DOWNTOWN WEEKLY THE SPIRIT OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM VOL 19. NO. 10 OCT 12 - OCT 18 2023
DTLA
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
SUPERFINE ART FAIR AT THE MAGIC BOX
CicLAvia HEART OF THE CITY QUEST FOR CD14
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KEVIN de LEON
DTLA MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
MAX KHOSLA
OF TRAILOR BROS
THE BROAD STROKES OF DOWNTOWN WEEKLY
on the cover:
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PHOTO: SUPERFINE ART SHOW
SUPERFINE ART SHOW :
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ciclavia heart of the city...4 superfine art show returns...6 max khosla of trailer music...8 quest for cd14 - kevin de leon...9 <<
THE BRUSHES
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
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
4 STAY HEALTHY DTLA: CICLAVIA RETURNS BY JACKSON ROBERTS
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CiCLAVIA - HEART OF LA RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
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n Sunday, October 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the heartbeat of Los Angeles pulses through CicLAvia – Heart of LA, a signature route presented by Metro.
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his event, marking CicLAvia’s 48th car-free open streets celebration, invites individuals of all ages and abilities to embark on a 7.8-mile car-free adventure. The route winds through the heart of the city, connecting diverse neighborhoods, including Downtown LA, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Historic Core of DTLA, South Park, the iconic 6th Street Viaduct, and vibrant Boyle Heights. From jogging, riding, biking, skating, running, walking, skateboarding, to simply spectating and playing, the possibilities are endless. Participants have the freedom to join in at any point along the route, and the best part is it's always free.
A Journey Through the ‘Heart of LA’
PHOTO COURTESY: CICLAVIA
Exploring the Heart of the City CicLAvia Heart of LA isn’t just about physical activity; it’s a celebration of community and culture. Use the CicLAvia Interactive Digital Map to plan your journey, exploring the wealth of local businesses, hidden gems, activities, and Hubs along the route. .
CicLAvia isn’t just about exploration; it’s about fostering healthy lifestyles, promoting equitable transportation options, and strengthening connections within communities. The car-free streets encourage shopping at local businesses, providing access to cultural and architectural gems, and most importantly, making a positive impact on the environment. By promoting sustainable and climate-resilient practices, CicLAvia contributes to a greener, cleaner, and healthier Los Angeles.
CicLAvia – Heart of LA is not just about the destination; it’s about the incredible journey. The route is dotted with four vibrant Hubs, serving as both gathering points and walking zones (bike dismounts). Each Hub adds to the fun, offering a range of activities and programs. The South Park Hub, the Chinatown Hub, A Communal Celebration the Little Tokyo Hub, and the Mariachi of All Things L.A. Plaza Hub, provide family-friendly Only people-powered vehicles are allowed activities, restrooms, free water refilling at CicLAvia, emphasizing the importance stations, basic bike repair, bike parking, of active mobility. This means no electric and first aid. scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, or
motorcycles. However, Class 1 e-bike pedal-assist is welcome, as are Class 2 e-bikes when the throttle is powered off, and Class 3 e-bikes when pedal-assist is powered off. Motorized wheelchairs are also allowed, ensuring inclusivity.
CicLAvia – Heart of LA is a celebration for all.
This nonprofit organization’s mission is to introduce Angelenos to the civic and cultural treasures within the city, highlighting important issues such as environmental health, air quality improvement, access to open parks, physical and mental well-being. With over 1.8 million participants and 280 miles of car-free streets, CicLAvia’s unifying social fabric connects diverse neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community among neighbors. CicLAvia brings people together to enjoy incredible moments and experiences on the city’s open streets. CicLAvia happens on Sunday, October 15, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. @ciclavia
DTLA APPETITE: THE PALM BY KERI FREEMAN
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6 DTLA ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE: SUPERFINE ART FAIR
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SUPERFINE ART FAIR RETURNS TO THE MAGIC BOX
ne of DTLAs largest art shows returns this week. Superfine Art Fair, known for its support for independent artists and art enthusiasts, will be hosting its annual creative fair at the Magic Box from October 12th to 15th, 2023 and this year’s fair promises an extraordinary experience for art lovers and collectors.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUPERFINE ART FAIR
Over 75% of visitors report attending the fair with the intention to acquire new art, making it a prime opportunity for independent artists to sell their work and expand their collector network.
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ollowing its success in New York City, Superfine Art Fair is set to showcase the works of 60 inperson artists, thoughtfully curated and approachably priced from $100 to $3000. Founded in 2015 by entrepreneurs Alex Mitow and James Miille, the fair has gained national recognition, and its fourth edition in Los Angeles is poised to celebrate the culture of Southern California. The festivities kick off with an exclusive Grand Opening Gala on October 12th. Friends with Benefits ticket holders and above will be treated to an evening of enchantment, featuring live music by international saxophone player LE // ON and producer Motoe Haus. Guests will also have the opportunity to encounter the 3Dmetadress – brainchild of HEISEL and Meta Fashion House – and virtually adorn themselves while indulging in complimentary bubbly, all within Superfine’s distinctive atmosphere.
On October 13th, from 3-6pm, Superfine Art Fair opens its doors to LA students and members of major LA museums for free. Over the course of the fair, visitors can enjoy a dynamic program filled with music, live art demonstrations, and engaging installations presented by Wallspace and The Style Guide. Superfine Art Fair’s artist-to-buyer model fosters a direct connection between creators and collectors within a professionally curated space. Upholding their democratic ideals, 100% of art sales directly benefit the artists. Superfine’s unique approach has garnered widespread acclaim from notable media outlets such as Forbes, the Guardian, and the Advocate.
James Miille, co-founder and exhibiting artist, remarked, “It’s rare that someone visits one of our fairs and doesn’t walk out with something they’ve fallen in love with – at the very least a print, but often an original painting, sculpture, or limited photograph.” Artists are encouraged to showcase affordable prints and merchandise, catering to collectors at all levels of expertise. In addition to Los Angeles, Superfine Art Fair hosts annual editions in cities such as New York City, Washington DC, Miami, Seattle, and Savannah, along with biannual shows in San Francisco. Superfine Art Show takes place October 12-15th at the Magic Box, located at 1933 Broadway, LA, CA 90007. @superfineartshow
8 MUSIC TO YOUR EARS - BY ABEL WEISS
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Max Khosla of Trailer Bros Shaping the Landscape of Cinema with Music
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ax Khosla’s unwavering passion for music, combined with his creative genius, continues to shape the landscape of cinematic music, making him an enduring and influential figure in the film and TV advertising industry.
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ax Khosla is a visionary music producer and the creative force behind Trailer Bros, a trailblazing music production studio dominating the the world of cinematic music these days. Born in India, Max has always had an innate passion for music. Max’s journey from India to the United States in 2002 marked the beginning of an extraordinary career studying in the US at Hollywood’s renown Musician’s Institute. It was there where Max honed his musical prowess with studies in guitar, recording engineering, and audio editing. These formative years laid the foundation for Max’s future endeavors and set the stage for his innovative contributions.
Their collaborations with major studios have birthed iconic campaigns, including “Fast X,” “Black Panther-Wakanda Forever,” “Avatar”, “Warlock” “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning” and plenty of other projects past and present with NBC Universal. “To sit in a theater in
downtown LA, surrounded by its rich history and vibrant energy, and hear my own music play during a trailer – it’s an exhilarating feeling, a testament to the universal power of sound and storytelling.” Max told Downtown Weekly. PHOTO COURTESY: TRAILER BROS In 2009, Max Khosla founded Trailer Bros, a pioneering label that has become synonymous with crafting music tailored specifically for movie trailers and TV spots. Max’s visionary approach to music production led to the creation of cinematic soundscapes perfectly suited for short-form advertising campaigns, injecting excitement and anticipation into blockbuster releases. With an illustrious portfolio comprising over 700 blockbuster campaigns, Max Khosla and Trailer Bros have consistently delivered high-quality music that elevates advertising to an art form.
So what makes Max Khosla’s such a sought out name in the Entertainment industry? He’s a master at providing music that captivates audiences and enhances the impact of advertising campaigns. His meticulous approach ensures that the music seamlessly complements the visual storytelling, leaving an indomitable impression on viewers. As a visionary leader and music producer, Max Khosla’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and dedication to crafting exceptional music for advertising campaigns have set him apart in the industry. www.trailerbros.com
QUEST FOR CD14 BY JAMIE HERRERA
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QUEST FOR CD14 - KEVIN DE LEON
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n a plot twist that could rival your favorite telenovela, Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León remains resolute, despite the no-holdsbarred leaked audio scandal earlier this year.
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fter enduring months of protests, including protests outside his house, being temporarily stripped of council duties, and numerous calls to step down from political leaders and social media thumb warriors, Kevin has stood fast in performing his duties for CD14, a district representing Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, NELA, Eagle Rock, and Downtown LA. In an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News, Kevin de León shared his recent journey, saying, “I could’ve buried my head in the sand and pretended there’s no room for growth. But I didn’t do that. I’ve connected with folks from the religious community, other community leaders, and it’s been quite a process. This journey might take years, but it’s happening, and frankly, it’s not over yet. I think I’ve become a better person through it.” Despite the tumultuous backdrop, Kevin’s most recent ten months in office have seen notable achievements. In May, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the DTLA 2040 Plan, including protections for garment workers and mandatory affordable housing in Downtown LA, ensuring a mix of incomes.
Kevin received praise in Boyle Heights for securing grants for the Hollenbeck Park Lake Rehabilitation Project,
PHOTOS COURTESY KEVIN DE LEON a transformation of one of the city’s oldest and most iconic parks. “This $25 million, along with another $17 million that I helped secure through other grant funding sources, will transform this park into the pristine, lush space that it was when it first opened over 130 years ago,” said de León. Meanwhile, Boyle Heights community activist Mago Amador expressed gratitude, stating, “For decades, the voices in our community that have called for improvements here at the lake have gone unanswered – until now. This project will deliver meaningful enhancements to our urban environment and reverse years of environmental pollution in Boyle Heights.”
For Downtown, Kevin spearheaded homeless encampment cleanups and community beautification projects in partnership with the Bureau of Street Services and The Downtown Center BID. He also played a crucial role in the Art Walk Revival community project, DTLA Art Night, alongside longstanding Historic Core BID Director, Blair Besten. CD14’s sponsorship of enjoyable summer concerts in Grand Park and Pershing Square provided artists and musicians across the city with opportunities to entertain and uplift the masses. This year de León, established Zoot Suit Heritage Week, June 3-9th, in recognition of Chicano culture and to apologize for the City’s past atrocities that occurred during the Zoot Suit Riots back in 1943.
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10 QUEST FOR CD14 BY JAMIE HERRERA - PHOTOS COURTESY KEVIN DE LEON
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Come Back Kev! As for the infamous leaked audio, Kevin de León joined former colleague Gil Cedillo in suing two ex-employees of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, alleging invasion of privacy and negligence. The lawsuits claim that husband and wife, Santos Leon and Karla Vasquez, recorded the audio without their knowledge or consent to tarnish their reputations. Unfortunately, bad humor and gossip during a private October 2021 meeting where de León, Cedillo, former City Council President Nury Martinez, and former Federation President Ron Herrera discussed ways to revise City Council district boundaries in favor of Latino voters, have overshadowed Kevin’s lifetime career of accomplishments, including securing a $47.5 million grant for Skid Row, the largest infrastructure grant ever for the Skid Row district. Skid Row has the largest concentration of American Blacks in downtown LA. Politically silent in the grand scheme of voices in downtown able to bring forth positive change, blacks only contribute a mere 4% of voters within the CD14 voter pool. Despite calls from voters, political opponents, Black Lives Matter protests, and even the President to step down, the Councilmember remains undeterred in his pursuit of re-election.
Come Back Kev!
Still, in the midst of this wild drama, some city hall pundits believe there’s a significant chance that de León could make a comeback and retain his office chair in City Hall. Four recall attempts have failed, and de León knows people haven’t forgotten the scandal, he’s banking on an electoral victory to continues his renewed focus to improve CD-14. But, can he win? Kevin de León was elected to the California State Senate in 2010, and in 2014 he was elected by his colleagues to lead the Senate, making him the first
Latino to serve as President pro Tempore in over a century. Before his election to the Senate, Kevin served four years in the State Assembly. Prior to joining the Los Angeles City Council, Kevin was a professor, senior analyst, and distinguished policymakerin-residence at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs; as well as a Distinguished Fellow for Climate, Environmental Justice and Health with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute at the University of Southern California.
One thing is for sure, Kevin de León is a mean-lean getting money machine. Kevin secured more than $68 million to revitalize the Los Angeles River, $176 million to clean up toxic waste around the former Exide Technologies facility, funding for more than a dozen new parks, and $26 million to complete the Los Angeles State Historic Park. Outside of downtown, he’s appropriated tens of millions of dollars to make Los Angeles schools more energy-efficient through Prop 39, bringing relief to city taxpayers. Kevin also authored Proposition 68, to keep drinking water clean and open new parks throughout the state.
As author of Proposition 2, he secured the largest financial investment to build permanent supportive housing for Californians experiencing homelessness, especially in Los Angeles. Those kind of investments haven’t gone unnoticed by the communities they’ve service, earning him the nickname of “the Councilmember with the golden touch.”
Got Papers?
Prior to being elected to public office, Kevin worked as a community organizer and also as a teacher, teaching English as a Second Language and U.S. Citizenship. Most likely, constituents of CD14 whose lives, businesses and neighborhoods have been positively impacted by Kevin de León will not cast their votes against him. Time is on his side, and with more characters entering the storyline, support for newcomer candidates could end up splitting votes hurting the chances for more well-known political opponents in this CD14 novela, such as Miguel Santiago and Wendy Carrillo. The primary election is set for March 5, and DTLA be watching each episode to see if de León will be here for the next season of “Come Back Kevin.” Photos courtesy of Concilmember Kevin de León, CD14. councildistrict14.lacity.
DTLA REAL ESTATE EMPIRE BY KERI FREEMAN
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