12-19-16 by Los Angeles Downtown News

A $1.2 Billion Project Moves Forward : 13 Enjoy a Free Holiday Concert : 16

December 19, 2016 I VOL. 45 I #51

Amélie Jumps From the Screen to the Stage SEE PAGE 15

Inside this week :

NEW YEAR’S HANDBOOK

Adam Chanler-Berat and Phillipa Soo star in Amélie, A New Musical at the Ahmanson Theatre.

PAGES 7 - 11

photo by Joan Marcus

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

2 Downtown News

AROUND TOWN

One Hotel Opens, Another Announces Debut

owntown’s hotel scene has gained an endof-the-year boost, with one small project debuting, and a larger one announcing plans to welcome guests in the first quarter of next year. Juan Pablo Torre’s 9,000-square-foot Tuck Hotel opened on Sunday, Dec. 11. The 14room boutique establishment at 820 S. Spring St. also launched brunch service at its bar and 70-seat restaurant. Rates begin at $279 and rooms are 400-500 square feet. The hotel is in a 1922 Fashion District building that was originally a warehouse before becoming a brothel; it sat empty for years. Meanwhile, the Sydell Group announced that its Freehand Hotel will open in March of 2017. The 200-room establishment at 416 W. Eighth St. is a transformation of the Commercial Exchange Building. It will feature traditional hotel rooms as well as some group rooms with multiple beds that function like hostels. The hotel will have a restaurant, two bars and a rooftop pool. The Sydell Group is also developing the NoMad hotel at Seventh and Olive streets.

Parker Center Could Be Razed he former LAPD headquarters Parker Center has been empty since the department

moved into a new Civic Center home in 2009, and in recent years there has been a debate over whether it should be modernized or replaced. A new report suggests a full demolition is imminent for the structure at 150 N. Los Angeles St. The city Bureau of Engineering in 2014 recommended that the 1954 building, designed in Mid Century Modern fashion by architect Welton Becket, be razed to make way for a high-rise office structure for city employees. Preservationists protested, and in May 14th District City Councilman José Huizar kicked off an effort to consider renovating Parker Center and adding a smaller office building on the site. A recent BOE report throws the department’s weight behind the demolition, saying tearing down the structure and creating the new high-rise would cost $514 million, while the preservation and smaller new edifice option would run $621 million (both plans would have roughly the same amount of office space). BOE’s timetable indicates it is aiming to secure approvals by February 2017 before launching into final designs and site preparation.

Former Huizar Aide To Run for Congress

or four years, Sara Hernandez served as the Downtown-area director and special counsel to 14th District City Councilman José Huizar, tackling urban planning issues, homelessness policy and more. She left in July to become executive director of Coro Southern California, an organization that trains and grooms civic leaders. Now Hernandez wants to get back into politics: Last week she announced

December 19, 2016

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her campaign for the 34th Congressional District seat that is being vacated by Xavier Becerra, who this month accepted Gov. Jerry Brown’s offer to become state Attorney General. The 34th District covers most of Downtown. Hernandez joins a competitive field: Already declared as candidates are state Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez and community activist Wendy Carrillo. Hernandez raised $150,000 in an online crowdfunding campaign before making her candidacy official. “We need to send a fighter and a doer to Washington with the on-theground experience and understanding of how public policy decisions affect everyday Angele-

December 10, 2016

nos,” Hernandez said in a prepared statement. No date for the election has been announced.

Gordon Davidson Memorial Set for Jan. 9, 2017

enter Theatre Group visionary Gordon Davidson passed away on Oct. 2 at the age of 83. CTG, which programs the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum in Downtown Los Angeles, announced recently that a memorial honoring Davidson will take place on Jan. 9 at Continued on page 20

Metro Briefs

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EDITORIALS

twitter: DowntownNews

December 19, 2016

EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin

ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Emily Manthei ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

Our Sad 2017 Elections

phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com email: realpeople@downtownnews.com

CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

©2016 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.

hat is the state of democracy in the city of Los Angeles? If you use the March 7, 2017, elections as a gauge, then it is somewhat depressing. Just look at the list of candidates who have cleared the bar to appear on the ballot. In a few instances key leaders will run unopposed. In other cases the incumbent will face barely more than token opposition. Only in a few City Council races is there something that seems like an actual choice. This is bad news. When elections look like slam EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris dunks, people often feel as if their vote doesn’t matGENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin ter. Why bother hitting the polls, someone might ask, EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie when the entrenched power on election morning will SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim be the entrenched power the following morning? STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton According to the City Ethics Commission webCONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn Maese S I N C E 19 7 2 site, 10 people have qualified to appear on the CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre, Greg Los Angeles Downtown News ballot in the mayor’s race. This sounds positive, Fischer, Emily Manthei 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 but check out the money: Mayor Eric Garcetti phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison has raised $2.25 million. He is trailed by Mitchell web: DowntownNews.com ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa email: realpeople@downtownnews.com Schwartz, who has pulled in about $250,000. One PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard person has $1,315 and the other seven have yet to facebook: ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt L.A. Downtown News report raising any cash. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway While elections are about more than who has twitter: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, S I to N C E 19 7 2 DowntownNews the biggest war chest, finances allow a candidate Michael Lamb Los Angeles Downtown communicate his or herNews message, and in this case ©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 it1264 appears no one can compete with an incumbent The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newsphone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon paper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every who nearly 10 times the cash realpeople@downtownnews.com of his closest rival. web:has DowntownNews.com • email: Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles Los Angeles. Credit Schwartz for running a serious campaign, but ew people in City Hall are willing toDISTRIBUTION go against the grain. Lorenzo 2009, theGustavo city’s finances were being ravaged by the recession and ASSISTANTS: Castillo, Bonilla One copy per person. twitter: it is hardfacebook: to see this contest compelling many people This applies both to appointed employees, whose job staby the foolishness of a series of labor contracts that city leaders L.A. Downtown News DowntownNews to the polls. A weak mayoral field reduces the numtus depends on pleasing a boss, and elected officials. Sadly, had signed before the economy soured. The budget deficit swelled ber of voters in down-ballot contests. we have arrived at a time in which the prevailing M.O. seems to be to $485 million. Santana found himself overseeing reductions in EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris keep your head down, avoid controversy,GENERAL and allow the more powthe city workforce. Slashing the deficit took years and the job cuts GENERAL The situation is even MANAGER: Dawnmore Eastintroubling in the two MANAGER: Dawn Eastin erful to wield that power without challenge. earned Santana the enmity of organized labor groups, which in other citywide races. According to the Ethics ComEXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie 2013 wanted incoming Mayor Eric Garcetti to replace him. Garcetti mission website, City Attorney Mike Feuer and Con That description never applied to City Administrative Officer EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jon Regardie SENIOR WRITER: Eddie Kim wisely resisted those calls. troller Galperin willSlayton both run unopposed. Miguel Santana, who recently announcedSENIOR that heWRITER: will step down Eddie Kim STAFFRon WRITER: Nicholas Maese WRITER: after seven years to take a job running theSTAFF troubled Los Nicholas Angeles Slayton Santana worked with Villaraigosa and Garcetti to tame the bud CONTRIBUTING This is not a EDITOR: critiqueKathryn of Feuer or Galperin. Both are CONTRIBUTINGand WRITERS: Fassbender, Favre, Greg Fischer, County Fair Association. The new positionCONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Kathryn get Maese begins early next year. deficit. The fiscal situation is much improved today, though hard-working haveTom been inventiveJeff in the conEmily Manthei S I Nliabilities C E 19 7will 2 shape city CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeffperfect. Favre, Upcoming pension by no means text of their respective jobs. Feuer in particular has This is a big loss for the city, and in finding a replacement Mayor Greg Fischer, Emily Manthei ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison Losfuture. Angeles Downtown News spending for the foreseeable That is why the next CAO must proved pugnacious and demonstrated a deep conEric Garcetti must choose someone with vision who has a supreme 1264and W. First Street, negotiator Los Angeles,— CAdeci90026 ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa be a master number cruncher an adept cern for Angelenos. grasp of finances, and is a gifted and forceful negotiator. The next ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard sions such as giving raises have an impact both immediately and CAO must be a persuasive communicator, and, like Santana, must However, no opposition means there is no one to web: DowntownNews.com ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa years down the line, when current workers receive retirement be willing to make choices that benefit city residents even if it pressure either candidate and to force them to deemail: realpeople@downtownnews.com benACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard efits. The cyclical nature of the economy means there will be more means going counter to the wishes of elected officials. fend their record. Feuer and Galperin will tell voters CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway facebook: ACCOUNTING: Ashley Schmidt recessions, and poorly prepared contracts could impact city financonly whatEXECUTIVES: they wantCatherine to tell. No one outside a fewMichael Lamb The bland title obscures the importance of the City AdministraACCOUNT Holloway, Brenda of Stevens, L.A. Downtown News es at the worst possible time. reporters will be able to question any shortcoming tive Officer. The job involves preparing the city’s budget and workSALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway orCIRCULATION: controversial moves. ing with the mayor’s office to get a handle on expenditures. The The next CAO should also be willing twitter: to do something that SantaDanielle Salmon DowntownNews ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, person must convince bond rating agencies of Los Angeles’ fiscal na did time and again — push the boundaries of the job. Santana, DISTRIBUTION Some of the City Council races are legitimately MANAGER: Salvador Ingles Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb strength. The CAO is also a lead negotiator when it comes to hamfor example, issued early reports on homelessness that would help competitive, in othersLorenzo there is, again,Gustavo no or only DISTRIBUTIONbut ASSISTANTS: Castillo, Bonilla SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez ©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a the trademark of Civic News Inc. but All mering out contracts with labor unions. shape city policy. This might seem purview ofCenter the council, token opposition. ©2016 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center rights reserved. Inc. All rightsworks reserved.best when people feel engaged for years its members wereThe getting little done. Santana stepped News Democracy Then, if you’re Santana, it involves taking on other pressing Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read up. The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles is disand their matters. with field of Downtownmatters such as homelessness, the potential cost of the Olympic We urge Garcetti to conduct a thorough search for theand next CAO, and believe is distributed everyvote Monday throughoutSadly, the offices andthe residences Los tributed every Monday throughout the offices and DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles Angeles. of Downtown Los Angeles. set, we see little of that in Los Angeles. Games and the awarding of trash hauling contracts. and to hire someone who isresidences thoughtful, tough and not afraid to DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, One copy per person. blaze an independent path.One copy per person. When then-Mayor Antonio VillaraigosaGustavo recruited Santana in Bonilla

Santana Was Tough — Who’s Next?

EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Sue Laris GENERAL MANAGER: Dawn Eastin

S I N C E 19 7 2 Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News

twitter: DowntownNews

ART DIRECTOR: Brian Allison ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: Yumi Kanegawa PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Leonard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER: Catherine Holloway ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens, Michael Lamb SALES ASSISTANT: Claudia Hernandez CIRCULATION: Danielle Salmon DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

One copy per person.

December 19, 2016

Downtown News 5

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Big Approval, Big Money for Grand Avenue Project Chinese Firm to Invest $290 Million. Groundbreaking Planned for 2018 By Jon Regardie he City Council last week voted to approve the latest joint venture partnership and timeline for the long-delayed Grand Avenue project. The $950 million mega-development being designed by Frank Gehry is now scheduled to break ground in 2018 and open in 2022, according to developer Related Companies. The council approved the project on Wednesday, Dec. 14. That day, Related also announced an investor in the development: CCCG Overseas Real Estate Pte. Ltd., also known as CORE, will put $290 million into the project that will include a residential tower, a 300-room Equinox branded hotel, and a large retail and restaurant component that faces Grand Avenue. The project will rise across the street from the Walt Disney Concert Hall on a site that currently houses a parking structure. CORE, according to a statement announcing the approval, is the real estate arm of the China Communications Construction Group, which has 110,000 employees and operates in more than 90 countries. This is CORE’s first major project in the United States. “We welcome CORE as our joint venture partner on Grand Avenue,” said Ken Himmell, CEO of Related Urban, in a prepared statement. “They share our vision for the creation of a worldclass destination and as a global Fortune 110 company, they boast not only a sterling financial record but also have great excitement for the development.” According to Related, the project is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs, with 8,310 during the construction phase, and 3,280 permanent positions. Related also estimates that the project will generate $570 million in new revenue to the city and county over 25 years. Related officials previously said the project would include 380-450 residential units, 20% of which would be set aside as affordable housing. The project was initially announced before the recession, and stalled during the economic downturn. It has been through nu-

ERWaitingRoom_Inquicker10.25x6 16_158.pdf

9/26/16

Mural Project Aims to Spruce Up Stairs at Fourth Street Bridge By Eddie Kim alking the Fourth Street Bridge that connects the Arts District to Boyle Heights is a picturesque experience. Its elements of Beaux Arts and Gothic design merit close inspection, and looking south, one sees the concrete-encased Los Angeles River, with the ruins of the Sixth Street Viaduct in the distance. Actually getting up to the bridge, however, has long been less than pleasant. A key connection is a Continued on page 12

W image courtesy Gehry Partners

The $950 million Grand Avenue Project designed by Frank Gehry would rise across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall. Completion is scheduled for 2022.

merous design changes. The City Council vote follows recent approvals by the County Board of Supervisors, the joint powers Grand Avenue Authority and the successor agency to the Community Redevelopment Agency. “After many years, all the necessary components of a successful Grand Avenue Project are coming together,” City Councilman José Huizar, whose 14th District includes Downtown, said in the statement. “This is not just any development, the Grand Avenue Project is an iconic venture that will help further define Downtown Los Angeles as a major cultural, civic and artistic destination.” regardie@downtownnews.com

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Artist John Cuevas has been tapped to paint a series of brightly colored snakes weaving up the Fourth Street Bridge steps at Santa Fe Avenue and Molino Street. The mural will be completed in mid-January.

6 Downtown News

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December 19, 2016

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12 Great New Year’s Paries

8 Downtown News

December 19, 2016

NEW YEAR’S HANDBOOK

12 Ways to Ring in the New Year Downtown Goes All Out for the End of 2016 By Nicholas Slayton ome people will be plenty glad to say goodbye to 2016. The past 12 months brought too many painful moments, from the passing of musical icons David Bowie, Prince and Leonard Cohen, to more mass shootings across the country. Then there’s that presidential election that still has people in Los Angeles shaking their head in shock and awe. People will look to put those down times behind them on New Year’s Eve, and there will be plenty of opportunities. Downtown Los Angeles is rife with parties and special events, from all-night dance soirees to bigname comedians to raucous get-togethers in local clubs and bars. Below is a sampling, by no means exclusive, of local options on Dec. 31, and in one case, a healthy choice on Jan 8. We may be a few weeks away, but it never hurts to start planning a happy new year.

A Walk in the Park: The Music Center is once again throwing a huge, free celebration. The fourth annual N.Y.E.L.A. takes place in Grand Park. The party has emerged as the Downtown Los Angeles New Year’s Eve event, and organizers are expecting more than 50,000 people to show up. There will be three stag-

es of entertainment, with artists such as electric fusion violin act QVLN, and DJs Rell and Jose Marquez spinning. Food will come from more than two dozen food trucks. As midnight approaches, high-tech light systems will project a video countdown on the side of City Hall. The party starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m. Friendly advice: Leave your car at home and take mass transit. At 200 N. Spring St. or grandparkla.org. A Theatrical Experience: The Theatre at Ace Hotel made the corner of Ninth Street and Broadway a hot destination. So it’s only fitting that it is also the location of a big New Year’s Eve party. Guests who want to start with dinner can show up for an 8 p.m. threecourse meal served on the theater’s stage (for more on the meal, see the story on p. 10). At 10 p.m., the tables get cleared away and the full party, dubbed A Dream Disco, begins. Six DJs, including Blue Hawaii and Project Pablo, will be spinning house, soul and funk throughout the night. Admission to the dance party is $30. Add the dinner and the price is $200. At 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or acehotel.com/calendar/losangeles.

photo courtesy Grand Park

More than 50,000 people are expected to fill Grand Park for its fourth annual New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be three stages.

A Big Band Ball: Classic jazz and lounge music is coming to the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Portland-Ore., big band act Pink Martini takes the stage for two shows on Dec. 31, at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The band, which was founded in 1994, recently released the 15-track album Je Dis Oui! Guests can expect Latin-style horns plus plenty of crooning from vocalists China Forbes and Storm Large, though not always in English — eight different languages, including Arabic and Xhosa, can be heard on the new record. Tickets begin at $77. Get ready for swing dancing in the aisles. At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com.

He’s a stand-up comedian and currently hosts the popular “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. He was the host of the sometimes gross reality show “Fear Factor” and has been a guest on the “Chappelle Show.” He’s also a mixed-martial arts enthusiast and commentator. Rogan is bringing his humor and rants to the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown on New Year’s Eve. The comedian is known for stringing together politics, current events and MMA, all filtered through an intense yet self-deprecating stage presence. Tickets are $39.50-$65. At 842 S. Broadway, (877) 677-4386 or laorpheum.com. Shake the Year Away: The mashup dance party Bootie L.A. is taking over Main Street’s The Regent on Dec. 31 for a night of genre-smashing

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NEW YEAR’S HANDBOOK

Downtown News 9

Out With a Bang: The Flower Street nightclub Honeycut will close out 2016 with its “Champagne Supernova” celebration. The event starts at 9 p.m. Aaron Castle will be the DJ all evening. General admission includes beer and sparkling wine. The $100 VIP tickets provide an open bar. At 819 S. Flower St. or honeycutla.com. A Real Throwback: KCRW’s annual Prohibition New Year’s Eve blow-out returns to Downtown’s Union Station. Taking over the ticket concourse, the Roaring ’20s-themed party will fill the space with electronic act Autograf, DJs, jazz performances and a burlesque show. Tickets are $165 and include an open bar and plenty of champagne. Formal or 1920s-inspired attire is encouraged. At 800 N. Alameda St. or prohibitionnye.com. photo by Chris Hornbecker

The Portland, Ore., big band Pink Martini is once again returning to Walt Disney Concert Hall on Dec. 31. There are 7 and 10:30 p.m. shows.

bootlegs and songs. Three DJs will be playing 2016’s top mashup tracks — get ready for Fitz & the Tantrums crossed with the Eurythmics, or the Beastie Boys combined with Bob Marley. The gogo dance group R.A.I.D. will also be performing. Tickets start at $20 and there will be a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. The first 300 guests through the door get a free copy of Best of Bootie 2016, a compilation of 80 minutes of mashups. At 448 S. Main St., (323) 284-5727 or theregenttheater.com. Clean Exit: The Dance Yourself Clean party returns to the Teragram Ballroom for a New Year’s Eve edition. Tickets start at $20 and you can expect plenty of synth pop and alternative dance tunes from the likes of LCD Soundsystem (whose song inspired the party’s name), Chromeo, Miike Snow and CHVRCHES. Doors open at 9 p.m. Special guests will be announced closer to Dec. 31. At 1234 W. Seventh St. (213) 689-9100 or teragramballroom.com.

AN EVENING AFFAIR Celebrate New Year’s Eve with old Hollywood glamour at the landmark Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Enjoy a decadent 9-course menu from the grandeur of the Rendezvous Court making it a night to remember. Saturday, December 31st 6:30pm to 10:00pm $65 per person (tax and gratuity not included)

For reservations call 213.612.1695

506 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90071 USA T +213.612.1562 E biltmore.us@millenniumhotels.com W millenniumhotels.com

When the Ball Drops: The Downtown speakeasy/repurposed boiler room The Edison is once again throwing a big party to end the year. The soul band Parlor Social will provide the music, and there will be aerialists, burlesque dancers and stilt walkers. The night will be a lush cabaret, perfect for the club. All of that comes on top of The Edison’s cocktail program and strong whiskey catalogue — think Glenfiddich aged 30 years or an 18-yearold Yamazaki. General admission tickets are $100 and the party starts at 7 p.m. At 108 W. Second St., (213) 613-0000 or edisondowntown.com. New Year’s With the Queen: Broadway’s Precinct, which calls itself a “rock and roll gay bar,” is throwing the Queen Kong ball to close out 2016. Hosted by the drag duo the Boulet Brothers, the party will feature performance groups such as Exposure Drag and Planet Queer. DJ Mateo Segade will spin and Precinct’s strong beer list and cocktail program will help keep the party energized. Tickets are $10-$15. The bar recommends that guests arrive early. At 357 S. Broadway, (213) 628-3112 or precinctdtla.com. Throwback Fun: Brack Shop Tavern is a new addition to the

photo courtesy New Year’s Race Los Angeles

If you overindulge on New Year’s Eve, make up for it by running in a 5K. You actually get a reprieve, as the New Year’s Race Los Angeles takes place Jan. 8. It starts and ends at Grand Park.

string of restaurants and bars along Seventh Street, but it’s going old school for Dec. 31 with a 1980s-themed party. The cocktail bar will have classic drinks, a DJ — if it’s the ’80s, expect lots of Duran Duran and Tears for Fears — a photo booth and party hats. Best of all, admission is free and no reservation is required. At 525 W. Seventh St., (213) 232-8657 or brackshoptavern.com. Rest, Recover, Run: Face it: You are probably going to eat and drink a lot of things that are unhealthy on New Year’s Eve. That’s okay, as long as you make up for it. That’s where the New Year’s Race Los Angeles comes into play. The name is a bit misleading, as the 5K actually takes place on Jan. 8. The course starts and ends at Grand Park, with legs on Second Street and Figueroa Street. Registration begins at $50. There will also be food trucks and a beer garden. Friendly advice: Save the beer garden for after the race. At 200 N. Spring St. or newyearsrace.com. nicholas@downtownnews.com

10 Downtown News

December 19, 2016

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Clifton’s is going all-out on New Year’s Eve, with a luau-themed party that runs across all five floors of the Broadway destination.

By Eddie Kim here’s nothing wrong with staying in with friends and a few bottles of bubbly, or focusing the itinerary on latenight bars and clubs, on New Year’s Eve. Indeed, there are plenty of options in Downtown if you are inclined to the latter type of celebration (see page 8). For many people, however, ringing in the new year just isn’t as special without a celebratory meal in a beautiful space. Sometimes that is just part of the evening. Other times it’s the whole thing. Downtown Los Angeles has a lot of those options, with cuisines and venues to fit any vibe. Here are a few of the local highlights. Important tip: Don’t forget to make reservations!

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71Above: Perched at the peak of the U.S Bank Tower is a destination restaurant that flaunts views unlike any in the city — that’s because it’s the tallest building west of the Mississippi — plus some seriously confident, delicious cooking from chef Vartan Abgaryan and his staff. The New Year’s Eve blowout at 71Above isn’t for everyone, considering it’s a whopping $250 per person, but those with an eye for luxury will find much to smile about. Endless pours of Billecart-Salmon champagne and other wines, poached oysters with caviar, prime New York steak with truffle-onion marmalade, foie gras macarons — the list of dishes served from a bevy of food stations goes on and on. The party starts at 9 p.m., and don’t forget to dress up, as it’s a black-tie affair. At 633 W. Fifth St., (213) 712-2683 or 71above.com/newyear. Shibumi: You’ve probably strolled right by Shibumi and its unmarked entrance without a single suspicion you were passing one of Los Angeles’ most hyped restaurants. The L.A. Times’ Jonathan Gold ranked it his No. 2 restaurant in the region, and the excellent Bill Addison, head critic for Eater, dubbed it “the future of Japanese dining in America.” While the minimalist, focused menu is normally à la carte, chef-owner David Schlosser will be serving a $95 per person omakase (or chef’s choice) meal on New Year’s Eve. Expect a succession of small, beautifully precise dishes that emphasize the natural flavor of the ingredients. Be sure to ask for seats at the bar so you can watch the cooks work. At 815 S. Hill St., (213) 265-7923 or shibumidtla.com. Broken Spanish: Chef Ray Garcia is still going strong at South Park’s Broken Spanish, which has blossomed into a torchbearer for modern Mexican cooking in Los Angeles. Garcia and crew will be serving a four-course meal for $75 on New Year’s Eve, and while the menu details haven’t been released, expect it to showcase the chef’s penchant for combining region-

al flavors in clever and satisfying combinations. The menu will include a $30 option for agave drink pairings, because why wouldn’t you celebrate the arrival of 2017 with some tequila and mezcal cocktails? Only a few reservations were available at press time, so don’t dally. At 1050 S. Flower St., (213) 749-1460 or brokenspanish.com. District: On first glance, The Bloc in the Financial District doesn’t look like much of a place to celebrate the turning of the calendar — the retail complex is technically open, but devoid of much business or dining. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll find District, the restaurant and bar tucked into the renovated Sheraton Hotel. For New Year’s Eve, District will feature live jazz from the Melissa Morgan Trio, plus a four-course meal priced at $60 per person. There will be a midnight champagne toast, plus party favors. As for the food, expect modern American with influences that pull from Asia and Latin America; standouts on the full menu include chile-miso cured beef carpaccio and roasted jerk chicken with black garlic jus. At 750 W. Seventh St., (213) 612-3185 or districtdtla.com. Clifton’s: The Pacific Seas tiki bar opened recently at Clifton’s to much fanfare, but the tropical theme won’t be confined to the fourth-floor space come New Year’s Eve. Clifton’s is throwing a full luau bash starting at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. There are four price tiers. The $75 entry is called the “Beachcomber” package, but in reality you get one glass of champagne, no food, and access only to the bars and seating on the first three floors. The $150 “Clipper Class” gets a bottle of champagne per two people and meals from the cafeteria (featuring dishes like roast kalua pig, oxtail soup, and banana-guava pie). For $25 more, the “Premium Clipper” package offers the same meal and drink, but upgrades you to a table closer to the live entertainment. Finally the “Ali’i” package grants all-you-can-eat privileges, plus a cocktail with a complimentary glass, champagne and more — just for a cool $350. Reservations are highly recommended. At 648 S. Broadway, (213) 627-1673 or cliftonsla.com. Ace Hotel: The Theatre at Ace Hotel is one of the most beautiful venues in Downtown, thanks to its restored Gothic architecture. Now you have a chance to eat under the soaring domed ceiling, as the Ace is hosting a $200 dinner on stage at 8 p.m. Diners will sit together to share canapes and a three-course meal, with an open bar and dance floor just steps away. If that’s beyond your budget, no problem: The hotel’s restaurant L.A. Chapter will be serving, too, with a few New Year’s specials on the menu. Don’t miss the lobster salad with champagne grapes and a lemoncream sauce ($18), or the 36-hour-cooked short rib with a truffle sauce ($25). Then head upstairs to the roof for the $30 dance

December 19, 2016

Downtown News 11

NEW YEAR’S HANDBOOK

Takami Sushi & Robata: The Downtown skyline is always an impressive sight, so why not take it in one last time in 2016, and from a high vantage point? Takami Sushi & Robata, on the 21st floor of the 811 Wilshire building, is putting together a New Year’s Eve dinner. The restaurant is offering three seatings of its regular menu, at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. There will also be a champagne toast to welcome 2017, and the extensive sake menu is available. The meal starts at $60, and reservations are recommended. At 811 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 236-9600 or takamisushi.com. eddie@downtownnews.com

photo courtesy 71Above

Get a Dec. 31 meal with a view at 71Above. The restaurant at the top of U.S. Bank Tower has a $250 menu with champagne and a lineup of fine dishes and food stations.

party; the ticket comes with a cocktail. At 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or acehotel.com/calendar/losangeles. Chaya: Located on the ground floor of City National Plaza, Chaya has been a stalwart restaurant for sushi and pristine seafood served with an Asian-fusion touch. On Dec. 31, Chaya is offering a four-course dinner stacked with premium ingredients. Up first is a Santa Barbara sea urchin “monaka,” a nouveau take on a crisp little Japanese sandwich that’s usually stuffed with

photo by Gary Leonard

District restaurant in the Sheraton Hotel has an affordable four-course meal on New Year’s Eve. Dinner is $60 and there will be live jazz from the Melissa Morgan Trio.

sweet bean filling. That is followed by wholecooked market fish, and filet mignon with wasabi and a truffle jus. Dessert will round out the $95 meal, which includes a champagne toast and party favors. DJ Paris will be spinning some boomy house tunes from 9 p.m. to midnight. At 525 S. Flower St., (213) 236-9577 or thechaya.com. Pez Cantina: Live salsa music paired with chef Bret Thompson’s bright, delicious Baja Mexican specialties? Sounds like a good New

Year’s Eve match to us. Bunker Hill’s Pez Cantina, tucked into the first floor of the Mellon Bank building, has earned accolades and a steady stream of diners thanks to its satisfying array of Mexican dishes, whether it’s marinated raw fish or bubbling stews served in big stone bowls. Details are still short on Pez Cantina’s Dec. 31 menu, but expect a few different prix-fixe options, plus drink specials and a hyper-festive ambiance. At 401 S. Grand Ave., (213) 258-2280 or pezcantina.com.

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Pressure Builds for Lucas Museum Selection Local Leaders Tout Exposition Park as Site for Attraction From ‘Star Wars’ Creator By Nicholas Slayton or more than two years, Mayor Eric Garcetti has been trying to convince George Lucas to bring his proposed $1 billion, self-financed museum to Exposition Park. Leaders in San Francisco have been trying just as hard to land the facility in their city. A decision may be imminent. The San Francisco Chronicle this month reported that Lucas and his museum board expect to announce a decision on Jan. 6, 2017. Museum representatives did not respond to numerous requests for comment, and officials with Garcetti’s office would not say anything about a decision date. However, local efforts are moving forward. Last month the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the idea of erecting the 312,000-square-foot complex with a gleaming futuristic design at 3800 S. Vermont Ave. City leaders are seeking to convince Lucas and his team that permits and entitlements could be granted quickly. “The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art would be perfect for Los Angeles,” Garcetti said in a prepared statement. “Tens of millions of people visit our city every year — and L.A. has unquestioned stature as a world arts capital, thanks to institutions like The Broad, the Getty, MOCA, and LACMA.” The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art would house Lucas’ personal art collection. It includes photographs, film props and storyboards, including pieces from the Star Wars and Indiana Jones series, as well as digital art and animation. Other works set for display include paintings from Norman Rockwell and Howard Chandler Christy, plus Joseph Christian Leyendecker’s famous “Air Force Pilot” illustration. The project would include a theater, a library and classrooms. At Exposition Park there would be underground parking for approximately 1,800 cars and up to seven acres of green space. Los Angeles officials are also trying to point to the potential

photo courtesy of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

A rendering of the proposed 312,000-square-foot Lucas Museum of Narrative Art at a site in Exposition Park. Los Angeles is dueling with San Francisco to house the institution.

ease of reaching the site. They have noted that the location is near mass transit stops and both the 10 and 110 freeways. Chinese architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects is designing the Lucas Museum. The firm is doing designs both for Exposition Park and for the location on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay, between San Francisco and Oakland. Garcetti has been courting the Star Wars creator since 2014, at one point urging Angelenos to lobby Lucas online with the hashtag #WhyLucasinLA. Lucas announced in June 2014 that the museum would be built in Chicago. However, the deal fell apart following months of opposition and a lawsuit from a group called Friends of the Park who were against the private institution being built on public lakefront land. At that point, Lucas turned his attention to Los Angeles and San Francisco. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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FOURTH STREET BRIDGE, 5 staircase where Sante Fe Avenue and Mateo Street meet along the southern edge of the bridge. For years, it was dirty and unused, marked by drooping barbed wire. Foot traffic was minimal. That approach will change early next year, thanks to an art project sparked by community stakeholders. In April, local resident and author Brigitte Secard lobbied the Arts District Business Improvement District to clean up the area and paint the stairs. The idea got the attention of BID head Miguel Vargas, who won support from other neighborhood organizations including the L.A. River Artists and Business Association and the Historic Cultural Neighborhood Council. They set about to upgrade the eyesore, sparked in part by all the activity happening in the community. “This is an area near bars and restaurants, new residents, SCI-Arc, and we wanted to take advantage of that and make it more attractive,” Vargas said. “We decided to paint the steps.” A public competition was launched, and the BID received 40 artist submissions over the summer. The BID worked with Art Share L.A. and area stakeholders to judge the ideas. The team selected a proposal from local artist John Cuevas. The judges liked his bright, playful design of multicolored serpents crawling up the Fourth Street Bridge steps. Cuevas will begin painting in early January. Some landscaping work has already taken place to make the site less of an eyesore. “I cannot overstate how amazing it’s been to see the BID improve and revitalize this site. I’m honored to be a part of this neighborhood beautification project,” he wrote in an email. The project is funded by the office of 14th District City Councilman José Huizar. The budget is $3,000, with $2,600 allocated to Cuevas and the rest going to materials. The painting is expected to occur over the course of several days, with the steps opening to the public by mid-January. eddie@downtownnews.com

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Downtown News 13

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As Groundbreaking Approaches, The Rift Over The Reef Remains

The Reef is a $1.2 billion project at 19th and Broadway that would create nearly 1,500 apartments and condominiums, a hotel, and more than 120,000 square feet of retail and commercial space. A groundbreaking is scheduled for early next year.

Though Approved by the City, Controversy Still Swirls Around $1.2 Billion Project By Eddie Kim n Nov. 22, the Los Angeles City Council approved an unprecedented megaproject on the outskirts of Downtown Los Angeles dubbed The Reef. Owners Avedis and Ara Tavitian hope to break ground early next year on the $1.2 billion development that would spread across two city blocks and ultimately create nearly 1,500 residential units, a hotel, a parking structure, retail space and more. The project at 1933 S. Broadway could prefigure a building boom as housing spreads south from an already busy southern portion of Downtown. Although The Reef will rise on empty lots, a series of community organizations continue to oppose the project, and worry that the arrival of luxury units will make it harder for low-income families to remain in the neighborhood. On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved the project’s community benefits package (the last element needing city approval), and the full council gave its OK the following day. That gives The Reef a green light to move into site preparation. The package includes the developer giving $15.2 million to the city to preserve affordable housing and setting aside 5% of the apartments for low-income renters. The developer is also pledging to hire at least 30% of the construction workforce locally and contribute $3 million to area job-training and other community programs. That’s not enough to satisfy groups such as CD Tech, United Neighbors In Defense Against Displacement (UNIDAD), and Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE), the nonprofit that has been leading the opposition. SAJE is considering legal action to delay the project, said Executive Director Cynthia Strathmann. “The Reef sets a precedent for huge projects that will not serve the community,” Strathmann said. “We need density, but there has to be a promise that large projects will help, at least in part, people who need it most. It’s not just about the size of The Reef, but the small proportion of benefits it’s giving.” City Councilman Curren Price, whose Ninth District includes the project site, disagrees. Price has championed the development and main-

tains that no resident displacement will occur because The Reef will rise on two parking lots. He recognizes the possibility of the legal challenge, but believes the project will help the community. “We always know a lawsuit could be filed to slow things down, but we’re being hopeful and transparent. It’s a wonderful project, the biggest in South L.A. right now,” Price said. “The community benefits alone is the biggest package we’ve seen.” The Reef would rise in two parts. First would be the “West Block,” at 1933 S. Broadway, with a 208-room hotel and a seven-story building with about 100 apartments, plus an eight-story parking structure. Retail and commercial spaces, along with a 17,000-square-foot plaza with art, would fill the ground floor spaces. The “East Block” would begin construction around the same time as the West Block’s parking structure is completed. It would include mid-rise buildings with about 440 apartments, as well as 32- and 35-story towers with nearly 900 combined condos. There would be a fourlevel underground parking garage, and more retail and restaurant space on the ground floor. The design from architecture firms Patterns and Gensler show simple, rectangular towers with angular windows and balconies that create a woven grid-like facade. A large paseo would run between the blocks on either side of Broadway, allowing pedestrians to cut through from Hill and Main streets. The $15 million set aside by the developer won’t pay for the construction of new affordable housing. Rather, the funds would be used to preserve existing subsidized housing, in other locations, that is in danger of being converted to market-rate because of expiring city contracts with landlords. The expiring contracts could impact 15,000 units over the next five years, according to a city report. The city “doesn’t have the money” to do that alone, Price noted, adding that the area around The Reef also needs an infusion of new marketrate housing. Vivian Bowers, owner of the nearby Bowers and Sons Cleaners at 2509 S. Central Ave. and president of the Central Avenue Historic Business Improvement District, shares that outlook.

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Bowers sees The Reef as a magnet to attract young people to the neighborhood. She noted that the residential and office boom in Downtown has funneled new customers to her family business. At the same time, she downplayed the notion that residents and tenants will get kicked out en masse because of a new development a few blocks away. “I embrace ‘Don’t move, improve.’ Landlords who think that cents will turn to dollars just because they take on a shiny new tenant are mistaken. I’ve seen people try that and fail,” said Bowers, who also owns a small retail complex with six tenants. “The household income in the area is very low, and it cannot change that quickly. I can’t raise tenants’ rents just because The Reef is moving in.” Area brokers and real estate analysts see The Reef as a catalyst for further development in the neighborhoods between South Park and USC, especially with a number of stagnant warehouses and commercial structures for sale along corridors such as Hill and Main south of the 10 Freeway. One thing to note is that future projects that require zone changes will need to meet new requirements under Mea-

sure JJJ (passed in November) for higher construction wages and a greater proportion of subsidized housing. That is key to maintaining a diverse demographic in the community, SAJE’s Strathmann said. She cited a May study from UC Berkeley that shows while rapidly building new marketrate housing leads to lower median housing costs over decades, building subsidized housing reduces displacement pressure by more than double in the short term. SAJE and UNIDAD asked city leaders to require that 15% of units at The Reef be subsidized. The request was denied. “We need development in South L.A. But there is a misunderstanding that just building housing is going to solve the crisis. Luxury housing raises local rents at adjacent properties, and creates no new inroads to build affordable housing,” she said. “Developers get tremendous value from these zone changes and public resources, and the community should demand more in return.” Barring any legal blockades, The Reef is expected to break ground in early 2017, with completion of both blocks in 2021. eddie@downtownnews.com

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Chef Eddie Huang’s BaoHaus has finally come from New York City to Los Angeles. A shop opened last month in Far East Plaza in Chinatown.

town’s Far East Plaza, inside the former Pok Pok Phat Thai space. “Bao” can refer to all sorts of little Chinese buns, but BaoHaus focuses on the soft steamed Taiwanese version. The pillow-like bread comes wrapped around hunks of protein and crisp, tangy vegetables, with signature takes including the Chairman Bao (slow-roasted pork belly, “Haus” relish, crushed peanuts) and the Uncle Jesse (fried tofu, relish and a sweet-tangy sauce). The bao are about $4 each. Other menu options are Taiwanese-style rice bowls, taro-root fries and even a dessert bao, in case you’re craving deep-fried carbs. At 727 N. Broadway, (213) 935-8740 or baohausnyc.com. Bao Down, Part II: Remember that thing we mentioned about a bao boom? Well, look no further than the Little Tokyo Galleria. The mall’s first-floor supermarket recently saw the opening of a new food stall dubbed BaoBab; it’s next to a super-casual Korean/Japanese cafe and a poke spot. The name is a hybrid of “bao” and the Korean word for “rice,” so it’s no surprise that the shop serves a variety of meats and veggies in either bao, ricebowl or burrito form. (We imagine that the name BaoBabBurrito was nixed for its wordiness.) The fillings range from roasted pork belly to curries to grilled chicken, and the influences pull from Korea, Thailand, Japan and other Asian cuisines. At 333 S. Alameda St. Out of This World: We’re not saying you should always eat fried chicken with donuts. We’re just saying that if people are raving about said combination, maybe a little indulgence is in order. So it will be at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, which is looking to open on Sixth Street between Olive and Grand in early 2017. As the name suggests, the menu focuses on a variety of sweet treats, including a creme brulee donut that the Washington Post deemed the best in D.C., and fried chicken served in standalone or sandwich form. Astro is also known for a robust rotation of seasonal offerings, such as bourbon eggnog donuts in the winter months and cherry blossom donuts in the spring. “Los Angeles has been known as a doughnut town for a long time, and we believe that Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken will add to that tradition,” co-founder Elliot Spaisman said in a prepared statement. Can Astro de-throne the likes of Sidecar, Blue Star or Downtown’s own Birdies? We’ll soon find out. Coming to 510 W. Sixth St. or astrodoughnuts.com. A Royal Favorite: Ah, good ol’ Earl of Sandwich — a very tasty sandwich shop, but kind of a pain to get to for Downtowners. It’s Continued on page 20

Downtown News 15

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

CALENDAR

‘Amélie’ Leaps to the

Stage Phillipa Soo (left), fresh off of Broadway’s Hamilton, plays the title character in Amélie, The Musical. The show is now at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Quirky 2001 Film Becomes a Musical That Opens at the Ahmanson Before a Broadway Run By Nicholas Slayton n 2001, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s romantic comedy Amélie charmed film audiences. The story of a shy waitress (played by Audrey Tautou) was a quirky and upbeat tale of helping others and finding happiness. In 2015, Amélie followed the path of unlikely screen-to-stage works such as The Producers, Billy Elliott and Waitress. Amélie, A New Musical opened at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Now, after some revamping, it is landing in Downtown Los Angeles in advance of a Broadway run that begins next March. Amélie opened on Friday, Dec. 16, and continues through Jan. 15, 2017. The show, which runs roughly one hour and 45 minutes without intermission, is a refined and altered version of the Berkeley debut, according to director Pam MacKinnon. She said that although the beats of the musical remain the same, about two-thirds of the show has been rewritten and three songs have been added. “It’s to give more voice to the title character,” MacKinnon explained. “It’s been a really tricky thing. In the movie Amélie barely speaks at all. Musicals allow you to sing what she’s thinking without people hearing it.” The film transition is not the only thing

✔

generating buzz. The title character is played by Phillipa Soo, who was nominated for a Tony award for her role as Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton’s wife, in the smash hit Hamilton. As with the movie, Amélie, A New Musical is the story of a young woman isolated by her parents who decides to bring happiness to those around her. As she starts helping others, she has to overcome her own shyness when she finds herself attracted to a young man named Nino, played by Adam Chanler-Berat, who reprises the part from the Berkeley staging. The idea for the musical was conceived soon after the film came out, but didn’t come together until roughly four years ago, when composer Daniel Messé and writer Craig Lewis began work on the book and some songs. MacKinnon was brought in to help develop the fledgling show. Chanler-Beret said that the revisions since Berkeley not only help to expand the lead character’s voice, but enabled him to dig deeper into his role. The changes, plus Soo as the new leading lady (Samantha Barks handled the role in Berkeley), gave him a fresh take on the musical and helped him reevaluate the pair’s romantic relationship.

“Nino and Amélie are quite similar,” said Chanler-Berat, whose credits include prominent roles in Broadway productions of Peter and the Starcatcher and Next to Normal. “They’re outsiders. They think about the world in an unusual way, which is what attracts them to each other. It’s also their hang-up.” Jeunet’s film was brushed with whimsy and surrealism. MacKinnon said that the tone translates to the stage. The set and the costume are filled with vibrant colors. The songs help capture the quirky vibe of the movie, she said. “When I talk to people about changing this movie to a stage play, people tend to remember the film more about color and emotion rather than story, which gives us some leeway,” MacKinnon remarked. “I feel in some respects the movie is a love letter to cinema and we wanted to find the analogous performances elements in theater.” The songs run the gamut in style, ChanlerBerat said. He compared parts of Massé’s score to Elton John, while other numbers feel like indie folk tunes. He said one of his favorites is “Thin Air,” a guitar-driven song in which Nino tries to find Amélie to confess his feelings. MacKinnon has helmed productions such as Peter and Jerry and Clybourne Park, for

which she earned a Tony nomination for Best Director. She won a Tony for directing Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Still, this is the first musical she has directed, and she acknowledged having to learn to work with new elements and team members. She said that even with those challenges, the experience has been rewarding, and she has enjoying partnering with choreographer Sam Pinkleton. “I don’t normally have that relationship in the room,” she said. “He’s someone that I can turn to and say this is a piece of storytelling I need. I need your big brain to tell it.” Musicals take a long time to bring to life by virtue of fact that there are so many creators involved, MacKinnon said. She added that she expects that fans of the film will enjoy the stage version, but that it will be accessible to newcomers as well. The musical has moments of silliness, MacKinnon said, but she expects that Soo, Chanler-Berat and the spectacle of the story will get audiences invested in a shy young girl’s adventures. Amélie runs through Jan. 15, 2017, at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 6282772 or centertheatregroup.com. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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photo by Joan Marcus

December 19, 2016

16 Downtown News

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

December 19, 2016

A Downtown Holiday Tradition The free Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration takes place from 3-6 p.m. on Christmas Eve at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Performers include ragtime blues and swing band the California Feetwarmers.

Free County Concert Brings 20 Eclectic Performances To the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion By Nicholas Slayton n Downtown Los Angeles, the gift giving will start the day before Christmas. That’s because, from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24, the 57th annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration will take place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. As with every other Holiday Celebration dating back to the first one in 1959, admission is free. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend. This show is co-hosted by actor Brian White (“Chicago Fire,” “Scandal”) and dancer Cheryl Burke of “Dancing With the Stars.” Approximately 20 groups or individuals will have three- to seven-minute performances. The event, organized by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, has acts ranging from a Filipino dance company to a 35-member gospel choir. White, who also hosted last year, said the show is a chance for Angelenos to enjoy the diversity of their city. “I think events like this are where we get to see all of L.A. at once,” he said. Eight of the acts are making their Holiday Celebration debut, including the all-female mariachi band Las Colibri, the Pasadena Christian School Children’s Choir and the Kayamanam Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts dance company. The ragtime blues and swing band the California Feetwarmers is also appearing for the first time. Patrick Morrison, the band’s vocalist, said they wanted to do something different from the usual Christmas songs, so they’ll be performing Louis Armstrong’s “Christmas in New Orleans.” “It’s about, as you might suspect, Christmas time in the city of New Orleans,” Morrison said. “It’s a Christmas song, but it’s not

photo courtesy of the L.A. County Arts Commission

county to residents. In years past it ran 12 hours, though that has been reduced over the decades. PBS SoCal station KOCE will broadcast the concert live at 3 p.m. (it can also be seen online at pbssocal.org). Repeat airings are at 9 p.m. that night and at noon on Christmas day. Zucker noted that images of Los Angeles in film, television and the news can focus on challenges or negative aspects of the city. She thinks the Holiday Celebration gives Angelenos a chance to glimpse a more positive side of their home. “This is a chance to see the fantastic, on-the-ground arts activity that happens here every day,” she said. Those in the show cite another positive: getting to watch the other acts. White said that last year, he was able to host the event while in the audience, allowing him to see every performer. Morrison said he wants to catch all of the shows, but will have to miss the ones after his band finishes — he has to get to a family event for Christmas Eve. He said he’ll probably watch the repeat on TV. The Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration is Saturday, Dec. 24, 3-6 p.m., at 135 N. Grand Ave., or lacountyarts.org/holiday. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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like ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.’” Cultural diversity is big in the show. The Korean group the Kim Eung Hwa Dance Company will perform a fan dance, for instance. Even the California Feetwarmers are touching different points of reference, as they will also perform the traditional Yiddish song “Oh Hannukah.” “Half the guys in the band are Jewish, so along with playing some early jazz, we also play some Eastern European brass music,” Morrison said. “Since it’s a holiday concert and not just a Christmas one, we thought, why not do a Jewish song? It fits well with our style.” Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Laura Zucker, executive director of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, noted that guests often show up hours before that. People routinely leave during the performance, allowing some of those waiting in line to enter. Those in line can enjoy free hot chocolate, and holiday carolers will provide some early entertainment. Visitors who don’t get into the venue can watch the action on a large outdoor screen. Local Showcase The free event was initially conceived of as a “gift” from the

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S S S I S I M M T ' T ' N O O DD N The

EVENTS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19 Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St. or holidayicerinkdowntownla.com. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday: The stretch of frozen water in the heart of the Financial District is open every day this week. Bring your own skates or rent them on site. L.A. Kings Holiday Ice L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd or lalive.com/events-calendar/holidayice. Daily 3 p.m.-midnight: Downtown’s biggest skating rink sits in the heart of Microsoft Square across from Staples Center. There’s a giant decorated Christmas tree in the middle. Again, bring your own skates or rent them on site. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 57th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org. 3 p.m.: The first to arrive will be the first seated as the cherished mosaic of song and performance unites holiday traditions in a live broadcast Christmas Eve celebration.

List

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Cuban defector and Dizzy Gillespie protégé Arturo Sandoval is ready to wow Downtown this week. On Thursday, Dec. 22, at 8 p.m., he’ll bring his Arturo Sandoval Big Band to Walt Disney Concert Hall to make you swing. You can expect a season’s worth of classics packed in a lock-tight syncopated dance of Navidad-oriented revelry. As a bonus, guests who arrive early will be the recipients of some holiday treats. What have you got to lose? At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com.

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In a late season surprise, Orange County progeny Nick Waterhouse visits The Regent to deliver a roots R&B show like few others. On Monday, Dec. 19, Waterhouse will be supporting his most recent release, the carefully textured Never Twice. The name of the game with Waterhouse is authenticity. Not only does his music fashion itself around compositional tropes identifiable to late ’50s preMotown, so too does he specialize in re-creating that somewhat tinny, ensemblederived and vinyl-distributed warmth associated with the era. Catch Waterhouse’s unique take in its natural environment: a reclaimed Downtown theater. At 448 S. Main St., (323) 284-5727 or theregenttheater.com.

Four

Think of The Autopsy of Jane Doe as a year-end litmus test. Those yearning for safe spaces and cheery escapism at the tail end of a gruesome 2016 may not feel comfortable with the lurid story of a professional and existential crisis between a fatherand-son coroner team that discovers that a corpse may still hold a beating heart. Others may be on the prowl for a bit of grotesque catharsis, in which case we highly recommend the anticipated Emile Hirsch vehicle. Hirsch himself will be on hand at the Theatre at Ace Hotel on Monday, Dec. 19, for a post-screening Q&A, should you have probing questions about the nature of life or the sort of prep work that goes into playing a coroner. The movie starts at 8 p.m. At 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or acehotel.com/calendar/losangeles.

photo by Gary Leonard

BY DAN JOHNSON * CALENDAR@DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

CALENDAR LISTINGS

Belasco 1050 S. Hill St., (213) 746-5670 or belascous.com. Dec. 23: Nothing says Christmas cheer quite like Basscon. Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. Dec. 19: Duane Eubanks Group. Dec. 20: Serotonin. Dec. 21: Hamilton Price Quartet. Dec. 22: Christian Euman Group. Dec. 23: Walter Smith III Group. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Dec. 19: All Exsage wants for Christmas is an Eagles of Death Metal T-shirt. Dec. 20: Despite having an obnoxious “shoegaze/dream pop” band bio, Fringe’s demos didn’t sound all that bad. Dec. 21: Sleeptalk look like they want to be GG Allin but sound like they want to sleep with M83 groupies. Dec. 22: Avi Buffalo will be back the first week of January. Caña 714 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-7090 or 213dthospitality.com. Dec. 20: Sitara Son. Dec. 21: Jose Perez. Dec. 22: Joey De Leon. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. Dec. 21: Orjan Nilsen. Grand Performances California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., (213) 687-2190 or grandperformances.org. Dec. 19, 12 p.m.: Per the terms of the incoming presidential administration, we are happy to announce that A French Horn Holiday is now titled A Freedom Horn Holiday. Ham & Eggs Tavern 433 W. Eighth St., (213) 891-6939 or hamandeggstavern.com. Dec. 21: The Grasping Straws, Body in Revolt, The Village Fate and Family Cash. Las Perlas 107 E. Sixth St., (213) 988-8355 or 213dthospitality.com. Dec. 19: Yosmel Montejo. Dec. 20: Joey De Leon. Dec. 21: La Victoria. Dec. 22: Fabrice Martinez Trio. Dec. 26: Viva! Redwood Bar and Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 652-4444 or theredwoodbar.com. Dec. 19: Blair Sinta. Continued on next page

Downtown News 17

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Given the terror rain induces in Los Angeles motorists, we’d like to humbly submit that caution should be the order of the day if you take your friends or loved ones down to see the frozen water at the Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square. Now through Jan. 16, a pristine rink is open, and admission is $9, with skate rentals running $4 and skate helpers (this may be a wise investment) leasing out for $6. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. through Dec. 30. Those seeking steady ground are encouraged to grab a seat on the side of the rink, sip some hot cocoa and enjoy the bright lights. At 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or holidayicerinkdowntownla.com.

Fi ve

December 19, 2016

Been to the California African-American Museum in Exposition Park recently? If the answer is no, then now is a good time, as the lineup of recently opened exhibits includes Genevieve Gaignard: Smell the Roses. On display through Feb. 19, it showcases the work of an artist who has become a master of using place, culture and selective representation to capture her own complex identity. The order of the day is “passing,” or cloaking oneself in perceived whiteness so as to avoid identification as African American. The complex subject is undergirded with all-American iconography made evocative in a post-Katrina context. CAAM is free to visit from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. At 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org.

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

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

18 Downtown News Dec. 22: Re-arranged Face and Pucker Up. Resident 428 S. Hewitt St. or (323) 316-5311 or residentdtla.com. Dec. 19: We Deserve This has taken on new meaning since the election. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la. Dec. 19: Michael Starr, bluegrass player and no relation to Ken. Dec. 20: Think of the Makers as the three wise men of Seven Grand bringing booze, jazz and pithy commentary instead of frankincense, gold and myrrh.

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The Novo 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or thenovodtla.com. Dec. 22: Kodak Black was born in 1997 and just released his first single after being released from prison. Please give him money. The Regent 448 S. Main St. or theregenttheater.com. Dec. 19: Vintage R&B duplicator Nick Waterhouse makes the long journey up past the Orange Curtain. Dec. 24: Alone? Desperate? Stop by to see Gangrene and Revereie at #LAXMAS.

The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org. Dec. 22: Mr. Wright & The El Salvadorians, Phlask, Teen Sex and Psychic Driving. Dec. 23: Pity Party, The Side Eyes, Joos and Lonely Bodies. Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0777 or musiccenter.org. Dec. 22, 8 p.m.: Get a good stretch in before big band delightee Arturo Sandoval presents his Swinging Christmas to Downtown.

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December 19, 2016

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Church Inks Deal for Variety Arts Center : 8 Wooster Group Takes on Harold Pinter : 10

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2016 was an amazing year

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THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

FEBRUARY 15, 2016 I VOL. 45 I #7

INSIDE THIS WEEK: A Bridge Closes and Traffic Gets Worse : 8 Movie Costumes Are in the Spotlight at FIDM : 10

SPECIAL

Open-concept loft, Sun-lit patio, 9th & Hope location, Owner occupied California BROKER # 01995374 (CalBRE)

RODDY DE LA GARZA 323-696-5375

Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA.

Pub. 12/05, 12/12, 12/19, and 12/26/2016.

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Downtown since 2002

Bill Cooper 213.598.7555

The name and address of the court is: Superior Court of California County of Riverside 880 N. State St.

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LEGAL

Hemet, CA 92543 Case Number: HED1500951 Deputy: M. Cruz The name, address, telephone number, and fax number of the petitioner’s attorney or petitioner without an attorney are: Darrius Dolley 2400 Tahoe Circle, Apartment A Hemet, CA 92545 951-292-3719

Monthly from $800+ utilities paid. (213) 612-0348

SECTION

ROMANCE IN THE CITY PAGES 7-12

BALL GAMES

Homelessness Spikes Again : 7

An Arts District Mural Uproar : 14

Scenes From the Night On Broadway Street Festival

See Page 14

Members of the Harlem Globetrotters Try

T H E V O I C E O F D O W N T O W N L . A . S I N C ETo1Teach 9 7 2 Some of Their Tricks to a Few

Reporters. The Results Are Not Pretty.

This is our last special section of 2016. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to reach over 100,000 readers. See Page 5

for Downtown. Our year in review special issue will highlight the biggest events from 2015. From business to entertainment to real estate… Modern C lassic SIGHTS we’ll cover SOUNDS Spring it all. MAY 9, 2016 I VOL. 45 I #19

THINKING OUTSIDE THE

CHOCOLATE BOX

Harlem Globetrotter Hacksaw Hall during a Downtown stop.

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

The Mast Brothers Open a Factory And Store in the Arts District SEE PAGE 16

Rick (top) and Michael Mast at their new 6,000-square-foot Mast Brothers chocolate factory in the Arts District.

FEBRUARY 29, 2016 I VOL. 45 I #9

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UNIQUE SPACES & SUMMER ENTERTAINING

PAGES 9-13

the Best in 2016? BEST16 IT’SWho’s TIME TO VOTE @ VOTEBESTOF.COM OF DTLA

OF DTLA

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

The L.A. Phil’s

The Long-Shot Who Wants to Be Mayor : 5

THE

SEE PAGE 10

Big Plan for a Huge Arts District Complex : 6

A Convention Center Design Spat: 5

Assistant Conductor Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla Is Rocketing to International Attention

Visions of the First and Broadway Park: 6

MARCH 7, 2016 I VOL. 45 I #10

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

A Rundown of 40 Can’t-Miss Concerts, Shows, Events, Exhibits and More Taking Place in Downtown See Pages 7 – 21

St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown : 12-14 Elvis Costello plays at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel on April 2-3.

DWP: Drama, Water & Power : 5

art

Metro Charter School Needs a Home : 8

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972 MARCH 14, 2016 I VOL. 45 I #11

BIG

The Blue-Chip Hauser Wirth & Schimmel Gallery Opens in the Arts District

See Story Page 6

Publishes on: December 26, 2016 Deadline on: December 15, 2016

Say Goodbye to Sport Chalet : 5 A New Downtown Music Festival : 15

APRIL 25, 2016 I VOL. 45 I #17

The directors of the new Hauser Wirth & Schimmel gallery. Shown are (l to r) director of sales Graham Steele, senior director Stacen Berg, vice president and partner Paul Schimmel and director of operations Brian Boyer.

photo by Daniel Trese

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CIVIC SUMMONS

are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. Fee Waiver: If you cannot pay the filing fee ask the clerk for a fee waiver form to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courts.ca.gov/selfhelp). At the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association. NOTICE: The restraining orders on page 2 are effective against both spouses or domestic partners unit the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further order. The orders

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AUTO SALES

NOTICE! You have been sued. Read the following information. You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120 or FL-123) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, you property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support

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eral, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 12/12/16, 12/19/16, 12/26/16, and 01/02/2017..

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

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December 19, 2016

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

A Downtown Show About Downtowners A+D Museum’s New Exhibit ‘Come In! DTLA’ Is Fueled by Locals

Adolescent support group now forming Ages 13-17 Low fee

Call Marney Stofflet, LCSW

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10/14/15

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• School problems? • Conflict at home or with friends?

en’ Childr s Performing Group

“Indoor Mini Basketball Kit, 2015” by Killspencer and Snarkitecture is at the museum in the Arts District.

:5 to Be Mayor Who Wants :6 Complex The Long-Shot Arts District for a Huge

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MARCH 7,

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December 19, 2016

RESTAURANT BUZZ, 14

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.

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PROMENADE TOWERS

123 South Figueroa Street Leasing Information 213 617 3777 www.THEPROMENADETOWERS.com Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Spa / BBQ Grills ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking

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On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / Beauty Salon

MUSEUM TOWER

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

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often a travel treat for those visiting Disneyland or roaming Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, but here comes news that the chain is taking a roughly 900-square-foot space at Two California Plaza on Bunker Hill. It will fill a spot between a Mixt salad restaurant and a George’s Greek Grill, around the corner from the popular Blue Cow Kitchen. It’s a smart, affordable option for local office workers and residents, with the signature offering being a fat sandwich with rosy roast beef slices, cheddar and horseradish sauce. Earl of Sandwich will also offer its usual wraps and salads when it opens next spring. The news was first reported by the blog DTLA Rising. Coming to 350 S. Grand Ave. Universal Eats: What, exactly, does the cosmos taste like? Maybe we’re taking the name of a new Historic Core restaurant too literally. Taste of Universal, located on Sixth Street between Main and Spring streets, is a project from Downtown resident and barber Khalil Long. The menu is built around an eclectic array of sandwiches, with fillings including pulled chicken, barbecue beef, shrimp and beyond. You can get the sandwiches in slider ($3.99) or full-size ($7.99) form, and there’s also a bunch of tempting sides including house-fried chips and macaroni and cheese. Those not in a sandwich mood can opt for build-yourown salads and bowls, and for dessert there are snow cones topped with a choice of 28 organic syrups and candy toppings. Don’t forget about the bizarro-cool space theme, complete with mascot Kai Bane, aka The Moonman, floating above the cashier. At 600 S. Spring St., (213) 628-3979 or tasteofuniversal.com. All Things Mezcal: Just to set things straight, here’s the difference between tequila and mezcal: All tequila is a form of mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila, as the latter denotes a liquor made with only one specific type of agave plant. In practice, mezcal is best described as tequila’s smokier, more intense parent, and the elixir is getting hipper by the minute. There’s no shortage of mezcal in Downtown Los Angeles, but a new bar dubbed Mezcalero is one of the few establishments to focus on the spirit. The bar at 510 S. Broadway is open from 3 p.m.-2 a.m. every day, with a generous 3-7 p.m. happy hour and food served until midnight. There’s a bunch of gussied-up tacos to grub on ($5 for one, or $9 for two), and dozens of mezcal and tequilas to taste in either neat or cocktail form. At 510 S. Broadway or mezcalerodtla.com. Got juicy food news? Email eddie@downtownnews.com.

AROUND TOWN, 2 7:30 p.m. It will be a non-ticketed event and will be open to the public. It will pay heed to a man who led CTG and served as its artistic director for nearly four decades, and who was credited with putting the Los Angeles theater scene on the national map. Davidson orchestrated the theatrical lineups that over the decades brought millions of visitors to the Music Center. “Gordon Davidson was one of the most renowned and respected artistic directors in regional theater, in part because he was one of the original founders of the entire concept,” said CTG Artistic Director Michael Ritchie in a prepared statement. Additional details will be released closer to the memorial.

Skid Row Sobering Center To Open Next Month

n the effort to reduce wait times at hospitals and provide specialized care to “serial inebriates,” a new facility will open in Skid Row. Last week, local officials including County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas announced that the 9,500-square-foot Dr. David L. Murphy Sobering Center at 640 S. Maple Ave. will debut on Jan. 2. The 50-bed space will have on-site nurses and social workers to treat and monitor intoxicated individuals. The center’s staff expects to treat 2,000 people annually. Los Angeles Fire Department Medical Director Dr. Marc Eckstein said that Fire Station 9 in Skid Row transports an average of 25 inebriated people a day to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center, where they require services that pull staff away from other individuals needing emergency care. The sobering center will offer immediate treatment, and the goal is to ultimately help patients get sober, restart their lives and find transitional housing.