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Supporting the Arts Self Help Graphics receives $1 million grant
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BID begins ‘DTLA is Open’ campaign By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor
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owntown Center Business Improvement District launched the “DTLA is Open” marketing campaign to increase the return of visitors to Downtown Los Angeles, encouraging them to get reacquainted with the restaurants, bars, arts and entertainment venues. The program promotes DTLA retailers, hotels, arts and culture venues such as MOCA, Disney Concert Hall and the Broad, and the area’s retail destinations, including FIGat7th, the Bloc and St. Vincent Jewelry Center. “We’re so happy,” said Suzanne Holley, DCBID president and chief executive officer, about the reopening. “It was very hard for, obviously, busi-
nesses, in our district. We’ve been back Downtown for a few months now. Like a lot of other businesses, we worked remotely for a period of time. When things started opening up and the cases were decreasing, we came down, kicked the tires and felt encouraged. It feels better and more vibrant every single day.” The new campaign runs through September and includes a photo contest and weekly gift card giveaways to recently reopened businesses and retailers. “We have weekly gift card giveaways to attract people to restaurants,” Holley said. “We’re giving away four to five of those a week through social media. “We’re having a photo contest. There are a lot of great photographers Downtown. In June, July and August, we’re asking pho-
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tographers to submit photos. We’ll have little shellshocked. Downtown, for being a 10 winners each month. Each winner will big city, it really is a community.” receive a $150 gift card to some of the loThe DCBID has been the catalyst in cal businesses. It’s a great way to support Downtown Los Angeles’ transformation the businesses and local artists, who are into a vibrant 24/7 neighborhood. terrific.” A coalition of more than 2,000 property Holley said she feels emotional when owners in the central business district, the she thinks about Downtown’s resurgence. DCBID members are united in their com“I see businesses that were boarded up mitment to enhance the quality of life in and then people taking the boards down,” Downtown Los Angeles. It is bounded by EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski she added. “ISTAFF get WRITERS: emotional justChecchia, thinking to the west, First Street Andrew Andresthe De Harbor Ocampo,Freeway Julia Shapero CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sara Edwards, about it. There were some businesses that Kamala to theKirk north, Main and Hill streets to the ART DIRECTORS: Arman Torres did renovations thinking, ‘If we Olivares, have toStephanie be east, and Olympic Boulevard to the south. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Chavez closed anyhow, let’s come back better.’ “The program will continue to evolve as CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Myriam Santos “That’s very encouraging see those situation ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES:to Catherine Holloway,the Michael Lamb has,” Holley said. “If we see FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue kinds of projects completed. It’sLaris great to other opportunities, we’ll take advantage see people I know and know that we’re re- of that. That’s the one thing. We’re looking connecting. I think when people started for opportunities to come out of this.” coming to Downtown LA, they seemed a
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski STAFF WRITERS: Doyoon Kim, Joe McHugh CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Frier McCollister, Ellen Snortland, Bliss Bowen ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Chavez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway (213) 308-2261 Michael Lamb (213) 453-3548 FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris
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(Starting far right) Betty Avila, executive director; Lulu Urdiales, program coordinator; Lana Zimmerman, curatorial research assistant; Nanci Ochoa, facility and operations manager; Marvella Muro, director of artistic programs and education; Dewey Tafoya, master printer
Self Help Graphics & Art is working to update its building that is over 110 years old. Photo by Luis Chavez
Photo by Luis Chavez
Self Help Graphics receives $1M from MacKenzie Scott By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor
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etty Avila isn’t sure what to do with $1 million. The executive director of DTLA’s Self Help Graphics & Art recently received a grant from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott for the community arts center. Scott is the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos. “There was no indication that this was coming,” Avila said. “It was a wonderful bit of news.” In a statement, Scott said Self Help Graphics & Art aligned with her mission. “Ar ts and cultural institutions can strengthen communities by transforming spaces, fostering empathy, reflecting community identity, advancing economic mobility, improving academic outcomes, lowering crime rates and improving mental health, so we evaluated smaller arts organizations creating these benefits with artists and audiences from culturally rich regions and identity groups that donors often overlook,” Scott said. Avila heard about the grant when Scott’s
staff reached out and shared they wanted to contribute to the organization. “It was a great call to receive,” said Avila, who added Self Help Graphics & Art is slowly reopening to the public. Since its incorporation in 1973, Self Help Graphics & Art has produced more than 2,000 art print editions, including 54 atelier projects and exhibitions worldwide. The organization remains dedicated to the production, interpretation and distribution of prints and other art media by Chicana/o and Latinx artists. Its multidisciplinary intergenerational programs promote artistic excellence and empower community by providing access to working space, tools and training. Nearly 50 years later, Self Help Graphics & Art continues to foster emerging Chicana/o and Latinx artists through its printmaking practice and supports the role of artists as leaders. Scott said this dedication to diversity is what made Self Help Graphics & Art stand out. “We evaluated smaller arts organizations
(left to right) Lulu Urdiales program coordinator and Lana Zimmerman curatorial research assistant working on a project in the Self Help Graphics workspace.
Photo by Luis Chavez
creating these benefits with artists and audiences from culturally rich regions and identity groups that donors often overlook,” Scott said. Avila said she and her staff are considering what to do with the grant. “We’re not used to receiving that type of contribution,” she said. “I think the important thing is we’re in the middle of a capital campaign to renovate our site. “Our building is a former fish packing plant that’s over 110 years old. The organization has never been in a space that’s built out for our artistic mission. To be in the middle of this process and to receive this kind of contribution is definitely an opportunity for us to think big and boldly.” Organizations like Self Help Graphics & Art that are culturally specific have systemically been undercapitalized, she said. However, Avila said, Self Help Graphics & Art has navigated with the resources it had. Avila has been with the center since 2015, at a time when Self Help Graphics & Art did not own the building it is in. “To go from some level of uncertainty to
being owners of the space and benefit the community, the timing of this gift is like the stars aligned,” she said. “The purchase price was $3.625 million. We’re very close to paying off the mortgage, which is exciting. The renovation is close to $8 million. That would transform the entire site, the building, the exterior. We’re really trying to create a type of cultural center.” Sustaining Self Help Graphics & Arts is important to Avila, who grew up with the arts. “I’ve always been in the arts,” she said. “When I came to Self Help Graphics & Arts as a college student, it was one of those moments, a feeling of a sense of coming home. “I always knew I would come back to work here. I wasn’t sure at what point or in what capacity. To now receive a donation at this level — that is completely unrestricted with no strings attached to it — we have to take a moment to think about what we can do with this, and how it can be transformational for the organization and impactful for the community we serve.”
Prints by Miguel Angel Reyes hang on a wall in the Gallery of Self Help Graphics. Photo by Luis Chavez
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News Briefs By LA Downtown News Staff Cal State LA receives $1M grant from Wells Fargo Cal State LA has received a $1 million grant from Wells Fargo to support the launch of a new student entrepreneurship program that aims to help communities recover following the pandemic. The award was part of $3.6 million in Open for Business Fund grants that Wells Fargo has given to organizations to provide multicultural and multilingual technical assistance, strategies and resources to help Black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) women small business owners adapt and sustain economic recovery, including in the tech and entertainment industries. Cal State LA partnered with Community Health Councils and the Los Angeles Small Business Development Cen-
ter to launch the Leading for Equity in Entrepreneurship Accelerator and Fellowship (LEEAF) program. The new program supports students who want to learn more about entrepreneurship and help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Cal State LA students will have the opportunity to serve as fellows while taking part in intensive training, working alongside entrepreneurs and positioning themselves and communities to innovate and thrive in a post-pandemic world. “COVID-19 has had devastating impacts on small business owners, especially women entrepreneurs from the many communities of color. Cal State LA, along with strong community partners, is seeking to help such entrepreneurs recover and grow,” said Cal State LA Professor Marla A. Parker, who is co-director of the LEEAF program. “The LEEAF program offers Cal State
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LA students a unique paid opportunity to develop their own entrepreneurial skills and plans, while helping existing BIPOC women business owners thrive — all leading to a more diverse, equitable and just economic landscape.” Deadline nears for submissions to the Lewis MacAdams Prize The deadline to enter proposals for the 2021 Lewis MacAdams Prize is 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, June 30. The LA River Public Art Project (LARPAP) recently launched the second Lewis MacAdams Prize with the theme “Represent the River: Word & Image.” The juried art competition named after the late co-founder of Friends of the Los Angeles River is a forum for artists to present work that imagines the Los Angeles River as a transformed space for public art that addresses place, community and creativity. Two prizes are offered: a grand prize of $500, and an emerging artist prize of $150 for entrants ages 18 and younger. The competition will be judged by an esteemed panel of artists, writers,
educators and art administrators including: 2021 Lewis MacAdams Prize Juror Panel: Betty Avila, executive director, Self Help Graphics & Art Marissa Gonzalez-Kucheck, cultural arts coordinator, city of South Gate Addy Gonzalez Renteria, co-founder and co-director, 11:11 A Creative Collective Diane Matyas, artist, museum educator, professor of art, LARPAP board member Rex Weiner, journalist, editor and board member of Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center To enter contest, email submissions to lmprize@lariverpublicartproject.org. Winners will be announced Tuesday, July 20. For more information, visit lariverpublicartproject.org. The LA River Public Art Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2014. The organization advocates for the Los Angeles River as a diverse and shared public art destination.
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Covered California will help COVID COUNT Reported Cases in DTLA and surrounding areas as of June 13 Chinatown: 738; Little Tokyo: 403; Los Feliz: 1,066; Silverlake: 3,225; South Park: 7,388; Wilshire Center: 5,647
get a vaccination as soon as possible. Anyone who gets their first dose at a county, city or St. John’s Well Child and Family Center vaccination site will be entered to win season tickets for the Clippers, Chargers or Rams. The incentive is also open to those who are coming in for a second dose and bringing along someone who needs a first dose. Although California has lifted the bulk of COVID-19 restrictions, health experts are still urging Los Angeles County residents to wear their masks for a little longer. Although those who are fully vaccinated against the virus will be able to shed their masks in most places, masks are still important in certain locations. Masking is still required in hospitals, health care settings, travel and certain workplaces. People who are still vulnerable to the virus should also continue to wear masks even if they have been vaccinated. Those who have deficiencies, disor-
Total confirmed cases in DTLA: 4,124 Total deaths in DTLA: 52 Total confirmed cases in LA County: 1,246,821 Total deaths in LA County: 24,421 On June 13, the Los Angeles County Public Health Department confirmed 191 new cases and five additional COVID-19 deaths. Currently, there are 1,246,821 total cases with the overall death toll at 24,421. There were 221 people hospitalized with COVID-19 on June 13 — 15 fewer than the day before. The county has lifted the majority of health restrictions, but health officials continue to urge residents to be cautious as only half of the population is fully vaccinated. Officials are also asking everyone eligible to go
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a Advertising is Keep Great Way to rs Your Custome Informed The Los Angeles Downtown News publishes a wide array of special sections and quarterlies throughout the year on topics like Health, Education, Nightlife and Residential Living.
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ders or are on certain medications may have a weakened immune system and should ask their doctors about masking recommendations. People attending large gatherings or who are sharing airspace should continue wearing masks to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. According to recent figures, 5.4 million county residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which represents 66% of the eligible population. 4.66 million, 56% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated.
There are still 1.4 million residents in the county younger than 12 years old who are not eligible for doses yet. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced another incentive program—50,000 free tickets to Six Flags theme parks in California for people who are vaccinated in the state. The state will also hold another incentive program in July giving away six California vacation packages to Anaheim, San Diego, Los Angeles, Rancho Mirage and San Francisco. —Compiled by staff writer Doyoon Kim
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MARGULIES’ OPINION
Imago: Couples therapy at its best By Ellen Snortland LA Downtown News Columnist
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stride 2 1/2 miles from my home to where I will be taking Imago training for therapists and mental health professionals. It’s 2004, and I am a journalist on a mission. I’m excited. Will this be the basis for the next book I write? It’s in the home of two top Imago trainers, a married couple who also work as colleagues. I walk into their waiting room, which is kind of musty and a little on the dark side. I see another person signing the registration log and recognize them as a well-known rock star whom I love. (I have a confidentiality agreement, so I’m not saying who they are.) This is surreal. The last time I’d seen this person was on “Saturday Night Live.” “I love your work,” I say, “My name is Ellen Snortland.” They say, “I love your work, too!” I’m a bit stunned. “Really? How could that be?” They reply, “Gavin de Becker insisted that I read ‘Beauty Bites Beast’ so I did.” OK then! Because I’m not a mental health professional, why would I take a 12-day training meant for them? I sweet-talked my way in because I was considering writing about Imago from the client’s perspective and felt it essential to also see how their therapists are trained. I discovered Imago when one of my intimate relationships was in a coma; not dead, but not alive either. I stumbled upon a book first published in 1988 by Imago founders Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, “Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples.” In its third edition, this book is a classic in its field. Dr. Hendrix was Oprah’s go-to relationship guest, and I knew Dr. Hunt because she’s a prominent feminist philanthropist and a fan of my book. I eventually pulled the plug on that brain-dead relationship. Even though Imago couldn’t revive it, I got so much from the training. I did practice sessions and even role-played as a therapist with volunteer couples under supervision. The experience gave me a template I now use to listen to my husband, which is nurturing, and yes, therapeutic. (More on that later.) With typical couples therapy techniques, by the time people get to the doctor’s office, it’s often too late. Some therapists unconsciously take the side of one of the partners, despite great efforts to not do that.
Everyone in the room knows the bias that’s happening. It pushes the partners even further into deadly “right” and “wrong” relating. Imago-trained therapists take the “side” of the relationship itself, which is a character in its own right. Unless it’s declared kaput by both in the relationship, the Imago therapist will assume that the relationship is worth saving. Knowing the foundational premise of Imago can be jarring, albeit in a good way. Did you ever wonder why you kept having the same bad relationship over and over, yet with different people? I certainly did. I found out that we all have the uncanny ability — radar, if you want to call it that — to find those who will hurt us in the same way as the original wounds we got from our upbringing. When we’re in a new relationship, for the first two years or so when oxytocin is flowing, we bathe our loved ones in the light of love and adoration. Then we start the process of wounding each other. Why would we do that? Believe it or not, to better ourselves. Simply put, the theory is that you can only heal a wound when it’s active. Imago posits that the best person to help you heal is your partner! Who else sees you at your best and worst? Here’s a real-life example. One of my primary wounds from my immediate family was being ignored and feeling invisible. I’m a classic example of a needy person who becomes an actor so I can be seen. I admit it: I’m a stereotype. I had partners who would berate me when I felt ignored; my Imago-savvy hubby sees what is going on and gives me room to talk about it. That makes for a healthier Ellen and a healthy relationship. Another critical component of Imago is discerning in a relationship which person is a Minimizer and a Maximizer. Is there one that gets louder and bigger when upset? If so, the other often gets emotionally smaller. They retreat and get even quieter because they don’t feel safe when the Maximizer gets bigger and louder, to be seen or heard. This can cause the Maximizer to get even louder! It’s not all black-and-white: I can be a Maximizer about some things and a Minimizer about others. Have I written the book about Imago yet? No… but I did write this column! If your love has been severely tested over the
Hey you! Speak up! Downtown News wants to hear from people in the community. If you like or dislike a story, let us know, or weigh in on something you feel is important to the community. Participation is easy. Go to downtownnews.com, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “Letter to the Editor” link. For guest opinion proposals, please email christina@timespublications.com.
last 15 months, read “Getting the Love You Want,” or get free books by visiting harvilleandhelen.com. Happy Imago-ing!
Ellen Snortland has written Consider This… for decades. A writing coach, contact her at: ellen@authoratbitebybite.com
JUNE 21, 2021
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What to know when choosing a hospital By Family Features hen Judie Burrows, an adventurous, retired teacher, broke her hip during a bicycle accident, her family trusted the doctors and the hospital. They were not worried about a routine hip surgery. “I didn’t realize at the time that we should have worried, even though this was a routine procedure,” said her son, Steve Burrows. “We thought all hospitals were basically the same.” Burrows, who produced the award-winning HBO documentary “Bleed Out” recounting his mother’s story, points to an option like the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade as how his family might have compared hospital safety. Five months later, with her first hip surgery failing, Judie Burrows fell and broke her hip again and spent eight days in the hospital in excruciating pain with no plan of care. She had a second hip surgery, despite the doctor knowing she was still on three different prescription blood thinners and lost half the blood in her body.
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After surgery, Judie Burrows slipped into a coma. For a day and a half, no one noticed. “When my mother emerged from her coma after two weeks, her cognitive abilities were equal to that of an 8-year-old,” Steve said. “She survived, but lost her fierce independence, her home and all her life savings, which were used to pay for the injuries she suffered.”
One easy way to judge local hospitals “At first, I thought my family was just unlucky,” Steve said. “However, after the release of our HBO documentary, ‘Bleed Out,’ I received thousands of messages from people across the country who recounted their own stories of loss and suffering related to medical errors.” Research confirms the problem is significant. A study in “The BMJ” found upward of 250,000 people in the United States die of preventable medical errors each year, equal
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to more than 600 people per day. To assist people like the Burrows family, nonprofit watchdog organization The Leapfrog Group grades hospitals with an A, B, C, D or F based on measures that protect patients from preventable errors, injuries and infections. The grades look at up to 27 measures of hospital safety, like infection rates, surgical errors and standards for intensive care unit (ICU) physician staffing.
‘Shopping’ for care is crucial “Health care is too important not to shop for it,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. Binder suggests a safety-first research strategy that begins with the Hospital Safety
Grade, the only resource entirely devoted to errors, injuries and infections, followed by research from other sources into the quality of the surgery or treatment a patient needs. The hospital grades are free to the public, updated twice a year, independently assessed, peer-reviewed and fully transparent. People can search for hospitals in any region of the United States. Judie passed away last year after enduring more than a decade of health struggles following her first hip surgery. The hospital and doctors never claimed any responsibility for the emotional and financial costs. “Do not be afraid to shop like your life depends on it,” Steve said. “It does depend on it. My family found out the hard way.” Look up grades for your local hospitals at HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
Lagree213 Megaformer studio offers a transformative workout By Lagree213 Work until you sweat. Sweat until you shake. Shake until you strengthen. Strengthen until you transform. Since 2008, Lagree213 has been Downtown LA’s exclusive Lagree boutique studio, offering the Pilates-based Lagree Fitness method that gives total-body results. Located in DTLA’s Historic Core at Eighth and Hill, and in the Arts District at One Santa Fe, Lagree213 offers an upbeat, positive atmosphere that inspires your highest vibration. This challenging high-energy, low-impact 45-minute workout combines core, Lagree213 offers a transformative endurance, cardio, balance, strength and total body workout at its boutique flexibility training for unparalleled and ef- fitness studios in the Historic Core ficient results. and Arts District. The movements are slow and con(Photo courtesy of Lagree213) trolled to activate slow-twitch, fat-burning muscle fibers, and quick transitions between exercises make the method highly effective. The incredible Megaformer machine sculpts and tones every muscle in the body. Because each class is different each time, the body is always challenged. Certified trainers focus on form and promote mind-body awareness to ensure each workout is adaptable to all fitness levels, ages and abilities. There’s a reason Lagree was declared the fastest-growing fitness method by ClassPass in 2019 — it works. Embrace the shake and see what the world-class method and renowned trainers can do for the body and mind. lagree213.com
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Screening tests for common diseases By PIH Health Keeping up with your health is one of the most important ways to take care of yourself. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to make sure you’re on track with your annual wellness checks and to see if you are up to date with any health screenings. Screenings are instrumental in properly diagnosing and/or preventing a variety of medical conditions, including cancer. “Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their health care by scheduling screenings and doctor appointments, as necessary. Regular cancer screenings can help detect problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better,” said Dr. Roberto Madrid, vice president of medical group operations at PIH Health Physicians. Here are common screenings that can detect certain cancers:
Breast cancer screening Breast cancer screenings begin at age 40 and should occur annually. The American College of Radiology states that mammography screenings have assisted in the reduction of deaths due to breast cancer in the United States by one-third since 1990. The goal of a screening mammogram is to detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. In fact, cancers that are confined to the breast have survival rates greater than 98%. To schedule a mammogram, make an appointment online at PIHHealth.org/Mammogram.
Cervical cancer (pap smear) This test checks the cells from inside a woman’s cervix for any changes that could lead to cancer. The cervix is the lower part of a woman’s uterus that opens into the vagina. You may need this screening to look for cervical cancer or changes in cervical cells that might eventually lead to cancer. Major medical groups generally advise that women get regular pap tests every three years starting at age 21. Getting a regular pap test can be life saving. Cervical cancer is a serious type of cancer in women. It is also one of the most treatable types when found early.
Colonoscopy test A colonoscopy is a test used to detect any abnormalities and remove polyps that can potentially cause colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer deaths in the country. It does have a high cure rate — over 95% — if detected early. To learn more about colorectal cancer or colonoscopy, visit PIHHealth.org/Colonoscopy.
Lung cancer screening Lung cancer screenings are of the utmost importance for those who are 55 to 80 years old and have smoked a pack a day for more than 30 years, are current smokers or who have quit smoking in the last 15 years. It is also a good idea to be screened if you’ve been exposed long-term to second-hand smoke or environmental pollution. For more information about lung cancer or to schedule a lung cancer screening, visit PIHHealth.org/Lung.
Schedule an appointment This is just a selection of health screenings that can help detect cancer early. There are many more to keep in mind. Visit PIHHealth.org/Screenings to learn about cancer screening services at PIH Health. You can act now and schedule an appointment with your doctor to see which screenings are most appropriate. To find a PIH Health physician in or near you, visit PIHHealth.org/Find-a-doctor. ADVERTORIAL
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8 ways to reach a healthy blood pressure By Family Features o take care of your heart, it’s important to know and track your blood pressure. Millions of Americans have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, but many don’t realize it or aren’t keeping it at a healthy level. For most adults, healthy blood pressure is 120/80 millimeters of mercury or less. Blood pressure consistently above 130/80 millimeters of mercury increases your risk for heart disease, kidney disease, eye damage, dementia and stroke. Your doctor might recommend lowering your blood pressure if it’s between 120/80 and 130/80 and you have other risk factors for heart or blood vessel disease. High blood pressure is often “silent,” meaning it doesn’t usually cause symptoms, but it can damage your body, especially your heart, over time. Having poor heart health also increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. While you can’t control everything that increases your risk for high blood pressure —
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it runs in families, often increases with age and varies by race and ethnicity — there are things you can do. Consider these tips from experts with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) The Heart Truth program: Know your numbers. Everyone ages 3 and older should get their blood pressure checked by a health care provider at least once a year. Expert advice: 30 minutes before your test, don’t exercise, drink caffeine or smoke cigarettes. Right before, go to the bathroom. During the test, rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart and put your feet flat on the floor. Relax and don’t talk. Eat healthy. Follow a heart-healthy eating plan, such as NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). For example, use herbs for flavor instead of salt and add one fruit or vegetable to every meal. Move more. Get at least 2 1/2 hours of physical activity each week to help lower and control blood pressure. To ensure you’re re-
ducing your sitting throughout the day and getting active, try breaking your activity up. Do 10 minutes of exercise, three times a day or one 30-minute session on five separate days each week. Any amount of physical activity is better than none and all activity counts. Aim for a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, losing just 3-5% of your weight can improve blood pressure. If you weigh 200 pounds, that’s a loss of 6 to 10 pounds. To lose weight, ask a friend or family member for help or to join a weight loss program with you. Social support can help keep you motivated. Manage stress. Stress can increase your blood pressure and make your body store more fat. Reduce stress with meditation, relaxing activities or support from a counselor or online group. Have a healthy pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can harm the mother and baby. It also increases a woman’s risk of having high blood pressure later in life.
Talk to your health care provider about high blood pressure. Ask if your blood pressure is normal and track it during and after pregnancy. If you’re planning to become pregnant, start monitoring it now. Stop smoking. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can harm your heart and blood vessels. Seek out resources, such as smoke free hotlines and text message programs, that offer free support and information. Work with your doctor. Get help setting your target blood pressure. Write down your numbers every time you get your blood pressure checked. Ask if you should monitor your blood pressure from home. Take all prescribed medications as directed and keep up your healthy lifestyle. If seeing a doctor worries you, ask to have your blood pressure taken more than once during a visit to get an accurate reading. To find more information about high blood pressure as well as resources for tracking your numbers, visit nhlbi.nih.gov/hypertension.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
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Covered California will help HEALTH & WELLNESS
In-person specialty health care appointments peak after COVID-19 By Family Features n the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people put off in-person visits to the doctor’s office. They were able to do so because virtual visits allowed them to safely get the care they needed while avoiding the uncertainty and precautions that accompanied in-person visits, such as wearing masks, undergoing temperature checks and filling out screening questionnaires. Now, as the United States emerges from the pandemic — with more than 170 million Americans having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — health care booking behaviors are shifting once again. To gain insight on appointment booking trends, a free platform where people can find and book in-person or virtual health
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care, compiled “A Year in Hybrid Care.” The report shows how users’ booking choices evolved throughout the pandemic. This analysis, which began in May 2020, is the first full month Zocdoc enabled virtual visits, uncovered these key trends: Proximity matters. When patients had a choice between booking a telehealth appointment with a doctor close by or a doctor far away, 70% chose a nearby doctor for their virtual visits. This implies patients intuitively know they may eventually want or need in-person care, and choosing a local provider makes it possible to pick up the conversation in-person right where it ended online. In fact, 50% to 60% of people who booked a virtual visit with select specialty providers (podiatrists; OBGYNs; orthopedic surgeons; and ear, nose and throat specialists) booked a second, in-person appointment with that same
practice. Patients prefer in-person care. Across the United States, 33% of appointments booked via Zocdoc in May 2020 were telehealth visits — the highest single-month total during the pandemic. One year later, that number declined to 14%. With few exceptions, there was a shift back to in-person care across specialties between May 2020 and May 2021. This includes a 34% increase for neurologists; 31% increase for ear, nose and throat specialists; 29% increase for primary care physicians and dermatologists; 27% increase for allergists; 20% increase for urologists; and 19% increases for orthopedic surgeons and gastroenterologists. Mental health bookings are staying virtual. Mental health is the only specialty in which virtual care bookings remain higher than peak pandemic booking levels. In
May 2020, 75% of bookings with psychiatrists and 80% of bookings with psychologists were virtual. In May 2021, 85% of bookings with psychiatrists and 87% of bookings with psychologists were conducted via video. “As we move toward more normalcy in the U.S., we are seeing that, with the exception of mental health, which saw more demand for virtual visits in May 2021 than May 2020, the future of health care is in-person,” said Dr. Oliver Kharraz, Zocdoc founder and CEO. “The booking trends of Zocdoc users show that while telehealth will remain an important part of the health care mix, it will be a complement to in-person care rather than a replacement.” For more information and to view the full data analysis, visit zocdoc-inc. medium.com.
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JUNE 21, 2021
Covered California will help HEALTH & WELLNESS
Understanding nasal congestion By Family Features asal congestion, due to colds or seasonal allergies, affects almost everyone at some point. This year, with both seasonal allergies and COVID-19 running rampant, it may be especially difficult to pinpoint what’s causing congestion. For those with chronic nasal congestion that lasts three months or longer, it may be something else: nasal polyps. Nasal polyps affect up to an estimated 10 million Americans. Nasal polyps are often associated with respiratory diseases such as allergies and asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. They are noncancerous growths high and deep in the nose caused by chronic inflammation. Blocked nasal passages can cause persistent congestion, runny nose and re-
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current sinus infections. Brian, a 33-year-old musician, suffered from allergies and sinus infections for years before being diagnosed with nasal polyps and later treated with a different kind of nasal spray called Xhance (fluticasone propionate). “Before treatment, I couldn’t sleep, I was stuffy all day and the constant pressure gave me headaches,” he said. Nasal congestion is not just a nuisance for people like Brian. According to a Harris On Demand survey conducted in partnership with Optinose, the makers of Xhance, nearly 1 in 4 Americans with chronic nasal congestion experience it almost every day and 85% report it impacts daily life, including: The ability to sleep (60%), smell or properly taste food (48%) or enjoy outdoor activ-
ities (33%) One-third feel fatigued and more than half experience headaches Many feel annoyed (54%), frustrated (46%) or tired (45%) Half are uncertain if their symptoms are due to nasal congestion worsening or COVID-19 More than half are not aware nasal polyps could be the cause of their symptoms Fewer than half have seen a specialist (an allergist or ear, nose and throat doctor) to look deeper at the problem. “Nasal polyps are common, but they are largely underdiagnosed,” said Dr. Neal Jain, a board-certified allergist and immunologist. “If someone is experiencing persistent nasal congestion and he or she has tried conventional intranasal steroid sprays but continues to have symptoms, that person
should see a specialist to take a deeper look. It could be nasal polyps, which may require a different kind of solution.” An option like Xhance, available by prescription, is the only FDA-approved medication that uses an exhalation delivery system to treat nasal polyps. You use your own breath to carry the medicine high and deep into the nose to reach and treat the nasal polyps where they originate. It can reduce the size of polyps and improve symptoms over time with regular use. Because you blow into it — you don’t sniff and dash — it helps keep the medicine from dripping down into the throat. “I’m relieved knowing there is something that works and I don’t have to be congested all the time,” Brian said. To learn more about nasal polyps, visit xhance.com or talk to your doctor.
Important safety information Do not use Xhance if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients in Xhance. Get emergency medical care if you get any of these signs of a serious allergic reaction: rash; hives; swelling of your face, mouth and tongue; breathing problems; or low blood pressure. Tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions and medications that you take. It is especially important to mention if you take antifungal or anti-HIV medicines as they may interact with Xhance. Xhance can cause nasal problems, such as nosebleeds, crusting, sores, hole in the septum and slow wound healing. Xhance can cause eye problems, including glaucoma and cataracts. You should have regular eye exams when using Xhance. Xhance may increase the risk of infections and can make certain infections worse. Avoid contact with people who have a contagious disease such as chickenpox or measles while using Xhance. Xhance can cause reduced production of steroid hormones by your adrenal gland, resulting in tiredness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and low blood pressure. Xhance can weaken bones (osteoporosis Other side effects: redness, pain or swelling of the nose or throat; thrush (fungal infection of the nose and throat); nasal congestion; sinus infection; and headache. These are not all the side effects of XHANCE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
JUNE 21, 2021
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DOWNTOWN NEWS 15
Covered California will help ARTS & CULTURE
“The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains” will make its first visit to the United States at the Vogue Multicultural Museum from Tuesday, Aug. 3 to Sunday, Nov. 28. Submitted photo
Landmark Pink Floyd exhibit coming to LA By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor he critically acclaimed “The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains” will park at the Vogue Multicultural Museum beginning Aug. 3 to Nov. 28. “This historical landmark is the perfect venue for the immersive, experiential journey through Pink Floyd’s world, from high-tech audiovisual events, objects and surreal landscapes that evolve throughout the exhibition,” said promoter Diego Gonzalez. After debuting at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in 2017, “The Pink Floyd Exhibition” is making its first visit to the United States. The venue is fitting as “The Wall” was completed and mixed in LA, and in 1980, the group performed the first of 31 live shows at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. “The Pink Floyd Exhibition” is a collaboration between Pink Floyd’s musicians and curator, Aubrey “Po” Powell. Developed closely with drummer Nick Mason, exhibition consultant for Pink Floyd, the show features over 350 artifacts collected over the band’s career. The exhibition is a collaboration with designers Stufish, entertainment architects and the band’s long-standing stage designers. Each chapter of the Pink Floyd story is represented, with objects and artifacts displayed, many unseen before the exhibition. There are handwritten lyrics, mu-
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sical instruments, letters, original artwork and many stage props. Some of these items have long been held in storage facilities, film studios and in the personal collections of band members before being “dusted off” for the exhibition. From the entry point into “The Pink Floyd Exhibition,” visitors are immersed in Pink Floyd’s world. They will find themselves transported to the band’s beginnings in 1967 on the underground scene in 1960’s London, including pictorial examples of the atmospheric oil and light projections as well as the equipment used by Pink Floyd’s 1960s-era lighting designer, Peter Wynne-Willson. Ticketholders will embark on a chronological trip through Pink Floyd’s history, connecting with music, art and design, sound technology and live performance via landmark albums such as “The Dark Side of the Moon,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Animals,” “The Wall” and “The Division Bell.” “It’s so immersive,” Gonzalez said. “You have this audio that will guide you through the history of Pink Floyd. It’s five decades of art and culture that Pink Floyd has brought to the people.” Gonzalez said fans will find the exhibition very “spiritual and emotional.” “We’re showing them a good time after COVID,” he said. “We are in the perfect time to partake in activities like this. We’re living life again. This massive exhibit is a good way to start.”
“The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains” WHEN: Various times Tuesday, Aug. 3, to Sunday, Nov. 28 WHERE: Vogue Multicultural Museum, 6675 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles COST: $30 to $46; audioguide included in price INFO: vmmla.com, pinkfloydexhibition.com pinkfloyd.com, facebook.com/pinkfloyd, youtube.com/pinkfloyd, twitter.com/pinkfloyd, instagram.com/pinkfloyd
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JUNE 21, 2021
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BY BLISS BOWEN LA DOWNTOWN NEWS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
OKUTE, Okuté (Chulo): HHHH Eschewing florid contemporary stylings, this Havana-based rumba ensemble focuses on soulful elementals: Pedro “Tata” Francisco Almeida Barriel’s warm, earthy vocals, trésero Coto and the Vizcaino family’s polyrhythmic percussion. Working with Orquesta Akokán’s Jacob Plasse, they tap into rumba’s and son’s African roots as well as Cuban religious music, evoking midcentury Cuban rumba with this slow-burning, heartfelt celebration. Highlights: the stirring call-and-response of “Chichiribako,” “Quiere La Rumba,” “Rumbarimbula,” “Devuelva Me La Voz.” okuterumba.com JAPANESE BREAKFAST, Jubilee (Dead Oceans): HHHH In the aftermath of her spacey, emotionally wounded 2017 album “Soft Sounds from Another Planet” and recent “Crying in H Mart” memoir about her mother’s death, Michelle Zauner embraces joy over darkness with this thoughtfully textured pop set. The reverbed ambiance of “Another Planet” has been replaced by bright vocals backed by banks of synthesizers and programmed drums. The 1980s-style beats suit “Be Sweet” (“I want to believe in you, I want to believe in something”) and the wary “Slide Tackle;” bleak humor coexists with sweetness and sorrow in the strongest tracks (“In Hell,” “Savage Good Boy,” “Tactics”), as in life. japanesebreakfast.rocks RACHEL BAIMAN, Cycles (Signature Sounds): HHH½ A smartly written, keenly felt set that should attract fans of Molly Tuttle and Gillian Welch. Playing guitar, banjo and fiddle, Baiman and co-producer Olivia Hally (bass, piano) focus on Baiman’s straightforward assessments of personal and communal rites of passage, relationships and self-discovery. The title track, the punchy “Hope It Hurts” and “Joke’s on Me” showcase her knack for pop hooks, while a cover of Slaid Cleaves and Rod Picott’s “Rustbelt Fields” complements Baiman’s topical songwriting. Inspired by Baiman’s grandmother, “No Good Time for Dying” unsentimentally speaks truth: “People that you love, well, they always disappoint you/ What you need is not to need at all/ There’s no way of asking them to turn and look away/ No way to hide their pity when they see you fall.” rachelbaiman.com SHUNGUDZO, “I’m not a mother but I have children” (Svikiro/Young Forever/BMG): HHHH Hooks for days and substantive lyrics make this a terrific companion album for this summer. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, based in LA, Shungudzo Kuyimba began composing songs in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, speaking from her perspective on the edge of differing cultures. Racism and the frustrating dynamics of change burn at the heart of this gritty 16-track set: “People know my color before they know my name/ I try to be agreeable, I try to be a saint/ But sometimes an upright middle finger leads the way.” It’s a rejuvenating listen, alternating hard beats and righteous, infectious anthems (“There’s only so much a soul can take,” “It’s a good day [to fight the system]”) with vulnerable balladry (the title track, “To be me,” “How many more lives?”). Other highlights: guitar-slashing rocker “White parents,” the transcendent “The world can’t change for you, but you can change the world,” with a gorgeous choir affirming a mother’s hope. Turn it up. shungudzo.com
AMYTHYST KIAH, Wary + Strange (Rounder): HHH½ Best known as one-quarter of Grammy-nominated collective Our Native Daughters (alongside Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla and Allison Russell), Kiah melds rock with acoustic roots instrumentation on this vibrant solo set dealing with identity, addiction, belief and mortality. Recorded in LA with producer Tony Berg and nimble players (guitarist Blake Mills, keyboardist Ethan Gruska, bassist Wendy Melvoin), its 11 truth-telling tracks are musically gratifying and emotionally cathartic. Highlights include the proud rocker “Black Myself,” “Tender Organs” and the poignant “Wild Turkey,” about her mother’s death (“When I was seventeen, I pretended not to care/Stayed numb for years to escape despair”). amythystkiah.com WE ARE THE WEST, Only One Us (Timeless Elegance): HHH Guitarist Brett Hool and bassist John Kibler were in the middle of recording their second full-length album when the pandemic shutdown (and surgery for Hool’s broken leg) shoved the project into limbo. Having developed their cinematic, jam-friendly sound over eight years through their underground concert series in a Santa Monica garage, the final versions of these new songs take a simpler turn as gracefully fingerpicked acoustic guitars are subtly accompanied by organ, horn and percussion. Released in time for summer solstice, it’s a gently restorative set, imbued with a sense of renewal and gratitude for what’s most essential in life. Highlights: “For Giving,” “Unwind Your Mind,” “For All Mankind,” “When the Lights Have All Been Shined.” wearethewest.com ANGELIQUE KIDJO, Mother Nature (Universal): HHH The irrepressible, widely influential West African diva and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador rounds up a starry crew of veteran artists and up-and-comers to join her calls for love, “Dignity” and responsible stewardship of Planet Earth, including Yemi Alade, Salif Keita, Sampa the Great, Lionel Loueke, Shungudzo and Zeynab. Despite the heavy message, her tone is joyful, and longtime fans will likely savor the four-time Grammy winner’s empowering spirit during standout tracks such as “Do Yourself ” with Burna Boy, “Flying High” (“We have to live together/ …Life is so beautiful”), “Choose Love” (“Brothers, why we fighting each other/ My sisters, why we let the men take our power …/ Let’s be stronger than our fathers/ Free ourselves and please our mothers”). kidjo.com MNDSGN, Rare Pleasure (Stones Throw): HHH Ringgo Ancheta’s shows at the Lodge Room this weekend have already sold out, so fans will have to sate themselves with the trippy, samba-infused R&B comforts of the composer/arranger’s third album for Stones Throw. Collaborating again with bassist/guitarist Swarvy, keyboardist Kiefer Shackelford, drummer Will Logan, percussionist Carlos Niño and string player Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Ancheta’s feel-good project’s graced with pillowy background vocals (Fousheé and Anna Wise) and moments of reassuring uplift. Highlights: “Hope You’re Doin’ Better” (“You know you’ve got a friend whenever you need one/ Pick up your phone”), “Slowdance,” “3Hands/Divine Hand I,” “Colours of the Sunset.” mndsgn.co
JUNE 21, 2021
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Covered California will help ARTS & CULTURE
‘Stop Making Sense’ is ‘once in a lifetime’ event By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor abitha Denholm is obsessed with Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz’s love story. So, it was only natural for Denholm to present the Talking Heads’ “Stop Making Sense” concert flick as part of Sounds of Summer at Exposition Park. Weymouth played bass, while Franz manned the drums for legendary rock band, and they founded the Tom Tom Club as well. Shot at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in 1983 by director Jonathan Demme, “Stop Making Sense” opens with singer David Byrne, his guitar and boombox, and then proceeds to build the staging, and the band, toward a monumental conclusion. “We wanted to start the season with the best concert film that has ever existed, which is ‘Stop Making Sense,’” Denholm said. “I knew how to reach out to Chris and Tina. I’m obsessed with their love story and their whole trajectory from Talking Heads.” As a result, Frantz and Weymouth will virtually introduce “Stop Making Sense” at the event. Sounds of Summer will also feature curated food, beverages and alcohol concessions through the Gopuff app via geofenced technology. Denholm said 15% of the ticket sales and concession profits will be donated to My
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Friend’s Place, a nonprofit that has been assisting and inspiring youth experiencing homelessness to build self-sufficient lives for more than 33 years. From its early beginnings as a volunteer-based group, to the resource center it operates today, My Friend’s Place offers a comprehensive continuum of services to nearly 1,200 youth experiencing homelessness between the ages of 12 and 25, and their children, each year, helping them move toward wellness, stability and self-sufficiency. Sounds of Summer series was inspired by the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Sounds of Summer event is set to be a unique experience with director conversations, featured talent and guest DJs, she said. “Everyone—especially myself—was missing festivals and live gigs and the whole ecstatic communion of sharing musical experiences together,” said Denholm, a former DJ. “It was a part of life that had never been taken away before. I never thought it was something that could disappear. I was a DJ and I directed music videos. It’s such a huge part of my life. “I wanted to find a way to integrate that musical communion with cinema. We hatched this idea, ‘The Sounds of Summer.’ It could only happen now, during this whole pandemic.” The event is hosted by Women Under the Influence (WUTI) in partnership with Crush Palace. WUTI shares the stories of cinema directed by women through events and media. Sounds of Summer is an exception. “We challenge the misconception of the film world and push back against the industry’s bias,” she said.
“Stop Making Sense” introduced by Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz WHEN: Friday, June 25; 6 p.m. doors, 8:45 p.m. feature WHERE: Exposition Park-South Lawn, 500 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles COST: $25 general admission; $45 Truly VIP INFO: wuti-soundsofsummer.com; contact@womenundertheinfluence.org
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JUNE 21, 2021
Covered DINING California will help
Smorgasburg LA: July 4th return to ROW DTLA By Frier McCollister LA Downtown News morgasburg LA — the expansive, popular and successful Sunday food fair at ROW DTLA — celebrates its five-year anniversary this month. There is still cause to celebrate, even though one of those years was spent idly in pandemic lockdown. Smorgasburg LA will return at full strength and capacity, quite aptly on Independence Day, July 4. The holiday return seems appropriate because the event is comprised entirely of independently operated food and craft vendors from across the region. The July 4 return will feature many of the previous vendors participating before the lockdown last March, as well as a host of new operators. “I think the majority of (the previous vendors) will be coming back,” said Zach Brooks, Smorgasburg LA’s general manager since its inception at ROW DTLA in 2016. “And we’ll be adding a dozen to two dozen new vendors, which we’ll be announcing in the next week or two. We’re excited about all of them, every single one of them,” The promise of resuming business on a regular weekly schedule of Sundays is a positive boon to the extended network of vendors. “When Smorgasburg closed, it was a blow not just to our company, but for all of the small businesses that operated. That being said, we were very heartened by how many Smorgasburg vendors have survived the pandemic.” Brooks explained Smorgasburg LA prides itself on incubating new, small businesses, and providing a place to vend on Sundays so they can grow, perhaps, into a brick and mortar. Some of those Smorgasburg LA vendors who have successfully grown into brick and mortar include Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Tacos 1986, Little Llama Peruvian Tacos, Katsu Sando in Chinatown and Mama Musubi and Daddy’s Chicken Shack. The last two on that list are in Pasadena. The pandemic was such that Smorgasburg LA’s vendors were able to pivot. “Our vendors, who are mostly small businesses, mostly owned by women and people of color, lost a not insignificant part of their weekly revenue,” Brooks said. “Because of the type of event Smorgasburg is and the type of vendors and small businesses that we have, it’s almost like our vendors were more prepared for the pandemic. They were able to pivot their businesses and survive because they can cook and sell food in pretty much any environment. They’re not married to these brick-and-mortar locations with long leases or rents that they had to pay.” Though the scope of the Sunday events is vast, Brooks otherwise supervises a small local staff. “When the pandemic hit, it essentially shut our business down — furloughed, laid off, whatever you want to call it. “We were not operating during the pandemic,” Brooks recalled. Nonetheless, his initiatives allowed him to maintain contact with his vendors and the public. “We tried to help our vendors stay afloat as best we could, by posting about them on our social media accounts,” he added. “We did do a promotion with Grubhub, where people could get Smorgasburg (vendors) delivered. “Obviously, they didn’t have to pay for their spot at Smorgasburg if they
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Smorgasburg LA’s diverse array of vendors is thanks to a tightly curated process conducted by its general manager Zach Brooks and his staff, who also sample the fare. Photo courtesy of Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg LA’s staff hope the crowds will return when the event is revived on July 4. Photo courtesy of Smorgasburg
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weren’t operating, if we were closed. We don’t force our vendors to sign long-term leases or anything like that. So, it was nice to see and we’re very excited about how many of our vendors are coming back.” Anyone following the greater Los Angeles food scene during the pandemic year is aware of the professional and inspired home chefs who have shared pop-up menu offerings on Instagram. Served up in itinerant spaces and locations — including abandoned restaurant kitchens and food trucks, backyards, garages and car trunks — LA’s pop-up food culture has flourished. A fresh new wave of entrepreneurial independent chefs has emerged from it, which only benefits the reboot of Smorgasburg LA. “As far as the new vendors go, the explosion of new pop-up businesses that happened during the pandemic was also amazing to see,” Brooks noted. “Because so many of those concepts were the types of businesses that may have normally started at Smorgasburg during prepandemic times.” In fact, vendors who left did so because they were able to level up. “A few businesses did close,” he said. “But the majority are businesses that have grown into a commercial kitchen space, or they sell food all week long, or they’ve opened a brick and mortar or were able to create a sustainable business seven days a week and maybe don’t need to come back to Sundays at Smorgasburg. So, we’re really proud of that.” The diverse array of Smorgasburg LA’s vendors is thanks to a tightly curated process conducted by Brooks and his staff, who also sample the fare. To be considered, prospective vendors must apply online through the Smorgasburg LA website. The competition is intense. “We got hundreds and hundreds (of applications) year-round, when we were open,” Brooks said. “We get so many it’s actually really hard to reply to everybody,” Brooks said. “It’s one of the things we feel incredibly bad about because we do pride ourselves on being an incubator for small businesses. To only be able to meet with a tiny percentage of those is really something we’d like to change. You can imagine: a dozen to two dozen new vendors out of hundreds and hundreds of applications. We get thousands of applications a year and less than a hundred onsite and very little turnover.” Brooks and his team are finalizing the new vendor list, which will include craft vendors. He expects between 60 and 70 food vendors on July 4, and a shopping aisle with about 24 sellers. “When we announced we were reopening, we were very excited to get applications from so many of those vendors that launched during the pandemic,” Brooke said. “When we release our list of new vendors, I think a lot of the names will be familiar to anybody who followed the pop-up food scene in LA over the past year.” Smorgasburg LA is the West Coast expansion of the original Smorgasburg, which launched in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in 2011. Started by partners Eric Demby and Jonathan Butler as an offshoot of their local, weekly flea market, Brooklyn Flea, Smorgasburg now has locations in Prospect Park, the Oculus at World Trade Center and Jersey City. Brooks was acquainted with the two founders, though he did not work with them in New York. He served as their LA ambassador and was promoted to general manager when the ROW DTLA location was secured. Expanding Smorgasburg in Southern California has been considered as well. “We’re always open to expansion, but we also recognize all the New York City expansion was organic,” Brooks explained. “Right now, our main focus is getting our Sunday market back open and up and running for our vendors and making sure that we’re back to the level of success we were at prepandemic. Then we can look at what other ways we can expand to help our vendors become even more sustainable, help their businesses make more money essentially.” On July 4, expect a crowd and high emotions. “We’re definitely excited to be back,” Brooks said. “There’s going to be a lot of crying — good crying.”
Smorgasburg LA at ROW DTLA 777 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles 718-928-6603, la.smorgasburg.com
Food and drink are available at Smorgasburg LA.
Photo courtesy of Smorgasburg
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Covered California will help CLASSIFIEDS LEGALS SOLICITATION OF BIDS FOR VENDED MEALS *The agency shall supply a completed Invitation for Bid (IFB) to each bidder who responds to this notice. Sealed bids will be received by FOUNDATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, at 3450 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena CA 91107, until July 6, 2021 at 12:00 pm. Sealed Bids are to be sent to the attention of Marcie Houchen, Director. In addition, electronic bids will also be accepted at mhouchen@foundationheadstart.org At the time and place advertised, promptly at 2:00 pm, all bids that have been duly received will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded to the lowest, most responsible, and responsive bidder. The contract will be for the daily delivery of meals, (Breakfast, Lunch and Snack) to 19 Head StartEarly Head Start & State Preschool Centers located throughout Boyle Heights, Hollywood, Echo Park, Downtown and Chinatown (LA County CA). Unitized inclusive of Milk. The contract will be for a one-year term beginning August 1, 2021June 30, 2022. The contract may be renewed for one-year periods up to four times upon agreement of the Agency and the Vendor. All meals to be purchased under this contract must meet the requirements and regulations under the Child and Adult Care& ensp;Food Program (CACFP) and USDA. Please request IFB from: q_xu@foundationheadstart.o rg or via phone at (626) 5725107. Any questions regarding this proposed contract may be referred to: 
PLACE YOUR DBA & LEGAL ADS WITH US, STARTING AT $85. CALL (213) 481-1448
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JUNE 21, 2021
Covered DINING California will help
Robeks introduces low-sugar smoothies By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor obeks is making smoothies healthier with new low-sugar options. Robeks has introduced two new smoothies, almond berry surprise and strawberry avo surprise, that use a proprietary monkfruit sweetener for a satisfying taste without the sugar and a custom keto enhancer to help with keeping a low net carb count. “We wanted to offer our same high-quality, great-tasting smoothies to our guests who prefer less sugar and ultimately lower carbs,” said Mitch Baker, Robeks’ vice president of marketing. “These low sugar smoothies stay true to our mission — they taste delicious and are making our guests happy.” These balanced smoothies include: • Almond berry surprise with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, blueberries, strawberries, almond butter, Robeks’ proprietary monkfruit sweetener and a propriety keto enhancer. • Strawberry avo surprise features unsweetened vanilla almond milk, strawberries, avocado, Robeks’ proprietary monkfruit sweetener and a propriety keto enhancer. Robeks’ low-sugar, low-carb, keto-friendly smoothies are available at all locations, including 419 W. Pico Boulevard. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Robeks uses fruits and vegetables at the peak of their freshness. Also known for its fresh acai bowls and premium toasts, Robeks continues to create flavor combinations with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Robeks has more than 100 locations open and in development across 12 states.
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DOWNTOWN NEWS 21
Covered SPORTS California will help
Mexico and Nigeria to clash at Coliseum By Joe McHugh LA Downtown News Staff Writer os Angeles will host an exhibition soccer match between Mexico and Nigeria on Saturday, July 3, as part of the 2021 MexTour. “We’re very excited,” said Joe Furin, Coliseum general manager. “The opportunity to host national teams of the world’s most popular sport anytime is a great opportunity. You look at the year that everyone has had, and to host something of this caliber, that the fans can get behind, it’s really exciting.” This is the second time since 2017 that the LA Coliseum is hosting Mexico. However, this match marks Nigeria’s first appearance at the venue. In 2017, the Mexican National Team battled Croatia, a team that made it to the finals of the World Cup in 2018 and lost 2-1. The team then played in Southern California in 2019, where it blew past Cuba 7-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. This is the fourth date of the 2021 MexTour this summer, joining Dallas, Atlanta and Nashville on tour ahead of the region’s top national team competition, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which begins July 10. The Los Angeles match is being staged in partnership with Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club. Here is a breakdown of Mexico and Nigeria:
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Mexico One of the brightest stars on the Mexican National team is Hirving Lozano. He is a member of Serie A, playing for Napoli and is a top two goal scorer on the squad with 11 goals. Jesus Corona is another instrumental Mexico player. As a member of FC Porto in the Brazil’s Primera Liga, Corona has racked up 23 goals and 20 assists since 2015. Mexico will go without Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Raúl Jiménez, who fractured his skull in a collision with David Luiz on Nov. 29. He required surgery after the hospitalization. Nigeria This up-and-coming team is anchored by players like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon. The 24-year-old Iwobi is a bright, young star having played in the Premier League on an elite program with Arsenal FC. In 100 games, he scored 11 goals. The now-Everton player, Iwobi is thriving in his role there.
Ndidi is another notable asset for the Nigerian team. Another Premier League talent, Ndidi plays for Leicester City. A premier defender in the league, he conquered more than 79% of his tackles in the season. Simon will fortify the Nigerian squad. A member of Nantes, Simon has played on big stages. He inked a deal with Ajax and is linked to Tottenham Hotspur. He’s contributed to the Nigerian team, having scored five goals in six years.
MexTour: Mexico vs. Nigeria WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 3, lots open at 4:30 p.m., with gates at 6 p.m. WHERE: LA Coliseum, 3911 Figueroa Street, Los Angeles COST: Tickets start at $40 INFO: lacoliseum.com or ticketmaster.com
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JUNE 21, 2021
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Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to CA residents California residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the $39 minimum set for state residents - non state residents must pay $118 per coin if any remain after 2-day deadline STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per CA resident has been imposed CALIFORNIA - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist. That’s why Hotline Operators are bracing for the flood of calls,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Director for the National Mint and Treasury. For the next 2 days the last remaining State of California Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually being handed over to California residents who call the State Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication. And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of California you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the private National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline. “Recently National Mint and Treasury spoke with a retired Treasurer of the United States of America who said ‘In all my years as Treasurer I’ve only ever seen a handful of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s. But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls still in pristine condition is like finding buried treasure. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said. “Now that the State of California Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we won’t be surprised if
JACKPOT: Imagine finding the 1919-D Silver Walking Liberty shown above worth thousands of dollars in collector value in one of these unsearched Bank Rolls. There are never any guarantees, but California residents who get their hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls will be the really lucky ones because even more common coins are still worth up to $115 $825 in collector value.
thousands of California residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne. “That’s because the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed
VALUABLE: It’s like a treasure hunt - there’s no telling what you’ll find. That’s because the dates and mint marks of the fifteen U.S. Gov’t issued coins sealed away inside these State of California Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. All we know is some of the coins are worth up to 100 times their face value.
away inside the State of California Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what California residents
will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say. The only thing California residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s R1018R-2
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newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends. “Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $115 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said. “So just imagine how much these last remaining, unsearched State of California Restricted Bank Rolls could be worth someday. Remember, these are not ordinary coins – these rarely seen coins date clear back to the early 1900’s. In fact, these coins have been forever retired by the U.S. Gov’t, and you can only get them rolled this way directly from the National Mint and Treasury because these are the only State Restricted Bank Rolls known to exist,” said Lynne. “We’re guessing thousands of California residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued. “We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are
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standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all operators are busy. We’ll do our best to an-
swer them all,” Lynne said. said. “That’s why the private National The only thing readers of today’s Mint and Treasury set up the State newspaper publication need to do is Toll-Free Hotlines in order to make sure they are a resident of the make sure California residents state of California and call the State get the State Restricted Bank Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day Rolls before they’re all gone,” she deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■
IMPORTANT: The dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties sealed away inside the State of California Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. Coin values always fluctuate and they are never any guarantees, but any of the scarce coins shown below, regardless of their value that residents may find inside the sealed Bank Rolls are theirs to keep.
1916-P Mint: Philadelphia Mintage: 608,000 Collector Value: $55 $265
1919-P Mint: Philadelphia Mintage: 962,000 Collector Value: $32 $515
1921-S Mint: San Francisco Mintage: 548,000 Collector Value: $80 $800
1938-D Mint: Denver Mintage: 491,600 Collector Value: $60 $160
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: COVER JUST $39 MINIMUM PER COIN BEGIN CALLING AT 8:30 AM: 1-800-929-4439 EXT. RWL2180 if you are a resident of the state of California call now to claim the state limit of 4 state of California restricted bank rolls. all California residents who beat the 2-day deadline are getting the only full fifteen coin bank rolls loaded with rarely seen u.s. gov’t issued silver walking liberty half dollars dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value known to exist. The only thing California residents cover is just the $39 per coin state minimum set by the private National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen u.s. gov’t issued silver walking liberty half dollars some worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 and that’s a real steal because non-California residents must pay $1,770 for each state of California restricted bank roll. just be sure to call the state toll free hotlines before the deadline ends two days from today’s publication date.
NON STATE RESIDENTS: MUST PAY $118 PER COIN - IF ANY REMAIN DO NOT CALL BEFORE 5:00 PM TOMORROW: 1-800-929-8898 RWL2180
if you are a resident living outside of the state of California you are required to pay $118 for each silver walking liberty for a total of $1,770 plus shipping and handling for each state of California restricted bank roll loaded with fifteen u.s. gov’t issued silver walking liberty half dollars.
NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2021 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY. R1018R-2
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24 DOWNTOWN NEWS
JUNE 21, 2021
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