12-19-11 by Los Angeles Downtown News

LOS ANGELES

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The Force of Fela! 15

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W W W. D O W N T O W N N E W S . C O M

December 19, 2011

Volume 40, Number 51

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Memories of the Wilshire Grand

INSIDE

After 59 Years, the Landmark Hotel Is Closing. Some of the Longtime Employees Recall Visits From the Pope and Other Highlights PROFESSIONAL

Urban Scrawl on a city scandal.

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The Wilshire Grand closes this week after 59 years of service. Some of the hotel’s approximately 480 employees worked there for decades.

Shifts in the restaurant sector.

Checking out Downtown’s museums.

by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

he hotel at 930 Wilshire Blvd. opened on Aug. 6, 1952. On Friday, Dec. 23, its last guest will check out. The 896-room establishment, which became the Wilshire Grand in 1999, will be demolished by its owner, Korean Air. The land on the northwest corner of Seventh and Figueroa streets will become

the site of a $1.1 billion, two-tower project. The first portion, a 45-story hotel and condominium skyscraper, is slated to open in 2015. The end of the Wilshire Grand after 59 years means that the last of the building’s 480 employees are out of a job (the hotel has actually been downsizing for several months). Although most of the union employees have been promised a position when the new hotel opens, for many it’s too long to wait. The

hotel recently hosted a job fair for its workers. Some of the employees have worked at the hotel for decades. Many call it a second home, and refer to their longtime colleagues as family. Some of them recently recounted their memories of the Wilshire Grand, detailing a mayor who wanted a bathrobe, the Pope’s luggage, broken sprinkler heads and more. see Wilshire Grand, page 8

A Visit to Santonio Claus The Return of an Imaginary Holiday Tradition of Gift Requesting by Jon ReGaRdie executive editoR

Five great entertainment options.

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n the weeks leading up to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, Downtown Los Angeles enjoys one of its most unique traditions: On one day in December, officials from local business and poTHE REGARDIE REPORT

litical circles dress in their finest and head to City Hall. They take a gold-plated express elevator to the mayoral suite and are put in a pen, I mean a room, with hundreds of others. One by one, they are told to get on their knees and hobble into the diamond-bedecked chambers of Santonio Claus. There, they see a joyously grinning individual sitting on a platinum throne made higher because it is placed on the backs of 12 city employees. The figure, a combination of Nero, JFK

and Dr. Seuss’ Yertle the Turtle, holds a scepter fashioned from silver and the bones of his fallen opponents. When Santonio Claus nods, the guest has exactly 39 seconds to ask for something. Afterwards, Santonio’s elves escort the visitor to a spot on the cold, hard pavement outside City Hall. Here is a glimpse of the completely imaginary visitors who came to Santonio Claus this year. Visitor No. 1: A 50-something man named Rudy M. Santonio Claus: Ho ho ha ha ha! I remember you. You’re the head of a local department. Do you still have the sense of entitlement that I gave you several years ago? I’ll answer that. Of course you do! For the love of Los Angeles, fair housing for all and Listerine Breath Strips, what do you want this year? see Santonio Claus, page 12

The Voice of Downtown Los Angeles

2 Downtown News

AROUNDTOWN Streetcar Misses Out on Federal Grant Again

or the second time, the Los Angeles Streetcar has missed out on a major grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. On Thursday, Dec. 15, the DOT announced the 46 projects from 848 applicants that will receive money from the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program. The Downtown streetcar, spearheaded by 14th District City Councilman José Huizar, had applied for $37 million to help pay for the $125 million project. Dennis Allen, executive director of Los Angeles Streetcar Inc., maintained that the project remains on track and that an anticipated 2015 opening will not be impacted by missing out on the money. “We applied like hundreds of other projects applied but it doesn’t change our plans,” he said. Allen said they are instead anticipating getting funds from the Federal Transit Administration’s Small Starts program. The streetcar needs to secure environmental clearance before officials can apply for those funds, Allen said. He said he expects to apply for up to $60 million from that program by the end of 2012.

December 19, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Paint Coming Off Green Bike Lane Again

ess than a month after opening, the green Spring Street Bike Lane is in need of a second round of fixes. Bruce Gillman, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, which installed the lane, said that the deteriorated spots will eventually be repainted, but first the department will reevaluate the paints they are using and experiment with other types of paint to make sure the color adheres to the street. The lane opened Nov. 21, but in a matter of days some of the paint on the 1.5-mile stretch between Cesar Chavez Avenue and Ninth Street had worn off. The DOT repainted the lane on Dec. 4, but last week portions of the path, including sections between Fifth and Sixth streets, had severely deteriorated. DOT officials initially said the erosion happened because the $50,000 paint job didn’t get a chance to dry properly during a rainy period. Gillman said Downtown buildings may inadvertently be playing a role in the problem, since it’s possible that not enough sunlight is available to properly dry the paint.

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Chinatown Apartment Project Moves Forward

long-awaited Chinatown project may soon get a jump, as the City Council last week approved the allocation of $23 million in tax-exempt bonds for the Chinatown Metro Apartments. The money will go toward the $44 million project at 808 N. Spring St. that will convert two aged structures into a 123-unit apartment complex,

December 11, 2011

creating affordable housing for senior citizens. It will also include more than 1,800 square feet of community space with a computer room, a fitness room and a common room. The project, from developer Meta Housing Corporation, will be supplemented with money from city sources such as the Community Redevelopment Agency. The council approved the allocation on Wednesday, Dec. 14. There is no timeline yet on when construction will begin.

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December 19, 2011

EDITORIALS For Downtown, A Year of Presents

Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis

he arrival of Christmas and Hanukkah brings the time of year when people exchange presents. For Downtown Los Angeles, however, the gift receiving has gone on all year, in the form of the opening of new projects, among them stores, restaurants and residential buildings. This may seem an unlikely statement in the midst of the still painful economic slowdown. Some will quibble, pointing out that the rush of openings in the Central City is down decidedly from a few years ago. They are right — the amount of activity has decreased from the peak years, approximately 2006 to 2008. That said, the community still has seen a sizable pace of additions this year. The proof of the strength of Downtown may be that this pace of “presents” seems slow. Other neighborhoods would be envious at all that has opened in the Central City in the past 12 months. Perhaps the biggest gifts for the community in 2011 were in the culinary world. Downtown saw the debut of dozens of restaurants, which created hundreds if not thousands of jobs. They ranged from the Singaporean and Vietnamese fare at Spice Table to the inventive gyro-pizza hybrids of Bäco Mercat to Garage Pizza to some pounded kosher chicken at Schnitzly. The eating and drinking explosion was not limited to restaurants. The latter half of the year brought a flurry of bakeries, giving Downtown numerous new places to grab sweets and fresh breads. They include The Pie Hole in the Arts District, the Historic Core’s Semi Sweet and MF Gourmet in Grand Central Market. The presents also came in the form of liquid sustenance, both alcoholic and non. The Downtown nightlife scene continued its expansion, welcoming One-Eyed Gypsy in the Arts District, Pattern Bar in the Fashion District, City West’s Monty and other spots. Meanwhile, the Historic Core saw growth in its burgeoning coffee row, with the large Coffeebar upping Spring Street’s caffeine quotient. The retail scene also expanded this year, with unique stores opening throughout the area. The largest may have been the Last Bookstore, which moved from a tiny spot to a 10,000-square-foot space in the Historic Core. Meanwhile, Seventh Street got a chic boutique in Brigade and Skid Row welcomed Made by DWC, a café and store filled with goods created by the residents of the Downtown Women’s Center’s new Project Home. The residential activity certainly slowed this year, though new places to live came in the form of, among others, the Historic Core’s Metropolitan apartments and the long-awaited opening of 920 East 2nd Street, a condominium complex in the Arts District. Maybe the activity was slow by some standards, but for Downtown, the holiday cheer started in January and never let up.

Grass, Thinking Green and City Hall

here is an adage that goes “When one door closes, another opens.” That describes the situation regarding the park at City Hall. The grass that long ringed the building was destroyed by hundreds of campers during the two-month Occupy LA protests. Now, whether the city likes it or not, there is an opportunity and a need to look at a different kind of landscaping. Immediately resodding the ground without seriously considering changes that reflect Los Angeles’ political and environmental climates would be a mistake. Before deciding what to do, it’s important to understand how the building and the park surrounding it function and interact with the community. Visitors enter City Hall on Main Street, on the east side of the building. The north side, on Temple Street, and the west side, facing Spring Street, have limited pedestrian interaction. The west side will soon sit opposite the 12-acre Grand Avenue Civic Park extending to the Music Center. The south side of the building, facing First Street, for years has served as the de facto front yard of the city’s center of government. The open plaza and the South Lawn frame the most picturesque portion of the stately structure. It’s been the place where tourists take photos, where press conferences are held, where mayors recite the oath of office, where farmers sell their goods in a weekly market and where protests and marches often culminate. It has often been the closest thing Downtown Los Angeles has to a public gathering space. Although the Occupy LA protestors surrounded the building, the South Lawn, with its grassy portions, was the center of the camp. Today it is also the most noticeable part of the fenced-off edifice. City officials have estimated the damage to the entire park at between $300,000 and $400,000. Los Angeles Downtown News last week reported on the opportunity to make the park a functional symbol of Los Angeles’ quest to be a leader in the sustainability movement. With the grass decimated, some landscaping experts have pointed out that the city has a chance to install drought-tolerant plants. It is an appealing option, and perhaps plausible since this is not a situation where one solution fits all sides of the building. Propelling the matter is Los Angeles’ proclaimed and purported role in sustainability and green technology. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is one of many local figures who have stated that Los

Angeles should be a global leader in thinking green. In a city where saving water will become ever more important, an argument can be made that the government should do whatever it takes to use less of the precious wet stuff. Obviously, grass requires more water than drought-resistant plants. Thus, the thinking goes, turning City Hall’s lawn into a succulents garden could save taxpayers money long term (although initial planting costs would be higher than re-sodding). Perhaps more importantly, it could be a symbol of a forward-thinking government. That said, spreading succulents all around the building would hinder the community interaction. Cacti and other droughtresistant plants might be smart fits on portions of the east, west and north sides of the edifice, but the space fronting First Street needs to continue to welcome the public. Prickly plants on the South Lawn might make Occupy protesters leery of returning, but it would also prevent other uses. It seems that, as much as possible, the South Lawn should be preserved as a place for people to come together. Grass will help, though it’s worth noting that some varieties of grass require less water than others. Even if portions of the park go sustainable, just doing some planting does not mean mission accomplished. As the article noted, Downtown has a mixed record with options beyond grass. Although the drought-resistant plants ringing the DWP building at First and Hope streets have fared well and are beautifully kept, maintenance of the public grounds of the Police Administration Building south of City Hall has been shoddy at best. Private volunteers, rather than the city, have taken the lead in caring for the flora in the Civic Center structure. Perhaps, since they are all sister agencies for the city, the DWP should step up and maintain the PAB and the new City Hall gardens, whatever they turn out to be. After all, the W in DWP stands for “water,” and that’s the key issue here. Plus, the DWP often has more cash than City Hall or the police force. The door to the past of grass everywhere at City Hall has closed. Now, the door to environmental concerns and functionality are open. The city should replant the lush green turf on the South Lawn and continue to welcome public uses on that side of the building, including visits from those who want to protest peacefully (and temporarily). For the rest of City Hall, look at plants that make sense in this climate. Then figure out how to keep them alive.

December 19, 2011

Downtown News 5

DowntownNews.com

Downtown’s Basketball Cup Runneth Over With Kobe and Chris Paul, the Lakers and the Clippers Aim High by Dave Denholm

hese are crazy days for Downtown NBA fans, and especially for the Laker and Clipper faithful. While still trying to get over the whole lockout mess, we were hit with the Chris Paul saga. He’s a Laker! He’s not! Then suddenly, the Clippers have the world’s second best point guard. Wow! I figure it’s time to give my season outlook for both teams that reside in Staples Center. The 66-game schedule certainly won’t be short on excitement. I’ll start with the team that still has the best chance to win a title. The Lakers, for all the grief NBA Commissioner David Stern caused by basically forcing them to give away Lamar Odom for a bag of Kardashian brand peanuts, remain well positioned to go a long way in the postseason. Kobe Bryant is the hungriest athlete I have ever seen. If LeBron James had Kobe’s desire and will, James would win 10 rings by the time he’s done. But no one has Kobe’s passion for the game. He will carry the Lakers. He always adds a new wrinkle or two in the offseason. Pau Gasol has to get over the trade that wasn’t and return to his pre-playoffs form of last season. He may be the most offensively skilled big man next to Dirk Nowitzki, and the Lakers need Pau playing great. Metta World Peace, and yes, I just called him that rather than Ron Artest, will probably be a lockdown defender when he’s 70. There’s only one issue: I can guard him now. He ought to change his name to Notta O. Fensivethreat, even if it sounds like a character from a Dickens novel. Steve Blake will have to spell Derek Fisher more effectively than he did last season. Blake and Fisher at the point? Man, the Lakers needed Chris Paul! I love Andrew Bynum’s potential. The problem is, we’ve been saying that for years, even though he’s being paid like he’s already Kareem, Wilt and Shaq rolled into one. I blame Phil Jackson for not taking the training wheels off Andrew long ago. Phil was as allergic to playing youth as I am to bee stings (not pretty). Bynum needs to become a dominant AllStar center now.

photo by Gary Leonard

Blake Griffin is ready to dunk again, and it will be easier than ever with Chris Paul throwing him lobs. Lamar Odom (left) is no longer in the Lakers’ picture.

I am not in love with the Lakers’ bench, which makes me just like every basketball fan in L.A. Although Josh McRoberts is a nice pickup with some size, Jason Kapono would be hard pressed to get into a game down in Venice. Lakers this season: Vying for the No. 2 or 3 seed in the West. They have the talent to win the NBA title, but will likely fall short in the Western Conference Finals. Of course, all this changes if something crazy happens and they finagle Dwight Howard. And they just might. Across the Hall And now, your Los Angeles Clippers!

Nobody likes Eric Gordon as much as me, but the Clips essentially got Chris Paul for Gordon and the Wolves No. 1 pick. Love that deal every day of the week. Paul is a leader and has unreal vision. He’s now playing with the most athletic guy in the league not named LeBron in Blake Griffin. This will be fun. Griffin must improve his defense and has to become deadly from 15 feet to become an MVP candidate. But he’s got all the tools to do it. Caron Butler and Chauncey Billups add veteran stability on the offensive end, and at least Chauncey can still defend. I say “still,” but Butler never could guard anyone. Not all was perfect for the Clippers this offseason. The team was forced to match a ridiculous offer sheet for DeAndre Jordan. He’s not bad defensively, but his offensive game scares me more than The Shining did the first time I saw it. “Redrum” is now replaced by “Worht Eerf.” Figure it out before you move on. In fact, the team’s entire defense is questionable. They are going to lose a few too many 113-109 games. Watch and see. That said, the Clippers are now legitimate. Getting Chris Paul doesn’t erase years of being the butt of every sports joke, but it does chart a new course for a team that has been rudderless for far too long. Clippers this season: Battling for the No. 6 seed in the West with the playoffs assured. If CP3 can carry New Orleans to the post-season, then he and Blake can pull the Clippers into the second round. They have an outside chance to reach the Western Conference Finals, but that would probably be at the Lakers’ expense. Not happening yet. We Downtowners are fortunate. We have two NBA teams that have a chance to bring home a title. Do we dream that the Western Conference Finals will be played exclusively at Staples Center? That could make even me forget about the lockout. Dave Denholm loves the table in the back at Artisan House, walking around South Park on a clear, crisp morning and living Downtown.

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DowntownNews.com

Downtown News 7

Stage Set for Downtown Redistricting Voices Ask for One District, Raising Potential Battle Between the Ninth and 14th TEM

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he once-a-decade redistricting process to redraw Los Angeles’ City Council maps is underway, and Downtown may soon find itself at the center of the mapmakers’ tug-of-war. A chorus of area stakeholders, testifying before the city’s Redistricting Commission in two recent hearings, has called for new borders that would rope the Central City into a single council district. It is currently divided among three. While chiefly in Jan Perry’s Ninth District, some neighborhoods — parts of Skid Row, the Historic Core and Chinatown, among others — fall in the First and 14th districts. Every 10 years the city must alter the borders of its 15 council districts to give each an equitable share of the population as measured by updated census data. However, decades of gerrymandering have resulted in several geographic oddities. For instance, the west side of the revitalized Spring Street falls in the 14th District while its eastern half is in the Ninth. Broadway is a lone finger of the 14th District amid the larger hand of the Ninth. Districts that divide link-minded communities, many say, weakens their voice in local government. The issue has the attention of several area residents, including South Park dweller Alida Garcia, who appeared at a Dec. 13 hearing on the 14th District. She noted that she has friends in the Arts District, in Little Tokyo and other portions of Downtown. “We all identify as Downtowners, yet currently fall under the jurisdiction of three different districts,” she said. “I strongly encourage this commission to view my neighbors and I as one community of interest and give us one collective political voice.” If there’s pervasive demand for Downtown to fall in one district, the big question is, which one? Population figures dictate that Councilman José Huizar’s 14th District, which includes parts of Skid Row, the Historic Core and the Industrial District, needs to add 20,000 residents. The Ninth District, which covers most of Downtown,

along with the Figueroa Corridor and much of South Los Angeles, must shed about 8,500 residents. The numbers dynamic could set the stage for the 14th District to usurp more of Downtown, a move that Huizar said he would welcome, though he is not currently pushing for it. “Would I like to have more of Downtown? Yes,” Huizar told Los Angeles Downtown News. “I’m very limited right now on Broadway when the Historic Core is obviously one community of interest, and you could even expand that to say all of Downtown is more of a cohesive neighborhood.” While Huizar echoed the idea that Downtown is indeed a unified community, he said it is too early to say whether it would be better served under the umbrella of the Ninth or the 14th. History on Repeat? The concept of growing the 14th District by adding more Downtown territory is not new. In 2001, the newly elected Perry beat back an attempt by then 14th District Councilman Nick Pacheco to take over City Hall, Little Tokyo and other parts of the Ninth. Pacheco branded the move as an effort to unify communities of interest on the east and west sides of the Los Angeles River. His opponents labeled it a power grab. Perry is running for mayor and is termed out of the council in 2013, but she is advocating for Downtown to remain intact. Again. “This is not for me, it’s for the future of this district,” Perry told the commission at a Dec. 10 hearing focused on the Ninth District. “It would be terrible to see it ripped apart or torn asunder for undisclosed agendas.” In theory, redistricting is an opportunity to preserve socalled communities of interest, keeping them in one district and thereby strengthening their voice in local government. Carving up like-minded communities can result in multiple representatives feeling as if they’re not responsible for their sections. In practice, however, redistricting has often been a way for politicians to improve their re-election odds by annexing favorable voting blocs or nixing those unlikely to lend bal-

staff wRiteR

by Ryan VaillancouRt

In the next two months, redistricting will decide a major part of Downtown’s political future.

lot box support. It also presents an opportunity for council members to add economic bases such as Downtown. Expanded territory in Downtown is one of many ways Huizar’s 14th District could morph. It could also add seats in other parts of the district such as Eagle Rock, Highland Park and Mt. Washington. Similarly, Perry’s district could shrink by shedding precincts in South Los Angeles. Any move is complicated by the population needs in the rest of the 15 districts. While political observers generally advocate for like-minded communities falling into one district, some say that having two elected officials in charge of a united community has advantages. Jonathan Jerald, in a letter to the commission on behalf of the Los Angeles River Artists and Business Association, wrote that having two council representatives provides for “two votes, two sources of funding for community projects.” The Redistricting Commission is slated to present a draft map in January. Public hearings on the plan will take place in January and February. A final map is expected by March 1. Additional information is at redistricting2011.lacity.org. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@downtownnews.com.

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December 19, 2011

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“All the restaurants we had here were really hot spots back in the day. There used to be lines around the corner for a sandwich place that was here. I enjoyed every day of my job. “One of my busiest days was when Pope John Paul II was here in 1987. He had about 600 pieces of luggage with him and it took us all day to get them sorted out. I never met him but I know he had a lot of trunks with him. They were so heavy. Who knows what was in them? “We had regulars come here on business three to four times a year who felt at home here. They’re not happy about the hotel closing either. In my time here I talked with everyone who came here and got to know people from all over the world. I speak a bit of Portuguese, Korean, Japanese and obviously Spanish and English. That’s something I can take with me when I leave. I’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing I was here until the end.”

Wilshire Grand Continued from page 1

Santiago Garcia, Bellman Age: 57 Years at Hotel: 37 “I was 20 when I started here. I had long hair back then. They told me if I wanted to get the job to cut my hair and come back. I did and the next day the woman I had spoken to didn’t even recognize me since I was so clean cut. My plan was to work about six months and move on to something else. Obviously that’s not what happened.

photo by Gary Leonard

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“I started here at — I can’t even remember the age. I started as a cook in the kitchen. I got the job thanks to a friend who was working here. I loved the atmosphere, it was always busy. The pay has been good and I fit in right away. “When I got the job here I felt like I had no worries. We had some great events here through the years. Some of the ones that I remember the most are when I cooked for famous politicians like Gov. Pete Wilson and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “One night that really stands out was a dinner for Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante and his dignitaries. During the dinner I was asked for a special plate. I didn’t know who it was for, but afterwards some of his security people were looking for me. They were asking all over the place about who cooked his dinner and who is Israel. I was really nervous. I had no idea why they were looking for me. It turns out it was to thank me for the meal and ask for my contact info. He later sent me a letter with the governmental seal thanking me for a fine meal. I don’t even remember what I made for him.”

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“I started here in 1973, through an old boss from another hotel. I thought it was a beautiful place. When I started here I thought this place would always be here, it was so popular. “I’ve seen all kinds of messes during my time here, but it

December 19, 2011

Downtown News 9

DowntownNews.com

seems people now are much dirtier than they used to be. Back then they didn’t leave the rooms as bad. Now when they leave everything is a mess — they might as well flip over the mattresses too on their way out. It seems like as soon as they get the keys, if I go back in, the room will be upside down. I’m not really going to miss it that much.”

Kenneth Lee, Director of IT Age: 40 Years at Hotel: 16

nor of Texas. He came over and I had the opportunity to take a picture of him. He thanked us for our service and said he enjoyed staying here. I wished him good luck with his career. It worked I guess — he became president. “As director of IT we once had a major blackout. That was a tough thing. It happened around 10 p.m. at night and my team and I were working until about 3 in the morning to get it fixed. With the failure a lot of the things we normally do, like credit card processing, guest keys, had to be done manually. We had to have security escort guests to their rooms and open the doors with their master keys. “I have mixed emotions about the hotel closing. I’ve been here 16 years so it’s like a home away from home. But I’m kind of happy to see this happening. Downtown L.A. needs a good new hotel. I think once this is built it will be one of the landmarks for Downtown L.A.”

Bob Lazaga, Bellman Age: 72 Years at Hotel: 35

photo by Gary Leonard

“I was working at the Pasadena Hilton before coming here. I started here as a houseman — you help clean the rooms, do deliveries, various things. I started as a part timer, working on the weekends, since I was a schoolteacher at the time. But the money was good so I decided to stop teaching and be here full time. “One of my best days here was when a barbers’ convention was in town a few years ago. Barbers are great tippers.

I think that day I made more than $150. One of my busiest days was when a group of people from Japan came on a tour. They had five buses show up at the same time and each person had at least one bag. We had to put them in the ballroom and from there take it to each room. It took about six or seven bellhops to do that. “I loved the personal connections I made with people here, the customers, but I will miss my friends the most. This is my family. I haven’t started crying yet, but I might on my last day.” see Wilshire Grand, page 10

photo by Gary Leonard

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10 Downtown News

December 19, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

Years at Hotel: 31

Wilshire Grand

“I repair and install carpets, shampoo them and do other small repairs. With the closing we’re not really as busy fixing stuff. Recently we had a sprinkler break in a room and it soaked everything. It ruined the carpet but they didn’t tell me to fix it, since they’re going to tear the building down anyway. “It was fun being here all these years. I’ll miss the guests,

Continued from page 9

Imelda Vazquez, Housekeeping Supervisor Age: 56 Years at Hotel: 30 “I started here as a room attendant cleaning rooms when it was a Hilton. I was cleaning up to 18 rooms a day and worked my way up to what I do now. I have always loved this job. “One of the exciting parts of my work is that I’ve been able to clean the rooms of some famous stars. Sergio Goyri [a Mexican actor and singer] came here a lot. Mayor Tom Bradley stayed here, always in the presidential suite. I met him a couple of times. He once asked if he could take the bathrobes with him and of course I said yes. He was a bit messy, actually. Most of the politicians left really messy rooms.”

photo by Gary Leonard

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photo by Gary Leonard

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December 19, 2011

Downtown News 11

DowntownNews.com

even our boss who was always so good to us. I’m lucky that I already have another job lined up at another hotel, but a lot of people are really sad to see this hotel close.”

Robert Nobles, Chief Engineer Age: 48 Years at Hotel: 10 “I’m in charge of building maintenance, from lights to doors to elevators. I was working at the Air Force base in San Pedro for 15 years and got lured over here. “This was my first hotel job and I worked five years at night in the swing position from 4 to midnight, so I got a chance to really know the building. I’ll always remember some of the big parties that were here at night, like a big Russian wedding that lasted until 5 in the morning. “Mostly I’ve had to deal with issues like broken room sprin-

photo by Gary Leonard

klers. For some reason people like to put their hangers on sprinkler heads. Then they burst and a ton of water fills the whole room. That’s when we get the alarm in the entire hotel indicating there’s a fire. We’ll go up to the room and that’s when we see the guest running out of the room soaking wet. “I was at a Christmas party here once for our engineering department and I got a call that water was coming out of a wall. A pressure line that was covered over with plaster burst right through the wall. Stuff like that happens. I went back to the party when I was done. “What I liked most about my job are the people, the guests. Even though we’re here to serve them they have always been so hospitable to us. And with the other workers it truly was a camaraderie type thing, 24 hours a day. “I’ll be one of the last ones here at the hotel after it closes. Hopefully, once everyone else is gone I’ll be the one who turns off the lights.” Contact Richard Guzmán at richard@downtownnews.com.

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12 Downtown News

December 19, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

Santonio Claus Continued from page 1 Rudy M.: I’d like a parachute. Preferably one made of gold and worth $1.2 million. Santonio Claus: A fine choice. Now do a flip in the air, just because I want you to. Rudy M. flips and lands hard on his backside. Santonio Claus: Ho ho ha ha ha! That was funny! Your golden parachute will arrive in the coming weeks, but if anyone asks, don’t tell them Santonio Claus gave it to you. Act as if this office was never informed about the $1.2 million golden parachute. Can you do that? Rudy M.: Yes! Thank you Santonio Claus. You’re the best. Santonio Claus: I know. Now leave. Visitor No. 2: A well-dressed, unnamed woman in her 40s. Santonio Claus: Ho ho ha ha ha! Come up on my lap. What can Santonio Claus get for you? Woman: I’ve worked hard for years and I’d like a job as a senior staffer in your administration. Santonio Claus: Santonio Claus likes people committed to making Los Angeles the best something or other city in the world. Do you think you can work on projects for two years

and then stand behind me while I take credit for them at press conferences? Woman: Yes, I can. Santonio Claus: Can you post my picture above your desk and promise that you shall only engage in conduct becoming to this office, so help you Santonio Claus? Woman: Yes, I can. Santonio Claus: Good, then I grant you a position of deputy something or other, and I also give you this silver sword. Woman: Thank you! What shall I do with it? Santonio Claus: Hold on to it. Some day, and that day may never come, I or one of my top elves may call upon you to do a service for me, such as fall on this sword. Woman: You mean I may have to fall on a sword for you, just because you tell me to? And isn’t that line from The Godfather? Santonio Claus ignores the question. After a beat he grins and speaks. Santonio Claus: Can you fall on a sword for me or not? Woman: Yes, I can. Santonio Claus: You’re hired. See my associate. There’s an immediate opening in housing. Visitor No. 3: A man named Charlie B. wearing a crisp blue uniform with a badge. Santonio Claus: Ho ho ha ha ha! It’s my best friend in the world. Wasn’t it great how after two months we played hardball with those

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pesky occupiers? Don’t answer! I’ll do it. It was great! Now what would you like from Santonio Claus? Charlie B.: You always talk about making Los Angeles the safest big city in America— Santonio Claus: From now on it’s the universe! Charlie B.: OK, the universe. To do that, I need 500 more police officers. Santonio Claus: Ho ho ha ha ha! No one can do that in this economy. My position in City Hall allows me to dispense gifts, not miracles. Where would I find the money for that? Charlie B.: That’s up to you. Santonio Claus: Ho ho not so fun. Would you like a golden parachute instead? A silver sword? Charlie B.: No, I need the 500 officers. Santonio Claus: Ho ho harrumph. OK, I’ll cut the City Attorney’s budget again to pay for your officers. I kind of like doing that. Visitors No. 4-8: Three men and two women enter. Santonio Claus recognizes them as candidates for mayor in 2013. Santonio Claus: Ho ho ha ha ha! Welcome! Chriskwanzukkah comes early for someone in this room! I know you are all here to ask for my endorsement in the next election. I love Los Angeles and the schools and the environment and mass transportation, so who wants to follow me? You each get 17 seconds to state your case. Santonio Claus is greeted by silence. Everyone looks down sheepishly. Santonio Claus: Ho ho ha ha ha! Don’t all speak at once. Come now, who wants my endorsement? Who wants me to appear with them at campaign events? Who wants me to smile next to them in mailers? Who wants me to tell the citizens of the city of the 21st century that you are just like me, that you will carry my ideals for eight more years? There is still no answer. The candidates ap-

pear uneasy. Santonio Claus: Ho. Ha. What’s going on? Come on. Who wants to spend the next 15 months of campaigning with me by their side? Los Angeles loves me. I’m the king of the polls! The candidates turn and start to leave. Santonio Claus: Doesn’t anyone want my endorsement? Doesn’t anyone think it will help them when Angelenos vote? No one says anything as they file out of the room. Visitor No. 9: A powerful looking man named Tim L. is led into the room. As he arrives, trumpets sound and 1,001 angels sing the most heavenly song ever heard. Elves and various legislators part like the Red Sea as he walks. Santonio Claus recognizes his visitor and his face lights up. Santonio Claus: Ho ho hooray! You’ve come up from L.A. Live to visit. This year I’d like to ask for— Tim L.: Wait Santonio Claus. Don’t I ask you for things? Santonio Claus: Ho ho no! Your gift came early this year, and it was the least we could do. Remember how you asked and the city OKed a deal for a football stadium that doesn’t yet have a team? Tim L.: That was nice. Santonio Claus: And then we asked our friends in Sacramento to pass statewide legislation for a stadium that doesn’t exist for a football team that isn’t even in Los Angeles. Tim L.: That was nice too. Santonio Claus flashes a grin so bright one mayoral elf goes blind. Santonio Claus: Now can I pretty please ask you for something? Tim L.: I have another meeting. But make an appointment with my secretary. I’m sure we’ll get you in very soon. Contact Jon Regardie at regardie@downtownnews.com.

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Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie citY Editor: Richard Guzmán stAFF writEr: Ryan Vaillancourt coNtributiNG Editors: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jay Berman, Jim Farber, Jeff Favre, Kristin Friedrich, Howard Leff, Rod Riggs, Marc Porter Zasada Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa ProductioN ANd GrAPhics: Alexis Rawlins PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt AdvErtisiNG dirEctor: Steve Nakutin clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Kim Brown, Catherine Holloway, Sol Ortasse, Brenda Stevens circulAtioN: Norma Rodas distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla

Additional project information is available at Clark’s Hall of Justice website: http://www.clarkhallofjustice.com/ Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News twitter: DowntownNews 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.

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December 19, 2011

Downtown News 13

DowntownNews.com

RESTAURANTS Restaurant Buzz

A Water Grill Upgrade, Wine in the Arts District, And More Food News by RichaRd Guzmán city editoR

hutting Off the Water: Before you grab your fishing pole and run screaming to the ocean to catch your own seafood, calm down — the closure of Financial District seafood destination Water Grill is only temporary. The popular Grand Avenue restaurant is shuttered as of this week for a month-long upgrade of its creaky dining room and kitchen. The restaurant is set to reopen in mid-January. Water Grill officials are not offering details on what the place will look like when it resumes service, but in a previous interview with Los Angeles Downtown News Jeff King, the chairman of the board and co-founder of the restaurant’s parent company King’s Seafood Company, said the remodeling would “open up the restaurant a little more.” So you’ll just have to make it through the holidays without some seafood, or take the day off and go fishing. Or, go downscale and drive over the venerable Industrial District eatery Fisherman’s Outlet. Water Grill will still be at 544 S. Grand Ave., (213) 891-9000 or watergrill.com. n Back to Basics: Downtowners desperately seeking wine may have been a bit confused by Swill Automatic, which opened in October 2010 and offered a system similar to the soft drink dispensers at places such as 7-Eleven, where customers choose a beverage — in this case varietals of Chardonnay, Merlot, etc. — and poured their own. So many were not surprised when Swill shut down a couple months ago. Now, there’s a replacement for the Industrial Street business, and it’s more traditional. Lorena Porras, a former wine distributer, opened Le Pour Haus shortly after Thanksgiving, and offers wines by the glass and bottle, along with cheese plates and other small dishes. “We’re not going to try to reinvent the wine wheel,” Porras told Restaurant Buzz, mentioning that there’s a plain old

low-tech bartender offering suggestions. By January, Porras plans on serving salads, strombolis and soups. At 1820 Industrial St. or pourhauswinebar.com. n A Shot of Noodles: If you headed over to Sai Sai this past weekend, you probably knocked and knocked on the door and got no answer. Don’t worry, it’s not because they don’t like you. Instead, it’s because they too are closed for an upgrade. The restaurant in the Millennium Biltmore Hotel is being repositioned as a fast casual noodle bar, according to the hotel’s website. It was set to close Dec. 17 and open in early 2012 as a revamped sushi and Asian cuisine spot offering soup-based noodle dishes such as pho, udon and ramen. A bar will sell local microbrews, California wines and sake. They also plan on flying in Bubbies Mochi ice cream from Hawaii. At 501 S. Olive St., (213) 624-1100 or saisainoodlebar.com. n Taste the Drago: Restaurant Buzz can’t think of a better way to mark the changing of the calendar than with a mouthful of good food. Drago Centro agrees, and is ready to stuff diners full of Italian goodness on New Year’s Eve. The Financial District restaurant has a fourcourse tasting menu available from 5-11 p.m. on Dec. 31. The $65 dinner delivers dishes such as Maine lobster salad, wild mushroom spaghetti, filet mignon and pistachio mousse. Hopefully 2012 will taste as good as the end of 2011. At 525 S. Flower St., (213) 228-8998 or dragocentro.com.

photo by Gary Leonard

Stalwart seafood establishment Water Grill has closed for a long-awaited renovation. It will reopen in January.

photo by Gary Leonard

Drago Centro is the latest Downtown restaurant to come up with a New Year’s Eve dinner. It will have a four-course tasting menu for $65.

Every Friday and Saturday night, the bar will offer up to seven punch drinks available by the pint. The concoctions will vary depending on what fruit and spices are available. The cost is $11 for the pint but after midnight the price

n Take a Punch: If you head to Villains Tavern on the weekends, don’t be surprised if you end up getting punched. But don’t worry, it’s the good kind of punch, the kind that makes everything a little easier after a few drinks. The Arts District bar recently launched its Punchfest drinks.

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December 19, 2011

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CALENDAR

Plenty to Gawk At Downtown Museums Have a Range of Shows Open Over the Holidays

by RichaRd Guzmán

fossils and 20 full specimens, among them a trio of T rexes (a baby, juvenile and adult). There is also a triceratops (the rhino-looking dinosaur) and a 150 million-year-old stegosaurus, an armored dinosaur. In the same building is the Age of Mammals exhibit. It tells the story of how we got here. After the dinosaurs gave way, of course. At 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3466 or nhm.org.

city editoR

he holidays can be a stressful time, what with worries about finding the perfect gift and figuring out how to squeeze in all those parties. So during this upcoming vacation period (you have vacation, right?), do yourself and those you love a favor: Give the gift of culture by checking out a Downtown Los Angeles museum. There are numerous exhiWithdraw Some History: bitions at local institutions One of the most overlooked that can satisfy diverse inDowntown Los Angeles of missing sales of missing sales opportunities? terests. There are shows forof missing sales opportunities? museums is on Bunker Hill. opportunities? of missing sales opportunities? of missing sales opportunities? science freaks, animal lovLocated inside the Wells We’ve got the solution. Juggling too many projects, We’ve got the solution. Juggling too many projects, deadlines and vendors? Letsales We’ve got the solution. Juggling too many projects,opportunities? deadlines and vendors? Let of missing sales opportunities? of missing deadlines andall vendors? Let PIP manage the creation and ers, music fans, Fargo Center, the appropriPIPhistory managebuffs the creation and re-ordering of of the your business communiPIP manage creation and re-ordering of all of your business communiWe’ve got the solution. Juggling too many projects, and vendors? Let We’ve got solution. Juggling too many re-ordering of allthe ofdeadlines your business In projects, deadlines and vendors? Let location, your PIP bring together allcommuni-cations. the resources cations. Inthe location, your PIP bring togetherand all the resources and of course,cations. lovers ofone art. named Wells Fargo We’ve gotInthe solution. Juggling tooconsultants many We’ve projects, deadlines solution. and Juggling vendors? tooconsultants many Let vendors? Let one location, your PIP consultants bring together all the projects, PIP manage the creation and re-ordering ofgot all ofone your business communiPIP manage the creation and re-ordering of all ofdeadlines your business communiof missing salesately opportunities? you need, including: you need, including: resources need, including: PIP manage thelocation, creationyour and PIP re-ordering PIP manage ofyouall ofone the your creation business and communire-ordering of your business communications. In one consultants bring together allyour the resources cations. In location, PIP consultants bring together all theand resources Here are a few exhibits that History Museum is a won• Printing • Signs, posters and banners • Signs, posters banners • Printingof all photo by Gary Leonard cations. Inincluding: one location, your PIP consultants cations. bring Inincluding: one location, allyour the resources PIPprinting consultants all the resources you need, you need, • Copying • Digital printing • Digital printing • Copying bring together Printing • Copying • together Graphic design • Digital are open in the upcoming derful diversion forLet those We’ve got the Hall. solution. Juggling too many projects, deadlines and vendors? • Printing • Signs, posters and banners • Printing • Signs, posters and banners A trio of T. rex specimens is the highlight of the Natural History Museum’s 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur The NHM is you need, including: you need, including: • Graphic design • Online • Online ordering Signs, posters and bannersordering • Online ordering• Graphic design PIP manage the creation and re-ordering of allwho of yourusually business spend communiCopying Digital posters printing Copying Digital posters printing and banners • Signs, and banners • Printing • Signs, weeks. their 700 Wilshire Blvd. 700museums Wilshire Blvd. one of•• Printing the many open during the holidays. Graphic design Online printing ordering Online printing ordering Graphic design Copying • Digital • Copying • Digital cations. In one location, your PIP consultants bring together all the resources ph:700 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 ph:700 213-489-2333 fax:ordering 213-489-2897 time in the area in corpoWilshire Blvd. • Graphic Blvd. • Graphic design designWilshire • Online • Online ordering you need, including: • Printing • Signs, posters and banners Blvd.the ph:work 700 Wilshire Blvd. piparco@sbcglobal.net piparco@sbcglobal.net Drawing History: InWilshire Little The venue includes an origidepicting Los Angeles under water, own collection, among them his Pinkerton rate meetings. ph:700 213-489-2333 fax:Tokyo, 213-489-2897 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 • Copying • Digital printing 700 Wilshire Blvd. | 213-489-2333 | piparco@sbcglobal.net ph: 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 ph: 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 piparco@sbcglobal.net piparco@sbcglobal.net Japanese American National Museum spe- Ed Ruscha’s famous image of the back of costume from the opera Madama Butterfly, nal Concord stagecoach that once traveled • Graphic design • Online ordering piparco@sbcglobal.net 700vinyl Wilshire record-Blvd. cializes in chronicling the Japanese American the piparco@sbcglobal.net through Southern Kentucky, a 27-ounce Hollywood sign, and even punk rock his silver flute and the original ph: 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 experience and showing how members of flyers by Raymond Pettibon. The latter is ings that influenced his career. Also on dis- gold nugget and a panoramic painting of Los piparco@sbcglobal.net this community have lived in and impacted not surprising considering that the show’s play is the Barbara Streisand exhibit, which Angeles in 1859. the United States. The trend continues with title comes from an album by the great Los runs through February. It contains loads of At 333 S. Grand Ave., (213) 253-7166 or Babs’ stuff, everything from outfits to pic- wellsfargohistory.com. Drawing the Line: Japanese American Art, Angeles punk band X. tures to her first contract. It’s an intriguing Design & Activism in Post-War Los Angeles. At 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 621-1741 or exploration of an eight-time win- Engine Company X: Another of the small The locally focused show your features artists moca.org. Starts Dec.Grammy 9 or customers won’tmyour notice you? won’t notice customers you? ownNews.co your customers ner. 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Whether going after just one customer or appealing We’ve gotWhether theage solution. Whether going after just one customer or appealing “quiet Beatle” in George Harrison: Living in theSrole have played on the region’s art er Museum. Inside the museum, located at the golden of Muslim civilization at the or appealing to a mass market, we’ll help you capture those location, PIP consultants bring together all thecustomer resources you need, location, your PIP consultants together thecustomer resourcesor you need, gotyour the solution. going We’ve after just one the solution. Whether or appealing going afterthose justallsales one appealing toexhibit, a mass market, we’ll Whether help you capture opportunities. Inbring one to athose mass market, we’ll help you capture opportunities. In one sales opportunities. Ingot onesales location, your PIPCenter. consultants bring the Material World. scene. It’s a largeWe’ve and items include former Fire Station are itemsyou? such as a California Science The show 1,001 your customers won’t30,notice including: including: to a massyour market, help you capture to athose mass sales market, opportunities. we’ll help you Inneed, capture thoseallsales opportunities. Inneed, one together all theall resources youposters need, including: location, PIP we’ll consultants bring together resources youbanners location, your PIP consultants bring together resources youbanners • Printing •the Signs, and •one Printing •the Signs, posters and At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or painter Matsumilocation, Kanemitsu’s Illustrations 1940 Pirsch ladder truck, an 1890 hose wagInventions, a traveling international exhibition, your PIP consultants bring together location, all your the PIP resources consultants you need, bring together all the resources you need, including: including: • Copying • Digital printing • Copying • Digital printing Printing • Copying • Graphic design • Digital printing We’ve got the solution. Whether going after just one customer or appealing •• Printing • Signs, posters and banners •• Printing •• Signs, posters including:a collection of prints including: Graphic design Online ordering Graphic design Online grammymuseum.org. orderingand banners of Southern California, on, uniforms from New York, L.A. County Signs, posters•and banners • Online ordering ends March 11, 2012. There are hundreds of to a mass market, we’ll help you capture those sales opportunities. In one • Copying • Digital printing Copying Digital posters printing and banners Signs, posters and banners • Printing • Signs, 700 Wilshire Blvd. Printing 700 Wilshire Blvd. • Graphic designon display • Online that explore his perspective on the history of and City L.A. firefighters, badges, helmets, Graphic design Online printing ordering items from the period that lasted Copying Digital ordering printing • Copying • Digital location, your PIP consultants bring of together all the resources you need, ph:700 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 ph:700 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 Wilshire Blvd. • Graphic Wilshire Blvd. design • Online ordering • Graphic design • Online ordering including: The Real Jurassic Park: The Natural Los Angeles. Also700 uppiparco@sbcglobal.net are early sketches of the about photographs and other artifacts. A DVD se1,000 years, starting in the seventh cen• Printing • Signs, posters and banners Wilshire Blvd. 700 Wilshire Blvd. piparco@sbcglobal.net ph: 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 ph: 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 700They Wilshire Blvd. | 213-489-2333 • Copying • Digital printing History Museum began its long-awaited Corvette Stingray, designed by Los Angelesries titled Engine Company X, which details tury. include a 20-foot replica of the ph: 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 ph: 213-489-2333 fax: 213-489-2897 piparco@sbcglobal.net piparco@sbcglobal.net piparco@sbcglobal.net • Graphic design ordering Ourtimekeeping Website forresurgence Full Movie Listings LADowntownNews.com in 2010 when the firstWilshire elements ofBlvd. born Lawrence Kiyoshi Shinoda. Drawing the Elephant the history of African• Online American firefighters in Clock, a Check 13th century piparco@sbcglobal.net piparco@sbcglobal.net 700 renovation fax: came Line continues through Feb. 19. 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Downtown News 15

Feeling the Force of Fela Story Lags, But the Music and Dance at the Ahmanson Are Thrilling by Jeff Favre contributing writer

o one is going to mistake reserved 21st century L.A. theatergoers for a 1970s Nigerian crowd partying in a marijuana smoke-filled club. But the opening night Ahmanson Theatre audience at Fela! played its part, mimicking the cast’s powerful gyrations and soulful shouts, urged onward by the explosive, infectious songs of the late political musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The show continues through Jan. 22. Though he remains a controversial icon in his home country — a reported 1 million people attended his funeral in 1997 — Fela would be a stranger to most Americans if not for Bill T. Jones, who collaborated with Jim Lewis to craft a slim narrative. The story is overshadowed by Jones’ breathtaking choreography and the blend of James Brown-sounding guitar riffs, Nigerian drumming, jazz horns and a Cuban beat. As a concert, Fela! is perhaps without par in the modern Broadway era. It is headed by Sahr Ngaujah, whose Tony nomination for this tour de force performance is easily justified. As a musical, however, it lacks a solid plot and welldefined secondary characters, making its nearly three-hour running time completely unnecessary, and damaging to the show’s quality as a whole. Jones would have been better off throwing out the musical theater structure and going completely with the concert concept. Instead of asking the audience only once to stand and dance, then order them back to their seats, he should have let them respond naturally. At first, Fela! seems headed down a concert path. Marina Draghici’s colorful set design and costumes, coupled with Robert Wierzel’s nightclub style lighting, transform the Downtown Los Angeles theater. During the pre-show, cast members mill through the crowd smoking spliffs and dancing, while the band warms up. Fela (Ngaujah) arrives with his entourage like a prizefighter entering the ring, immediately ratcheting up the crowd’s

energy. Flanked by eight female dancers, he launches into the high-octane “Everything Scatter,” followed with “B.I.D.” or “Breaking it Down,” which is a musical montage explanation of the components that make up his style. In an attempt to build a story arc, Fela announces that this will be his last concert at the venue he created, the Shrine. His mother, Funmilayo (Melanie Marshall), was killed when soldiers attacked the Shrine, and now he plans to leave Nigeria forever — a move he hopes his mother would have supported. Funmilayo’s remarkable life is relegated to a few brief monologues. She comes across more as a device to create Fela’s internal conflict. He seeks her guidance by traveling into the spirit world in a lengthy dance number. That leads to the powerful, haunting and climactic song “Rain,” which, despite Marshall’s angelic performance, suffers from coming two-and-a-half hours into the show. The structure of Fela! means no one except the title character feels three-dimensional. This includes Sandra (Paulette Ivory), a major influence on Fela’s music, but who, like Funmilayo, merely exists in the show to serve Fela’s growth. It’s clear Fela led a remarkable life. It’s also clear he had a remarkable ego. At one point he married 27 women at once (the scene is re-created in the song “Na-Poi”). However, the non-singing sections of Fela! come off as a series of anecdotes rather than a cohesive story. None of the book issues diminish the concert aspect of Fela!, which contains several of the musician’s most important songs, including a scathing rant against the soldiers titled “Zombie” and the poignant “Coffin for Head of State,” accompanied by a parade of caskets. The highlight is “Originality/Yellow Fever,” a seemingly endless dance groove that might have driven people to their feet without Fela’s command to rise. It’s easy with “Originality” to see James Brown’s influence in the tight band’s rhythms, and with Fela’s sermonizing about the righteousness of getting down. The hidden star of Fela! is saxophonist Morgan Price, who

photo by Monique Carboni

Sahr Ngaujah embodies Nigerian political musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in a new show at the Ahmanson Theatre.

plays the notes that Ngaujah mimes. Price executes mindblowingly fast and complex combinations with such physical subtlety that it’s easy to forget he’s the one playing and not the actor. Aside from the saxophone, Ngaujah does nearly everything else, and all of it with flawless precision. Almost always on stage, handling virtually all of the speaking and most of the singing, Ngaujah is mesmerizing from start to finish. Whether it’s a lengthy concert or a disjointed musical, Fela! is loaded with songs that will set souls on fire and tempt reserved Ahmanson audiences to party like they actually are at the Shrine of the 1970s. Fela! runs through Jan. 22, 2012, at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-4400 or centertheatregroup.org.

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hat’s right, it’s another eclectic holiday performance. The L.A. County Holiday Celebration has been occupying Christmas Eve for 52 years. This Emmynominated local tradition, officially the county’s gift to the citizenry, takes place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Expect to see acts ranging from Afro-Cuban music to traditional Mexican folk dance in a high caliber docket of celebratory culture from across the globe. It’s free and runs from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. Get there early. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 9727211 or lacountyarts. org.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

photo by Gary Leonard

t wouldn’t be a holiday festival in a government owned facility without something for everyone, so gather round the Downtown on Ice rink at Pershing Square from now til Friday, Dec. 23, to celebrate the Twelve Nights of Christmas. The week starts off with a bang as rockabilly legend John Hatton presents his Ho-Dads Swingin’ Christmas on Monday, then the Square gets crazy for Hanukkah on Tuesday. Jump back with some live blues on Wednesday and finish the week strong with Thursday’s Lula Washington Kwanzaa celebration and some vocal jazz from the Randy Van Horne Singers on Friday. All shows start at 8 p.m. Sorry Satanists, but you missed your opportunity to renew your vows to the dark lord — it happened at last Saturday’s performance by Led Zepagain. At 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare.

sunday, december 25 Lakers Home Opener Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St.(213) 742-7100 or nba.com/lakers, 2 p.m.: The lockout is over and your hoop dreams are almost here. The Lakers are back to take on the Bulls in this highly anticipated Christmas day match up between Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant. For those more interested in the other local hoops squad, Chris Paul and the Clippers also play on Christmas day, but they’ll be at Golden State.

was the night before Hanukkah, and all about the symphony hall built by the mouse, the sounds of klezmer Yiddish folk music rang through the house. Just in time for the festival of lights, the Walt Disney Concert Hall hosts New York’s Klezmatics in a raucous concert of Jewish folk music. Hop on board on Monday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m. as the gang spins a musical dreidel and caroms through a canon of classic songs of celebration and heritage filled with modern twists. There’s no better way to start the season then by spending a little hard-earned gelt on a sensational Hanukkah concert. At 111 S. Grand Ave., (323) 850-2000 or laphil.com.

Two

saTurday, december 24 L.A. County Holiday Celebration Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand, (213) 9723099 or holiday celebration.org. 3 p.m.: Bring the whole family to L.A.’s biggest holiday show, the 52nd Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. More than 20 choirs, music ensembles and dance companies celebrate the season during this free three-hour extravaganza.

MORE LISTINGS

by Dan Johnson, listings eDitor | calendar@downtownnews.com

Tuesday, december 20 Christmas Live! Nokia Theatre, 700 Chick Hearn Ct., (213) 763-6020 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. 7 p.m.: Come get in the holiday spirit with an eclectic mix of Christmas music featuring top L.A. musicians conducted by Steve Wilkinson. Artists include Christine Miller, Merle Dandridge, Uncle Daddy and singers from the Faithful Central Bible Church.

Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Another night of Future Dancing’s residency with Escalator Hill, Sleeping Bags and Say Yes or Else. Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Beware the hard edge behind the catchy tunes emanating from the Sister Ruby Band. They’ve got their dark side. Rachel Goodrich and Dylan Trees complete this night of fun. Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.: Flora and Fauna sound a tad like the Tom Tom Club, which bodes well for a future full of copious hip hop samples. These indie devils are in league with Harriet (the Harriet) and Tracy Shedd.

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa And More Christmas

photo by Joshua Kessler

SPONSORED LISTINGS New Year’s Eve Bash at Patina Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Grand View Room, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7565 patinagroup.com/nye Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.: Ring in the New Year at Patina Catering’s pop-up. Take in panoramic views of L.A. and savor a decadent buffet including prime rib, carved ham and desserts. There will be a photo booth and a D.J. The “Twilight Party” goes from 5-8:30 p.m.; “Countdown Party” from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The cost is $59 per person, all-inclusive (buffet, party favors and non-alcoholic beverages.) Full cash bar, specialty cocktails and champagne bar. Downtown On Ice Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., (213) 8474970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare. Nov. 17-Jan. 16: Downtown on Ice returns, positing a patch of frozen water in an unlikely, but very welcome spot—Pershing Square. The seasonal facility has skates for rental for $2, with skate sessions costing $6. There will be an array of special events and programming at the rink for the next two months, including regular lunchtime concerts starting Dec. 19.

December 19, 2011

photo by Gary Leonard

16 Downtown News

or heart with Christmas cheer, f you’re looking to fill your r free event that requires you if you just want to attend a e urs, check out Christmas Liv in-laws to sit quietly for ho at s folk od go e Th esday, Dec. 20. at the Nokia Theatre on Tu gratis up have curated a splendid Anschutz Entertainment Gro going It’s . contemporary carols event that blends classical and of tion lec Wilkinson conducts a col to be a noisy noel as Steve nkfra e than a bag full of gold, L.A. musicians more divers Ray ss Choir, Merle Dandridge, incense and myrrh. The Ma will Faithful Center Bible Church Reynolds and artists from the tickop back in Bethlehem. Free beb the t pu to d han on be all p.m. s Center box office for the 8 ets are available at the Staple ick Ch 7 77 At t-come first-served. show, but entry is still firs m. .co 0 or nokiatheatrelalive Hearn Court, (213) 763-602

he UCLA Film and Television Archives have been screening some deviously delicious double features at the Million Dollar Theatre this fall. Wednesday, Dec. 21, is the last installment of the series. Stand in awe as these film geeks hit you with both barrels in a presentation of The Who’s Tommy and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. In a month of repetitive carols, come sit down at 7:30 p.m. and deprogram yourself with the story of a deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball. Stick around for the groovy late ’60s rock opera retelling of the reason for the season’s abbreviated and highly musical time on this planet. At 307 S. Broadway, (213) 617-3600 or milliondollartheater.com. Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

December 19, 2011

Downtown News 17

DowntownNews.com

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call: 213-481-1448 HOLIDAY DEADLINE SCHEDULE

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12/26/2011....12/19 at noon 1/2/2012........12/21 at noon

REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL

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LOFT LIVING

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

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Studio 280 sqft. Full Bathroom Apartment $600 mo. to mo. $580 on 6 mo. Lease

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

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Version 3

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We've got what you're searching for! DowntownNews.com

leGal notice Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Broadway Streetscape Master Plan Lead agency: City of Los Angeles Community Development Dept. The proposed project would reconfigure Broadway from 2nd St. to Olympic Blvd and add multi-modal transit stops. Public Review: December 13, 2011 to January 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Submit comments, with name of contact person, by mail, e-mail, or fax to: Shelly Lo, Environmental Specialist, Community Development Dept, City of Los Angeles, 1200 W. 7th St., 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017, Fax: 213.744.9038, Email: shelly.lo@lacity.org. The Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for review at the Community Development Dept, City of Los Angeles, at the address above.

18 Downtown News

December 19, 2011

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Continued from previous page

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December 19, 2011

Downtown News 19

DowntownNews.com

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LA SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES NORTHWEST DISTRICT ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAmE NO. LS021948 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner (names): Raffi Gureghian and Deseree Almenara, 13335 Erwin St., Van Nuys, CA 91401, on behalf of SAMANTHA GAYANE ALMENARA, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: SAMANTHA GAYANE ALME-

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NARA Proposed name: SAMANTHA GAYANE GUREGHIAN THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: January 4, 2012 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept.: NW-C Room: 310 The address of the court is 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in LA Downtown News, 1264 West First Street, LA CA 90026, of general circulation. Date filed: Nov. 23, 2011 Richard H. Kirschner, Judge of the Superior Court Pub. 12/05, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/11

nAMe chAnge

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAmE STATEmENT FILE NO. 2011146496 The following person is doing business as: 1) DUGGINK STUDIO, 2) DELOREAN TEES, at 925 Sanborn Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90029, are hereby registered by the following registrant: DOUGLAS LARA, 925 Sanborn Ave., Los Angeles CA 90029. This business is conducted by an individual. The reg-

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istrant has not begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. This statement was filed with DEAN LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on December 9, 2011. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code). Pub. 12/19/11, 12/26/11, 1/02/12, 1/09/12

Fictitious Business nAMe

DOWNTOWN

NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

2007 NISSAN FRONTIER

The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form, if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. . If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.

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20 Downtown News

December 19, 2011

Twitter/DowntownNews

New Plans at Eighth and Grand Astani Comes Back With Vision for Two Seven-Story Towers by Ryan Vaillancourt

Staff Writer eveloper Sonny Astani says he is moving forward next year with a scaled-back version of an apartment complex long planned for Eighth Street and Grand Avenue. In 2006, city officials approved an 875-condominium project in three buildings ranging from 15 to 38 stories. The revamped “Angelena at Eighth and Grand” calls for a $250 million effort with 700 apartments in two seven-story structures. Financing for Angelena will be in-house, and includes $50 million already attached to the project, Astani told Los Angeles Downtown News. The development will eschew the wood framing and stucco that is common in low-rise apartment complexes and instead will employ glass, concrete and steel.

“As the recession recedes, the challenge for a new generation of developers will be to make these buildings less ‘Irvine’ looking, more ‘global city’ looking,” Astani, who was traveling in Asia, said in an email. He said the project would include flexible retail space suitable for a grocery store, from a 3,000-square-foot “Fresh and Easy-type” tenant to a 30,000-square-foot “Whole Foodstype.” The project would rise in two stages, starting with a 240unit phase, he said. The changes to the original plan require City Council approval. It was OKed by the Community Redevelopment Agency on Thursday, Dec. 15. Astani has been mostly inactive since his Concerto project in South Park was taken over by Starwood Properties in a legal battle tied to the FDIC takeover of Astani’s failed lender. Contact Ryan Vaillancourt at ryan@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.

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www.TowersApartmentsLA.com

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