LA Downtown News 04-06-2019

APRIL 06, 2020 I VOL. 49 I #14

Mayor: Everyone Should Cover Their Faces ‘We want you to keep your respiratory droplets to yourself’

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APRIL 06, 2020

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AROUND TOWN

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Eric Garcetti

Garcetti halts rent increases on rent-stabilized units

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ayor Eric Garcetti signed an emergency order to halt any new rent increases on residential units that are subject to the city’s rent stabilization ordinance.

“This is a commonsense action to help tenants stay in their homes,” Garcetti said. “Angelenos who have lost hours or been laid off or can’t work as a result of a COVID-19 diagnosis should not face the extra burden of a spike in their rent.”

There are approximately 624,000 rent stabilized units in 118,000 properties across the city of Los Angeles. This year, the annual maximum rental increase for rent-stabilized units was 4%. Now, under the new order, tenants occupying these units will not be subject to any new rent increase through 60 days after the expiration of the local emergency period.

Garcetti also signed an ordinance passed by the Los Angeles City Council codifying the city’s emergency eviction moratorium for all residential and commercial tenants.

Building on the mayor’s previous directive, the new measure gives eligible residential tenants 12 months following the expiration of the local emergency period to repay any missed rent.

Commercial tenants still have three months to pay back their rent.

The mayor has taken several steps to support residents struggling with the immediate economic impacts of this local emergency, including placing a moratorium on water and power shut-offs; implementing a plan to quickly shelter thousands of Angelenos experiencing homelessness; and developing the L.A. Jobs Portal to provide resources and support to Angelenos who have lost their jobs, seen their hours cut or need other assistance.

Info: coronavirus.lacity.org.

Beverage director offers relief for licensed businesses

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acob Appelsmith, director of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, has announced new regulatory relief, encompassing four main topics, to help California’s alcoholic beverage industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This second wave of regulatory relief is in effect immediately and is in addition to the eight topics previously announced in the department’s Notice of Regulatory Relief back on March 19,” Appelsmith said.

“It is estimated that the 93,000 businesses the California ABC licenses employ over a million Californians. Those industry employees need paychecks to support themselves, their families and loved ones. Many Californians have filed for unemployment recently, and this temporary regulatory relief could ease some of the state’s economic stress,” Appelsmith said.

Los Angeles Downtown News 161 Pasadena Ave., Suite B South Pasadena, CA 91030 213-481-1448

Jacob Appelsmith

The ABC has temporarily suspended enforcement of a number of specific restrictions related to the following activities: • Free delivery of alcoholic beverages • Delivery hours of alcohol to retailers extended to midnight • Certain charitable promotions related to sales of alcohol • Distilled spirits manufacturers providing high-proof spirits for disinfection purposes The details of this additional relief can be found in the department’s Notice of Regulatory Relief. These are in addition to the previously announced eight temporary prohibitions announced on March 19: • Returns of alcoholic beverages • Retail to retail transactions • Extension of credit • On-sale retailers exercising off-sale privileges • Sales of alcohol to go • Off-sale transactions • Hours of operation for retail sales • Deliveries to consumers

The original Notice of Regulatory Relief on eight topics, and the new second wave covering four areas, is designed to support the alcoholic beverage industry in its efforts to help California slow the spread of the virus while assisting the industry with the economic challenges it is facing as a result. The department has carefully considered the public’s health, safety and welfare in providing this relief, and the department has concluded that none of these measures, exercised on a temporary basis, will jeopardize Californians health, safety and welfare.

ABC’s staff is committed to keeping communities safe with the enforcement work done by ABC agents and by listening to the public and the industry about any concerns or issues they bring to the department during this crisis.

“We all have to work together, and I want to reassure the public that while ABC offices may be closed to public foot traffic, ABC agents are continuously providing public safety services, enforcing underage drinking laws and assisting local law enforcement. ABC’s licensing staff continues to process permanent license applications and annual renewals,” Appelsmith said.

ABC offices were closed to the public effective March 20. The closures are temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic to help slow the spread of the virus. During this time, ABC will continue to accept mail-in license applications, and ABC staff will continue to process those applications for permanent licenses and renewal of licenses. ABC staff will also be available to answer questions and receive information via phone, email and regular mail.

Info: headquarters@abc.ca.gov

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski STAFF WRITERS: Connor Dziawura, Sara Edwards, Annika Tomlin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jackie Bryant, Griffin Fabits, Christine Fernandez, Kamala Kirk, Brian Louwers ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris

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APRIL 06, 2020

Cannabis industry sees uptick in sales during crisis

By Jackie Bryant ith Californians told to stay home due to concerns over COVID-19, cannabis consumption has skyrocketed across the country. In Los Angeles, in particular, many types of cannabis retail brands are seeing spikes in consumer sales.

Shoogies, a new line of cannabis-infused sweeteners for baking, beverages (coffee, tea, cannabis cocktails) and other cooking uses, has seen a sharp increase in sales despite global economic turmoil.

“Like most brands in the cannabis industry, we’re starting to experience the economic instability associated with COVID-19,” said Doug Penman, CEO of the Los Angeles-based company. “But unlike other industries more closely tied to long supply chains and Asia, we’re actually seeing a significant uptick in sales (greater than 40%). Whenever there’s a downturn or a recession, consumers tend to look for products and services that can deliver a break from the anxiety and alleviate the stress. Those tend to be entertainment brands, alcohol and cannabis, that can integrate into your existing life without you changing your behavior. Shoogies anticipates that greater sales will come for cannabis-infused edibles, and less for inhaled products.”

Other types of edibles are also seeing a surge because COVID-19 is a pulmonary disease and doctors are asking patients to avoid combustion and inhalation products.

Calexo, a new Los Angeles-based cannabis beverage that blends nano-emulsified THC with juices, botanicals and sparkling water, hopes people will turn to it as an alcohol alternative. According to a company spokesperson, although the brand launched in March, Calexo delivery sales through Sweet Flower have spiked considerably during the last few weeks. The popular dispensary and delivery service even sold out of the fizzy cannabis beverages.

Dispensaries, especially those in Southern California, have been the point of contact for most consumers, with many offering newly minted delivery services to better appease customers and keep staff safe.

March and Ash, an upscale dispensary chain in San Diego and Imperial counties, feels it has a responsibility to its community to stay open and clean—not only to offer the best service but also to offer customers another alternative to the illicit market.

“March and Ash serves thousands of patients with medical cannabis throughout the San Di-

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ego and Imperial Valley region. We also know the illegal operators will leave their doors open under any conditions. Our employees have stepped up to ensure we can continue to provide our community with legal and safe access to medical cannabis,” said this dispensary’s public affairs director, Spencer Andrews.

“We understand our ability to remain open is a privilege that comes with a responsibility to move with great diligence and care. That starts with taking care of the people on the front lines.

We’ve made significant operational changes mirroring practices adopted by the grocery industry, and we recently enacted a $2-an-hour wage increase across all employees.”

It has seen increased sales as well, but has noted that the initial rush has died down and sales have returned to pre-crisis levels.

The experience at March and Ash echoes similarly to that of Downtown Los Angeles’ dispensaries. John, a budtender at LitCo, who refused to give his last name, said it’s been a wild ride over the past few weeks.

“I was working when the city ordered people to stay at home,” John said about the order to shelter in place, which came down on March 19.

“It was crazy. People just started streaming in, and I hadn’t even heard what happened yet.”

Since then, LitCo has switched to curbside pickup and delivery—something he “never imagined” would happen. Though foot traffic is light, seeing as people are quarantining and there can only be 10 people in the store at one given time, he has seen plenty of activity with delivery and pickup. He also said hoarding and stockpiling, which were commonplace activities just two weeks ago, have largely stopped.

What’s clear, though, is that there has been a clear bump in the industry across the board.

Robert Weakley, CEO and co-founder of Salinas -based Indus Holdings, a vertically integrated cannabis company that has its hands in everything from cultivation to distribution and inbetween, has also enjoyed the growth.

“We’ve always found success in marketing and distributing our brands to California cannabis consumers, but recently we’ve begun to see increased demand specifically for our flower brands, including Cypress Cannabis and House Weed, as well as our concentrate products,” he explained.

He also offered his take on why people are increasingly turning to cannabis.

“In times of uncertainty, recreational consumers are obviously looking for ways to reduce stress, relax and focus on something other than the current crisis.”

APRIL 06, 2020

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Domestic violence shelters work around coronavirus

By Sara Edwards hen the stay-at-home order was issued for Los Angeles, most just stocked up on food and household essentials, cleared off their desk and began working.

But domestic violence survivors have been put in greater danger from these orders, feeling trapped with their abuser with feelings of hopelessness of a brighter future.

“If someone is living currently with their batterer, they’re at higher risk because the options for them to escape are much more limited now,” said John Maceri, CEO of The People Concern.

“One of the things batterers do is they isolate their victims, so this is kind of the perfect storm for women and victims who are normally isolated. This makes them even more isolated.”

While Los Angeles is working under stay-athome orders, domestic violence shelters are having to change the way they deliver help and services to the people who need them.

“Everything we do has to be adjusted at this point,” said Barbara Kappos, executive director for the East Los Angeles Women’s Shelter.

“From what we hear, domestic violence is on the rise, so in regard to DV, they can call our 24-hour hotline or connect with us online and we can give victims some direction.”

Yvette Lozano, Peace Over Violence’s chief

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program and operations officer, said the pandemic could increase violence in a home, especially if it is present.

“The violence could increase due to the extreme added pressure of someone losing a job or not having a job and being restricted on doing certain things,” she said.

Lozano’s organization had to stop doing in-person services, like speaking with survivors in hospitals or in their homes, but it still has resources for victims to stay safe.

“If a victim needs to call us, they can get a hold of us through our 24-hour hotline,” she said. “If they need support services such as case management, they can do that through the telephone, and we continue to provide the advocacy on their behalf. The services are still functioning; they’re just modified now through telecommunications.”

While Peace Over Violence has transitioned to providing services virtually, other organizations like the Downtown Women’s Shelter are still offering in-house services.

“Our staff, therapists and case managers are, calling people and if it’s safe enough, we’re still meeting on site with a six-point distance,” said Amy Turk of Downtown Women’s Shelter.

“At 9 a.m. we’re doing drop-in services in our parking lot, and any woman who needs support can come then and they are indicating if they need a phone call or would like to come in later for connection to services.”

The Downtown Women’s Center is different from other domestic violence shelters in that it is an open-address shelter. Turk said normally the only way shelters provide their address is to a victim who has called a hotline requiring assistance.

“We are not a traditional domestic violence service, so if someone needs a more specific, undisclosed shelter, we can direct them to hotlines to call,” Turk said.

Lozano said while Peace Over Violence hasn’t noticed an increase in domestic violence calls at this time, she would be worried if she noticed a decline in calls to their agency or any agency at all.

“I would be worried when our calls start declining and we stop getting calls. That would be my biggest stresser,” she said. “I would be concerned that victims are not being allowed or unable to get support services from an agency to help them.”

The Downtown Women’s Center, as well as other domestic violence shelters, started finding quicker ways for victims to get help.

Turk said they have been doing more on social media, and shelters have been encouraging those who need help to text the center or message them on Instagram or Facebook, allowing help to come quickly and discretely.

“It feels very grim right now because the news is so negative,” Maceri said. “But there are still going to be victims of domestic violence

through the pandemic and after. Organizations on the front lines need to be able to sustain this work, because as devastating as the virus is going to be, it is not going to solve or end domestic violence.”

Each of these organizations has its own hotlines and crisis centers for different neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Their information is listed below: The People Concern: Sojourn Domestic Violence Services: thepeopleconcern.org/sojourn/ 2116 Arlington Avenue, Suite 100 323-334-9000 Hotline: 310-264-6644 Peace Over Violence peaceoverviolence.org 1015 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 200 213-955-9090 Hotline: 213-626-3393 Downtown Women’s Center downtownwomenscenter.org 442 S. San Pedro Street 213-680-0600 East Los Angeles Women’s Shelter elawc.org 1431 S. Atlantic Blvd.

323-526-5819 800-585-6231

Staples Center’s LA Clippers look west after $400M deal

By Brian Louwers new LLC formed by LA Clippers executives has reached an agreement to purchase The Forum from The Madison Square Garden Co. for $400 million in cash.

The deal between CAPSS LLC and MSG sets the Clippers up to move from their shared home arena at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles to Inglewood, where the team would have its own venue for the first time in over two decades.

If closed as expected this spring, the arrangement would seemingly consolidate control over two venues in Inglewood, set up a pledged $100 million in benefits for the surrounding community and end litigation over plans for the NBA franchise’s new home.

“We are looking forward to putting the legal issues behind us,” the LA Clippers said in a statement on March 26. “This will allow us to focus on delivering world-class experiences for music fans and building a new arena that will provide a unique environment and a true home-court advantage for Clippers

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fans.”

LA Clippers Chairman Steve Ballmer and Vice Chairman Dennis Wong recently moved to form CAPSS and announced the deal to acquire The Forum on March 24. The Clippers have shared the Staples Center with the Los Angeles Lakers and the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings since 1999, but Ballmer has been determined to establish an independent home for the team since purchasing the franchise from disgraced former owner Donald T. Sterling. The anticipated move west would also bring the team closer to its practice facility in Playa Vista.

The plan calls for The Forum’s continued operation as a live-music venue. According to a Clippers media release, all of MSG’s current employees at The Forum will be extended job offers by the new ownership company.

The Clippers have proposed construction of a new, $1 billion state-of-the-art arena complex with seating for 18,000, the team’s headquarters and a community center on West Century Boulevard, between South Prairie Avenue and South Yukon Avenue. An Continued on page 9

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APRIL 06, 2020

EDITORIAL

Redefining public health week: Community advocacy

By Christine Fernandez verybody deserves to live a healthy, prosperous and safe life, regardless of their race, gender, religion, age or socioeconomic status. Within the public health field, we public health professionals strive to do just that: ensure that everyone has access to health-promoting resources regardless of their status. As public health professionals, one of our main goals is to provide education on how to better one’s health. Every year public health professionals dedicate a week to promote this knowledge and call it National Public Health Week. This year, public health professionals are excited to share their knowledge with America the week of April 6, with each weekday highlighting a specific aspect of health.

On Monday, we will advocate for mental health. Mental illness is more prevalent within the nation than one may think; one in five Americans experience mental illness. As public health professionals, we aim to increase awareness about the prevalence of this illness and promote knowledge about resources that are available for those in need. Through these actions, we hope to help people struggling with mental illness to lead positive and functional lives to the best of their ability.

Tuesday focuses on maternal and child health. About 31% of women will face pregnancy complications in the United States.

Moreover, mothers and families are unaware about resources which are available to them and ensure their essential pre- and post-pregnancy needs are met. We as public health professionals hope that promotion of maternal and child-related health education will result in less pregnancy complications and allow for families to be more prepared to provide adequate care for their child.

Wednesday turns the focus to violence prevention. Violence is experienced and inflicted in many forms throughout the nation. About one in four men and one in three women have experienced physical intimate partner violence. In 2017, there were a total of 39,773 gun-related deaths within the country. Through education about violence prevention and promotion of interventions such as advocating for gun safety laws and trauma-related services, we hope to interrupt abuse cycles.

Thursday serves to emphasize environmental health in an attempt to promote community health as well as raise awareness about

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and deter climate change. Millions of Americans face environmental challenges which propose a risk to their health. These challenges include but are not limited to unsafe drinking water air pollution, and increased natural disasters. These threats to health induce many Americans to develop health ailments, such as poor-air-quality-induced asthma.

Because of these environmental crises, it is necessary to promote interventions that may help reduce or eliminate harm caused by these problems. Such interventions may include preparation of disaster plans to ensure the safety of oneself and loved ones as well as promoting activities such as recycling and carpooling in order to promote the longevity of our planet.

Friday focuses on education access. Education is highly important to one’s health. Statistics show that high school graduates have an increased lifespan of about nine years as compared to non-high school graduates. Public health professionals strive to ensure that school, and its included resources, is accessible for all children to help them achieve their optimal level of health. In order to make sure all children fully benefit from the education system, public health nurses are campaigning for things such as eliminating school lunch debt and ensuring access to medical and support services.

Saturday’s goal is to promote safe and healthy housing. Lead pipes, pest infestations and residential crowding increase a community’s susceptibility to health deterioration.

To keep housing as safe as possible, we public health professionals want to promote the enforcement of housing maintenance schedules and legislation that enacts housing regulations.

Lastly, Sunday addresses economic inequality. There are 6.8 million children living in poverty, which hinders their health and development. National Public Health Week will be utilized to support and promote tax policies which will help distribute resources to low-income families and ultimately enhance their health.

To sum up, public health addresses multiple aspects necessary for a prosperous life, and people of all kinds deserve a prosperous life. Help us spread the word about Public Health Week to promote a healthier community.

Info: nphw.org/nphw-2020

Financial compassion in a time of crisis

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hese are extraordinary times. Almost by the hour, it seems like life as we know it shifts. And obviously we’re all scared and concerned for everyone’s well-being.

While the government, health care systems and all of us individually are working to protect our wellness from the virus, there is another crisis that needs fending off: business cash flow and survival.

The calamity of what is becoming an economic cease—and—desist virus protective measure risks putting thousands upon thousands of companies—and all of their respective workforce of millions of employees—out of business. As we’re seeing daily in the press, companies are laying off employees far and wide. That is one cost that business leaders can control. But what about long-term lease obligations? At some point in the next 90 days, every company is going to begin looking at their real estate lease cost, particularly those that have reduced their workforce and find themselves swimming in excess space overnight.

Contrary to popular belief, even from those within the commercial real estate industry, lease obligations are negotiable. There are dozens of avenues to pursue for rent relief—and the best avenue depends on your circumstance.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of commercial real estate brokerage companies exist to serve building owners. More than 90% of their point of view, agenda and services revolve around fee generation opportunities driven by supporting and advocating for landlord needs, including property management, leasing, financing and buying/selling. They’re known as dual agencies—as they “represent” both landlords and tenants. Times like what we’re currently experiencing make the enormous conflict of interest even more glaring than normal. When companies need rent relief through lease restructuring, lease terminations, lease contractions, etc., how do brokerage companies who serve landlords at the same time fight to cut a tenant’s rental obligations?

Make no mistake—companies that pay rent as tenants are the lifeblood of the nation.

Landlords are some of the wealthiest, deep— pocketed institutional investors on the planet. Before anyone gets concerned about what landlords will do with less cash flow than expected, I can tell you they’re not going to lay off thousands of employees—many of which will be your family and neighbors. They will renegotiate their bank loans and/or take a less-than-anticipated return on their investment. If a company doesn’t survive, the ripple effect runs through households of your friends, neighbors, relatives and yourself. Landlords, and their dual agent brokerage company helpers, just make less money. I’d say the sacrifice is worth it.

I have fought in multiple states to change the laws about dual agency. No different than the legal industry, the commercial real estate industry should be banned from representing opposing parties. How is it that lawyers are not allowed to represent opposing parties over a $100,000 issue­—but dual agents can represent opposing parties in multimillion-dollar transactions—while at the same time having multiple revenue sources as rewards from the landlord side? What’s even worse today is that the biggest brokerage firms in the United States have affiliated businesses that develop commercial real estate, own commercial real estate and coinvest in it; brokerage firms have become the landlord! It is simply crazy, and business leaders should wake up to the peril they put their company in when engaging in such outdated practices. It shocks me every time when I hear about a sophisticated tenant hiring a full-service landlord brokerage firm. Using a full-service brokerage firm to represent a tenant is archaic.

If you’re a company looking to maximize its real estate savings while minimizing its commitment and risk, call a good tenant-only commercial real estate company and find out how to minimize your occupancy expenses in this challenging time.

Jason Hughes Chairman and CEO Hughes Marino

APRIL 06, 2020

DOWNTOWN NEWS 7

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Garcetti: Face coverings will push us ahead of the curve

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ayor Eric Garcetti urged Angelenos to cover their faces in public to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We want you to keep your respiratory droplets to yourself,” Garcetti said during his April 2 press briefing.

“This is not an excuse to break out of the stay-at-home order and head to a park that’s closed or go to the beach. This is when you’re out in the public already—out purchasing groceries, going to pharmacies or making other essential stops.”

He was quick to add he did not call the coverings “masks,” as N95 and other medical-grade masks are reserved for medical workers.

“Using a mask, if you’re not a medical worker yourself, can cost a doctor or nurse their lives,” he said.

Instead, he urged residents to wear bandanas and scarves. In the coming days, he will present additional safety measures for grocery workers.

“Early data suggests that many who are infected with COVID-19 do not have symptoms, which is why everyone should wear cloth face coverings when leaving the house

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for essential activities,” he reiterated.

“However, a face covering is not a substitute for other critical measures—most importantly, staying home as much as possible, washing hands frequently, and practicing safe physical distancing in all settings.”

Joining him was Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the LA County Department of Health. She said there has been an increase daily in COVID-19 cases and a corresponding number of people who have died from it. However, the county has expanded its capacity to test, which is an essential part in its ability to take the protective actions it needs.

“Self-isolation is vitally important,” she said. “That means you stay away from everyone else. If you have COVID-19, you must isolate for seven days and for another three days you must be symptom free and fever free.”

Those in close quarters must quarantine as well.

“You need to stay away from others,” Ferrer said. “You need to arrange for others to get groceries and medicines. It’s vitally important that we slow the spread and limit

Mayor Eric Garcetti and Gov. Gavin Newsom at the Port of Los Angeles to welcome the USNS Mercy hospital ship to Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy Mayor Eric Garcetti

the possibility of exposing others.

“This coordinated effective response will slow the spread. I join the mayor in my deep appreciation at the sacrifice everyone is making—the enormous amount of risk that our essential workers are taking, whether they’re working at grocery stores or front line at the hospitals. We know how hard it is to balance the work you’re doing to keep the rest of us functioning.”

Garcetti also announced that traffic lights will be set to a late-night schedule to slow traffic. He’s already seen a drop in traffic injuries and deaths in the neighborhoods. That frees up much-needed hospital beds.

In the county, there are 1,664 available beds and 305 ICU beds, as of April 2, with 1,050 available ventilators. Adding to those beds was the arrival of the USNS Mercy hospital ship to Los Angeles.

“Those are increases in all of those categories,” Garcetti said. “That speaks to the heroic work of county, nonprofit and private hospitals.

“Los Angeles is a leader in responding to this global crisis and that’s why I share the latest guidance from public health experts on how you can help protect yourself and those around you from infection. As we learn more about this virus, we will continue to update our guidance so we don’t just flatten the curve but get ahead of it.”

Council holds historic emergency meeting about pandemic

By Kamala Kirk he LA City Council held a 12-hour meeting March 27 via Zoom teleconferencing to tackle measures aimed at adding protections for renters and workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Council President Nury Martinez canceled the previous week’s meeting due to concerns about the virus and the staff being unprepared.

“I wanted to ensure that the security and safety of everyone involved was not going to be compromised,” said Martinez, who was the only councilmember in chambers.

“Even though we’re experiencing one of the worst pandemics in our city’s history—if not the world—I have not forgotten who I am. I have always been and will always be an advocate for the working poor. As I mentioned when I was sworn in as your president, the family–first agenda was going to be as important today as it was in January to protect peo-

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ple who depend on us. They’re depending on us to take bold actions this morning and to make sure that their families as well as their jobs are being protected.”

During the public comments portion of the meeting, the public phoned—landlords concerned about mortgage payments and the unemployed worried about paying their rents.

To give renters peace of mind, the council voted to expand the length of time that renters can pay back unpaid rent during the coronavirus outbreak from six months—which Mayor Eric Garcetti proposed—to one year.

The council unanimously voted to redirect $11 million that the city set aside for microloans to fund a new technical program to maximize the potential of Los Angeles residents applying for and receiving the Small Business Administration and other federal loans as part of the COVID-19 response program.

Councilmembers also unanimously approved an ordinance that would require busi-

ness with more than 500 employees to provide two weeks of paid leave for their full-time workers to use while recovering from coronavirus themselves or if their family members are suffering from it. Part-time workers would also get additional sick leave, but the requirement doesn’t apply to companies that are temporarily closed due to COVID-19.

However, businesses with 50 employees or less were exempt from this, as numerous business owners and city council members expressed concern that mandating sick leave would have lasting economic repercussions on many restaurants, bars and stores in Los Angeles, potentially leading to bankruptcy and long-term ruin.

“I think it’s irresponsible if we’re making decisions without a full understanding of the economic impact of the stimulus package and how it’s going to support small businesses,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, Seventh District. “I think we need to do everything

possible to be thoughtful in these conversations, to consider the industries impacted.

I’m concerned about making a decision that would bankrupt some of the businesses.”

The council also voted to not require city contracts that are under $100,000 to be put in writing if they’re related to COVID-19.

The councilmembers discussed supermarkets. They passed an ordinance that would require supermarkets to reserve the first hour to senior citizens ages 60 and older, as well as those with disabilities.

Another passed ordinance provides protection for grocery, delivery and drug store workers, allowing them to change schedules if they are ill with coronavirus or need to care for their children or sick family members.

“We are making sure that anybody who had stayed home or cared for a sick child would not have to be put in a position to choose between a sick child or paycheck,” said Councilman Joe Buscaino, 15th District.

8 DOWNTOWN NEWS

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APRIL 06, 2020

Caleb Nichols (played

by Aaron Paul) in a scene from season three of “Westworld,” which prominently features the DTLA skyline.

Photo courtesy HBO

DTLA has a starring role in HBO’s ‘Westworld’

By Kamala Kirk ngelenos watching the current season of HBO’s “Westworld” may notice that many of the scenes and settings look familiar. More than 100 locations throughout Downtown Los Angeles were featured on season three of the futuristic drama, which is set in neo-Los Angeles in 2058.

Location manager Mandi Dillin has worked on the hit TV series since it debuted in 2014.

Since then, she has scouted filming locations around the world for each season.

“For seasons one and two, we filmed in and around Los Angeles, in combination with Utah and Arizona,” Dillin said. “Season three takes place in a future urban society, so we expanded our filming locations to include Spain and Singapore. The locations serve as the bulk of the storytelling, really bringing the viewer into this specific time and place. It’s a very immersive show.”

The 1982 film “Blade Runner” served as a source of inspiration for the futuristic setting

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of Los Angeles, along with the Spike Jonze movie “Her,” which featured breathtaking modern architecture. The Los Angeles depicted in season three of “Westworld” is sleek, clean and orderly with less traffic and more greenery—a stark contrast to “Blade Runner’s” eerily dark metropolis.

“We wanted to avoid creating a visual duplication of the world depicted in ‘Blade Runner,’ because it’s a different space,” Dillin explained. “Our future version of Los Angeles has evolved a lot but in subtle ways. There are all of these cool gadgets, robots and nanotechnology. The city is similar to Singapore in many ways. It’s a lush and lustrous world with beautiful buildings covered in greenery. Even though the story has changed and we’re out of the theme park this season, there is still an aesthetic that we want to maintain.”

Dillin, who is a docent with the Los Angeles Conservancy—a historic preservation organization—spends a lot of time Downtown and is familiar with much of the city’s architectural work and historic buildings, which inspired some of the show’s filming locations.

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 9

Evan Rachel Wood portrays Dolores Abernathy, a host who has escaped from the Westworld theme park into the real world.

Photo courtesy HBO

LA FORUM, 5

“One of the places I knew early on that I wanted to film at was the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts on Grand Avenue,” Dillin said. “I called the principal and reserved the campus for filming during their spring break. Season three was more immersive in terms of exploring Downtown. If there was anything cool and modern, we shot it. There are so many fantastic buildings in Los Angeles. I’m always keeping my eyes open for places that are visually interesting.”

The Los Angeles Convention Center has been featured prominently on “Westworld” since season one. Its interior escalators are depicted as the Delos Arrival Terminal at the Westworld resort, where guests to the theme park are first greeted. Other filming locations included MacArthur Park, Fourth Street Bridge above the Los Angeles River, and the Arts District.

Various buildings such as City National Bank and the U.S. Bank Tower also make on-screen cameos, and viewers will recognize many of Downtown’s streets in various scenes as well.

“The apartment building that overlooks Downtown Los Angeles, where Aaron Paul’s character lives, was actually a building that houses people transitioning from being homeless into residences,” Dillin shared. “During the process of scouting, we discovered a lot of these housing communities with fantastic modern architecture. It’s quite surprising.”

The show also features wide landscape shots of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline, and while digital augmentation added some skyscrapers, futuristic vehicles and other special effects, much of the buildings and architecture depicted all remain authentic to their original form.

“Some of our action sequences are fantastic because you see so much of the city,” Dillin said.

“There are amazing views, even during the nighttime scenes. In general, when people think of Los Angeles, Hollywood and the beaches are the first things that come to mind—not our Downtown metropolis. It’s exciting to be able to showcase it to people who normally don’t get the chance to visit. We definitely utilized many existing skyscrapers, public spaces and interiors throughout Downtown, and viewers will see a lot more as the season progresses.”

anticipated opening for the 2024-25 NBA season has been reported, after the Clippers’ lease expires at Staples Center in 2024.

According to a plan for the “Inglewood Basketball and Entertainment Center” presented to Inglewood City Council members on September 10, the privately funded development would net a $100 million benefits package for the community, “including the establishment of an ‘Affordable Housing Development’ and the commitment of up to $75 million in low-interest housing loans in the city. Additional benefits include $12,750,000 in programs for grade-school students, including after-school programs, scholarships, college advising and student support services; $5.5 million in homeowner and renter assistance; $500,000 for public basketball court renovations in city parks and programs for seniors, including computer literacy; and $6 million for library and community center improvements.

The arena project will generate 7,500 skilled trade construction jobs, according to the Clippers. An estimated 1,500 permanent jobs will be created once the basketball and entertainment complex is completed.

“This is an unprecedented time, but we believe in our collective future,” Ballmer said in the March 24 release announcing the agreement to purchase The Forum. “We are committed to our investment in the city of Inglewood, which will be good for the community, the Clippers and our fans.”

In the release, Chris Meany, principal for project developer Wilson Meany, addressed the specter of increased traffic congestion as a result of the new venue and The Forum’s continued operation for live events.

“We know traffic is something that many Inglewood residents worry about,” Meany said.

“While we have gone to great lengths to provide an unprecedented traffic-management plan for the new basketball arena, this acquisition provides a much greater ability to coordinate and avoid scheduling events at the same time at both venues.”

An environmental review by the city of Inglewood remains ongoing, and public hearings on the project are expected to commence this summer.

The Forum’s sale to CAPSS would put an end to various points of litigation surrounding plans for the new arena.

In January, MSG filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court that named Gov. Gavin Newsom and California’s Joint Legislative Budget Committee. The filing alleged that legislation fast-tracking plans for the new arena violated the state’s constitution.

“This is the best resolution for all parties involved, and we wish the new owners every success,” MSG said in a statement after the agreement was announced.

10 DOWNTOWN NEWS

In times like these, Los Angeles artist aims to uplift

By Griffin Fabits t looked like a mundane photo opportunity: a single car in an otherwise empty parking lot. But Andrew Lawrence snapped a picture on his cellphone anyway.

The photo itself was born out of Lawrence’s own amusement. The residential parking lot at his Hollywood Hills home was often so full of cars he couldn’t find anywhere to park. But, this time, his was the only car in sight.

“A miracle,” he said with a laugh. “It’s pretty unusual.”

A Los Angeles-based artist, Lawrence studied the photo.

Besides the irony of it, it was a pretty bland shot. Blue sky, green trees, a sunny day. He wanted to liven it up.

“I got bored and decided to mess with it and see what I could do.”

He managed to add a twist: bright, unusual colors that brought the image to life. The grass was pink, the trees bright yellow and the sky teal.

And thus, a project was born.

Lawrence has since introduced his Cool Color Art Weekly publication, a weekly newsletter that he sends to subscribers via email of ordinary images with extraordinary colors and effects.

And, in times as uncertain as these, Lawrence sees it as a way to help people, to uplift them and bring nature to them.

“What I’m trying to do here in this art weekly is get people a moment, a brief break, from all the fear and isolation by the use of bright colors and some beautiful objects. To uplift them.”

Lawrence has captured more than 150 of what he calls “cool colored photos” since beginning the project in September. He’s breaking down his best photos and choosing which he’d like to share in his weekly publication.

“I’m going to decide which ones are interesting, uplifting and I’m going to start with my masterpieces,” he said.

Lawrence has a rich background as a photographer. He was once a “high-end fashion photographer,” having shot over 10,000 photos. He’s also written 21 books.

He’s in the business of helping people, providing the world with fun photos and a smile—which he believes to be imperative in the coronavirus era.

“I think I’m a lot more sensitive to the boredom and the fear of this new world,” he said. “The lack of nature now— you can’t travel, you can’t go any places, you can’t see anything, you can’t be with people. I think it inhibits us as human beings socially very much.

“I am an artist who is about improving people’s lives, if only for a few moments.”

Info: coolcolorartweekly.com

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APRIL 06, 2020

Andrew Lawrence’s newsletter started with a photo he took of his car in an empty parking lot

Photo courtesy Andrew Lawrence

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Los Angeles-based artist Andrew Lawrence said in times like these, he hopes to uplift the spirits of people by providing them with funkycolored, extraordinary images.

Photo courtesy Andrew Lawrence

APRIL 06, 2020

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 11

“Dancing with the Stars: Live!” will not reschedule its March 29 show.

Microsoft Theater shows rescheduled

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ue to the ongoing developments with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Microsoft Theater shows in March through May have been postponed or canceled and the staff is working diligently with promoters to get them rescheduled, if possible. All ticket purchases will be valid for the new date and time.

Visit microsofttheater.com for continual updates on its event schedule.

• Teo González & Jorge Falcón, originally March 13, has been rescheduled to October 2.

• Pancho Barraza, set for March 14, is now October 9.

• “Dancing with the Stars: Live!” on March 29 has been canceled.

• Boyz II Men on April 3 is now August 21.

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• “Baby Shark Live!” on April 5 was moved to November 8.

• Jose Luis Perales on April 17 is now October 3.

• Franco Escamilla, set for April 24, is now October 11.

• Ricardo Montaner on April 25 has been postponed. The new date will be announced soon.

• “Femme It Forward presents Love Language,” scheduled for April 30, will be held August 14.

• “Paw Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue,” set for May 2 and May 3, has been postponed. The new date will be announced soon.

• Jesus Adrian Romero’s performance on May 10 will now be held October 16.

Photos by Geoff Burke

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Location is Everything

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