DOWNTOWN WEEKLY THE SPIRIT OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023
BLK
DTLA Secrets of Success
Dignity health
& moREhouse college
LITTLE TOKYO STREET FAIR RETURNS MONUMENTS IN TIME
HERALD EXAMINER BUILDING
L-R: DERRICK MOORE, ADRIAN IZANHOUR, DION JULIAN LATTIMORE & DAVID BROWN
THE REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN WEEKLY
on the cover: SECRETS OF SUCCESS
VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM 3
PHOTO: SHAWN SMITH LOCATION: BUNKER HILL
THE ARCHITECTS
DTLA WEEKLY
editor and chief KERI FREEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Keri Freeman JACKSON ROBERTS REBECCA DENNING jamiie herrera abel weiss cathy chu
photography GARY LEONARD shawn smith eric epperson keri Freeman
VIDEO Production @kerieatsdtla design and layout @kerieatsdtla
social media art hunter
<<
DIGNITY HEALTH & MOREHOUSE COLLEGE...4 THE RETURN OF LITTLE TOKYO STREET FAIR...5 CBRE SENIOR VP, DERRICK MOORE: RISE OF A CITY...6 THE FASHION MASTERY OF DION JULIAN ..8 DTLA MASTERMINDS: ADRIAN IZANHOUR...9 DAVID BROWN...10 MONUMENTS IN TIME...11 DTLA WEEKLY Special thanks to... All rights reserved. DownMAYOR OF LOS ANGELES town Weekly is a news, event, & Council district 14 LIFESTYLE & Hospitality FREE resource. No portion THE CITY OF LA ofcommunity this publication may be reproARTS DISTRICT duced without express written CHINATOWN permission from the publisher. WEEKLY, in support of local CIVIC DISTRICT DTLA residents, businesses, workers and BUNKER HILL visitors of Downtown Los AnEXPO/USC geles, publishes DTLA WEEKLY. HISTORIC CORE Readers are recommended to LITTLE TOKYO make appropriate inquiries before wagering any sum in relaFASHION DISTRICT tion to any ad, article or feature FINANCIAL DISTRICT published herein. DTLA WEEKLY will not be liable to any person SKID ROW for loss or damage incurred or SOUTH PARK suffered as a result of his/her WAREHOUSE DISTRICT accepting, offering to accept or any invitation or advice THEGRAWN following contained in any ad, article or ARTWALK NEWS feature published herein.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES WEEKLY
DTLA NEWS l EVENTS l LIFESTYLE I HOSPITALITY P.O. BOX 86601 - DTLA CA 90086 - WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM 888-732-DTLA (3852) @DTLAWEEKLY
2
4 STAY HEALTHY DTLA: DIGNITY HEALTH BY CATHY CHU
I
VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
Dignity Health and Morehouse School of Medicine ON Course for Equitable Healthcare
n a nation where healthcare disparities have long been a cause for concern, a groundbreaking partnership between Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) and Morehouse School of Medicine is poised to make a substantial difference.
T
his collaboration, known as the More in Common Alliance, not only addresses the shortage of diverse clinicians but also aims to provide more equitable healthcare, particularly for underserved communities. Here’s why this partnership is a positive step forward. Access to quality medical care has been a persistent challenge for Black Americans, leading to generally worse health outcomes. Factors such as environmental quality problems and disparities in the treatment of Black patients within hospitals have contributed to these challenges. Dignity Health and Morehouse’s alliance directly addresses these concerns by focusing on training programs that emphasize health equity and the needs of underserved populations. Studies in diversity in the healthcare workforce have shown only 12.1% of the US healthcare workforce consisted of Black individuals. The partnership recognizes the urgency of increasing diversity within the healthcare industry. By providing post-graduate residents and fellows with training that focuses on addressing health inequities and serving underserved patients, they are actively working to create a more representative healthcare workforce.
Photos Courtesy Dignity Health & Morehouse College
Improving Patient Experience The experiences of Black patients within the healthcare system, especially those of younger Black women, have often been marked by negative encounters. This partnership seeks to improve the patient experience by fostering culturally competent care and ensuring that patients are treated with respect, regardless of their background. It acknowledges that matching patients with clinicians of similar backgrounds can lead to better outcomes. California Hospital Medical Center’s location in South Park places a community-centered approach at the forefront of serving a highly diverse patient population. Their commitment to health justice and removing barriers to access aligns perfectly with the More in Common Alliance’s mission. By building a healthcare workforce that mirrors the community it serves, they are creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment.
The More in Common Alliance is not just a short-term project; it’s a 10year, $100 million initiative showing a dedication to the cause of improving healthcare access and outcomes for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities. The partnership between CommonSpirit Health and Morehouse School of Medicine is driven by research that demonstrates patients fare better when treated by clinicians with shared backgrounds and experiences. By diversifying the healthcare workforce and emphasizing cultural competence, this alliance aims to create a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for all. Just one more reason to Stay Healthy DTLA. @dignityhealthsocal
GET2DTLA: LITTLE TOKYO STREET FAIR BY JACKSON ROBERTS
R
VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM55
Finding the Perfect Holiday Gifts at Little Tokyo Street Fair
eady to kick off the holiday season in style? On December 2nd, the vibrant and historic Little Tokyo neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles is hosting another exciting event in Weller Court that promises fun and festivity for all.
W
ith the holiday season in full swing, Little Tokyo Street Fair provides the perfect opportunity to find unique and meaningful gifts for your loved ones. Explore the offerings of over twenty vendors, showcasing a wide array of local art, crafts, plants, clothing, and more. Notable vendors include Bozu, Kiosk Boys, The Juice Box Club, From Flowers, The Sugarwitch, J Boss, City Slickers and Nostalgiana. Whether you’re on the hunt for that one-of-a-kind present or simply want to indulge in some retail therapy, this event has you covered. But it’s not just about shopping! The Little Tokyo Street Fair on December 2nd will feature live entertainment and,
of course, the mouthwatering Japanese cuisine that the neighborhood is famous for. It’s a delightful combination of culture, community, and celebration. As with previous events, this gathering is a heartfelt gesture of support and appreciation for the Japanese community in Downtown Los Angeles. It’s also a fantastic way to show your support for local businesses during this festive season. So, mark your calendars for December 2nd and make your way to Little Tokyo. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, this event promises to be a memorable celebration of the holiday spirit, complete with shopping, entertainment, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines Little Tokyo. Don’t miss out on the fun! Little Tokyo Street Fair, December 2, 11am to 5pm is located at Weller Court is located at 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. Los Angeles, CA 90012. @bozu_la
6 DTLA REAL ESTATE EMPIRE: DERRICK MOORE BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
DTLA Rise of a City: Derrick Moore, Senior Vice President of CBRE
P
Photo: MacFarlane Group
Photo: CBRE
erched 27 stories above the tallest peak of the city, Bunker Hill, you’ll find the office of Derrick Moore, Senior Vice President of CBRE, the largest commercial real estate firm in the world.
I
n the dynamic world of mixed-use retail properties, Moore’s accomplishments have embodied commitment to growth and community and helped to shape the past, present, and future of downtown Los Angeles. From his modest office window, Moore relates an unobstructed view of a modern-day urban metropolis, known as downtown Los Angeles, which he himself has worked relentlessly to help create. Not far off into the distance, through the thick towering glass and hazy downtown sky, sits California Plaza (of Grand Performance fame), and to its right, far below, the roof-top oasis of Park Fifth Towers, just two of the hundreds of mixed-use residential developments, neighborhood structures, and office retail opportunities Moore has ushered into fruition.
Photo: Brookfield Properties
The building’s curvature exposes even more projects, including those old and new spaces well known for reactivating the city’s culture. And sure there were others, with their names adhered to signs fastened above empty retail spaces around town, but few had risen to the pentacle of real estate success as Derrick Moore. Reminiscing about the first Photo by Eric Epperson Media steps ever taken within a once empty space that would fatefully become Bottega Louie and contemplating the future tenants who will inevitably fill the retail spaces at the base of the LA Athletic Club, Moore was relaxed and eager to share his thoughts on the future of DTLA over a salmon salad at Pez Cantina, a space he helped facilitate for owner-chef Bret Thompson. “Los Angeles, and particularly Downtown Los Angeles (“DTLA”), is a great city that will continue to be on the world stage. DTLA will continue to grow and expand in the arts, education, various business sectors, and residential growth. As COVID continues to be a distant memory, look for DTLA to come roaring back as an even better city with an expanded Metro system that will finally connect us in a modern way that is comparable to the other great cities around the globe.”
Photo Courtesy of CBRE
And it was true: Downtown was
continuing to expand. Yet, the more he spoke of Metro’s Regional Connector, the more it became clearer that, through Moore, we were all connected as well. The residents, the visitors, the business owners, developers, and landlords From the city inspectors to the politicians, private clubs to the most impoverished citizens, from the lone blogger to the mass media, somehow calculating our degrees of separation could be determined by any one of Moore’s successful projects.
DTLA REAL ESTATE EMPIRE: DERRICK MOORE BY KERI FREEMAN
O
ut of sight but not out of mind, the gigantic letters C-B-R-E held close to the building’s exterior could be seen from South Park’s Wholefoods Market at Eight & Grand, the Atelier Towers, CVS Pharmacy, or dozens others, all owing their urban locations to the due diligence of Derrick Moore. In fact, there wasn’t a district in downtown uncharted by Moore and his firm. From the Historic Core to the Fashion District, even retail spaces offered at Union Station, the Kajima Building, and Wakaba in Little Tokyo stood yearning for new tenants that were sure to come thanks to Moore. Educated in Los Angeles through UCLA and USC and guided by a host of mentors, Moore got his start in commercial real estate with CBRE back in October 1999. By 2005, Moore relished the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, which enabled reinvigorating the city’s most iconic historic buildings, mostly those constructed before 1974. Buildings that had previously stood lifeless for decades... As the ordinance brought dreams of success in the form of new investments
VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM 7
into downtown, Moore’s vitality and wisdom to work with diverse groups, companies, and individuals to meet the needs of an evolving population paid off well. Refurbishing Downtown’s ancient relics was activating an entire new culture, as seen through the eyes of
Photo Courtesy of CBRE
passersby who waited for their chance to sit on the other side of windows that separated them from the gritty city. Whereas before its renascence, few had looked to downtown as a measurement of class and aestheticism, the activation of retail allowed visitors to reimagine what thriving in downtown LA could be.
Soon thousands would flock to showcase themselves within our ring of freeways and experience what it felt like to be a true downtowner. This process, although briefly haunted by the pandemic, has never stopped. And just what else did the future hold? “Currently, we are seeing a reduction in office occupiers in many of our office properties. This has reduced the amount of pedestrian traffic and visitors to our retail establishments. Additionally, some of the real and exaggerated safety issues have caused some hesitation among retailers that would have ordinarily expanded into DTLA. This is being overcome with creative deal structures and an understanding of the long-term opportunities that DTLA presents to retailers expanding into this marketplace.” Said Moore. With pending deals and new businesses opening up, the future of Downtown Los Angeles looks promising, with a solid end to 2023 and an even better 2024 on the horizon, in large part thanks to Derrick Moore, Senior Vice President of CBRE, the largest commercial real estate firm in the world. @cbre
8 DTLA MAKEOVER: DION JULIAN LATTIMORE BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
Tailored for Greatness: The Fashion
Mastery of Dion Julian
W
hat do Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Steve Harvey, Mike Tyson, David Justice, Martin Lawrence, Scotty Pippen, and Attorney Johnnie Cochran all have in common?
A
It was 1988 when Dion Julian pursued Jonathan Behr. “After getting asked several hundred times where I got my suits from that I was wearing that Jonathan gave me in exchange to model, I asked if I could become an outside salesman for him because I thought I could sell a lot of suits.” Behr gave Dion Julian the opportunity to study him as an apprentice telling him he’d have to learn how to do the business of custom if he was going to try and sell it. And the rest was history… Tapered to the tee, with precise hindarms seams, inseams, hems and cuffs, whenever Dion Julian stepped out he became a magnet of attention, easily attracting as many admirers as he did clients.
Photo: Shawn Smith
t some point in their careers, these iconic history makers have all donned custom wardrobes handcrafted by legendary bespoke tailor and designer Don Juilian Lattimore.
In February of 1991, GQ published a cover featuring Magic Johnson, Dion Julian’s first BIG client. In 1999, Sports Illustrated published “The Tailors at Dion Scott know that clothes make the Player” featuring Cliff Robinson former Allstar player with the Portland Trailblazers.
Maker of custom wardrobes for both men and women, Dion Julian is America’s celebrity go to, turning every step they make into a Red Carpet moment. The best part is that Dion Julian has been seamlessly designing his custom-fit wears in Downtown LA and Beverly Hills since starting his business in 1994.
unique personality to the limitless world of fashion through white glove service and the latest technology, products and services.
dap·per
This year, Dion Julian was recognized in People Magazine for dressing and styling Eddie Murphy’s son-in-law Michael Xavier for his wedding to his daughter Bria Murphy and also did his son Myles Murphy for his wedding to Carly Fink in So what does it take to create a name September. for yourself as one of America’s most sought after bespoke tailors? In the world of bespoke fashion, Dion Julian Lattimore has not only dressed A keen eye for fashion, impeccable taste, legends but has become one himself. With decades of experience and of course, a career spanning over three decades timing. Timing is everything. and a client list that reads like a who's who of Hollywood and sports, Dion “I got my start in fashion as a professional Julian's commitment to impeccable model after I was in attendance to an craftsmanship and timeless style has Ebony Fashion Fair Show, when I saw made him an icon in the industry. To Peter Moret model I knew that’s what think with his creations gracing the most I wanted to do. I started modeling for celebrated moments of our lives he’s been menswear designer Jonathan Behr”. proudly representing the best in fashion from Downtown LA all of this time. @dionjulian
adjective 1. Neat and trim in dress and appearance “When the time comes you don’t have to worry that you don’t know what to wear, you’ll have the confidence knowing that you’ll be dressed impeccably for every occasion.” – Dion Julian “I just finished making 18 Rams Legends coats for the storied franchise NFL Rams players Marshall Faulk, Jackie Slater, Leroy Irvin, and Torry Holt. Also, Otto Malý part owner of the Rams with Stan Kroenke, is one of my best clients.” Offering a customized experience, tailored to perfection with personal attention, Dion Julian connects each
Recently, Dion Julian partnered with a world-class manufacturer to distribute Dion Julian Custom Clothing for Knotstandard, allowing online orders of his timeless designs for mass distribution, expanding the brand to Nordstroms, Bloomingdale’s and corporate auto dealerships.
Soon after, Dion Julian was recognized in 2011 by Orange Coast Magazine in their Best of the Best issue followed by a cover of his own in Creative Living Magazine “Tailoring Transformation “ in 2015.
8 DTLA DECOR: ADRIAN IZANHOUR BY KERI FREEMAN
I
VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM 9
DTLA MASTERMINDS: Adrian Izanhour Visions of Boundless Horizons
n the world of interior design, a gifted designer possesses the remarkable ability to take an ordinary space and breathe a whole new life and personality into it. It’s an art form that not only resonates with the client’s vision and desires but captures that “genius factor,” inspiring others to reimagine their own sense of style, whether it be for an entire room, use of color, lighting effects, or even just a single item.
I
zanhour Design, with creativity and sophistication, excels in this role, where the client’s satisfaction and the inspiration of those who enter are harmoniously intertwined. Adrian Izanhour, the unique creative genius behind Izanhour Design has an education from Otis Parsons School of Art and Design. Yet, it was Adrian’s journey into the world as a young model in the mid-2000s that sharpened his eye and unlocked his hidden talents as a designer. Exploring the ancient ruins of South America, unlocking prestigious chambers of Europe and rediscovering the minimalist elegance of Japan, these experiences became the blueprints of his design philosophy, naturally taught lessons that would propel towards his destiny. Now a master at creating eclectic, one-of-a-kind spaces, to Adrian, interior design goes even further beyond making a space visually appealing.
Photo: Shawn Smith
Photo: Izanhour Design
Photo: Izanhour Design
It’s about business and narrating stories through spaces with the ability to create an ambiance that helps build loyal customer relationships for him and his clients.
Contend.
“Some may look at interior design as an easy solution for a business or a home. But I’m providing an atmosphere for businesses to create loyal relationships with their customers through the ambiance. And homeowners a chance to walk into their safe havens. The benefit is the impact and will always be.” – Adrian Izanhour In Downtown LA Adrian’s designer contributions can be discovered in several notable projects. Designing offices in the LA Times building, creating looks for two restaurants for Dirt Dog in the Crypto Center, and a 10,000 squarefoot office space in historic Chinatown for
Despite his busy schedule, he still finds time to relax at his favorite downtown chill spots, Caña Rum Bar in South Park and Rappahannock Oyster Bar at Row DTLA. Adrian Izanhour has not gone unnoticed. Recently featured in “People To Watch” by LA Confidential Magazine, he stands as a model for the growing influence in the world of interior design. Peering into the future, he doesn’t merely dream; he’s composing a vision of becoming an international interior design virtuoso. With every design, this talented interior designer reestablishes his ability for making the ordinary extraordinary, turn his visions of a lucrative future into a beautifully designed reality. @izanhour_design
10 DTLA ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE: DAVID G. BROWN BY JACKSON ROBERTS
VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
Journey in Art & Education - David G. Brown: Political Cartoonist, Educator, and Publisher
M
eet David G. Brown a remarkable individual who has made a significant impact in the worlds of art, education, media and publishing. At 69 years old, this multitalented professional and his artwork has had a rich history in the public eye and continues to inspire and educate both readers and the next generation of creators.
A
Photo: Eric Epperson Media
hard work, commitment to learning, s the current political cartoonist for and being able to release what ails him through his art. the Los Angeles Sentinel, a South Central focused newspaper, still available for pick up in a handful of places “The advice my Mother gave me before moving to Los Angeles in Downtown. “Believe in yourself, be willing to work hard and keep GOD first” I still Brown is also a featured contributor live by those words.” – David Brown to the Washington Post and San Francisco Bay View newspapers contributing political satire that dares take As a versatile commercial artist and designer, Brown has produced multion some of the most pressing issues of media and illustration for Los Angeles our time. Police brutality, racism, climate World Airports, So Cal Automobile Club, change, Covid 19 and favorite subject, Warner Bros., City of Los Angeles, Wells Donald J. Trump, nothing escapes his Fargo Bank, California African American illustrated wits. Museum, ABC-TV and plenty of others. Over the span of 30 years, Brown’s As an award winner author, Brown was ability to express his thoughts awarded a NAACP Image Award for his though illustration has morphed into opportunities presenting him with careers political humor book “Barack, Race and the Media: Drawing my own Conclusions” in media, and advertising, and eduction in 2009, a collection of inspiring, yet and landed him years of acclaim and humorous cartoons highlighting the thousands of admirers. historical Presidential campaign and election of Barack Obama. Working in industries coupled with more often than not with a lack of diversity, he’s In 1995 he founded David G. Brown seen his fair share of obstacles but David believes in overcoming challenges through Studios incorporating his graphics, story
boards, cartoons, art programs and comic books which include a black superhero comic book for kids. For his earnest efforts David has long been recognized many times in publications such as the Los Angeles Times, Daily News, LA Wave, Emerge Magazine, CNN, and the Los Angeles Sentinel, all showcasing the impact of his work on a broader scale. Hailing from the school of hard knocks, in addition to earning a Bachelor of Arts Stockton University, Pomona, another in New Jersey, and attended the Philadelphia College of Art and UCLA, Brown is a former Career Technical Education (CTE) instructor of Arts, Media and Entertainment for the Los Angeles Unified School District and also taught Cartooning at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). David Brown’s legacy, inspired by his mother’s wisdom and driven by his unwavering belief in himself has drawn a long line of values for future generations to trace back on. @dgbcomic
MONUMENTS IN TIME BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 20. NO. 1 NOV 23 - NOV 29, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM 11
Monuments in Time: The Herald Examiner Building
T
he year is 1913. Downtown Los Angeles pulses with vitality and promise. It’s a time of transformation, with its arched entryways and welcoming a wave of lobby of brass-adorned newcomers representing grandiose staircases, pillars, and chandeliers, nearly every corner of capped by exterior ceramic domes, captivates the imagination. A true the globe. testament to architectural ingenuity,
H
enry Ford plans to attend the 5th Annual LA Auto Show, while construction of Grand Central Market finally passes the city’s then, twomonth long permitting process and gets underway. Amidst this burgeoning landscape, where architectural giants like City Hall’s John Parkinson are celebrated as “the greatest American architects of our time,” there is another luminary, an architect who, having honed their craft in the hallowed halls of Paris, stands on the brink of architectural history. Dressed in mink, along with friend and famed newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, as the ribbon-cutting of the newly constructed Los Angeles Herald Examiner Building gets underway, is the building’s talented designer, Julia Morgan—the first licensed female architect in California. The building, in its inaugural year,
Julia’s building embodies the spirit of a city on the rise. In its heyday, it becomes a cornerstone of Downtown Los Angeles and the home of the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, with journalists and editors driven by the excitement of the times and bent on setting society’s wrongs right. However, as the years advanced into modern times, the Herald Examiner Buildings vexatious newsroom would eventually cease its operations, leaving the building to become a delaminated eye soar of squalid domes, dusty cherubs, peeling paint, and boarded-up windows. Yet, hope was not lost. In the years that followed, with the Adapt Reuse ordinance enticing architecture firms around the globe to undertake the restoration of downtown’s most iconic landmarks, the
Herald Examiner Building in Downtown L.A. would find a new chapter in its storied history. This labor of love was taken on in 2015 by Architects Georgetown Company, and today it stands as a testament to the
Photo: ACU
challenges of preserving its architectural splendor, its arched windows with their weathered frames, and solid brass fixtures now carefully restored in place, preserving the echoes of a bygone era. Structural upgrades, in compliance with modern seismic codes, reinforced its resilience while preserving the exterior’s timeless appeal as the city watched the old relic transform itself seamlessly into a contemporary hub of creativity. The redeveloped space is now occupied by the ASU California Center for Higher Education, with available retail spaces for lease. Recently, the Herald Examiner Building took home the prestigious Grand Prize at the LA Business Council Awards, continuing the story of reinvention, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Julia Morgan’s architectural brilliance. The Herald Examiner Building is located at 1111 S Broadway, LA, CA 90013. @arizonastateuniversity