A Special Section on Healthy Living SEE PAGE 10
Fun and Games in Huizar-Molina | 5 The Man Fighting Skid Row Dumping | 6
OCTOBER 20, 2014 I VOL. 43 I #42
HERE
KITTY KITTY
JANM Explores the Mystique of Hello Kitty SEE PAGE 14
Watch City Living on DTTV New Episodes Every Monday @ 9am on DowntownNews.com
THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
image courtesy of JANM
Simone Legno’s sculpture “Kittypatra” is one of the items on display in the new exhibition.
2 Downtown News
DT
AROUND TOWN
City Extends AEG’s Farmers Field Deal
T
hink of it as going into overtime: Anschutz Entertainment Group’s deal with the city to build Farmers Field was set to expire on Friday, Oct. 17. However, three days before that the City Council voted in favor of the Downtown-based company’s request for a six-month extension. AEG has indicated that it is getting encouraging signs from the National Football League about bringing a team to Los Angeles. The extension comes amid the city’s own preparations to renovate the Convention Center, which AEG has agreed to take on if its football stadium proposal moves forward. In exchange for the six-month extension, AEG will pay $750,000 for the city’s design competition to choose a team for an independent Convention Center overhaul. AEG building Farmers Field and handling the Convention Center renovation remains the “preferred choice” for the city, according to a report from City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana.
Gap Factory Store Coming to Broadway
B
roadway already has name-brand clothing stores in the form of Urban Outfitters and Ross Dress for Less. Soon, Downtown can add a Gap Factory Store to the list. Construction
Commercial Office Space for Lease
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS boards with the company’s name and logo have gone up at 737 S. Broadway. Sean Piazza, a spokesman for the San Francisco-based company, would not give an expected opening date for the business, but he did say the factory store would offer more economically priced items than those found in traditional Gap outlets. “The product sold at our outlet locations is specifically designed and produced with our Factory stores in mind — offering customers a unique combination of style, quality and value,” he said in an email. Blair Besten, executive director of the Historic Downtown Los Angeles Business Improvement District, said Gap representatives looked at several buildings along Broadway before settling on the ground-floor spot on the block north of Urban Outfitters. Besten said she hopes Broadway continues to grow with a diverse mix of retail outlets, including independent stores. “That will make it a much more intriguing sell for the Historic Core,” she said.
Spring Street Housing Tower Sells for $43 Million
A
93-unit Historic Core apartment building has changed hands, with a Canadian investor making a foray into Downtown Los Angeles. Retirement Concepts, a Vancouver-based private real estate investment group, has spent $43 million to acquire the 12-story National City Tower. The 1924 Beaux Arts-style building at 810 S. Spring St. was originally designed by prominent architects Albert Walker and Percy Eisen. In 2003, the dilapidated structure was purchased by brothers Shariar and Shahram Afshani for $16 million. They spent another $6.5
The
Petroleum Building .com
T EA R G
G IN S LEA
Second Floor
400 to 20,000 Sq. Ft. Open Creative Space Available Build-Out Options Will Consider Division and Space Build-Outs
BUILDING HIGHLIGHTS Price Range $1.75 to $3.00 per Sq. Ft. 24 Hour Security On Premises
Third Floor
TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD
Mat Gleason’s 50th Birthday
Chung King Road
million to turn it into a residential property, which opened five years later. The Afshanis sold the building, renamed the National City Tower, to Retirement Concepts. “National City Tower is an irreplaceable asset… and is a strategic fit within our multi-family portfolio,” Vera Liu, director of acquisitions at Retirement Concepts, said in a prepared statement. The building features studio to three-bedroom units ranging from 650-1,900 square feet. The restaurants Terroni and Peking Tavern are on the ground floor, while the bar Crane’s Downtown is located in an old bank vault. Charles Dunn represented both parties in the transaction.
October 15, 2014
Metro Charter School Event This Week
D
owntown’s Metro Charter Elementary School began its second year of classes last month. Now the institution that serves approximately 160 kindergarten through third grade students wants to bring some adults into the fold. On Thursday, Oct. 23, the school’s board is holding the meet and greet/fundraiser “A Night Out With Metro,” with the aim of establishing connections with local members of the business and other supportive communities. The Continued on page 20
SUITES AVAILABLE
Showroom Open Soon
LE! B A AIL V SA N O TI OP
October 20, 2014
Beautiful 239,000 Sq. Ft. 11 Story Building Conference Room Parking Available
714 W. OLYMPIC BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90015 213.746.6300 Ext.1455 Fax: 213.765.1910 ghollis@shammasgroup.com
CONCIERGE REFERRAL NETWORK SPECI ALI ZI NG I N DOW NTOW N LA
Considering a move to Downtown? We help renters, buyers & relocating employees find their favorite Districts, buildings & condo lofts. We will refer you to the best DTLA “home finding team” of realtors, lenders, leasing agents & design companies who will make your urban lifestyle a reality!
HOMEBUYERS cell 213.538.8825
RELOCATING EMPLOYEES web homelifestyledtla.com
RENTERS phone 800.614.4509
October 20, 2014
Downtown News 3
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
Real People, Real Stories
DOWNTOWN LA MOTORS 1801 S. Figueroa St. 888-319-8762 mbzla.com
PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1900 S. Figueroa St. 888-685-5426 porschedowntownla.com
AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1900 S. Figueroa St. 888-583-0981 audidtla.com
VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1900 S. Figueroa St. 888-781-8102 vwdowntownla.com
TOYOTA OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1600 S. Figueroa St. 800-399-6132 toyotaofdowntownla.com
Hector Barajas, Golf Club Superintendent Currently Driving: 2014 Nissan Altima
|
Customer Since: 2012
SCION OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 1600 S. Figueroa St. 800-560-9174 scionofdowntownla.com
I want to thank Preston Han and Carson Nissan for their outstanding service. This is my second Altima from them.
NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
These people were superb at meeting my needs. I highly recommend Carson Nissan. — Hector Barajas
635 W. Washington Blvd. 888-838-5089 downtownnissan.com
CARSON
Downtown L.A. Auto Group Family Owned & Operated Since 1955 W W W . D T L A M O T O R S . C O M
NISSAN
1505 E. 223rd St. 888-845-2267 carsonnissan.com
FELIX CHEVROLET 3330 S. Figueroa St. 888-304-7039 felixchevrolet.com
4 Downtown News
DT
EDITORIALS
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
October 20, 2014
Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis
The Mayor’s Thoughtful Drought Response
L
ast week, Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive directive in response to the ongoing drought. It was an unusual and unexpected move. It is also a thoughtful and laudable one. The drought is, in some ways, a difficult thing for individuals to grasp. While it is easy to proclaim a crisis based on news and meteorological reports, the fact that water comes out of the tap every time you turn it on and that swimming pools stay filled can make the situation seem far less serious than it is. Additionally, it is easy to opine that the really big water users are farmers, factories and golf courses, and that individual actions won’t make much of a difference. Garcetti’s move is an appropriate and wellplanned response to this mindset. By issuing a directive, a mayoral rarity, he is utilizing the power of his office. He is also smart enough to put responsibility both on government and the citizenry. The call for a 20% reduction in fresh water use in the city by 2017 is ambitious but achievable. Including interim goals along the way, as the mayor has done, makes it easier to hit the targets and respond if they are being missed. We are pleased that residents are not the only ones being asked to make changes. The request to water lawns no more than twice a week and install covers for home swimming pools is balanced by instructions that city departments reduce watering or replace their own lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping. In fact, a couple of examples in Downtown Los Angeles provide models for this type of governmental action: The replanting of the park at City Hall two years ago, in the wake of the destruction of the lawn during the Occupy L.A. protests, brought drought-tolerant plants to half the property. Similarly, the native flora installed long ago around the DWP building on Bunker Hill shows that government can create something both attractive and climate sensitive. If one thing is missing from the mayoral directive, it may be steps for what those in dense, urban neighborhoods such as Downtown can do. Many building owners and developers of new projects install low-flush toilets and take other basic steps, but we assume there are additional ways that Central City inhabitants and workers can help meet the challenge. The directive includes the creation of the Mayor’s Water Cabinet, and despite the unfortunate name that reminds one of a British WC, the panel should offer specifics for what can happen in high-rises and other new buildings. Even though Downtown has very few lawns and pools, locals should be able to help. Garcetti seems to have found the right balance between a request and a demand. The big step now is follow-through. The drought is serious, and though Angelenos have already cut back on water usage, the work done so far needs to be the start of the response, not the end.
The Hall of Justice’s Long-Awaited Comeback
O
n Oct. 8, something monumental happened in Downtown Los Angeles: County and other leaders came together to reopen the Hall of Justice. Did this take longer than it should have, occurring 20 years after the building was shuttered? Absolutely. However, we’re pleased to put this in the category of “Better Late Than Never.” This is a prime, historic property in the heart of the Civic Center, and having it filled with people will go a long way to reducing blight and activating the community. The work wasn’t easy, and county leaders deserve credit for figuring out how to get the renovation moving, and how to accomplish it at a reasonable expense. While some might raise eyebrows at the $231 million price tag, it is worth remembering that it could have cost much more. In fact, a renovation that began in 2004 was halted when the projected budget soared to $285 million. Bringing more than 1,000 employees from the District Attorney’s office and the Sheriff’s Department into one Downtown building harkens back to the forward-thinking 10-Minute Diamond, a 1990s-era plan that called on the city, county state and federal governments to house workers within a 10-minute walk of City Hall as a means to re-
vitalize the community. Although there were some positive steps in this regard, such as the upgrade of City Hall and the building of the Caltrans headquarters at First and Main streets, eyesores like an empty Hall of Justice and a beleaguered Parker Center stood out. The return of the Hall of Justice, which originally opened in 1925, coincides with other positive Civic Center actions such as the construction of a federal courthouse across the street from the Los Angeles Times building. The creation of a park on the former graffiti pit next to City Hall will also be a positive step. The county leaders who effected the transformation, and the team of Downtown’s AC Martin and Clark Construction that handled the renovation, also deserve credit for their work. The Hall of Justice was severely damaged during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and the task involved making sure a 90-year-old building could meet the demands not just of today, but of coming decades. The work included removing the heavy jail cells from the upper levels and turning the space into something usable for county workers. Employees won’t move in to the Hall of Justice until the beginning of 2015. However, one can already envision a bright future for the Downtown jewel.
Drug Cartels, the Fashion District and the Future
T
here is a lot to like about the Downtown Fashion District. The bustling community is a place of immense creativity and commerce. Tens of thousands of people work here and the area generates sales tax revenue that goes to the city. The large market buildings are key destinations for buyers from major retailers. The district is also a destination for people from across Los Angeles who want to shop for just about anything related to clothing or accessories. The small businesses in Santee Alley and on surrounding streets are frequently thronged with people. It turns out, there is an unsettling downside to all this activity, and something that reflects poorly on the community and on greater Downtown. Federal raids in September, and follow-up moves this month, revealed that the Fashion District is also an alleged hub for money laundering for Mexican drug cartels. After the Sept. 9 busts that resulted in the seizure of $100 million in cash and the arrest of nine people, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Dugdale called the city the “epicenter of narco-dollar money laundering.” The situation casts a shadow over the entire district, which, to be
clear, is populated primarily by honest individuals who follow the law and don’t launder cash for drug dealers. However, the size of the federal action — the raid included more than 1,000 agents from the Treasury Department and other offices — indicates that a real problem exists. Local leaders are right to emphasize the positives of the community. However, they should also recognize that it is in their interest to have the feds do their work. Removing the lawbreakers will ultimately benefit every legitimate stakeholder in the district. In the effort to halt the money laundering, Treasury agents this month began requiring many Fashion District businesses to report transactions of more than $3,000; previously only transactions of greater than $10,000 needed to be reported. Some may feel this is onerous or unfair. In all likelihood many law-abiding businesses will be impacted by the revised regulations. Is it bothersome? Yes. Still, it’s worth it to clean up the community and get people back to focusing on what really makes the Fashion District special.
October 20, 2014
Downtown News 5
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
Fun and Games and Money in the Huizar-Molina Race L.A.’s Most Entertaining Campaign Delivers Record-Pace Fundraising, Odd Bedfellows and Plenty of Spin By Jon Regardie he 14th District City Council race between incumbent José Huizar and County Supervisor Gloria Molina is less than two months old. Still, it is already the most intriguing and most entertaining election in Los Angeles. It’s juicy enough to make the sheriff’s contest between Jim McDonnell and the Incredible Shrinking Paul Tanaka look boring.
T
THE REGARDIE REPORT Oh wait, the McDonnell-Tanaka race is boring, considering that Tanaka has basically stopped campaigning and is only spending whatever loose change he finds between the pillows of his sofa. Huizar-Molina, by contrast, is flush with money, speculation and some surprising bedfellows, which for once is symbolic, and doesn’t mean actual bedfellows. Still, with the two politicians set to scramble like a mongoose and a cobra (and I don’t know which is which) for a district that includes Downtown Los Angeles, things will only get messy. Here’s a rundown of the early action. Really Big Money: Jaws dropped over the summer when Huizar revealed that he had raised $649,000 for his re-election bid. The cash grab seemed to be an attempt to scare off any
big-name candidates from entering the race. Clearly Molina wasn’t scared. Huizar continues to Hoover up cash. In the period between July 1 and Sept. 30, he raised another $86,000, according to documents filed with the City Ethics Commission. That gives him a whopping $735,000 raised, and he has $577,000 in cash on hand with which to tout his accomplishments and trash his rival. This puts Huizar on a record-breaking path. I pored through the Ethics Commission’s online fundraising information, which has data on every city council election going back 11 years. In that time, the only person to raise more money during the primary was Antonio Villaraigosa, who scooped up $773,000 in 2003 when he beat incumbent Nick Pacheco. Of course, AnVil used that seat as a springboard to the mayor’s office two years later. Huizar is $38,000 short of the record, but still has more than four months until voters head to the polls in March. Curious fact: The next highest tally in a council primary was recorded by now-Mayor Eric Garcetti, who raised $683,000 for a win against Gary Slossberg in 2009. No, I don’t know who Gary Slossberg is either. Molina’s Money: Molina filed papers to run on Sept. 10, which means she had just three weeks until the first reporting period deadline. Dur-
Integrity Diligence Dedication
Real Estate | Partnerships | Trials
213-689-5092 Bring the Legendary “Taste of Manuel’s” to Your Holiday Party or Event! With only 24 hour notice, we cater your favorite meal for your guests!
Call Us Now For Our Many Specials
There are many that imitate, but only ONE Manuel’s Original! www.manuelseltepeyac.com los anGeles: 812 N. Evergreen Avenue • 323-268-1960 city of industry: 13131 Crossroads Parkway South • 562.695.2277
5
S
195 e c n i
ing that time she raised $32,575. Everyone expects that the woman who has spent 23 years as a county supervisor, and who served on the city council before that, will quickly pick up the pace. As is usually the case, some of the most interesting tidbits involve precisely who donated. Molina’s list includes the $500 she got from Rosalind Wyman, the iconic former city councilwoman who helped bring the Dodgers to Los Angeles from Brooklyn. Molina also gave $700 to her own campaign, and received $700 from an executive with Walmart. From Foe to Friend: After Villaraigosa became mayor, Pacheco tried again in 2005 to win the
CD 14 seat. He lost a bitter race to Huizar. Whatever bad blood might have once existed is now apparently gone, as Pacheco last week announced that he is running a political action committee supporting Huizar. Pacheco is chairing the just-launched Community Support PAC, which aims to raise $500,000 to ensure Huizar’s re-election. Brian VanRiper is heading the PAC’s voter outreach effort. “For me it’s about the community, from the standpoint that he gets to finish what he started,” Pacheco told me last week. “Maintaining continuity in the district — I’ve seen how disruptive that can be.” Continued on page 7
TOYOTA OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
BROSMANLAW
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 days a Week.
photo by Gary Leonard
County Supervisor Gloria Molina wants the 14th District City Council seat currently held by José Huizar.
PROTECT YOUR TOYOTA with service designed by the people who made it. 3 Try Before You Buy 3 Personal Business 3 Service Replacement Vehicle 3 Insurance Replacement Vehicle
FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE
Drop Off & Pick-Up
FREE shuttle service drop-off & pick-up
NOT JUST A RENTAL... A TOYOTA Every TRAC rental comes with complimentary 24-hour Roadside Assistance, covering mechanical breakdown, fluid delivery, tire changes, jump starts, lockout service and towing.
Corolla ... $24.99/Day Camry .... $37.99/Day RAV4-EV $49.99/Day Must present offer when order is written. Not valid with any other offer. Offer has no cash value. Offer valid thru October 31, 2014.
1-800-583-0972 1600 S. Figueroa (at Venice), LA 90015
MON - FRI: 6AM TO 6PM SAT: 6AM TO 5PM
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
6 Downtown News
October 20, 2014
Leading the War Against Skid Row Dumping When It Comes to Suspected Cases and Prosecuting Perpetrators, Will Pirkey Is on the Front Lines By Donna Evans n January, City Attorney Mike Feuer delivered a bombshell when he announced that the Beverly Community Hospital Association had agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a case of alleged patient dumping in Skid Row. The move brought to the fore something many in Downtown believed no longer occurred: that hospitals would send indigent patients to the poverty-stricken community with no plan to care for them. Four months later it happened again. This time, Pacifica Hospital of the Valley agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a dumping case. A clutch of reporters showed up to Feuer’s office in August for the announcement of the third and most expensive settlement yet: Glendale Adventist Medical Center agreed to pay $700,000 to settle a suit filed by Feuer’s office for an alleged dumping incident (in all three settlements the hospitals denied any wrongdoing). An angry Feuer has been front and center in the public campaign against patient dumping, but the most important person in the battle might be a 63-year-old Louisiana native who, at the August press conference, stood quietly a few feet to Feuer’s right. Will Pirkey doesn’t get the headlines. But he is on the front lines both when it comes to prosecuting dumping cases, and in trying to stop it from happening in the first place. “Will’s leadership can’t be overstated,” said Feuer, who became City Attorney in summer 2013. “I’ve really benefitted from the collaboration with Will as we work together on what is more than a problem — it’s really a scar on the city that patient dumping could exist, let alone continue.” Perhaps one of the most surprising things about Pirkey, who spent decades as a trial lawyer representing insurance companies in personal injury, medical malpractice and product liability cases, is that he thinks the hospitals are trying to get things right. It’s an issue of knowledge and protocols, he believes, not a lack of caring. “We’re not trying to paint a bad picture of hospitals,” Pirkey said during an interview in a conference room of the City Attorney’s office
AL A VE
I
on the eighth floor of City Hall East. “I don’t believe this is being done in an uncaring way. I think it’s partly because they — hospital workers, social workers, discharge planners and administrators — don’t understand and are not aware of what is available out there. Education is a serious problem.” Educating those hospitals, it might be said, is also Pirkey’s problem. Working With Hospitals Dumping exploded as an issue in 2005, and in ensuing years there have been numerous high-profile incidents, everything from Sheriff’s deputies bringing homeless people from faroff communities into Downtown, to a hospital van driver leaving a paraplegic man in a dirty hospital gown with a broken colostomy bag on the streets of Skid Row. The issue ultimately faded from the limelight, but it appears never to have actually stopped. At the August announcement of the Glendale Adventist settlement, Feuer also detailed the setting up of a tip line for people to call about possible dumping cases. Flyers with the number have been distributed throughout Skid Row, and though neither Feuer nor Pirkey can comment on specifics, Pirkey said the office is investigating up to 10 cases of possible dumping. While he plays a lead role in prosecuting hospitals, Pirkey also spends ample time trying to make sure that hospitals do the right thing. He has honed and updated a 10-page “discharge protocol” that Feuer wants local hospitals to adopt. Pirkey has also attended numerous sessions with hospital executives to teach them about the discharge protocols. They ultimately boil down to ensuring that, before any indigent patient is released and taken to Skid Row, that there is a place to take the person and a plan for follow-up care. Pirkey is working with the Hospital Association of Southern California, which represents some 170 regional hospitals, on the protocols. Though Pirkey said negotiations continue, he believes HASC will ultimately formally adopt the protocols. Jaime Garcia, regional vice president of HASC, began working with Pirkey about eight
7 TH S
NOW OPEN! A Winning Combination
OL YM
PI
C
BL VD
S ALAMEDA
©
ST
S CE
NTR
T
H
PROPANE, GAS & DIESEL 1800 E. Olympic Blvd. 24 Hours/ 7 Days a Week
Fast & Friendly Service Se Habla Español
(On the corner of Olympic and S. Alameda St.)
213-627-5008
Deputy City Attorney Will Pirkey has helped settle three cases of alleged dumping by area hospitals, resulting in cumulative fines of $1.4 million. He also works with hospitals in the effort to get them to institute “discharge protocols” for indigent patients.
photo by Gary Leonard
months ago. He described their meetings as “productive.” Solving homelessness and avoiding litigation, he said, will require them to work collaboratively. “How can we come together as a team in the absence of increased government funding and operate within the confines of the code?” Garcia asked. “By having this conversation hopefully we can find some solutions to the issue.” Making a Difference Pirkey was born in Baton Rouge in 1951, and his voice still bears a hint of a bayou drawl. He spent part of his youth in Denver and moved to Los Angeles in 1984. Six years later he married an artist, Annie, who he met at a Fourth of July party he threw (she was a friend of a friend). They live in Venice. For almost 30 years, Pirkey was an attorney in private practice, arguing insurance defense
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK...
SCI-Arc
Supply Store & Print Center
Open to the public In the Arts District 955 East Third St. 7,000 Square Fe L.A., Over CA 90012 of Art & Architectura 213.356.5309 O Supplies www.sciarc.edu
SCI-Arc
Westside Service Downtown Prices
OlYmPiC 166 S. Alvarado ChiROPRACTiC 213.413.BACK
AlVARADO
cases. He estimates that he won 90% of the approximately 500 cases he took on. Successful as he was, Pirkey ultimately realized he wasn’t happy professionally. He had been raised in a home where volunteerism and public service were marks of an accomplished career. Pirkey realized he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. “I felt like I was just moving money from one bank account to another,” he said. In 2006, Pirkey joined then-City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo’s office. He started out defending the city, then moved into the Complex and Civil Litigation section. Last year he began his focus on dumping. During a 2013 investigation, Pirkey came upon information about an alleged dumping case involving Beverly Community Hospital Continued on page 20
(2225)
Wide Format Printing:
28# Presentation Bond ⋅ Ty Over OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Mylar ⋅ Clear Film ⋅ Canv of A Various Over 7,000 Square Feet ofPhoto Papers
Supply Store ArtPrint & Architectural Supplies & Center BRING THIS AD AND RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE Coupon expires November 15, 2014
Located in the Arts District 955 East Third St. L.A., CA 9001 213-356-5309 I www.sciarc.ed
Wide Format Printing: 28# Presentation Bond • Tyvek • Mylar Clear Film • Canvas • Various Photo Papers BRING THIS AD AND RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE Coupon expires November 15, 2014
Wi 28# Pre Mylar Va
Loc 955 E 213-3
October 20, 2014
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
Downtown News 7
Election, 5 Pacheco, who now works as an attorney, represented CD 14 on the council from 1999-2003. Some of the projects he started were completed during Huizar’s tenure. Pacheco also worked on Molina’s successful 1991 run for supervisor. Still, he said he thinks it is best for the community to have Huizar finish his last four-year term. “Generally we’ll do a positive campaign, highlight José’s strengths in the district and focus on how it’s a great time to finish what he’s doing and the great projects going on in Downtown and Boyle Heights,” Pacheco said. I Had an Affair. I Probably Paid a Lot of Money to Settle It. I Win!: That may be the mindset for Huizar, who just achieved the best possible result in a terrible situation. As everyone knows, Huizar and the city were sued for sexual harassment and retaliation by Francine Godoy. Godoy started as an assistant in Huizar’s office and quickly rose to deputy chief of staff, earning a $90,000 salary bump. Last year she left Huizar’s office and sued, saying her employment came to involve an expectation of sexual favors. Huizar denied any illegal behavior, though the married father of four did admit to having an affair with Godoy. A trial promised to unleash a torrent of salacious details that would be ammo for Molina’s campaign. Whatever Huziar’s attorneys were paid — and the city allocated up to $200,000 for his defense — they more than earned their keep, as the settlement terms are being kept private and the city isn’t shelling out a dime to Godoy. Many believe Huizar will pay personally, but the absence of a dollar figure, and the lack of dirty details for use in Molina campaign mailers, counts as a positive for the incumbent. Of course, it would have been more of a positive had Huizar not had an affair with an underling and gotten the city sued in the first place, but sometimes I just ask for the impossible.
THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE DOWNTOWN CENTER BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (DCBID) INVITE DOWNTOWN LA’S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN IN DOWNTOWN LA!
The Old Poll Game: A poll released in October for an election in March means one thing: Somebody wants to play Spin the Voter! In politics, anything can happen in five months to re-shape a race. Huizar could again bang his car into another driver, costing the city $185,000 (that happened once before). Molina could accidentally stab someone with needles during one of her quilting sessions (that hasn’t happened, but she does quilt, and yes, I just used “quilt” as a verb). Huizar’s campaign this month released a few of the results from a poll. It gives him a 45%-36% lead over Molina. The results were similar after the respondents heard positive and negative statements about each candidate. Huizar’s team didn’t say precisely which positive and negative statements were revealed. The poll was also conducted a few days before the announcement of a settlement between Huizar and Godoy. Expect plenty of other poll results before the only count that matters. So What’s Her Play?: One really big question surrounds Molina’s run: Why is she doing this? As a supervisor, Molina represents 2 million people and has the kind of power usually reserved for Russian oligarchs. Yes, she is termed out, but does she really want to go from that to fielding calls from angry constituents who want their potholes filled? Is she ready to kowtow to Council President Herb Wesson, an ardent Huizar supporter? Or does she want to be mayor? Molina hasn’t copped to any specific future plans, and in some early reports she discussed hoping to increase the number of women on the council, up from the current one. Still, some observers think being mayor is her ultimate play. Getting there, the theory goes, will be easier if the 66-year-old has a council job. After all, Villaraigosa won a CD 14 council seat and became mayor two years later. If that’s the plan, then how does Team Molina get there? Does she envision challenging Garcetti in 2017? Or does she wait until he’s termed out in 2021, or a time before that if Garcetti becomes senator or governor or pope? Of course, that’s putting the cart before the horse. First up is Huizar, and no one knows how the race will end up, probably not even the two running for the seat. regardie@downtownnews.com
DOWNTOWN BREAKFAST CLUB • OMNI HOTELS • RISING REALTY PARTNERS • SOLEIL BEAUTY SALON TSK • TSP PROJECT MANAGEMENT • UNISOURCE SOLUTIONS • WELLS FARGO
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
8 Downtown News
October 20, 2014
With $120 Million Development, Bunker Hill Goes Upscale Developer Related Opens $120 Million Luxury Apartment Complex Related California VP of Leasing Thomas Kearns expects to find plenty of tenants even with some of the highest rents in Downtown.
Developer Related spent $120 million on the 216-apartment Grand Avenue building the Emerson. Named for writer and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, it is defined by upscale features.
photo by Gary Leonard
By Eddie Kim unker Hill was once a thriving residential neighborhood full of stately Victorian mansions. That changed after World War II, as people streamed out from Downtown toward Pasadena, Hollywood and other communities. The once-grand single-family homes have now been replaced by steel-and-glass high-rises. However, for the first time in two decades, a residential structure is opening on Bunker Hill. The $120 million Emerson at 225 S. Grand Ave. is New York City-based developer Related’s first high-rise apartment project in Los Angeles. It is also one of the most upscale buildings in Downtown. Touting high-end finishes and amenities, the project named for Ralph Waldo Emerson is aimed squarely at those looking for a luxury apartment with all the trimmings. The 216 studio to two-bedroom residences are 582-1,440 square feet and rents run from around $2,300 to $8,000 (55 of the units are designated as affordable housing). The price verging on $4 per square foot is among the highest in Downtown. Still, Related California Executive Vice President Gino Canori said he thinks the project is a fit for people who want to move to Downtown but don’t want to sacrifice on amenities and service. The Emerson’s proximity to the Music Center and some of the Central City’s most prestigious skyscrapers also informed the development, he noted. “We really went for a top-of-the-market product because of this Bunker Hill location near the hub of arts and culture in L.A.,” Canori said. “We didn’t want to cut corners here.” Designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica, the 20-story Emerson is clean and unadorned, clad in white and accented by staggered windows that give its facade a feeling of motion. It is a complement to its upcoming neighbor, the $140 million museum The Broad, which is striking white with a honeycomb exterior and un-
B
dulating dimples. “This was designed to be minimalist and work as a backdrop to the Broad museum,” Canori said. “Simple, not making a statement.” Move-ins started last week, and full occupancy is anticipated by the spring of 2015. Yoga and a Dog Run The Emerson’s austere exterior stands in stark contrast to what’s inside. The lobby, wrapped in warm swaths of dark wood and buttery travertine tiles, feels like it belongs in an upscale hotel. L.A.-based Marmol Radziner + Associates was tapped for the interior design because of the firm’s experience on high-end homes throughout the city, said Related California Vice President of Leasing Thomas Kearns. “People have been looking for a really premium place like this without sacrifices,” said Kearns. “We wanted it to have a sense of refinement.” The apartments feature wood plank floors (not vinyl or wood laminate), rich walnut cabinets and Caesarstone countertops in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances, and tech-heavy details such as Nest thermostats and keyless door locks. Bathrooms are adorned with marble, both on the countertops and in the showers. Large operable windows allow for big views and plenty of natural light. Amenities include a large first-floor fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the greenery along Hope Street. An attached yoga studio has “classes” offered via an on-demand video system, and there are bathrooms with showers and steam rooms. Nearby is a library nook with oversized chairs, a full coffee bar and more luxurious dark wood. There’s also a media room with flexible seating to accommodate game-day parties or movie screenings. Canori and Kearns, however, expect the outdoor space to be even more popular. A large pool and a jacuzzi that can hold 15 people sit on one end of the ground-floor deck, while a
photo by Gary Leonard
private dog run, complete with a pet-washing station, is on the other side adjacent to Grand Avenue. In the middle is a massive bar with a steel grill and an ice machine. The penthouse level holds a lounge with a kitchen and about 3,500 square feet of space, which can be split using a flexible partition. Two outdoor decks offer views of Downtown, Hollywood and the San Gabriel Mountains. Related also made changes on the Grand Avenue sidewalk, adding landscaping (notably a set of mature olive trees from Northern California) and a seating area with shade. “It was important to create the feeling of a residential community in any way possible, including by making changes to the streetscape,” Canori said. That will be helped by the arrival of a 5,500-square-foot ground-floor restaurant run by chef Agostino Sciandri. The eatery will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and will include a partially covered 1,700-square-foot outdoor patio along Grand Avenue. It will also provide room service for residents. The establishment, which is as yet unnamed, is slated to open in December. While Bunker Hill isn’t as popular as neighborhoods like South Park or the Historic Core, its clean and quiet atmosphere is a big plus for some tenants, Coldwell Banker residential broker Kerry Marsico said.
“These are higher-end clients who might want to be in a luxury condo elsewhere in L.A.,” Marsico noted. “Bunker Hill offers a real civil environment, but the arts center is right there, too.” The Emerson is one part of Related’s longrunning plan to develop Grand Avenue around First and Second streets. The developer won a bid in 2006 to enter into a joint venture with the city and county (which own the land) to build in the area, and delved into the design process before slamming into the roadblock known as the recession. As part of the agreement, Related paid $50 million up front, which was used for the creation of Grand Park. Construction on the Emerson finally began in December 2012. Related is also preparing to begin construction in 2015 on a mixed-use project across the street from the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The $850 million development being designed by Frank Gehry will have a residential tower, a hotel operated by SLS and a plaza with shops and restaurants. Related intends to complete the project in a single phase in 2019. If all goes according to plan, Bunker Hill will get a cultural and residential boost like it hasn’t seen in more than half a century. The Emerson is just the first piece of the company’s ambitious Grand Avenue puzzle. eddie@downtownnews.com
Apartments feature hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and large operable windows.
photo by Gary Leonard
October 20, 2014
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
Downtown News 9
10 Downtown News
DT
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
October 20, 2014
HEALTHY LIVING
HEALTHY LIVING The Downtown Dental Difference
Healthy Priorities Downtown L.A. Women’s Health Center Takes Care of You
I
n today’s hectic world of double-booked meetings and competing priorities at work and home, it’s easy to forget about making the time to take care of the most important person in your life: you. For busy working women in Downtown L.A., the Los
B
rushing and flossing your teeth isn’t hard to do, and doing both properly can help prevent gum disease and tooth loss. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS Angeles Center for Women’s Health at California Hospital Medical Center offers annual health care checkups with some of the region’s finest physicians and clinicians in a serene, spa-like environment. The center provides high-quality services for breast and gynecologic health, heart health, menopause and age management, wellness and prevention. The center is an oasis in the heart of Downtown with easy access for busy working women when it’s time to schedule your annual mammogram. “Our center is one of the best-kept secrets in Downtown,” said radiology and breast imaging specialist Dr. David Brousseau, who serves as medical director of breast imaging at the center. “Our nationally recognized physicians and health care team do our best to enhance the health and well-being of women in the prime of their lives. Our patients receive one-on-one attention in a respectful, comfortable environment.” Board-certified physicians and well-trained staff at the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health can coordinate and manage your follow-up care, and help with researching the answers you need.
Tips From the Experts on How To Create and Preserve Your Best Smile
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS
Everything about this unique center is designed with the patient in mind — including convenience to meet the needs of your hectic schedule. Contact the center today at (213) 742-6400 for more information or to set up a consultation.
made of bacteria, mucus, and other particles that forms on the teeth. When the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar that harbors bacteria and causes your gums to become inflamed. That’s called gingivitis. Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar buildup. Untreated, gingivitis can turn into periadontitis, a more advanced and damaging stage of gum disease. At this stage the bacteria’s toxins are breaking down the gum’s attachment to the tooth. Then, bacteria fill the space between the gum and the tooth to create pockets of infection. Extreme cases lead to bone erosion and loose teeth. How do you know if you’re showing symptoms of gum disease? Here’s a list of signs: n Bad breath that persists n Red, swollen, tender gums n Receding gums (gums that pull away from the teeth) Continued on page 11
October 20, 2014
Downtown News 11
HEALTHY LIVING
DEnTAl, 10 n Pain when chewing n Loose or sensitive teeth Prevention is typically not difficult. The following suggestions will help your efforts: n Brush in the morning and before going to sleep. n Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. If you can afford the cost, buy and use an electric toothbrush. n Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and brush each tooth 15 to 20 times. n Brush the outer tooth surfaces using short, back-and-forth strokes. n Brush the inner upperfront teeth by brushing vertically against them using short, downward strokes. Use short, upward strokes for lower inside teeth. n Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth with short, back-and-forth strokes. n Replace your toothbrush when it’s worn or frayed. Also, get a new toothbrush after a cold, strep throat or similar illness. And remember, proper dental treatment and early preventive care are key to keeping your teeth for a lifetime. A dentist, through regular check-up visits,
is able to clean your teeth of unwanted plaque before it hardens to tartar and harbors bacteria. To eradicate stubborn bacteria, Downtown Dental utilizes lasers, antimicrobial therapies and individual bacteria testing to stop gum disease. Downtown Dental’s hygienists identify specific bacteria through a simple saliva test, and then use antibiotics to specifically target the bacteria’s destruction. Give us a call. We’ll make you smile. For more information call Downtown Dental at (213) 620-5777 or visit downtowndentalla.com.
Perfect Image Consulting Launches Plastic Surgery Symposium Nov. 15 Conference Aims To Educate on Latest Advancements in Aesthetic, Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures
P
erfect Image Consulting, LLC, is launching the first Aesthetic, Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 15, at The Grand in Long
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS Beach. Bringing together a unique blend of renowned medical professionals, including plastic surgeons, registered nurses, case managers and others, the conference marks the first time consumers are invited to sit alongside medical professionals to learn about the latest technologies and trends in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The Plastic Surgery Symposium will feature a full-day agenda of presentations facilitated by top board-certified surgeons in Southern California. Topics covered will educate conference attendees on the latest technological advancements and procedures in areas such as aging face, forehead and eyes, rhinoplasty (nose job), tummy tucks, liposuction, breast surgery including reconstruction, reduction and augmentation, injectables such as Botox, dermal fillers and fat, stem cell therapies, chin and cheek augmentation, facial reconstruction, pain treatments Continued on page 12
ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM KNEE PAIN?
Say “No” to Cavities & “Yes” to Healthy Gums
Have you been told that you need a total knee replacement? DO YOU WANT A NONSURGICAL SOLUTION?
Friendly Staff
Start to Feel Good Again!
INCLUDED WITH: Complete Exam • All Necessary X-Rays Personal Consultation • Professional Cleaning* $99 I Regularly: $575 I You Save $476 *Unless certain dental conditions exist.
255 South Grand Ave., #204, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Call us now! 213-634-2960
t
is
219 W. 7th St., # 207 | 1-800-695-6330 | healthyknees@flexogenix.com
(for a limited time)
FREE Whitening Dent
Nonsurgical Treatment of Degenerative Knee Pain Using Advanced Image Guidance
Most treatm provided a ents re co by Medicare vered & medical in most surance!
New Patient Offer
E BE S T TH fice
Quickly return to your daily activities with minimal risk or side effects.
Flexogenix Multidisciplinary approach: • Free initial consultation. • Advanced Image guidance. • Thorough directed medical examination. • Cutting edge diagnostic medical imaging. • Detailed treatment plan. • Nonsurgical joint viscosupplementation & regenerative joint therapy. • Advanced joint stabilization bracing techniques. • Careful follow-up & evaluation in order to monitor therapeutic success.
Weekday Availability
or
of
Same day outpatient procedure with almost no recovery downtime.
Gentle Doctor
d e n ta
l
12 Downtown News
PERFEcT, 11 following breast cancer, hair loss treatments and diagnoses, procedures for weight loss, and a discussion on skin disorders. Larry Carroll, an award-winning broadcast and network television news journalist, will lead the day as the master of ceremonies. Face Forward non-profit foundation founders will also be on hand to share information about its domestic abuse outreach efforts and programs. “In order to make an educated decision before undergoing any kind of treatment or procedure, I strongly believe patients should be informed about the latest advancements in the plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery industries,” said Dr. Jennifer Keagle, a plastic surgeon and co-chair of the symposium. “This one-of-a-kind conference not only provides top-tier training to medical industry professionals, but also brings consumers and the medical community together to offer a different approach in an interdisciplinary fashion. With so many ‘others’ wanting to get a piece of the plastic surgery pie, we hope this conference is a step in the right direction to make sure consumers are armed with an educated decision before undergoing any type of cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure.” Continuing education credits are available for select medical industry professionals. Speakers include Dr. Keagle, Dr. David Alessi, Dr. Robert Kessler and Dr. Amir Mehran. For further information and to purchase tickets to the event, please visit theplasticsurgerysymposium.com/registration or call (800) 408-2251.
October 20, 2014
HEALTHY LIVING
Regenerative Therapy for Your Joints Flexogenix Offers a Viable and Innovative Alternative for Injuries
R
egenerative therapy is a growing area of medicine that has shown remarkable results with a number of patients who suffer from joint pain, arthritis and other related conditions. Regenerative therapy is a non-
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS surgical approach that involves replacing cells and tissues by injecting platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells into affected areas. Flexogenix has developed a proprietary treatment protocol that combines PRP with amniotic and placental stem cells. Over time, cells and tissues break down in similar fashion to the parts in a machine or a car. For example, brake pads and tires wear out over time. Unlike a car, however, your body is a complex living organism with the ability to heal. Knee replacement and other surgical procedures come with side effects that interfere with the body’s healing mechanisms and adversely affect other areas of the body. For example, steroids commonly prescribed for joint pain can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. Regenerative therapy, by contrast, aids the natural healing process in a less invasive manner. Stem Cells Stem cells can adapt to multiple cell types, functioning as a basic ingredient in the formation of organs and tissues. They are undifferentiated “seeds” that can grow into a more specific type of cell: for example, a kidney cell, muscle cell or skin cell. While there are dif-
ferent types and sources of stem cells, Flexogenix utilizes stem cells drawn exclusively from the placenta and amniotic fluid. These are donated shortly after birth. The placenta and amniotic fluid are the best sources of stem cells, since these cells are youngest and most adaptable. These stem cells can be reprogrammed with the use of growth factors into the specific tissue for the acute or chronic condition being treated. Through this process, the stem cells become “pluripotent,” which allows them to replace degenerated tissue in the joints. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) PRP is a natural accelerant to the healing process. Platelets, found in the bloodstream, allow wounds to clot and form scar tissue. PRP is useful for healing joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments and sometimes even nerve damage. Platelets cause blood to clot, which is essential for healing most common injuries. Platelet density in PRP is five to 10 times that of normal plasma, but more importantly, it contains specific proteins known as “growth factors.” These growth factors direct stem cells to form into the specific type of tissue needed to repair the injury. That’s why PRP is highly effective when combined with stem cells. Regenerative therapy accelerates recovery from acute and chronic conditions, and it offers a viable alternative for injuries where
Low rate auto loans, no monkeying around.
other modes of therapy are ineffective. This innovative treatment approach makes it possible for people to enhance the quality of their lives and maintain their active lifestyle. If you suffer from joint pain and have not found an effective treatment option, call to see if you may be a candidate for regenerative therapy. Flexogenix is at 219 W. Seventh St., Suite 207. For more information, call (800) MY-KNEE-0 or visit flexogenix.com.
At Water and Power Community Credit Union, we’ll swing you into a low interest auto loan, fast and easy, with no monkey business. You can qualify for a rate as low as 1.5%* APR. To get an auto loan any other As low as way would be bananas. *
1.5% APR
New or Used
Call (800) 300-9728 Click wpcu.org/autoloan Or visit us in Downtown LA and Westchester
*1.50% APR is for highly qualified members. Actual rates will vary based on each member’s credit score and ability to pay. Maintaining a deposit of $25 in your primary savings account is required for membership.
WPC-0006_AL_Monkey_DownTownNews_Sep2014.indd 1
City Living THIS WEEK CHECK OUT
9/24/14 1:33 PM
Hello Kitty exhibit at JANM.
WATCH IT ON DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM,
NEW EPISODE EVERY MONDAY AT 9AM
Encunetro theater festival at the LATC.
October 20, 2014
HEALTHY LIVING
Downtown News 13
14 Downtown News
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
DT
October 20, 2014 The Japanese American National Museum explores the world of Hello Kitty in a new exhibit. One portion of the show features merchandise created by the Japanese company Sanrio. Also on display is artwork inspired by the character, such as Gary Baseman’s “Play Date” (left).
photos courtesy Japanese American Museum
CALENDAR
d n a s s e n i s u B e h T e t u C f o e r tu OCT 6 Cul
n
ternational Ico
n In Kitty Became a o ll e H w o H s re ow Explo
JANM Sh
✔ Sign Up for Daily Headlines!
E-NEWS SIGN UP
s.com Sign up at DowntownNew Hsu said that vintage items such as a teleBy Donna Evans phone, stationary and a clipboard reflect the n 1974, a designer at the Japanese compaSign Up for Our E-News Blasts social & communication that Hello Kitty encourny Sanrio created a whiskered, bow-wearing Be Entered to Win Movie Tickets! aged, initially among young girls. Greg Kimura, character named Hello Kitty. She had a white president and CEO of JANM, added that Hello face, yellow nose and wore a blue jumper. The Kitty was the first cute, positive cultural image following year, her image was emblazoned on that spoke to Japanese American girls. a plastic coin purse, just large enough to hold a It didn’t take long for the wider public to emfew quarters. brace Kitty White, the full, if largely unknown Billions of dollars and four decades later, a name of the character. An entire generation of replica of that small purse is one of 500 piecwomen have a deep, emotional response to es on display in the expansive new Japanese Hello Kitty, Kimura said. American National Museum exhibit Hello! ExEven Motor Oil ploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty. The Christine Yano, author of Pink Globalization: show opened Oct. 11 to record-breaking adHello Kitty’s Trek Across the Pacific, curated the missions — more than 3,000 people came portion of the exhibit that features rare and through the doors the first weekend — and runs through April 26,ok. 2015. com/L.A.DowntownNews iconic artifacts from Sanrio’s archives. In adFacebo dition to the school supplies from the 1970s It’s an intriguing life for a character created and ’80s, the show contains modern items to move merchandise. Indeed, JANM partnered Like Downtown News on Facebook such as roller skates, backpacks and even on the show with Sanrio, where Hello Kitty note& Be Entered to Win Movie Tickets! men’s underwear. books, lunchboxes and colored pencils were just Hello Kitty’s reach also extends into some truly the start. Hello! also features 40 pieces of Hello unexpected merchandise. The character adorns Kitty-themed work from contemporary artists. motor oil, a surgeon’s mask, light bulbs and duct “Hello Kitty was created to bring happiness tape. There’s even a talking robot. to the world,” Janet Hsu, the president and COO Hello Kitty was created by Sanrio in the 1970s, of Sanrio, said during an exhibit preview. “Our when the company produced small items that founder and CEO’s mission was to create a prodcould be given as gifts. Text at the exhibit notes uct that actually inspired friendship and sharing.”
I
Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings DowntownNews.com
OCT 13
Like Us and Win!
Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings DowntownNews.com
OCT 20 ✔ Sign Up for Daily Headlines! E-NEWS SIGN UP
the Japanese practice of bringing back a souve souveStarts October 10art gallery, which holds a variety of paintings, nir for friends and family after a trip. Sanrio deter- photographs and clothing. There’s a dress of stitched plushy Hello Kitty toys that Lady Gaga mined that, from a marketing perspective, Hello wore, as well as a frock donned by Paris Hilton. Kitty would be a perfect present. Looming over the gallery exit is a 12-foot tall fiAlthough the general assumption is that the berglass statue of Kittypatra, artist Simone Legcharacter is a cat, Yano sparked an outcry in Auno’s vision of Hello Kitty dressed as Cleopatra. gust when she said that Kitty White is actually a Other works include Scott Scheidly’s “Hello little girl with a pet of her own, Charmmy Kitty (she also has a twin sister, Mimmy, and lives out- Lincoln,” an acrylic painting of the 16th president that side London). The reason Hello Kitty has a tail loses the stovepipe hat in favor of a pink bowlhas yet to be fully addressed, but in a nod to er with Hello Kitty logo. Mark Nixon’s photo the summer social media craze, text in front of “Much Loved Kitty” shows a plush toy with mata stuffed Charmmy Kitty reads, “And, unlike Ms. ted fur that is missing an eye. White, she is a cat. How can you tell? Charmmy The JANM exhibit coincides with the inauguKitty is depicted primarily on all fours.” ral Hello Kitty Con, a convention that will run At the exhibit opening Yano, an anthropoloStarts Oct. to 10/Oct. Oct. 17 30-Nov. 2 at JANM and the adjacent Geffen gist from the University of Hawaii, sought Contemporary at MOCA. downplay the hullabaloo. The Geffen will hold the original 1975 coin “It is the simplicity and elegance of her depurse, the item that launched a billion-dollar sign that allow her to be whatever consumers empire of cute goods. The purse, which norwant or need her to be,” Yano said. mally lives in a vault in Tokyo, originally sold for That simple design, sans mouth, makes her less than $1. a perfect blank canvas for artists, said Jamie RiHello! Exploring the Supercute World of Helvadeneira, the founder and owner of pop-culture boutique JapanLA. She also curated the art lo Kitty runs through April 26, 2015, at the Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central portion of the exhibit. Ave., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org Patrons follow red and pink bow-shaped donna@downtownnews.com stickers along the floor at JANM to reach the
s.com Sign up at DowntownNew
Sign Up for Our E-News Blasts & Be Entered to Win Movie Tickets!
Check Our Website for Full Movie Listings DowntownNews.com
Starts Oct.24/Oct. 31
October 20, 2014
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
Downtown News 15
Restaurant Buzz Pete’s Returns, Vegan Eats in the Arts District and More Food Happenings By Eddie Kim n OBD Re-Pete: After a brief closure, Pete’s Cafe is open again. The biggest change at the Old Bank District destination is the menu, which was reshaped by new chef Josef Centeno (who also runs Orsa & Winston, Bar Ama and Bäco Mercat). Centeno is leaning on classic, even retro, American dishes such as Waldorf salad, crab Louie, pot roast, smothered pork chops, and shrimp and grits. The old-school American approach also applies to sweets from pastry chef Margeaux Aragon, who’s pumping out muffins, cookies, small pies and more. Coffee comes from the Arts District’s Stumptown and there is a full bar. It’s got a revamped interior, too: Gone are the high-top tables, in are low-backed black booth seats against the big front window. Pete’s is open from 8 a.m.-11 p.m., with a break between lunch and dinner. At 400 S. Main St. or petesla.com.
served at a nine-seat bar, with prices in the $9$15 range. There will be an attached market for those who want to take home fresh seafood. Coming to 317 S. Broadway.
Fishy Business: When Mark Peel announced in 2012 that he was shuttering his beloved California bistro Campanile, local foodies wondered where he would resurface. Now comes word that he’s headed to Downtown, specifically Grand Central Market. The excellent Lupita’s Seafood is departing to make way for Peel’s as-yet-unnamed quick-service seafood stand, which will open by early winter (the Los Angeles Times first reported the news). The menu will primarily feature fish cooked to order and
Green Light: Fans of vegan food, cold-pressed juices, yoga and eco-friendly gear can now find everything they like in one place. The Springs, a 14,000-square-foot monument to the green and healthy L.A. lifestyle, opened recently at 608 Mateo St. in the Arts District. The Springs is anchored by a raw vegan restaurant helmed by chef Michael Falso. The menu offers light dishes such as cucumber buttermilk soup, zucchini tartare and a selection of salads. Heftier plates include a morel mushroom pot pie and an in-
A
Baja Moment: Chef Bret Thompson, best known as the co-founder of Mid-City dessert spot Milk, announced last year that he was bringing a Mexican seafood restaurant to Bunker Hill’s 400 South Hope tower. The debut of Pez Cantina has been pushed several times since, but it appears Thompson is finally getting close to an opening: A big “Pez Cantina” sign went up last week and the restaurant held a job fair for prospective cooks and wait staff on Oct. 14. Expect a menu of seafood classics (including fish tacos) inspired by the cuisine of Baja California, where Thompson and Pez Cantina co-owner (and brother-in-law) Israel Ramirez fish several times a year. Coming to 400 S. Hope St.
With this coupon. Offer Expires 11/30/14
Flip through the DT News print edition on your mobile device, with more than 5 years of past issues available!
Follow Us on ISSUU
Dim Sum
Lunch and Dinner • An Extensive Seafood Menu including Dim Sum at Moderate Prices • Relaxed Dining in an Elegant Ambiance • Live Lobster Tank
700 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Free Parking Next to Restaurant Tel: 213.617.2323
http://issuu.com/ladtn
213-228-8999 | farmerboysla.com | 726 Alameda St. (Bay & Alameda) | Open 24/7
The Arts District now has The Springs, a 14,000-square-foot establishment with a raw vegan restaurant, a juice bar, yoga and more.
photo courtesy of The Springs
triguing “spaghetti alla carbonara” with zucchini and kelp noodles, black pepper “cream” and smoked coconut “bacon.” At 608 Mateo St., (213) 223-6226 or thespringsla.com.
spirits and spices with boiled milk; the mixture is then delicately strained to leave a nearly clear punch with a slightly creamy edge. At 705 W. Ninth St., (213) 239-0642 or faithandflowerla.com.
On Esquire’s List: Yet more national accolades for the Downtown dining scene? Of course! The latest praise comes from Esquire magazine, which just cited South Park’s Faith & Flower in its annual Best New Restaurants feature. Dining editor Josh Ozersky praised the menu from chef Michael Hung, who Ozersky says is “bringing deep flavors and impeccable technique to a kitchen that could have gotten away with far less.” Even better news came for bar director Michael Lay, whose signature English Milk Punch was named “Cocktail of the Year.” The punch is a complicated drink that routinely sells out because it is made several days in advance. The process involves combining more than a dozen
Growing Up: One of the first new-school eateries to open at Grand Central Market has had a growth spurt. Thai food joint Sticky Rice has taken over the backside of its original space, creating more counter seating and room to serve an expanded menu featuring tom yum soup, boat noodles, pad Thai, fried rice and more. The original lineup of grilled meats, curries and green papaya salad remains. Sticky Rice is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday. At 317 S. Broadway, (213) 621-2865 or grandcentralmarket.com. Got juicy food news? Contact Eddie Kim at eddie@downtownnews.com
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
DT
CALENDAR LISTINGS
Dance master Benjamin Millepied returns to the Theatre at the Ace Hotel for three days this week with his innovative Los Angeles Dance Project. Three pieces are on the bill, starting with one choreographed by Millepied with music from minimalist composer Phillip Glass. Audience members not stupefied by the demonstration of ever-limber dancers and asymmetrical choreography will then take in the U.S. premiere of Emmanuel Gat’s “Morgan’s Last Chug.” Last up is a reprisal of the company’s 2012 work “Quintett.” Bonus: 2,000 tickets to the shows on Friday-Sunday, Oct 24-26, are $25. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. At 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or ladanceproject.com. photo by courtesy of Town Hall-Los Angeles
WEDNESDay, OcTObER 22 Lonnie G. Bunch III at Town Hall-L.A. City Club Los Angeles, 555 S. Flower St., (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org. 11:30 a.m.: When the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture opens in Washington, D.C., in early 2016, Bunch will be running the show. He’s stopping by the City Club this week to talk about the details.
SaTuRDay, OcTObER 25 Haas Brothers Book Signing MOCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-1710 or moca.org. 3 p.m.: You may know them as ultra-trendy furniture designers, but the Haas brothers are now in the publishing game with their first book. Ever-eccentric Devendra Banhart mans the 1-2s. Noche de Ofrenda Grand Park, 200 N. Spring St., (213) 972-8080 or grandparkla.org. 7 p.m.: The spirits conspire to walk amongst us once again as we approach Dia de los Muertos. Tonight, the altars make their debut at Grand Park where you can stop in and give them a looksee each day until Nov. 2.
By Dan Johnson calendar@downtownnews.com
2
TuESDay, OcTObER 21 Design Aesthetics Panel at SCI-Arc SCI-Arc, 255 S. Santa Fe Ave., (213) 613-2200 or sciarc.edu. 7 p.m.: The Acadia Design Agency sends forth its best minds to a panel discussion about making things in the digital age.
ThuRSDay, OcTObER 23 Matt Bai at Zocalo Public Square Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com. 7:30 p.m.: KCRW’s Matt Miller hosts national politics commentator Matt Bai in an examination of personal scandal and high-level politics. Is the 24-hour news cycle to blame?
one
photo courtesy of TV on the Radio
7th Annual Halloween Party for Downtown LA Kids 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-2146 or DowntownLA. com/Halloween The property owners of the Downtown Center Business Improvement District invite Downtown L.A.’s children and their families to attend this annual party held on Halloween night at Grand Hope Park at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Enjoy puppet shows, bounce houses, crafts, video games, hot dogs, and “trick-or-treat doors.” Tickets to the event, which is Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m., are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Tickets are free for children younger than 2 years old.
Big Dance, an Organ’s Birthday, Crunchy Rock and More Downtown Fun
4
Brooklyn indie standouts TV on the Radio have made a career by toeing a most magical line between punchy rock and soaring soundscapes. As they prepare to drop their fifth album, Seeds, TV on the Radio are coming to Downtown Los Angeles. On Thursday, Oct. 23, frontman Tunde Adebimpe and friends will take over Hill Street’s Mayan Theatre. The show was originally scheduled for the Regent Theatre on Main Street, but got moved because the joint isn’t open yet. Get ready for a highenergy performance with funky grooves and crunchy guitar riffs. At 1038 S. Hill St., (213) 746-4287 or spaceland.tv.
3
learn We were as surprised as anyone to the t, fac in that Hurricane Mama is, lt nickname of the organ at the Wa ndble a not Disney Concert Hall and nch Fre ’ ans ed ice drink from New Orle , Quarter. Furthering the revelation ne rica Hur we’ve also discovered that than re mo of Mama is a conglomeration er eth tog rk 6,000 separate pipes that wo nd. sou ing to create an immense, billow 8 On Friday-Saturday, Oct. 24-25, at ., p.m 2 at p.m., and again on Sunday and ic on the Los Angeles Philharm n guest conductor Esa-Pekka Salone y hda birt py wish Hurricane Mama a hap acek, Jan by with performances of works spre no , ase Saariaho and Sibelius. Ple 850 3) (32 ents. At 111 S. Grand Ave., 2000 or laphil.com.
ROCK, POP & JAZZ Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. Oct. 21: Sheela Bringi and Clinton Patterson with Dhara. Oct. 22: Peter Mazza Trio. Oct. 23: Kim Richmond Ensemble. Oct. 24: Jazzgene. Oct. 25: Josh Johnson Quintet. Oct. 26: Brian Swartz and the GNU Sextet. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: The Magic Giant is actually four dudes and not a mythical creature. Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.: The big room in the back of the Bootleg opens its doors to indie rockers Hobart W. Fink and scrappy guitar-based quintet Via Echo. Oct. 21, 8 p.m.: Meanwhile, in the front of the house, Olin & The Moon will be singing about this, that or another with their alt-country sensibility.
photo by Federico Zignani
SPONSORED LISTINGS
The Don’T Miss LisT photo by Laurent Philippe
EVENTS
October 20, 2014
photo courtesy the artist
16 Downtown News
For unaware Angelenos: The Mall in Washington, D.C., is like the Beverly Center, except instead of store s they have museums where you can shop for ideas. On The Mall, the Smithsonian is preparing to open its Natio nal Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum’s founding director, Lonnie G. Bunch III, will be the guest at a Town Hall-Los Angeles spon sored event at the City Club on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 11:30 a.m. Bunch will be discussing the importance of history in African-American identity and the ongoing strug gle for harmony in these United States. At 555 S. Flow er St., 51st floor, (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.or g.
FiVe
China is in the news a lot these days. This week, Chinese film gets some of the attention. As part of a three-week showcase of creative works from the country, REDCAT hosts three nights of the China Onscreen Biennial. The screenings, presented in conjunction with the UCLA Confucius Institute (actually a thing), are MondayTuesday, Oct. 20-21, and Friday, Oct. 24, at 8:30 p.m. You’ll come for the promise of quality cinema from that booming nation, but you’ll stay for a glimpse at Beijing Independent Film Festival Jury Award-winning feature Stratum 1: The Visitors. At 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.
Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.
October 20, 2014 Oct. 22, 8 p.m.: Vintage sounds and modern complaints with San Diego surf rockers Barbarian. Oct. 23, 9:30 p.m.: Longstanding Toronto psych rockers Sloan return to confirm their commitment to art rock. Oct. 24, 9:30 p.m.: The cocktail tables will be full as Cuban jazz standout Roberto Fonseca drops by. Oct. 24, 9 p.m.: Canadian singer/songwriter Joanna Borromeo purports to have a broken heart. Additionally her Soundcloud account is tagged with things like #emo and #R&B. Now you know. Oct. 25, 9 p.m.: Raucous beach rockers and all around good dudes Francisco the Man will be dropping their new album, which is a nice way of saying they’ll be debuting their new album. It would be silly to physically drop an album unless that album was Whenever You Need Somebody by Rick Astley. Club Nokia 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com. Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m.: The Company Men would appear to be a boy band comprised entirely of adults. Oct. 23, 8 p.m.: We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: Just because Matisyahu trimmed his beard doesn’t mean he’s not committed fully to the premise of being the world’s only Hassidic reggae star. Oct. 24, 9 p.m.: Placebo sounds a lot like the Gin Blossoms on mood enhancers. Oct. 25, 9 p.m.: There is absolutely no information to be had about the Smoking Hot Halloween Bash 2014 except for a photo of skinny ravers dressed in costumes standing beneath a Chinese pagoda. Is this subtle commentary on EDM culture or something else? We don’t know. Escondite 410 Boyd St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com. Oct. 20, 10 p.m.: The Kat Koren Trio officially fills the corner stage to capacity. Oct. 21, 10 p.m.: Boys School and Trevor Menear would like you to know that just because they’re on stage doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings too. Oct. 22, 10 p.m.: Matthew Van Winkle, presumably the progeny of a long line of famous sleepers, sings his amplified lullabies. Oct. 23, 10 p.m.: Wicklow Atwater will rochambeau Skin & Bones to see who has to open and who gets to headline. Just Kidding! You’re always on first Wicklow. Oct. 24, 10 p.m.: The Escondite’s own singer/songwriter Paige Nichols returns home. Oct. 25, 10 p.m.: Snakearm promises to conjure up terrifying imagery for those afraid of both slithering reptiles and elbows. Oct. 26, 10 p.m.: RT N the 44s will make your troubles disappear. Did we say disappear? We meant temporarily adjourn to return the next morning. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. Oct. 23: “FLIGHT: Get Fit! Feel the Music! Take Flight!” Oct. 24: Andrew Bayer. Oct. 25: Paco Osuna. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m.: Historian Dennis McNally will be talking “music and race in the 20th century.” Plus five points if he can avoid uttering the word “Elvis.” Oct. 23, 8 p.m.: Daniel Lanois has produced more albums than we think you can appreciate in one lifetime. Nevertheless, he’s debuting another. Ham and Eggs 433 W. Eighth St. or hamandeggstavern.com. Oct. 20: Kokoro. Oct. 22: Dragon Fly. Oct. 23: Matt Jared. Oct. 24: The Withers Halloween Bash. Mayan 1038 S. Hill St., (213) 746-4287 or clubmayan.com. Oct. 23, 8 p.m.: Originally scheduled at the new Regent Theatre, tonight’s show with TV on the Radio will go on as planned. Oct. 24, 8 p.m.: Charli XCX’s smash single “Boom Clap” talks about the joys of falling in love, not the horror of waking up and discovering you’ve contracted a social disease. Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. Oct. 24, 8 p.m.: We’re not sure where you’ll be this evening, but this listings editor will be front and center for 94.7 The Wave’s evening with Fantasia and Brian McKnight. Oct. 25, 8 p.m.: Iranian-born jazz musician Siavash Ghomayshi will be rocking a thorough moustache tonight. Orpheum Theatre 842 Broadway, (877) 677-4386 or laorpheum.com. Oct. 22, 9 p.m.: At the rate he’s going, Nas is going to need far more than one mic. Oct. 24-25, 8 p.m.: Indie duo Broken Bells is the most interesting group to play the Orpheum on consecutive nights in the second to last week of October 2014. Redwood Bar and Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 652-4444 or theredwoodbar.com. Oct. 20: Acoustic Punk. Oct. 21: Hopeless Jack & The Handsome Devils with Scotch Apostles and The Kidneys. Oct. 22: Redwood Nights Video Party. Oct. 23: Thursday Night Booty. Oct. 24: Beach Buzz, Die Evil Die, Turbojuden, Nice Slacks and Jay & The Silent Boss. Oct. 25: Dirty Denim, Dirty Eyes, Schitzophonics and The Bloodhounds. Oct. 26, 3 p.m.: Laura Palmer, who we thought was dead, but apparently isn’t. Oct. 26: The Vibrators, L.A. Drugz, Des and the Cendents and Turbulent Hearts. Continued on next page
Downtown News 17
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
888-838-5089 635 W. WASHINGTON BLVD. • DOWNTOWNNISSAN.COM
NEW ’14 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S
LEASE FOR ONLY
189
$
TOYOTA OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
800-574-4891 1600 S. FIGUEROA ST. • TOYOTADOWNTOWNLA.COM
NEW ’14 TOYOTA RAV4
LEASE FOR ONLY
249
per month for 36 mos
Two (or more) at this price. $189 plus tax per month for 36 months on approved above average credit. MSRP $23,720. $1,999 down plus tax, license, and fees. $0 security deposit. 12k miles per year, 0.15 per mile in excess. Model #13114.
$9,499 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5S ....................... $10,999 Winter Frost, Only 80k miles. N141561-1/7N464819 2012 Nissan Sentra 2.0 .......................... $13,999 Certified, Black, 14K miles. N132228-1/CL746295 2008 Nissan Versa 1.8SL Hatchback ...... Winter Frost, Auto. N141721-1/8L355173
per month for 36 mos
$
Plus tax & license. Security deposit waived. Models 4430, 5 to choose from, $.015 per mile over 12k miles per year. $999 drive off. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excess wear and tear. OAC on approved above average credit.
$22,690 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman ........... $25,675 Silver, AWD, 4dr. T140395-1/WM14231 2013 Toyota Avalon XLE ........................ $25,999 Black, Carfax, 1 owner, 25k Miles. TU0829R/041243 2014 Honda CR-V .................................... Silver, 5dr. LX, Auto,10k miles. T142206-1/700464
VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
DOWNTOWN L.A. MOTORS MERCEDES BENZ
NEW ’14 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA S 2.0
NEW ’14 MERCEDES CLA 250
888-781-8102 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • VWDOWNTOWNLA.COM
LEASE FOR ONLY
99
$
888-319-8762 1801 S. FIGUEROA ST. • MBZLA.COM
LEASE FOR ONLY
329
per month for 24 mos
Automatic. $2,999 due at signing. Excludes TDI Clean Diesel® and Hybrid models. MSRP $19,085 (includ (including destination charges), amount due at signing excludes title, tax, options, $625 acquisition fee and dealer fees. Residual $11,832.70. At lease end lessees responsible for $0.20/mile over 30,000 miles and excessive wear and tear. 0%APR for 60 mos. 1 at this price. VIN EM322690. Offer ends 10/31/2014
$
per month for 36 mos
Plus tax, 36 Month closed end lease on approved credit through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. $2,499 CAP reduction, $795 acquisition fee. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options No security deposit required. 25¢ per mile in excess of 30,000 miles. Offer good on all with MSRP $33,925.
$6,308 2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan ........................ $9,227 Silver/Gray, 3.5L 6 cyl, Well Maintained! ZV2843/205469 2009 VW Routan S Mini-Van ............... $10,173 Blue/Gray, 3.8L V6, Auto, 1-Owner. ZV2883/559493 CARSON NISSAN
$28,880 2013 Mercedes E350 .............................. $38,991 Certified, Prem. Pkg.1, Low Miles!, Must See! 7735C/DA662426 2012 Mercedes ML350W4 ..................... $42,891 Certified, Prem. Pkg.1, Nav. Syst., 7692C/CA010050 AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
NEW ’’14 114 NISSAN MURANO S
NEW ’14 AUDI A4 2.0T
2003 VW Jetta GLS Sedan ..................... Gray, 4cyl., 2.0L, Only 74k miles. V141275-1/032111
888-845-2267 1505 E. 223RD ST., CARSON • CARSONNISSAN.COM
LEASE FOR ONLY
222
$
$14,800 2009 Mazda CX-9 ............................... Leather Seats, 3rd Row Seat, Rear Entertainment. CU14039/165856 $18,200 2010 BMW 328i .................................. $20,800 Prem. Pkg., Power Moonroof, Alpine White. CU1378P/M70053 FELIX CHEVROLET 2011 Nissan Altima 2.5 S .................... Carfax, Excellent Condition! Great MPG! CU1361R/440916
888-304-7039 3300 S. FIGUEROA ST. • FELIXCHEVROLET.COM
NEW ’’14 14 SILVERADO 1500 REG. CAB BUY FOR ONLY
20,400
$ MSRP ........................................................ $28,900 FELIX DISCOUNT .................................. - $2,750 CONSUMER CASH ................................ -$3,000 TRADE ALLOWANCE ........................... - $1,500
NET COST
AUTO SHOW BONUS CASH .............. - $500 USAA REBATE ........................................ - $750 (Must be current member and show proof)
TOTAL DISCOUNT ........................ $8,500
2011 Chevy HHR .................................... Gray/Gray. UC1764R-1/560394
2013 Dodge Avenger ............................ Gray/Gray, 2.4L 4cyl. UC1762R/607370
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser .......................... Black & White/Gray, Only 64k miles. F14978-1/002783
Certified, Sport, Moonroof, Low Miles! 7603L/DR290051
888-583-0981 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • AUDIDTLA.COM
LEASE FOR ONLY
315
per month for 36 mos
Plus tax. Close end lease. Above average approved credit. Payment net of $1000 Nissan Lease Rebate and $500 Customer Bonus Cash. $2999 cash down. No security deposit. 12k miles per year, 36k total miles- 15 cents per mile after. Subject to availability. Charges for excess wear and tear. Not all lessees may qualify, Higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Offer expires 10/31/14.
1 at this price. (EZ369787/F15594)
2013 Mercedes C250 ..............................
$14,998 $15,998 $22,998
$
per month for 42 mos
Plus tax 42 month closed end lease on approved credit. $2199 down, plus first month payment, tax, title, licensing fees and $695 bank acquisition fee.$0 Sec. Dep. Must qualify for the Audi Loyalty or Audi Acquisition Rebate of $1,000. $0.25 per miles over 10,000 miles/year. 1 at this offer EN022577.
$23,995 2010 Cadillac SRX SUV .......................... $26,703 Bronze, Low Miles! Reduced! ZA10815-1/608818 2013 Audi Q5 2.0T SUV ......................... $36,995 Certified, Silver/Black. ZA10808/064686 PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2011 Audi A4 2.0T Prem. Front Trak ...
Meteor Gray/Black, Sports Pkg., Blue Tooth. A150039D1-1/045947
888-685-5426 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • PORSCHEDOWNTOWNLA.COM
NEW ’14 PANAMERA 4S Executive LEASE FOR ONLY
1,299
$
per month for 36 mos
10k miles per year, P14802/064132, residual $73,097.60, 1 at this price. Down payment excludes tax, dmv fees, $895 Bank Acquisition fee, first payment and document fees. Rates based on approved Tier 1 credit through Porsche Financial Services.
$70,891 2013 Cayenne S Demo ........................... $73,899 Silver/Blk, Nav, XM, Prem, Pkg., PASM, Pk. 5k miles (DLA85183) NEW 2013 Panamera Turbo S ............ White/Black, Over $40k off MSRP, Burmester, Cruise. (DL090469) $149,988 2012 Cayenne S Hybrid Demo .............
Silver/Blk, Nav, XM, Prem, Pkg, Bose Pkg. 4k miles (CLA92041)
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
18 Downtown News Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la. Oct. 20: Ryan Dragonn Quartet is not a “Game of Thrones” themed band, but that shouldn’t deter you from coming in costume. Oct. 21: Between improvised jazz sets, The Makers have learned how to be soulful, relevant, considerate of others and worldly by ignoring every single word Ayn Rand ever wrote. Oct. 22: GG Jazz Knights mold the 1920s with the 1120s. Oct. 23: Cowbop attendees are encouraged to leave their firearms and cattle prods at home.
Oct. 26: Sheriffs of Schroedingham have the musical chops of modern blues veterans. The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org. Oct. 22: Crazy Eyes, Wax Children and Snow Wite. Oct. 24: Cinder Cone, Reptoid and Select Sex. Oct. 25: Medusa, Linafornia, Snatch Power and Sewage.
LAST WEEKS ANSWERS
S I N C E 19 7 2
ople@downtownnews.com twitter: DowntownNews
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.
Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim 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 clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla
S I N C E 19 7 2 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
©2014 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.
Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield
spaper for Downtown Los Angeles and residences of Downtown Los
Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla
Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin
72
wn News geles, CA 90026 : 213-250-4617 eople@downtownnews.com twitter: DowntownNews
ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie stAFF writErs: Donna Evans, Eddie Kim coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield
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.
5 OFF
LUNCH
SPECIAL
twitter: DowntownNews
CROSSWORD
News is a trademark of Civic Center
4 WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar 4 EMAIL: Calendar@DowntownNews.com
$
ne Holloway n, Catherine Holloway
Gustavo Bonilla
2 YOUR EVENT INFO
EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT
facebook: L.A. Downtown News
AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt
scher, Kristin Friedrich,
October 20, 2014
S I N C E 19 7 2 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 twitter: DowntownNews ©2014 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.
AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Steve Epstein, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla
Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins
©2014 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.
PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard
One copy per person.
Gourmet Fast Casual Restaurant Since 1973 7 Days-7am to 10pm • FREE Parking • We Cater 1657 W. 3rd St. at Union Ave. • 213-483-8885
*ANY PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE. 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER, PER VISIT. EXPIRES 11/13/14
*
October 20, 2014
DT
CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL
EMPLOYMENT General
lofts for sale
TheLoftExpertGroup.com Downtown since 2002
Bill Cooper
213.598.7555 FOR RENT
ABOGADO DE IMMIGRACION!
Immigration, Criminal, Accidents. Child Support / Custody over 27 years’ experience. Do you need a work permit? Tagalog / Español / Korean / Mandarin Chinese
Get your GREEN CARD or CITIZENSHIP Law Office of H. Douglas Daniel Esq., (213) 689-1710
SERVICES home improvement
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
homes/UnfUrnished
3093 Knob Drive Mt. Washington 2BR/ 2.5 Ba 2000sq. ft. Brand new. Panoramic views
Rene: 213.304.7004 $3,650/mo.
rene@vaughanbenz.com
RUBEN GARCIA: Experienced painter of interiors and exteriors. Does very good work. Reasonable prices. Call for a quote 323 - 622- 9583. psYChotherapY Life Coach in DTLA Reasonable Rates Real Results Mark Bollinger 909-802-4594 attorneYs
U.S. GOVT JOBS NOW HIRING Civil Service / Postal Clerks No Experience. Job Security. $20-75 an hour and Benefits CALL NOw! (855) 631-0850
LEGAL
apartments/UnfUrnished
fiCtitioUs BUsiness name
SENIOR APARTMENTS 62 + Studio $881 1 Bedroom $937. Balcony, Full Kitchen, A/C, Clubhouse, BBQ, Resource room, Laundry, SEC 8 O.K. Visit GSL SAN LUCAS.com 213623-2010.
Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014259858 The following individuals are doing business as: Friend of a Friend, 220 W. 5th St., Unit 806, Los Angeles, CA 90013 are hereby registered by the following registrants: Sarah Smith, 220 W. 5th St., Unit 806, Los
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 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. Angeles, CA 90013 and Shaheen Seth, 220 W. 5th St., Unit 806, Los Angeles, CA 90013. This business is conducted by a married couple. Registrants began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/15/2006. This statement was filed with Dean C. Logan, County Clerk of Los Angeles, and Monique Davis, Deputy, on September 15, 2014. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 09/29, 10/06, 10/13, and 10/20/2014. Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014276314 The following person is doing business as: LODON, 621 S. Spring, PH1210, Los Angeles, CA 90014, are hereby registered by the following registrant: William Scott Cordray, 621 S. Spring ST., PH1210, Los Angeles, CA 90014. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant has not commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above. This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk, and by Walter Williams, Deputy, on September 29, 2014. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and
Professions Code). Pub. 10/06, 10/13, 10/20, and 10/27/2014. Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2014248769 The following person is doing business as: 1) KOSHA DESIGNS GIRDLES, CURTAINS, AND FINE LINEN 2) WHAT’S YOUR FUNCTION? CHAPTER 2 PROMOTING JOY, PEACE, PROSPERTIY, AND BE IN GOOD HEALTH, 5647 ADOBE RD #57, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, 92277, are hereby registered by the following registrant: SHASHATIA GUTHRIDGE, 5647 ADOBE RD #57, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, 92277, This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/03/2014. This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk, on September 03, 2014. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, and 11/3/2014.
notice oF PollinG Places anD DesiGnation oF tHe centRal tallY location NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk’s office designated polling places for the GENERAL ELECTION scheduled to be held on November 4, 2014. NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s facility, 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, California 90650 has been designated as the central tally location for the
TheLoftExpertGroup.com DRE # 01309009
Bill Cooper 213.598.7555
TheLoftExpertGroup.com BRE #01309009
Voted BEST Downtown Residential Real Estate Agent!
Monthly from $700+ utilities paid. (213) 612-0348
Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.
LOS ANGELES 90013 9001407B CENTENARY UNITED METH CHURCH 300 S CENTRAL AVE LOS ANGELES 90013 9002089A WEINGART CENTER 554 S SAN PEDRO ST LOS ANGELES 90013 9003922A CENTENARY UNITED METH CHURCH 300 S CENTRAL AVE LOS ANGELES 90013 9003922B CENTENARY UNITED METH CHURCH 300 S CENTRAL AVE LOS ANGELES 90013 9007015A ANNE DOUGLAS CTR (LA MISSION) 310 WINSTON ST LOS ANGELES 90013 9007016A LITTLE TOKYO TOWERS 455 E 003RD ST LOS ANGELES 90013 9000618A PACIFIC ELECTRIC LOFTS 610 S MAIN ST LOS ANGELES 90014 9001370A MIDNIGHT MISSION 601 S SAN PEDRO ST LOS ANGELES 90014 9001370B MIDNIGHT MISSION 601 S SAN PEDRO ST LOS ANGELES 90014 9003886A MIDNIGHT MISSION 601 S SAN PEDRO ST LOS ANGELES 90014 9005022A HAYWARD MANOR APARTMENTS 206 W 006TH ST LOS ANGELES 90014 9001047B PICO UNION HOUSING 1200 S UNION
riBet aCademY
AVE LOS ANGELES 90015 9001288A LOS ANGELES JOB CORP 1031 S HILL ST LOS ANGELES 90015 9001348A LOS ANGELES JOB CORP 1031 S HILL ST LOS ANGELES 90015 9002155A LOS ANGELES JOB CORP 1031 S HILL ST LOS ANGELES 90015 9002364A TOBERMAN RECREATION CENTER 1725 TOBERMAN ST LOS ANGELES 90015 9003951B FIRE STATION #10 1335 S OLIVE ST LOS ANGELES 90015 9001499A UNION FERRARO TOWERS 455 S UNION AVE LOS ANGELES 90017 9001704C GRATTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 309 S LUCAS AVE LOS ANGELES 90017 9002146A GRATTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 309 S LUCAS AVE LOS ANGELES 90017 9005769B IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 847 GREEN AVE LOS ANGELES 90017 DEAN C. LOGAN Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk County of Los Angeles 10/27/14 cns-2678595# DoWntoWn neWs
2911 san fernando rd. (323) 344-4330 • r i b e t a c a d e m y. c o m
College Prepartory
Located in Los Angeles with beautiful 9 acre campus. A co-ed nonsectarian private school
Pre-School - 12th Grade CIF Champions Nationally Recognized Academics Performing & Visual Arts Marine Bio Lab
Open House Oct. 26, 1-4 p.m.
Join Our Professional Live/Work Community of Startups and Entrepreneurs in the High-Tech, Entertainment, Fashion, Legal, Finance, Consulting, Real Estate, Advertising Industries and More
TM
Downtown since 2002
Bill Cooper 213.598.7555
above election. Polling places shall be open between the hours of 7:00 am and 8:00 pm. Persons requiring multilingual assistance in Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino, Thai or Vietnamese regarding information in the notice may call (800) 481-8683. POLLING PLACES 9000029A ALPINE RECREATION CENTER 817 YALE ST LOS ANGELES 90012 9000464B EVANS COMMUNITY ADULT SCHOOL 717 N FIGUEROA ST LOS ANGELES 90012 9001097AANGELUSPLAZA245 S HILL ST LOS ANGELES 90012 9001686A WILLIAM MEAD HOMES 1300 CARDINAL ST LOS ANGELES 90012 9001841A WILLIAM MEAD HOMES 1300 CARDINAL ST LOS ANGELES 90012 9002072D EVANS COMMUNITY ADULT SCHOOL 717 N FIGUEROA ST LOS ANGELES 90012 9002547AANGELUSPLAZA255 S HILL ST LOS ANGELES 90012 9003185A BUNKER HILL TOWERS CONDO ASSN 800 W 001ST ST LOS ANGELES 90012 9005543C ALPINE RECREATION CENTER 817 YALE ST LOS ANGELES 90012 9000493B THE ROSSLYN LOFTS 451 S MAIN ST
5 Min. to Downtown on 2 Freeway
leGal notiCes
the LOFT expert!
Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA.
Downtown News 19
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
Monthly from $795 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151
Touring Daily 877-338-1010 1010wilshire.com stay@1010wilshire.com 1010 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017 ASK ABOUT OUR NOW MOVE-IN RENTING SPECIALS! For Filming & Events: filmingandevents @ 1010wilshire.com Also visit our Oceanside property at 1010oceanside.com
Fully Furnished All-Inclusive Turn-Key Suites
Live/Work - Up to 67% Tax Deductible
Voted Best Rooftop in Downtown L.A.
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
20 Downtown News
October 20, 2014
PIRKEY, 6
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)
Association. That resulted in the $250,000 settlement in January. Pirkey quickly recognized that more cases needed to be pursued. Feuer, who was sworn in in July 2013, agreed. Feuer describes Pirkey as passionate and tenacious, and deeply committed to finding systematic reforms to prevent dumping. Those attributes have also been noticed by Dan Helfenberg, program manager with the Midnight Mission. Helfenberg said that discharged patients show up at the mission so frequently without hospital paperwork that the facility instituted its own system, dubbed “Hospital to Homeless Service Provider Referral Process.” The specifics are outlined on its website, where hospitals can download a form intended to streamline the process. Helfenberg acknowledges the challenges facing hospitals, which focus on caring for patients, not the specifics of Skid Row. Sometimes, he said, hospitals attempt to release women to the San Pedro Street facility, though it only accepts men. If someone released from a hospital needs medication, the Mission asks that they have at least a 30-day supply. That gives Mission staff time to work with other area service providers on an after-care program. It also requires extra work from the hospital. Helfenberg said that when suspected cases of dumping arrive, Pirkey is quick to respond. “It may have been an innocent mistake, or the person who shows up may have lost their referral,” Helfenberg said. “But if we call the hospital [about a patient] and they say, ‘It’s not my problem,’ that’s when… Will gets involved.” If it turns out that it ultimately was the hospital’s problem, then Feuer may wind up at another press conference announcing another settlement. And Will Pirkey may, once again, be standing quietly a few feet to his right. donna@downtownnews.com
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 / Spa / BBQ Grills ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies
On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / 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
TOWERS T H E
A PA RT M E N T S
www.TowersApartmentsLA.com MAID SERVICE • FURNITURE • HOUSEWARES • CABLE • UTILITIES • PARKING
RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM
AROUND TOWN, 2 event, which runs from 5:30-8 p.m., is at Spear restaurant (at 800 W. Sixth St.). The gathering will feature remarks from 14th District City Councilman José Huizar and Carol Schatz, president and CEO of the Central City Association and the Downtown Center Business Improvement District. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested at rsvp@metrocharter.org.
Yet Another Arts District Housing Project
T
he development boom in the Arts District is continuing, with recently broached plans for a glassy seven-story apartment complex at 1800 E. Seventh St. Plans for the site, which were first reported by the Architect’s Newspaper, call for 122 live-work units and ground-floor commercial/retail space wrapping around a courtyard and paseo. The proposed design from Downtownbased architecture firm HansonLA would feature concrete façade paneling and a “sculptural glass corner” to give the exterior some flash. No budget or timeline have been revealed.
Community Mural Painting at JANM
M
urals seem to be increasing in popularity in Downtown. This week, the Japanese American National Museum gets in on the act, and is inviting members of the public to take part. JANM has commissioned a mural for the north wall of its Tateuchi Democracy Forum, at 111 N. Central Ave., and is inviting the public to pick up brushes and help paint from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. The mural, “Moon Beholders,” was designed by artist Katie Yamasaki. It features a young girl wearing a variety of traditional Japanese cloths used to protect and preserve items, including those being given as gifts. Anyone wishing to join in should wear appropriate attire (including closed-toe shoes). Volunteers will be adding to the lower portion of the mural, so no ladders will be necessary. No reservations are required and participation is free.
Correction The Oct. 13 article “After Six Years, Shuttered Downtown Pool to Reopen,” incorrectly stated that Downtown resident Lisa Napoli left the YMCA after the pool closed. She did not. She remains a member today.