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FEBRUARY 3, 2020 I VOL. 49 I #05

HEADS UP Looking to Buy? Two Massive Art Fairs Come to Downtown

“Daliful” by Kazu Hiro, photo courtesy L.A. Art Show

See Page 12

DA Candidates Square Off at Debate Page 3

the state of homeless women worsens Page 10

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

2 DOWNTOWN NEWS

AROUND TOWN

Industrial District Building Erupts in Flames

vacant Industrial District building erupted into flames during the morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 29. Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters arrived at a blaze at a one-story commercial building at 1405 E. 15th Street at 5:45 a.m. Flames were already seen burning through the structure’s roof as firefighters arrived on the scene. No injuries were reported and no nearby structures were impacted during the fire. According to Los Angeles Fire Department Public Information Officer Brian Humphrey, the building contained unspecified equipment and a cause of the fire is still under investigation as of press time.

The Broad Rolls Out Free Exhibitions for Fifth-Year Anniversary

unker Hill’s The Broad museum is celebrating a major anniversary in September and wants the community to be a part of the party. As part of the year-long celebrations, the museum is launching new programming this week. The Broad will use

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the building’s first and third-floor galleries specifically for free shows comprised of art pulled from The Broad collection of roughly 2,000 art pieces. The programming starts on Saturday, Feb. 8 with a show collecting 17 installation pieces from the artist Christopher Wool (including 13 staged for the first time), ranging from text and roller paintings to mixed-media digital works. A second show, Desire, Knowledge, and Hope (with Smog) opens April 4, with works from the recently deceased John Baldessari. More information is at thebroad.org.

Two More Chances to Learn More About the DTLA 2040 Plan

he Department of City Planning is working on updating the city’s community plans, which outline zoning and development guidelines. That starts with Downtown, with the DTLA 2040 plan. Last week City Planning staff held an open informational session at the South Park Business Improvement District’s offices. There are two more this week. There will be events at the Little Tokyo branch of the Los Angeles Public Library on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. and the Chinatown branch on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. The events do not include a formal presentation, however staff from the Department of City Planning will be on hand to explain the proposal and answer any questions. More information planning.lacity.org.

Why does this little burger stand attract over a million people a year?

Find out at the landmark location near Downtown. Home of the original Chili-burger. Quality and value since 1946:

Chili Hamburger .............. $3.15 Chili Cheeseburger ........... $3.70

Many Imitate, But None Compare!

FEBRUARY 3, 2020

Garcetti Backs de León for City Council Seat

Uncle Paulie’s Opens in Downtown

ith the March primary election fast approaching, Mayor Eric Garcetti has thrown his support behind Kevin de León for the 14th District City Council race. In a statement on Wednesday, Jan. 29, Garcetti said de León has “the kind of experienced leadership we need in the City Council.” “Throughout his career as a public servant, Kevin de León has consistently delivered transformative change to lift up the families he represents,” Garcetti’s statement continued. “From increasing the minimum wage to $15, funding homeless housing with mental health services, and pushing for cleaner air, more parks, safer streets, and better transportation infrastructure - Kevin knows how to work with other leaders to achieve real progress on our greatest challenges.” De León, the former state Senate president pro tempore, previously ran against Diane Feinstein for a Senate seat in 2018. Other candidates on the ballot include advertising executive and former Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Vice President Cyndi Otteson, social worker Raquel Zamora, Los Angeles Unified School District board member Mónica Garcia, and nonprofit executive John Jimenez. The current councilman for the 14th District, Jose Huizar, is being termed out. The primary election is on March 3; if no candidate receives a majority of votes the top two candidates will go to a runoff election in November.

he Downtown Los Angeles iteration of the highly popular deli Uncle Paulie’s opened at 820 S. Spring Street last week. The sandwich shop, popular amongst the celebrity crowd, opened its second location on the ground floor of the Tuck Hotel on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The space is only open for lunch service as of press time. Drawing inspiration from East Coast Italian-American delis and bodegas, the restaurant serves classic sandwiches such as roast beef, italian and turkey pesto clubs. There are also speciality sandwiches with names like The Joey, The Linda and The Jonny. The restaurant also serves salads and other bites as well. The price floats around $11-$13 a sandwich. Uncle Paulie’s will also serve bites for a small cocktail bar that recently opened in the back of the ground-floor restaurant space called Night Night. Uncle Paulie’s is currently open weekly, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. but breakfast and dinner options are on the horizon.

Correction

n last week’s article titled “Crime increases for Sixth Year in Downtown” it was incorrectly stated that there are 59,000 people living without permanent shelter in Downtown Los Angeles. That number actually refers to the amount of people living without permanent shelter in Los Angeles County.

FEBRUARY 3, 2020

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Downtown District Attorney’s Debate Gets Chippy

From left, District Attorney Jackie Lacey, former San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon, and longtime public defender Rachel Rossi discuss a litany of important topics during a candidates debate at the Aratani Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Incumbent Jackie Lacey Squared Off Against Challengers George Gascon and Rachel Rossi in a Heated Debate at the Aratani Theatre Last Week By Sean P. Thomas lmost consistent protests and jeers from the audience nearly upended a lively debate between the three individuals vying to head the largest prosecutorial agency in the United States. Incumbent District Attorney Jackie Lacey, seeking a third term as Los Angeles district attorney, traded barbs with challengers George Gascon, former district attorney of San Francisco, and Rachel Rossi, a longtime public defender, in between jeers from largely anti-Lacey protestors during a debate organized by KPCC and the Los Angeles Times on Thursday, Jan. 29. It was the first time that the three have met on the same stage. The nearly 90-minute debate, moderated by L.A. Times editorial writer Robert Greene and KPCC politics reporter Libby Denkmann, saw multiple protestors removed from the audience at the Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo, underscoring the contention over the district attorney’s office and the heated nature behind a race that many characterize as a clash between traditional law-and-or-

der strategies and more progressive policies championed in areas like Philadelphia. The first few rounds of questions progressed as expected, with each candidate expressing their stance without little interruption, but around the third question, a man began shouting from the crowd toward Lacey, at one point, approaching the stage, prompting security and other members of the front-row audience to leap from their seats in preparation to protect the candidates. After a few minutes the crowd did settle down, but the remainder of the debate was marred by regular interruptions, with some groups shouting “Jackie Lacey must go” as the incumbent attempted to answer questions. At multiple times throughout the evening, security was forced to wade through the seats to forcibly remove audible protestors. The debate touched on some of the most pressing criminal and legal issues facing Los Angeles, such as how to handle homelessness and the mentally ill, prosecution of po-

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photo by Sean P. Thomas

lice-involved shootings, the racial disparities in both the county jail and the district attorney’s office, cash bail, gang enhancements and the death penalty, amonst others. Voters will have the opportunity to select a candidate during the March 3 primary election. Homelessnes and Mental Illness The debate began with a discussion on the prosecution of homeless and mentally ill individuals. Rossi, who started her legal career as a public defender in Los Angeles County and has positioned herself as a progressive alternative to Lacey, said if she became district attorney she would prioritize scaling back the “criminalization of poverty,” instead focusing on the root causes of home-

lessness. Rossi said that as district attorney she would develop a task force that is responsible for investigating developers and landlords for illegal practices. “We need a justice system that works for all people, instead of criminalizing the homeless. Let’s fight homelessness, let’s end homelessness,” Rossi said. Gascon, who most recently served as San Francisco District Attorney before stepping down in October, agreed to an extent, touching on the impact that being arrested can have on low-income individuals. “We need to be careful to make sure that we do not use the criminal justice system to criminalize poor people, or to criminalize people because they can’t afford a house,” Continued on page 5

4 DOWNTOWN NEWS

EDITORIALS

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FEBRUARY 3, 2020

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Don’t Let Perception Become Reality

or the sixth straight year crime rates increased in Downtown. For those who have been banging the drum of an increasingly lawless Downtown, the numbers only confirmed their perception. However the tricky thing about statistics is that they can sometimes lack nuance and context. As Los Angeles Downtown News reported last week, crime rose again in Downtown in 2019, for the sixth year in a row, with a 4.2% increase in violent and property crimes, otherwise known as “Part 1” crimes. Data from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Division, which is headquartered in Downtown, showed moderate increases in nearly every category of violent and property crimes. Overall violent crime increased by 3.2%. The one substantial spike compared to the previous year was a rise in property theft, mostly often in the form of purse or phone snatches, according to Central Division. People might read a headline akin to “Crime Increases Again in Downtown,” and create the perception that the Central City is slowly shifting into the Wild West. That simply isn’t the case. It is not the time to panic. What we are seeing is the byproduct of a growing residential base and increased citywide traffic into Downtown, and both of these new groups must increasingly be aware of their changing surroundings. That should be a rule of thumb for anyone living in a major metropolitan area. In a perfect world, the onus on not being a victim would not lay on the victim, but on the criminal, however that simply is not the reality. As Downtown continues to evolve into a major arts, entertainment and business destination, crime is likely to follow and it’s unfortunate to read how often a crime could have been prevented if people simply paid attention to their environment. Major transit lines terminate in the Central City and more and more people are coming into Downtown for work and the nightlife. As Central Division acknowledged, there is an increased opportunity for people to commit crime. Now, that’s not to say that crime isn’t a serious concern. Homicides in Downtown saw a slight increase last year, from 14 to 17 last year, but that is still down from the spike of 21 homicides in 2017. Seventeen people still lost their lives needlessly, and that needs to be addressed moving forward, however, crime in Downtown is not skyrocketing with the increased opportunity, according to data. This is not something to celebrate, in fact Central Division Capt. Timothy Harrelson made it clear that he was not happy with the numbers presented, but acknowledged that the situation could be far worse. While we don’t like to discount how impactful personal experience can be when it comes to perceptions of safety, and this page acknowledges that more work needs to be done as Downtown continues to grow, let’s not let concern give way to panic and amplify fears beyond what is actually happening.

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City Hall Council Chambers Kobe Bryant Day in the City of Los Angeles August 24, 2016

COMMENTS

In response to the article “Garcetti Backs de Leon for City Council Seat” Is anyone surprised? DTLA is as important to CD14 as... Skid Row is to DTLA. Welcome to getting steamrolled. — Michael Vecchio

We. Need. Footbeat. Patrols. 24/7. We need officers out of the cars and onto the streets with a high revisit rate. We need them visible as a deterrent, and present at all times. — A person who goes by Nick Saturn on Facebook Escape from L.A. is no longer just a movie. — Heath Satow

Both are complete clowns. — Ryan Hopkins In response to the article “Five CD14 Weigh in on Livability, Housing” by Nicholas Slayton Good article, De Leon definitely demonstrates the best grasp of DTLA issues, and seemingly alone among these candidates proposes practical solutions. — A person who goes by Nick Saturn on Facebook In response to the article “Crime Increases for a Sixth Year in Downtown” by Nicholas Slayton and Sean P. Thomas Everything is a misdemeanor. Do those even count in these statistics? Come on y’all, we live here. We know what’s really happening in DTLA and seriously it is more crime no matter how anyone wants to spin it. I wish we could all just say what’s really happening here. For some reason . . . it’s DTLA’s little secret. Nothing is a crime. Nothing gets enforced. — Betsy Starman

Yikes. Didn’t LAPD Headquarters just come out with a plan to lower/ combat that rise just a year or two ago? This city is a whole mess, JFC. — Josh Esc People of California’s fault. — Ben Reynolds Jr.

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DEBATE, 3 he said. “They aren’t homeless, they are houseless.” Lacey also agreed that criminalizing homeless people simply for being homeless is not the way to go, while touting that the DA’s Office already does not prosecute cases such as street sleeping or public urination. She added that she was one of the first district attorney’s in the nation to move forward with a diversion program that reroutes certain criminal offenders to mental health treatment when eligible. Gascon said that he doesn’t feel like the Los Angeles program is doing enough, noting that he has heard from prosecutors in the L.A. District Attorney’s office who say that they are being continuously told not to divert cases. In response, Lacey said that “Gascon doesn’t know what he is talking about,” and that he speaks “from a position of ignorance.” She added that San Francisco’s diversion program failed to properly cushion individuals once they are diverted. Rossi said she would like to look at the recommendations made by the district attorney’s office in terms of who receives mental health diversion. “You talked about ignorance. I have talked to the public defenders in the courtroom whose clients are consistently denied mental health diversion,” Rossi said. Lacey addressed her detractors who have criticized the incumbent for jailing too many individuals for low-level crimes. She said that

she believes that more people need to be diverted from jail, which is why she started the diversion program. “They have to paint our office as a bad office, they have to do this, because otherwise why are they running?” Lacey said before taking aim at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. “[Gascon’s] property crime rates in that city have been abysmal. Our office does not have the issues, our community does not have the issues. We have true leadership.” San Francisco by far has the highest property crime rates in California, almost twice per capita of Los Angeles according to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California. Gascon shot back at Lacey, noting that while arrests might have decreased in San Francisco, so did violent crime. Rossi took aim at the racial disparity amongst Los Angeles’ jail population and said that she supports commissioning an outside audit of jail data. Lacey said that when it comes to high incarceration rates amongst black and Latino Angelenos, that we must look “further back down the road.” “We need to look at income inequality,” Lacey said. “African Americans have been behind the eight ball in terms of distribution of wealth, but by the time it comes to me, people have made bad decisions that require the prosecutor to respond.” Rossi countered with the statistic that a black or Latino individual is 13 times more likely to be arrested.

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Last week’s district attorney debate was moderated by KPCC political reporter Libby Denkmann (left) and L.A. Times editorial writer Robert Greene.

photo by Sean P. Thomas

“I refuse to believe that if you’re black in L.A. you are 13 times more likely to make bad decisions,” Rossi said. In a response to a question about what Rossi would do to address some of those racial issues, she called for a robust audit of geographic arrest and prosecution data to see where over-arrests are occuring. “The district attorney is the gatekeeper,” Rossi said. “The district attorney can sit down and tell law enforcement ‘I’m not filing that case.’ The district attorney can sit down and say ‘I’m only getting cases from these black neighborhoods. Let’s talk about it.’” Gascon said that as DA in San Francisco, he instituted a program that would mask racial data from prosecutors before they

could file a case. Reform vs. “Reasonable” Reform When it came to the question of reform, Lacey spent most of the debate on the defensive, rebounding jabs from Rossi and Gascon on her record. Gascon and Rossi derided Lacey for seeking the death penalty, despite a statewide moratorium on executions issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Lacey said that she only seeks the death penalty in certain “egregious” cases. She mentioned the case of Gabriel Fernandez, an 8-year-old Palmdale boy who was tortured and killed by his mother and her boyfriend. The mother was sentenced to life in prison Continued on page 6

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6 DOWNTOWN NEWS

DEBATE, 5 with the boyfriend receiveing the death penalty. She said she was following state law, not the stance of the governor. Lacey said that Gascon’s current stance on the death penalty is a byproduct of his run for L.A. District Attorney. “He is riding the wave of politics,” Lacey said. Gascon said that during his eight years as San Fransisco DA, he never sought the death penalty. Gascon was then asked about co-authoring Proposition 47, a ballot measure that declassified some felonies as misdemeanors; almost every law enforcement agency in California opposed the ballot measure. Gascon said that “reform is always going to be uncomfortable for the status quo.” He said that Prop. 47 was one of the first steps in a more equitable criminal justice system. Lacey said that she agreed that the drug charges needed to be altered, but took issue with its impact on petty theft. She said that since Prop. 47 has gone into effect, organized theft rings have become more common. She said that Prop. 47 was not thought through. Lacey said that her experience as a lawyer, “a real working lawyer” as she put it, allowed her to see that Prop. 47 has issues. “George has never been in the courtroom his entire life,” Lacey said. “He could not be hired as a grade one in my office.” Rossi disagreed that Prop. 47 was the root cause of the increase, pointing to simi-

lar increases in homelessness and evictions state wide. On the subject of cash bail, Rossi called out both Lacey and Gascon, for not implementing an alternative to cash bail while in office. Lacey also questioned why Gascon did not implement a new bail system during his tenure in San Francisco. The subject of gang enhancements, which was brought to the forefront after a L.A. Times investigation found that members of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Metro Division were falsely labeling individuals as gang members, was also discussed. Both Rossi and Gascon said that they would do away with gang enhancements. Lacey said she could not discuss the recent LAPD gang enhancement investigation, but said that she was not on board with terminating tougher sentences for gang members due to Los Angeles’ ongoing gang issue. Police Shootings The issue that seemed to draw the heaviest response from audience members was the subject of police shootings. Lacey drew the ire of both challengers, as well as several audience members. Lacey defended her track record, stating that she must prosecute police officers “for the right reasons.” Gascon mentioned LAPD Officer Clifford Proctor, who shot and killed Brandon Glenn near the Venice boardwalk in 2016. Gascon said that there was evidence that could have resulted in charges. Lacey said that former LAPD Chief Charlie Beck leaked a letter to her office recommending prosecution to the

FEBRUARY 3, 2020

Protestors repeatedly interupted the debate with biting words against incubent candidate Jackie Lacey.

photo by Sean P. Thomas

press. Gascon also recieved a little heat from the audience, with a woman calling out Gascon for his track record prosecuting officers in San Francisco. Lacey characterized her challenges as unqualified for the position, noting that Rossi has never been a prosecutor and that Gascon, prior to becoming district attorney, has never tried a case in court. Rossi said that her lack of experience as a prosecutor is exactly why she is running. As of press time, Lacey has earned the support of a number of power players in Los Angeles. The first black person and woman elected to the post, Mayor Eric Garcetti and four members of the Board of Supervisors have already placed their support behind the

incumbent, alongside a number of unions that represented local law enforcement agencies. London Breed, the mayor of San Francisco, also put her weight behind Lacey shortly after Gascon resigned in October. Lacey’s track record when it comes to police prosecutions has earned Gascon a number of endorsements as well, including the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter. The Los Angeles County Democratic Party has also issued endorsements for Gascon. Rossi served in the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office, the Federal Public Defender’s Office and counsel to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on crime, terrorism and homeland security. sthomas@timespublications.com.

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 7

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FEBRUARY 3, 2020

Days After His Death, Fans Continue to Honor Kobe Bryant In Downtown After the Laker Legend Died in a Helicopter Crash on Sunday, Thousands Continue to Flock to at Staples Center to Show Their Respect

UPCOMING

er, taking home two Olympic gold medals as part of the U.S. National team. After their 2010 championship, the Lakers entered a slump and Bryant retired at the end of the 2015-2016 season. By the time of his 20-year career with the Lakers ended, Kobe had scored the third-most points in NBA history. He was surpassed by LeBron James on that list just a day prior to his death. James released a long statement on Instagram the following Tuesday. “Man I love you big bro,” James wrote. “My heart goes to Vanesa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man.” Bryant will be honored posthumously as a 2020 inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this summer alongside Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. HOF chairman and former USA Basketball Director Jerry Colangelo told the sport’s website The Athletic that with Kobe added to the 2020 class, that “Kobe will be honored the way he should be.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared a statement remarking on Bryant’s contributions to the game of basketball. “He will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability,” Silver’s statement read. “He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.” Bryant was in the early stages of the second leg of his career, focusing heavily on youth basketball, with a particular eye on the women’s game. Bryant was an outspoken supporter of the WNBA, actively working alongside his friend and former teammate Derek Fisher, who now serves as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks. His Thousand

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By Nicholas Slayton & Sean P. Thomas n the wake of the news that Lakers great Kobe Bryant died on Sunday, Jan. 26, fans from across the Los Angeles area flocked to Downtown Los Angeles’ Staples Center to mourn the basketball player. Bryant, 41, died after a helicopter he was traveling in crashed in Calabasas. Bryant was one of nine people on board, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant. All were killed. The cause of the crash is still being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board, however early reports allude that foggy conditions may have played a part in causing the crash. Despite street closures and crowds for the Grammy Awards (held at Staples Center), thousands flocked to L.A. Live and the arena from the afternoon into the evening. A handful of people were selling shirts commemorating the late player. A group of police on bicycles rode by, watching the crowd gathering at the center of L.A. Live; one of the officers shouted “that’s crazy!” Nearby at the Circa apartment buildings, the complex’s large LED screen was lit up with a black-and-white image of Bryant and the message “Mamba Forever.” Similar commemorations have been erected at the Wilshire Grand, LAX and City Hall. Inside the center square at L.A. Live, massive screens bore Bryant’s image and fans of all ages in No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys gathered. Some stood around makeshift memorials, with candles and jerseys laid out. Every few minutes chants of “MVP” and “Kobe” would break out. Lino Silba stood in one of those circles, holding a framed picture of Bryant, and said he needed to be near Staples that evening to honor him. “I had to [bring it with me], man. That winning game shot. No one expected him to put up 60 points,” Silba said, referencing the final game of Bryant’s career, when the then 37-year-old player dropped 60 points at Staples Center against the Utah Jazz. Soon after his passing, Bryant received a number of tributes from local leaders. In a statement, Mayor Eric Garcetti gave condolences to Bryant’s family and said that the former Laker “will live forever in the heart of Los Angeles.” “Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court — and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved,” Garcetti said in the statement. Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 out of Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia, but was traded that same night to the Lakers for center Vlade Divac. During his professional career Kobe won five NBA Championships, earned two NBA Finals MVP awards, was an 18-time all-star and earned the 2008 league most valuable player awards. He was also a prolific Olympic play-

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Oaks multi-sport facility Mamba Sports Academy, also placed a particular focus on women’s sports. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted Bryant’s support for the league in a statement last week. “Kobe’s support for the WNBA and women’s basketball along with his passion for helping young girls and boys follow their dreams made him a true legend for our sport,” the statement read. As the day stretched into night on Sunday, some fans left Staples. At the Golden Gopher bar on Eighth Street a few blocks away, Michael Carroll reminisced about the late player. Wearing a Bryant jersey, he said that when he first saw the news he thought it was a joke, as Lebron James had just passed Bryant for third in alltime NBA scoring the night before. “I can’t [expletive] believe it. I can’t believe it,” Carroll said. “He’s not family, but I’m devastated.” It capped a playing career that was not without its controversy. His career was marred by a 2003 allegation that he raped a hotel worker in Colorado. The criminal charges were dropped and a civil case was settled out of court. After leaving the NBA, he worked as an investor. He also won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2018 for the movie Dear Basketball. A game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers set for Tuesday, Jan. 28 was postponed. A make-up game was played on Friday. The Lakers, on Monday broke their daylong silence with a statement, thanking fans for their support during a difficult time. “The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences,” the statement read. “This is a very difficult time for all of us. We continue to support the Bryant family and will share more information as it is available.” The city is working on a memorial event. As of press time a date has not been announced. Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa, and his three daughters, Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, Capri, 7 months. nslayton@timespublications.com and sthomas@timespublications.com

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Crisis Worsens for Homeless Women, Report Finds The Downtown Women’s Center Analysis Highlights an Aging Population Dealing with Violence and Trauma By Nicholas Slayton omelessness among women has increased in the last year, with 10,845 women experiencing homelessness in the City of Los Angeles, and more women experiencing homelessness for the first time, according to a new report from the Downtown Women’s Center. The Downtown Women’s Center, in partnership with the University of Southern California, unveiled the 2019 Los Angeles City Women’s Needs Assessment on Thursday, Jan. 30 at its facility in Skid Row at 444 S. San Pedro St. Incoming Downtown Women’s Center CEO Amy Turk, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis were among the local leaders who presented the findings of the report. “There is a hidden crisis within the crisis that is overlooked and underreported,” Turk said at the event. “Every night....11,000 women are experiencing homelessness. 18,000 women across the county are enduring the harsh indignities of homelessness. To solve this crisis we must understand the real conditions homeless women face every single day.” The Downtown Women’s Center has put out the report every three years since 2001, but only previously focused on the Skid Row area. The 2019 report marks the first time it has looked at the wider citywide conditions. The new report splits analysis among various Service Program Areas. SPA 4 is Metro Los Angeles, including Downtown’s Skid Row. Disparities Almost half of the women that the DWC and USC surveyed are experiencing homelessness for the first time. Additionally, chronic homelessness (that is, homelessness more than four times in a three-year period) is also on the rise, with 73.8% of those surveyed identifying as chronically homeless. “[The report is] showing us again something that some of us already kind of knew inherently, but again we got real numbers,” Solis said. “The picture isn’t as rosy as we

would like.” The 2019 Los Angeles Women’s Needs Assessment comes in the wider context of rising homelessness in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s 2019 homeless count found a 16% increase in Los Angeles city to 36,300 and a 12% increase across the county to 58,936. According to LAHSA’s numbers and the DWC, there was a 41% increase in the number of women

‘EVERY NIGHT....11,000 WOMEN ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. 18,000 WOMEN ACROSS THE COUNTY ARE ENDURING THE HARSH INDIGNITIES OF HOMELESSNESS. TO SOLVE THIS CRISIS WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE REAL CONDITIONS HOMELESS WOMEN FACE EVERY SINGLE DAY.’ — AMY TURK, DOWNTOWN WOMEN’S CENTER CEO who are homeless in the county over 2013, up to 18,331. According to LAHSA’s numbers 9,577 women were homeless in the city in 2018. Last month volunteers conducted three nights of surveying for this year’s count; the results of the 2020 count are expected in late spring. The analysis also found that the number of homeless women in South Los Angeles rose by 35% in 2019, per LAHSA’s 2019 homeless count.

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As part of addressing rising homelessness among women in Los Angeles, more state and federal funds are needed according to County Supervisor Hilda Solis.

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The DWC report found that the driving factor behind the crisis of women experiencing homelessness is the rising rents and expensive housing market of Los Angeles — 82% of women surveyed reported that housing is the hardest thing to access. Approximately 70% of low-income women are severely rent-burdened, according to the City of Los Angeles Women’s Housing Gap Analysis (a report produced by USC, the DWC and the city, specifically about housing), which the DWC cited. In the last year, 18.2% of women surveyed by the DWC found themselves evicted.

The report also identified racial disparity among homeless women. Black people account for 9% of the city’s population, but black women represent 39.7% of the women on Skid Row (and 28.7% of the citywide number of homeless women). The Los Angeles City Council has placed a particular focus on racial disparities amongst its homeless population. A report released in February of last year found that despite making up just 8% of the county’s population, black people make up close to 36% of the county’s homeless population. LGBTQ women are also facing high rates

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of homelessness, with 83.3% of those surveyed identifying as chronically homeless. The population of homeless women is also older around Downtown; the citywide average age according to the report is 48, but in SPA 4, 50.7% of the women surveyed are ages 51 or older. “As we scaled geographically in the report we noted a bit of a younger age across the city,” Turk told Los Angeles Downtown News. “But in the Skid Row community, it’s still in the age range of the 50s and 60s.” Garcetti said that the crisis of unhoused women is not contained to Skid Row, but affects every neighborhood across Los Angeles. Dangers and Violence Turk and the report both said that violence is one of the most distinguishing effects for homeless women compared to homeless men. Per the DWC’s findings, 60.2% of women said that they had “sometimes” experienced violence in the past 12 months. Twenty-seven percent of women also reported being victims of sexual assault in that time period, and 43.6% of women said they had been victims of a crime in general. “We were not surprised that 60% were victims of violence,” Turk said. “It’s also disproportionate among people who identify as LGBTQ+.” Per the report, 35.7% of LGBTQ women experienced sexual assault in the last 12 months, and 52.4% were victims of domestic violence. “Violence is violence,” Garcetti said, “whether it’s economic violence, whether it’s physical violence, whether it’s psycholog-

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

ical violence, and we know at least half of all women who are experiencing homelessness have experienced domestic violence at some point in their lives, often it’s the reason they’ve become unhoused.” Turk said that as part of addressing the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles there needs to be more focus on trauma-informed care, with service providers trained to be more mindful of issues such as domestic violence and the difficult experience of living on the streets. “It’s about coming from a place of thinking about people through the lens not of what’s wrong with them but what happened to them,” Turk said. The DWC’s 2019 report found that 35% of those surveyed felt like outreach and case managers didn’t understand trauma, while 40% said that housing resource providers did not understand. Both elected officials and the DWC report said that expanding affordable and supportive housing remains a paramount issue. Solis added that housing and services can’t be concentrated in certain areas in the county. She said that all types of housing — affordable, transitional and permanent supportive — are needed to properly help women get off the streets. At Thursday’s event, Garcetti said that the city and county have put up the money to try and address the wider homelessness crisis in the Los Angeles area, but need additional funds from the state and the federal government. nslayton@timespublications.com.

DOWNTOWN NEWS 11

CD14 Candidates Forum in Little Tokyo

owntown residents will have another chance this week to hear from the candidates for the 14th District Los Angeles City Council seat. The Little Tokyo Community Council is hosting a candidates forum on Thursday. As of press time, four of the five candidates who qualified for the ballot in the race to replace embattled 14th District City Councilman Jose Huizar, who will be termed out in November, are set to attend. The Thursday, Feb. 6 debate will be held at 6 p.m. at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum at 100 N. Central Ave. The lineup includes former state Senate president pro tempore Kevin de León, Los Angeles Unified School Board member Mónica Garcia, advertising executive and former Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Vice President Cyndi Otteson and LAUSD student counselor Raquel Zamora. As of press time, the fifth candidate on the ballot, nonprofit executive John Jimenez, has not confirmed he is attending.

photo by Gary Leonard

Four candidates for the 14th District City Council seat, including (from left) Kevin de León, Monica Garcia, Raquel Zamora and Cyndi Otteson are set to attend the candidates forum on Thursday, Feb. 6. John Jimenez (center) is not yet confirmed.

The debate is the latest in a series of events held around Downtown. Last month the various business improvement districts hosted all five candidates at a debate in South Park and last week, the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center hosted a district attorney’s debate organized by the Los Angeles Times and KPCC. The 14th City Council District covers much of Downtown Los Angeles, as well as Boyle Heights, El Sereno, and parts of Highland Park. It is the largest district to represent Downtown (the Ninth District covers the southwest parts of the area, while Chinatown falls under the First District). The primary election is set for March 3. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the top two contenders will go to a runoff election in November. nslayton@timespublications.com.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2020 Photos courtesy L.A. Art Show

CALENDAR Superfine! L.A. kicks off at the Magic Box at The Reef on Thursday, Feb. 6 and will showcase at a more affordable price range than most art fairs. The festival wraps up on Feb. 9.

Photo courtesy Superfine L.A.

The L.A. Art Show takes up over 200,000 square feet of gallery space at the Los Angeles Convention Center this week. An opening night gala will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 5, with the bulk of the show running from Feb. 6-9.

A Double Dose of Art Comes to Downtown Superfine! L.A. and the Los Angeles Art Show Bring the Creativity to Downtown By Sean P. Thomas ver the course of the last decade, Downtown Los Angeles has emerged as a vibrant and eclectic stronghold for the global art scene. A spectrum of larger institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (which recently went free admission), the California African American Museum and The Broad, provide venues to showcase the work of standout artists, while a nexus of smaller galleries in the Arts District and beyond offer opportunities to check out the work for the next generation of artists. Downtown is also host to a collection of huge annual art shows, two of which are setting up shop throughout the week in Downtown Los Angeles. Although they are not exactly going to flip the international art scene on its head, on a purely square footage basis, they’re two of the biggest art events in the city. The Superfine! Art Fair, at DTLA’s Magic Box at The Reef and the L.A. Art Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center are both running from Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 6-9. The L.A. Art Show also has an opening night gala on Feb. 5. While both shows bring out some of the best in the art world, they certainly have their differences. Below, Los Angeles Downtown News breaks down what to expect from the two art shows. Bringing Equity to the Arts Alex Mitow founded Superfine! alongside his managing partner James Millie and said that while other art festivals might place a focus on the larger, big-name artists who

price their work at far loftier costpoints, most of the work at Superfine! falls between the $100-$5,000 range, which draws in a whole different audience of not just art collectors, but artists. Mitow said that he expected anywhere close to 6,000-10,000 guests, who will visit anywhere from 60-70 booths. Tickets start at $12 with no drink and $24 with a drink. Located in the 22,000-square-feet Magic Box, Mitow said that anywhere from 300-500 pieces of art will sell before the day is over, not counting subsequent sales made off of the connections made at the fair. Those connections are paramount. Mitow said that it is the fair’s focus on the artists that really sets them apart from other art shows in Los Angeles and abroad. Mitow said after the first few events — this week’s fair will be their 12th total and second in Los Angeles — they learned that what people really seem to enjoy, is the connection with the artists. Mitow said that instead of simply providing a place for people to sell their art, they also provide training and seminars for the artists to learn how to speak to visitors about their work. “The focus on the artist themselves is kind of unique,” Mitow said. “If you’ve been to other art shows, usually you’re talking to gallerists and that’s a thing in and of itself, but I think what we’re really seeing from our core audience is that they really like talking to the artists.” While the fair is positioned as a place for collectors to purchase art, there are also some installations sprinkled throughout the fair. Quava Wolf, a Mexican American artist, is

displaying enlarged loteria cards, designed after famous Mexican figures. John Kilduff, who refers to himself as a maverick painter and performance artist, will set up a sequel to his ice cream parlor installation from last year, with a quirky, Wild West portrait studio. Rob Anderson will complete a 30-foot long mural at the fair. Guests will be able to swing by and add a couple of lines to the mural as Anderson completes it. A Massive Art Show in DTLA Not too far away from The Reef, the 25th annual Los Angeles Art Show takes over more than 200,000 square feet of exhibition space at the Los Angeles Convention Center. More than 100 galleries, representing art from at least 18 countries are expected to attend. There are also special exhibitions that highlight the diverse world of art. It’s the largest iteration of the art show since the fair moved to the Convention Center in 2009. “Twenty-five years ago when I began the L.A. Art Show, there weren’t any big art fairs here,” L.A. Art Show Founder Kim Martindale said. “This is one of the most creative cities on the planet, and I always hoped that we would become a major arts capital.” While the focus has been on positioning Los Angeles as a major arts capital, the Art Show has always placed a particular interest in international art. The show began in 1995 at the Pasadena Convention Center before moving to the L.A. Convention Center. With the added gallery space, attendance quickly ballooned to close more than 70,000 people over the course of the week. Single-day admission is $30, with

four-day passes available for $60. Most of the work at the show is up for sale- including paintings, photos, sculptures and other pieces of art. The price range is wide and varied, some pieces fetch $100, with others grab hundreds of thousands of dollars or even reach into the million-dollar range. Featured exhibitions include an exploration into the works of M.C. Escher. The artist’s work will be available to check out up close, and there will also be a special photo-booth set up to recreate the artist’s memorable sphere self portrait. Copro Gallery is showcasing works from Los Angeles hyperrealist sculpture Kazu Hiro and Gallery Kitai will display Sogen Chiba’s 3.11 Requiem and Revival work, a transcription of numerous newspaper reports on the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Ten contemporary Chinese ink artists will also have their work displayed at the show. Fashion also gets its due. Local fashion luminary Sue Wong has a gallery dedicated to her iconic design choices. Then there is DIVERSEartLA, a 50,000-square-feet space that the art show donates to organizations with a focus on civic engagement. Unlike most of the show, the work in this section is not up for sale. The opening night for the fair will be held on Feb. 5, with proceeds going to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Actress Sophia Vergara will host the opening night gala. The L.A. Art Show will run Feb. 5-9 at 1201 S. Figueroa St. or laartshow.com. Superfine! L.A. will run Feb. 6-9 at 1933 S. Broadway, (213) 7635715 or superfine.world. sthomas@timespoublications.com.

FEBRUARY 3, 2020

DOWNTOWN NEWS 13

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‘The Last Ship’ Fails to Take Off at the Ahmanson Theatre

The Last Ship, now at the Ahmanson Theatre, stars Sting (right) as an aging shipyard foreman. He tries to organize the workers as Gideon Fletcher (Oliver Savile) returns home to find his town on the decline.

Despite Some Great Music from Sting and Co., ‘The Last Ship’ Sputters Out of the Dock By Jeff Favre ting’s legend as a musical artist is pretty safe, thanks to writing and performing decades of groundbreaking hit songs, first with The Police and then as a solo act. Even at 68 — though he looks much younger — Sting’s name draws attention. It’s easy to see the allure of launching a national tour of his musical, The Last Ship, despite its failure to gain traction five years ago on Broadway, where it closed after three months, even after Sting joined the cast to help bolster ticket sales. Sting’s name and rock star status likely will drive sales for limited engagements, such as the one at Downtown’s Ahmanson Theatre, where it runs through Feb. 16. But his mere presence in several scenes and few lead vocals isn’t enough to overcome the almost three-hour overbearing, yet underwhelming, production that shines only in its impressive scenic visuals. The new book by director Lorne Campbell attempts too much with too little and is filled with simple clichéd dialogue and his lackadaisical direction seems to intentionally slow an already slogging show.

Some of Sting’s songs come from previous solo work, but in total there’s not enough variety in emotional tone or pace for more than a couple to be memorable. The story itself has potential, but its simplicity is beaten down by excessive repetition. The men and women of 1986 Wallsend, England, have only known ship building, an industry passed down for generations. It’s not a life for young Gideon, who in the beginning leaves his girlfriend Meg (Jade Sophia Vertannes) behind. He returns about 16 years later (Oliver Savile as the adult version) to find out older Meg (Frances McNamee) was pregnant when he left and now has a teen daughter Ellen (Sophie Reid). Gideon’s return coincides with news that the almost finished ship Utopia no longer has a buyer, so the yard will be closed and the ship broken into scrap metal, which will end the town’s only industry. Adding to the plot, shipyard foreman Jackie White (Sting) has advanced lung cancer. Most of the first act songs, including “Island of Souls,” “Shipyard” and the title song, are lyrically basic refrains of the same concept: that they build ships and they have nothing else.

photo by Joan Marcus

They are delivered by the company with bravado and enthusiasm but not much emotional variance besides anger and defiance. While there’s a bit of dance, Lucy Hind’s work as movement director mostly adds foot stomping to punctuate various choruses. Campbell’s direction lacks proper pacing. The second act, which unwisely is longer than the first, begins with the women in the cast spending a few minutes interacting with the audience — adding nothing to the overall impact other than making it longer. The game cast makes the most of the material, with occasional bright spots shining through. The first act’s “When the Pugilist Learned to Dance,” sung sweetly by Savile, does the best job of adding character depth, as Gideon explains to his daughter how he and Meg met. Likewise, “Women at the Gate” provides the lone dramatic moment during the final stand by the workers against management.

What doesn’t disappoint is the physical backdrop and images created by the company 59 Productions. From the moving clouds, projection of spraying saltwater and the ever-present looming image of the ship, the immersive atmosphere invites the viewer into the world of Wallsend. The other presence, of course, is Sting. While his understated performance as the ailing foreman is on par with the rest of the cast, it’s unlikely anyone would recall it as special if the actor wasn’t an international icon. If getting to see and hear Sting live, regardless of the material, sounds appealing, the Ahmanson provides a more intimate and comfortable setting than a stadium. The Last Ship, however, offers little more than the opportunity to see the legend in person. The Last Ship runs through Feb. 16 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave. or centertheatregroup.org. jjfavre@gmail.com

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CALENDAR LISTINGS

What The Constitution Means to Me Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave. or centertheatregroup.org. Feb. 4-7, 8 p.m., Feb. 8, 2:30 and 8 p.m., Feb. 9, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: Heidi Schreck’s show explores the founding document’s legacy, through stories about her teenage life learning about the document. Through Feb. 23. The Last Ship The Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave. or centertheatregroup.org. Feb. 4-7, 8 p.m., Feb. 8 , 2 and 8 p.m., Feb. 9, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: Sting’s musical about a dying industrial town rallying for one last hurrah continues in Downtown. Through Feb. 16. Eurydice Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave. or laopera. org. Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m.: The L.A. Opera presents Sarah Ruhl and Matthew Aucoin’s perspective-flipped take on the classic myth. Through Feb. 26.

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

1720 1720 S. Los Angeles St. or 1720.la. Feb. 8: It’s retro dancing time with Club ‘90s. Yes, the ‘90s are retro now. It’s weird to say. Blue Whale 123 Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka St. or bluewhalemusic.com. Feb. 3: Jacob Wendt Sextet. Feb. 4: Fourth Floor. Feb. 5: James Nolan and Maximillian Sink. Feb. 6: Teka and NewBossa Quartet. Feb. 7: Daniel Roten Group. Feb. 8: Otmaro Ruiz, Larry Koonse, Sezin Ahmet Turkmenoglu, Mark Ferber. Feb. 9: Pedro Martin. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Feb. 3: Folk-pop singer Temme Scott takes over for the February residency. Feb. 6: Ben Ottewell and Ian Ball team up. Feb. 7: Motor Sales and Friends. Continued on page 15

Image courtesy Bar Wrestling

Photo courtesy Polar Music Prize

Check out some of the seriously talented young musicians of the American Youth Symphony when they perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall this week. On Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m., the symphony will perform French favorites from composers Maurice Ravel and Camille Saint-Saens, as well as Jennifer Higdon’s “All Things Majestic.” The evening will feature the world premiere of a violin concerto by Kris Bowers (pictured here), who has worked on scores for films such as Green Book and for video games like the Madden series. At 135 Grand Ave., or laphil.com.

It’s that time again. Joey Ryan’s motley crew of wrestlers are returning to the Bootleg Theater this week for an evening of bumps and brews. Kicking off at 9 p.m., the theme of this evening’s iteration of Bar Wrestling is “We Work Hard, We Play Hard.” We guess you’ll have to attend to find out what exactly that means. Local grapplers like Zicky Dice and Watts are on the card, alongside Chris Bey. At 2220 Beverly Blvd. or bootlegtheater.org. Photo courtesy Vox, Ezra Klein

THEATER

A collection of standout musicians are gathering at the Teragram Ballroom to pay tribute to one of the true legends of music. Judith Hill, Nick Waterhouse, Charles Jones and more are coming together for a tribute show for the late, great Ray Charles on Saturday, Feb. 8. The show starts at 8 p.m. The artists will perform from Charles’ catalog of hits including “Georgia On My Mind,” “What’d I Say,” “Unchain My Heart,” and “I’ve Got A Woman.” At 1234 W. Seventh St., (213) 689-9100 or teragramballroom.com.

photo by Molly Cranna

MONDAY, FEB. 3 Mystic Monday Comedy Night Resident, 428 S. Hewitt St. or residentdtla.com. 9 p.m.: Six comedians. Three hosts. One night to try and make you laugh. TUESDAY, FEB. 4 Ezra Klein at Live Talks LA Aratani Theater, 244 S. San Pedro St. or scpr.org. 8 p.m.: The editor-at-large of Vox comes to Little Tokyo for a talk about his new book “Why We’re Polarized.” WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5 Bar Wrestling: We Work Hard, We Play Hard Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd. or bootlegtheater.com. 8 p.m.: What does the title of this month’s bouts mean? We don’t know. Go and find out. Look for the wrestling at the bar. Allegories of Flight The Broad, 221 S. Grand Ave. or thebroad.org/events. 8 p.m.: Two poets read their work in a night inspired by Shirin Neshat’s exhibition “I Will Greet the Sun Again.” THURSDAY, FEB. 6 Carl Zimmer at Aloud Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St. or lfla.org. 7:30 p.m.: The science writer discusses quantum mechanics with theoretical physicist Sean Carroll.

BY SEAN P. THOMAS

Photo courtesy Atmosphere

EVENTS

FEBRUARY 3, 2020

L.A. Live might seem like a somber place currently with the recent passing of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, but one of the stalwarts of underground hip-hop is apt to bring some energy to one of the complex’s music venues. Atmosphere, the long standing duo of Slug and Ant, will be landing at The Novo on Saturday, Feb. 8. Now in their 21st year of their lauded career, the pair are touring in support of their eighth album Whenever. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and The Lioness, Nikki Jean and DJ Keezy are also on the bill. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd or thenovodtla.com.

Has it felt like every topic of discussion lately has resulted in a debate or argument? Journalist Ezra Klein feels the same way. It’s the topic of his latest book Why We’re Polarized, which takes a look at America’s free fall into division and dysfunction and its impact on the current state of American politics. Klein will discuss his findings with LA Times deputy managing editor Shani O. Hilton at the Aratani Theatre on Tuesday, Feb. 4. It’s part of Live Talks LA, which pairs writers with moderators to discuss their latest works. The event begins at 8 p.m. and a ticket comes with a copy of Klein’s book. At 244 S. San Pedro St., (213) 628-2725 or livetalksla.org. Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

FEBRUARY 3, 2020

DOWNTOWN NEWS 15

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The Regent 448 S. Main St., (323) 284-5727 or spacelandpresents.com. Feb. 7: The Faction comes from that 1990s San Jose hardcore skate rock scene. You know the one. The Smell 247 S. Main St., in the alley between Spring and Main streets or thesmell.org. Feb. 5: The Groans, Izumi, Ember Knight. Feb. 7: Cotton Ships, Street Play, Rick N Dick, Rocket 9. Feb. 8: [Expletive] Forever, The Groans, Street Play, Faetooth. Teragram Ballroom 1234 W. Seventh St. or teragramballroom.com. Feb. 5: Iconic semi-underground dream-pop band Luna. Feb. 7: Lucky Chops brings the funk to City West. Feb. 8: A Tribute to Ray Charles has a stacked lineup including Nick Waterhouse, Judith Hill, India Carney and so many more.

FILM

Alamo Drafthouse 700 W. Seventh St. or drafthouse.com/los-angeles. Through Feb. 9: 1917 (12, 3, 6 and 9:45 p.m.); Bad Boys for Life (12:15, 3:25, 6:30 and 9:40 p.m.); Cats (10:30 p.m.); Color Out of Space (12:30 and 6 p.m.); Gretel & Hansel (1:20, 4, 6:30 and 9:10 p.m.); Little Women (12, 3:15 and 6:30 p.m.); Parasite (10:45 p.m.); The Gentlemen (1:40, 4:35, 7:15 and 10:10 p.m.); The Rhythm Section (1:45, 4:35, 7 and 9:50 p.m.); The Turning (1:30, 4:10, 6:45 and 9:25 p.m.); Uncut Gems (3:35 and 7:30 p.m.). IMAX California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 744-2019 or californiasciencecenter.org. Dogs can do more than just slobber over your shoes. Check out all of their unique abilities in Superpower Dogs 3D. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing with the documentary Apollo 11. What goes on in the suburbs? The new documentary Backyard Wilderness explores the animals hanging around the house. Regal Cinemas LA Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-6070 or lalive.com/movies. Through Feb. 9: Gretel & Hansel (11 a.m., 1:30, 4, 6:30 and 9 p.m.); The Rhythm Section (12:20, 1:40, 4:40, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.); The Gentlemen (1:10, 4:10, 7:10 and 10:10 p.m.); The Turning (11:30 a.m., 2:10, 5, 7:30 and 10:20 p.m.); Bad Boys for Life (12:20, 12:50, 3, 3:40, 4:10, 6:50, 7:20, 9:30, 10 and 10:40 p.m.); Doolittle (11:50 a.m., 2:30, 5:10 and 9

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Feb. 8: Silver Landings is Mandy Moore and company’s weekly showcase. Feb. 9: Bluesy folk from the all-women four-piece Ley Line. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. Feb. 7: The one, the only Armin Van Buuren. Feb. 8: Snakehips are on their “Back to the Club 2020” tour, which makes The Exchange an appropriate spot. Microsoft Theater 800 W. Olympic Blvd. or microsofttheater.com. Feb. 7: Grammy Award-nominated singer Angela Aguilar. Moroccan Lounge 901 E. First St., (213) 395-0610 or themoroccan.com. Feb. 3: Trends and Sons of Gold dual headline tonight. Feb. 4: Singer-songwriter Ryan McCallan plays the early show, followed by the guitar-wielding Jacob Giaimo. Feb. 5: Pop singer Alexander 23 has trap beats, synths and all of that jazz. Feb. 6: Alternative sounds from Jane Holiday. Feb. 7: Synth-heavy tracks from Hembree. Feb. 8: What’s that? Alexander 23 is playing a second show? Pop music is popular, we guess. Feb. 9: Experimental sounds from Midnight Sister. Resident 428 S. Hewitt St. or residentdtla.com. Feb. 4: Surf rock with Modern Love Child, plus pop from Highland Park’s Two Neighbors, and Jupiter Winter. Feb. 5: This week’s local band showcase includes Tugaloo, Kate Faust, and Pretty. Feb. 6: Post-punk act Between Kings has a single release concert. Feb. 7: Dance the night away with A Ratchet R&B Party. Feb. 8: Calling all Patrick Batemans. It’s That Big 80s Party, which is exactly what you expect it to be. The Novo 800 W. Olympic Blvd. or thenovodtla.com. Feb. 7: Lil Tjay with The Kid LAROI. Feb. 8: The hard-hitting hip-hop sounds of Minneapolis, courtesy the duo that is Atmosphere. The Redwood 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com. Feb. 6: Wino Strut, Dan Roa and the ATF, The Nukeproofs (not the band name of the week, but certainly the most confident band name of the week). Feb. 7: Scraper, with The Brutalists and The Claws. Feb. 8: Barrio Beat is a night of cumbia and dance. Feb. 9: Problem With Dragons (band name of the week), Starburner, Rowsdower, Bummed Out, Dead in Argentina, Crisis Actor, No Guey.

p.m.); 1917 (1, 4, 7 and 10 p.m.); Just Mercy (11:10 a.m.); Like a Boss (11:10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.); Underwater (7:50 and 10:30 p.m.); Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (11:20 a.m., 2:50, 6:10 and 9:40 p.m.).

CLASSICAL

Bjarnason and Olafsson Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave. or laphil.org. Feb. 4, 8 p.m.: Daniel Bjarnason conducts the L.A. Phil’s New Music Group in a suite of Nordic works. The Weimer Republic: Germany 1918-1933 Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave. or laphil.org. Feb. 7-8, 8 p.m., Feb. 9, 2 p.m. : Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the L.A. Phil for three performances of works from interwar Germany. Transition Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave. or laphil.org. Feb. 8, 7 p.m.: Nicole Miller premieres a new outdoor show mixing strings and lasers.

MUSEUMS

African American Firefighter Museum 1401 S. Central Ave., (213) 744-1730 or aaffmuseum.org. Ongoing: An array of firefighting relics dating to 1924, including a 1940 Pirsch ladder truck, an 1890 hose wagon, uniforms from New York, L.A. County and City of L.A. firefighters, badges, helmets, photographs and other artifacts. Broad Museum 221 S. Grand Ave., (213) 232-6200 or thebroad.org. Ongoing: In the galleries at the Grand Avenue institution are about 250 works from Eli and Edythe Broad’s 2,000-piece contemporary art collection. It’s big-time blue chip, with work from Rauschenberg, Warhol, Basquiat, Koons, Kruger and every other big name. Through Feb. 16: Explore 26 years of Shirin Neshat’s work documenting alienation and exile in “Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again.” California African American Museum 600 State Drive, (213) 744-7432 or caamuseum.org. Through Feb. 16: Metal is the vehicle for a look at appropriation and power in “LA Blacksmith.” Through Feb. 16: “Dust in My Broom: Southern Vernacular from the Permanent Collection” uses drawings, sculpture, painting and more to trace the artistic legacy of the American South. Through March 1: Catch the colorful and eclectic sculptures and installations of Timothy Washington in “Timothy Washington: Citizen/Ship.” Ongoing: The multi-functional “Gallery of Discovery” offers visitors the opportunity to connect with the lineage of their own family, engage in artistic workshops, educational tours and other programs of historical discoveries. Hear recordings of former slaves from the Library of Congress archives and discover stories from the past. California Science Center 700 State Drive, (323) 724-3623 or californiasciencecenter.org. Ongoing: “Mission 26: The Big Endeavour” presents Los Angeles’ very own Space Shuttle in all of its splendor. Ongoing: “Science in Toyland” presents physics through favorite kids’ toys. This hands-on exhibit engages museum visitors with Dominos, Sails and Roller Coasters in a fun, but informational primer on friction, momentum and chain reactions. Ongoing: The Science Center’s permanent exhibits are interactive and focus on human innovations and inventions as well as the life processes of living things. The lobby Science Court stays busy with the High Wire Bicycle, a Motion-Based Simulator, the Ecology Cliff Climb and “Forty Years of Space Photography.” The human body is another big focus: The Life Tunnel aims to show the connections between all life forms, from the single-celled amoeba to the 100-trillion-celled human being. The “Ecosystems” exhibit explores how life on our planet is shaped by geophysical and biological processes. Chinese American Museum 425 N. Los Angeles St., (213) 485-8567 or camla.org. Permanent: “Origins” presents the story of the Chinese-American community in Los Angeles.

Permanent: Re-creation of the Sun Wing Wo, a Chinese general store and herbal shop, and “Journeys: Stories of Chinese Immigration,” an exhibit exploring Chinese immigration to the United States with an emphasis on community settlement in Los Angeles. Outlined into four distinct time periods, each is defined by an important immigration law and/or event, accompanied by a description and a personal story about a local Chinese American and their experiences in that particular historical period. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument 124 Paseo de la Plaza, (213) 485-8372 or elpueblo.lacity.org. Ongoing: The whole of El Pueblo is called a “monument,” and of the 27 historic buildings, four function as museums: the Avila Adobe, the city’s oldest house; the Sepulveda House, home to exhibits and the Visitors Center; the Fire House Museum, which houses late 19th-century firefighting equipment; and the Masonic Hall, which boasts Masonic memorabilia. Check the website for a full slate of fiestas. Open daily, though hours at shops and halls vary. FIDM Museum FIDM, second floor, 919 S. Grand Ave., (213) 624-1200 or fidmmuseum.org. Ongoing: “Accessories from The Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection” surveys footwear, fans, gloves, purses and hats. Grammy Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. Through Fall: “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” explores the intersection of popular music and the National Pastime. Through Sept. 2: A boy band beloved by some and reviled by others gets another moment in the spotlight in “Backstreet Boys: The Experience.” Ongoing: “360 Sound: The Columbia Records Story” provides an in-depth look at all aspects of Columbia Records’ history and offers a virtual history of the music industry from its infancy, tracing the label’s pivotal technological as well as business innovations, including its invention of the LP. Ongoing: White sequined gloves and other wardrobe pieces are the focal point of the exhibit case paying tribute to the life and legacy of Michael Jackson. Ongoing: “Roland Live” is a permanent installation courtesy of the electronic musical instrument maker, Roland Corporation. The exhibit gives visitors a chance to participate in the music-making process by playing a wide variety of products, from V-Drums and BOSS pedals to VIMA keyboards and the MV-8800 Production Studio. Ongoing: “Shining Like A National Guitar” references both Paul Simon and the celebrated six-string company known for their metallic resonators. Italian American Museum of Los Angeles 644 N. Main St., (213) 485-8432 or iamla.org. Ongoing: A collection of artifacts and interpretation panels document the long and proud history of Italian natives in Los Angeles. Japanese American National Museum 369 E. First St., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org. Through June 7: Explore the legacy and haunting impact of the atomic bomb with “Under the Mushroom Cloud: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the Atomic Bomb.” Ongoing: “Sadako’s Crane” shows off one of Sadako Sasaki’s origami cranes, made after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

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16 DOWNTOWN NEWS

FEBRUARY 3, 2020

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