12-16-13

INSIDE:

New Year’s Eve

Handbook pages 11-20

DECEMBER 16, 2013 I VOL. 42 I #50

OUTFITTING

BROADWAY With Urban Outfitters, Downtown Gets Its Most Important New Store in Years See story page 9

Get a Glimpse of MOCAtv | 21 Watch City Living on DTTV New Episodes Every Monday @ 9am on DowntownNews.com

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

Urban Outfitters’ Angie Biggs in front of the new store in the former Rialto Theatre on Broadway.

photo by Gary Leonard

Another Broadway Hotel | 10

2 Downtown News

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AROUND TOWN

Seven-Story Apartment Complex Proposed

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he Downtown Los Angeles housing boom continues: A 225-unit apartment complex has been proposed for the corner of Cesar E. Chavez and Grand avenues, on a parcel that currently holds a Burger King. The development at 720 W. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., which is also near the Ramon Cortines School for Visual and Performing Arts and the recently opened Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, would be seven stories tall and include 8,000 square feet of groundfloor retail space, according to documents filed with the city’s Planning Department. The project would include two subterranean parking levels. The developer is national company Wood Partners, and the property is currently in escrow, according to Brian Hansen, the company’s Southern California Director of Development. The parcel had been considered for housing in the past: The owners of the Burger King, Ralph and Larry Cimmarusti, planned in 2006 to raze the fast-food eatery and build a 31-story condominium complex dubbed the Lucia Tower. That plan stalled during the recession.

Wine Bar The Must to Return This Week

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ormer fans of wine bar The Must, your time is approaching. The popular joint that was shut-

December 16, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS tered in 2010 due to a messy property dispute is set to reopen at its new location on Thursday, Dec. 19. Located in The Jeffries apartments at 117 Winston St., the 2,800-square-foot space is significantly larger than the original location at Fifth and Spring streets. The new spot features expanded amenities such as a patio and a private tasting room in the basement cellar. The menu has also been upgraded by chef Drew Coleman and features both old favorites and new additions with a comfort-food influence — think hush puppies and shepherd’s pie. Proprietors Rachel Thomas and Coly Den Haan, who also opened and eventually sold rooftop bar/restaurant Perch, say they’re excited to refocus on their original Downtown creation. “I’m so excited about the new design and about offering the community a place that has all the amenities you could want with a warm atmosphere and no pretention,” Thomas told Downtown News last month.

Downtown News Editor Receives ‘Distinguished’ Honor

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he Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists announced its annual Distinguished Journalist honorees last week, and a Los Angeles Downtown News staffer is on the list. Executive Editor Jon Regardie is among those who will be honored at the SPJ/LA’s gala awards banquet in the spring (the time and location have not yet been determined). The awards, according to the SPJ/LA, go to “members of the profession who demonstrate good news judgment, a strong sense of ethics and a passion for getting the story right.” Regardie will receive the award in the category of print journalist in

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Chief Engineer Andrew Pira

30 Years @ Pac Mutual Building

newspapers with a circulation under 90,000. The other recipients are Los Angeles Times columnist Sandy Banks, John Brooks, a former reporter and anchor at KNX 1070 Newsradio and KFWB News Talk 980, Oswaldo Borraez, a reporter at Noticias Univision 34, and Damien Newton, the founder and editor of Streetsblog Los Angeles.

Local Arts Organizations Receive NEA Grants

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batch of Downtown Los Angeles arts organizations have a little more money in their

6th Street

December 6, 2013

coffers. Last week, U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra, whose 34th California Congressional District includes Downtown, announced that 15 local cultural entities have received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Eight are based in Downtown, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, which received $90,000 for the “Minimalist Jukebox” program, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is getting $50,000 for an exhibit by painter Mike Kelley. Three of the other recipients announced on Tuesday, Dec. 10, are headquartered at the Music Center: Los Angeles Opera ($60,000 for Continued on page 10

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4 Downtown News

DT

EDITORIALS

December 16, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

A Longer Art Walk

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he Downtown Art Walk that took place last week may have felt like every other Art Walk of the past few years, but something was different, or at least it was supposed to be different: The participating galleries along the event’s Historic Core route were scheduled to be open from noon9 p.m.

The galleries more recently had operated generally in the evenings, though some gallery owners in the past opted not to open at all on Art Walk nights, feeling that serious buyers don’t show up during the event on the second Thursday of each month. They had been scared off by the sometimes unruly crowds, and anyway, the art business is built upon selling to collectors, not walk-ins. Scheduling private visits for the serious buyers is a better experience for all involved.

The move to extend hours comes from Qathryn Brehm, a longtime Downtown artist and resident who was recently named the fulltime executive director of Art Walk. The push for longer gallery hours is an idea worth trying, and while time will tell whether it works, we’re glad that Brehm, who previously served as Art Walk’s operations director, is making the push.

It is no secret that Art Walk long ago lost its claim to being an event about the buying and selling of creative work. About five or six years ago, as tens of thousands of people started to show up in the summer months, it exploded into a veritable street party. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, unless your thing is selling artwork or policing the streets. Instead, it proved to be a huge moneymaker for Downtown bars and restaurants. It also boosted Downtown’s reputation, as people who had not visited the area at night for years suddenly had a reason to come out and wander the streets.

Since Art Walk’s founding, its leadership has had to adjust to shifting tides, and that hasn’t always been easy. Nearly three years ago, a group of area business leaders put up about $200,000 and Art Walk hired its first paid and full-time executive director, Joe Moller. Ideally the hire would have been made a couple years before, as the organization had endured growing pains and a leadership rollercoaster.

Under Moller, who resigned in September, Art Walk brought in corporate sponsors, and while some may have protested the commercialization of the event, that practice created a financial base that has allowed Art Walk to continue and to cover most of its expenses.

For much of the public, Art Walk still has little to do with art. That’s why we think Brehm’s move is a good one. Especially during the slower winter months, if she has an opportunity to get the galleries reinvested in Art Walk, and can create an opportunity for some actual art business, that’s a positive thing. We hope she succeeds.

Art Walk will never again be what it was when it started, and that’s OK. As Downtown evolves, so should this event.

LAPD’s $250 Jaywalking Ticket Is Shortsighted and Unnecessary

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owntown is a neighborhood where the residents and workers, for the most part, appreciate the Los Angeles Police Department. In fact, Downtowners for decades have had a generally enjoyable and positive relationship with the men and women in blue.

This is important, because the partnership between area community and business leaders on one hand, and the Central Division captains, senior lead officers and beat cops on the other, has played a key role in Downtown’s emergence into the thriving community it is today. As anyone who spends time here knows, even with all the positive momentum a criminal element remains, stemming in large part from the addict community in and around Skid Row. Recognizing this, Downtowners have been keen to work with the police to make the Central City safe.

It is against this backdrop that one has to consider the LAPD’s current crackdown on jaywalking in Downtown. As Los Angeles Downtown News reported last week, department Traffic Division officers are handing out a flurry of tickets to pedestrians who step into the crosswalk after the countdown clock begins and to drivers caught in an intersection during a red light while trying to make a turn. The jaywalking tickets usually run from $190 to $250.

These fines are egregious and ridiculous. They are also extremely shortsighted, as in one fell swoop the LAPD could undo the years of goodwill that it has built up with Downtown stakeholders. These kinds of tickets can make people dislike and distrust the department because they seem irrational. They don’t seem to address the real issue of safety, but rather a narrowly interpreted law.

When you hit someone with a ticket of $190 or more for a minor infraction, it doesn’t feel fair. Instead, it seems like the LAPD is needlessly punishing someone in the name of the letter of the law rather than pedestrian or traffic safety. It makes one wonder whether the department is just trying to meet a ticket quota.

Do we think that LAPD brass gathered in a room, rubbed their hands together greedily like Mr. Burns from “The Simpsons,” and decided that a surefire way to boost the budget was by cracking down on jaywalkers, as they are unlikely to protest en masse? That probably didn’t happen, but the size of the ticket does feel like gouging.

We understand the need to cite jaywalkers. First off, it’s illegal. It is also dangerous both to walkers and drivers. An LAPD lieutenant told Downtown News that four pedestrians have been killed and there

have been 129 pedestrian-vehicle accidents in Downtown this year.

These are serious numbers, and the department is right to try to halt what is sometimes a downright stupid activity.

As for automobiles caught in no man’s land, it is frequently the fault of those late-crossing pedestrians that hang them out in illegal territory. Often it is impossible to make a left turn without doing something illegal and clogging traffic.

A lot of things are wrong here, starting with the size of the tickets.

Penalizing jaywalkers is fair, but $50-$75 per infraction is far more appropriate. Even with that lower dollar figure, the message is delivered emphatically. Most people who get zapped once won’t be foolish enough to try it again.

Additionally, the policy doesn’t take into account the varying lengths of Downtown streetlights. Some you could start halfway through the countdown clock and make the far side easily, while others are impossible to cross unless at a dead run. For instance, going north between the Bonaventure Hotel and the World Trade Center on Flower Street there’s a crossing signal that only Jessie Owens could make.

In many cases, the people who are cited did not just dash blatantly across the street when cars were stopped or when none were in the immediate vicinity. (Also, should they really be ticketed if no cars are nearby?) Rather, in some instances the police have been handing out tickets because people merely stepped into the crosswalk after the countdown clock began. There could have been 15 seconds or more on the clock when they started crossing, enough time in many cases to get across before the light turns red. Few people know this is illegal.

The officers, however, rarely take that into account. Too often they don’t consider the context and instead just write that ticket.

A couple things should happen: First, the size of the tickets should drop to the $50-$75 level. Second, the LAPD brass should order the street cops to employ a sense of justice and logic, not to have a onesize-fits-all policy. This is a good time for new Central Division Capt.

Michael Oreb to make his voice heard. If Chief Charlie Beck, who has a good understanding of community relations and expectations, wants to weigh in on the matter, even better.

It is important to remember what is at stake. This is not only about tickets, but reputation. The LAPD shouldn’t risk blowing the goodwill it has earned by imposing some draconian punishments.

December 16, 2013

Downtown News 5

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

As Bridge Groundbreaking Approaches, Community Worries Arts District Residents Concerned Over Traffic, Construction Impacts From $401 Million Project

By Donna Evans onstruction is slated to begin in 2015 on the $401 million replacement of the Sixth Street Viaduct. Although that is more than a year away, area residents and business owners are already raising concerns over traffic, noise and other impacts from the project.

About 50 people showed up at a community meeting in Boyle Heights on Dec. 5 concerning the replacement for the 81-year-old viaduct.

Chief among the worries expressed is that city engineers and designers are using potentially dated material: Although the project’s Environmental Impact Report was adopted by Caltrans in 2011 and approved by the City Council that same year, it utilizes information prepared in 2007. That was before the Arts District saw a crush of new businesses, warehouse conversions and apartment complexes.

The EIR is legal, said Alfred Mata, the city’s principal civil engineer on the project, who indicated it is not unusual for a mammoth development to begin construction years after the EIR is drafted.

He said the Bureau of Engineering and the designers will take the area’s new projects into consideration as the process chugs forward.

The 3,500-foot-long bridge connecting the Arts District and Boyle Heights will close to vehicular and pedestrian traffic next summer.

Constructed in 1932, the concrete in the structure has been subject to an internal chemical condition called Alkali Silica Reaction, which has weakened the viaduct. Officials have long said that it is not in imminent danger of collapse.

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Intersection modifications will begin next summer. During the four-year construction period, heavier traffic is expected along Mateo Street and Santa Fe Avenue, as well as the side streets that connect those thoroughfares, as drivers head to bridges north and south of the existing span. That will occur as the area’s residential make-up shifts: Next fall, the first move-ins are expected at One Santa Fe, a 438-apartment complex across from the Southern California Institute of Architecture. In spring 2014, Legendary Development plans to break ground on a 472-unit apartment complex at 950 E. Third St. Thomas Trafelet, a resident of the housing complex Factory Place, said the EIR is “hopelessly out of date,” and called for a clearer understanding of the truck volume, noise and dust.

“Sixth Street is out my back window,” he said. “What is the path of all these large dump trucks? This is a quality of life issue.”

Michael Phillips, the owner of Handsome Coffee Roasters, said that it is already difficult to find parking around Mateo and Willow streets, just north of the Sixth Street Bridge. He is concerned how truck traffic will affect the area.

“The population over there is dramatically increasing. Will there be steps taken to mitigate [construction traffic] for us?” asked Phillips, who opened his business in February 2012.

Lawrence Danmore, a project executive from the firm Skanska, said it has not been decided whether the demolished concrete will be ground into aggregate, but if that happens, he said, steps will be taken to mitigate the dust

Construction on the $401 million replacement for the Sixth Street Viaduct is slated to begin in 2015.

rendering by HNTB

and noise. He also said the material could be hauled off the bridge as it comes down.

Mata said the plan is to minimize street closures and to have trucks haul away concrete and other materials at non-peak hours. But, as with any large-scale project, there are going to be impacts to the surrounding community, he said.

He also said that funding has been earmarked for businesses that will be impacted by the project, but did not cite an amount.

Tweaking the Arches The city in 2012 chose the Downtown office of HNTB Inc. to serve as the lead designer on the project. Also on the team are L.A. architect Michael Maltzan, Hargreaves Associates and AC Martin.

HNTB’s renderings feature a “Ribbon of Arches” that amplifies the sweep and style of the 81-year-old bridge’s original look. The project will integrate bicycle and pedestrian access,

open space and direct connections to the Los Angeles River. Some early details have been tweaked. Now, instead of the previous “X” configuration where the canted arches swoop into the base, the look is a “Y” configuration.

The bridge’s aesthetics will expand beyond the structural design. Felicia Filer, public art director for the city Department of Cultural Affairs, said the span will contain interactive artwork that is reflective of Los Angeles, with an emphasis on bridging communities. She said that $1.3 million is being set aside for a public art component. The intent is to make the bridge a focal point for the city.

Mata said community input is still being sought, and encouraged residents and business owners to direct concerns, ideas and questions to the project’s feedback page at sixthstreetviaductreplacement.org. donna@downtownnews.com

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6 Downtown News

December 16, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Huizar Plan Could Help Activate Dead Broadway Space

A new plan spearheaded by 14th District City Councilman José Huizar aims to reactivate vacant historic properties on Broadway by streamlining outdated building codes.

New Guidelines Aim to Facilitate Opening Businesses on Upper Floors of Old Structures

By Eddie Kim on’t be fooled: Above the usual noise and business along the historic Broadway corridor lies empty space — more than 1 million square feet of it.

For years, developers and property owners alike have struggled with how to work with the space, much of it empty, dusty and seemingly unfit for modern use. Though the potential for redevelopment always existed, the city’s complex building codes made tackling such projects an arduous, often-impossible task.

A new city program aims to strip away the red tape and finally offer developers clear-cut instructions on how to reuse historic buildings for commercial purposes such as restaurants, exercise studios and creative office space.

The Historic Commercial Reuse Guidelines, announced last week, is the result of five years of policy wrangling between the office of 14th District City Councilman José Huizar, the city Department of Building and Safety, the Los Angeles Fire Department, the City Attorney’s office and various architects and code experts.

The guidelines give developers ways to work with building requirements that were put in place for safety purposes but are now outdated and often don’t make practical sense.

“Meeting every modern code in the book in a building built a hundred years ago is simply

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not feasible, and it’s cost-prohibitive,” Huizar said during the announcement of the program in the Bradbury Building on Thursday, Dec. 12.

“Those factors combined to make revitalizing Broadway’s buildings not only intimidating… but also just too risky for most investors.”

Huizar has made reactivating business on Broadway one of his highest priorities since joining the City Council, and in 2008 he launched his Bringing Back Broadway initiative. The new plan aims to do for upper-level Broadway space what the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance did for the residential scene in Downtown. That effort, passed in 1999, led to the creation of thousands of housing units in old, defunct buildings.

The new program, Huizar said, will lead to the investment of millions of dollars on the street and the creation of possibly thousands of jobs, “all while preserving the beautiful historic buildings that line Broadway.”

Dealing With Code Many of the new guidelines address unwieldy permitting. For instance, if a building had once been permitted for a particular purpose (such as a restaurant), but over the years had its use changed, developers will not have to submit another expensive and time-consuming Change of Use request to restore past uses.

Other significant workarounds deal with in-

Energy Savings

photo by Gary Leonard

gress and egress issues. Previously, uses such as a yoga studio or art gallery were only allowed on the upper floors of a building if developers designed and built a second set of stairs. Now, a pre-existing set of stairs and a fire escape will suffice. Also, occupancy for upper floors can now be calculated based on the size of existing staircases, whereas developers formerly had to build new stairs to meet code standards.

In addition to the guidelines, the plan dedicates Fire Department and Building and Safety staff to help developers, architects and property owners navigate the redevelopment process.

The employees will have the task of interpreting the California Historic Building Code when the city’s regular building code creates conflicts with a historic property. Until now, the city lacked the resources and training for the interpretation of the CHBC. This clarification of the redevelopment process will help dissipate the cloud of confusion and doubt that hung over certain Broadway properties, said Rocky Rockefeller, a senior partner at Rockefeller Partners Architects.

“We’re looking for that piece of certainty that tells us, ‘Here’s the roadmap. Here’s what you

can do, here’s what you can’t do,’” Rockefeller said. “People don’t want to put a big chunk of money down if they don’t know what they can do with a building, so this is a big help.”

The Historic Commercial Reuse plan took five years to put together largely because of the same problem that developers ran into: Each troublesome requirement was linked to other codes or standards that had to be untangled before revisions could be made.

“We had to look at the intent [of building codes] rather than just the letter of the law,” Fire Battalion Chief Timothy Kerbrat said. “These guidelines help us maintain safety, but by offering options instead of forcing one unrealistic method.”

Huizar said he is optimistic that the Broadway plan, which could be expanded to other parts of the city, will usher in “another wave of development” in the Central City.

“I don’t think it will take 15 years like with the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance for residential,” Huizar said with a smile. “People will take advantage of this much sooner, and there’s a lot of momentum in Downtown.” eddie@downtownnews.com

’Tis The season for

• Use LED holiday lights, which last longer and use about 70% less energy than incandescent light strings. For extra savings, install a timer to automatically turn on and off your lights.

• In the kitchen, use right-size pots on stove burners. Check on your dishes by using the oven light instead of opening the door, which allows heat to escape and wastes energy.

• Cold outside? Snuggle under a blanket instead of turning up the heat. Make a fire in your fireplace and turn off the heat completely.

• Set your thermostat to 68 degrees all winter if your health permits.

• Insulate your home this winter by sealing and plugging leaks to prevent heat from escaping through windows and doors. Take advantage of LADWP rebates for energy efficient windows.

• Turn off outdoor and indoor holiday lights when you’re not home. This is also a good safety precaution to prevent an electrical fire.

• Use a power strip for electronics and holiday lights, and turn it off when not in use.

Visit www.ladwp.com for more energy-saving tips and to learn about our cash rebates for energy efficient appliances, windows, and other products.

Connect with us: Twitter/@ladwp Facebook/LADWP and YouTube/LADWP1

Metro Briefs

Go Metro for the Holidays Discover dozens of holiday discounts around town with Metro. Whether you’re shopping, dining or enjoying a show, your TAP card can help you save! And through December 20, you can also enter the “12 Days of Metro” Instagram contest for a chance to win exclusive prizes. See the list of discounts and contest rules at metro.net/holidays.

New Metro Bus Schedules December 15 Metro’s annual bus service adjustments take e=ect soon. Minor changes to improve e;ciency and e=ectiveness are coming to routes 60, 120, 167, 577 and the Metro Silver Line. Find the new timetables aboard buses in December or at metro.net.

Holiday Eve Free Fares Enjoy the holidays safely, with free service on all Metro buses and trains during Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. No fare will be charged from 9pm on Tuesday, December 24, until 2am Wednesday, December 25 and from 9pm on Tuesday, December 31, until 2am on Wednesday, January 1. See routes and timetables at metro.net.

“Ramp Jam” Ends for Wilshire/I-405 Interchange All ramps are now open on the I-405 as the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project nears completion. Overall, the interchange's eight improved freeway ramps add 75 percent additional capacity. For more information and construction schedules, go to metro.net/405.

Get Metro service alerts on Twitter Metro service information is available instantaneously on Twitter at @MetroLAalerts. Get up-to-theminute event detour updates, maintenance notices or holiday schedule reminders. Be the >rst to know by following twitter.com/metrolaalerts.

metro.net @metrolosangeles

Efficiency Solutions

facebook.com/losangelesmetro

14-1024ps_gen-pe-14-006 ©2013 lacmta

We love the holidays. Houses are decked with lights, ovens are working overtime, and movies, video games, and football flicker constantly across our televisions. But all of our favorite past-times use more energy than we realize. Following are a few simple ways keep electricity costs down while enjoying the holiday season.

December 16, 2013

Downtown News 7

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

AEG Launches Effort to Revitalize Convention Center Former San Diego Exec to Oversee Downtown Complex

By Eddie Kim hen it comes to hosting the biggest, most lucrative conventions, Los Angeles has long sat meekly in the shadow of two neighbors: Anaheim and San Diego.

Now, the new operator of the Los Angeles Convention Center has adopted a new adage: If you can’t beat ’em, hire ’em away.

Anschutz Entertainment Group, which in October won a fiveyear contract from the city to manage the Convention Center, last week named Brad Gessner the senior vice president and general manager of the Downtown venue. Gessner served as the San Diego Convention Center’s general manager for six years before joining AEG’s facilities wing in 2012 as vice president of convention centers.

He is one of several new hires and steps in the effort to boost the 867,000-square-foot complex’s competitiveness. There’s another bottom line, as bringing in more convention visitors will mean more patrons for Staples Center and the restaurants and entertainment venues at L.A. Live, both of which AEG owns.

Part of the Convention Center’s past failings stem from the fact that city management often resulted in delays and complications for potential clients. The AEG deal remedies some of those problems by allowing the company to receive advance payments, execute licensing agreements and oversee its operating account for the venue without prior approvals from a public governing board.

Making life easier for meeting planners and other clients is one of Gessner’s top priorities.

“A lot of cities struggle to run the business of a convention center when they’re stuck in a civil service mode, with civil service rules,” Gessner said. “And there are cities privatizing operations because it takes that extra strain off city resources.

We’re going to help streamline things for show managers tremendously.”

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photo courtesy of AEG

New L.A. Convention Center General Manager Brad Gessner served as general manager of the successful San Diego Convention Center for six years.

Cost-cutting is also a priority for Gessner. Some spending will be trimmed by piggybacking the Convention Center’s security, parking and other ancillary needs onto AEG’s current L.A. Live resources.

A bigger improvement will come through a staff overhaul.

Gessner has picked a fresh Convention Center crew of about 80 people, only 15 of whom worked for the city (the remainder of the 120 former employees took positions at other city departments). Gessner said that the departure of most city employees, many of them working at high pay grades, will reduce salary costs.

He also will make sure the staff stays lean, saying only 100-110

people are needed to properly run the Convention Center. He said at one point the city had more than 200 employees for the venue.

The city is paying AEG $175,000 annually to operate the complex. If the company meets certain booking and performance targets, that will double to $350,000 a year.

Reversing Reputation Other obstacles to revenue growth are more nebulous, such as the poor reputation Los Angeles has with many show managers.

“There’s a bit of an unfair stigma with Downtown. It’s a completely different environment than it used to be,” Gessner said.

“For a long time, L.A. wasn’t considered a viable trade show destination because it didn’t have the amenities or the hotels near the convention center. That’s not true anymore.”

In addition to Staples Center and L.A. Live, the area has new hotel projects, highlighted by the 1,001-room J.W. Marriott/RitzCarlton hotel that opened in 2010. Other complexes are in the pipeline: A 23-story hotel with a total of 392 Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn rooms is under construction at Olympic Boulevard and Georgia Street, and is scheduled to open in July 2014. The Ace Hotel, a boutique venue with 180 rooms, will open Jan. 15 at 929 S. Broadway.

A 450-room Renaissance Hotel has also been proposed on a parcel adjacent to the Ritz/Marriott tower, though it is unclear when the project will break ground.

Still, not all of the competitive disadvantages have been bridged. The Downtown complex is composed of two buildings — one of them 40 years old — when meeting planners prefer to have contiguous space at their disposal. As part of its Farmers Field proposal, AEG has looked at razing the older of the two convention buildings and erecting a new hall adjacent to the Continued on page 28

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8 Downtown News

Arts District to Get a Little Greener City Hopes to Break Ground on Half-acre Park Next Fall

By Donna Evans ith plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and apartment complexes opening, the thriving Arts District is still lacking one key neighborhood amenity: green space.

Come summer 2015, area workers and residents will be able to check that off the list, too.

The city Bureau of Engineering is working with the Department of Recreation and Parks to create a $1.6 million half-acre park at Fifth and Hewitt streets, just south of Urth Caffe. The money has been secured through Quimby fees, which developers pay for park creation.

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December 16, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

“There was a lot of interest in this park and we wanted to do everything we could to be inclusive of people’s needs and their views,” 14th District City Councilman José Huizar said.

Two community meetings have been held to glean public input on the project. A third will take place in January, though no date has been set.

Two conceptual designs are currently on the table. Each offers six- to eight-foot fences with an eight-foot wall for mural art, outdoor eating areas and plaza space, a playground, shade trees around the perimeter, concrete seating, and security and nighttime lighting. Concept A

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Neither design includes a dog run, though pet owners would be allowed to bring leashed dogs into the park, said CD 14 field deputy Miguel Vargas, who noted that the Arts District Dog Park is a little more than a block east at Fourth and Molino streets.

This is not the first attempt to put a park at Fifth and Hewitt. In 2011, the now defunct Community Redevelopment Agency led the charge and applied for a Proposition 84 grant.

The $5.388 billion fund has frequently been used to pay for park projects.

Although that application was rejected, the project is now powering forward. A groundbreaking is expected next fall, with a completion by summer 2015. donna@downtownnews.com

image courtesy Los Angeles City Bureau of Engineering.

One of the design options for a park at Fifth and Hewitt in the Arts District.

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Downtown News 9

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Broadway Ups Its Cool Quotient With Urban Outfitters, Which Opens This Week, The Street Gets Its Most Important Addition in Years

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By Donna Evans riving south on Broadway one recent evening, Angie Biggs marveled at the colored neon lights illuminating an otherwise dingy section of the street.

It had been decades since the 1917 Rialto Theatre’s letters last flickered to life. That was something Biggs, the Los Angeles district manager for Urban Outfitters, has been waiting to see since the Philadelphia-based clothing and accessories chain announced plans in May to open a store at 812 S. Broadway. Restoring the marquee, a city historic-cultural monument, was of paramount importance to the company.

“We like going into historic buildings and preserving the original architecture,” she said last week, pointing to original wood slats beneath the ceiling and metal beams along the exposed brick.

The store, which will employ 50 people, is scheduled to open on Saturday, Dec. 19. It’s the latest, but not the last, addition in an extended burst for the street. In March, Ross Dress for Less opened a 39,000-square-foot store at 719 S. Broadway. On Jan. 15, the 180-room Ace Hotel will greet its first guests at 929 S. Broadway. Also in the final stretch is a 5,000-square-foot outpost of the Stockholm-based fashion brand Acne Retail; the store in the Eastern Columbia Building at Broadway and Ninth Street will include a coffee shop.

The activity has Downtown Los Angeles boosters enthused.

“Broadway is on fire,” said Carol Schatz, president and CEO of the Central City Association and the Downtown Center Business Improvement District. “The whole street dynamic is going to change and it will spread up north.”

As she looks at the present and to the future, Schatz also points to the recent past. Just a couple of years ago, she noted, Broadway was lined with flea market vendors selling low-end merchandise. While many of those outlets remain, they are fewer and farther between, and now they are interspersed with additions such as the restaurants Umamicatessen, Two Boots Pizza and Les Noces du Figaro.

“Retail will bring more retail and dining options,” she said.

“This street is going to look very different just a year from now.”

Schatz’s sentiment is echoed by Derrick Moore, a longtime Downtown real estate broker and principal at the firm Avison Young. These days, when Moore gives tours of Downtown to those looking for space, he said he always walks down Broadway to demonstrate the retail renaissance, something highlighted even more since the relighting of the Rialto’s marquee.

D

Moore said the new additions — which in the spring will include Zara and H&M stores in the FIGat7th shopping center — will draw a younger demographic to the area, an age group that is not entirely represented by the daily workforce or residential base of Downtown.

With retailers often subscribing to a herd mentality, Moore predicts more will flock to the area, believing they will benefit from the Urban Outfitters consumer.

“This addition is going to do wonders for Downtown, and will truly validate it amongst the stakeholders making major investments down here,” he said.

Guitar Heroes Last week, as members of the Urban Outfitters design team hung shelves in the 10,000-square-foot space and assembled window displays, Biggs revealed an inventory component of the Downtown store that stands out among the clothes, electronics and housewares available in the other 38 California shops: new and vintage guitars. The instruments will average about $500, she said.

The guitars, she said, are a response to the number of musicians, artists and creative types living in the area.

“We’re always looking for ways to embrace customers’ interest, and music and individuality are a huge part of the culture of our company,” Biggs said.

The Urban Outfitters team is also taking advantage of the east wall of the store, where the movie screen used to hang. Customers can plop onto the beanbags, sofa or bench in the rear of the store to watch a montage of vintage movie clips projected on a brick wall. On the mezzanine, the designers hand-pasted 1,300 8 1/2-by-11 and 11-by-17-inch movie posters across the western wall. In a nod to the space’s theatrical history, track lights reminiscent of stage lamps hang from the 31-foot ceiling. Curtains made from jeans stretch across the fitting room stalls.

The renovation was a relatively easy one, as the interior had been ravaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Biggs said.

The most significant change involved leveling out the theater’s slanted floor and pouring concrete. The original brick walls were left, as were other older architectural elements.

Now, with the shop ready to open, Biggs said the company is eager to be a player in the future of the community.

“We’re confident Downtown L.A. is going to keep evolving and changing and we’re proud to be part of that and to contribute to it in a positive way,” Biggs said. donna@downtownnews.com

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10 Downtown News

Around Town, 2

By Jon Regardie n one new project, Downtowners will see the continuation of two trends: the growth of the hotel industry, and increased activity on Broadway.

A joint venture between developers Frank Stork, Channing Henry and longtime Downtown player the Kor Group has purchased the Case Hotel, a 1924 building at 1106 S. Broadway. They plan to turn the 107,000-square-foot edifice into a four-star boutique hotel.

The 13-story building, which is vacant now but recently housed facilities for the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles, sold for the asking price of $13.5 million. The acquisition, announced last week, was funded with private capital and a loan from Karlin Real Estate Lending.

A hotel operator and building transformation details have not been revealed, though the acquisition team said it intends to redesign the red brick and stone masonry property and target “Downtown’s growing population of creative professionals and leisure travelers.”

It is the latest move in the Central City for Kor Group, which was one of the first on the housing scene when it opened the Pegasus Lofts in the Financial District in 2003. The developer has also worked on the Eastern Columbia Lofts, Santa Fe Lofts and the Barker Block.

“We are thrilled to continue to participate in the re-emergence of Downtown Los Angeles,” the Kor Group’s Brad Korzen said in a prepared statement.

Stork and Henry are real estate veterans who have worked on numerous hotel projects in the United States and Mexico.

The project would continue a rush of development on the southern portion of Broadway in Downtown. An Urban Outfitters is slated to open in the former Rialto Theatre at 812 S. Broadway this week and a boutique Ace Hotel, with 180 rooms, is scheduled to debut at 929 S. Broadway on Jan. 15.

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Housing developers Barry Shy and Geoff Palmer also have plans to build residential complexes in the vicinity of Ninth Street and Olympic Boulevard on Broadway.

A timeline and budget for the new hotel project have not by L.A been announced. .D own tow repMike Condon and Ben Stapleton of Jones Lang Lasalle nN ews resented the purchasers in the transaction, while seller Jade Re ade Enterprises was represented by CBRE. rs regardie@downtownnews.com

AL A VE

bar proposed for Traction Avenue cleared a major hurdle last week, when the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee rejected an appeal filed by a longtime Arts District resident. George Rollins, who lives adjacent to the pub slated for the former Crazy Gideon’s building at 826-828 Traction Ave., has fought the Cedd Moses project since plans were announced in 2012. Moses had originally proposed creating two businesses: a 297-seat brewpub, slated for the building’s ground floor, and an 89-seat basement bar.

Moses withdrew the basement bar after a chorus of neighborhood opposition. Remaining is a brewpub that would serve craft beer brewed on site, along with pizza, in a space that would include 27 skeeball lanes and two ping pong tables.

The full council will take up the matter at its Dec. 17 meeting, but it rarely reverses decisions made the week before in committee. While Rollins expects the project to move forward, he said he plans to continue the fight at the state level, when the bar proprietors apply for a liquor license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. “Nobody wants a 17,000-square-foot bar right next door to them,” he said.

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The 13-story Case Hotel is slated to become a four-star boutique hotel. The 1924 establishment at 1106 S. Broadway most recently held facilities for the YWCA.

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Traction Avenue Brewpub Forges Ahead

photo by Gary Leonard

Historic Broadway Building to Become Boutique Hotel

a production of Billy Budd), the Los Angeles Master Chorale ($30,000) and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra ($22,500).

Grants were also given to two smaller theater companies: Little Tokyo’s East West Players ($25,000), and Cornerstone Theatre Company ($30,000), headquartered in the Arts District. The organization Piece by Piece received $30,000 for a project that will bring artists together with homeless children in Downtown.

“Whether it’s young, aspiring artists, opera shows, community theater, or contemporary art, the 34th District has it all,” Becerra said in a prepared statement. “I’m pleased that the NEA supports artistic efforts like these and contributes to a more vibrant Los Angeles.”

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Downtown News 11

A New Year’s Eve With Rhythm and Dancing A Very Eventful Evening

Do’s and Don’ts on New Year’s Eve The Last Supper

Season’s Drinkings

photos by Gary Leonard

The Procrastinators’ New Year’s Eve Party

12 Downtown News

NYE

NYE

NEW YEAR’S EVE HANDBOOK

December 16, 2013

With e v E s ’ r a e Y A New cing n a D d n a m Rhyth Downtown

By Kylie Jane Wakefield here are two types of people on New Year’s Eve: The folks who have kids and will spend the evening at home with a few tired friends and maybe they’ll be able to stay up till midnight, and you.

Fortunately, Downtown Los Angeles has plenty of places for you and all the rest of the folks who want to go out, have fun and listen to music and dance until the wee hours. All across the Central City there are places to get down and stay up late. Whether you are looking for a rave-tastic time or some pumping world music, you have plenty of options.

Here is a small sample of the rhythmic opportunities available on Dec. 31.

T

A Double Dose at Disney Hall: Over at Walt Disney Concert Hall, you can enjoy a night of samba and percussion pop, thanks to the Carnival at the Hall. The highlight is legendary Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes, who has released more than 50 albums and has thrilled millions with his bossa nova spiced with jazz and funk. He’ll be joined in Down-

photo courtesy Sergio Mendes

eople in On Dec. 31, P p in the Club Will Be All U

The Walt Disney Concert Hall gets a Brazilian twist on Dec. 31 as Sergio Mendes performs. There will be shows at 7 and 10:30 p.m.

town by Grammy-nominated singer and percussionist Sheila E., who has worked with Prince, of course, and almost everyone else of note in the music business. Brazilian dancers will be on stage accompanying the acts.

Perhaps the best thing about the night is that you have a choice of early or late shows. One performance starts at 7 p.m. and the second begins at 10:30 p.m., ensuring that you’ll be in the Frank Gehry building as the calendar changes. Tickets are $70.50-$197.

At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com.

Endings and Beginnings: Dance the night away at Club Nokia at L.A. Live with the Happy Endings party. The soiree, which

surges to midnight and beyond, will feature the beats of 102.7 KIIS FM’s DJ Drew, along with DJ Ink Fat and DJ R-Tistic. They’ll be spinning an assortment of hip-hop, R&B, pop and electronic music for more than 2,000 people.

Tickets start at $105 (yeah, New Year’s Eve is always expensive). If you want to be slightly separated from the riff-raff, there are $170 VIP ducats that provide admission to the very important people’s lounges, stages and floors, as well as a gift.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com.

Beauty and the Beats: Techno fans, pay attention: Exchange LA is where you’ll want to

be to ring in Jan. 1, 2014. Renowned British DJ John Digweed, who spins to huge crowds all around the world, is stopping in Los Angeles. Also on the ones and twos will be Claude VonStroke, a house and dance music producer.

The event at Downtown’s most notable EDM venue is 21-plus with tickets running from $50-$200 (the high end also fetches access to the balcony, a New Year’s Eve shirt, and a hosted bar). Perhaps most impressively, the night starts at 9 p.m. and keeps going until 6 in the morning. Bottle service is available, if you’re into that kind of thing.

At 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com.

Continued on page 18

December 16, 2013

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Downtown News 13

NEW YEAR’S EVE HANDBOOK

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14 Downtown News

NEW YEAR’S EVE HANDBOOK

Grand Park, shown here at the Fourth of July block party, once again welcomes the public with a huge New Year’s Eve celebration. As usual at the park, entrance is free.

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The Edison, in the basement of the Higgins Building, will hold one of Downtown’s most popular New Year’s Eve parties.

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By Kylie Jane Wakefield ew Year’s Eve can be one of the most fun-filled nights of the year. It can also be one of the most uncomfortable, a downside of the intense pressure to get out, have a good time and do all sorts of things that involve using the word “party” as a verb.

The night doesn’t have to be that crazy.

Downtown Los Angeles has a number of events that are just that — low-pressure events where all you have to do is show up and let the fun come to you. For some you don’t even need to buy a ticket.

Here are a few of the easy ways that Downtown will ring in the new year.

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New Park, New Party: You know all those nightclubs that charge $100 or more for a New Year’s Eve party? Grand Park, which opened in the summer of 2012, is not one of them. Instead, on Dec. 31, the 12-acre park stretching from the Music Center to City Hall is holding a gratis celebration for all who choose to attend. The highlight of the event, dubbed N.Y.E. L.A., is a gigantic 3D digital mapping presentation that will cover the entirety of City Hall.

There will also be an interactive photo booth, projections of Los Angeles and New York images (?!) on the buildings surrounding

photo by Gary Leonard

photo by Javier Guillen

NYE

NYE

December 16, 2013

December 16, 2013 the park, art installations, performance artists and food trucks. DJs will spin records while the Versa-Style Dance Company will perform some hip-hop and Afro-Latin routines. The musical headliner is Fool’s Gold, a Los Angeles-based indie collective. The event runs from 6 p.m.midnight.

All of the festivities are family friendly, and at 9 p.m., there will be an early countdown to New Year’s for all the native East Coasters; there’s a PST-appropriate countdown at midnight.

At Grand Park, (213) 972-8080 or grandparkla.org.

Katt’s Cradle: The comedian Katt Williams has endured his fair share of controversy over his career, including the infamous Oakland show at which he undressed and challenged audience members to fight. Expect things to be calmer on Dec. 31, when he brings his appropriately titled “Katt Is Back Tour” to the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live. Is the controversial, kushfriendly and sometimes ribald comedian in on the joke when people chatter over his antics?

Well, he does have a CD called 9 Lives, and his website features a “remix” of him telling a lot of pot jokes. If you’re on the fence, check out the website for samples, but turn down the volume at work. Showtime is 10 p.m.

At 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or nokiatheatrelalive.com.

A Boiler Room Blowout: Want to class it up this New Year’s Eve? Then head to the fantastic boiler room-turned-nightclub The Edison.

The venue’s annual New Year’s Ball is set to the tunes of funk and soul DJ Jonny Abrahams.

Also on the bill is indie band Magnolia Memoir,

Downtown News 15

NEW YEAR’S EVE HANDBOOK

Downtown on Ice is at 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or pershingsquareicerink.com. L.A. Kings Holiday Ice is at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (866) 788-2482 or lalive.com.

whose singer, Mela Lee, has been compared to Billie Holiday, Adele and Etta James. The $100 ticket includes a midnight toast and surprise guest artists. Table reservations are available for those who want to munch on the restaurant’s array of American food offerings like truffle mac and cheese, shoestring French fries and Shanghai wings.

At 108 W. Second St., (213) 613-0000 or edisondowntown.com.

Buck Up on Dec. 31: Get your basketball fix on New Year’s Eve by cheering on the Lakers, and the finally healthy Kobe Bryant, as they take on the woeful Milwaukee Bucks at 7:30 p.m. at Staples Center. It’s been an up-anddown season as the squad has struggled with the ramifications of No. 24’s formerly busted Achilles, but this is one game that the Purple and Gold should win easily. After the buzzer sounds, cross the street to L.A. Live, or head to another South Park restaurant or bar, to grab some drinks and grub and welcome the new year.

At 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or lakers.com.

A Brazilian Holiday: Another Downtown destination that traditionally throws a raucous yet refined holiday party is the Conga Room. This year, the L.A. Live venue is hosting the Electrico Carnaval, a Brazilian carnival-themed night.

Hosted by Latino 96.3 morning show personality Carolina Marquez, the event will feature a music and video performance from DJ Lurox, as well as Brazilian showgirls. While regular tickets are $35, the $65 VIP tickets include a fourcourse dinner. Expect to do plenty of dancing, with and without the showgirls.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-0162 or congaroom.com.

Glide In to 2014: Sometimes, the best part of New Year’s Eve happens well before the clock strikes midnight. That comes into play at Downtown’s two skating rinks, which are both open on New Year’s Eve, though each shuts before the calendar turns. Over at Pershing Square, the Downtown on Ice rink opens early on Dec. 31, starting at 10 a.m.; the skating lasts until 9:30 p.m. The holiday marks a perfect time to take the family. General admission is $8 and skate rentals are $2.

You can also head over to the L.A. Kings Holiday Ice rink at L.A. Live, which official-

photo courtesy Katt Williams

Comedian Katt Williams brings the laughs to the Nokia Theatre on Dec. 31 with a 10 p.m. show.

ly closes on New Year’s Eve. It is open Dec. 31 from 3-11:30 p.m., meaning you have the opportunity to be on the frozen stuff late into 2013. Tickets are $13, which includes skate rental. If you work up an appetite while you’re there, there’s a $30 dinner special (per adult, $20 per child), which gets you admission, skating and a prix-fixe dinner at Rock’N Fish, L.A. Market or Trader Vic’s.

After the Celebrating, Try Running: Not all New Year’s events happen on Dec. 31, and in the case of an outdoor run, that’s a good thing, if for no other reason than most people are too drunk to run that night. Smartly, the organizers of the New Year’s Race have scheduled their event for Saturday, Jan. 4. The race has three courses: a half marathon, a 5K and a kid’s fun run, all of which start at Seventh Street and Grand Avenue. The adults begin racing through the streets at 7 p.m., while the kids start at 5 p.m. Through Dec. 31, it’s $55 to register for the 5K and $125 to claim a spot in the half marathon. The fun run is for kids up to 12. The adult races give entrants a goodie bag and a hooded sweatshirt.

Information and registration at (213) 627-8484 or newyearsrace.com.

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16 Downtown News

NEW YEAR’S EVE HANDBOOK

Do’s and Don’ts on New Yea r’s Eve Downtown Bar Manage rs Offer Six Tips to Make the

Evening a Success

photo by Gary Leonard

countdown is happening.

“Pre-partying too much is never good,” she said. “Some people just look like a mess by the time midnight rolls around. Then what’s the point?”

On New Year’s Eve, it’s easy to get messy and wind up with a hangover. Area bar managers suggest getting a meal early in the evening and pacing yourself.

By Eddie Kim egardless of whether it’s to ring in 2014 or simply to forget 2013, almost everyone wants to celebrate on New Year’s Eve. That’s fine, but if you’re going out in Downtown Los Angeles, you need a game plan. We consulted three Central City bar managers on what to do and what to avoid. Here are their words of wisdom culled from years of experience.

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Planning Department: The big crowds on Dec. 31 mean your favorite haunts will probably be packed, and following a usual bar-hopping route may not work. Library Bar General Manager Andrew All advises starting earlier than usual and avoiding the temptation to bounce from place to place.

“Set out a strict plan for the evening and, if you can, stick to one spot that you like,” he said.

“You don’t want to try and switch things up

and just end up stuck in line everywhere.”

Travis Kulp, bar manager at Salvage, takes the advice further.

“Once you hit 9 or 10 p.m., don’t leave unless you have reservations elsewhere,” he instructs.

Kulp also pointed out that people tend to glorify partying on New Year’s Eve, leading to disappointment when it ends up more like a normal night of drinking rather than a fourth installment of The Hangover.

“People imagine it to be the most epic night, something that has to be so special — they treat it like their wedding, but it’s not,” Kulp said with a laugh. “It happens every year, and you’re setting yourself up for failure if you forget that.”

Rest Stop: New Year’s Eve can be a long night out. Casey’s Irish Pub Assistant General Manager Gina Alcaraz says that you need to be rested before starting. You don’t want to be the person getting sick or falling asleep when the

Have a Bite: Though small plates of food or snacks can be ordered at many bars, long lines and a focus on drinking can make a proper meal a distant priority. Thus, Alcaraz suggests finding a place to sit down for a bite earlier in the evening.

“Getting a real dinner at one place is easiest, even if that’s at a bar and restaurant like Casey’s where you can have a round of drinks as well,” she said.

Pace Case: While a meal is important, it doesn’t stop the drinking from getting out of hand later. Kulp says that it’s an amateur mistake not to pace yourself. New Year’s Eve should be about enjoying your company or meeting new people. If you’re not careful, the night can descend into a foggy mess.

“Everyone’s in a good mood, everyone’s dressed in their best, everyone is a friend,” Kulp said. “It’s what makes New Year’s Eve special, and you don’t need to hold back socially, so take advantage of that.”

Don’t Drive Time: Champagne has been popped, the countdown has been chanted and friends and strangers have been kissed. Now comes the most important part: Getting home

December 16, 2013 in one piece.

Obviously the worst option is attempting to drive after even a modest bout of drinking. It’s a recipe for an accident or a DUI. The experts also agree that trying to call a cab in the early hours of New Year’s Day is an exercise in frustration, as taxi services are flooded by requests from all across the city. Another option is rideshare providers such as Uber or Lyft, though whether that will be speedier is unknown.

Taking mass transit might be the best decision: All Metro bus and rail services will be free from 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. In the Morning: Kulp says that drinking plenty of water and staying away from cheap, lowquality alcohol during the night can help prevent a hangover, but even with precautions you can still end up feeling terrible.

The Library Bar’s All likes a traditional hairof-the-dog remedy (“Your usual Bloody Mary is nice”) and a plate of bacon and eggs, while Alcaraz prefers lighter, healthier fare.

“Coconut water is good, as is fresh fruit and some eggs,” she said.

Kulp, meanwhile, likes to go out for brunch with friends. As with everything else, preparation is key.

“Find a place you want to go to the night before,” he said. “There are few restaurants open on New Year’s Day, but it’s a good time if you get a reservation.”

Library Bar is at 630 W. Sixth St., (213) 614-0053 or librarybarla.com. Salvage is at 717 W. Seventh St., (213) 688-7755 or salvagela.com. Casey’s Irish Pub is at 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or 213nightlife.com/caseysirishpub. eddie@downtownnews.com

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Downtown News 17

NEW YEAR’S EVE HANDBOOK

Downtown Restaurants Gear Up for the Final Mea l of 2013

By Jon Regardie ew Year’s Eve is approaching, and before you decide where to go to celebrate the end of one year and the dawning of another, you have to get some food in your belly.

Actually, that’s only partly true: Sometimes, the two are one in the same, and it’s worth breaking in the next annum over a long meal with family and friends.

Fortunately, Downtown Los Angeles has a number of restaurants that can help you say goodbye to 2013. Below is a very small list of the places where you can get that last supper of this year, or your first bite in the next one.

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Three Choices: Patina, the flagship restaurant of Joachim Splichal’s dining empire, is sort of like a Ginsu knife on Dec. 31: You hear what they have, but wait, there’s more! The restaurant in Walt Disney Concert Hall has three “gala” seatings, starting with a 4:30 p.m. meal that features a three-course option ($80) and a fourcourse choice ($100). The 7:30 p.m. dinner has an amazing seven courses ($160), which ensures you’ll be hella full come the start of 2014 (yes, we wrote “hella full”). Things ease back a bit with a late à la carte menu seating at 10:30 p.m. Among the dazzling options are chestnut agnolotti, short ribs, poached Maine lobster and a chocolate clementine battera.

At 141 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-3331 or patinarestaurant.com.

It’s Hard to Say Goodbye: It’s not too often that you have a literal last supper, but that’s the case on Dec. 31 at the Spice Table. The adored restaurant from chef/owner Bryant Ng is being displaced by construction on the Downtown Regional Connector, and on Dec. 31, Ng is hosting an all-you-can-eat-and-drink blowout. Ng has engineered a loyal following over the past three years, and expect his fans to show up for a final taste of his inventive dishes with a Southeast Asian spin. Expect to sample shared-plate favorites such as the raw yellowtail, the assortment of satays, the beef rendang, the laksa (a noodle dish) and much more. Dinner runs from 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. and is $75 a head, and when they’re out of something, they’re really out of it.

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

Ooh la la, dinner!: The Arts District is all the rage these days. So it’s no surprise that the neighborhood is a destination on Dec. 31. Among the choices is Church & State, the French restaurant on the ground floor of the Biscuit Company Lofts. It has two New Year’s Eve dinner seatings: A 6-8:15 p.m. meal delivers four courses ($75), with choices including wild mushroom soup and beef tenderloin (an optional wine pairing is $38). The

8:30 p.m. meal provides six courses ($95), and in addition to the previous dishes, options include a braised pork belly and, for dessert, a chilled poached pear. At the latter seating the wine pairing runs $48.

At 1850 Industrial St., (213) 405-1434 or churchandstatebistro.com.

The Choice Is His: The Old Bank District restaurant Orsa & Winston is part of a burgeoning “omakase” trend, in which you make a reservation and the esteemed chef decides what you’ll consume. In this case, the diners are the culinary guinea pigs of Josef Centeno, who previously opened Bäco Mercat and Bar Ama. The recently debuted Orsa & Winston marks Centeno’s dive into fine dining, and on New Year’s Eve he’ll have what the reservations site Opentable.com describes as a “6-course tasting menu with optional bubbles pairing.” What will you eat? The only way to find out is to make a reservation.

At 122 W. Fourth St., (213) 687-0300 or orsaandwinston.com.

Tabla Rosa: The L.A. Live restaurant Rosa Mexicano is saying adios to 2013 with a special holiday menu. In addition to the regular offerings, there is a two-course prix-fixe menu. The entrée is a choice of braised pork shank or roasted turkey, and dinner closes with a sticky pumpkin cake. There are also plenty of specialty cocktails.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 746-0001 or rosamexicano.com.

Say It With Sake: Another Dec. 31 option at L.A. Live is Katsuya, the striking restaurant featuring the creations of chef Katsuya Uechi.

They’ll be doing New Year’s Eve with an assortment of dishes the small chain has become

photo courtesy of Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse

The Last Supper

Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse has a three-course prix-fixe dinner on New Year’s Eve.

known for, among them the yellowtail sashimi and the wagyu tenderloin. There is also a large sushi and robata selection, along with plenty of sake choices and specialty cocktails.

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 747-9797 or katsuyarestaurant.com.

Calling All Carnivores: Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse is closing out 2013 with, what else, some red meat. The Bunker Hill establishment has a three-course menu ($79) built around a choice of filet mignon or a dry-aged New York strip. Start with diver scallops or blackened hamachi and finish dinner off with either citrus carpaccio or chocolate banana parfait. For an additional $35, you can get a side of caviar and a glass of champagne.

At 330 S. Hope St., (213) 680-0330 or patinagroup.com. regardie@downtownnews.com

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Like the ponies that inspired Shamrock, our checking accounts deliver the convenience and services to help you better manage your money throughout the year.

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To qualify for the plush pony, customer must be a new Wells Fargo consumer or business checking customer, open and fund a new eligible Wells Fargo Checking Package checking account, Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account (where available), or Wells Fargo Business Services® Package checking account with a $50 minimum opening deposit. All Wells Fargo Checking Packages®, the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account, and Wells Fargo Business Services Packages are eligible for this offer. See banker for account details. Offer valid from 11/18/2013 through 12/31/2013 only, or while supplies last, and cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one plush pony per customer. Customer will receive the plush pony at the time of opening and funding the new Wells Fargo Checking Package® checking account, Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account, or Wells Fargo Business Services® Package checking account.

Offer is only available at participating Wells Fargo banking locations. Wells Fargo team members are not eligible for this offer.

To qualify for the plush pony, a new Wells Fargo consumer or business checking customer must present a referral card (photocopies cannot be accepted) and open a new eligible Wells Fargo Checking Package checking account, Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account (where available), or Wells Fargo Business Services Package checking account with a $50 minimum opening deposit. All Wells Fargo Checking Packages, the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account, and Wells Fargo Business Services Packages are eligible for this offer. See banker for checking package details. Offer valid from 11/18/2013 through 12/31/2013 only, or while supplies last, and cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one plush pony per customer. Referring customer must be an existing Wells Fargo consumer or business checking customer. If all eligibility requirements are met, new customer will receive a plush pony at the time of opening and funding the new Wells Fargo Checking Package checking account, Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account, or Wells Fargo Business Services Package checking account, and the referring customer will be contacted within 30 days to make arrangements to receive a plush pony. All accounts must be funded during promotional period. Offer is only available at participating Wells Fargo banking locations. Wells Fargo team members are not eligible for this offer. © 2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Materials expire on 12/31/2013. ECG1016961

18 Downtown News

December 16, 2013

NEW YEAR’S EVE HANDBOOK

Music, 12 Party Until Sunrise: The Exchange isn’t the only place in Downtown offering a chance to dance until the crack of dawn. You can also shake it till 6 a.m. at The Belasco, a beautifully restored, 45,000-square-foot mega-club on Hill Street next to the Mayan Theatre. The Belasco NYE event will offer flying acrobats, a balloon drop, confetti and a champagne toast. DJs will be spread across six rooms playing a mix of hip-hop, top 40 and electronic dance music. Tickets start at $25, with an open bar option for $100. There are also a series of packages, including one which offers balcony seating, providing a unique view of the aerialists.

At 1050 S. Hill St., (213) 746-5670 or thebelascotheater.com.

Sweaty and Loud: We think we can figure out what the letters stand for in the OMFG! NYE event at the Shrine Auditorium. We also think we can figure out what the night will be like: sweaty, energetic and loud. That’s to be expected at a party

featuring EDM and hip-hop DJs and artists, among them Boys Noize, Madeon, GTA, DJ Snake and Brazzabelle. The event at the huge hall near USC starts at 7:30 p.m., though don’t feel a need to arrive that early — the fun lasts until 2 a.m. Tickets are general admission and go from $40-$60. BTW, the website has a big list of things you cannot bring inside, among them drugs, spray paint, balloons, pets, pacifiers and cowbells. That’s right, less cowbell.

At 665 W. Jefferson Blvd., (213) 748-5116 or mylifeeveryday.com.

Holiday of Lights: This will mark the 14th year for Masterbeat, a huge dance party that offers techno and house music. Dance with more than 5,000 of your closest friends at The Mayan to the sounds of DJs Aron and Alyson Calagna; it all takes place amid a cascade of wild laser lights and 3D LED walls. At midnight, a compilation of video clips from the past year will be shown. The party goes from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. and tickets are $125.

At 1038 S. Hill St. or masterbeat.com

photo by Michael Tullberg

There are plenty of Downtown opportunities to ring in the new year on the dance floor. Highlights include a set by John Digweed at the Exchange L.A. nightclub, and EDM-heavy shows at the Mayan Theatre and Shrine Auditorium.

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NYE

NYE

NEW YEAR’S EVE HANDBOOK

By Donna Evans ew Year’s Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year, and while some Downtowners may think they’re pretty adept at celebrating, locals are not breaking any ground: Toasting to friends and loved ones to mark the end of one orbit and the beginning of another actually dates to the ancient Babylonians, some 4,000 years ago.

On Dec. 31, some do it up while others dial it down. But whether your party is a grand event where guests dress to the nines, or a low-key soiree with a few friends, a few of those in the Downtown Los Angeles libation business have helpfully identified some must-

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Jamil C. Williams, the wine buyer for Buzz Wine Beer Shop (shown shortly after the store opened in 2011), says New Year’s Eve is all about one thing: champagne.

have beverages for the evening’s inventory.

Three local figures shared their New Year’s Eve sipping secrets.

Williams Tells: Jamil C. Williams, the wine buyer for Buzz Wine Beer Shop, associates one word with New Year’s Eve: champagne.

While many know that real champagne is a sparkling wine from Champagne, France, a lesser known fact is that the smaller and faster the bubbles, the better the beverage, said Williams, who’s been the buyer for the last two and a half years at the Historic Core store.

“You can drink the right champagne all night long and won’t have a headache the

next day. That comes from grocery store swill,” he said, noting that the higher sugar content in cheap sparkling wine often produces the next day’s thumping pain.

Williams’ most economical recommendation for Dec. 31 is the Charles Bove sparkling chenin blanc ($17). It’s from the Loire Valley in France, and he challenges champagne aficionados to take a blind taste test and not choose the Bove over a higher hyped, higher priced brand.

Williams also likes a muscato from the Piemonte region in Northwestern Italy called Cellario ($20). It’s a low alcohol content drink (only 5.5%) and is a sweet, elegant choice that is perfect for toasting, he said. He described the taste as “rose water with orchard fruit and a lemon zest.”

If you’re willing to spend more, or just want to show guests and friends that you know good bubbly, Williams points to the Barnaut Grand Cru Grande Reserve ($54) from Champagne. The effervescent beverage is partly made from dark grapes: two-thirds pinot noir and one-third chardonnay.

“It’s a very old-school champagne, low in sugar and a little dryer. No headache here,” he said.

At 460 S. Spring St., (213) 622-2222 or buzzwinebeershop.com.

Pour Ideas: Over in the Arts District, Pour Haus proprietor Lorena Porras said one of her favorite beverages to bring to a party is Cyril Zangs sparkling cider ($20). The spirit from Normandy, France, is a mix of different apple varieties — sweet, sweet-bitter, sour and tart — and is light and low in alcohol.

Her other favorite is Figli Lambrusco ($20) from Italy’s Emilia Romagna region. The fes-

Downtown News 19 tive red pairs well with charcuterie, offers a low alcohol content and has a bit of bubble to it. Porras, who opened Pour Haus in November 2011, called it a “people pleaser.”

A third can’t-miss option is Valpolicella Ripasso ($24) from Veneto, Italy. The wine features earthy characteristics perfect for this time of year, she said.

“If you walk into a party with any of those you will be very popular,” Porras said.

At 1820 Industrial St., (213) 327-0304 or pourhauswinebar.com.

Beyond Bubbles: Not everyone gets a kick from champagne. Sometimes, a party needs something a little simpler, and maybe a lot harder.

At Grand Central Market Liquor, employee Frederico Lopez reached for Buchanan’s 12-year-old blended scotch whisky ($37) when asked what he would tote to a festivity with friends. Not only is it a solid drink, he said, but it comes inside a decorative box.

Just as fun, he said, is a Ciroc Vodka ($36) from France. He said the peach-flavored spirit is the most popular, but the market also sells regular and red berry versions.

For his last recommendation, Lopez climbed nine rungs up the wooden ladder that leans against the bustling market’s shelves to pinpoint another holiday party favorite: Hpnotiq ($24). The liqueur is comprised of fruit juices, vodka and cognac.

“The ladies really like it,” he said, adding that it can be consumed straight, but is often mixed with orange juice.

At 317 S. Broadway, (213) 628-1040 or grandcentralmarket.com. donna@downtownnews.com

20 Downtown News

December 16, 2013

NEW YEAR’S EVE HANDBOOK

NYE

with stained carpeting and secondhand bookshelves jammed with secondhand books were staring up at an ancient white clock with simple black numbers.

The silver second hand moved smoothly though, un under the watch of scores of eyes, it felt like it was tak taking forever.

“5…4…” se of a C a s a W The couples in the Boston apartment edged closy ll Rea One Night, It er, fingers clumsily clasping, arms being draped over r e v an Ne shoulders and bodies in heavy sweaters pressing Better Late Th against each other. With silly hats and Mardi Gras beads the crowd sensed the arrival of something momentous, even if it came with a twist.

“3…2…”

The countdown voices were growing louder, and in those final few seconds everyone in the room had the palpable sense that yes, we were sharing a secret, that yes, this is happening.

The grins were wide. Hands holding bottles and wine glasses and shot glasses and, in one case, a shot glass filled with milk, began to rise.

“1…”

The last second ticked away. The minute hand, the hour hand and the second hand all unified like soldiers in a singlefile drill line and pointed due north.

“HAPPPPPPY NEW YEARRRRRRRRRRR!”

By Jon Regardie The grating roar of noisemakers sounded and shouts of he room was small but the crowd loud, the happily glee spilled, no doubt sparking surprised reactions among the buzzed, cheerily inebriated and stone sober all joining residents of other units in the building. Glasses clinked. Drinks together as one. were gulped. Eager kisses, some wet, some sloppy, many long, “10…9…8…”

To my right was a keg. I think. It might have been on my left. were exchanged.

The clock had struck midnight.

But there was definitely a keg. There was also a rickety table It was now, officially, Sunday, Jan 13, 1991. made somewhat stable by the weight of a couple dozen botYes, it was Jan. 13 — Jan. 12 was so yesterday — and we tles, mostly inexpensive stuff — wines under $10, beers that never heard the words “craft” or “microbrew.” The empties were were exactly 13 days, or 312 hours, past the precise moment deposited on the mantel, tables, the kitchen counter, the floor, that the calendar had turned to mark a new year.

It was the Procrastinators’ New Year’s Eve party, and more wherever. than two decades later, the ultimate celebration of things you “7…6…” can do today but put off until tomorrow remains one of my faThe anticipation grew as the seconds literally ticked away.

The three dozen or so people gathered in the small apartment vorite memories of the changing of the calendar.

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I don’t remember whose party it was. We were young, sometimes stupid, and able to impress ourselves with the wackiness of whatever deeds we invented or games we joined. This was the time when, going from one party to another, someone would choose to ride in the trunk because the car was crowded and, well, when else would you ride in a trunk? This was the time when, if you didn’t have access to a car, and that was often the case, you’d walk from party to party, though somehow when 12 of you made a four-block trek the first person arrived 10 minutes before the last one.

I’d wound up at the party thanks to a friend, or maybe a friend of a friend. The invite, which came just a few hours before the 11 p.m. arrival, had provoked the expected, wideeyed, “Huh? What’s a Procrastinator’s New Year’s Eve party?”

Then it was all explained, that you showed up, greeted the roommate hostesses and did the things that people normally did at midnight on Dec. 31.

It was all one long joke, of course, but it was a darn good joke. With the “New Year” having hit you played it up, wandering the room, hugging friends, wishing strangers, especially the cute ones of the opposite sex, a “Happy New Year.” No one sang “Auld Lang Syne” because, when you’re in your early 20s, no one ever sings “Auld Lang Syne.” Instead the glee spilled, the drinks were sipped and the shot glasses were refilled, even the one with milk from the person who eschewed alcohol.

We didn’t stay too long, leaving barely 30 minutes after the arrival of the “New Year,” but when we walked out the door, it wasn’t quite the same as when we left all the other parties.

This one would resonate.

I wasn’t the only one for whom the Procrastinators’ New Year’s Eve party idea stuck. A friend who would one day move to the Bay Area picked it up, and over time her celebration gained serious traction. Ultimately she’d send out invites weeks in advance, and more than 100 people would be on hand on the Saturday evening a couple weeks after the new year arrived. As people grew older and slightly more mature they’d don fancy clothes and buy better wine. They may have even chirped a couple lines of “Auld Lang Syne.” regardie@downtownnews.com

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Downtown News 21

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CALENDAR

Art for the Internet-Connected Masses MOCAtv Takes High and Low Art to YouTube and Beyond

DEC 2

The channel was largely the brainchild of reBy Eddie Kim cently departed museum Director Jeffrey Deiere are some of the things you can tch, and offers a mix of low- and high-culture see on MOCAtv, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s YouTube channel: ws art. There are scholarly conversations with artwntownNe /L.A.Do ok.com Facebothat ists, but also frenetic music videos, experimenAsher Roth rapping “Mary Kate taught tal films and glossy documentaries. me S&M” over a scrolling collage of garish While many might expect MOCAtv to be party pictures; a humorous lesson on how Like Downtown News on Facebook all about MOCA, that’s not the case at all. Alto silk-screen in your bathroom; a creepy si& Be Entered to Win Movie Tickets! though some videos relate to an exhibit at the lent Western with clowns; an interview with museum — Goldin’s interview focuses on her award-winning photographer Nan Goldin.

“Ballad of Sexual Dependency” series, which is If it feels like a wild mash of disparate subcurrently on view at the Grand Avenue musejects, it is, and that’s precisely the point. At the um as part of the Room to Live show — others same time, it is also reflective of the Downtown-based museum as it seeks to reach an au- have nothing to do with what is on display.

“There’s no formula for this. We’re just trying dience that is literally around the globe. everything,” said Emma Reeves, creative direcMOCAtv was born in July 2012 in conjunctor of MOCAtv. “We make content that fits with tion with YouTube’s initiative to host 100 chanthe museum’s philosophy — stories that are nels with original content, and was funded by maybe underground or experimental, but also a one-time grant from Google. In the process, reaches out to a new audience.”

MOCA became the first contemporary art muE-NEW Reeves’ partner in the project is John Toba, seum toSpartner with a major media company om s.c New wn nto N UP Sign up at Dow whose title is head of production. The duo forSIG online video programming. spend their time brainstorming ideas and figurA year and a half later, the channel has Up for Our views E-News & out whether a given project is better to do racked upSign more than 5 million and Blasts ing Be Entered Movie Tickets! in-house, with the help of editor Tom Salvag160,000 subscribers withto 374Win videos.

It is also gio and Associate Director of Digital Media Bret continuing to explore the boundaries of what Nicely, or with outside producers, who submit art can be, including with the Friday, Dec. 20, proposals for a given idea and are found largely launch of a new comedy series, “Ambiance Man,” that stars Jack Black and former “Saturday through word of mouth within MOCA’s network.

Night Live” and current “Portlandia” stalwart “We work with a lot of L.A.-based artists to Fred Armisen.

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The MOCAtv YouTube channel features videos with a wide array of subjects and styles. Shown are scenes from (left) a video for “True Vulture,” from rap outfit Death Grips, and (right) a still from Marnie Weber’s Western Song.

an interview about her work. Regarding the latdo our videos,” Reeves said. “We’ll reach out to ter, she observed that hearing an artist speak someone because another artist recommends them, or maybe they’ve worked with us before.” about their work on the channel adds context Starts Dec 6/and Decunderstanding 13 for a viewer.

Despite the varying seriousness of the vidThen there’s another, unexpected benefit: eos, they all flaunt strong production values The process can also help the artist. and look carefully crafted. Many projects can “It makes me think about my work in hindtake weeks or months to make, Reeves said, sight, and it’s kind of like having a dream and and sometimes even longer: A documentary waking up and thinking, ‘What was that all about street posters, titled 3 Union Shop — The about?’” Weber said. “So it helps to analyze my Colby Poster Printing Company, took a year. creativity in that sense.”

“We can’t be sloppy about it because we There’s also a bottom line to address. MOCA can’t change it or do it over if we put it up. It’s must constantly contend with the issue of aton the Internet forever,” Reeves said. tracting new audiences, and for Reeves, the Ultimately, Reeves’ hope is that people who YouTube channel is a way to reach people who are attracted to one thing — say, a music vidmight not be familiar with the museum. But eo by Björk, which currently has more than 2 while she said MOCAtv earned a warm recepmillion views — will stumble onto something tion at the start, some in the art scene were they’ve never heard of and be intrigued by it. hesitant about the project.

The thought process is akin to how a wellStarts Dec 13/Dec 20 “There’s been resistance from people who curated museum can help you discover new don’t necessarily understand why we’re doing artists even if you walk in to see a particular exthis and are unsure about putting art on Youhibition. Los Angeles-based artist Marnie WeTube,” Reeves said. “But there’s something for ber has experienced that effect firsthand.

“MOCAtv just opened my work up to a much everyone, whether it’s a more accessible clip or a long, scholarly discussion.” larger audience and a much younger crowd,” Reeves suggests that the whole point of MOWeber said. “People write to me saying that CAtv, in a way, is to prove that art can attract they discovered me through those videos, and anyone. In that aspect, it’s fitting that the chanit’s amazing.” nel resides on the most ubiquitous video platWeber has had a museum exhibit (Giggle of form in the world.

Clowns) shown on MOCAtv, contributed her eddie@downtownnews.com own short film (Western Song) and sat down for

22 Downtown News

December 16, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Brian Dennehy’s Dark Descent Talented Actor Gets Stuck in the Emotionally Chilly ‘Steward of Christendom’

By Jeff Favre rian Dennehy’s transcendent portrayal in 2000 of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman is perhaps the most memorable performance in one of the strongest Center Theatre Group productions this century.

His burly, intimidating Willy took Miller’s ensemble piece in new and wonderfully surprising directions, and anyone who saw it will not be surprised that 13 years later, Dennehy, now 75, still dominates a stage like few actors can.

His latest vehicle — and it should be considered a vehicle, because everything and everyone else is mere window dressing — is a revival of Sebastian Barry’s dense, morose and emotionally chilly The Steward of Christendom. Directed by Steven Robman, this counter-holiday programming to the Ahmanson Theatre’s lighthearted Peter and the Starcatcher runs through Jan. 5, 2014, at the Mark Taper Forum.

Loosely based on Barry’s relatives, The Steward of Christendom stands in stark contrast to Death of a Salesman; the former is an impressive but mostly empty experience, while the latter displays timeless resonance.

Barry is an Irish writer, with a literal and figurative heavy accent on the Irish. An historical primer in the play’s program is a must for people without a strong understanding of Ireland’s history, but even those who know the basics might not be able to connect on a personal

B

level with how those events shaped its people today.

That connection matters, because instead of Barry using the life and times of early 1900s Ireland as a backdrop for the psychological examination of a delusional man and his demons, the particulars take precedent. That depersonalizes the play and removes much of the emotional universality.

Dennehy portrays Thomas Dunne, who in 1932 is confined to a mental institution because his ever-loosening grip on reality poses a threat to himself and to his family. His memories transport him to earlier times, when he was the chief superintendent of the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP), and his hallucinations reunite him with his son Willie (Grant Palmer plays the boy in a military uniform), who died during World War I. In the present day he receives visits from attendants, the kindly Mrs. O’Dea (Mary-Pat Green), and from Smith (James Lancaster), whose dislike for Thomas stems from actions taken by the DMP. A widower, Thomas’ only connection to sanity is his love for his daughters, Annie (Abby Wilde), Maud (Kalen Harriman) and Dolly (Carmela Corbett), who appear mostly in flashbacks.

Thomas’ dense monologues, which are the play’s heart, blend poetic imagery with wild ramblings of a haunted past. They work to reveal a man fighting for internal redemption

Brian Dennehy is a former Irish police superintendent and Mary-Pat Green is an attendant at the mental institution he has been sent to in Sebastian Barry’s The Steward of Christendom. It runs at the Mark Taper Forum through Jan. 5, 2014.

photo by Craig Schwartz

and for a hold on what is real.

The remainder of the play — save a delicate reading by Smith of a battlefront letter from Thomas’ son — are various facts about the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Civil War and the role Michael Collins played in Ireland’s geopolitical shift.

What gets lost in the details is Thomas’ flawed humanity, despite Dennehy’s valiant attempts to bring it to the forefront. He displays the frailty and fear of a helpless man, while revealing glimpses of a past filled with violence.

Throughout the performance, there’s a sense in Dennehy’s demeanor and delivery that Thomas was a man who cared for his country and his family — in that order.

Barry never provides enough story, however, to feel empathy for Thomas, for the plight of his daughters, or for Ireland. It’s more a view of de-

spair without beginning or end that endures for more than two-and-a-half hours.

Assisting the tone is Kevin Depinet’s scenic design, which is dominated by a monstrous and foreboding overhanging window that never lets in the light or provides a view. The bare wood floor of the room has one exit — stairs down to a door that can’t be seen, but which can be heard locking every time someone leaves. It’s a reminder that there is no escape for Thomas, inside or outside his mind.

Watching Dennehy tackle this challenging role is exciting, but ultimately the performance sits like a beautiful puzzle piece in an otherwise empty box.

The Steward of Christendom runs through Jan. 5, 2014, at the Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4444 or centertheatregroup.org.

City Living THIS WEEK CHECK OUT

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Peter and the Starcatcher at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Barragan’s says goodbye after 52 years.

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THE DoN’T MISS LIsT

CALENDAR LISTINGS EVENTS

Yuja Wang Is Here, and So Are Rappers, Skaters and Malaysian Singers

Tuesday, december 17 Opportunities and Challenges for JapanU.S. Relations Omni Hotel, 251 S. Olive St., (213) 312-9308 or townhall-la.org.

11:30 a.m.: Japanese diplomat Kenichiro Sasae will discuss the future of the relationship between Asia and the United States.

Expect a thorough discussion of Chinese might, but don’t expect a lengthy discourse on the Trans-Pacific Partnership or industrial whaling.

Rachmaninoff ’s Piano Concerto No. 3 is one of the most difficult classical pieces to perform on a piano (remember what happened to Geoffrey Rush in the movie Shine?). Thus, all eyes this week will be on 26-year-old Chinese piano virtuoso Yuja Wang as she joins Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Phil in a Walt Disney Concert Hall gh, the Phil recital. As if Wang and the Rachy 3 are not enou iere d prem from Daniel will also take on Stravinsky’s “Petrushka” and a worl Thursday, Dec. 19, and continue on Bjarnason. The four shows kick off at 8 p.m. this at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. At Friday at 11 a.m. (yes, in the morning), Saturday .

111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com

ONE

T WO T H R E E

Friday, december 20 Music Center Holiday Sing-Along Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m.: Gather the family for this complimentary sing-along complete with carols and other seasonal favorites.

Tickets are distributed starting at 6 p.m. Try not to smell too much like Schnapps.

photo © Felix Broede / Deutsche Grammophon

By Dan Johnson calendar@downtownnews.com

Wednesday, december 18 How Smart Women Become Corporate Directors City National Plaza, North Tower, 515 S. Flower St., (213) 628-8141 or townhall-la.org.

12 p.m.: Berkhemer Clayton, Inc. president Betsy BerkhemerCredaire will be offering women tips on how to take over the boardroom.

If you like your Chicago hip-hop artists innovati ve, grimy and not convinced of their own divinity, be sure to check out Chance the Rapper on Thursda y, Dec. 19, at Club Nokia.

His latest mix tape Acid Ra p found its wa “Best Of ” lists and is avail able for (artist sanctioned y onto a prodigious number of 2013 ) fre spin and see if you migh t be interested in checking e download on the Internet, so give it a ou t the 20-year old phenom to catch the show, be su . If you happen re to politely ask Chance never to collaborate with Justin Bieber ever again . At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

a Malaysian export that It’s not every day we Americans see or a petroleum derivative, ent isn’t a piece of electrical equipm will have the pleasure but those on hand Thursday, Dec. 19, a at the Bootleg Yun of catching Kedah, Malaysia’s own ten rave reviews since got has Theatre. The singer/songwriter ensuing years she’s inked her American debut in 2011. In the including one a number of major record label deals e-Pop Music.

Indi own s n’ with Downtow r Yuna, so stop dea for rise the It’s all on on from the sati sen the see by and 0 Beverly 222 At llel. para h sixt Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org

4

photo by JuanCarlos Chan/LA Dept of Recreation & Parks

Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com.

Dec. 17: Nikos Syropoulos Rozalia.

Dec. 18. Frank Silva, Michael Mull, Dave Tranchina and Mike Lockwood.

Dec. 19: Luciana Souza, Larry Koonse and David Piltch.

Dec. 20: Dan Schnelle Group.

Dec. 21: Kenny Washington with the Josh Nelson Trio.

Dec. 22: The Randy Ingram Trio.

Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org.

Dec. 16, 8 p.m.: Local psych rockers Froth are poised to take over the world (west of Figueroa, east of Vermont, north of Beverly and south of Los Feliz Boulevard).

Dec. 17, 8 p.m.: Anna Von Hausswolff is but the most recent of the celebrated Von Hausswolffs to share her unique sonic textures with the world outside of Gothenburg.

Dec. 18, 8 p.m.: Juliette Commagere is a singer/songwriter embracing the novel concept that good production and solid backing synths are perhaps a bit more interesting than the same tired acoustic guitar lines.

Dec. 19, 8 p.m.: The Malaysian sensation Yuna.

Dec. 20, 8 p.m.: Overly blond frontman Chris Kittrell helms Baby Alpaca. The latest outfit to come out of New York will put their musical ducks in a nice straight row.

Dec. 22, 7 p.m.: The ever-ubiquitous Peach Kings play the last night of their Sunday residency.

Club Nokia 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com.

Dec. 17, 8:30 p.m.: Latin Grammy nominee and proud Majorca native Concha Buika will be spreading her tunes.

Dec. 19, 9 p.m.: Chance the Rapper’s “Social Experiment” should be intriguing, to say the least.

Dec. 21, 9 p.m.: Hey, the Dan Band’s back. We were beginning to worry about them, but you can’t keep a foul-mouthed cover band down for too long.

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

Dec. 16, 9 p.m.: Brian Walker kicks the week off as Yonatan’s Monster Monday slaps the taste of that foul day out of your mouth.

Dec. 17, 10 p.m.: Yet another Tuesday of stimulating tunes at the Escondite with Bunny West and Wicklow Atwater.

Dec. 18, 10 p.m.: Sadie & The Blue Eyes with everybody’s favorite funk fanatics the Vibrometers.

Dec. 19, 10 p.m.: Blackwater Jukebox caps off what Thomas Continued on next page

Downtown News 23

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

It’s going to be an exciting week at Pershing Square, and we’re not just talking about the kabob combos on Farmers Market Wednesday.

Rather, it’s all about the music on the stage in front of the Downtown on Ice skating rink. Americana singer/songwriter James Byous kicks off a week of free lunchtime concerts on Monday followed by unorthodox instrument-utilizing prog outfit String Planet on Thursday and Funkytown on Friday.

Saturday finds brass-loving Zoot Suite Revue dropping by at 3 p.m. before the ice rink sound system gives way to The Lion King soundtrack for “Simba Saturday.” Finally, variety music outfit Kid and Nic take the stage on Sunday at 2 p.m. for two hours of sonic stimuli. At 532 S. Olive St., (213) 624-4289 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

photo courtesy Yuna

December 16, 2013

FIVE

We’re not entirely sure why a girl would hide in the woods so as not to miss Christmas, but now through Dec. 22 you can enjoy the suspension of disbelief in the Company of Angels’ staging of the holiday adventure The Girl in the Enchanted Forest. The Downtown theater company has again set up shop in the Alexandria Hotel’s mezzanine to bring you writer and producer Daniel Munoz’s tale of a wicked witch bent on destroying Yuletide cheer. The final three performances are this Friday-Saturday, Dec. 20-21 at 8 p.m., and again on Sunday at 3 and 7 p.m. At 501 S. Spring St., third floor, (213) 489-3703 or companyofangels.org.

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

24 Downtown News

December 16, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

It’s All BecomIng chAntIcleer now Deck the halls with yuletide cheer, because on Friday, Dec. 20, the Walt Disney Concert Hall hosts the annual holiday visit from Chanticleer.

If you’re not familiar with them, you should be: The prominent all-male chorus has been thrilling audiences for more than three decades, and its many accolades include a Grammy.

Showgoers can expect a diverse program ranging from jazzy contemporary favorites to strikingly arranged holiday classics. After the 8 p.m. concert, the band members will be signing CDs in the Disney Hall store.

At 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

photo by Lisa Kohler

Continued from previous page Crowell begins.

Dec. 20, 9 p.m.: Bluesy Friday with Trip Rezac and Zach & Bridget.

Dec. 21, 10 p.m.: The man who needs no introduction (except at social functions and state dinners), Charlie Chan. He’s bringing along his SOBs. Dec. 22, 10 p.m.: Honky Tonk by the barrel full with RT N the 44s.

Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com.

Dec. 20, 10 p.m.: Emma Hewitt is Geelong, Australia’s lone contribution to the realm of trance vocals.

Dec. 21, 10 p.m.: Nadia Ali sounds like Katy Perry with very loud house music being played in the background.

Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or nokiatheatrelalive.com.

Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: See if you can guess which blind musician is headlining Stevie Wonder’s 18th Annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert.

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Dec. 16: Grit.

Dec. 17: Echo & The Sound.

Dec. 18: Courtney Alexander, Didda, God Free Kid and Bootleg Society.

Dec. 19: Thursday Night Booty.

Dec. 20: Murietta, Hank & Her Ponies and Wild Roses.

Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la.

Dec. 16, 10 p.m.: The Ron King Quartet is the local jazz’s scene

answer to the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.

Dec. 17, 10 p.m.: Nobody puts The Makers in a corner. Except, of course, the 213 Group events booking team.

Dec. 18, 10 p.m.: Rick Taub’s Midnight Blues Review has been moved forward two hours to accommodate the sheer volume of blues phantasmagore incorporated within the show’s seedy boundaries.

Dec. 22, 10 p.m.: Experience the potent jazz violin of Nora Germain.

The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org.

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Nola’s 734 E. Third St, (213) 680-3003 or nolasla.com.

Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Harry Smallenburg Quintet.

Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Jonathan Rowden Group.

One-Eyed Gypsy 901 E. First St., (626) 340-3529 or one-eyedgypsy.com.

Dec. 18, 7 p.m.: Dirty Little Secrets Burlesque.

Dec. 19, 10 p.m.: Love and Happiness.

Dec. 20, 10 p.m.: Will Magid.

Dec. 21, 10 p.m.: The Vibrometers are double dipping this week.

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December 16, 2013

Downtown News 25

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Dec. 18, 8:30 p.m.: Eyeshine, Lovers, Brannigan’s Law and Dustin & The Explosions.

Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

Dec. 17, 8 p.m.: Sweet Judy Blue Eyes herself takes over Disney Hall for “A Judy Collins Christmas.”

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

Dec. 20, 9:30 p.m., Dec. 21, 9 p.m. and Dec. 22, 7:35 p.m.: Just as a purely hypothetical: Imagine your husband dies just before Christmas and you opt to spend the holiday doing copious amounts of cocaine with your husband’s adult entertainer secret lover.

Neat image huh? Indulge this fantasy in White Reindeer.

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

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

Ice and polar bear enthusiasts will likely dig To the Arctic 3D. Experience the gripping story full of hope, crushing disappointment and triumph in Hubble 3D. Regal Cinemas 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-6070 or lalive.com/movies.

Through December 19: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (12:50, 4, 7:10 and 10:20 p.m.); American Hustle (7 and 10 p.m.); The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 3D (11 and 11:40 a.m., 2:40, 3:20, 5:50, 6:30, 7:10, 10:20 and 11 p.m.); The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (12:20, 2, 4, 7:50 and 9:40 p.m.); Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas (12, 2:50, 5:20, 8 and 10:40 p.m.); Out of the Furnace (11:10 a.m., 2:10, 4:50, 7:40 and 10:30 p.m.); Frozen (11 a.m., 1:40, 4:20, 7 and 9:50 p.m.); Frozen 3D (1, 3:40, 6:20 and 9 p.m.); Homefront (11:30 a.m., 4:50 and 10:40 p.m.); Delivery Man (11:20 a.m., 1:50, 4:20, 6:50 and 9:30); The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (12:50, 4:10, 7:30 and 10:50 p.m.); The Best Man Holiday (12:10 and 3:10 p.m.); Thor: The Dark World (11:10 a.m., 1:50, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.); Bad Grandpa (2:20 and 8:10 p.m.).

THEATER, OPERA & DANCE Bob Baker’s Holiday Spectacular Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com.

Dec. 21-22, 2:30 p.m.: This seasonal classic brings the true meaning of Yuletide cheer to new dimensions as puppets dance through a winter wonderland and into your memory.

The Girl in the Enchanted Forest Company of Angels, 501 S. Spring St., (213) 489-3703 or companyofangels.org.

Dec. 20-21, 8 p.m. and Dec. 22, 3 and 7 p.m.: A girl flees to the forest to wait for Christmas and encounters a sinister witch with a penchant for ruining good things. Hate when that happens.

Peter and the Starcatcher Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4444 or centertheatregroup.org.

Dec. 17-20, 8 p.m.: Dec. 21, 2 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 22, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: David Barry and Ridley Pearson’s epic novel prequel to Peter Pan finds its way to the stage.

The Steward of Christendom Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4444 or centertheatregroup.org.

Dec. 17-20, 8 p.m., Dec. 21, 2:30 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 22, 7 p.m.: Brian Dennehy stars in a moody drama about an outcast Roman Catholic in the days of the struggle for Irish Independence. See review p. 22.

CLASSICAL MUSIC Wednesday, december 18 Holiday Organ Spectacular Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

8 p.m.: David Higgs steps behind the keys and works those pipes to produce some holiday favorites. Soprano Lisa Christine Thelen will be on hand to help with an occasional sing-along.

Thursday, december 19 Rachmaninoff With Dudamel & Wang Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

Dec. 19, 8 p.m., Dec. 20, 11 a.m., Dec. 21, 8 p.m. and Dec. 22, 2 p.m.: Rachmaninoff’s immensely difficult “Piano Concerto No. 3” will be the highlight of tonight’s program show featuring uber-talented pianist Yuja Wang.

Friday, december 20 A Chanticleer Christmas Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

8 p.m.: If you were hoping for more nonseasonal programming this week, guess again! These Grammy-winning masters of chorale will be playing the hits to celebrate the holiday. Blessedly, there’ll be no sing-alongs to accompany this program. saTurday, december 21 Angeles Chorale Holiday Sing Along with Julie Andrews Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org.

Continued on next page

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Plus tax 39-month closed end lease on above average tier approved credit., $2999 due at signing. (Excludes title, tax, 1st mo. pymt, options and dealer fees). $0 security deposit. $0.20/mile over 12,000 miles/yr. 1 at this offer # C130048/008216.

$12,888 2008 Infiniti FX35 ............................... $18,888 3.5L V6, Silver/Gray, Leather, Pwr Liftgate. CU1133P/X104502 2005 Hummer H2 4x4 .........................

6L-V8, Auto, Red/Black, Onboard Comm System. CU1194P/ H127191 $22,888 FELIX CHEVROLET 2005 BMW Z4 Conv. ............................

2.5L I-6, Gray/Beige, Prem. Sound, Low Miles. CU1195P/ LS53493

888-304-7039 3300 S. FIGUEROA ST. • FELIXCHEVROLET.COM

AUTOMATIC!

NEW ’’14 CHEVY CRUZE LS BUY FOR ONLY

15,299

$ MSRP $19,180 Felix Discount $2,131 Customer cash $1000

USAA $750 Net Cost $15,299 3 At This Price

net price

VIN: E7192007 E7192186 E7192568

$15,995 2012 Chevy Cruze LT .............................. $16,995 Turbo, DOHC, Gold, Only 40K Miles. UC1428R/ C7329704 2012 Chevy Captiva Sport LT ............... $19,995 3.0L V6, Silver/Black, Only 39K Miles. UC1306R/ CS631519 2011 Chevy Impala Sedan ....................

Black, 3.5L V6, Low Miles, Loaded. UC1250R/ B1312181

888-319-8762 1801 S. FIGUEROA ST. • MBZLA.COM

LEASE FOR ONLY

329

$

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.

$32,489 2010 Mercedes ML350 ........................... $33,781 Certified Preowned, Navigation, Prem Pkg 1. 6993C/AA618527 2012 Mercedes S550 .............................. $68,982 Certified Preowned, Prem Pkg 2, Sport Pkg. 7069C/CA440995 AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2013 Mercedes C250 ..............................

Certified Preowned, Navigation, Low Miles. 7061P/DR247429

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

NEW ’14 AUDI A4 2.0T

LEASE FOR ONLY

379

$

per month for 42 mos

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

$16,579 2012 Audi TT Turbo ................................

Certified, Ibis White, AWD, 30K Miles, Loaded. ZA10743/C100787 $34,436 2012 Audi Q7 3.0T ..................................

Certified, Grey/Black, Super Chrgd., 17K Miles. A140194-1/ D004269 $48,992 PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2005 Lexus LS430 ...................................

Silver/Blk, Ultra Luxury Selection, Rear AC. A14103-3/5013721

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

NEW ’14 PORSCHE CAYMAN PDK

LEASE FOR ONLY

549

$

per month for 27 mos

Plus tax 27 month closed end lease. Rates based on approved Tier 1 credit through Porsche Financial Ser Services. $4995 down payment excludes tax, dmv fees, $895 Bank Acquisition fee, first payment and docudocu ment fees. .30 cents per mile over 5,000 miles per year. No security deposit. 1 at this price EK172755.

$56,810 2011 Panamera Gran Turismo ..............

Certified, Ruby Red, 20” Whls, PDK, 30K Miles. ZP1618-1/L014778 $60,898 2011 Porsche Carrera 4S .......................

Certified, Silver/Black, PDK, Chrono, 15K Miles. ZP1663/BS754609 $86,893 2012 Porsche Cayman S .........................

Certified, Blk/Blk, Nav., Bose, 19” wheels, 19K Miles. CU780068

26 Downtown News

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

Continued from previous page 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.: The incomparable Julie Andrews will join the Angeles Chorale in another interactive holiday performance. Bring your lozenges.

BARS & CLUBS Hop Louie 950 Mei Ling Way (Central Plaza), (213) 628-4244.

This is old school Chinatown, on the ground floor of the Hop Louie Restaurant, with slightly indifferent bartenders and décor — it’s actually a relief.

La Cita 336 S. Hill St., (213) 687-7111 or lacitabar.com.

Los Angeles Downtown News Everything in this former Mexican Ranchero bar oozes 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 red, from the vinyl booths lining the wall to the glowing phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 light fixtures. Hipsters, Latino regulars and artists mingle web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News

CROSSWORD

December 16, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

twitter: DowntownNews

as DJs get their groove on during the week. Saturday and Sunday bring Hacienda Nights with traditional Ranchero music.

Las Perlas 107 E. Sixth St., (213) 988-8355 or 213nightlife.com/lasperlas.

This is Downtown bar impresario Cedd Moses’ ode to mescal, tequila’s crotchety old uncle with the smoky voice and wise cracks. The bar mixes some mean margaritas too.

Library Bar Editor PublishEr: Laris or librarybarla.com.

630 W.&Sixth St., (213)Sue 614-0053 GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin than your typical pub, which This dimly lit bar is more upscale means youEditor: won’t find a boisterous ExEcutivE Jon RegardieUSC crowd here. A very busy stAFF Evans, happywritErs: hour drawsDonna associates fromEddie the lawKim firm across the street, coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn as well as bankers, secretaries andMaese other professionals for the coNtributiNG Jeff Favre,There’s Greg aFischer, grown-up beerwritErs: and wine selections. full bar, but the Kristin Friedrich, Kylie Jane Wakefield main attractions are the seven craft beers on tap.

Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante

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

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

Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins

circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard

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.

2 YOUR EVENT INFO

EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT

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

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

Angeles 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 ©2013 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

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

One copy per person.

AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Josie Damian, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

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

©2013 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

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

One copy per person.

Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Josie Damian, Catherine Holloway sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin

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

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 AccouNtiNG: Tara LaPlante

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 ©2013 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved.

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

One copy per person.

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

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

One copy per person.

December 16, 2013

DT

CLASSIFIEDS

To place a classified ad in the Downtown News please call 213-481-1448, or go to DowntownNews.com HolidayFOR deadline RENT scHedule for all classifieds: Issue 12/23/13, Deadline 12/17/13; Issue 12/30/13, Deadline 12/19/13; Issue 1/6/14, Deadline 1/2/14 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.

FOR RENT

REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL

EMPLOYMENT

TheLoftExpertGroup.com

old Bank District The original Live/Work Lofts

Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper

from $1,295 Cafes, Bars, Shops, Galleries, Parking adjacent. Pets no charge

213.598.7555

Call 213.253.4777 LAloft.com

Homes for sale NEAR DODGER Stadium.

3 bdrm. 3 bath 1680 square feet. Built in 2008. $679,000 call Paxton agt. 626-201-3464.

apartments/UnfUrnisHed $1,250/MO 2bd/1ba in Chinatown. Minutes from Downtown.

Newly paint, range, refrigerator, carpet. Laundry on-site. One parking space. 433 Cottage Home Street 818-716-7297.

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL

SENIOR APARTMENTS 62 + Studio $873 1 Bedroom $929.

Balcony, Full Kitchen, A/C, Clubhouse, BBQ, Resource room, Laundry, SEC 8 O.K. Visit GSL SAN LUCAS.com 213623-2010.

real estate for sale For Sale: 7 acres in the beautiful North Valley of Albuquerque, NM Small home (needs remodeling) Almost half a mile long. Great for development of approximately 12 high end homes. Water, electricity, gas, and sewer on the property. May also be used for businesses. Price reduced to 4 million dollars. Great view of the Sandia Mountains. One of the last properties available in the North Valley. 10 minutes from shopping centers or downtown Albuquerque Call Alex Sanchez at 505 898-3934 or 505 3626488.

CleaninG

U.S. GOVT JOBS NOW HIRING

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

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

Civil Service / Postal Clerks No Experience. Job Security. $20-75 an hour and Benefits CALL NOw! (855) 631-0850 HealtH Care “ACUPUNCTURIST. Master’s degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine and CA acupuncture license required. Job location at/ send resume to: CA Alternative Medicine Inc. 3053 W. Olympic Blvd. #301, Los Angeles, CA 90006 Attn: Ok Hee Kim.” Dental Sciences Manager sought by Burbank Dental Laboratory, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA. Bachelor’s plus 5 yrs. exp.

Send resume to: Yana Sedler, 2101 Floyd St., Burbank, CA 91504, or fax to (818) 8418643.

Remodeled

the LOFT expert!

TheLoftExpertGroup.com

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DRE # 01309009

VIP Room Available. The Best Way For Business Meetings & Entertainment Professional massage for men & women.

Services include Thai Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Swedish Oil Massage, Foot Massage, Sauna, Steam, and more. Lounge area.

Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

TheLoftExpertGroup.com BRE #01309009

Voted BEST Downtown Residential Real Estate Agent!

MASSAGEH

First Professionally Licensed Massage Shop in L.A. County.

downtownnews.com

Do you have something to sell?

Ad Copy: _________________________________________

Ad Prices

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(Marketplace and Automotive Categories ONLY) • Items under $300 • Items $301 to $500 • Items $501 to $1200 • Items $1201 to $2000 • Items $2001+…

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SPECIALS! 4 Mani’s & Pedi’s for ONLY $99! 3 Facials or 3 Massages for Only $99. Buy our specials tomorrow but use them when you want! Enjoy yourself more than once! 818-574-9882 Downtown Los Angeles.

HealtH & fitness UPCOMING FESTIVITIES call for a unique entertainment idea?

Reward your hardworking employees! Southern California Office Oasis offers on site chair massages for all occasions.

Therapists are licensed and insured. Affordable group rates available. Servicing Downtown www.socalofficeoasis.com (818)-602-2446

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Over 1000 vehicles on Sale Now!

Nearly Every Make & Model Visit us online 2005 NISSAN ARMADA SE dtlamotors.com 5.6L V8, Silver/Blk, Leather, Only 38K Miles. NI4111 / 5N706134 Only...$15,999 call 888-838-5089 www.downtownnissan.com

2009 AUDI A5 2.0T QUATTRO Certified, Turbo, Gray/Black, AWD, 35K Miles A13424D-1 / AA065553 ONLY....$32,995 Call 888-583-0981 www.audidtla.com 2009 CHEVY MALIBU HYBRID 4DR. Gray/Gray, Great Mileage, AC, Loaded F13074-1 / F131890 ONLY....$13,995 Call 888-3047039 www.felixchevrolet.com 2009 MERCEDES CLK350 AMG Certified, White Stone, 3.5L, low miles 5940C / F270087 ONLY....$25,991 Call 888-3198762. www.mbzla.com

2011 NISSAN SENTRA 2.0S SEDAN Certified, Red Brick Pearl/Silver, 30mpg, CU0827R / L651168 ONLY....$11,995 call 888-845-2267 www.carsonnissan.com

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

ITEMS FOR SALE misC. items

WHo is JoHn sCott .Com downtownnews.com

•16,000 square foot architectural salvage warehouse open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays 10am-5pm (Just 5 mins.

From Downtown LA) • $500,000 of architectural and antique merchandise at Fair Prices and Good Value. Large inventory of salvaged wood, doors and windows in stock!

• Custom fabrication service offered on site.

adolescent support group now forming ages 13-17 low fee

Call marney stofflet, lCsW

(323) 662-9797

4344 fountain ave. (at sunset), suite a los angeles, Ca 90029

3386766 0119

HBODY

l.a. aUto groUp

pre-oWned

2008 VW JETTA PASSAT 2.5S Certified, 5cyl PZEV., Gray/Blk, Only 10,115 miles ZV1959 / CC059045 Only...$18,980 Call 888-781-8102 www.vwdowntownla.com

• School problems?

• Conflict at home or with friends?

TM

HealtH Dept. rank a for 7 ConseCutive Years sakUra HealtH GYm & saUna, inC. 111 N. Atlantic Blvd. Ste #231-233 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (626) 458-1919 [Corner of Garvey Ave.]

AUTOS & RECREATIONAL DoWNtoWN

2008 PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS Certified, Sand White/Black, 4.8L V8, Low Miles ZP1556 / 8LA73049 ONLY....$50,898. Call 888-685-5426 www.porschedowntownla.com

Is your teen experiencing

Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

✶

HealtH

GET LEAN, Toned & Confident With Parker-Brooks, LA’s #1.

Source For In-Home Personal Trainers. All you need is an empty space, we’ll provide the equipment. www.parkerbrooksfitness. com (310) 499-1479

Your “One Stop” Loft Design Specialist!

Downtown since 2002

✶

SERVICES

General lofts for sale loft/UnfUrnisHed

Downtown News 27

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

47,000,

our classifieds get results!

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

Restrictions: Offer good on private party ads only. Ads must be pre-paid by cash, check or credit card. Certain classifications excluded. Deadline: Thursday at noon for next issue.

Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator.

Full bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.

WE SPECIALIZE IN SALVAGED WOOD TABLES WITH AN INDUSTRIAL ATTITUDE AND SLIDING LOFT DOORS!

Silverado Salvage and Design

2401 E. 27th Street / Vernon, CA 90058 • 323-277-4771 • www.silveradosalvageanddesign.com

Monthly from $695 utilities paid.

(213) 627-1151

For SALe:

7 acres in the beautiful North Valley of Albuquerque, NM Small home (needs remodeling) Almost half a mile long Great for development of approximately 12 high end homes Water, electricity, gas, and sewer on the property May also be used for businesses Price reduced to 4 million dollars Great view of the Sandia Mountains One of the last properties available in the North Valley.

10 minutes from shopping centers or downtown Albuquerque call alex sanchez at 505 898-3934 or at 505 362-6488

corporation Bldg. for lease Creative Office Space 724 S. Spring St. LA • 900 to 1500 sqft.

• Elegant tiled flooring and polished concrete floors • Brand new A/C, bathrooms in each unit • Spectacular views of Downtown • Great Location, restaurant on the ground floor

Please call (213) 627-6913 Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom.

Excellent location.

Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.

Monthly from $600 utilities paid.

(213) 612-0348

28 Downtown News

December 16, 2013

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!

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

Grand Tower

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

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

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

Promenade Towers

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

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

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

The Central City Crime Report A Rundown on Downtown Incidents, Trends and Criminal Oddities

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

I

Bicycle Battle: A man with a hammer demanded another man’s bicycle on Hope Street on Dec. 1. The attacker struck the bicyclist during the 7 p.m. incident and pedaled away, but was arrested by police shortly thereafter. He was charged with one count of robbery.

Attempted Carjacking: A man was pumping gas at Alameda and Cesar Chavez avenues at 9 a.m. on Dec. 4 when a man police identified as a gang member hit his car with a wooden stick and ordered him to give up his keys. A witness intervened and stopped the suspect from climbing into the man’s car. The assailant was arrested on suspicion of attempted carjacking.

Pilfered Perfume: An employee of Eddie’s Perfumes was parked in the loading zone of 232 E. Fourth St. at 11 a.m. on Dec. 6 when an unidentified man handed him a note demanding his wallet.

The note also instructed the man to unload his haul — which happened to be 41 boxes of cologne and perfume — from his truck and put it into the thief’s vehicle. The driver complied.

Taser Trouble: Two men in the 600 block of San Pedro Street confronted another man at 5 p.m. on Dec. 2 and asked about money they claim he owed them. An argument ensued and one suspect used a taser on the man, who fell to the ground. A security guard from the Midnight Mission intervened and the suspects fled in a black SUV. Don’t Leave Items Unattended: A man left his unlocked bike in the courtyard of his building in the 600 block of San Pedro St. on Dec. 6-7. When he returned, as you might have guessed, it was gone. Video surveillance footage shows someone wheeling away the bike.

Don’t Leave Items Unattended II: A man who left his unlocked car parked in the 500 block of West Seventh Street overnight on Dec. 3 returned to find his camera missing.

Car Problems: A man who left his car parked at Temple and Hill streets on Dec. 3 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. returned to find that his catalytic converter had been taken.

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

CONVENTION CENTER, 7 other structure. However, with the stadium project stalled, that plan has lost momentum.

Additionally, even with the new hotel rooms, Los Angeles will be far outclassed by its neighbors. The city has approximately 2,000 hotel rooms within a half-mile of the Convention Center, with 1,500 rooms under construction. San Diego, by contrast, has more than 8,000 rooms within walking distance from its convention center, while Anaheim touts 7,000.

Nonetheless, Steven Johnson, vice president of public affairs at the San Diego Convention Center, said that Gessner’s understanding of top-notch service and his track record in San Diego will improve L.A.’s venue.

“Brad is very familiar with how to run a world-class facility and knows how to assemble a team that can execute the highest levels of service,” Johnson said. “It’s a huge advantage to have.”

And even with a new convention building on the back burner, Gessner said the existing complex will be getting a refresh. Gessner is spearheading a five-year capital improvement plan that includes fresh paint, new carpeting, the addition of amenities and repairs of everything from escalators to adjustable walls. eddie@downtownnews.com