LOS ANGELES
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October 29, 2012
Another Kind of Rush Hour With Basketball Back, Restaurants Have to Feed Hundreds, Get Them Out Before Tipoff and Make Sure Everyone Is Happy
photo by Gary Leonard
In the hours before every Clippers or Lakers game, hundreds of basketball fans throng ESPN Zone. The staff of up to 150 has to ensure that they can eat, drink, get the check and get out in time for tipoff. by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
T
he Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers both kick off the regular season this week, with the purple and gold hosting the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, Oct. 30, and Blake Griffin and friends playing the Memphis Grizzlies
the following night. The players are not the only ones in Downtown Los Angeles who, starting this week, will spend a couple hours sweating in the effort to provide a good product and satisfy those in the seats. The pressure will also be felt by workers at area restaurants.
Basketball games generally start at 7:30 p.m. In the hours before that, kitchen and front-of-the-room employees are also under intense pressure, as they have to deal with a flood of customers who all want to get in, eat, get the check and then get out in time for tipoff. The workers may be paid only a tiny fraction of what those see Restaurants, page 14
For Streetcar, It’s the $62.5 $85 Million Question Ballot Measure Will Ask for $22.5 Million More in Taxes Than Is Generally Discussed by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
E
ver since the City Council in July approved a plan to have local land owners help pay for the $125 million Los Angeles Streetcar, proponents of the project have been working hard. They know they need to convince twothirds of the registered voters in the area to approve the tax in a special vote-by-mail election that starts next month. Officials with Los Angeles Streetcar Inc., the nonprofit overseeing the effort, as well as 14th District City Councilman José Huizar, who launched the plan, have continuously talked about a crucial figure — $62.5 million. In press materials, on the streetcar website and in meetings with reporters, $62.5
million has been mentioned as the amount of money the public will pay, and that it will fund half of the capital costs of the project, including engineering and construction. When ballots are mailed to registered voters on Nov. 13, however, they will be asked to approve a much higher amount. In fact, $62.5 million does not appear on the ballot that must be returned to the City Clerk by Dec. 3. Instead, the ballot says area residents will be voting to tax local landowners up to $85 million. That is $22.5 million, or 36% more than what has been the focus of the campaign for the project. The higher figure is surprising some Downtown stakeholders who will be asked to pay for the streetcar.
They include Greg Martin, vice president of Downtown Management, a company led by Australian businessman Joseph Hellen. “So they’re cheating again. It’s just more deception,” he said. Martin and Hellen, who have a history of tangling with Huizar, have previously criticized the project’s approval process, in which only renters or condo owners who live within approximately three blocks of the tracks will be able to vote. Property owners — including those who control large buildings — who don’t reside in the area are not allowed to vote, even though they will be responsible for paying the tax over 30 years. see Streetcar, page 12
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Downtown News 3
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4 Downtown News
AROUNDTOWN Preliminary Regional Connector Work to Begin
T
he Regional Connector won’t open until 2019, but Metro is set to start preliminary work in November on the 1.9-mile underground light rail link that will tunnel through Downtown. Crews will be removing and realigning utilities including power, water, sewer, telephone and fiber optic lines to make way for future construction of the tunnel. The work will take place throughout the fall, six days a week. Crews are slated to work along the route from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays. Work may also take place during peak weekday periods up to 11 p.m. and on select Sundays, subject to city approval, Metro said in a statement. Tunnel boring and station construction are not slated to begin until after Metro selects a contractor for the $1.3 billion project; that is expected soon. The Regional Connector will include three underground stations, at Second and Hope streets, Second Street and Broadway and First Street and Central Avenue. When completed, the project will allow rail passengers to travel the Metro system with fewer transfers.
L.A. Hotel To Become a Hyatt
T
he former Los Angeles Downtown Marriott, currently known as the L.A. Downtown Hotel, will become part of the Hyatt Regency chain on Thursday, Nov. 1, said Libby Zarrahy, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. The new name of the 469-room establishment at 333 S. Figueroa St. won’t be official until the first
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quarter of 2013, when it will become The Hyatt Regency Los Angeles Downtown. Zarrahy said the hotel’s 290 employees will remain on staff once the property becomes a Hyatt. Over the summer the building’s owners launched a $20 million renovation of the property and wrapped the old signage in coverings with the temporary name. The renovation includes upgrades to all guest rooms, along with the improvements to the lobby, the meeting and ballroom areas and the restaurants. Completion is expected by early next year.
Taco Haven Guisado’s Coming to Spring Street
T
he Boyle Heights Mexican restaurant Guisado’s is less than two years old, and like all kids of that age, it’s growing quickly. This is different, however: Guisado’s is bringing its adored tacos to Downtown. Owner Armando De La Torre has signed a lease for a 1,185-square-foot space on the Spring Street side of the Broadway Spring Arcade building, on the 500 block of Spring Street. “My son moved Downtown a few months ago and that just seems to be the hottest place of what’s happening in the city,” said De La Torre. Guisado’s will take over a space across from where the English-style pub Royal Clayton’s is set to open next year. Guisado’s has been lauded in part for its fresh tortillas, which are made in an adjacent Boyle Heights bakery owned by De La Torre’s brother. The Downtown location will feature the same tortillas. “I have been asked to go to West L.A., but I cannot get too far away from the fresh ingredients, the corn that my brother grinds for me,” De La Torre said.
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City Club Plans Big Move
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he City Club on Bunker Hill will soon leave Bunker Hill. The exclusive business club, which has 1,100 members, is plotting a move from the Wells Fargo Tower on Grand Avenue to a space on the top floor of City National Tower. The club will change its name to City Club Los Angeles, said General Manager Larry Ahlquist. “The Central Business District has kind of moved south toward Staples and we found when we did a demographic survey of our members that a lot more of our people were located down there than up on the hill,” Ahlquist said. The move, which is expected to take place next August, comes after nearly 24 years at Wells Fargo Center. The new 27,000-square-foot space is about the same size as the existing spot, but its higher ceilings will allow the club to put its offices on a mezzanine level, Ahlquist said. The club
is planning to spend about $8.5 million on a renovation of the City National space, he said.
Beacon Lofts Sales To Begin Next Month
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he Arts District is getting another condominium complex soon. The Beacon Lofts will begin sales on Nov. 10, with the first move-ins expected by January, said Peklar Pilavjian of developer Alameda and Fourth, LLC. The $20 million project at 825 E. Fourth St. will offer 53 condominiums from the low $200,000s to about $1 million, Pilavjian said. The long-in theworks project transformed a six-story, 1923 Arts District edifice into residences ranging from 650-2,000 square feet. A second phase of the project is in the planning stage.
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Downtown News 5
DowntownNews.com
Happy City Hall-oween V In Downtown, Something Wicked and Ridiculous This Way Comes by Jon RegaRdie
executive editoR ity Hall can be scary. It’s a place where bright-eyed dreamers enter and come out as shell-shocked survivors. It’s where both the mighty and the meek have fallen. What happens in the halls of power makes the proceedings in the Paranormal Activity series seem utterly normal. Believe it or, City Hall is even more frightening on Halloween. Here is the fifth annual guide to the 100% imagi-
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nary haunted house that will fill the building on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Abandon hope all ye foolish enough to enter and think you will be heard. Zombies From the North: You approach the building from the South Lawn. You’re amazed at the grace of the structure and think of the great leaders who have been here before, even if you suddenly can’t remember any of their names. Then, you hear a low, moaning sound. You look and see a Sacramento politician — is that Assemblyman Gil Cedillo? — zombie stumbling your way. Then another, who looks just like state Sen. Curren Price, appears, doing the same botched shuffle. “Walking Dead” style zombies who resemble assemblymen Felipe Fuentes, Mike Davis and Bob Blumenfield are there as well. “Innnnnnsiiiiide,” they rumble. “One hundredddddddd sevennnnnnnty ninnnnnnne thousand dollarrrrrrrs a yearrrrrrrrrr!” Suddenly you realize — they all want to leave Sacramento and win high-paying City Council posts, and they’ll kill to do it! You scamper inside and slam the door, not knowing how long you can keep them at bay. In the Pocket: You exhale in relief. Then you see a sharpdressed man down the hall. He motions for you to come over. You approach, thankful for help. With a beaming smile he
sticks out his hand. You reach out, but instead of coming in for a shake his hand darts into your pocket. “I’m running for mayor,” he says, and pulls out $1,000. “Thanks for your support.” Before you can object a woman in a business suit approaches and sticks her hand in another pocket. “I’m running for mayor and I need your help,” she says, pulling out $1,000. In a halfsecond all manner of hands are in your pockets and you hear lines such as, “I’m running for City Council” or “I’m running for Controller.” Money goes flying out of your pockets! “I don’t have anything else,” you finally wail. Upon hearing this, they all turn their back on you and walk away. You’re What?: There’s a sharp smack from a nearby room. You open the door and see a diminutive figure with the whitest teeth in the history of the world. He’s opposite a brunette TV news reader. She slaps him across the face, hard. “I’m the mayor!” he says. Is this some strange sexual thing? Before you can figure it out she slaps him again. “I’m the next governor!” Huh? She slaps him one more time. “I’m the future president!” he exclaims. She slaps him three more times, his head veering side to side, and at each sound of palm to flesh he repeats one of the lines. Smack! “I’m the mayor!” Smack! “I’m the next governor!” Smack! “I’m the future president!” Holy Chinatown, you realize, he believes everything he is saying. Smack! Smack! Smack! You want to watch but someone takes your elbow and guides you away. “Forget it,” the guiding figure says, “it’s City Hall.” I Scream: Hey, is that an ice cream stand in City Hall? Why yes, it is. You approach the counter and are about to place your order when suddenly a woman steps in front of you and gets a huge hot fudge sundae. You’re about to try again when a man jumps into your place in line and orders a banana split. Is it your turn now? No! A sign goes up reading “You were third. We have nothing for you.” Suddenly, you know what it feels like to be Carmen Trutanich. see City Hall-oween, page 32
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6 Downtown News
October 29, 2012
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EDITORIALS Scary Good
Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis
H
ere’s more evidence about how Downtown Los Angeles has changed over the years: When Halloween arrives this week, people will be flocking to the Central City, rather than fleeing it. The trend has been underway for a few years, but it seems that only in 2012 have we reached a sort of Halloween tipping point. After a slow yet steady increase in options for the night of Oct. 31, Downtown this year has blossomed, or whatever symbol it is that you use on the evening of pumpkins, witches and ghouls. Downtown this week has plenty of choices for adults, but there are also places for kids to go. The pet crazy community even has an option. We run down a baker’s dozen of the things to do in this week’s issue (see p. 23). This is noteworthy not just because of the fun, but because of what it says about Downtown Los Angeles. A dozen years ago there was little to do in the community on Oct. 31, and almost everyone went somewhere else after work. Sure, some bars had drink specials and bands playing, and there were always some parties in Arts District warehouse spaces, but there were few opportunities for an event to also have an impact on the greater neighborhood. The result was that one of the most economically stimulating nights for other communities — the massive West Hollywood celebration comes to mind — was not echoed here. As mentioned above, the change in Downtown has been slow yet steady, echoing the advancements that followed the start of the residential revolution in 2000. It seemed that every year there would be another event or two, whether in a club, a bar or elsewhere. There have been several Halloween milestones. The Downtown Center Business Improvement District’s annual Oct. 31 family event in Grand Park is an important addition to the scene. Now in its fifth year, it allows kids to have an authentic Halloween experience. That’s not as trivial as it may sound — it lets parents know that the community continues to evolve as a viable, long-term neighborhood. Every small advance helps. Some events have drawn a crowd for years. Lucha VaVoom always pulls people to the Mayan Theatre for its two nights of Halloween-themed Mexican wrestlers and burlesque dancers. Then there are intriguing new additions like the Blumhouse of Horrors. The big-budget investment in the Variety Arts Center gives Downtown the type of haunted house that had previously been reserved for places like Knott’s Berry Farm (another haunted house is at Broadway and Second Street). Locals can pair a visit with a meal or a drink in a nearby restaurant or watering hole, or maybe a movie. Perhaps the best thing about all the activity is that it indicates where Downtown is going. We have seen eating and drinking options beget more options, and this year’s Halloween choices will probably lead to more selections in the future. That’s a good thing for a growing community.
Downtown, Wal-Mart and a Dangerous Direction
A
number of Los Angeles elected officials just can’t seem to let go of the fact that Wal-Mart outfoxed them seven months ago on plans for a new Downtown-area store. Either that or they just can’t say no to the powerful labor lobby, which is bringing out the big guns to thwart a 33,000-square-foot market that is under construction at Cesar Chavez and Grand avenues. Whatever the case, the members of the City Council should come to terms with the store’s impending arrival and do so quickly, because the steps they are taking could prove dangerous to future business propositions in the city. The results could harm Los Angeles’ economic base well after many of the current council members have left office. On Tuesday, Oct. 23, 10 members of the council voted in favor of a temporary ban on big box stores in and around Chinatown. While that represents a majority of the council, in this case it was not enough — 12 votes were needed to pass the ordinance pushed by Councilman Ed Reyes, whose First District includes the space in question at 701 W. Cesar Chavez Ave. At press time, union officials were seeking to persuade two council members to switch their position. It is important to understand what is at stake here. Passing the ordinance would not immediately stop the Bentonville, Ark.-based retail behemoth from proceeding on the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, which would fill a ground-floor space in a senior housing complex. Rather, it would have led to a stalling of the project if an ongoing protest over the store’s permits ultimately gains traction. There is plenty of backstory here. Eight years ago, Wal-Mart tried to bring its superstores to Los Angeles. City officials responded by requiring anyone hoping to open a store larger than 100,000 square feet to prepare a report analyzing the proposed outlet’s impact on things such as job quality and traffic. It largely stopped the superstore push. All was quiet until the new Downtown proposal, which is slated for a spot that has been empty for two decades. In fact, the space was always intended to hold a supermarket. It has 140 parking spaces for customers and the type of loading docks that can handle delivery trucks. Wal-Mart’s labor practices and wages have earned it the fierce opposition of unions and others across the country. So it should not have been surprising that local labor groups were protesting from
day one. Really, they aren’t so worried about the one store. Rather, the concern is over Wal-Mart getting its toe in the door in Los Angeles. Labor has a number of allies on the council, and in March the panel approved an ordinance aimed at stopping the store. However, that’s where Wal-Mart got the jump on the city — it secured its building permits the day before the council vote. That is all that was legally required, and work is underway on the space and hiring has begun. An opening is planned for next year. That is why the current council move is dangerous. Wal-Mart played by the rules the city set up long ago. It seemed the matter had ended seven months back, but now the issue has roared to life again. The message this sends to other large retailers is disconcerting. Who will want to bring a business to town if they know the rules of the game can be changed after approvals are received and construction has begun? Allowing this uncertainty is a terrible business move on the part of the city. It is also one that nearly half of the council won’t have to deal with long-term, since seven of its members will likely be gone by July 1, whether because of term limits or other factors. This editorial is not a strike against labor — the unions are crucial in ensuring that people are paid fairly, and they are a necessary counterweight to the powerful business lobby. Nor is this adoration of Wal-Mart. We’re among those who are concerned about the store’s potential impact on smaller businesses in and around Downtown and the wages it pays. We can think of a large handful of other supermarkets or retailers we’d prefer to see in the space. Still, the city can’t change the game in the middle. Even if the goals are noble, it’s an unfair move and sends a terrible message to other business owners who will want to avoid such hassle. There’s one other aspect too: People should stop pretending this is about protecting the look, feel and historic integrity of Chinatown. The proposed Wal-Mart is a healthy walk from the heart of that community. It’s not like a big-box store is being plopped in Central Plaza or that it is opening on a busy, pedestrian-heavy block on Hill Street or Broadway. Instead, the store will open cater-corner to the space-age High School of the Visual and Performing Arts and near the massive Italian-influenced Orsini apartments. Those didn’t change life in Chinatown. Neither will this store.
October 29, 2012
Downtown News 7
DowntownNews.com
The Design and Influence of Paul R. Williams The Story of a Great Architect and Angeleno Started in Downtown by Greg Fischer contributing writer
I
n the Fashion District, around Eighth and Los Angeles streets, is a collection of older buildings that developer Mark Weinstein transformed into Santee Village. The mixed-use project has hundreds of housing units over first floor retail space. The courtyard of the complex contains a small, quiet fountain in tribute to one of our greatest Angelenos. He was Paul Revere Williams, an African-American who defied convention by becoming an architect. Over the decades, he became one of the most important and influential building designers in Los Angeles. Williams was born in 1894 on Santee Street, about a block south of Santee Village. Both parents died when he was a child. He attended local schools, including Los Angeles Polytechnic High School on the grounds of today’s Los Angeles photo courtesy of the Paul R. Williams Collection Trade-Technical College. The orphan Architect Paul Revere Williams was born in Downtown went on to study architecture at USC, in 1894. An orphan, he would study architecture at USC, in spite of the many people who told cross the color line and become a prominent and much him that he would not make it in that sought-after building designer. field. The conventional thinking of the time was that African-Americans would guished panel of area architects who recognot survive, let alone thrive, in architecture. nized his work on a local destination that In 1914, Williams won the prestigious brings commercial uses together. Williams “Four Corners” competition. As the Los stood out for an elegant design that made the Angeles Times reported on Sept. 13 of that commercial center more residential in feel year, the contest was judged by a distin- and offered green space as a buffer. He took
a known commercial product and spun it to seem more like coming home. Williams went on to finish his studies and to become the first licensed AfricanAmerican architect in the western half of the United States. After World War I, he studied under prominent architects including Reginald Johnson, Wilbur Cook, Jr. and John Austin. He tried to learn all the parts of his craft and sought to make his education as complete and as comprehensive as possible. His keen sense of design and proportion helped propel him beyond the color barrier of his day. Williams became a student of room arrangement, design, engineering, landscape, period architecture and, most importantly, human behavior. Williams hung his own shingle in the early 1920s, a time of tremendous building throughout the Los Angeles area. One of his early works was a home in La CañadaFlintridge for a member of the Cass family. The family was very important in Los Angeles, being involved in the insurance, telephone and advertising businesses going back to the 19th century. Karen Hudson, in her beautiful book about her grandfather Paul R. Williams Architect: A Legacy of Style, looked at the Cass house. She wrote: “Although the mass of the house is broken up in a picturesque manner, the central halls and careful organization of the plan illustrate what Williams had learned from Reginald D. Johnson. In contrast, though, to Johnson’s work, Williams’ design is far more lively and openly romantic.” One of Williams’ many talents was his
learned ability to draw upside down, allowing clients to see what was unfolding without having to constantly shift the position of the paper and interrupt the design process. This type of skill helped elevate him above the crowd. Williams designed houses in some of the finest sections of Los Angeles, including Bel-Air, Holmby Hills and Hancock Park. His homes command a premium today if his name is attached to the design. These were neighborhoods in which, as an African American, Williams could not live at the time. On the commercial front, Williams worked with groups of architects to design some buildings that still stand in Downtown Los Angeles. He helped design the Los Angeles Federal Office Building at 300 N. Los Angeles St. He assisted on the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration and the Stanley Mosk Courthouse for the County of Los Angeles. Other iconic structures beyond Downtown that bear his influence are the Crescent Drive addition to the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport, a cooperative design with other architects. His career spanned from the 1920s until the 1970s. He was devoted to his wife, Della, and their two daughters. He lived in a house that he designed for the family in Lafayette Square, a neighborhood at Crenshaw and Venice boulevards. Williams died in 1980. The quality and timelessness of his work outlive him today. We were fortunate to have him walk among us. Greg Fischer is an amateur historian and a Downtown Los Angeles resident.
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October 29, 2012
The Hotel Was Haunted The Wilshire Grand Is Closed, but Stories About a Girl Singing and Pictures Flying Live On by Ryan Vaillancourt staff writer
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amran Kamrava didn’t believe in ghosts. Then he joined the security team patrolling the Wilshire Grand Hotel, which is in the process of being demolished to make way for a new $1 billion hotel and office tower. “I was a non-believer until I started working here,” Kamrava said. What changed his mind? Let’s start with the case of the
mysterious picture. On a recent morning, Kamrava recounted how he was sitting in his office talking on the phone. The office is a small, narrow room, about 10 feet deep and five feet wide. A framed picture of a generic still-life had been affixed over a window opening. Suddenly, Kamrava said, the picture flew across the office and slammed into the opposite wall. That wasn’t the end of it. Later that morning, he sat in the same office, again alone. This time, he was chatting with his
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photo by Gary Leonard
Security guard Keith “Gator” Paul grew up in the swamps of Louisiana and isn’t afraid of ghosts. Still, he recommends against going in one ballroom of the now-closed hotel. “There’s just a lot of activity over there,” he said.
girlfriend via Skype. As they conversed she asked him, “Who’s that guy in the office with you?” He turned around and didn’t see anyone. When he recounted the mysterious events just a few hours after they happened, every hair on Kamrava’s body stood at attention. His forearms were pure goose flesh. He was seriously spooked. As it turns out, Kamrava isn’t the only one who will be telling ghost stories about the Wilshire Grand for years to come. The destruction of the 61-year-old edifice has propelled a series of close encounters for those still in the building and memories from others who once worked there. Before crews started breaking down the hotel, property owner Hanjin International brought in a liquidation company to sell off the old furniture, restaurant equipment and other accessories. Staffers from International Content Liquidators stayed on the hotel’s 14th floor for several months during the
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The 61-year-old building is being torn down to make way for a $1 billion project. Security guards and members of a property liquidation company described recent supernatural encounters.
process. In the spirit of superstition, it should be noted that as in most old buildings, the hotel does not officially have an unlucky 13th floor. In reality, the 14th floor is the 13th floor. Erica Vaughan, who worked for the liquidation company and was among those living on the floor, said one night someone banged on her door. Her colleague across the hall swore it wasn’t him. In fact, he told Vaughan that, at other times, something was mysteriously rattling his door. Vaughan is also one of several people who shared a similar ghostly experience in another part of the building. “On the fifth floor at about 10 p.m., every night you could hear a little girl singing, just like little tunes,” Vaughan said. “After I heard it, I never went back on that floor.” Then there was the time that Vaughan and a security guard were walking on the seventh floor. Suddenly, the two saw a man at the end of a corridor pushing a maid’s cart. She said the man looked straight at them, and they dashed for the elevator. “It was just a really creepy building,” said Vaughan, who believed in ghosts before her Wilshire Grand stay. High-Profile Deaths The source of any creeping spirits within the hotel is vague. People have died in the hotel, including former L.A. Police see Haunted, page 13
October 29, 2012
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¡CELEBRACIÓN! Join us for a FREE family festival Saturday, November 3, 2012 10:30 am until the music stops Eighty years after it was first painted, the mural América Tropical by David Alfaro Siqueiros— one of the great Mexican artists of the 20th century—is again on view to the public. Bring your family to this celebration and explore the artistic, social, and historical significance of América Tropical through music, dance, theater, interactive workshops, food, and more.
FESTIVAL STAGES Performances take place in the Plaza Kiosko at El Pueblo Historical Monument (pk) and in the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes courtyard (lp). 10:30–11am Folklorico South Gate Middle School (pk) Youth folklorico dance 11–12 noon Teatro Tatalejos (pk) Street theater 12 noon–1 pm Xipetotec Danzantes Aztecas (pk) Aztec dancers 12:15–1 pm Mariachi Monumental de America (lp) World-renowned mariachi 1:15–2 pm Orgullo Mestizo (lp) Ballet folklorico 1–2 pm Folklorico Mexico Azteca (pk) Youth folklorico dance 2–3 pm Mariachi Monumental de America (pk) World-renowned Mariachi 2:15–2:45 pm Xipetotec Danzantes Aztecas (lp) Aztec dancers 3–3:45 pm Boxtales Theatre Company, The Hero Twins (lp) A Mayan Story
3–4 pm
Orgullo Mestizo (pk) Ballet folklorico 4–4:30 pm Banda de Lovatos (pk) Authentic banda music from Zacatecas, Mexico 4:30–5:20pm The Definiens Project, América Tropical (lp) Opera: music by David Conte, libretto by Oliver Mayer, directed by Nathan Singh, conducted by Ryan Zwahlen 5:30–6:15 pm Teatro del Barrio (pk) Street theater 5:30–6:30pm ucla Philharmonia (lp) A flagship orchestra of the ucla Herb Alpert School of Music, open rehearsal 6:30–7 pm ucla Philharmonia (lp) Neal Stulberg, conductor Huapango, Jose Pablo Moncayo, composer América Tropical, Steven Loza, composer; film by Judy Baca and UCLA@ SPARC Digital Mural Lab 7–8 pm Cayambe (pk) Latin band 8 pm Fuera de Serie (pk) Latin band
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 North Main Street, Los Angeles & El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles For more information, visit www.getty.edu or call 213 365-0605
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES América Tropical Interpretive Center, 10am–6pm View the conserved masterpiece by Siqueiros and visit the new interpretive center. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 12 noon–7 pm Experience LA Plaza’s permanent exhibition and take part in one of the three hands-on workshops inspired by Siqueiros and the art of mural making. Food trucks and carts! Chinese America Museum, 10 am–5 pm Visit the museum’s permanent collection Workshop 12 noon–5 pm Create a lantern inspired by Los Angeles murals. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), all day Celebration activities include: face painting, puppet shows, community theater and community altars—including an altar to Siqueiros created by renowned artist Ofelia Esparza.
El Pueblo Park Association, 12 noon–4 pm Learn about Olvera Street and its environs—the birthplace of Los Angeles. Italian American Museum, 12 noon–4 pm Learn about this new museum opening in 2013, documenting the history and contributions of Italian Americans to the development of Los Angeles. Las Angelitas, 10 am–3 pm on the hour Tour El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument with this all-volunteer group formed in 1966. Olvera Street, all day Enjoy shopping and authentic cuisine at this world famous Mexican marketplace. Merchant altars will be on display. Pico House, 10 am–7 pm Sacred Memories: Contemporary and Cross Cultural Expressions of Day of the Dead, view this City of Los Angeles multicultural art exhibition.
Organized by the Getty Conservation Institute, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Produced by Community Arts Resources www.carsla.net with additional support from the Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation
over: América Tropical during conservation treatment in 2012. The window shutters, which have been removed for treatment, will be reinstalled. Photo: © J. Paul Getty Trust. Mural: © 2012 ars, New York | somaap, Mexico City
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For the Lakers, It’s Work, Hustle and Age Team Has the Talent for a Title, But Wear and a Weak Bench Are Troubling by Dave Denholm contributing writer
S
ay this for the Los Angeles Lakers: Their fans never have to worry about whether their team will make the moves needed to compete. The Lakers, still following the lead of their longtime poker-loving owner Dr. Jerry Buss, are never afraid to go all-in. GM Mitch Kupchak did it again over the summer — the acquisitions of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard are the basketball equivalent of pushing all his purple and gold chips in the middle and daring the rest of the NBA to call him. How quickly these two mesh with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol will go a long way in determining whether this team climbs back to the top of the NBA mountain. But there is more to the 2012-13 Lakers’ story — the season begins Tuesday, Oct. 30, with a home game against Dallas — than just throwing some more All-Stars into the mix and looking for a place to hang a championship banner in the Staples Center rafters. Let’s look at reasons for and against their success. Why the Lakers Won’t Win This Season 1) Coach Mike Brown: I know it’s hip to wonder about Brown these days. But I have history with the guy. I’m a Cavaliers fan and am well aware of how he tightens up in the playoffs and cannot get his rotation and subs right when it counts. We saw it last postseason in the Lakers’ humbling defeat to Oklahoma City. I was very surprised when the club hired him to replace Phil Jackson and he’s done little to change that opinion. Brown is simply not a top five (or top 10) NBA coach for a team that is built to win it all. Puzzling. 2) Health: I have no doubt that Bryant, Nash and Howard do everything necessary to stay healthy and ready to play. But no matter how hard someone tries, they just can’t outwork or outhustle time. Nash is 38. Kobe is playing his 17th season. Although Howard is only 26, he’s trying to recover from back surgery. Not a good place to be for a center who lives on the block getting beat up all the time. These three must stay healthy this season for the Lakers to have a chance. Why is that so vital? Keep reading. 3) Lack of a Bench: The starting five of Bryant, Nash, Howard, Metta World Peace and Gasol is as good or better than any other starting group in the league. However, when they need a breather, all hell could break loose. Antawn Jamison was a good pickup. He can provide a lot of offense at times, including hitting the three. Then again, he can’t stop shooting, and when he goes cold he can drag a team down. He also cannot guard anyone. After that, this bench has more questions than the SAT. Jodie Meeks, acquired from Philadelphia, is a poor shooter at best (I am being kind). Steve Blake/Chris Duhon backing up Nash scares me. Blake was frightfully inconsistent last season and Duhon is no better. Jordan Hill has a bit of potential as Howard’s backup. Nothing more. Which means that unless the starters start playing 48 minutes a night, trouble looms. Why the Lakers Will Win This Season 1) The Aforementioned Starting Five: So many opponents will be buried early by the starters that the bench won’t matter. Nash will fit right in and his work with Howard on pick and rolls this season will be worth the hefty price of admission. 2) Defense: Too many people focus on the negative. “Oh, Steve Nash can’t guard anyone,” types every NBA blogger with an
Internet hookup. But who can possibly score inside against this team with All-World defender Howard and the still-prettydarn-lockdown World Peace? Then there’s an underrated defender in Gasol backing them up down low. Forget it. Opponents better hope they are very hot from long range against the Lakers. 3) Kobe: Bryant has to feel a new confidence in his club this season. Maybe I’ve got some “hindsight is 20/20” vision, but I never felt that Kobe was completely trusting in his team last year. Bryant knows he’s only got a few seasons left, so why not play those out with the guys Kupchak has surrounded him with? Howard and Nash will ease the offensive load for Kobe. Howard certainly will make the Lakers even tougher on the boards, which will lead to more quick, easy scores. Also, Kobe is still one of the league’s three best players. He is an NBA force of nature and knows it. And don’t forget how important the number six is to him. Prediction: The Lakers will take the No. 2 seed in the West with a 5923 record. If they get by Oklahoma City in the Conference Finals, they will beat Miami in the NBA Finals without a problem. Dave Denholm loves Grand Park, the Starbucks on Sixth and Spring and living Downtown.
photo by Gary Leonard
The Lakers have two of the best players in the NBA in Kobe Bryant (shown here) and new center Dwight Howard. Whether the team hangs another championship banner could depend on how healthy they are this season.
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October 29, 2012
The Clippers and the Learning Curve Chris Paul and Blake Griffin Are Dynamic, But to Really Contend the Team Needs to Grow by Dave Denholm
Contributing Writer he Los Angeles Clippers are in for a very interesting season. You see, in the NBA it’s all about learning as a team. First, how to win at all after years of struggle. Then you must learn how to string wins together, especially when you are not playing your best. Get into the playoffs. Take your lumps but learn what that atmosphere and pressure are all about. Finally, as a battle tested, hardened team, you acquire that edge. You are ready to contend for a title. I might be getting ahead of myself with this Clippers team. This season is about making sure they do not take a step backwards. The Clippers are no longer a punch line and the only way they really become a title contender is to keep churning forward. Clipper Nation should be optimistic heading into the season that starts Wednesday with a home game against Memphis. But don’t go buying your NBA Finals tickets just yet. Let’s take a look at the reasons for the optimism, but only after some skepticism. Why the Clippers Won’t Win This Season 1) Vinny Del Negro: There were rumblings last season that Del Negro was on the way out. He likely saved his job with that impressive opening round playoffs win over Memphis. Still, I have my doubts about the guy. Too often last year the Clippers played an inconsistent brand of basketball, and many times sleepwalked through long stretches of oth-
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erwise winnable games. That falls squarely on the coach’s shoulders. Del Negro does not inspire a lot of confidence. 2) Inconsistency: Echoing the above, I am not in love with how this team seemingly loved to flirt with disaster last season. They are too talented on paper to struggle this way. I also did not see enough improvement in the offensive games of DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin. Griffin still needs to work on the outside jumper and improve his atrocious free throw shooting. Jordan last year often seemed off his mental game. 3) Weight of Expectations: This has derailed many a good team in the past. It’s a mental angle that has physical ramifications. Just look what happened in the second round of the playoffs against the Spurs photo by Gary Leonard last season. Sure, the Clippers Chris Paul is the engine that makes the Clippers go. Not only is he were banged up, but they also the best point guard in the league, he makes his teammates better. squandered a 24-point lead on their home court. Good teams He’s a natural leader who last season may do that. Great teams don’t. scored almost 20 points per game on 48% Why the Clippers Will Win This Season 1) Chris Paul: Is there a more calming shooting from the field and 37% from presence at point guard in the league than three. He can ice wins with his 86% free Paul? Survey says, no. He’s a great player who throw shooting. There is nothing Chris Paul cannot do also makes every player around him better. on the floor. Nothing. In fact, if a few of his teammates take that next step in development, Paul could win the MVP award. 2) More Depth: The Clippers’ front office really did well in the offseason. I like the additions of Grant Hill, Jamal Crawford and Lamar Odom. None of those guys should be starting 82 games for a championship-caliber team, but they know that and are willing to play a smaller role for a very good club. That’s a good sign. Hill can still score and defend a bit. Crawford always could put the ball in the hole, which the Clips’ bench was sorely lacking in seasons past. Odom appears to need some more time to round (pun intended) into shape, but he’s versatile and should contribute. By the way, the starting five is not too shabby. 3) Attitude: Paul sets the tone. But not far behind him is Griffin. These are the perfect type of guys to lead a team. Neither makes excuses or points fingers when things go poorly and neither takes too much praise for himself when things go well. But what I really like is how they go about their business on the court. Yes, Griffin jaws at the refs too much, but who in the NBA hasn’t been guilty of that in this era? More importantly, Griffin works hard every trip down the floor, knows what he is good at and goes out and does it. The X-factor may be Chauncey Billups. He’s a leader and tough as nails. Then again, he’s 36 and ruptured his Achilles last season. If Billups gets back to 100% healthy, look out. Prediction: The Clips will do battle in a brutal West and secure the fourth seed with a 55-27 record. They will reach the second round of the playoffs and have a very good shot at a trip to the Conference Finals. But no further — at least, not this year. Dave Denholm loves walking to Clippers games, stopping on the way for the No. 8 sandwich at Panini Café and living Downtown.
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Streetcar Continued from page 1 Martin said he wasn’t aware that the special election would call for a tax assessment of up to $85 million. Instead, he thought it was the $62.5 million that has been the focus of the campaign. “I’m actually not that surprised because I think the whole thing has been fraught with subterfuge, misleading promises, and this is par for the course,” he said. Huizar strongly rejects the notion that the campaign to woo voters has been in any way deceptive or misleading. He and other project supporters instead point out that the proposed assessments have been calculated based on assumptions of $85 million. That amount
is what he says would be needed in a “worstcase scenario.” Huizar and others maintain that if less public money is needed, the assessments for Downtowners will decrease. “I don’t think it’s that big of an issue,” he said. Numerical Difference Much of the information released to date by Huizar’s office and LASI mentions the $62.5 million figure, not the $85 million that will appear on the ballot. As of Wednesday, Oct. 24, the LASI website page with streetcar funding information mentioned only $62.5 million in government money and $62.5 million in local funding. The $85 million to be voted on was not on the page. It was missing from other places too: Information sent out by LASI promoting an Oct. 20 movie night — project officials were
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screening The Goonies in Grand Park — said the election will ask voters to “consider funding $62.5 million of the project’s $125‐million budget.” Again, there was no reference to the $85 million. Similar information has been sent out by Huizar’s office in official statements about the tax, including a July 31 press release after the council voted in favor of the assessments. “The streetcar CFD would raise $62.5 million of local funding, with bonds drawn on the total amount,” said the statement (CFD is short for community facilities district, the technical term for the taxing protocol). Huizar counters that in July the photo by Gary Leonard City Clerk mailed out the com- City Councilman José Huizar has long said the public is expected plete ordinance, which contains to fund $62.5 million of the $125 million Downtown Streetcar. the $85 million figure, to prop- However, the mail-in ballot that will be voted on next month erty owners and registered voters says area landowners could ultimately pay up to $85 million for the project. along the route. “I think we’ve been putting both numbers out there,” he said. “As I unSafety Net derstand it all of the official documents have The streetcar has long been a dream of the $85 million figure.” Huizar’s, and is the centerpiece of his 10-year However, after being questioned on the campaign to revitalize Broadway. The projmatter by Los Angeles Downtown News, ect, which he hopes will open in 2015, would Huizar said he would direct the LASI board connect L.A. Live with the Civic Center. to make sure the $85 million figure is clearly Shiraz Tangri, general counsel for LASI, detailed and explained on the website. said the $85 million represents a safety net “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter that also covers the administrative cost of iswhether it is 85 or [62.5] in terms of what suing the tax bonds as well as any unexpected people are focusing on,” he said. “This is a construction increases. red herring in the bigger scheme of things. “The $85 million is the maximum bond It doesn’t affect how much people will be amount,” Tangri said on Tuesday, Oct. 23, becharged.” fore an evening streetcar outreach event at the
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AT&T Center. “The bond amount is based on the amount of money we need to raise for 50% of the construction cost plus the administrative cost of the bond, plus a reasonable contingency as to how those construction costs could escalate.” While he acknowledged that the ballot allows for a tax of up to $85 million to be levied on area property owners, he said the assessments discussed so far are based on the higher figure. The result, he said, is that people could pay less than what they have heard so far. According to figures provided by LASI, if the measure passes, then property owners — whether of a condominium, an entire
documents. He also said the figure has been discussed with property owners during public streetcar events when people ask about funding. “I don’t think it’s misleading,” he said. “I think what people want to know and what we’ve been disclosing is what it will cost them. We’ve been up front with property owners and with all the voters at all these events as to what that will translate into.” Disappointment The difference between the generally discussed figure and the ballot amount has rankled some Downtowners. They include Paul Rutter. The co-chief operating officer of Thomas Properties Group, which owns City National Plaza on Flower Street along the tax district, said that until a call from Downtown News, he believed voters would be deciding on a $62.5 million tax. “I would say it’s disappointing to see that kind of major increase in the scope,” he said.
The concern was echoed by Laurie Sale, whose family owns property along Los Angeles Street. She opposes the tax on property owners and was tapped by the city to write the ballot argument against the measure. She too was unaware of the $85 million ballot figure until being informed of it by a reporter. “It’s just even more ludicrous,” she said. Bob Stern, the former president of the recently closed Center for Governmental Studies, was less concerned by the difference. “It’s what people see on the ballot that matters,” he said. He also said that streetcar proponents are doing the right thing by planning for the worse case scenario and asking for more money than they may ultimately use. “That’s the responsible thing to do,” he said. “No one is going to complain if they end up paying less.” The results of the vote are expected by early December. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
image from streetcar.la
A screen grab from the streetcar webpage with information on funding for the $125 million project. As of Wednesday, Oct. 24, the page mentioned only $62.5 in local funding and a $62.5 million government match. It did not refer to the $85 million that will be on the ballot.
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Haunted Continued from page 8 Department Chief William H. Parker. According to the Los Angeles Times, in 1966 Parker collapsed momentarily “after receiving an award and a standing ovation from 1,000 Marine Corps veterans. Firefighters administered CPR, but Parker died of a heart attack.” Five years before that, the CEO of Texaco also suffered a fatal heart attack during the middle of a speech at the hotel. Of course, skeptics might note that this was a 900-room hotel that operated for six decades. Deaths were bound to occur. If the hotel really is haunted, the resident spirits are quiet most of the time. On a recent evening I roamed the halls. I didn’t come across anything unusual. In fact, I was more scared by the warning signs indicating “hot” asbestos zones in the building and an exposed elevator shaft that, with a wrong step, could have made a ghost out of me. Maybe the singing girl and the man with the maid cart kept hush because I was with Keith Paul, a security guard who goes by Gator. He was raised in the swamps of Louisiana, where he caught alligators and where voodoo and Cajun culture embrace the supernatural. “I’m used to this stuff,” said Gator. “It doesn’t really bother me. I think since I’m not scared they don’t come out when I’m around. But they are here. Trust that. They are here.” Gator later mentioned a certain ballroom that is currently cordoned off because of asbestos management. We couldn’t enter for safety reasons. But he said he doesn’t go there even when it’s OK to do so. “There’s just a lot of activity over there,” he said. Whether the ghosts are real ultimately depends on who you ask. They were not available to comment for this story. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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building or a lot — would pay from 16 to 45 cents per square foot, with the highest rates for those right along the route. The average condominium owner would pay about $60 per year, with the majority of residential units taxed less than $100 annually. Commercial building owners would pay far higher amounts. “We’re expecting that the numbers we are rolling out to people based on that maximum amount, based on very high bond rates, are actually overly conservative numbers and what people will actually see should be substantially less,” Tangri said. The project has already secured $10 million from the now defunct Community Redevelopment Agency and $1 million from Measure R funds. Officials have long said that they hope to get $52 million from the federal government. Whether that is possible is unknown. Project officials have applied for federal grants two times previously. They were turned down both times. Even if the $85 million was not on the website or in press releases, Tangri maintained that it has been included in city
14 Downtown News
October 29, 2012 photo by Gary Leonard
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Restaurants Continued from page 1 on the court earn, but the pressure is enormous. Similar to the Lakers and Clippers, restaurant staffers say it can only be handled with a team approach. “It’s orchestrated chaos,” said Scott Hartford, general manager of the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at L.A. Live. Referring to the dinner rush he added, “When it’s done two hours later, it’s like winning the big game.” The Lakers and Clippers each play 41 home games, not counting the playoffs (the Kings play in Staples Center too, but the NHL is currently in a lockout). Crunch time during basketball season, restaurant employees say, is usually from 5-7:30 p.m. Just as the basketball teams have pre-season games, the restaurants get nights that can resemble practice. On Monday, Oct. 22, the Clippers were playing the Golden State Warriors. Although crowds were not as thick as during regular season contests against teams such as the Miami Heat, at 7 p.m. most seats were filled at the ESPN Zone in L.A. Live. Many of those at the tables were sporting Clippers jerseys. “We’re here, we’re hungry and we don’t want to miss any part of the game,” said Jason Sieg as he sat with his wife Tasha a few minutes before 7 p.m. The Pasadena residents are avid Clipper fans and regulars at ESPN Zone. They said that even on packed nights they’ve always been out on time. “We get here late, order a couple of burgers and we’re out,” he said. “Simple and quick.” That’s the way it’s supposed to be for customers. In reality though, it takes a lot of preparation. It starts with the meetings Anschutz Entertainment Group officials hold with restaurant operators to go over details of the events at L.A. Live, including the crowds expected to attend. “It’s actually weeks worth of planning that goes into writing a schedule,” Hartford said. Restaurant mangers like Hartford and
‘We forecast ahead of time. We know the games and we prepare for the amount of people expected.’ —Carlos Amespil, ESPN Zone
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Weiland Underground Brewery @ City National Plaza Carlos Amespil, the general manager at ESPN Zone, use that information to figure out how much food to buy and how much staff to have on hand. The ESPN Zone restaurant can have up to 700 people show up before the game, Amespil said. “We forecast ahead of time. We know the games and we prepare for the amount of people expected,” he said. Amespil said his team has to understand the importance of a game and whether it will likely sell out. That helps him predict how many people he will have to feed. The ESPN Zone has about 200 employees, and as many as 150 of them will be working on a busy game night. On slower nights he can have as few as 30 people working. One tactic the restaurant employs is a
505 S. Flower Street | (213) 622-1125 VALIDATED PARKING 90 min. FREE @ Lunch After 5pm $3 Flat Rate menu that can get diners in and out in 15 minutes. “It’s a game-day express menu, prix-fixe, and it works quite nicely,” Amespil said. At Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, game nights can mean up to 400 diners before tipoff. On a non-game night they may see as few as 120 people, Hartford said. Staff shifts accordingly, and so does the planning. About 90 minutes before the busy time the crew is prepping food and checking reservations to determine their base number of guests. Hartford said there is a brief 30-minute
slow down before the busy period. That’s when the staff eat together. Then it’s prime time. “For the next two-and-half hours you’re running around,” he said. “You’re on your feet, from greeting guests to running beverages, running food to their tables, clearing tables.” If everything works out, no one complains. The Rookie and the Veteran This will mark the first basketball season for FigOly, a 290-seat restaurant in the Luxe City Center that opened in July in the old Holiday Inn.
Tara Hensen, the restaurant manager, said they are preparing for the basketball season by hiring about 10 new people. Like the nearby veteran restaurants, they rely on the calendar of events at L.A. Live to figure out their needs. Hensen’s pre-game game plan involves offering foods that can be prepared quickly. That means a lot of pizzas and finger foods. At the moment, full dinners are offered in the patio and the interior dining room. Hensen said they will decide whether the patio should be reserved for “quick-bite” meals
‘It’s orchestrated chaos. When it’s done two hours later, it’s like winning the big game.’ —Scott Hartford, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
so they can better serve the crowd that needst to get in and out quickly. “It’s still pre-season and not that many people know about us yet, but we’re ready,” she said. It isn’t only sports fans who need the quick service. Up at the Music Center, virtually everyone who eats at Kendall’s Brasserie and Bar is going to an opera, play or concert. “That’s 99% of out business,” said Erwan Ehanno, general manager of the restaurant. Kendall’s busy hours tend to be similar to sports crowds, usually from 5-7 p.m. Ehanno said they can see up to 350 people for dinner at that time. Like his South Park counterparts, Ehanno keeps a close eye on the calendar of events for the Music Center. He said he plans months ahead of time. “Our restaurant is designed for the quick theater crowd,” he said. “We’ve been at this for 10 years so we know what people will want during that time. We have dishes that are designed to be prepared within two to three minutes. We also have a lot of salads that can be the main course, so that helps.” During those two hours job titles don’t mean much. Ehanno said managers and hosts often go into the kitchen to help bring out food, and waiters will sometimes sit guests and take over wine-pouring duty. The practice has paid off. Ehanno said that even on nights with multiple shows, customers can have three courses and be out in an hour. At Kendall’s, event nights can pack a double punch. Ehanno said some of the crowd returns after the show for drinks or small bites. “It almost feels like a tornado went through the restaurant when everyone gets up and leaves and goes to the show,” he said. “Then when the show ends we can speed up again.” Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
October 29, 2012
Downtown News 15
DowntownNews.com
Last Minute
Office Parties SPECIAL SEC TION PREMIER HOLIDAY PARTY LOCATION CENTRAL DOWNTOWN LOCATION IN THE HEART OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT
intimate Holiday Gatherings at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Why not host your holiday office party in a living-room-like setting this year as an alternative to a restaurant? Presidential suite • Beautifully adorned in the warmest and richest holiday decor. • 4,600 sq. feet ideal for 25-35 people. • Occupies two floors where your guests can imbibe with seasonal beverages and dine on delicious holiday hors d’oeuvres. • Exchange gifts and share memorable holiday cheer.
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16 Downtown News
Last Minute Office Parties
October 29, 2012
A Diamond View of Holiday Parties Dodger Stadium Is Open During the Off-Season, And Visits to the Playing Field Are an Option by Jeff favre
the Stadium Club to the thrill of being on the playing field.
contributing writer
T
he crowds are gone for the year at Dodger Stadium, but bread. Share wine. Feeddormant. the soul. that doesn’tBreak mean the team’s home is sitting Dodger Stadium hosts company holiday parties and corporate events, with food created by chef Jason Tingley. The chef and Kelly Chong, who is the club’s senior sales and marketing manager, can tailor a party for an office or friends gathering at a variety of price points. Options range from the comfort of
Los Angeles Downtown News: What’s the latest people can book an event in order to have an office holiday party this year? Kelly Chong: People begin inquiring about holiday parties in January all the way up into November. Q: How much should you expect to spend per person for an office party?
Break bread. Share wine. Feed the soul.
Reservations 213.622.6333 www.artisanhouse.net For events or inquiries: Karen@ArtisanHouse.net Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
photo by Gary Leonard
During the baseball season Dodger Stadium holds 56,000 fans. Now, stadium chef Jason Tingley feeds visitors at holiday parties.
Kelly Chong: The price can range from $45 to $165 per person. It totally depends on what they order.
FRESH IS BEST! OUR HOUSE IS YOUR HOUSE! Celebrate the holidays here! Why limit your guest list-we can accommodate parties of up to 150 people and for more than 10, we can design a custom menu.
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Q: What kind of food do you offer? Can people have Dodger Dogs? Jason Tingley: Of course, people can always have a Dodger Dog. We’re offering great selections, but you can add other items to your selections, and a Dodger Dog is one of those items you can add. We have a spinach salad with arugula, which has persimmons and dried cranberries, almonds and goat cheese with a cranberry vinaigrette. Another option is the toasted walnut and green olive salad with pomegranate seeds, extra virgin olive oil and lemon. For entrees we have… a rib-eye with a cabernet au jus and there’s a roasted chicken with fennel. One thing we’re doing is a sweet potato bar. You can choose nutmeg meatballs, sour cream, candied pecans, crisps, buttered bacon and salted pepitas, which are the inside of a pumpkin seed. We also have a Brussels sprouts relish, which is pretty unusual. Q: What can you offer vegetarians and vegans? Jason Tingley: For vegetarians we have a butternut squash risotto with some delicious roasted vegetables. It is light on the cream. We want to have options for people with dietary restrictions or allergies or dislikes. Q: Is there dish you specialize in or a particular dessert or drink? Jason Tingley: For desserts we have an extremely decadent chocolate brownie that is layered and has peppermint patties inside it, a walnut topping and crushed-up peppermint candies on top. We also do these individual tarts, and, of course, because it’s the holidays, you’ve got to have the pumpkin cheesecake. We have a fun thing for beverage service. It’s a handcrafted hot chocolate bar. What we have in there is large soft marshmallows, cinnamon sticks and tuile cookies with spices, whipped cream and candied orange zest. Q: In addition to food, what other things do you offer for events at your place? Staff? Entertainment? Decorations? Kelly Chong: You can incorporate a stadium tour and that takes you to the behind-the-scenes area. We do not have Dodger Vision this off-season. Parking is complimentary. We can help with entertainment. We have preferred vendors for a DJ or a band, and also for florists and balloons and other decor, and event planning companies as well. You are welcome to bring your own vendors. Q: Should corporate events include alcohol? Kelly Chong: I think responsible alcohol service is important. Here we stop alcohol service 30 minutes prior to the end of the event. Q: Should corporate events have a strict start and end time, or is it OK for people to stay after? Kelly Chong: We are in a residential area so all events must end by midnight. Generally our events are about four hours long, see Stadium, page 21
October 29, 2012
Last Minute Office Parties
Downtown News 17
18 Downtown News
Last Minute Office Parties
October 29, 2012
A Party With a 65 Million Year View Natural History Museum Lets You Eat, Drink and Socialize Amid Fossils and Dioramas by Jeff Favre contributing writer
H
oliday lights and streamers are hardly necessary when your party is at the Natural History Museum. The century-old landmark in Exposition Park provides decorations in the form of gigantic dinosaur fossils and dioramas of a grazing buffalo herd. Mariana Carlito, the director of special events and filming, said the museum can host a cocktail party on its first floor for 1,200 people or a sit-down event for more than 500.
Los Angeles Downtown News: What’s the latest that people can book to have an event there this year? Mariana Carlito: They can book the day before the event if the date is available, but more likely if somebody can pull together an event in a week or two, then that would be good. There are some dates available, but the dates are going fast. Q: What parts of the museum are open for parties? A: The first floor spaces, so our Mammal Halls, which are practically original to the building, as well as our Grand Foyer
photos by Gary Leonard
There are a number of party options at the Natural History Museum. Mariana Carlito, the venue’s director of special events and filming, can arrange parties of all sizes.
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Parties can also be held in the museum’s spectacular rotunda.
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and our Rotunda, which was renovated just a few years ago. There’s also our East Garden, which actually isn’t open to the public yet but we are being allowed to use it for events.
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Q: If you rent a certain area for an office party, can you visit other parts of the museum during a private event? A: You can. So essentially, if nothing else is going on at the museum at that time it’s like you’ve rented the entire first floor.
Reservations 213.688.3000
Q: Does the museum offer any perks when you hold an office event there? A: We do. If any corporation holding an event becomes a corporate partner then there are other perks throughout the year, for example 20% off subsequent corporate events.
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Q: Do you provide catering? If not, what’s the best way to have food at an event? A: We do not provide catering. We have a preferred vendor list with caterers that work with the museum and who are familiar with the space. It’s a quirky space, so it’s nice to have folks who know where they’re going and what they’re doing. We don’t require that people use our preferred caterers. There’s a fee if you decide to go with someone else, but it’s nominal. You can bring in entertainment. The only thing we restrict is anything with fire. We love a good party as much as anybody. Q: Are the events at the museum held during regular hours or after the museum has closed? see Museum, page 22
Late Arrivals Welcome
Last Minute Office Parties
Downtown News 19 photo by Gary Leonard
October 29, 2012
There’s Still Time to Book Holiday Office Parties in Downtown by Richard Guzmán city editor
W
e admit it: It seems silly to talk about last-minute holiday parties when Halloween hasn’t even arrived. It barely feels like fall. In reality, however, it is late in the game to think about where and when to hold that big celebratory event and thank employees. Many of the prime dates in the most popular spaces were reserved months ago. Fortunately, there are still numerous Downtown opportunities for the corporate crowd to book a holiday party. Below are nine of the very many options. Just don’t wait too long. Seriously, it’s getting late.
Behind the Velvet Rope: The Conga Room at L.A. Live tends to get pretty packed with a lot of pretty people. Office parties are easy here too, since several parts of the venue can be reserved for private events, even while the regular party goes on at the club. The Papaya Bar, with room for 100 people, can be sectioned off from the main dance floor. So can the VIP section, which is raised just above the dance floor and is a perfect place to be seen but not bothered by those pesky NIPs (Non Important People). There’s also the Azuquita Negra space, which Conga Room brass describe as “muy VIP.” It can hold 60 and has, get this, black crystal chandeliers. The food in these sections is catered by Wolfgang Puck, so there will be no HIPs (that’s Hungry Important People) during an office event. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-0162 or congaroom.com. Hope and Style: Style doesn’t have to be sacrificed when organizing a last minute office party. The retro-cool First & Hope restaurant on Bunker Hill has room for up to 400 people for a private event. Smaller parties can also book parts of the restaurant, the bar area or the very private Fedora Room, a cabaret space. The restaurant is a throwback to old supper clubs with Art Deco touches including chandeliers, high-backed booths, dark woods and very well dressed servers and hostesses. At 710 W. First St., (213) 617-8555 or firstandhope.com. Lucky Party: Everyone likes a bowling party, even Grumpy Larry, the guy who sits in the corner cubicle and barely talks to anyone. So everyone, including Grumpy Larry, will have fun at Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge. There are 18 lanes available for those who want to throw the rock and channel their inner Lebowski. There are also more intimate accommodations available for office events, among them a private lounge with an HD projection screen and a 20-foot bar, leather seats and four bowling lanes. Companies can also rent out the entire venue for larger events, and there’s a full bar and food including pizza, skewers, sliders and quesadillas. By the way, Grumpy Larry once threw a 300 game. After that he was Happy Larry. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 542-4880 or bowlluckystrike.com. Meat Me Here: Morton’s The Steakhouse claims that when it comes to private parties, it is “ready and waiting.” The joint backs this up with three private dining rooms in the location at the just remodeled FIGat7th shopping center. The menu is filled with generous portions of prime-aged beef, cocktails and seafood and they can hold more than 100 people for private events. Rooms can be configured to provide anything from a conservative business-like setting to a party atmosphere with lights and music. At 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 553-4566 or mortons.com. Familiar Grounds: Most Financial District workers know the Daily Grill. Not everyone, however, is familiar with the private rooms inside the restaurant. Two adjoining rooms can accommodate up to 40 people each and can be combined and closed off from the rest of the eatery. Food can be served buffet style or at the table. For a less formal gathering, the restaurant offers an hors d’oeuvres menu with items such as mini crab cakes, skirt steak satay, shrimp skewers and grilled lamb chops. At 612 S. Flower St., (213) 622-4500 or dailygrill.com. see Parties, page 20
As the name implies, bowling lanes and a private lounge are available at Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge for corporate events.
20 Downtown News
October 29, 2012 photo by Gary Leonard
Last Minute Office Parties
Parties Continued from page 19 Up in the Sky: Few things are as impressive as the Downtown skyline. One of the best spots to enjoy the view is Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant. Fortunately, and I’m sure this is a surprise, they host office parties! Located 21 stories above Wilshire Boulevard, the restaurant has a private dining room and patio. Appetizers for parties of 20 people or more are served family style, which means grab what you like since everything is for everyone. Entrees can be more formal with selections such as filet mignon or chicken teriyaki. For a more energetic party, try the adjacent Elevate Lounge. That space has a club-like atmosphere and can also be reserved for private events. At 811 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 236-9600 or takamisushi.com.
Artisan House in the Historic Core is huge, but sections can be divided up for private gatherings.
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October 29, 2012
Downtown News 21
Last Minute Office Parties
photo by Gary Leonard
The Financial District’s Daily Grill has private rooms for seasonal events.
All in One: The Artisan House in the Historic Core is a restaurant, a bar, a market and a deli all in one, and its office party options are just as flexible. There are two patios, which can accommodate up to 50 people, a main dining room with space for up to 120 and even a communal table for as few as 20 guests. Although the actual market in the venue may have some questioning the creation of a party atmosphere, fret not: A set of marbled mirrors can fold like a closet door between the bar and deli counter. For huge parties that require even more privacy, the restaurant has a 10,000-square-foot space on the ninth floor of the building. At 600 S. Main St., (213) 622-6333 or artisanhouse.net. Prime Spot: It’s not surprising that Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has some 100 wines by the glass. But the obsession goes deeper: The dinner menus recommended for private parties have titles such as Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Merlot. The private rooms are labeled Champagne, Malbec, Cabernet and Bordeaux. You get the picture. An office party at the L.A. Live establishment is also conve-
nient for corporations with far-flung offices since the restaurant is equipped with a teleconference video system that can connect with other Flemings locations. That means the L.A. office can party with the New York office without anyone having to go near an airport. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-9911 or flemingssteakhouse.com. Rooms to Move: It’s not like taking the office to Paris for a party, but Noé Restaurant and Bar does have a private party space dubbed the Eiffel Tower Room, which seats up to 25 people. It has a separate entrance too, so you can get all Parisian and avoid the riffraff. There’s also the smaller and aptly named Private Dining Room, which holds up to 16 people. The restaurant is inside the recently renovated Omni Los Angeles Hotel and the food is described as “progressive American cuisine.” Think a burger, roasted chicken, marinated duck and braised oxtails. At 251 S. Olive St., (213) 356-4100 or noerestaurant.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
photo by Gary Leonard
In addition to music, the Conga Room has several VIP areas for parties.
Stadium Continued from page 16 but if they need to extend that a couple of hours they can do so. Q: Do people get to go on the field during an office party? Kelly Chong: You can have an event on the field, which will also give you access
to the Dodgers and the visitors’ dugouts. If your event is in the Stadium Club then you will stay in that area. If you want to roam the stadium it has to be during a guided tour. The Club has audio-visual capability, so you can show an image or slideshow on all 22 flat-screen TVs and on the 11-foot screen behind the bar. For catering information at Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., contact Kelly Chong at (323) 224-1480 or kchong@ levyrestaurants.com.
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Museum Continued from page 18 A: The museum events are held after hours, so we typically allow guests to load into the museum at 4 p.m. and their events usually begin at 6 or 6:30; that gives them plenty of time to get everything inside. The standard contract goes until 11 p.m., but folks can be here as late as 2 a.m. For that there is an additional cost.
Q: What other things do you offer for events? Staff? Entertainment? Decorations? A: The decorations pretty much come with the building. The building is extraordinary: It’s about to turn 100 years old, so we have 100 years of history. Actually, we have 65 million years of history with our dinosaurs. So as far as decor, most people keep it fairly simple. With the rental cost you receive all of your security and housekeeping. The rental fee we quote someone from the get-go includes that. You won’t receive an additional bill for staffing.
Q: If someone is planning a corporate event, what is the number one thing you recommend? A: It’s important to keep your budget in mind. I think it’s important to hire vendors you know and trust. Going for the lowest price is not always your best bet. But keep in mind that every vendor is competitive, so if you find a lower rate you can go to your trusted vendor and say, “Let’s talk about it.” Q: Should corporate events have a strict start and end time, or is it OK for people to stay after?
A: I think it depends on the structure of the event. Some folks do a little bit more cocktail party with networking and others have a more traditional sit-down meal. I think it’s a matter of the goal of your event and what the organization is about. But I think it can be fun to have people come when they want and leave when they want. For catering information at the Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., contact Mariana Carlito at (213) 763-3422 or specialevents@nhm.org.
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Halloween 13: Return of the Events The Most Terrifying, Delicious and Kid Friendly Halloween Happenings in Downtown photo courtesy of Blackout Haunted House
by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR
I
Treats in a Park: Downtown kids don’t have to worry about which high-rise has the best candy for trick-or-treating. Instead, they head to Grand Hope Park. The fifth annual Halloween Party for Downtown L.A. Kids returns Wednesday, Oct. 31. The event organized by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District attracts hundreds of children and their parents. From 5-8 p.m. wee ones get to knock on doors set up at the park to trick-or-treat, jump in a bounce house, play video games and gorge on cotton candy, popcorn and other sweets. Costumes are required for kids and suggested for adults. It’s $5 per person but kids under 2 get in free. Advance tickets are available at downtownla.com. At 919 S. Grand Ave. or downtownla.com.
You’re alone, in the dark and must do as you are told. No talking is allowed, but screaming is OK. Those are the rules at the Blackout Haunted House, a Broadway scare zone open through Oct. 31. photo by Gary Leonard
n Downtown Los Angeles, Halloween isn’t only celebrated on Oct. 31. In the growing Central City, there are events for kids and adults days and even weeks in advance. This year, there is more to do than ever, with festivals, concerts, movies, plays, food specials and not one, but two haunted houses. Here are 13 scary good things to do in Downtown on and around All Hollow’s Eve.
Hard Party: Don’t expect an actual spook house during the Hard Haunted Mansion Day of the Dead. Instead, think fairies, skull makeup, sexy outfits, glo-sticks and some major names in electronic dance music during the show at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. The Nov. 3 festival features almost 30 musical acts from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Performers include Grammy-nominated French duo Justice, Knife Party, the reggae/dancehall influenced Major Lazer and Kill the Noise. At 1245 N. Spring St. or harddayofthedead.com. Haunted Stage: Nearly 80 years ago, a talented but dark magician performed his last trick at the Variety Arts Center. In front of a live audience he made the wife of the theater owner disappear while she lay inside a magic box. But, he was never able to make her reappear again. Hate when that happens. Now her ghost, along with that of the magician, haunts the 1924 venue. That’s the story behind the Blumhouse of Horrors, a haunted house in the Figueroa Street theater. The horror comes from a 40-minute maze that includes ghostly apparitions, actors and a trip through five floors of the structure, including the basement where a “goat-boy” and other creatures await. It all comes courtesy of Jason Blum, producer of horror hits like Paranormal Activity and Insidious. It is open through Nov. 3. At 940 S. Figueroa St. or blumhouseofhorrors.com. Play With Horror: Forget 3D horror movies. Instead, watch a scary story unfold live. It’s possible in Downtown thanks to Little Tokyo theater company Loft Ensemble. Their one-act, hour-long horror play What Happened in Mayville? (III) runs through Nov. 18. The story takes place in the storage room of a grocery store on a quiet morning just before Christmas. But there is little reason to be in a holiday mood, as something terrible is going on in Mayville. While the company only provides a vague description of the storyline, it warns that the show contains “moments of extreme violence.” This week’s performances are Saturday, Nov. 3, at 9 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m. At 929 E. Second St. or loftensemble.com. Sugar Skull Fix: Day of the Dead events don’t actually have much to do with Halloween, as the Mexican tradition celebrates the memories of those who have passed away.
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Kids get to trick-ortreat and play games at the fifth annual Halloween Party for Downtown L.A. Kids at Grand Hope Park Oct. 31.
However, the processions and offerings are augmented by sugar skulls and other sweet treats, and that’s enough for most people. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument gets into the seasonal spirit with festivities running through Friday, Nov. 2. There are processions on Olvera Street each evening at 7 p.m., and Nov. 3-4 is Fiesta Muertos, with entertainment, children’s workshops, face painting and more from noon-6 p.m. both days. Additionally, the exhibit Sacred Memory, Honoring the Dead Across Cultures runs through Nov. 19 at the Pico House. At 125 Paseo de la Plaza, (213) 625-7074 or lacity.org/elp. Silent Stalker: The Walt Disney Concert Hall will be filled with the haunting sounds of the venue’s pipe organ on Halloween night. It comes during a screening of the 1927 silent film The Cat and the Canary. It’s the story of an asylum escapee called “The Cat” who stalks overnight guests in a mansion. Really hate when that happens. Organist Clark Wilson will accompany the film, which was directed by German expressionist Paul Leni. The show starts at 8 p.m. At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com. Extreme Fear: The list of rules for the Blackout Haunted House is a good indication of how frightening things could get at this Broadway attraction, which runs through Oct. 31. The
first rule is, don’t talk about fight club. Just joking. It’s actually, you must walk through alone. Another rule states that you will be told to do certain things and that, for your own safety, you must do these things. Visitors are also prohibited from speaking while inside, but screaming is OK. Everyone gets a mask and a flashlight, and if gets to be too much, you can yell “safety” and someone will come rescue you. You’ve been warned. And seriously, don’t talk about fight club. At 207 S. Broadway or blackouthh.com. Not Too Scary Marionettes: The cast of more than 100 puppets, including dancing skeletons and the Invincible Man, returns for the gentle Halloween Hoop-de-Doo at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. The show has been performed at the City West venue since 1963. It’s a family friendly event aimed at the little ones, so it’s not very scary, but is lots of fun. At 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes. com. Sword of Plenty: The author Mark Danielewski earned his horror cred with the wildly inventive novel House of Leaves. He didn’t stop there. He went on to create The 50 Year Sword, which returns to REDCAT on Oct. 31 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The ghost story for adults is set in East Texas and concerns a see Halloween, page 24
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Halloween Continued from page 23 seamstress and five orphans. There’s also a storyteller and a long black box. Hmmm, wonder if the mysterious box gets opened. The show includes concert pianist Christopher O’Riley and some spooky shadow play. At 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org. Costumed Canines: There is nothing dogs love more than having humans put them in costumes and parade them around with other clothes-wearing dogs. That will be the situation when pet store Bark Avenue stages its annual pooch costume party, Bark-Oween, on Oct. 30 from 6-9 p.m. There will be prizes for best large and small dog costumes as well as treats for both the two- and four-legged species in attendance. Bark Avenue’s Pet Project store a few blocks over will be holding a sale that includes trick-or-treat bags for dogs and cats from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Just make sure to bathe your dogs before putting on their costumes, because they love that too. Bark Avenue is at 545 S. Main St., (213) 748-7485 or sam@barkavela.com to rsvp. Pet Project is at 548 S. Spring St. Monster Meals: No Halloween is complete without gory meals like a bat salad or blood and guts. Industriel, the French restaurant in the Financial District, is offering these and other holiday specials. The Halloween menu, which runs through Oct. 31, features a batch of creative themed dishes. The Grilled Bat Salad is actually quail with baconwrapped dates, walnuts, lettuce and cider vinaigrette. The Blood and Guts is a dessert made with red berry trifle, lemon curd and vanilla whipped cream. Also on the menu
photo courtesy Bob Baker Marionettes
Twitter/DowntownNews is Raw Fresh Tartar with Eye of Newt, or filet mignon, quail egg and potatoes. Lestat’s Midnight Snack, meanwhile, is a blood sausage banh mi. Wash it down with the Corpse Reviver #1, a cognac-based cocktail. At 609 S. Grand Ave., (213) 488-8020 or industrielfarm.com. Sweet Junk: There’s no need to go trickor-treating in order to get some sweets on Halloween. Instead, just spend $15 at L.A. Market Restaurant at the J.W. Marriott for the Spooky Sweets Junk Food Platter. Created by chef Kerry Simon, the shareable plate contains orange and purple coconut snowballs, bat and mummy cake pops, pumpkin-shaped Rice Krispies and more. It’s available through Oct. 31. If eating all that junk isn’t enough, try drinking some of it at The Mixing Room, also in the hotel. The bar is offering a Trick-or-Treat Cocktail menu. Options include the Candy Corn Martini with candy corn vodka, orange liqueur, lemon, egg white and candy corn. Charlie Brown fans can try the Great Pumpkin with cinnamon and cardamom Buffalo Traced bourbon. All Halloween cocktails are $14. At 900 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-8600 or lalivemarriott.com. Party Like a Criminal: Every night this week leading up to Halloween will be a party at Villains Tavern. The nightly celebrations in the Arts District bar will include costume contests, palm readers, face painters, food and drink specials and apple bobbing competitions. There will also be live bands each night and something called a “creepy crawly insect lady,” who will be walking around the bar. Go ahead, buy her a drink. At 1356 Palmetto St., (213) 613-0766 or villainstavern.com. Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.
Not everything on Halloween is scary. The Bob Baker Marionette Theatre has its annual Halloween Hoopde-Doo show.
photo by Gary Leonard
The Blumhouse of Horrors has turned an old Downtown theater into a maze of evil, magic and ghosts. It runs through Nov. 3.
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The Master of the Park How Lucas Rivera Runs the $56 Million Grand Park by Ryan VaillancouRt staff wRiteR
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ucas Rivera left a job programming outdoor concerts in Philadelphia to become director of the newly opened Grand Park. He leads the Music Center team that contracted with Los Angeles County to oversee the 12acre facility, which has already attracted thousands of people for a range of free community events. Rivera talked with Los Angeles Downtown News about the opportunities and challenges of programming a park that is divided into three chunks, and his favorite part of the space. Los Angeles Downtown News: You moved from Philadelphia for this job. Why? Lucas Rivera: Two key elements played into my overall decision to come here. One, I got the blessing of my wife. Then there was that magical moment where I walked into the park and saw the fountain during my interview. I saw the space. I walked each separate space and I saw the programming. I saw concerts. I saw holiday programing. I saw community events. I saw it and that just felt so good and that convinced me fully that this was the right time, the right place. Q: As the director of Grand Park, what do you do? A: I oversee all park operations and programming. Everything from a dead tree to how many events we do a year, filming and community partnerships, programming and how the park is being used on a daily basis. Q: How is it being used on a daily basis? A: You see a different crowd in the morning than you do in the afternoon. You see the lunchtime crowd from the courts and jurors, you see staff from county buildings, staffers from City Hall. Then we have this furniture that people can just move anywhere. If you take a satellite snapshot you can see the furniture move from place to place to place to place in eight hours. Q: What are the challenges of programming a park that is sepa-
rated into three sections and divided by two busy streets? A: It’s both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s a challenge when we have the streets busy and we have the full park activated by performances. It’s a little hard to close off all the streets because they’re main streets. We’re looking at ways to really bridge and connect all the different spaces with programming that takes you through the full park. For our grand opening, we started at the Music Center plaza with an event called “A Taste of Dance.” We shut that down around 4 p.m. and had ushers bring people one block down to the fountain where we had a presentation and performance. Then we moved folks another block where Dos y Mas gave a Latin jazz concert. Q: So far, programming has ranged from vertical dance company Bandaloop to a day of activities for dog owners. This week there’s a Dia de Los Muertos celebration and on Nov. 6 there’s an election returns viewing party. What makes a performer or event right for Grand Park? A: What’s attractive for us are the site-specific events that allow an artist to step outside of their choreographic needs or visual needs and look at the space as part of their performance. Then we’re looking at events that just bring people together, like the election returns viewing. Where were you when Obama gave his inauguration speech? Were you at home or with a bunch of people in a park? Q: What have you learned about the park from the first events? A: We’re seeing people coming at specific times. If we market a whole timeline of events with specific times, people are going to pick and choose. That’s great. We have a capacity issue [full capacity is about 10,000]. We also learned that we need to keep a varied form of food options for people to enjoy. On hot days we want to make sure we have enough ice cream. Q: What’s in store in terms of future programing? A: After November, we’re looking at lunchtime concerts with our partners at L.A. Opera. We’re looking at bringing a farm-
photo by Gary Leonard
Lucas Rivera is the director of Grand Park. His responsibilities range from overseeing programming to making sure landscaping problems get fixed.
ers’ market to the park, maybe free yoga classes. Hopefully by January we’ll announce our season. Q: When you take a break in the park, where do you go? A: My favorite place is right next to the fountain, next to Starbucks. I just sit there and look at the fountain and kids playing, those days where it’s kind of warm and you have kids of all ages. I can also listen to some of the tunes we have playing in the area called the Olive Court. That music is my personal collection. I have nine hours of music playing. If you come five days in a row you’ll probably hear the full mix. Grand Park information and programming is at grandpark. lacounty.gov. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.
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Tuesday, OcTOber 30 Sacred Ground at Aloud Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla.org. 7:15 p.m.: Author, scholar and overall smart dude Eboo Patel spearheads a discussion on pluralism, prejudice and the promise of America. Wednesday, OcTOber 31 Halloween Party for Downtown LA Kids Grand Hope Park, Ninth and Hope streets, downtownla.com. 5-8 p.m.: The Downtown Center Business Improvement District holds an event where wee ones get to knock on doors set up at the park to trick-ortreat, jump in a bounce house, play video games and gorge on cotton candy, popcorn and other sweets. Razorblades in Your Reese’s Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main St., (213) 6171033 or downtownindependent.com. 7 p.m.: In its third annual installment, the Downtown Independent’s free Halloween Party features All Hallows’ Eve themed short films, dancing, a costume contest, seances and DJ Bonez McCoy. SCI-ARC Lecture WM Keck Lecture Hall, 960 E. Third St. or sciarc.edu. 7 p.m.: Architect and theorist David Ruy delivers a discussion titled “Returning to (Strange) Objects.” Which is appropriate, since he directs the Pratt Institute’s Network for Emerging Architectural Research. Thursday, nOvember 1 Blues For Smoke Poetry Reading Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org. 7 p.m.: In celebration of the museum’s newest exhibition, which draws links between the blues and the rest of the art world, poet Harryette Mullen stops by to read her work. Death Penalty Debate City National Plaza, 515 S. Flower St., 16th floor, (213) 312-9308 or townhall-la,org. 12 p.m.: The public affairs forum Town Hall-Los Angeles takes up Proposition 34, about whether the death penalty should be abolished in California. L.A. County Deputy District Attorney Michelle Hanisee will argue against the measure (last week Town Hall presented a pro 34 speaker). Friday, nOvember 2 Dia de los Muertos at Grand Park Grand Park, between Grand Avenue and Spring Street and First and Temple streets, (213) 972-8080 or grandpark.lacounty.gov. 4 p.m.: Beginning with a dedication ceremony for the park’s Cherry Blossom trees and culminating with a Dia de los Muertos celebration, the park promises to be brimming with family oriented entertainment. saTurday, nOvember 3 Dia de los Muertos at El Pueblo Olvera Street, (213) 485-8372 or calleolvera.com.
imedia photo courtesy of Ult
photo courtesy of AE G
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The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees all citizens the freedom to choose how, when, why and where they worship. For scholar Eboo Patel, an increasing climate of extremism makes religion a tricky concept that can both inspire public acts of monumental hatred and ignorance, but also moments of extreme tolerance and tenderness. On Tuesday, Oct. 30, the Aloud series brings Patel to the Central Library to discuss Acts of Faith, his new book that covers the community building aspects of religion in the post 9/11 era. He’ll be joined by Ed Bacon, rector of All Saints Church in Pasadena, for a multi-faith exercise in cooperation and brotherhood. At 630 W. Fifth St., (213) 228-7500 or lfla. org.
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photo by Sean Chao
There is a giant robot marauding around Little Tokyo. No, the Regional Connector hasn’t broken ground yet. Instead it’s digi-pop culture chroniclers Giant Robot and their Biennale 3 art show at the Japanese American National Museum. Open through Jan. 20, 2013, the exhibition features the work of eight visual artists as well as Giant Robots, a custom vinyl show. Additionally, more than 80 artists have lent their talents to Haunting hand painting miniature robot statues. Theremins and Some Deep Unless an unforeseen apocalypse is upon us, this guarantees to be the largest and Thinking in Downtown most colorful collection of tiny robots you’ll see this year. At 100 N. Central Ave., by Dan Johnson, listings eDitor calendar@downtownnews.com (213) 625-0414 or janm.org.
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THE DON’T MISS LIST
EVENTS SPONSORED LISTINGS Bar 107 107 W. Fourth St., (213) 625-7382, facebook.com/bar107 or twitter.com/bar107. Oct. 29: It’s time for the monthly Full Moon Party, when the normal lights go off and the bar gets covered instead in complete moonlight. If you’ve never seen a bar covered in moonlight, this is your chance. Blue Moon bottles for $3 and $5 well drinks. Oct. 31: We will be celebrating Halloween with costumes, drink specials and flying in our guest DJ all the way from beautiful downtown Whittier. Never a cover, never a dress code. L.A. Arts Alliance Annual Food Drive Locations Vary. Through Nov. 15: Bring your canned or dry food donations for the L.A. Arts Alliance Annual Food Drive to one of four Downtown drop locations. Paul Hastings Tower lobby, 515 S. Flower St.; City National Plaza lobby, 555 S. Flower St.; Chase Bank lobby, 888 W. Sixth St.; and Torrey Pines Bank lobby, 601 W. Fifth St. Halloween Candy Buyback 601 W. Fifth St. #1110, silviakasparianDDS.com. Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Dentist Silvia Kasparian will buy back Halloween candy from neighborhood families for $1 per pound, and then send the candy to troops stationed overseas. Save your kids’ teeth, and brighten the day of an American soldier.
October 29, 2012
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What if we told you th ere was a man, an R& B singer, who once compared himself to Marvin Ga ye ? Known as R. Kelly, this man bu music scene with a gr rst onto the contemporary andiose Looney Tune s br song in which he es poused his fervent be anded lief own ability to fly. Wha t if we told you he dated in his the very underage R&B song stress Aaliyah? Wha t if we told you he got in a lot of trouble and still sold a lot of records? What if we to ld you this man made a ter “hip-hopera” calle 22 chapd Trapped in the Clos et? What if we told yo that on Fri.-Sat., Nov. u 2-3, you could see R. Kelly live and in person at the Nokia Theatre ? Is that something yo u’d be interested in? 777 Chick Hearn Cour At t, (213) 763-6030 or nokiatheatrelalive.com .
tion In a little over a week, the presidential elec lic, pub will be over. Then we, the American s. will be left with nothing but fond memorie id Mamet underPulitzer Prize winning playwright Dav m in these mis opti stands that this is truly a time for , here United States. In the same vein this week marks the last chance to catch his satire November, which follows the bumbling machinations of President Charles Smith in his apparently final days in office. The show that runs through Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Mark Taper Forum stars Ed Begley Jr. and Felicity Huffman. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 6282772 or centertheeatregroup.org.
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Nov. 3-4: The souls of the dead are closest to this world in this annual folk celebration. Los Angeles’ oldest enclave is the host for the traditional Oaxacan festival.
photo courtesy Dennis Leoni
Sunday, november 4 Ties That Bind at CAAM California African-American Museum, 600 State Drive., (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. 11 a.m.: Artist Michael Massenburg will share his expertise in collage and assemblage. Create your own windowpane filled with family images, cherished mementos and found objects.
ROCK, POP & JAZZ Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. Oct. 30: Tim Young and Peter Adams present a tribute to Edgar Allan Poe. The timing is fitting. Oct. 31: Afro Cuban Jazz Project. Nov. 1: Sean Wayland Trio. Nov. 2: Carol Robbins Quintet. Nov. 3: Fundraiser for Dayna Stephens. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Oct. 29, 8 p.m.: Only the spookiest entertainment this Halloween week as Kera and the Lesbians close out their residency. Oct. 30, 8 p.m.: Daughter and Choir of Young Believers take it down a step so you can enjoy some heartfelt music without feeling pressured to move an inch. Nov. 1, 8 p.m.: Correatown and Piney Gir are back to prove that Los Angeles’ most prevalent
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unnyman Joey Medina, who starred in the 2002 standup film The Original Latin Kings of Comedy, hosts a gaggle of comics for the LATC’s “Laugh Night” at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3. Other laugh masters on the bill include Erik Rivera, Nicole Aimee Schreiber, Jackie Fabulous, Manny Maldonado and Gene Pompa. The Tyrants in Therapy will play too. In case it’s not obvious, these comedians occasionally employ potty mouth humor, so keep the kids at home. At 514 S. Spring St., (866) 811-4111 or thelatc.org.
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export is self-enchanted indie, folk-fused rock that references the state of alienation and cinematic surrealism of living here. Nov. 2, 8 p.m.: Molly Bryant and John Spiker found in each other similar music interests and an ability to hold a nice conversation. With this bond, they became successful friends with musical benefits. Nov. 3, 8 p.m.: With the piano skills of Chick Corea and a name that could work as a chain of margarita-oriented quick service dining, Chilly Gonzales promises to please with a solo piano concert. Broadway Bar 830 S. Broadway, (213) 614-9909 or broadwaybar.la. Nov. 1, 10 p.m.: Happy Dia de los Muertos from HM Soundsystem. Casey’s Irish Pub 613 S. Grand Ave., (213) 629-2353 or bigcaseys.com. Nov. 3, 10 p.m.: We’ve never heard of Vise Virsa, but if they’re anything like Carnage Asada, we’re guaranteed to love them. Club Nokia 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com. Nov. 2, 9 p.m.: We’re not going to sit here and explain Alanis Morissette’s music because you… you… you… oughtta know! Nov. 3, 8:30 p.m.: Tribal Seeds. Is it a reggae influenced band from San Diego or a lesson on the fecund botany of a cannabis plant? You decide. Nov. 4, 8 p.m.: Waka Flocka Flame is a hip-hop musician. Escondite 410 Boyd St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com. Oct. 29, 9 p.m.: The Get Down Boys and Ben Powell.
An Extensive Seafood Menu including Dim Sum at Moderate Prices Relaxed Dining in an Elegant Ambiance Live Lobster Tank
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Oct. 30, 10 p.m.: Boom Boom Boom and Bunny West. Oct. 31, 10 p.m.: Bryan Titus and Sunset Drifters. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. Nov. 2, 10 p.m.: Not only is Awakening featured artist Andy Moor a talented DJ, he bears a striking resemblance to Jordan Van Der Sloot. Nov. 3, 10 p.m.: This week’s Inception electro event is helmed by a man named John Digweed. Attend accordingly. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. Oct. 30, 8 p.m.: If attending an evening with Foreigner were so urgent to you, you’d have already purchased a ticket. It may be cold as ice, but this event is long sold out. Hard Day of the Dead L.A. State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St. or hardfest.com. 6 p.m.: Nothing quite says remembrance of the deceased and age-old folk traditions like a state park filled with high school age girls in revealing costumes. Hard’s Halloween fest presents electronica and many, many decibels. Beware of skeletons fist pumping. Nokia Theater
THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6020 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. Nov. 2-3, 8 p.m.: If you’re going to check out R. Kelly, remember that after the party it’s the after party and after the party it’s the hotel lobby and round about four you’ve got to clear the lobby and then, well you know how that ends. Nov. 4, 7 p.m.: Eric Church’s “Blood, Sweat & Beers” Tour is either a country music sensation or an allusion to the Gathering of the Juggalos. Nola’s 734 E. Third St., (213) 680-3003 or nolasla.com. Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.: Cal State Long Beach Jazz with Eric Hagstrom. Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.: The one, the only, the Artwork Jamal. Nov. 3, 7 p.m.: Rumi Flute Quartet. Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m.: Sunday Brunch with Leslie Bee. One-Eyed Gypsy 901 E. First St., (626) 340-3529 or one-eyedgypsy.com. Oct. 31: Noir folk with RT N the 44s. Redwood Bar and Grill 316 W. Second St., (213) 652-4444 or theredwoodbar. com. Oct. 29: Abby Hankins with Storey & The Tellers. Oct. 30: PKG, Fired and the Undead Kennedys. Oct. 31: Love, Ingenue, Revolutions Pride and Deathsquad Demongods. Nov. 2: Uzi Rash, Pterodactdudes, Apparitions and Shark Toys. Nov. 3: Jake La Botz. Nov. 4, 3 p.m.: Stalag 13. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la. Oct. 29: Darryl Holter and Fleeting Heart present the coincidence of local business interests and country western music. Oct. 30: If you are lucky enough to corner the Makers, they will grant you three wishes.* *All three wishes must be for improvisational jazz. The Smell 247 S. Main St., alley between Spring and Main streets, thesmell.org. Oct. 31: So Many Wizards, Palm Reader, Traps Ps and Sleeping Bags. Nov. 1: Maus Haus, Body Parts, Maston and Penny Dreadful. Nov. 2: Captain Ahab, Toxic Lipstick, Foot Village and Books on Tape. Nov. 3: Spires That in the Sunset Rise, Arrington de
Zubin Mehta + Yuja Wang = Good photo by Felix Broede
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October 29, 2012
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ubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra take over Walt Disney Concert Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 30, for a show of big symphony music. Mehta, who once served as music director of the L.A. Phil, and the IPO will do Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 and Schubert’s Symphony No. 3. Then, pianist Yuja Wang will join the band to play the heck out of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Mehta and his gang are known for being in impressive lock step, which makes sense since the conductor first raised the baton before this orchestra in 1961. Nineteen-sixty-one! At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com.
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photo courtesy office of Gov. Jerry Brown
How Brown Downtown? Drink Here now HoP LoUie
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ou may have heard something about the Nov. 6 election. Considering that Obama pretty much owns the state’s electoral votes, when it comes to California no one has more at stake that day than Gov. Jerry Brown. On Wednesday, Oct. 31, he’s coming to Downtown to deliver what is being described as a major policy address. In the noon event at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel organized by Town Hall Los Angeles, he’ll touch on issues including balancing the budget. Don’t be surprised if a little thing called Prop 30 also gets a mention. At 506 S. Grand Ave. Tickets and information at (213) 6288141 or townhall-la.org. Dinoyso, Daniel Higgs and Lucky Dragons.
FILM Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com. Nov. 2-8, 8 p.m.: Tales of the Night is animation auteur Michel Ocelot’s first foray into 3D animation. IMAX California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 7442019 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. REDCAT 631 W. Second St., (2130 237-2800 or redcat.org. Oct. 29, 8:30 p.m.: Silent Mountains, Singing Oceans, and Slivers of Time represents 15 years of filmmaker David Gatten’s career in six films. Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com. 8 p.m.: The grand pipes of the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s organ accompany a screening of classic silent film The Cat and the Canary. Regal Cinemas LA Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (877) 835-5734 or lalive.com. See website for schedule.
THEATER, OPERA & DANCE Faith: Part I of A Mexican Trilogy Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring ST., (213) 489-0994 or thelatc.org. Nov. 2-3, 8 p.m. and Nov. 4, 3 p.m.: Set before the backdrop of the FDR administration and WWII, Faith is the story of a family trying to retain ancient traditions and cultural memory in the midst of social and political upheaval. Through Nov. 11. Empanada for a Dream Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., (213) 489-0994 or thelatc.org. Nov. 1-3, 8 p.m. and Nov. 4, 3 p.m.: In his living memoir, Juan Francisco Villa uncovers the treasures of his family’s dark legacy in the streets of New York’s Lower East Side. Through Nov. 18. Fifty Year Sword REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org. Oct. 31, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.: Timed with the Pantheon Books release of The Fifty Year Sword, author Mark Z. Danielewski (House of Leaves) once again casts his wicked spell on Halloween. This is an eerie theatrical presentation of his ghost story for grown-ups. Halloween Hoop-de-Doo The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., (213) 250-9995 or bobbakermarionettes.com. Nov. 3-4, 2:30 p.m.: Dancing ghouls and stringed spirits run amok in this seasonal classic from Downtown’s finest marionette playground. Call for reservations. November Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-
2772 or centertheatregroup.com. Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 8 p.m. and Nov. 4, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: The Oval Office descends into a three-ring circus of political incorrectness in David Mamet’s farce about an unpopular president desperate to be re-elected. President Charles Smith and his cohorts try to beg, bargain and browbeat their way into a second term. Through Nov. 22. Seminar Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 6282772 or centertheatregroup.com. Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 8 p.m., Nov. 3, 2 and 8 p.m. and Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.: Four aspiring young novelists are in for the schooling of their lives when their private writing workshop turns personal, becoming a master class in ruthless and reckless behavior. Featuring Jeff Goldblum, Seminar plays through Nov. 18.
CLASSICAL MUSIC Tuesday, OcTOber 30 Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com. 8 p.m.: Zubin Mehta conducts the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in pieces from Schubert, Chopin and Brahms. Piano Spheres Presents Bugallo-Williams Piano Duo Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., (213) 621-2200 or colburnschool.edu. 8 p.m.: The Bugallo-Williams piano duo appears as a tribute to American composer Conlon Nancarrow in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. Please, no presents. Friday, NOvember 2 Alsop Conducts Tchaikovsky Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com. Nov. 2 and 3, 8 p.m. and Nov. 4, 2 p.m.: The ever-malleable Los Angeles Philharmonic is in the capable and tender hands of Marin Alsop. Expect renditions of Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 6” with pieces from Golijov and Barber. saTurday, NOvember 3 Symphonies for Youth Featuring Ravel Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com. Nov. 3, 11 a.m.: Thanks to the generosity of Toyota, you can take your kids to a presentation of Ravel’s Mother Goose, because buying your kid a Dwight Howard jersey doesn’t count as exposing them to culture.
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his is old school Chinatown, on the ground floor of the Hop Louie Restaurant, with slightly indifferent bartenders and decor — it’s actually a relief. It’s also a semi-secret Laker fan hangout. You can order Chinese food from the restaurant upstairs (beware the spicy mustard). As for the beers, don’t expect a bevy of craft drafts. You will sip your bottle of Tsing Tao and you will like it. At 950 Mei Ling Way in Central Plaza, (213) 628-4244.
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October 29, 2012
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ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Dave Denholm, Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Ryan E. Smith, Marc Porter Zasada
AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Yoji Cole, Catherine Holloway, Sol Ortasse sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Jessica Tarr distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla
Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins
The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.
PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard
One copy per person.
October 29, 2012 The undersigned will sell on the 1st day of November 2012 at 11:00 A.M. on the premises where said property has been stored and which are located at Thriftee Storage Company LLC, 1717 N. Glendale Blvd. in the city of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, State of California, the following: Name of Owner: Anthony Maldonado Space number: D-56 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $514.00 Name of Owner: Patricia Gonzalez Space number: D-12 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $490.00 Name of Owner: Santiago Medina Space number: E-26 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $535.00 Name of Owner: Samantha Wade Space number: U-68 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $495.00 Name of Owner: Damon Chesse Space number: G-22 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $1560.00 Name of Owner: Travis Herndon
Downtown News 31
DowntownNews.com Space number: U-72 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $527.07 Name of Owner: Kela Boyd Space number: E-22 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $397.00 Name of Owner: Balentina Araceli Bernal Space number: U-33 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $728.00 Name of Owner: Maxine Stessel Space number: C-23 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $430.00 Name of Owner: Peggy Hovsepian Space number: A-15 Description of Goods: Personal effects Amount: $260.00 Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase in cash only. All purchased storage units with the items contained herein are sold on an “as-is” basis and must be removed at the time of sale. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between Thriftee Storage Co. and obligated party. Thriftee Storage Company LLC Dated at Los Angeles, CA by Felipe F. Islas / Manager October 18, 2012. Pub. 10/22, 10/29/2012
LegaL Notice PUBLIC NOTICE The California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, has issued a formal order to operator Philip H. McAlmond to plug and abandon 10 wells and decommission associated production facilities pursuant to Public Resources Code sections 3106, 3224, 3226, and 3237 in Section 20, Township 1 South, Range 13 West, San Bernardino B. & M., in the Los Angeles City oil field. The formal order, in its entirety, may be viewed at, or obtained from, the California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, 5816 Corporate Avenue, Suite 200, Cypress, CA 90630, attn: AB Abdulrahman, (714) 816-6847. Public Resources Code section 3225, subdivision (d), entitles the operator to appeal an order issued by the State Oil and Gas Supervisor. An appeal request must be in writing and filed with the State Oil and Gas Supervisor or the District Deputy within 10 days of service of the order (See Public Resources Code, beginning at section 3350). Daniel J. Dudak District Deputy
DOWNTOWN L.A. AUTO GROUP 888-I-LOVE-LA (456-8352)
NEW ’12 Nissan Rogue MSRP $23545 Carson Nissan Discount $2457 Factory Rebate $1500 NMAC Captive Cash $500 College Grad Discount $600 Net Price $18,488
BUY FOR ONLY
18,488
$
net price
Clean unfurnished bachelor rooms with shared bath at $550/mo. with private bath at $695/mo.
NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
Lease for only
129
$
per month for 39 mos
Plus tax, 39 month closed end lease on approved credit. $0 Sec. Dep. $5359 due at Signing. (Excludes taxes, title, other options & dealer fees). Residual $14,280. Model # 13113. $0.15/mile over 12,000 miles/year. 5 At this Price.
179
TM
$
For English Call Pierre or Terri 213.744.9911 For Spanish Call Susana 213.749.0306
madison hotel Clean furnished single rooms. 24-hour desk clerk service. •Daily, $30.00 •Weekly, $109.00 •Monthly, $310.00 (213) 622-1508 423 East 7th St.
per month for 42 mos
Downtown since 2002
Plus tax 42-month closed end lease offered to highly qualified lessees on approved credit by Volkswagen Credit., $0 due at signing. (Excludes title, tax, 1st month’s pymt, options and dealer fees). Excludes TDI® Clean Diesel and Hybrid models. MSRP of $18,805 (including dest. charges) with manual transmission.. $0 security deposit. Residual of $10,504.70. $0.20/mile over 35,000 miles. VIN # 209746. Offer ends October 31, 2012
Bill Cooper 213.598.7555 TheLoftExpertGroup.com
Voted BEST Downtown Residential Real Estate Agent!
$
per month for 36 mos
Plus tax, 36 month closed end lease on approved credit. $0 Security Deposit. $3995 Due at Signing (Excludes taxes, title, other options and dealer fees). Based on MSRP of $39,995. Residual $27,097.55 $0.25 per mile over 10,000 miles per year. 1 At this Price. # DU111828.
NEW ’13 Mercedes C250 Lease for only
Lumbini Child Development Center Open Enrollment 2 1/2 thru 6
Cal Best Realty Emi Terauchi
Realtor / Notary
Lic.No.00810238 English/Japanes/Chinese speaking emiterauchi@yahoo.com (626) 786-9086
Furnished single unit with kitchenette, bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly rate $275 inc.
Monthly from $600 utilities paid. (213) 612-0348
Fully furnished with TV, telephone, microwave, refrigerator. Full bathroom. Excellent location. Downtown LA. Weekly maid service.
Singing, dancing, performing and fun! For boys & girls ages 3 and up!
is your teen experiencing:
• School problems? • Conflict at home or with friends?
Monthly from $695 utilities paid. (213) 627-1151
+ tax 48 month closed end lease on approved credit. $2399 due at signing excluding title, taxes, options, acquisition fees, dealer fees & first payment. Zero Sec. Dep. .25cents/mile over 10K miles/year. 5 to choose. MSRP $36255.
NEW ’13 Audi A3 2.0T TDI Lease for only
299
$
per month for 42 mos
+ tax, 42 month closed end lease on approved credit. $350 Sec. Deposit. $4343.26 Due at Signing. Excludes taxes, title, other options and dealer fees Lease price includes Audi Loyalty Rebate. Residual $18,099.20. $0.25 per mile over 10,000 miles per year. 1 at this payment DA011080
Lease for only
968 96
$
adolescent support group now forming ages 13-17 Low fee
per month for 48 mos
call Marney Stofflet, LcSW
(323) 662-9797
SunshineGenerationLA.com 909-861-4433
per month for 48 mos
NEW ’13 Porsche Panamera
Children’s Performing Group
Sunshine Generation
299
$
505 East 3rd Street, Los Angeles, Ca 90013
(213) 680-2976 call Leslie
Proudly serving the communities of San Gabriel, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Montebello and El Monte.
159
Lea
(213) 481-1448
Real Estate Specialist of San Gabriel Valley
NEW ’13 Chevy Volt Lease for only
sed
Starting Jan. 1, 2011
People are looking here, shouldn’t your ad should be here?
888-838-5089 635 W. Washington Blvd. • downtownnissan.com
$6,999 $13,999 Only 42,000 Miles!! Must see. (N130227-1 / 7N418393 2005 Nissan Armada SE ................... $15,999 5.6L V8, Silver/Blk, Leather, 38K miles. NI4111 / 5N706134 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan .................. Only 87K miles, Looks & runs great. N130239-1 / 2C197821
2007 Nissan Altima Sedan ...............
Plus 287 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 888-781-8102 1900 S. Figueroa St. • vwdowntownla.com
$14,278 2012 VW Routan S ............................. Certified, 3.6L V6, Gray/Gray 8134 Miles. ZV1903 / CR152053 $20,980 2012 VW Golf Hatchback ................. Certified, Blue/Blk, Only 4532 miles, Auto. ZV1914 / CW096877 $21,890 2009 VW Jetta Calif. Edit. .................
Certified, Gray/Gray, Auto, Only 29K Miles. ZV1873 / 9M154333
Plus 425 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE
DRE # 01309009
(2 blocks west of San Pedro St.)
FOR RENT? FOR LEASE? FOR SALE?
3.0L V6, White, Alloys, CD & more. CU0784R / A127666
NEW ’13 Nissan Altima 2.5S
Sec. Deposit Special @$100 Includes utilities, basic cable channels, laundry room on site. Gated building in a good area. 208 W. 14th St. at Hill St. Downtown LA
$8,995 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback ......... $11,895 Certified, Silver, Auto, AC, ABS. CU0694R / L426077 2008 Nissan Xterra ............................ $15,995 Will not last!! Low Miles. Must see. CU0829P / 536219 2007 Ford Taurus SEL ..........................
Plus 303 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
Lease for only the LOFT expert!
CARSON NISSAN
888-845-2267 1505 E. 223rd St., Carson • carsonnissan.com
1 at this price, #C121370/295078
NEW ’13 Volkswagen Jetta S Casaloma L.A. Apartments
w w w.DTLAMOTORS.com
4344 Fountain ave. (at Sunset), Suite a Los angeles, ca 90029
Plus tax 48-month closed end lease offered to highly qualified lessees on approved credit. $5050 due at signing. (Excludes title, tax, 1st month’s pymt, options and dealer fees). $0 security deposit. Residual of $39,057. $0.20/mile over 10,000 miles/year. 1 at this offer #DL012425.
FELIX CHEVROLET
888-304-7039 3300 S. Figueroa St. • felixchevrolet.com
2009 Chevy Aveo Hatchback .......... White/Gray, Low miles. Great condition. UC289 / 9B377090
2004 GMC Envoy SUV ......................
Black/Black, Very Low Miles, Must see. UC230R-1 / 46176973
2006 Ford Explorer 4 Dr. ................. White/ Gray, Very clean, low miles. UC292R / 6UA71039
$9,995 $10,995 $11,995
Plus 189 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
DOWNTOWN LA MOTORS 888-319-8762 1801 S. Figueroa St. • mbzla.com
2009 Mercedes C300 ........................ Certified, Mars Red, 34K Miles, 7spd. Auto. 6174C / 9R070114
2010 Mercedes ML350 ..................... Certified, 3.5L V6, Silver/Gray, 36K Miles. 6248C / AA535033
2010 Mercedes E350 Sedan ............ Certified, 3.5L V6, Iridium Silver, auto. 121489-1 / A165279
Mercedes-Benz
$24,991 $33,991 $39,991
Plus 401 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 888-583-0981 1900 S. Figueroa St. • audidtla.com
$28,556 2012 Audi A4 2.0T Premium ........... Certified, Turbo, Blk/Blk, Only 14K Miles. ZA10465/ CN003219 $32,388 2010 VW A5 2.0T Quattro ............... $34,796 Certified, Turbo, AWD, Blk/Blk. A13119D2 / AA031288 2011 Audi A3 2.0T ............................
Certified, Turbo, Blk/Blk, Only 27K Miles. ZA10503 / BA034784
Plus 111 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
888-685-5426 1900 S. Figueroa St. • porschedowntownla.com
$38,892 2008 Porsche Carerra 4 .................... $54,810 Certified, White/Blk, Like New. P12385-2 / 88710489 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S ............. Certified, Dark Blue/Luxor Beige, V8, 26K Miles # AL064900 $77,892 2009 Porsche Cayenne ...................... Certified, Gray/Gray, Only 27K Miles, Bose, Navi. #9LA11028
Plus 105 More New & Used In Stock & On Sale!
32 Downtown News
October 29, 2012
Twitter/DowntownNews
City Hall-oween Continued from page 5 The Factory: Rattled, you lean against a wall. It falls apart and you find yourself in a dimly lit room. A couple of shadowy figures near a cauldron are picking things up and putting them into a bubbling pot. There’s a box labeled “Skeletons from the Past” and another with the phrase “Voting Records.” The boxes are dumped in and stirred. “Is it mud yet?” asks the younger of the wizardly figures. “Not yet,” responds the older one, who is holding a sheaf of the glossy paper used for campaign mailers. “Pour in some arrest records and financial statements. That should turn it into the kind of mud that sticks.” The older wizard shrieks as a box is moved toward the pot. “No!” he screams. “Never use the ‘Full Context’ box! Never!” For some reason, it smells like sausage being made. You leave. Whiz Kids: You step back into the hallway and a knife comes whizzing at you. It slices away some of the briefcase you’re suddenly carrying. You hear laughter and see that the knifethrowing figure is Herb Wesson. “You won’t be needing that,” he says, and pulls another knife from a bag marked
“Council Redistricting.” Whiz! Cut! More of the briefcase falls away. You remember something about never voting for him, and is this your comeuppance? Another knife flies and the result is the same, and now the briefcase you once held firmly has been almost completely stripped from your grasp. There’s another round of laughter but from another figure. “Do it,” the second person says, and hey, that’s José Huizar, and for some reason he’s holding a toy train. He looks at Wesson and says, “Great job. The parts that fell — can I have them?” Wesson nods devilishly and walks away. Huizar does the happy dance. Troll Alert: You walk by the mayoral media room. You hear someone yell, “Trolls! They’re all trolls! I hate trolls!” Again and again. That’s getting old, you think. Can’t they come up with something original instead of repeating old lines? “Trolls!” Apparently not. Hell on Wheels: You need to get out of this place. You see a bicycle built for two. You think it should be yours. You’re about to climb on when a woman elbows you in the heart and takes the front seat. You move toward the second seat but a man gut punches you and takes it. There is no third seat! They ride away, leaving you with nothing. “I’ll throw
you in jail,” you mumble, but no one cares. Again, you feel like Carmen Trutanich. In the Lobby: You walk down the hall, dejected. You see a big green curtain. You push it back and glimpse a strange man standing on a huge pile of money. Cell phones are glued to each ear and he says things like, “I’ll lobby for that.” He runs back and forth across the pile of cash, pulling strings and pressing levers. Each time he does, you hear a cash register ring or a shout of “Yes! Right away sir!” from another part of City Hall. What’s going on? You’re sure the man behind the curtain isn’t the mayor. You’re sure the man pulling the strings isn’t on the council. Who could he be, and why does it smell like sausage again? Shirt Off Your Back: You see the door you came through. You sense that you can finally escape City Hall. You’re about to exit when a haggard old woman approaches. She hands something to you. It smells funny. Not clown funny, but icky funny. You realize it’s a shirt and that something is written on it. You hold it up and see that it says, “I voted for Carmen Trutanich for D.A. and all I got was this stupid T-shirt.” You put it on. No one talks to you. You go home. Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.
Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!
Grand Tower 255 south Grand avenue Leasing Information 213 229 9777
Promenade Towers 123 south Figueroa street Leasing Information 213 617 3777
Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room
Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher (most units) ~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)
On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants
Now For Call n Specials Move-I
8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6
museum Tower 225 south olive street Leasing Information 213 626 1500
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies
On Site: ~ Convenience Store / Coffee House / Yogurt Shop / Beauty Salon
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)
It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one 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 with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses 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.
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