DTLA PROUD FEST 2023
photo: Simon Vincent location : HISTORIC CORE
SOUTH
All rights reserved. Downtown Weekly is a news, event, LIFESTYLE & Hospitality FREE community resource. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher. DTLA WEEKLY, in support of local residents, businesses, workers and visitors of Downtown Los Angeles, publishes DTLA WEEKLY. Readers are recommended to make appropriate inquiries before wagering any sum in relation to any ad, article or feature published herein. DTLA WEEKLY will not be liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his/her accepting, offering to accept or following any invitation or advice contained in any ad, article or feature published herein.
midst the looming threat of Hurricane Hilary
swirling in the background, downtown Los Angeles stood ready to dance with the elements. It was to be a showdown between city grit vs. Mother Nature, and DTLA wasn’t about to back down… Here’s what went down in downtown LA during the hurricane hullabaloo.
Hurricane Hilary, the first hurricane in 83 years, sent the mainstream media mafia into a frenzy, convincing Los Angeles to brace for the worst with their usually overdramatic reports. The hurricane’s arrival, however, left DTLA soaked but not quite living up to the hyped-up drama. Unlike a classic disaster movie predicted by local news, Hurricane Hilary spared DTLA from the chaos of power outages and lockdowns, although there may have been a shortage of toilet paper at Ralph’s, Target, and Whole Foods. DTLA had little need for emergency generators, batteries, radios, or candles here.
Downtown LA in the Eye of the Hurricane Hurricane Hilary set forth on a remarkable path, leaving an indelible mark as it roamed. Born as a tropical storm on August 16 off the southwest coast of Mexico, Hilary rapidly intensified, reaching an alarming Category 4 hurricane status by August 17. As it made landfall in Mexico’s northern Baja California Peninsula the hurricane
charting a direct course towards downtown L.A.
This unique trajectory made Hilary the first tropical storm to track over the DTLA basin since 1939. As it journeyed, it brought with it flash floods, gusty winds, and record breaking rainfall, creating a whirlwind of meteorological mischief only a downtown hurricane could mimic, lasting a whopping 18 hours.
Hurricane Hilary wasn’t content with just rain; it added an unexpected twist with a 5.1 earthquake hitting 80 miles west in Ojai that was felt by most in DTLA. Forever to renaming hurricane Hillary as “her a quick.”The Hurriquake”.
Okay we get it! There’s an emergency!
Every two hours across DTLA a jarring symphony took center stage as every phone, television, and baby monitor across the city erupted into a simultaneous inescapable auditory assault. Courtesy of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), a national public warning system designed to deliver vital emergency information to affected communities, these blaring alerts interrupted scrolling, naps and prose to warn DTLA residents to stay indoors, brace for flash floods, and consider the looming threat of even more “hurriquakes”.
measured at a precise 1,050 Hz. Although on commercial broadcast stations, an “attention signal” combining 853 Hz and 960 Hz, we’re sure it killed all the aliens as human eardrums and minds reached the peak of ruin, ending just before our eyeballs and ear drums turned to ooze. Leaving conspiracy theorists to ponder the reasoning behind such a purposely widespread frequency—5G mind control or mass annihilation. Hmmmm?
Continued on page 10....
In a lively collaboration between queer community members and local artists, a unique and uplifting street banner campaign will soon be unveiled that celebrates the rich history and promising future of the LGBTQIA2S+ scene in downtown Los Angeles.
Strategically placed on “The Run” which is fondly known as a circuit of queer-friendly spaces will host the long term banners over a span of 13 city blocks in locations that mark historical and modern-day significance and pay homage to a cherished era in downtown LA, which pre-dates the betterknown LGBTQ+ community in West Hollywood.
"The Run” was fondly known as a circuit of queer-friendly spaces (including bars and bookstores) traversing DTLA from Pershing Square to Main St. during a time when homosexuality was still criminalized (1940s-1960s).
The community thrived and found solace within this vibrant enclave. As the banners take flight, the cherished memories and resilient spirit of “The Run” will be forever memorialized and honored.
Drawing inspiration from iconic queer districts like “Castro” in SF and “Boystown” in Chicago, the banners aim to invigorate “The Run” with a sense of unity and belonging.
To kick off “The Run,” there will be a 2-day block party on Broadway (between 3rd and 4th) on Aug 26th and 27th from noon to 6pm. The street will be closed with a performance stage, photo booth, art installations, arts and crafts tables, lawn games and more!
This event is open to the public and free of charge. The block party is the same weekend of DTLA PROUD’s 8th annual Lovefest at Grand Park (Aug 2527th), stretching this exciting celebration down Broadway.
At the core of this queer public infrastructure vision is Shawn Smith, a devoted DTLA resident since 1990. Fueled by a passion to celebrate the queer community, Smith’s ambitious plans encompass more than just street banners.
Alongside the banner campaign, we eagerly anticipate the realization of rainbow crosswalks, captivating murals, and enchanting rainbow L.E.D. string lighting, adorning the sidewalks and streets within “The Run.” With 4th and Broadway as its new epicenter, these visionary projects promise to illuminate the neighborhood, uniting past and present to celebrate diversity while creating safe spaces. The block party and infrastructure projects are being supported by Council District 14.
“As the campaign evolves, we are thrilled to be collaborating with S.C. Mero, a talented Public Art Artist, renowned for her ability to resurrect forgotten Downtown LA locales and transform them into valuable treasures. Mero’s creative touch will undoubtedly infuse the banner and The Run campaign with even more vibrancy and artistic flair, ” said Smith. @real_shawnsmith
Leading the charge to empower the campaign is DTLA Proud, a nonprofit founded by a dynamic grassroots collective of local residents, business owners, community leaders and nightlife promoters. With their mission to celebrate everyone’s story and expand the definition of diversity, DTLA PROUD opened their community center at THE BLOC (700 W. 7th) known as ART (Accessibility + Representation = Thrive) last year.
ART focuses on a monthly rotating art gallery, free co-working space and a queer marketplace. With the establishment of “The Run,” Downtown LA now has a clear identity and district for its queer community, continuing the mission of DTLA PROUD.
“The Run” banners will be popping up at historic and modern locations around DTLA while also honoring the historic theaters along Broadway that have hosted and supported queer artists and events.
Historic Run:
Pershing Square, Biltmore Hotel Bar, Central Library, One INC, Dover Hotel, Purssord Turkish & Electric Lights, La Cita, Cooper Don-Nuts & Nancy Valverde Square and Yang Na L.A’s original name, a historical location of the Tongva tribe near City Hall, whom allowed same sex marriage and believed homosexuality was determined before birth.
Modern Run Additions will include: Precinct, 10 DTLA, Lustern, Kiso (former Score), Bar Franca, Redline, The New Jalisco Bar, Mezcalero and Green Qween.
Molina Grand Park.
Celebrating the love that the LGBTQIA+ community fosters and encompasses, this 3-day festival will take place from Friday, August 25, to Sunday, August 27, 2023.
Love Fest is set to kick off with a free, allages day on Friday, August 25, from 4pm to 10pm. The festivities will continue over the weekend as a ticketed 21+ event on Saturday and Sunday, August 26 and 27, from 12pm to 10pm each day. The venue, Gloria Molina Grand Park, will transform into a vibrant and inclusive space that overlooks Los Angeles City Hall on Spring St.
With the heart of downtown Los Angeles transformed into a Queer epicenter, during Love Fest, we’ll get to celebrate all members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Downtown and beyond.
The festival will feature a range of offerings, including Queer Vendors, LGBTQIA+ Non-profits, Community Partners, and the hottest, wettest downtown day party, Andres Rigal’s SUMMERTRAMP.
One of the key highlights of Love Fest will be its curated programming, with special focus on segments of the community that are often underrepresented. This year, a new shared space for parents and queer families will be introduced, along with programming dedicated to people of color, trans, non-binary, and femme communities.
on Friday, August 25th, will be the free night of the festival and will feature these inclusive programming segments.
DTLA PROUD’s mission remains steadfast: to create safe spaces and experiences that celebrate queer love and representation. The event also aims to raise funds to support the continued curation of programming at DTLA PROUD’s COMMUNITY CENTER space, A.R.T. (Accessibility, Representation, Thrive).
It’s the Summer of Love thanks to the return of DTLA Proud’s Love Fest, back for its second consecutive year at the newly named GloriaPHOTO COURTESY: SUMMERTRAMP
Grand Park’s spectacular lawn will introduce the festival with all-age programming designed to get the festival kicked off and started with a collective of curated queer vendors, artists, and artisans showcasing their merchandise, goods and crafts. Lastly will also feature resident community DJ’s and community and non-profit booths alike.
DTLA PROUD Festival – Lovefest 2023
Friday, August 25th | 4:00pm-10:00pm
“Mainstage Spectacular” | FREE
Tickets | All ages
Oliver Alpuche has been creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA + community in dtla for almost a decade. He is the founder and executive director of the DTLA Proud Festival , the owner of Redline (a queer bar in the heart of DTLA and most recently opened up the New A+R=T community center by DTLA Proud located at The Bloc - a safe space that focuses on a rotating monthly Art Gallery, Queer Marketplace, community room and free co-working space.
has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional nightlife and special event management services, consistently producing the city's highest quality events. As the Co-Founder DTLA Proud Festival, Green Qween, and the innovative mind behind SummerTramp. Andres Rigal has played an instrumental role in shaping the LBGTQ+ scene in SoCal.
SAT & SUN...
The LOVEFEST with a Splash of SUMMERTRAMP
Day Party for 21+ only in Partnership with SummerTramp, Precinct, Redline, New Jalisco, Bar Franca, Akbar and 10DTLA. Love Fest is also going to have a
collective of curated queer vendors, artists, and artisans showcasing their merchandise, goods and crafts. SummerTramp will also feature resident community DJ’s and community and non-profit booths alike. The Love Fest promises to be an unforgettable celebration of love, diversity, and acceptance within the LGBTQIA+ community.
And let’s not forget about RUN DTLA a two day long block party Saturday and Sunday, flowing down Broadway between 3rd and 4th like a long sparkling pony tail attached to the scalp of DTLA PROUD. as it continues its mission to strengthen and empower the local LGBTQ+ & ally community in Downtown Los Angeles, Love Fest stands as a testament to unity and inclusion.
Ticket Info:
Saturday & Sunday August 26-27 | 12:00pm -10:00pm “Summertramp
Mainstage” | $20 Pre-Sale / $30 at the Door @dtlaproud
Survival of the fittest
DTLA’s Resilient Unhoused: In the face of predicted flash floods, our unhoused population demonstrated their remarkable resilience, proving once again their adaptability and resourcefulness during the most challenging times. Tucked away high in our lofts, just imagine being outside with little shelter during Hurricane Hilary? #grateful
In lew of the impending Hurricane Hilary havoc, downtown Los Angeles confidently awaited its dance with the elements. In precaution, the forecast called for parks battened down, and schools shuttered with most planned Downtown LA events for Sunday, abruptly cancelled.
As Hurricane Hilary raged on, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott sent yet another bus of migrants into DTLA. The bus of migrants, mostly from Venezuela, marked the seventh bus to arrive in less than a month. According to the coalition of groups, most of the asylum-seekers who arrived on Monday evening have sponsors or relatives in Los Angeles.
Mayor Karen Bass seemingly frustrated said this in an official Statement: “That means that while we were urging
Angelenos to stay safe, the Governor of Texas was sending a bus with families and toddlers straight towards us KNOWING they’d have to drive right into an unprecedented storm.”
The Downtown LA hurricane was determined to make a splash, breaking records with the wettest August day ever. Yet, instead of widespread damage, the August rainfall, totaling 2.48 inches, left our city streets cleaner than any Business
lightning. Picture mini surfboards commanded by rodent riders creating a spectacle, as the red-eyed city rats navigated the runoff disappearing into the depths of the city’s underground sewers. With her trademark wit, Artist S.C. Mero managed to harness the storm’s energy to draw attention to our rat infestation and storm drains, yet again delivering her famous recycled -themed satire turning our city streets into an unanticipated playground. @s.c.mero
Improvement District (BID) service could dream of. The downpour washed away decades of accumulated grit, leaving behind a fresh aroma that hadn’t graced our city in almost 100 years. In the hurricane’s aftermath, the skies above DTLA were left brighter than the time of Covid lockdowns back in 2020. Only, instead of the threat of viruses filling DTLA nostrils, it was only fresh air.
In the eye of the tempest, artist S.C. Mero’s imaginative satire struck like
Amidst the storm’s chaos, Dodger Stadium found itself at the center of a prank. The MMM followed the path of Social media reporting on photos that seemed to depict a submerged stadium, fueling a wave of concern. However, the reality was far from the illusion – it turned out to be an ingenious TikTok prank. Erik Braverman, the senior vice president of communications with the baseball team, set the record straight, stating, “The field was completely fine.”
His email message clarified the situation, explaining that while the stadium’s empty parking lots were indeed waterlogged, there was no flooding or damage to the field itself. The ensuing public perception frenzy can perhaps be attributed to the angles, details, and lighting of the initial photo, revealing the intriguing interplay between appearances and reality.
And there you have it, a legend of Hurricane Hilary, hilarity with DTLA coming out WINNING.
If you ever come across a miniature Jesus walking on the waters of a puddle in the city, or happen to spot a dilapidated ATM shooting out leagues of frozen paper money in all directions, chances are you’ve just experienced the artistic urban satire brought to DTLA for over ten years by guerrilla artist S.C. Mero.
As a transplant from Minnesota and a former student of USC, Mero's unique brand of magical realism has a way of breathing new life into overlooked spaces of our urban jungle, often involving ironic takes on our reality using the city’s public structures as her canvas.
These concepts have made Mero one of downtown’s most famous artists.
S.C. Mero is a magical realist who artworks invade our lives here as we traverse the streets of DTLA.
Since 2015 her works have pulled our focus from the mundane into something unexpected revealing the marvelous nature of the objective reality we all share.
With a unique blend of magical realism and streetwise savvy, she’s always coming up with unique ways using imagination, mosiac, sculpture, photography and carpentry to get express her views as an artist.
Her installations capture the essence of modern life with a touch of wit and irreverence. Each piece, carefully placed amidst our daily urban hustle, carries a layer of irony that prompts viewers to reflect on the absurdities of contemporary society.
Mero’s works shine a spotlight on the issues they address. They encourage people to appreciate the outdoors, and in her eyes, they are left to be admired, photographed, removed by the city, or even stolen.
The fate of each piece remains uncertain; some are removed before the end of the day, while others, like the giant wooden suburban mailbox in the Arts District, stand in the same location for years.
For those pieces that make it back home, Mero places them on display at her art gallery located on the corner of 7th and Spring. Others can be found in galleries around SoCal, preserved for the time being, carrying the same political references and public commentary that only Mero has been able to execute.
Inspired by this desire for public commentary, Mero's art can be as unpredictable as the locations where they may appear. However, one common thread from statement to statement is their vulnerability to the elements, along with their power to help others recognize the brilliance behind her works. @s.c.mero
Market Research Analyst
(Job Site: L.A., CA), Pink Diamond Corporation, BA req’d. Salary: $48k/yr. Send resume 550 S. Hill St. #1470 L.A., CA 90013
Systems Developer at Ready Pac Produce, Inc.
(Irwindale, CA): Developing, enhancing, and maintaining Core ERP system. Require BS in Info Tech, Comp Sci, cls rel. Fgn Eqv & 5 yrs exp. Pays $147,410 - $160,000.
Add’l duties, requirements, avail upon request. Email resume & cvr ltr to gabriela. cardenas@bonduelle.com, ref Job#PJ01. EOE.
Pico Auto Parts, Inc in LA Seeking Online Merchant. BA Degree In E-Commerce Required $45,600/Y picoauto1234@gmail.com
BUY, SELL, LEASE AND MANAGE TO SEE ANY OF THE LOFTS BELOW PLEASE GO TO LOFTWAY.COM OR CALL US AT
