Downtown Weekly

DOWNTOWN WEEKLY VOL 14 NO 4 - AUGUST 13TH - AUGUST 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

DTLA SKY’S GOURMET

TACOS

COME DOWNTOWN

THE THE LEGENDARY LEGEN DARY

QBWOY

FINDING WAYS TO LAUGH

COMEDIENNE

NIKA KING

BLACK MAN

WHITE BABY

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FULL PAGE MAP OF DTLA...... 3 FINDING WAYS TO LAUGH: NIKA KING........5

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DTLA COMEDY SPOT LIGHT: FINDING WAYS TO LAUGH

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VOL 14 NO 4 - AUGUST 13TH - AUGUST 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM 5

The age of Covid 19 has been grim, with thousands of deaths, a nationwide lock down, and the economy sinking. But even in these dark times, light can be found, and LA comedian Nika King shows us how to laugh our way through.

FINDING WAYS TO LAUGH

IN THE AGE OF COVID 19

by Diego De La Parra

NIKA KING Nika King is not only a comedi-

King chose to fly home to Florida to an, but also a director, writer and probe with her family. She refuses to fall into ducer. HBO watchers may recognize despair, using silliness to liven up herself her from Euphoria where she stars and her family. alongside Hollywood actresses Zendaya and Storm Reid.

“There’s not a day that goes by where I’m not laughing or going down MemHailing from Miami in the Sunshine State, ory Lane. It’s nice to have memories King discovered her love for performance that still bring you joy” she says. at the tender age of 5. She used jokes and her sense of humor to propel her through Spilling the Beans Live a difficult early life where she saw her mother struggle with addiction. King evenKing’s work goes on. She has been comtually earned a Theatre Performance degree from the University of Florida pleting screenplays and cooking up show ideas as not even the pandemic can kill and honed her abilities at Groundlings Improv School. She continues to develop the Great Hollywood and its hunger for content. Her nostalgia for a live audience her stand-up through tours and appearled her to create a podcast called King ances.

Confessions, where she and other LA King’s credentials include Montreal’s Just comedians come clean on hilarious and for Laughs Festival, and her web series possibly cringe-worthy moments in their lives. To her, “it’s fun to hear people admit Funny Married Stuff, along with Kevin things that they’ve never told a soul”.

Hart’s Guide to Black and OWN’s Greenleaf. She has also given back to her comThe podcast kicked off with King’s munity through two organizations: My Friends House Foundation and Kids in own confession of peeing the bed while sleeping with her boyfriend after a baththe Spotlight. room dream. But on discovering it, her boyfriend felt thrilled and cockily rapped Turning Tragedy into Comedy about it.

However, Covid-19 has brought a blow to Kevin Tate, Jesus Trejo, Anthony King’s career. Euphoria’s second season, Dayo and Angelina Spicer have feaset to begin production on that Monday in tured so far. The confessions include KevMarch was stalled by the shutdown on the in blaming his friend and getting his mom previous Friday. Although, everyone was to chew him out after losing a $2 bill at a PEZ CANTINA DTLA LE GRAND RESTAURANT excited to return, she was happy toSTANTON see birthday party in Grade 4, Jesus getting the production company take the necesthe willies from the dark and requiring a sary precautions. nightlight to sleep,

Anthony soiling himself at a movie theatre during a date after an Applebee’s meal, and Angelina, who is not a Prince fan, made to sing at one of his concerts but getting bumfuzzled even with a teleprompter.

A Stake in Entrepreneurship King is also building a tech company called JELI: “It’s a platform that will create change through mentorship, access and community for Black creatives in Hollywood. I’m super pumped about the direction of JELI and how it will truly solve the lack of diversity a for marginalized people”

The King Stands Tall “I’m motivated by the living things around me ...the birds, the trees. Life goes on. Just look around. God is still present and working things out.

I refuse to be anxious about things I can’t control. My focus is always on how I can share my talents and gifts to the world and for me that’s just being light and love.” @iamnikaking

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6 DTLA WRONG OR RIGHT? by DAN DEVON

VOL 14 NO 4 - AUGUST 13TH - AUGUST 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

Black Unity 24/7 Occupiers Bring City Hall CHAZ Camp to Grand Park

P

The Black Unity 24/7 Protest camp sits aggressively across from the downtown LA city hall. You can’t miss it because their message is clear. The occupiers, who pledge allegiance to the community organization called Black Unity, say they want justice.

rotesters have occupied downtown Los Angeles’ Grand Park in support of justice reform since mid-June, but the camp recently came under Black Unity control in early-July. Since it’s inception, the area has functioned as a hub for those who rally in support of movements such as Black Lives Matter, the People’s Budget, and the defund the police agenda.

However, despite their ideological similarities, Black Unity camp occupier and filmmaker RJ Dawson states that Black Unity is made up of “independent protesters” and thus has no direct affiliation with the Black Lives Matter movement.

“We’re not associated with Black Lives Matter. We’re associated with ourselves. This group here, Black Unity, is trying to represent Black Unity but also trying to revolutionize the ideas of black empowerment, of people empowerment, [and what] unity looks like. [We’re] trying to model ideally what we’d want society to look like. Like, what is a truly equitable and free society. That’s one of the ideals that this base exists around.”

RJ told DTLA Weekly.

The camp has also serviced as an education space and entertainment hub with movie nights that include screenings of films and documentaries such as Do The Right Thing, I Am Not Your Negro, and 13th.

These luxuries are welcoming to people from all walks of life and some occupiers want to see a stricter vetting process for membership, but there are no elected officials nor hierarchy which makes enforcement of these practices According to RJ, the Black Unity camp difficult. However, despite the lack of isn’t just for black people or an idea. It’s centralized control, morale remains high an all inclusive-community established for in the camp because members are always the greater good. The small camp is largely actively engaged in what they specialize resourced by donations and outfitted with in, activism. all the amenities needed to sustain life.

There is a kitchen, library, tents, crafts, common area, and even a garden.

“We look at our resources to see where we can allot people. Who can go here, who can go there? We try to build a space for the community.” said RJ. One of the goals of the Black Unity 24/7 Protest Camp is to become the next Capital Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) and/or police-free autonomous society with its own community guidelines. The group has reinforced this ideology by posting a list of demands that includes everything from LAPD reform to state-funded education opportunities.

Occupants have also expressed that they refuse to leave until all their demands are met.

Continued on page 14

DTLA ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE 2020 - BLACKMAN WHITEBABY BY DAN DEVON

THE MESSAGE MESS AGE WE MISSED BEHIND BLACKMAN WHITEBABY

“I don’t want to be like whatever, whoever is the most famous artist. I want to see what it is that inspires me to bring something new to the table.

That’s who I want to spend time with.”

S

HE is a black, masculine, queer artist that chooses to express herself in ominous settings that include white baby dolls, eccentric costumes, unconventional props, and startling makeup. BlackManWhiteBaby’s artwork is shocking.

A

wakening awareness to the racist traditions found inside America that many try to ignore, to some BlackManWhiteBaby’s work is brilliant. To others it is disturbing.

Either way, BlackManWhiteBaby has nothing to hide, and if you ask her the philosophy behind her work she is direct, confident, and firm in her response.

VOL 14 NO 4 - AUG 13 - AUG 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM 7

BlackManWhiteBaby’s work has always been on the cutting-edge of expression and has tip-toed the line between genius and controversy ever since its inception.

“People reacted to the actual black male with a white baby. The concept and technical aspects of the image were completely ignored. All they could see was a black man with a white baby.” BlackManWhiteBaby told DTLA Weekly.

Did we miss the message??

Change the art along with her gender identity from “He” to a “She” and it’s all good as BlackManWhiteBaby continues to showcase with success.

In early 2016, the artist presented their Nina Simone inspired exhibit “My name is BlackManWhiteBaby and titled “Tar and Feather” which displayed I do art.” BlackManWhiteBaby contin- images of the artist covered in tar and accentuated by feathers and even included a ued, “The name didn’t really have a controversial image of them dog-walking a deeper meaning. In the beginning, it was a title because I was a black man white-baby with a feather leash. with a white baby.”

In another show, called “American Traditions” which included twenty-four A quick scroll through the BlackManimages that were each divided into their WhiteBaby catalog will reveal beautifully own specific sections, BlackManWhiteBachoreographed and dreamlike snapshots that challenge the dynamics of the Ameri- by tackled more of America’s controversial can dream and provide surreal insight into history head-on. not just the perennial struggle of the Black American battle with racism, but also the The section, “They Called it Blackface” included images of the artist ridiculing perspective of a queer creative.

America’s infamous Jim Crow era in various displays of blackface.

Another section called “Dancing with the Slaves” highlighted the practice of “slave dancing” which slave traders used to entertain themselves while transporting slaves across waters.

And lastly, her “American Traditions” section mocking America’s response to controversial issues such as the Flint water crisis.

When asked what inspires her creative approach, the artist states that she finds true inspiration in artists that tend to take a more unorthodox approach to their work.

“Artists work in a box, I believe.

Sometimes. That’s what I’m learning.

There are certain boxes and standards for things. Any artist that’s outside that box that’s bringing something new to the table, I think is really important and that’s what inspires me.”

Despite the controversy around it, BlackManWhiteBaby’s work has gained some noteworthy attention. In 2019, her work made a cameo appearance on the hit TV show “Empire” after a relationship was conjured with famed Hollywood writer and director Lee Daniels. Yet, despite their success, the artist known as BlackManWhiteBaby remains determined to continue disrupting the art industry by expressing what is uniquely her. @blackmanwhitebaby

8 DTLA APPETITE: SKYS GOURMET TACOS BY NAKITA HARRIS

VOL 14 NO 4 - AUGUST 13TH - AUGUST 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

DOWNTOWN APPETITE SKY’S GOURMET TACOS COME DOWNTOWN

Meet Barbara Jean “Sky” Burrell,

the proud owner and creator of Sky’s Gourmet Tacos, a black-owned Mexican Food Restaurant chain that serves “Mexican with a Splash of Soul”.

Sky’s Gourmet Tacos boast several locations in LA, with the chain’s flagship location on W. Pico Blvd., and marketplace in Marina Del Rey. However, Downtown Weekly had never been more excited than when we found out Sky’s Gourmet Tacos had plans to open their newest cloud kitchen location close to Expo/USC.

Sky’s the Limit

Raised in Illinois, Burrell’s mother was a celebrity chef and her father, a classical musician. Because of this, Burrell found herself in the kitchen from the age of six prepping and exploring whatever dishes came her way.

With her family’s reputation and social circle, she was exposed early to the finer things in life.

As an adult, Burrell graduated from Michigan State University earning a Master’s Degree in Strategic Business, later to serve as a director on multiple boards throughout the city, receiving dozens of accolades including landing Between the three locations patrons openly enjoy a on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers list, but great variety of Mexican food items, deli foods, margaritas admitted being celebrated in various aspects of her life, and wine deliveries, and of course, Sky’s famous “shrimp she always felt like something was missing. tacos”.

B

DTLA APPETITE: SKYS GOURMET TACOS BY NAKITA HARRIS VOL 14 NO 4 - AUGUST 13TH - AUGUST 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

old in spirituality, Burrell told Downtown Weekly it was her prayers that ultimately led her to the epiphany of serving tacos with soul.

J

anuary 23, 1992, Burrell saw the light and quit her job to start her own business only to dive headfirst into a myriad of devastating obstacles; including the death of her fiancé coupled with being diagnosed with breast cancer.

It was then, in a time of civil and emotional unrest that she began to realize just how determined and strong she would have to be and just how much faith and devotion one person could ultimately muster.

A Family That Peels Together....

She requested the help of her two sons and worked tirelessly alongside other family members to develop Sky’s delicious recipes, running their very first taco stand just across the street from where the Pico location is now.

As the months passed, Sky and the family team created their landmark specialty “Shrimp Tacos”. Shrimp tacos that put the tiny taco stand on the map.

But just as business was growing, calamity struck once again when her youngest son was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.

Burrell was gutted, distraught and one would think that this would be the final straw.

On the contrary, Burrell marched forward on her new path ensuring that the memory of her son lived on with the restaurant’s secret sauces that were originally handcrafted by the mother and son duo.

Over the span of 25 years, Burrell’s recipes have managed to make almost every “best of” list in Los Angeles and very soon her signature sauces will be sold at Whole Foods Markets.

A pleasant return to the supermarket realm seeing that Burrell was the first African-American cashier to ever work at a Kroger.

Today, Burrell sits comfortably in the sunny courtyard of her Pico Blvd location, fashionably dressed and with one of LAs most welcoming smiles and open personalities.

Customers leave with TakeOut Bags full of steak, chicken, fish, sweet potato tacos and sides of beans and rice; and never forget to order a slice of her famed caramelized pecan cheesecake.

Even COVID had to take a back seat to Sky’s Gourmet Tacos. Burrell and her team were already ahead of the curve, so to speak, being on all of the prominent food delivery apps, such as Uber Eats, Door Dash, Postmates, etc., when COVID 19 shutdowns were announced. Despite not being able to open indoors, Sky’s TakeOut and catering options put up a good defense.

Party over here!

The Pico Blvd. location has long been sought out as a great event space, with an outside courtyard, calming cactus-flower garden, misters, picnic seating, parking, full bar and catering for star-studded celebrity events.

On any given day folks still, line up to support.

Pushing through anything with heart The restaurant’s current menu also offers and soul; combining her childhood and her challenges to create something truly tantalizing vegan selections, including unique for the community is what makes shiitake mushroom tacos drizzled with fresh salsa verde, onion and a delicate hint Burrell’s story extra special. of citrus.

Burrell says, “When I go back and take a look at this company, it’s about taco Speaking of citrus, Sky’s has develpower. Because the tacos have led me to a oped a variety of mixed fruit beverages that are as captivating to the eye as real purpose. The taco is the thing that is spreading the love and I’m a trailblazer”. they are thirst quenching on a hot summer’s day.

Yes, you are Ms. Burrell. Yes, you are! So Fan favorites, hands down, are still the happy to share the news you’re blazing a shrimp tacos thanks to the shrimp’s spetrial now in DTLA @SKYSTACOS cial seasoning, made in-house that make the tastes of each crustacean incomparable.

From Tacos With Love

Burrell is a true visionary as she constantly thinks of more and more ways to spread her message of love, warmth and joy that comes with each taco.

To get the idea of her personality, she’s been in business for almost three decades. When people ask her when is she going to retire, she candidly responds with “I’m still trying to wear these stilettos!”

Customers are family at Sky’s Gourmet Tacos.

And how could they not be?

Older patrons tell tales of a taco haven that they’d bring their children to, only to find them returning home from college twenty years later, still just as hungry for Sky’s Gourmet Tacos.

DTLA MUSIC TO YOUR EARS - HUMANITY OVER EVERYTHING: QBWOY ANTHONY VOL 14 NO 4 - AUG 13TH - AUG 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

by Keri Freeman & Alberto Gonzalez

It’s been twenty-five years since LA promoter Quie Anthony aka QBwoy began promoting his first reggae nightclub at Kingston 12.

Looking back it’s safe to say, after all he has given to the Los Angeles Reggae scene, it would have been another 25 years of straight PUM PUM if not for the Covid 19 shutdowns.

QUIE ANTHONY AKA QBwoy

G N I H T Y R E V E R E V O Y T I N A HUM

In 1993 QBoy’s selectors played a mix of 75% HipHop and only 25% Reggae.

“The most famous Hip Hop group we broke was the “Black Eyed Peas” as we helped them land a record deal with Interscope Records in 1994,” said QBwoy.

In 1995, the owner of The Kingston 12, Dale O’Brian talked to QBwoy about starting a new promotion at The Kingston 12.

On June 25th, 1995 JAMAICAN GOLD was born..

As QBwoy’s reggae night began to catch a fire, fond memories of a diverse crowd helped grow his event very quickly. But, the grind to keep up with safety regulations demanded Quie find the space he needed to accommodate his growing crowds of about 650 guests.

After Kingston 12 was forced to close in 1996 Jamaican Gold was moved to Hollywood’s The Martini Lounge and then onto Santa Monica’s Dragonfly.

“The first night at the bigger location, The Dragonfly where we clocked in about 650 people, was incredible.”

Within the first month it became actor It didn’t take long to outgrow The Key Wesley Snipe’s weekly Sunday night Club and in 1998 QBwoy moved Jamaican hangout and the talk of the town.

Gold to the 1,500 capacity world famous “Century Club” in Century City.

Jamaican Gold was always known for being a 420 friendly event. After all, the name Jamaican Gold is a Marijua- Jamaican Gold was the largest Dance na strain from Jamaica like Hawaii’s Maui Hall function in on the West Coast with 500 capacity Irie smoking Patio, live regWowie. gae bands and Dj’s, a 500 capacity reggae dancehall with 2 half-hour HipHop sets, a QBwoy throws events to bring the whole 300 capacity Tropical Room for Soca and city together, no matter what color, religion or status (we guess the ganga helps). World Music, and a 250 capacity loft for rare Groves, R&B and HipHop classics.

“If we can party together, we can live together. Love is the only solution. Humanity over everything,”

“We were responsible for transforming thousands of urban HipHop fans into becoming die-hard Dancehall fans.”

Once QBwoy outgrew The Dragonfly in 1997 he decided to relocate to The Key Club (Now 1 Oak) on Sunset but not before launching a new Thursday Night at The Dragonfly called “Jamaica Live”, which was a more of a hardcore version of Jamaican Gold.”

With the stage of The Key Club they really got known for braking new Reggae and Dancehall acts in LA such as Beenie Man, Red Rat, and many more.

QBwoy with Wife G

enesis

VOL 14 NO 4 - AUG 13TH - AUG 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM 11

Wheeeel UP !

QBwoy’s all-stars selectors have included Dj White Lightning, Zulu Nations, Dj Mark Luv, Mc Prince Whipper Whip, and occasional Star-Studded Reggae, Dancehall, and HipHop performance. Today, Jamaican Gold is one of the biggest promotions on The West Coast.

Reggae/Dancehall artists

Sean Paul, Damian Marley, Elephant Man, Tanya Stevens, Mr. Vegas, Cham, and many more would have their first live performances at Jamaican Gold, along with Maga artist Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Shaggy, Mad Cobra, Ricky Bell Of New Edition, KRS One, Nice And Smooth, The Guru, Mos Def, and so many more have graced the stage - as documented in the new “Jamaican Gold Movie” on DAILYMOTION.com” Access!!! www.RootzRockReggae.com to find out more about the online clothing store and new dance television ideas.

rsar y!

Happy 25th Annive

PACE VITA - IT’S YOUR MONEY - GET IT! The Earned Income Tax Credit, EITC, is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. There are Federal EITC (EITC) and California EITC (Cal EITC). They are both refundable tax credits for people who qualify. Those who qualify for EITC and/or CalEITC can pay less tax or even get a tax refund based on the earned income in tax year, filing status and family size.

Do I Qualify for EITC?

To qualify for EITC, you must have earned income at least $1 from working for someone or from running or owning a business or farm in the tax year and meet basic requirements. Married taxpayers must file jointly to qualify for this benefit. People without qualifying children or dependents may also qualify for EITC. Most people who qualify for the Federal EITC, also qualify for California EITC (Cal EITC).

How can I claim EITC?

June 28th was supposed to be Jamaican Gold’s 25th year anniversary party with coordinators planning on an All-Star Line-Up event scheduled in the downtown area.

You must file a Federal tax return in order to claim EITC. Even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file taxes, you must file your tax return and claim EITC in order to ask for EITC tax refund.

“Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 crisis we have locked down the event, and it has to be postponed until further notice.”

GET CREDIT GOING BACK 3 YEARS You can still file your tax returns for 2016, 2017 and 2018 to claim EITC if you were eligible. But you must file to claim it!

“Before March 2020 I was talking about a new club night, a new live concert series, possible international tour with the Shabbaaaaa.LA Sound Crew. But with this shut down I have been looking at clothing line options, writing screenplays, and working on a documentary titled “Who is QBwoy”?,” Who is QBwoy to Downtown Weekly LA?: The California Rasta that has dedicated his life to use the sounds of our culture to help bring harmony without prejudice.

California Earned Income Tax Credit (Cal EITC) If you have low income and work, you may qualify for CalEITC. This credit gives you a refund or reduces your tax owed based on your earned income in tax year and number of qualifying child or dependent.

CalEITC has increased the income limits to $30,000 for families, young adults 18-24 and working adults over 65 are now eligible, and self-employed individuals are also eligible for the credit.

More Californians will be able to claim this credit than ever before.

What is Young Child Tax Credit?

The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) was introduced in tax year 2019. If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of 6 as of the end of the tax year, you may qualify for up to $1,000 through this credit. Together, these state credits can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your pocket. *Filing your state tax return is required to claim both Cal EITC and YCTC credits.

Facts about the Cal EITC In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom has expanded CalEITC to further assist families facing poverty. California has more than doubled the investment in CalEITC to $1 billion, which is estimated to increase the number of participating households from 2 million to 3 million.

This upcoming year alone CA FTB anticipates $1 Billion in claims between CalEITC and the new Young Child Tax Credit.

A family of 3 could see their income double with Cal EITC and new Young Child Tax Credit, together with federal credits, more than $8,000 back on their taxes!

Research suggests the EITC and Cal EITC credits leads to long-term positive outcomes in health, financial stability, and education for working families. EITC and Cal EITC certainly help improve our local economy.

If you qualify for EITC/Cal EITC, don’t miss out the chance of getting this important tax credits!

Free Tax Preparation Service PACE VITA is offering free drop-off tax filing service to assist our community with preparing tax returns and prevent face to face tax filing process during the pandemic.

Appointment only. For more details and scheduling an appointment, please email wtsang@pacela.org for a Free Consultation!

12 DOING THE MOST: TOURIST GUIDE

VOL 14 NO 4 - AUGUST 13TH - AUGUST 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

DTLA Weekends BE LIKE...

SUBSCRIBE BLACK RESTAURANT Subscribe to Downtown Weekly LA on YOUTUBE to watch fitness champ

WEEK

Helping Restaurants recover never tasted so good as DTLA stirs in the action of Black Restaurant Week.

Celebrating 5 years of highlighting the flavors of African American, African and Caribbean Cuisine nationwide, this year the event turned up the heat with over 60 Southland participants, some of the tastiest coming from Downtown LA.

NETFLIX &CHILLS

MOVIE REVIEW

by Taylor Davidson

T

here are two distinct halves to J.D. Dillard’s fantastic thriller, Sweetheart.

There’s the front half, or, for all intents and purposes, the “daytime” half, in which Jennifer (Kiersey Clemons) washes ashore on a tropical island after a boating accident, alongside only one other member of her party, who is not long for this world. It’s a tale of survival at the outset; Jennifer scavenges for food, rifles through the belongings of those who were there before her, tries futilely to flag down planes flying overhead. It’s quiet, both because there’s nobody to talk to, and because Charles Scott IV’s score is nothing if not measured and methodical, allowing the lapping waves and the crushing silence of isolation to help tell this part of the story.

It’s a scary enough premise on its own having Jennifer unable to call for help, no clue where she is or how far removed from humanity she may be as she spends day after day surviving alone. But of course, the other half of the film reveals that she isn’t alone at all.

Tristina Lee and Tiffany Jefferson, the creator of @BlackOwnedFoodLA, as they enjoy 10 full days of delicious menu specials from Downtown’s most flavorable black owned restaurants.

Special thanks to: A Beautiful Life Cafe, Boketto Cold Brew, ComfortLA, L’APPART French Bistro, Numaade and Island to Table Jamaican Patty Hut for hosting our dynamic due.

Our team sailed the seven seas to the Seafood Xperience on Florence Ave and picked up a few BRW bingo cards for CHANCES TO WIN GIFT CARDS at Sky’s Gourmet Tacos on Pico.

Be sure not to miss out on Black

Restaurant Week’s VIRTUAL COCKTAIL Competition in partnership with MAKER’S MARK. For more info: blackrestaurantweek.com

to

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SWEETHEART

After the sun falls and nighttime descends upon the island, a grotesque creature emerges from the sea and scavenges for its own food, dragging whatever it can find into a hole deep in the bottom of the ocean. Early on, Jennifer finds the corpse of her friend stolen from the makeshift grave that she created, mutilated and fed upon, realizing that whatever is here is a merciless predator. During these scenes, in which Jennifer not only tries to avoid the creature, but also capture and kill it if possible, the intensity is ratcheted up exponentially, the score rising in urgency as the creature comes ever closer to discovering her.

It’s an immensely powerful allegory, that even in the face of a man-eating creature, Jennifer still has to deal with people (two upper class white people, no less, outnumbering her as the only person of color) who don’t believe what she says is happening, people who demand receipts and hard evidence. The title of the film comes from Lucas’ patronization during these scenes, a testament to Cohen’s abilities; the way he condescendingly sneers “sweetheart” as if it were her birth name while explaining just how crazy she must have gone before they came to her rescue.

Clemons’ performance, working with a script written by Dillard, Alex Hyner, What may be the strongest part of the and Alex Theurer, is brilliant, as Jennifer is as clever during the night as she film, however, is the small subplot linkis during the day. That is, she’s smart ing these two halves. Two other members enough to fend for herself against both of the original party, Jennifer’s boyfriend the elements and the monster itself, yet Lucas and friend Mia (Emory Cohen and never being reduced to an overpowered Hanna Mangan-Lawrence), wash up on Mary Sue. She outright refuses to play the the beach. The reunion isn’t a happy one victim, fighting back at every single turn, for long, however; they don’t believe any of Jennifer’s panicked warnings about the the Ripley to this creature’s xenomorph, a fierce and admirable protagonist that monster, citing a lack of proof and Jenproves to be so much more than simply nifer’s apparently dubious history with the truth, and before long, she’s willing to someone’s sweetheart. steal their raft and leave without them.

VOL 14 NO 4 - AUGUST 13TH - AUGUST 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM 13

WINE TIMES DTLA: MIGNON WINE BAR

WINE TIMES DTLA: PATIO SPOTLIGHT LIGHT

Mignon, Cento & L’APPART

DTLA’s Quaint New European Corner

BY EVE BUSHMAN

B

eing sheltered for the last few months has left us all craving social interaction and a return to normalcy. Enjoying a glass of wine with ice cold oysters, Boeuf Bourguignon, or a bowl of pasta with some Chianti is no longer something we can only dream about. At the new “European Corner” at 6th and Los Angeles, these dreams have come to fruition.

KASIH LITTLE TOKYO

Mignon Wine Bar, owned by Santos Uy and managed by local artist Shauna La, has been an institution in the historic core of DTLA for 10 years and has accrued a strong and loyal following. It is a female-run boutique French wine and cheese bar that focuses on small production, natural wines and offers charcuterie and cheese boards, baguettes, small plates and more.

Uy also owns Papilles, a Bib Gourmand awarded French bistro in Hollywood. La is an RF engineer turned contemporary artist whose work is collected internationally. She used her management skills, creative talents, and passion for food and wine to assist in the restructuring and evolution of Mignon.

Cicerone and Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Sommelier, Lisa Witkoski.

When patio dining was the latest mandate, they adapted the very same day by offering outdoor seating, collaborating with L’Appart, their neighboring French bistro.

Soon after, Cento Pasta Bar by Chef Avner Lavi restarted operations across the street at JJ’s on Sixth. They offer Italian pastas to go, which can be enjoyed at Mignon with a vino purchase.

This new ‘European Corner’ supports several businesses at one time. Come hangout, have dinner, get together with friends, drink wine, and live life again.

On the onset of the pandemic, Mignon’s previous employees chose to leave in order to deal with changes from the shutdown. In order to keep the business from closing permanently, Uy, La, and friend Kevin Stuart, owner of Infinity Wine Imports, converted Mignon into a wine shop with food to go.

Outdoor Dining No reservations needed.

As restaurants were re-opening with social distance guidelines, Mignon converted back to a dine-in wine bar and introduced new, experienced members to their team – including

For more info visit: www.mignonla.com

CHURCH AND STATE

CLAYTON’S PUBLIC HOUSE

Wines by the glass, wines by the bottle on menu and in shop special pricing, 40% off bottles to go.

Full Menu and Wine List also available for takeout. Mignon’s menu includes Oysters, crudo, and other market driven small plates.

RAPPAHANOCK

CILANTRO LIME

14 DTLA WRONG OR RIGHT?

VOL 14 NO 4 - AUGUST 13TH - AUGUST 19TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

<<CHAZ CAMP AT GRAND PARK

BY DAN DEVON continued from page 6

TO BE OR NOT TO BE? Downtown Weekly LA was

unable to receive comment from Grand Park and it is unknown if this goal aligns with the Grand Park policies, but the Grand Park website does mention that the establishment prides themselves on being a “gathering space that produces cultural programming” and that “they stand against systemic violence and injustice.”

As a result, the Black Unity 24/7 protest camp has faced little resistance from local law enforcement. Black Unity tells DTLA Weekly that this is a direct result of the base being exempt from LAPD enforcement as Grand Park is county-owned and thus falls into the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD).

But the Black Unity camp doesn’t see LASD as a primary concern for the Black Unity camp as they believe the agency needs a solid reason to remove the Black Unity camp from the land because their mission is entirely peaceful.

“We are purposeful in what we’re doing. Do you know what I mean?

It’s not like we just showed up angry and we’re yelling. No, we’re very purposeful with the way that we come here and we come here to help. We come here to give to the community. We come here to support other people. We come here to protect those that need protection. So I feel like it’s going to be very difficult to find a reason to push us away when we’ve only come here for good reasons.” RJ told DTLA Weekly.

DTLA THEATER GUIDE The camp was initially occupied by the Black Future Project but recently changed ownership in early July due to what Black Unity members described as an “internal conflict”. Black Future Project founder, James Butler has since established a stronghold elsewhere but remains present within the activist community. Butler tells DTLA Weekly that they were inspired to create a 24/7 protest platform after LAPD lifted the city-wide curfew.

“We were like, oh, let’s make a 24/7 protest camp where we can not only plan protest strategies but also have a base where we can conduct these uncomfortable conversations about race and the problems going on in our world.

And how we can rectify these issues together,” said Butler in a statement.

Black Unity Protest Camp occupier RJ has described the camp’s relationship with the Black Future Project as “fine” and suggests that there is no hostility between the two factions and insists that Black Unity camp occupiers have dismissed the drama because they believe the greater cause is the only thing that matters.

“There was definitely a split. Probably I’d say, in approach to ideologies that occur. And there was a bit of fallout but I think that the movement is bigger than that. Everyone knows that we’re here for a greater cause. So, the drama or whatever you wanna call it means nothing as long as we’re fighting for the rights of people of color and everybody within that spectrum.” said RJ.

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