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TASTE OF SOUTH PARK
Enjoying the Cali Weather All Together in Downtown LA
And there we were, two thousand or so, enjoying the calm Cali weather, joined by our love of the South Park community and our ambitious appetites as we stood just outside a parking lot on 11th and Grand.
If the serine surroundings of South Park’s curated community weren’t enough to bind us, the aroma from an a-list of food vendors coming from the open lot surely would.
The line had formed for over an hour before Marty Goldberg, founder of the South Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA), had volunteers fling open the gates, and several hours later, guests who had bought tickets days in advance began trickling, with many reluctant to leave until the event was over just before sunset.
They called it "Taste of South Park", and we all got exactly what we expected, and then some. Not only did visitors get a chance to line up for tasters from local favorites like Capital Grille, Pine & Crane, and mini cup pours provided by Good Clean Fun, Taste of South Park gave the people of downtown a chance to get to know South Park leadership in a whole new way.
With SPNA and South Park BID stations leading the way, other booths showcased local businesses, pet services, political candidates, local media outlets, and interactive fitness displays to test our strength.
Like time does, when you’re having fun, the community event flew by, leaving the town to anticipate the next one, but we’d have to wait an entire year until SPNA would finally make the formal announcement...
It’s baaaaack.
The 5th Annual Taste of South Park showcasing food and drinks from 16 South Park restaurants, will be held on Saturday, September 28th, at the lot on 11th and Grand from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, along with food booths, live music, incredible raffles, vendor displays, and delightful socializing with our neighbors.
Pick up the latest copy of the DT Weekly, which joins an a-list of sponsorship partners that includes AEG, Luma, Ten50, the Belasco, Dignity Health-California Hospital Medical Center, Throw Clay LA, and many others who help make this family-oriented community event a success.
This year, 16 participating restaurants and 14 bars will be offering food samples and pouring nine drinks while live bands perform for a seated crowd.
Attendees receive one food sample from each of the 14 food vendors and up to four drink pours. This year’s vendors include the return of Capital Grille, Pine & Crane, Caña Rum Bar, The Craft by Smoke and Fire, and Sakana Sushi Lounge, the Art Room, Audio Graph Beer Co., Dreads Caribbean Cuisine/Hygge Bakery, Duchess, El Cholo, First Draft Taproom & Kitchen, Good Clean Fun, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, The Palm – LA Downtow, Prank Bar, and Sonoritas Prime Tacos.
“Taste of South Park is all about highlighting what an amazing place South Park DTLA is to live in. Neighbors meeting neighbors, new friendships forming, and meeting the courageous business owners that chose to invest in all of us," said Marty Goldberg.
marty & susie goldberg photo by keri freeman
south park bid passing out info photo by keri freeman
MARQUEECE HARRIS-DAWSON
City Hall extended a most heartfelt congratulations to Marqueece Harris-Dawson on Friday, September 20th, on his recent election as President of the Los Angeles City Council.
Seen as dedicated public servant and advocate for social justice, HarrisDawson’s journey from the streets of South Los Angeles to this prestigious leadership role has stood as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his community.
Harris-Dawson who heads District 8 which represents the vote for South Central, Crenshaw District and downtown LA adjoined Figueroa Corridor. Harris-Dawson has spent over two decades reversing the most dire systemic issues affecting the black community.
Facing opposition recently from some over fears of gentrification purposely being masked by award winning Destination Crenshaw project, a beautification plan promising new sidewalks, 30,000 square feet of new landscapes, six public mini parks, 800 trees, seating, shade structures, bike racks, signage and 100plus works of black art, there have been mostly cheers for Harris-Dawson and changes have been welcomed by the people in his district.
As to date, Dawson sits as the Chair of the Planning and Land Use Management Committee. The Planning and Land Use Management Committee oversees all land use planning matters including but not limited to the General Plan, Community Plans, subdivisions, zoning, conditional uses, variances, interim control ordinances, moratoriums; population estimates; growth management; code enforcement except residential code enforcement on existing housing; slum housing abatement; building permit appeals; and construction and maintenance standards and testing.
Armed with a degree from Morehouse College and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Stanford, HarrisDawson entered public service with a mission: to create meaningful change.
Since his election to the City Council in 2015, Harris-Dawson has also led transformative initiatives, including the co-authorship of Proposition HHH, which secured $1.2 billion for permanent supportive housing. This initiative has notably increased affordable housing options in the Eighth District, establishing it as a leader in the city’s housing efforts. Many agree, his work with the Community Safety Partnership has also fostered vital connections between residents and the LAPD, enhancing public safety and trust.
As the newly appointed council president, Harris-Dawson is poised to tackle critical issues facing Los Angeles. He will oversee vital committees, including those related to budgeting and public safety, while also launching a new committee focused on “unarmed response” to traffic stops—an initiative aimed
at reimagining community safety and addressing longstanding concerns about racial disparities in policing.
Dermot Givens, a political consultant, noted Harris-Dawson’s strength as a consensus builder to the LA Times. “He’s a very nice guy, and he’ll continue that consensus-building as council president,” Givens said, reflecting the broad support Harris-Dawson has cultivated among his peers, including those with whom he has previously disagreed.
As Mayor Karen Bass expressed, Harris-Dawson is a fierce advocate for social and economic justice. Her statement emphasized the collaborative spirit Harris-Dawson brings to the role, “I have seen Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s work as a fierce advocate to advance social and economic justice for all Angelenos up close for years. He knows how to get things done and knows that we can get more done when we collaborate as opposed to double down in unnecessary conflict. The City Council is a vital partner in the effort to move Los Angeles forward. Together, we have brought homelessness down for the first time in years, secured living wages for city workers, implemented a comprehensive approach to make Los Angeles safer, invested in law enforcement officers, embraced businesses to help them thrive, and worked to build a greener city. I look forward to continuing this work with the new Council President and the entire City Council as we work to serve the people of Los Angeles.”
DT Weekly celebrates Marqueece Harris-Dawson not only for his achievements but for the promise he holds for the future of Los Angeles. His pragmatic, progressive approach ensures that he will continue to advocate for the quality of life for all residents, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will undoubtedly have in his new role as council president. Congratulations, Council President Harris-Dawson.
Marqueece harris-dawson gets sworn in photo courtesy la city
HISPANIC HERITAGE Month in the DT
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, 2024, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA).
This vibrant city is rich in cultural events that showcase the diverse heritage of the Latino community. Here are some Great Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in DTLA.
Fill Up on Pop Corn at the 26th Annual Hola México Film Festival
For film enthusiasts, the Hola México Film Festival, runs from September 20 to 27. This festival is the largest Mexican film festival outside of Mexico and features 20+ films and 20 short films from its filmmakerfocused program Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today. The film festival strives to highlight the best and brightest talents in Mexican cinematography, spanning comedies, dramas, horror films, and documentaries.
Opening night be gins with a red carpet and select screening and fiesta at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, contrary to past opening nights held at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes across from Olvera Street on September 20th. However, the week continues with screenings at Downtown’s Regal Theater at LA Live, with closing ceremonies back at the
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes on September 27th.
Sponsors of the film festival include DCA (Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles), KCRW, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, McDonald’s, Maison Perrier, and presenting sponsor the 2025 Toyota Camry. www. holamexicoff.com
Sabor La Feria de los Moles
La Feria de los Moles on September 28 and 29 is coming to Gloria Molina Grand Park. Celebrating its 17th anniversary, this beloved event showcases the best of Mexican cuisine, focusing on the rich tradition of mole. Due to popular demand, this year features a second day of gastronomical celebration, allowing for even more opportunities to sample a variety of moles, including Mole Poblano, Mole Negro-Oaxaca, and many others.
@grandparkla
Laugh Now/Cry Later at Latino Theater in the Historic Core: Whittier Boulevard is now playing at the Latino Theater Company. This critically acclaimed production returned with its blend of comedy, drama, music, and dance, exploring themes of ageism in a dystopian Los Angeles of 2042.
The story follows faded Chicana starlet Veronica Del Rio on the eve of her 75th birthday as she enlists help to avoid being forgotten by history.
Powerful performance and theatrical magic address important social issues in this play sure to resonate with all types of audiences. @latinotheaterco
Get in the Groove during Cumbia Week
From September 20 to 27, Cumbia Week will showcase the lively rhythms of this popular music genre through a series of concerts, film screenings, art exhibits, workshops, and panel discussions. Presented by Cumbiatón, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Misterpsychedelia, and ZZK Records, opening night hits the dance floor of the Teregram
Ballroom just west of the Harbor Freeway on 7th Street.
This week-long celebration highlights the rich cultural influence and evolution of Cumbia music. It aims to bring together different communities through the joy of music and dance, making it a fantastic opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Latin America. @zzkrecords.com
Creativity Wins at LA Library
The Latino Heritage Month art exhibit is now on exhibit at the Los Angeles Public Library throughout September and October. The exhibit is free and open to the public. @lalibrary
photo by mars sandoval
SHOHEI OHTANI
Dodger Superman Breaks Another Record in Major League Baseball
With a home run in the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins, Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani became the first MLB player ever with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.
The Marlins must have been taken aback by being able to witness Ohtani’s amazing feats, realizing quickly the rumors were true as Ohtani was stealing bases and hitting home runs left and right the entire game.
First, Ohtani stole third base in the first inning for his 50th steal of the season and followed it up with his 51st steal. Then, in the top of the sixth, he homered to right center field for his 49th blast of the year, before reaching the unprecedented milestone with a 109.7-mph shot to left field off pitcher Mike Baumann.
Now all-time Dodger singleseason record holder in home runs, passing Shawn Green’s club record of 49, officially placing in the top three of all time followed by Shawn Green in 2001, and Adrián Beltré in 2004.
Entering 2024, Ohtani had career highs of 46 home runs and 26 stolen bases, both in 2021 when he won the first of his two American League Most Valuable Player awards. Through June 30 this season, his 26 home runs outpaced his 16 stolen bases, but Ohtani then turned on the jets. After being thrown out on his first stolen-base attempt after the All-Star Game, Ohtani has stolen 28 in a row without being caught, over only 52 games.
The homer gave Ohtani a career-high five hits, to go with seven RBI. He also became the first player with at least five hits, multiple home runs and multiple stolen bases in a single game since at least 1901, according to MLB. com.
mass abundance at grand cafe
On the home run side, Ohtani has already posted a series of milestones, including his first homer as a Dodger (April 3), most homers by a Japaneseborn player (176, April 21) and his 200th career homer (July 13). The seven longest homers by a Dodger this year belong to Ohtani, peaking at 476 feet on June 18 at Colorado. Ohtani also has the Dodgers’ top five homers in exit velocity during the Statcast era, led by a 118.3 mph blast on April 23 at Washington.
The 30-year-old Ohtani was already the fastest player in MLB history and sixth overall to reach the 40/40 mark, doing so August 23 with a stolen base and walk-off grand slam in the Dodgers’ 129th game of the season (126th game for Ohtani).
Previously, Ohtani joined the 30/30 club on July 30, becoming the third Dodger to reach that milestone following Raul Mondesi (1997, 1999) and Matt Kemp (2011).
Ohtani has three multi-homer games in 2024 (also May 5, June 16) and 10 multi-steal games, including three steals on August 3 and September 2. Ohtani has also stolen a base and hit a homer in the same game 13 times in 2024, tying Rickey Henderson’s MLB record (1986). With 12 homers and 15 steals in August, he became the sixth player since 1920 to lead MLB in homers and steals in a calendar month. Ohtani is the only player in Dodger history with two months of at least 12 homers in the same season.
shohei ohtani 50.50 photo courtesy the los angeles dodgers
Celebrating Diversity – DTLA City Lights Set to Unite in a Glowing Display of Solidarity
Have you ever seen City Hall light up in red or purple and wondered why? Or witnessed the 73 story electric spine of the Intercontinental Hotel change from white to rainbows once the sun goes down. Well, thanks to modern technology, these modern marvels have the ability to change their appearance with the flip of a switch to commemorate holidays, events, people or important causes.
City Hall lights up for LA For All launch 2022 – Photos courtesy by LA For All
While it’s common to see an individual landmarks light up for the night, Downtown Los Angeles is about to witness a unique spectacle. For the third year, the award-winning “LA is For Everyone” campaign will announce its presence with more than a dozen iconic landmarks illuminated simultaneously.
From Friday, September 27th through Sunday, September 29th, these DTLA giants – the U.S. Bank Tower, Union Station, LA City Hall, the InterContinental Hotel, Ritz-Carlton, BMO Stadium, LA Coliseum, 2nd Street Tunnel, and USC’s Galen Center digital board – will all light up together, glowing in a vibrant display of solidarity.
This dazzling mosaic of colors isn’t just beautiful; it’s a powerful statement celebrating LA’s incredible diversity and sending a clear message: LA is for everyone.
Capri Maddox is the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (LA Civil Rights) is the greater of the award winning marketing campaign. Appointed in 2020 by Mayor Eric Garcetti, she is the first Executive Director to address systemic racism and bias in the areas of commerce, education, employment, and housing.
“Since 2020, LA Civil Rights has worked to protect Angelenos from hate and discrimination,” says Director Capri Maddox. “This illumination celebrates three years of fighting hate and building an inclusive LA for All.”
What is hidden in the dark must come out in the light.
The LA Civil Rights Department created and launched the LA For All campaign in 2020 as hate crimes were rising across the region. The campaign has since grown to include 21 languages and has been displayed in over 10,000 throughout
Greater Los Angeles, including trains and buses, city parks, libraries, and hundreds of local businesses. The campaign also won the Bronze Award from the American Advertising Federation’s Los Angeles Competition.
This three-night spectacle, shining a light on unity, is a testament to LA’s vibrant spirit and unwavering commitment to inclusion. @lacivilrights
capri maddox (2nd from the right) photo courtesy la is for everyone
Page 9: September 2024 Brings News
of Closures in Downtown – Shocking the World!
Media announcements published Macy’s closing over 150 stores began in 2022, but downtown didn’t bat an eye until finding out recently the Macy’s at the Bloc was one of the locations slated for closure, ripping a tear through the fabric of DTLAs retail empire.
Sources say the store, which like many others in the chain has suffered from low in-store sales, employee shortages, and theft. Downtown Macy fans can expect to see the gradual breakdown beginning with the cosmetic section as early as December with the stores closure in March of 2025. After that, our nearest opportunity to shop in store at Macys will be in Glendale.
Not a Vegan Burger in Sight: Kevin Hart’s Restaurant Chain Closes
Forget about Shake Shack closing their Bunker Hill location as this year’s juicy burger shocker, Kevin Hart just shuttered all four locations of his vegan burger restaurant slash manufacturing plant all at once with not so much as a hint upon why, leaving the entire world to speculation.
Coming up on the two-week mark, it looks like there’ll be no more plant power for USC “Hart House” location on Fig, as the famous comedian/ actor still hasn’t made a formal comment as to why the closures took place. The
IG page turned off comments on social media, and for good reason. Comments across platforms aren’t all positive.
The 45-year-old megastar is estimated to have $450 million in net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth, and could easily retire, however, fans of the restaurant are still hoping what ever his future endeavors include, Kevin Hart will keep it vegan.
Saving
Big Man Bakes! It was in 2009 when Chip Brown first brought his cupcake bakery to Downtown Los Angeles.
At well over 6 feet, 5 inches, the Old Bank District didn’t put up a fight when it came to comprehending Big Man Bakes new signage.
Quickly becoming a valued community member in a time before Sprinkles, the Main Street store sat at the cusp of a rapidly progressing corridor with the potential to change all of Downtown Los Angeles.
And so it did. Within an eyeshot of the bakery stood Baco Mercat (RIP), Pete’s (RIP), Blossom (RIP), and The Original Lash (RIP) all uniquely differentiated establishments that convened to make Main St. and 4th a quite pleasant place to be.
Back then, Brown told a young, inspiring publisher of the TheGrawn (Gallery Row Art Walk News),
“To be honest,” he says, “In the past three years, I’ve seen tremendous development, and it’s great to be a part of that. People come up to me and say, ‘We feel like a real neighborhood now that we have cupcakes.”
As what a feeling it was.
Fast forward: fifteen-years later, thanks to the batter of Covid, baked with riots, homelessness, and low morals, the taste of downtown has become bittersweet, and Big Man Bakes has fallen into hardship.
“Temporary Closed”, scream messaging from a search on both Yelp and Google, and the windows that once let passersby catch a glimpse of happy consumers lined up to pick up cupcakes have gone dark to mask the empty trays that once’s filled with the neighborhood with delights.
However, Big Man’s delicious recipes and lack of customer base don’t explain why the doors have shuttered.
Recently, the “Big Man” suffered two strokes within a matter of days. Thanks to one very skilled neurology team and some amazing nurses, after nine weeks, Chip is back on his feet and making great strides every day.
According to a recent Go Fund Me page, friends and family are asking for the community’s help to raise $50,000 to help Chip and his beloved “Big Man Bakes” back and running. @therealbigmanbakes
BROADWAY NIGHT LIGHTS
(a festival for everyone)
Restoring the luster of downtown’s yesteryear by calling attention to the historic theaters and new retail shops on the Broadway, Councilmember Kevin de León is planning a multi-cultural event inviting all to Broadway Night Lights, coming Saturday, October 12th.
Following in the traditions of the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk and the self-guided Night on Broadway tours that brought over 50,000-100,000 people to explore the iconic streets of the Historic Core in 2018-19, Kevin de León’s Broadway Night Lights promises to be a fresh new take.
Held in conjunction with the Los Angeles Theater, Palace Theater, and Million Dollar Theater just like its predecessors, Broadway Night Lights will line the streets with artisan vendors, food trucks, carnival rides, visual artists, nonprofit causes, and special guest musical performances.
Get ready to sing and dance!
Ninel Conde, El Bombón Asesino, The Wendolls, Lorenzo Méndez, Evelyn Champagne King, Chaparro Chuacheneguer y Juanito Millonzuki, Carmen Jara, Yari More, Trinidad James, Latin Band, Butter Funk Family, Luis Arturo, Oye Mi Gaita de Venezuela, Trish Toledo, L.A. Sonora, Mia Marcella, Tuxedo, Buddha Trixie, and The Citie. Additional acts to be announced.
performances, festivalgoers can enjoy historic theater tours, interactive art installations, and unique attractions like Lucha Libre wrestling, a classic car show, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Media Partners include LA Mega 96.3, La Raza 97.9, DTLA Weekly, and Audacy’s Los Angeles stations—KNX News 97.1 FM, KROQ, 94.7 The Wave, K-EARTH 101, and 93.1 Jack FM.
Special thanks to the Historic Core, DTLA Alliance, LA Fashion District, Broadway West, LA-Parks, Play LA, Grand Performances, Harmony Event, Happy Group, Hello Stranger, HappeningInDTLA, Grand Central Market, and the LA Conservancy.
Tips for success, dress warm, wear comfortable, and Go Metro to Broadway Night Lights!
Calling All Vendors and Food Vendors!
This is your chance to showcase your food, crafts, products and causes to thousands of attendees. Applications are still open for vendors and food vendors. Apply now by visiting broadwaynightlights.com/vendorssponsors
Pick up the latest copy of the DT Weekly, which joins an a-list of media partners at Broadway Night Lights. @broadwaynightlights
