Friday Night Flicks Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

Aug. 30, 8:30 p.m.: The summer film series continues with The Adventures of Tin Tin, a 2011 3D motion capture, computer-animated adventure film based on The Adventures of Tintin comics by Belgian cartoonist Hergé. Tintin, accompanied by his dog, Snowy, and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock’s ancestor. This is the first animated film directed

by Steven Spielberg and scored by composer John Williams.

All Access Wednesdays LA Mart Design Center, 1933 S. Broadway (800) LAMART.4 or (800) 526-2784 orlamart.com/markettuesdays/all-access-wednesdays/ August 28, Noon to 7 p.m.: The LA Mart Design Center opens up to the public on the last Wednesday of each month. Customers will have access to the Design Center floors 1, 10 & 12. Shop and save on samples and special orders.

“Bringing Peace to a Conflicted World” All Peoples Christian Church, 822 East 20th St., near the San Pedro stop on Blue Line, (213) 747-6357 To celebrate the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, the All Peoples Christian Church, an open and affirming congregation, will offer the following events: Sept. 8: Peace in Our World – Peace Corps; Sept. 15 : Peace in Our Community and Sept. 22: Peace in Our Lives. The events are free and a light lunch will be served. RSVP at events@allpeopleschristianchurch. org TuESDay, auGuST 27 Healthcare Law Forum Chinatown Service Center, 727 N. Broadway #212, (213) 6800243 or chinatownla.com.

2 p.m.: A free workshop highlights changes in healthcare law and the impact they’ll have on members of the Downtown community. Probably not good for a first date.

WEDNESDay, auGuST 28 The March on Washington 50 Years Later California African American Museum 7:30 a.m.: Geoffrey Cowan moderates a panel featuring Rev. James Lawson, Robert Farrell, John Mack and Rev. Cecil Murray as they discuss the historical and social and import of Martin Luther King’s march on Washington. Breakfast is free but reservations are required.

photo courtesy Trombone Shorty

One

SPONSORED LISTINGS

S

urprise fact: Celebrated jazz musician Trombone Shorty, who visits the Grammy Museum on Tuesday, Aug. 27, is not using his birth name. While we agree that his nom-dejazz is far more arresting than “Troy Andrews,” we are concerned that the New Orleans trombonist may be keeping other secrets, such as his pronounced skill on the trumpet. Either way, those who enjoy traditional Big Easy-based jazz laden with contemporary chops should drop by to enjoy a special interview and performance commemorating his latest release, Say That to Say This. It all kicks off at 8 p.m. at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

Two C

alling all shredders, rippers, noodlers, pickers and tappers: Joe Satriani, a deity in the world of electric guitarists, will be employing his prowess on the six string to fill the Orpheum Theatre with a plentitude of effects-strewn guitar solos on Sunday, Aug. 31. The New York native has long been aweing crowds with his virtuoso ability as the missing link between the Hendrix/Beck/Page generation and more recent axe-extraordinaries including Satriani’s own student, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett.

This is a one-night stand, so grab tickets as soon as humanly possible. At 842 Broadway, (877) 677-4386 or laorpheum.com.

Four

T

here’s bad new and good news concerning the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre. On the downside, the farmtastic show Something to Crow About has been harvested and shelved for the fall. On the positive tip, it has been replaced

by It’s a Musical World, which is a puppet humdinger (no, we don’t know quite what that means either). Instruments are given the anthropomorphic treatment in this loving homage to the world of musicals, in which drums and other items enact a series of expertly executed maneuvers. The show runs Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through late September. At 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com.

SaTuRDay, auGuST 31 Splash and Surprise Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8080 or grandparkla. org.

11 a.m.: The August attempt to get kids all wet in the Grand Park fountain continues. The surprise aspect will be announced on the website Monday morning. Last week the kids yukked it up with a mobile mural lab.

SuNDay, SEPTEmbER 1 Sunday Studios at MOCA MOCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org.

1 p.m.: Interact with exhibits via tours, discussions, art experiments, DJ’d music and much more in this pioneering collusion of creative forms and visitor experience.

Continued on next page photo by Roberto Chile

Five

T

he horrors of the transatlantic African slave trade are still impossible to escape. That said, the California Afric an-Americ an Museum explores the remarkable bounty of cultural diversity that sprang forth in Latin America as a direct result of the extended tragedy.

In Afrodescendientes, former Castro regime staff photographer Roberto Chile presents a collection of images chronicling the experience of slave descendants in 21st century Cuba. The show focuses on the Afrocubans of Guanabacoa, the town where slave ships arrived to prep their captors for sale in Havana. The rich and nuanced display is open daily through Oct. 13. At 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org.

FRIDay, auGuST 30 Group Reading at the Last Bookstore Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

7:30 p.m.: A gathering of talented writers including Ken Baumann, Gabe Durham, Amelia Gray, Jeremy Radin and Ashley Farmer joins forces to read selections from their work.

Three

photo courtesy Bob baker Marionette Theatre

EVENTS

The Don’T Don’ Miss Lis LisT

Guitars, Trombones, Puppets and More Raise the Fun Factor in Downtown

photo by Eric Minh Swenson

DT

CALENDAR LISTINGS

Downtown News 27

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

photo by Chapman Baehler

August 26, 2013

I

f you pine for the sonic burst of punk’s yesteryear, little is better than listening to South Bay band the Descendents. Sadly, the actual Descendents, whose prime time was the mid- to late-’80s aren’t playing Downtown, but we do have the next best thing: Des and The Cendents, an all-female Descendents cover band, will be closing out their month-long residency at the Redwood on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Not only is the Redwood an ideal locale to check out a punk cover band of this magnitude, the band’s Facebook page promises concertgoers a stimulating time. At 316 W. Second St., (213) 6802600 or theredwoodbar.com.

Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

DT DT DT NEWS NEWS NEWS 28 Downtown News

August 26, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Continued from previous page

band deserves a bass player who picks a Rickenbacker.

Aug. 30, 8 p.m.: With a performer bio carefully strewn with DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM phrases like “is a restless spirit,” “her natural beauty is a reflection of the ocean,” and “her eyes are captivating and vulnerable,” Blue Whale we’re really unsure whether Sami’s performance is actually an 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or online dating scheme. bluewhalemusic.com.

Aug. 30, 10 p.m.: The Bootleg stage will seem a bit Aug. 27: Marcel Camargo and The Brazil You Never Heard. cramped as many-member electro-funk futurists Psychic MirAug. 28: Hamilton Price Group featuring Dwight Trible, Aaron rors drop by.

McLendon and Joshua White.

Sept. 1, 9 p.m.: Sweet Bump It, whose music fits in the canon Aug. 29: Joe La Barbera Quintet. of post punk indie.

Aug. 30: Gary Fukushima Trio.

Broadway Bar Aug. 31: Knower.

830 S. Broadway, (213) 614-9909 or broadwaybar.la.

Bootleg Bar Aug. 29, 10 p.m.: The Funky Brewsterz clock in to perform DJ Los Angeles Downtown News 2220 Beverly Blvd.,Street, (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. duties for The Late Shift.

1264 W. First Los Angeles, CA 90026 Aug. 26,213-481-1448 8 p.m.: Bid adieu to ever-so-smooth indie quintet Club Nokia phone: • fax: 213-250-4617 Kiev on the final night of their residency.

800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com. web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com Aug. 27, 8 p.m.: L.A. based speed indie group The Ten ThouAug. 29, 9 p.m.: Hot on the heels of their punchy new album, facebook: twitter: sand have L.A. a niceDowntown little bit of psychedelia to them as well. the fusion between Apparat and Modeselektor known as Moderat News DowntownNews Aug. 28, 8 p.m.: A tandem of outfits from the city’s funk/ takes the stage. soul electronica underground will be on hand to invade your ear Conga Room Editor & PublishEr: Sue Larisown Dream Panther. drums.

It’s Evan Voytas and Mid-City’s 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-0162 or congaroom.com.

GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin Aug. 29, 8 p.m.: Cosmic Suckerpunch: because every indie rock Aug. 29, 9 p.m.: The moustache baron of Caracas, Venezuela,

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

LADT NEWS ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Donna Evans coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield

Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Josie Damian, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez

Oscar D’Leon promises a rousing evening.

Kissing Cousins Escondite Aug. 28, 9 p.m.: Wet Noodles.

410 Boyd St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com.

Aug. 29, 9 p.m.: The West and Surprise Vacation.

Aug. 26, 10 p.m.: Monster Mondays kicks off with Brian Aug. 30, 9 p.m.: Kat Kong, Wounded Lion and Way to Go Walker. Note: No actual monsters will be in the house.

Genius.

Aug. 27, 10 p.m.: Boom Boom Boom is a dash of blues and Aug. 31, 9 p.m.: Throb. beat skirting vocals played out over a deceptively hip-hop inSept. 1, 9 p.m.: The Bam Bams. fluenced rhythm section. The contradictions know no bounds. Nokia Theater Bunny West opens.

777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6020 or nokiatheatrelalive.

Aug. 28, 10 p.m.: JB and the Last Chance with the near-valley’s com.

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris finest purveyor of modern Americana, Wicklow Atwater.

Aug. 30, 9 p.m.: Café Tacuba was once a Mexican garage band GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin Aug. 29, 10 p.m.: Trip Rezac will be followed by the ever astute and is now playing Nokia Theatre. There is hope.

ExEcutivE Editor: Regardie and handy Ted Z and Jon the Wranglers.

Aug. 31, 8 p.m.: For reasons unbeknownst to us, black cowboy citY Aug. Editor: 30, 9Richard p.m.: OneGuzmán dose of For the Kings will have you feel- hat toting rancho group Pesado have been replaced on tonight’s stAFF writEr: Donna Evans ing positively regal. Trevor Menear may make you feel a bit like lineup by El Komander. coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM a dirtbag, but that could also be the large volume of draft beer Nola’s coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Angeles talking.

734 E.Los Third St., (213)Downtown 680-3003 orNews nolasla.com.

Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Aug. 31, 10 p.m.: Blues by the barrel full with Johnny Moezzi Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m.: Cornelius Herring on piano. phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 Art anddirEctor: Charlie ChanBrian & TheAllison SOB’s.

Aug. 27, 8 p.m.: Down Home Blues Jam Session. web: DowntownNews.com AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa Sept. 1, 10 p.m.: Honky Tonk Sabbath with RT N the 44s.

Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m.: Angela Parrish. email: realpeople@downtownnews.com ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins Exchange LA Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m.: Dave Williams and MBT. PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com.

Aug. 31, 7 p.m.: Somethin’ Smoothe. facebook: L.A. Downtown News Aug. 30, 10Tara p.m.:LaPlante DJ Christopher Lawrence has been working One-Eyed Gypsy AccouNtiNG: the turntables for almost two decades. Ask him what it feels like 901 E. First St., (626) 340-3529 or one-eyedgypsy.com.

AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin twitter: of RT N the 44s. to spin during a time of government budget surplus.

Aug. 28: Another installment clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway DowntownNews Aug. 31, 10 p.m.: Grammy nominated remixer Richard Vission Aug. 29: Ubiquity presents Frolic.

AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Josie Damian, could passHolloway as an aspiring professional wrestler. His entrance music Aug. 30: Will Magid.

Catherine ©2013 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. wouldAssistANt: be divine. Claudia Hernandez Aug. 31: The Vignatis. sAlEs The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newsGrammy Museum Orpheum Theatre paper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every circulAtioN: Jessica Tarr 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

842 Broadway, (877) 677-4386 orresidences laorpheum.com.

Monday throughout the offices and of Downtown distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles Los Angeles.

Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m.: Japanese rockerCastillo, Yoshiki will stop byBonilla to Aug. 31, 8 p.m.: Guitarist extraordinaire Joe Satriani. distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Gustavo One copy per person. drop his new symphonically festooned album Yoshiki Classical.

Redwood Bar and Grill Aug. 27, 8 p.m.: In an enduring tribute to Sir Isaac Newton, 316 W. Second St., (213) 652-4444 or theredwoodbar.com. the Grammy Museum will host another installment of “The Aug. 27: Des & The Cendents finish their residency. The Bad Drop.” Tonight, New Orleans’ own jazz progeny Trombone Machine and Occult Wisdom help.

Shorty will see how his album measures up against the forces Aug. 28: John Ramey & The Orchestra. of gravity.

Aug. 30: Johnny Madcap & The Distractions with The BoozeAug. 28, 8 p.m.: Recent thrifting enthusiast Mackelmore will hounds. be on hand with musical accomplice Ryan Lewis to talk shop.

Aug. 31: Honky, The Golden Rulers and Hepa/Titus.

Aug.&29, 7:30 p.m.: It’s Bring Your Own Lei tonight as four Seven Grand Editor PublishEr: Sue Laris string flickers TJ Mayeshiro and Pali Ka’Aihue host a ukulele work- 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la.

GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin shop.

Aug. 26: Neoprene and jazz enthusiast Ron King returns with ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie Ham and Eggs his quartet. citY Editor: Richard Guzmán 433 W. Eighth St. or hamandeggstavern.com.

Aug. 27: Just because it’s almost the end of August doesn’t stAFF writEr: Donna Evans Aug. 26, 9 p.m.: Abelton Connect. mean you have to give up your weekly tryst with improvised jazz coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese Aug. 27, 9 p.m.: Travis Shettle and Jerry Lee Lewis acolytes studs the Makers.

DT DT DT NEWS NEWS NEWS LADT NEWS

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circulAtioN: Jessica Tarr distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla ©2013 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, GregDOWNTOWNNEWS.COM Fischer, Los Angeles Downtown News Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Art dirEctor: Brian Allison phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa web: DowntownNews.com ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins email: realpeople@downtownnews.com

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AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin MORE clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway THAN AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Josie Damian, Catherine Holloway REDUCED sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez

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LADT NEWS Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News

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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Donna Evans coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante

AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Josie Damian, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Jessica Tarr distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla ©2013 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.

One copy per person.

August 26, 2013

Downtown News 29

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

The Smell 247 S. Main St., alley between Spring and Main streets, thesmell.org.

Aug. 30: Raw Geronimo, Meat Wave and Sun Duel.

Aug. 31: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds 30-Year Anniversary Show.

888-838-5089 635 W. WASHINGTON BLVD. • DOWNTOWNNISSAN.COM

NEW ’’13 113 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S

FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com.

Aug. 26, 3 and 9 p.m., Aug. 27, 5 p.m., Aug. 28, 3 and 7 p.m., Aug. 29, 5 and 9 p.m.: The documentary The Art of Killing features former Indonesian death squad leaders theatrically recreating their heinous legacy of genocide.

Eat See Hear L.A. State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., or eatseehear.com.

Aug. 31, 5:30 p.m.: Bring your favorite submissive costume, Pulp Fiction screens tonight.

Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8080 or grandparkla.org.

Aug. 31, 8:30 p.m.: As the light of the firmament fades and The Neverending Story flickers onto the screen, you and your friend will position yourselves at opposite ends of the park. You’ll scream “Atreyu!” and he’ll respond “Falcor!”

IMAX California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 744-2019 or californiasciencecenter.org.

Explore the remnants and wisdom of an ancient empire in Mysteries of Egypt.

Ice and polar bear enthusiasts will likely dig To the Arctic 3D. Experience the gripping story full of hope, crushing disappointment and triumph in Hubble 3D. Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., (213) 485-1645 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

Aug. 30, 8:30 p.m.: Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin is the animated adventure that will help put your life into perspective.

Regal Cinemas 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-6070 or lalive.com/movies.

Through August 29: The World’s End (1:20, 4:20, 7:20 and 10:20 p.m.); You’re Next (12, 2:40, 5:20, 8 and 10:40 p.m.) The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (12:20, 1, 3:40, 4:20, 7, 7:40, 10:10 and 10:50 p.m.); Jobs (12:10, 3:20, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.); Kick-Ass 2 (1:30, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.); Lee Daniels’ The Butler (12:30, 3:50, 7;10 and 10:30 p.m.); Paranoia (9:50 p.m.); Elysium (11:40 a.m., 2:30, 5:10, 7:40 and 10:10 p.m.); Planes (11:30 a.m. and 1:50, 4:10, 6:40 and 9:20 p.m.); We’re The Millers (11:30 a.m. and 2:10, 5, 7:50 and 10:40 p.m.); 2 Guns (1:10, 4:10, 7 and 9:40 p.m.); The Wolverine (12:10, 3:30, 6:50 and 10 p.m.); The Conjuring (12:50, 3:40, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.); Despicable Me 2 (11:50 a.m. and 2:20, 4:50 and 7:20 p.m.).

THEATER, OPERA & DANCE Bob Baker’s Musical World The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com.

Aug. 29-30, 10:30 a.m. and Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2:30 p.m.: The musical genre gets the full marionette tribute as Bob Baker leads his stringed constituency through yet another electric routine.

Critics Archway Theatre, 308 S. Hewitt St., (213) 237-9933 or archwayla.com.

Aug. 30-31, 8 p.m., Sept. 1, 2 p.m.: Director Seven Sabel updates a 1779 satire by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In the new version, Mr. Puff is a former journalist who wrote a play and the critics Mr. Dangle and Mr. Sneer watch it and offer a lot of snarky asides. It makes fun of everyone involved in theater. Through Sept. 8.

Eve 2 Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org.

Aug. 29-Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 1, 2 p.m.: The story of Adam and Eve reimagined as a workplace satire set in a hospital morgue during a power outage. Sounds like something Lars von Trier would dream up.

MORE LISTINGS Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews.com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.

2YOUR EVENT INFO

EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT

4 WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar 4 EMAIL: Calendar@DowntownNews.com

Email: Send a brief description, street address and public phone number. Submissions must be received 10 days prior to publication date to be considered for print.

LEASE FOR ONLY

129

$

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Plus tax, 39 month closed end lease on approved credit. $0 Sec. Dep. $5359 due at Signing. (Excludes taxes, title, other options & dealer fees).

Residual $14,280. Model # 13113. $0.15/mile over 12,000 miles/year. 5 At this Price.

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$6,999 2007 Nissan Altima Sedan ..................... $13,999 Only 42,000 Miles, Must See, N130227-1/7N418393 2005 Nissan Armada SE .......................... $15,999 5.6L V8, Silver/Black, Leather, 38K miles, NI4111/5N706134

Plus tax, 36-month closed end lease $0 security deposit, $3200 drive-off on approved above average credit. In lieu of factory rebate. 15¢ per mile in excess of 12,000 miles per year. Offer expires September 3, 2013. Five at this offer. Model 1223. 0% APR for 60 months! On approved credit. $16.67 per month per $1000 financed. No down payment necessary. In lieu of factory rebate. Offer expires September 3, 2013.

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2002 Nissan Altima Sedan ........................

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Plus tax, 36 month closed end lease offered to highly qualified lessees on approved credit by Volkswagen Credit, $2349 due at signing. (Excludes title, tax, options and dealer fees) Jetta S with manual transmission, based on MSRP of $17,515 (including destination charges). Excludes TDI Clean Diesel and Hybrid models. $0.20/ mile over 30,000 miles excludes excessive wear and tear. Offer ends 09/03/2013.

$7,888 2007 Hyundai Elantra GLS Sedan ........... $8,988 Auto, AC, Gray/Black, Low Miles. V131955D-2 / U176604 2006 Pontiac G6 Sedan ............................. $9,242 Auto, Gray, Very Low Miles, CD, 34mpg. V131363-1 / 4247154 CARSON NISSAN 2005 BMW X3 2.5i ......................................

6cyl., Silver/Black, AWD, Loaded. V131121-2 / WA78242

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NEW ’’13 NISSAN ROGUE S

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$4,995 2006 Chrysler Town & Country .............. $6,995 Top-of-the-line. Must See. Absolutely Loaded. C131176-1 / 821012 2012 Nissan Versa 1.6 Sdn ..................

Certified, Blue Onyx/ Charcoal, 15K Miles, CD. C131373-1 / CL929677 $10,995 FELIX CHEVROLET 1995 Nissan Quest .................................

Low Miles, Great Condition, Must See. C131306-1 / SD864022

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$41,390 MSRP $1000 Competitive lease rebate $3391 Felix Discount $31,999 net cost $5000 Customer Cash 5 at this price 2011 Chevy HHR .....................................

$14,995 2012 Chevy Impala LT ............................

3.6L V6, White Gold/Gray, 27K Miles, Alloys. UC1145R / C1161278 $17,495 2012 Cadillac CTS 3.6 Sport ..................

Auto, Gray/Beige, 2858 Miles, Backup Cam. F14170-1 / C0146173 $39,995 Auto, Silver/Gray, 28K Miles, ABS, 32mpg, CD. UC1180R / BS660068

per month for 27 mos

27 Month closed end lease on approved credit Tier 1 credit. $2,899 CAP reduction + first payment, Tax, License, acquisition fees. Total due at signing $4,461, $0 security deposit. 25¢ per mile in excess of 10,000 mi/year.

MSRP $38,755. 5 To Choose.

$32,989 2008 Mercedes CLK550 Cabriolet ........

Certified, Iridium Silver, 5.5L V8, 34K Miles. 131405-1 / 8T099758 $33,781 2010 Mercedes E550 Coupe ..................

Certified, Diamond White, Pre Pkg1, 37K Miles. 131988-1/AF015456 $41,981 AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2012 Mercedes C250 Sport Sdn ...........

Certified, Turbo, Palidium Silver, Nav., 13K Miles. 6910C/ CA646216

888-583-0981 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • AUDIDTLA.COM

NEW ’14 AUDI A4 2.0T

LEASE FOR ONLY

379

$

per month for 42 mos

+ tax 42 mo. Closed end lease on approved credit. $0 Sec. Dep. $0 Down plus first month payment, license and registration, and bank acquisition fee. Must qualify for the New Owner Appreciation or Audi Loyalty Rebate of $1000. $0.25 per miles over 10,000 miles/year. 1 at this offer EN003135.

$27,697 2010 Audi A6 Sport ................................ $32,742 Certified, Black/Black, Only 32,742 Miles. A14384P-1 / 062147 2013 Audi A5 ........................................... $40,598 Certified, Gray/Black, Bluetooth, 5000 Miles. ZA10678 / 038205 PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2011 Audi A3 TDi ....................................

Certified, White/Black, Only 33K Miles. A140041-1 / 135232

888-685-5426 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • PORSCHEDOWNTOWNLA.COM

NEW ’14 PORSCHE CAYMAN PDK

LEASE FOR ONLY

599

$

per month for 24 mos

Plus tax 24 month closed end lease on approved credit. $6,999 Down plus tax, 1st month pay payment, $895 Bank Acquisition fee, lic, doc fee. Residual $49,275. .30 cents per mile over 5,000 miles per year. No security deposit. Only 1 available at this price EK171030.

2010 Porsche Boxster ............................

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2011 Porsche Boxster S Spyder .......

Certified, Blk/Blk, Nav., Park Assist, Chrono. ZP1564-1/ BS745388

2011 Porsche Panamera ...................

Gran Turismo, Certified, Blue/Beige, Prk Asst, ZP1615/BL010537

$37,898 $59,895 $64,895

30 Downtown News

DT

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR RENT

REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL lofts for sale

TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper

213.598.7555

loft/UnfUrnisHed

old banK District The original Live/Work Lofts from $1,295 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge Call 213.253.4777 LAloft.com

Mobile HoMes AFFORDABLE 1 bd. BEACH HOME on PCH 680 sft. 200K - Lease w/option consideration 310-567-7836, Tub/Shower, Kitchen, Laundry, Pool/Jacuzzi.

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL office space lease/sale GREAT SPACE Available for Sublease - Available immediately. 350 S. Figueroa St. (World Trade Center Bldg.) 2 or 3 Offices available, 2 Window/ 1 Interior 2 yr. commitment pref’d but not mandatory. Negotiable, Depending on amt. of space and commitment terms. FREE use of all amenities (internet, conf. rooms, kitchen, coffee, snacks) Please call 213-955-0070 Hutch or Angela.

art WorK space

apartMents/UnfUrnisHed SENIOR APARTMENTS 62 + Studio $873 1 Bedroom $929.

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BACHELOR, $595 /Month, Move-in Ready Laundry on Site.

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All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

BACHELOR, 303 S. Hewitt St., $595/Month Historic Arts District, Controlled Access 310-5761446, WestsideRentals.com.

CHARMING STUDIO with kitchenette. $625 month. Cozy. New wood floors. Private patio. 805772-9079.

HISTORIC ARTS District Bachelor, $595/Month Walk to The Pie Hole, and Wurstkuche 310-5761446, WestsideRentals.com.

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U.S. GOVT JOBS NOW HIRING

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Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

To place a classified ad in the Downtown News please call 213-481-1448, or go to DowntownNews.com Deadline classified display and line ads are Thursday at 12pm.

FORfor RENT

ManageMent

WORK ONLY /NOT LIVE-IN. 1100sf, 12’-16’ ceiling, abundant north light, 24/7 access, wi-fi available, Arts District location, quiet professional atmosphere. $1100/mo + sec. dep. More than one artist okay. 213-509-4403

August 26, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

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dtlamotors.com 2005 NISSAN ARMADA SE 5.6L V8, Silver/Blk, Leather, Only 38K Miles. NI4111 / 5N706134 Only...$15,999 call 888-8385089 www.downtownnissan. com 2008 PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS Certified, Sand White/Black, 4.8L V8, Low Miles ZP1556 / 8LA73049 ONLY....$50,898. Call 888-685-5426 www.porschedowntownla.com 2008 VW JETTA PASSAT 2.5S Certified, 5cyl PZEV., Gray/Blk, Only 10,115 miles ZV1959 / CC059045 Only...$18,980 Call 888-781-8102www.vwdowntownla.com 2009 AUDI A5 2.0T QUATTRO Certified, Turbo, Gray/Black, AWD, 35K Miles A13424D-1 / AA065553 ONLY....$32,995 Call 888-583-0981 www.audidtla. com

2009 CHEVY MALIBU HYBRID 4DR. Gray/Gray, Great Mileage, AC, Loaded F13074-1/ F131890 ONLY....$13,995 Call 888-3047039 www.felixchevrolet.com 2009 MERCEDES CLK350 AMG Certified, White Stone, 3.5L, low miles 5940C / F270087 ONLY....$25,991 Call 888-3198762. www.mbzla.com 2011 NISSAN SENTRA 2.0S SEDAN Certified, Red Brick Pearl/Silver, 30mpg, CU0827R / L651168 ONLY....$11,995 call 888-845-2267 www.carsonnissan.com

For a complete list of our pre-owned inventory, go to www.DTLAMOTORS.com

ITEMS FOR SALE Misc. iteMs Roller Skates (size 7) $20 or best offer. Shower chair $10 and $15. Call 213-612-0952.

SERVICES cleaning CONCEPTO’S CLEANING Crew. Professional, experienced, cleans apartments, homes, offices and restaurants.

Call for a quote. 323-459-3067 or 818-409-9183.

HealtH KUR SPA Happy Hour from 2 to 7pm, Monday to Friday: Any full body massage or facial $40 (55 mnts) Manicure and Pedicure $25. $2.00 off any waxing. 412 W. 6th Street #1111 relaxatkur. com. adabatun@yahoo.com.

818-574-9882.

BRE #01309009

DRE # 01309009

LEGAL legal notice DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR Notice of Divided Publication NOTICE OF DIVIDED PUBLICATION OF THE PROPERTY TAX DEFAULT (DELINQUENT) LIST Made pursuant to Section 3371, Revenue and Taxation Code Pursuant to Sections 3381 through 3385, Revenue and Taxation Code, the Notice of Power to Sell Tax Defaulted Property in and for Los Angeles County, State of California, has been divided and distributed to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers.

I, Mark J. Saladino, County of Los Angeles Tax Collector, State of California, certify that: Notice is hereby given that the real properties listed below were declared to be in tax default at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2011, by operation of law. The declaration of default was due to nonpayment of the total amount due for the taxes, assessments, and other charges levied in 20102011 tax year that were a lien on the listed real property. Property upon which a nuisance abatement lien has been recorded and non-residential commercial property shall be subject to sale if the taxes remain unpaid after three years. If the 2010-2011 taxes remain unpaid after June 30, 2014, the property will be subject to sale at public auction in 2015. All other property that remains unpaid after June 30, 2016, will be subject to sale at public auction in 2017. The name of the assessee and the total tax, which was due on June

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navarromaple@gmail.com FOR SALE Elleven unit 603 Elleven unit 1103 Higgins unit 705 FOR LEASE Elleven unit 801 Elleven unit 507 Evo unit 1906

1Bd 1Ba 1100 sq.ft. .......................$555K 1Bd 1Ba 1080 sq.ft. .......................$585K 1Bd 1Ba 650 sq.ft. .......................$365K 1Bd 1Ba 2100 sq.ft. .......................$4,850/mo.

1Bd 1Ba 1080 sq.ft. .......................Leased 2Bd 2Ba 1170 sq.ft. .......................Leased

Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator.

Full bathroom.

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Monthly from $695 utilities paid.

(213) 627-1151

MONTH $675$675 PERPER MONTH 5TH LOS ANGELES 5TH & LOS&ANGELES

Monthly from $600 utilities paid.

(213) 612-0348

I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Los Angeles, California on August 9, 2013.

MARK J. SALADINO TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES STATE OF CALIFORNIA Assessees/taxpayers, who have disposed of real property since January 1, 2009, may find their names listed for the reason that a change in ownership has not been reflected on the assessment roll.

ASSESSOR’S IDENTIFICATION NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION The Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), when used to describe property in this list, refers to the Assessor’s map book, the map page, the block on the map (if applicable), and the individual parcel on the map page or in the block. The Assessor’s maps and further explanation of the parcel numbering system are available in the Assessor’s Office.

The following property tax defaulted on July 1, 2011, for the taxes, assessments, and other charges for the fiscal year 2010-11:

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All information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property will be furnished, upon request, by Mark J. Saladino, Treasurer and Tax Collector, 225 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, California 90012, 1(888) 8072111 or 1(213) 974-2111.

The ideal space for your law firm

STUDIO APARTMENTS STUDIO APARTMENTS

Move-inNOWNOW LEASING LEASING Specials

30, 2011, for the 2010-11 tax year, is shown opposite the parcel number. Tax defaulted real property may be redeemed by payment of all unpaid taxes and assessments, together with the additional penalties and fees as prescribed by law, or it may be paid under an installment plan of redemption.

Contact Marianne Vega (213) 617-5254

LUXURY LOFT SALES AND LEASING

laloftblog.com 213.478.0499 DRE#01889449

LOFT LIVING

Your number 1 source for Loft sales, rentals and development! downtownnews.com

August 26, 2013 LISTED BELOW ARE PROPERTIES THAT DEFAULTED IN 2011 FOR TAXES, ASSESSMENTS AND 0THER CHARGES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011.

AMOUNT OF DELINQUENCY AS OF THIS PUBLICATION IS LISTED BELOW. ALTOUNIAN,JACQUELINE AND TERZIAN,LEVON SITUS

Downtown News 31

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM 1212 N ALEXANDRIA AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1404 5540-007-011 $26,246.94 BYUNG EUN LL SITUS 4257 BURNS AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-2901 5539-007-025 $57,865.42 CAMACHO,MARIA J SITUS 1218 N HOBART BLVD LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1110 5537-011-007 $16,013.45

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

ESCOTO,JUAN MAND LILLIAN SITUS 1176 N ARDMORE AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1410 5537-017-003 $5,525.00 KEPPLER,JAMES M SITUS 1279 N BERENDO ST LOS ANGELES CA 90029-1601 5540-013-007 $7,778.09 4-STREETS CO-OP OF RTE 2 INC SITUS 630 N BERENDO ST LOS ANGELES CA 90004-

2104 5538-029-032 $55.18 SITUS 626 N BERENDO ST LOS ANGELES CA 90004-2144 5538-029-033 $208.95 SITUS 616 N BERENDO ST LOS ANGELES CA 90004-2104 5538-029-034 $60.64 SITUS 610 S BERENDO ST LOS ANGELES CA 90005-1712 5538-029-035 $59.52 SITUS 639 N NEW HAMPSHIRE

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CROSSWORD

32 Downtown News

August 26, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

County Buildings, 5

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency Call Now Fo is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one r bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant, heated pool, spa, complete fitness center, sauna and recreation room Move-In Spec with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and ial slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses s ready to support your pampered downtown lifestyle. With spectacular cultural events nearby, even the most demanding tastes are satisfied. Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore. Visit the Towers Apartments today.

Grand Tower

255 South Grand Avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants

Promenade Towers

123 South Figueroa Street Leasing Information 213 617 3777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies

On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / Coffee House / Yogurt Shop / Beauty Salon

museum Tower

225 South Olive Street Leasing Information 213 626 1500 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room

Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dish washer (most units) ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)

8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6

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substantial amount.

2) The County should review its policies for employee and visitor parking, particularly with the now excellent transit access to the Civic Center. The federal government does not provide employee parking and saves considerable money as a result. The County should look at options that encourage employees to park remotely, carpool, use “Zip cars” or other rental efforts, and public transit. This will also reduce long-term costs.

3) The County needs to accurately calculate the cost of occupancy in its current buildings. This should be reported per square foot and per employee, and should be benchmarked against market standards and future alternatives. The price should include all costs of occupancy, including those which are “buried” in various departmental budgets.

4) The County should perform an objective analysis of the cost required to bring the buildings into compliance with contemporary building codes. This is important for the safety of employees and visitors. It is also a reasonable obligation, given that the County enforces these codes on others.

5) Finally, with this data in hand, the County can compare alternatives, including retrofitting the existing buildings, or replacing them at their current location or on alternate sites. This analysis should include an evaluation of front-end development costs, life cycle operating costs and qualitative benefits such as public transit usage and the image of government.

The County’s options will then fall into three groups: 1) Replace the buildings on site: This is not an attractive option because of the need for a “double move,” forcing thousands of County employees to leave for several years while work takes place, and then to head back to a modernized building. Such a tactic was necessary for the renovation of City Hall because of its iconic value, but it added considerably to the cost.

2) Replace the buildings at another site: This option creates several intriguing possibilities for reuse of the existing site. For example, tearing down the aged structures means one could expand Grand Park or bring high-density housing into the Civic Center. This would activate the park and the surrounding cultural amenities.

If the buildings are relocated, there are available sites in the Civic Center, although none seems to offer the stature and quality the County deserves. Relocating to the vicinity of Union Station, on the other hand, would squarely endorse the County’s commitment to public transit. It is worth noting that Metro is currently looking at what to do with the station and its many acres of surrounding property.

3) Repair and remodel: The County should carefully study the true costs of bringing the existing buildings up to contemporary codes, modernizing them where necessary and preparing them for another 50 years of public life.

The buildings need considerable work. More than half of the premises lack fire sprinklers, portions probably need lateral load stabilization, and the emergency alarm system is positively pre-Cambrian and needs to be replaced. On the positive side, the buildings are simple rectangles that can be occupied with great efficiency. In essence, they are three-quarters of a millionsquare-foot skyscrapers, laid on their sides.

Further, the buildings may have some historical significance because of their age, architecture and role in the development of our civic culture.

An analysis of all of these options needs to be dispassionately prepared and evaluated.

I would bet that the cost of upgrading, modernizing and refurbishing the existing buildings will be less than 25% of the cost of replacing them. This is based on recent experiences in which the State of California restored much older and more dilapidated historic buildings for about $125 per square foot. By comparison, the State paid more than $375 per square foot in 1994 to build a new structure. Even more sobering is the recent experience of the City of Los Angeles, which spent about $1,000 per square foot on its new police headquarters.

With each of the County buildings providing about 750,000 usable square feet of space, we can all do the math.

In any event, something needs to be done.

Dan Rosenfeld is a private real estate developer with 35 years of experience in Downtown Los Angeles. He recently served four years as Senior Deputy for Economic Development under County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.