A Big Fight in the Arts District : 8 Free Dance Lessons on Bunker Hill : 13
JUNE 1, 2015 I VOL. 44 I #22
BRING THE
NOISE
Michael Swier Expands the Downtown Rock Scene With The Teragram Ballroom
photo by Gary Leonard
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AROUND TOWN
Work Continues at Site of South Park Construction Accident
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even construction workers experienced a scare on May 20 when a roughly 30-by-20 foot section of the second floor of a South Park housing project collapsed, sending them tumbling to the ground below. The incident at 1001 S. Olive St. is being investigated by the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and developer Lennar Multifamily is awaiting clearance from the agency to resume construction on that portion of the seven-story project. Work is continuing on the rest of the 201-apartment complex, said J.J. Abraham, president of the California division for Lennar. Six workers were sent to local hospitals for mostly minor injuries, and one required wrist surgery, according to Abraham. It is unclear when those workers will return to the job, he added. “We are investigating the incident and will work with our contractors to ensure that all of the appropriate safety measures are in place,” Abraham said in an email. Lennar officials had previously said they hope to finish construction by June 2016.
A+D Museum to Open June 27
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n December, the leaders of the A+D Architecture and Design Museum announced that they would move back to Downtown, where the institution was founded in 2001. Now, there’s an official date: Museum Executive Director Tib-
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS bie Dunbar said last week that a grand opening and fundraiser will take place June 27 at the new building at 900 E. Fourth St. The museum debuted in the Bradbury Building, but bounced to numerous locations before landing on Wilshire Boulevard near LACMA in 2010. Construction of a station for the upcoming Metro Purple Line extension spurred another move, and Dunbar wound up signing a two-year lease for the 8,000-square-foot space that is one block from the Southern California Institute of Architecture. The June 27 fundraiser, dubbed “Celebrate: Shelter,” will feature a silent auction with shelters created by design and architecture luminaries. All will be up for auction. In a prepared statement, Dunbar said, “In our new DTLA space we hope to see even more A+D members and friends as we raise crucial funds for the amazing exhibits, installations and programs that are planned for the year ahead.” Information on the museum and the gala is at aplusd.org.
Wine Shop Opens In Arts District
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he popular Silverlake Wine shop now has a home in the Arts District: The outpost at 1948 E. Seventh St. (at Mateo Street) opened last month. The shop offers a large selection of bottles from around the world, but the owners are now thinking bigger and building out an adjacent eatery dubbed ERBar — short for Everson Royce, the name of their wine store in Pasadena. Details on the menu are slim, but the kitchen will be led by James Beard Award winner Matt Molina, who most recently worked at the Mid-City restaurant Osteria Mozza. The restaurant, which would have a large outdoor patio, is expected to
Why does this little burger stand attract over a million people a year?
June 1, 2015
TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD
Rededication LA Sister Cities Monument
Tom & Brigid LaBonge with Friends
open in about a month. News of the restaurant was first reported by L.A. Weekly.
LATTC Celebrates 90th Anniversary With Exhibit
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owntown’s Los Angeles Trade-Technical College has turned 90, and to mark the birthday, the campus at 400 W. Washington Blvd. has opened an exhibit that focuses on the institution’s history. The show, dubbed Trade Tech Changes Lives, debuted May 21 and recognizes the achievements of notable alum-
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ni and the school’s milestones. The Studio for Southern California History put together the exhibit that is on display in the atrium of the campus’ Magnolia Hall. It uses photos, letters, maps and more to create a timeline showing LATTC’s role in Los Angeles since its founding in 1925. Other elements include a video featuring past and present students and a mural commissioned by the LATTC and painted by former student Leo Limon, whose work is in the Smithsonian Institution. The highlighted school accomplishments include training female students 24 hours a day to work on Continued on page 12
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EDITORIALS
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June 1, 2015
Urban Scrawl by Doug Davis
The Readers Respond Website Comments to Editorials About Skid Row Get a Heated Response Regarding the editorial “Outrage Should Be Not Just About a Skid Row Shooting, But That Skid Row Still Exists,” published May 25
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he homeless issue in L.A. is downright embarrassing. It hurts our image as a civilized society. We need dramatic change in our policies and a strong community backing to go along with it. The citizens of our city need to speak up. We need to say enough is enough and we need the world to hear. There should be protests held on the streets of Skid Row exposing the area for the failed social experiment that it is. —L.A. State of Mind, May 26, 10:03 a.m.
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his is truly shameful in a city with so much wealth, privilege and a so-called socially conscious population. Fear not though, as we’re only six months away from the usual parade of politicians, actors and assorted celebrities serving Thanksgiving meals and then hightailing it back to the Westside. —Virginia, May 26, 1:13 p.m. Regarding the editorial “Skid Row Tower: Nice Design, Wrong Location,” about the Weingart Center’s proposed 14-story permanent supportive housing structure at Sixth and San Pedro streets, published April 20
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here is simply nowhere in the city where one can build a high-rise permanent supportive housing project except Downtown. To reject this project is to say that the problem of Skid Row is too much supportive housing. Of course, that is nonsense. Denying this project will do nothing to help Skid Row. On the contrary it will only add to the suffering by denying 200 people a place to call home. —Matthew Glesne, April 21, 10:10 a.m.
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his editorial sends mixed messages. The fact is that now there’s less low-income housing in Downtown than 15-20 years ago. There is no affordable housing even for the middle class in Downtown. I really don’t see how providing accessible housing would make a neighborhood worse when the people are already there. Housing provides stability for people to better their lives. Get a clue. Really insensitive. —Andrea Teodorescu, April 21, 5:23 p.m.
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or many years, the policy in the city has been containment. I agree that this has to change in the face of a rapidly changing Downtown with an increasing residential population. I think the message you are trying to convey is “everybody must do their share,” not just Downtown. I disagree that we have to stop producing permanent supportive housing here. The message should be, we need to build them here, we need to build them there, we need to build them everywhere. The burden must be shared among all communities, not as a voluntary program but as a mandated program at the state or county level. It is cheaper to house a person than to leave them on the street. —Simon Ha, April 22, 5 p.m.
Pershing Square Makeover: Be Big, Be Bold
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e have to extend congratulations to the Pershing Square Advisory Board: A three-year-long effort resulted in the May 12 groundbreaking on a pair of children’s playgrounds at Pershing Square. The idea that came out of a PAB retreat is scheduled to result in some much-needed family-gathering destinations by the end of June. Even if the deadline gets pushed a couple weeks, we are on pace to see one of the fastest turnarounds between groundbreaking and finished product in Downtown’s history. The Department of Recreation and Parks also deserves recognition. It played a key role in making the idea a reality when General Manager Mike Shull got behind the plan. He found $1 million in grant money to put toward the playgrounds and the larger renovation of the park (including the improving of sight lines from Sixth Street), an effort led by 14th District City Councilman José Huizar. Fittingly in a modern Downtown where the needs of the public and private sectors increasingly overlap, there is also a for-profit component in the equation. MacFarland Partners, which acquired the large parking lot north of the park and is planning a pair of residential buildings there, put in another $1 million. That meant a total of $2 million for a project that is highlighted by the playgrounds, but that is actually the beginning of a much larger effort. The key word there is “beginning.” The moves mentioned above should be celebrated, but they also should be seen as just baby steps in a comprehensive effort to overhaul the unfriendly, concrete-encrusted patch of public land at 532 S. Olive St. Pershing Square needs a definitive transformation, one that prepares it for a lead role in an active, resident-filled community. We urge Huizar, whose 14th District includes the park, and the nonprofit organization Pershing Square Renew, which has begun outreach efforts to determine what people want to see in the facility, to think not just big, but huge when it comes to the possibilities. Every option, even the seemingly impossible, should be put on the table, and a comprehensive effort should be undertaken to find funding from the public and private sector. The matter is important because Pershing Square is at the literal and figurative center of a Downtown Los Angeles in flux. The park is easily accessible for people in the Historic Core, Bunker Hill, the
Financial District, Central City East and South Park. It’s a large, public space that is a short bike ride from Little Tokyo, the Arts District, Chinatown and City West. In a similar vein, major transformations are taking part in all directions around Pershing Square. Significant work has been happening for about 15 years. However, if you step back and look at the big picture, then you realize that we are only in the early or middle stage of what will ultimately come. Just as it is hard to recognize today’s Downtown from what the community looked like in 2000, so 2030 Downtown will seem worlds removed from what exists in 2015. That is why this effort needs to focus not just on the needs of today, but the demands of the future. If everything goes right, then a decade from now there will be tens of thousands of additional residents, including families, in Downtown. The restaurants and service businesses are coming on their own, but it is up to the city to provide the public gathering spots. There have been multiple past efforts to redesign Pershing Square, and the hardscape expanses with the weird, dated architectural elements are not a long-term solution. As the community continues to grow, people will need more options for places to play, see concerts and otherwise gather. There is no opportunity like this in Downtown. We are pleased that Huizar has recognized the importance of the park, and the six years he has left in office provides him the opportunity to take the time to get this right. The creation of the nonprofit Pershing Square Renew to oversee the process was a wise move. Now we need bold vision. We need ideas on how to have consistent programming (maybe a permanent stage or amphitheater similar to the one at Cal Plaza?) and how to fund it. We need designs that spark community interaction and that, yes, lead to a park with actual green space. Aim big when coming up with options. Now is the time to try. Playgrounds resulting in joyous children’s laughter and better sight lines on Sixth Street are a good first step, but they are only the start. Don’t underestimate how important Pershing Square could be to Downtown’s future.
June 1, 2015
Downtown News 5
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The Spirit of ’53
’53, one of those “goodbye cruel world” photos. There’s a lot of detail in it. Banners strung up for an upcoming trade show, all these automobiles, the people on the street. Again and again you’re struck by the artistry of these officers moonlighting as photographers.
Author James Ellroy and LAPD Museum Director Glynn Martin Discuss Their New LAPD Book
Q: Even today Downtown remains intertwined with noir and crime in L.A. What do you think about its resurgence? Ellroy: I still don’t want to go Downtown after dark. I don’t want to walk out of my loft and deal with some junkie [expletive]. Hipsters find that charming. I don’t, man. I want to live in secluded, affluent neighborhoods. Downtown is where I come when I get divorced. Martin: There’s a different context being established in Downtown, but it’s a work in progress. You can see some of its history in the book. Today, there’s great stuff and problems, too.
By Eddie Kim picture may be worth a thousand words, but it’s even better when paired with the razor-sharp prose of James Ellroy. That seems to be the philosophy behind LAPD ’53 (Abrams Books). The book is a collection of gritty crime scene photos taken by Los Angeles Police Department officers over the course of 1953. Alongside those images are short stories by Ellroy, whose books include L.A. Confidential and The Black Dahlia. LAPD ’53 seamlessly melds facts with speculation and color straight from the novelist’s imagination. Ellroy and co-author Glynn Martin, executive director of the LAPD Museum in Highland Park, came to Downtown’s Last Bookstore last week to discuss LAPD ’53. Los Angeles Downtown News spoke with them by phone before the event.
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Los Angeles Downtown News: Where did the idea for this book come from, and why 1953, of all years? Glynn Martin: All the pictures you see are from the original 1953 negatives. Originally, we were looking at a selection from each of the decades starting from the ’20s, but we realized that one year had enough images to carry a book. James Ellroy: Also, it was a chance for me to go into the cultural phenomenons of ’53 — bebop, noir, so on — and tie it into my Tory notions of the pioneering Chief [William] Parker, who became chief in 1950. Q: The book mixes real and fictionalized narratives. What was that process like? Ellroy: The very able volunteers at the museum helped with the nonfiction material, finding all the research. The other historical
Q: What about all the new money and people moving here? Isn’t that taking Downtown back to its 20th-century prime? Ellroy: People who move to expensive lofts? They’re [expletive] stupid and have no class.
photo by Gary Leonard
Novelist James Ellroy (right) and LAPD Museum Executive Director Glynn Martin collaborated on LAPD ’53. They talked about the book last week at Downtown’s Last Bookstore.
[expletive] I just make up. The book is fun. It’s got inflammatory text, and it’s deliberately that way. Q: The photos are the result of police work, but have a very artistic quality to them. Martin: These officers were professionals, and I think many of them took the most direct photograph possible. It turns out that that’s the best. These would have been tenured officers who no doubt saw bad things often. Ellroy: We got a photo of a jumper at the Biltmore hotel in July
Q: Looking at these old police images, what struck you about what has changed and what hasn’t when it comes to law enforcement? Martin: In 1953 there was no Miranda rule, there was no body armor, there was no DNA testing. On the one hand things were simpler, with far fewer regulations for officers. But this book illustrates the constants. A bad guy in the back seat, a uniformed officer, a victim and a detective. Things have changed, but there’s still those four constants. Ellroy: There’s an epigram that I repeat a dozen times about solving crime in LAPD ’53: You can look at sociology, you won’t find [expletive]. You can decry historical racism, and it doesn’t mean [expletive]. You can look at poverty, and it doesn’t mean [expletive]. Crime is a continuing circumstance. Crime is individual on an epidemic scale. I felt it very, very strongly looking at the photos. LAPD ’53 is available in local bookstores and at amazon.com. eddie@downtownnews.com
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Ripping Off a Roof Work Enters a New Phase on $180 Million Transformation of The Bloc By Heidi Kulicke raditionally, progress on a construction site means a building growing taller. At the former Macy’s Plaza last week, moving forward involved ripping off a roof. On Tuesday, May 26, the Ratkovich Company entered a new phase in its $180 million transformation of the 42-year-old shopping, office and hotel complex: Work crews began dismantling the roof over a portion of the development that will hold an open-air food court and shopping area. The entire roof removal is expected to be complete in mid-June. The transformation of the project, renamed The Bloc, is expected to be finished by Nov. 1. It’s no easy task to remove a roof while keeping the rest of the complex intact, said Lee Sehon, project director at Webcor, the general contractor on the project. The fact that The Bloc’s Sheraton hotel (which is also undergoing a $40 million renovation), post office and Macy’s department store continue to operate made the process particularly challenging, he said. “We have to protect the public, which gives us a heightened level of care,” Sehon said. “This isn’t a typical demolition job where you can knock a building down and just clean up the rubble. Keeping people inside the building and on the street safe is our biggest priority.” The removal is a carefully orchestrated process, and crews spent several weeks stripping off various layers of the roof. They studied how it had
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been originally put together, which Sehon said allowed them to know exactly how to tear it apart. Clare De Briere, executive vice president and COO of the Ratkovich Company, which acquired the complex for $241 million in June 2013, said removing the roof will help transform the dated mall into a modern, inviting destination. “The roof removal marks the last major phase of the project,” said De Briere. Movies and Steak As construction crews do the heavy lifting, the effort to fill the 442,000-square-foot shopping center continues. The anchor tenant will remain Macy’s, which is adding a furniture department to its 250,000-square-foot space in an effort to meet the needs of Downtown’s expanding residential community. Macy’s is also refreshing its decor and growing its cosmetics and housewares offerings. Another highlight is the previously announced nine-screen Alamo Drafthouse. The Texas-based theater chain known for unique programming and letting customers eat and drink in their seats will open in the fall. On Tuesday, the Ratkovich Company announced some smaller retail and restaurant additions, among them Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, which will occupy a 10,000-squarefoot space and serve pasta, seafood and steaks. Also coming are TLT Food, a fast casual restaurant that started as a food truck before opening a (now shuttered) space on Seventh Street; Popbar, which will serve gelato on a stick; and
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another frozen treats destination, N’ice Cream. “We’ve searched the country to find the most interesting, unique tenants we can find,” De Briere said. “These aren’t your typical mall tenants and you won’t be able to find them anywhere else in L.A.” The Ratkovich Company also announced 12 businesses that will fill 127,000 square feet of space in the project’s 33-story office building. The biggest addition will be Nordstromrack. com and its subsidiary online retailer HauteLook, which will occupy 44,000 square feet and two floors of the building. About 300 employees will work there. Additionally, advertising agency Golin will take up an entire floor, filling 24,000 square feet. The new deals will bring the building to approximately 60% occupied. The goal with the entire project, said Marcus 2015 HOPE - AD - DOWNTOWN NEWS.pdf
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Luciani, a senior associate and project director from architecture firm Studio One Eleven, which is working on The Bloc, is to open the complex up to foot traffic by creating an inviting atmosphere with multiple points of entry. For decades the complex bounded by Seventh, Eighth, Hope and Flower streets had been criticized for its fortresslike look, especially in the rear of the project. “We’re creating more storefronts on Flower and Hope and making it as accessible as possible to Downtowners and visitors,” Luciani said. “It wasn’t very welcoming before, so we’re trying to change that by turning it inside out.” The project will also link The Bloc to the Seventh Street/Metro Center Station through an underground pedestrian passageway, providing rail riders easy access to the shops, restaurants and more, Luciani added. heidi@downtownnews.com 3/24/15
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June 1, 2015
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Can our humanity save humanity? It’s a human truth: Tragedy brings us together. After an earthquake or flood, we forget our incidental differences and act for each other in ways we don’t on a day-to-day basis. Our skin color, gender, sexual orientation, and politics fall to the wayside. Our reflex to care kicks in and becomes unstoppable. But can we come together without a crisis? Every day in our communities, research validates what we’ve all intuitively felt: simple humankindness—real, genuine connection—heals us from the inside out. Even those who care for our patients have noticed the health benefits circling back. And we each carry this power. What if each of us could reach out in our own lives to help someone new? To offer a meal, or a shoulder? What would happen on a larger scale? How many of us would it take to turn the tide? So I ask you, as I ask myself, our entire organization, and community leaders—could we actually change the world? This is bigger than health care. So let’s unite and see what our collective humankindness can do. Let’s try. It would be inhuman not to.
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June 1, 2015
Metro, Arts District Stakeholders At Odds Over Project
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is planning to build a 55,000-square-foot maintenance facility on a parcel below the replacement of the Sixth Street Viaduct. That has Arts District residents up in arms, as they say it conflicts with a community arts “park” and performance space there. Metro’s building, they say, will hamper access and sightlines to the public space.
Community Members Say $80 Million Maintenance Facility Would Ruin a Proposed Plaza By Eddie Kim he Arts District is one of the hottest investment sectors not just in Downtown, but in all of Los Angeles. One $80 million project, however, has local stakeholders up in arms. A group of area leaders, with backing from the local councilman, are fighting with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority over plans to build a 55,000-square-foot facility that would house maintenance operations for a coming light rail line. They charge that the 55-foot-tall project would destroy progress in the area, hurt the site’s potential as a gateway to the Los Angeles River, and dramatically impact access and sightlines for a community arts “park” and performance space that would be built under the $401 million replacement of the Sixth Street Viaduct. Metro officials counter that plans have been in the works for years, and that the spot just north of the current Sixth Street bridge is the best location for the project. At issue is not only the project, but talk about the project. A coalition of Arts District stakeholders complain that despite months of bringing alternative plans to Metro, no progress has been made. “What we hoped to see was the moving of the maintenance facility onto an alternative site that would have no impact, or little impact,
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on the development of a robust and exciting community in the Arts District,” said Jamie Bennett, chief operating officer of the Southern California Institute of Architecture. “We identified those sites, and Metro’s response was that we were too late.” The fight is at least partially a result of the rapid change underway in the Arts District. The repair facility would serve Metro’s coming $2.8 billion Westside Purple Line extension, which underwent an environmental review process from 2009 to 2012. The city’s review for the bridge, meanwhile, took place around the same time; plans solidified in 2013. Metro officials considered several sites for the maintenance facility, said David Mieger, the agency’s executive officer for transit corridor planning. Metro needs to build the project so that it can knock down older maintenance buildings near the One Santa Fe apartment complex, he said. The freed space would be used for construction of a “turnback” track to allow trains to flow into the maintenance facility and then reverse course back toward Union Station. Metro’s needs are legitimate, but the issue is the disconnect between the agency’s plans and the construction of a new bridge with a community space, said Jonathan Jerald, a member of the Design Aesthetic Advisory Committee, a nine-person panel of area representatives —
photo by Gary Leonard
other members include SCI-Arc Director Eric Owen Moss and Friends of the Los Angeles River co-founder Lewis MacAdams — assembled to help shape the look of the viaduct. “The MTA didn’t know about the changing Arts District and the Sixth Street Bridge rebuild when they decided to go ahead with the maintenance facility plan,” Jerald said. “Even in the EIR, you only see a tiny few references to this shed.” While Metro heard comments from a number of Downtown stakeholders during the EIR outreach process, most of the conversation was about the actual Purple Line, not the maintenance facility, Mieger noted. He did not recall any concerns about using the site next to the bridge. “When we were reviewing sites, there wasn’t
a lot happening in the Arts District, and it was mostly zoned for manufacturing and industrial [uses],” Mieger said. “Most of the development in the Arts District was up along Third Street, so our thought was that we should do this farther south. We thought we were doing the right thing at the time.” Battle at the Board Meeting The dispute picked up heat last October, when a group of Arts District stakeholders testified against the proposed facility during a Metro board meeting. That prompted thenCounty Supervisor Gloria Molina and Mayor Eric Garcetti, chairman of the Metro board, to ask agency staff to meet with the stakeholders and study alternate plans.
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SCI-Arc faculty member Heather Flood was tapped to create a study of how a maintenance facility could fit on alternate sites. Yuval Bar-Zemer, a principal at prominent area developer Linear City, reached out to property owners to see if they would be willing to sell land to Metro. The parties could not find consensus. “Every time they acted like there was no alternative, and when we came back with other options they would say, ‘OK, we’ll review it,’ and just come back with a reason why it doesn’t work,” Bar-Zemer said. “In other words, there was no motivation to solve anything.” Mieger disputes that characterization, and said Metro made a good-faith effort to review the alternate sites, but found problems with each, including being in areas where plans are in motion for various developments involving Amtrak, Metrolink and the proposed state highspeed rail project. Moving the facility would also mean having to perform another environmental impact study. Mieger said that would put at risk $40 million in federal funds that the agency has already secured for the project. The money is contingent on Metro completing the structure by 2017. “A few years’ delay would also push everything back,” Mieger said. “We can’t tear down the other maintenance facilities before building this new one. And we can’t do the turnback until we tear those old ones down. We need to finish all this a year before the Purple Line officially opens so we can test everything.” Council Objection Area residents and business players are not the only ones concerned. At the October board meeting, Tanner Blackman, planning director for 14th District City Councilman José Huizar, testified that the city participated in meetings with
The Central City Crime Report A Rundown on Downtown Incidents, Trends and Criminal Oddities By Heidi Kulicke n the Central City Crime Report, we survey the recent week in public safety. All information is provided by the LAPD’s Central Division.
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Take a Ring Out of It: A diamond engagement ring worth $179,000 was stolen from a home in the Ritz-Carlton Residences at 900 W. Olympic Blvd. on May 20. The victim reported that an audiovisual company had installed big screen TVs in the condominium the day of the crime, but there were no witnesses to the theft. Flight of the Jordans: A suspect smashed the window of the L.A. Shoe Store at 334 E. Second St. on May 19 and stole eight pairs of Air Jordan sneakers worth $2,000, along with $100 worth of clothing. A security camera recorded the incident. An overnight security guard identified the suspect as a known “aggressive panhandler.” Another ATM Taken: Yet another ATM was stolen from the Fashion District on May 19. Unidentified individuals cut the lock to a roll-up metal door of 3D Silk Screen at 1301 S. Main St. and took an ATM from inside the store. Police believe it is the work of suspects caught on camera stealing other ATMs in the area. Blocked at The Bloc: Two women entered Macy’s at The Bloc at Seventh and Flower streets during business hours on May 17. They attempted to steal $3,000 worth of clothing using wire cutters to remove security devices. Police made one arrest. Ugly Fight: Two homeless men fought over a cardboard box in Chinatown on May 18. One man was arrested on suspicion of hitting the other in the head with a machete, which caused an injury. The victim refused medical treatment. Another Week, Another Batch of Bike Thefts: Five bicycles were reported stolen from May 17-23; the bikes ranged in value from $75-$900. Four of the bicycles had their locks cut, including the $900 bike, which police recovered May 23 after arresting a suspect found in possession of “suspicious” tools at Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street. Police have been unable to locate the owner of the recovered bike.
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Metro in 2013 to pursue a more complementary redesign or a mixed-use facility. Instead, Metro went ahead and created construction bids with the original design, which he was “shocked” to find out about, Blackman said. In a statement to Los Angeles Downtown News, Huizar said he is “frustrated” that Metro is not taking the community’s concerns seriously in retooling the existing design. “While my preference would be that Metro consider other sites, they stonewalled the community for months — refusing to show us the latest design for the current site,” Huizar said. “And when they did share those designs with us, they looked exactly like their old design, which severely shortchanges the Arts District community and the iconic new Sixth Street Bridge Viaduct project. We need a sensible design with much lower sight lines and a smaller footprint.” Mieger said that some concessions are being made, including moving the building 28 feet back from the property line and moving the fence back. He also said the agency is willing to collaborate on a more “architecturally sensitive” design on the façade facing the bridge. Regardless of what changes are possible, pursuing an alternative location for the project does not appear to be in the cards. Metro expects to move ahead soon with its construction bid, Mieger said. In the future, he added, the agency hopes to create a light-rail spur in the Arts District down along the L.A. River. That, Mieger added, could stimulate more growth in the neighborhood. Bar-Zemer and the others pushing for an alternative site will continue communicating with Metro with hopes of changing the plan. eddie@downtownnews.com
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Another Step in Downtown’s Rock Revival Creators of New York’s Mercury Lounge and Bowery Ballroom Open the Teragram in City West By Heidi Kulicke n decades past, rocking out in Downtown Los Angeles meant driving to a place like Al’s Bar in the Arts District, parking on the street and hoping your car window hadn’t been smashed when you exited a few hours later. Seeing a popular band often necessitated heading someplace else, such as Silver Lake or West Hollywood.
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native bands, with San Diego act Delta Spirit performing on Monday, June 1. Upcoming highlights include Fun singer Nate Ruess on June 24 and a reunion of punk pioneers Television on July 2. The Teragram has three bars, an adjacent restaurant, a backstage area, a green room, a trio of dressing rooms and a loading dock for musicians. It also features a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, said Michael Swier, managing partner of the Teragram Ballroom. The renovation took $2 million and more than a year to complete. It’s a significant investment, but Swier said there was a unique opportunity to address the lack of mid-size venues in the area. “It’s not like putting $2 million into a plumbing system,” Swier said. “You see the results as soon as it’s turned on, and that’s what will really make this club shine.” The Teragram is the latphoto by Gary Leonard est project from Swier and Michael Swier was behind a pair of prominent New York City rock clubs. Now he his architect brother Brian, has opened the Teragram Ballroom, a 600-capacity venue on Seventh Street in who were behind New York’s City West. famed Bowery Ballroom and out to Los Angeles. Michael Swier also lived in Mercury Lounge. In 2013, Rolling Stone ranked L.A. for four years in the 1970s. the former as the top rock club in the United For the Teragram, the Swiers partnered with States. Joe Baxley, a Los Angeles resident who has The Swiers live in New York, but regularly fly
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That is changing, and quickly. The latest addition to the Downtown rock roster, the 600-capacity Teragram Ballroom, was scheduled to open on Sunday, May 31 (after Los Angeles Downtown News went to press). The indie band Spoon was set to christen the 9,000-square-foot club at 1234 W. Seventh St. The venue, near the Mayfair Hotel and Monty Bar, will feature mostly indie and alter-
June 1, 2015
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June 1, 2015 been involved with projects including Downtown’s Broadway Bar. Michael Swier said Baxley was keeping an eye out for potential spaces and found the City West building. “I sensed Joe’s excitement when he first told me about it, and when I saw it for the first time it hit me too,” Michael Swier said during a tour of the Teragram. “The building had everything we were looking for including location and size, plus bar and restaurant capability, which made it perfect for us to come in here and commit to doing this.” Bands and audiences will benefit from having another music venue of this size in Los Angeles, said Daniel Gill, the owner of Force Field PR, a Los Angeles music publicity firm. “L.A. has a lack of quality 600-capacity rooms, and we don’t really have anything of that size in Downtown,” Gill said. “Plus, Downtown is a more attractive option for people, because there are so many great restaurant options if you want to do dinner and a show.” The Teragram will give Downtowners a chance to see bands they might otherwise have to drive to catch, Gill said. He noted that the acts that will play here might also play at West Hollywood’s venerable Troubadour. “It could be a great option for bands that have already played at smaller venues like The Echo and the Satellite, but who aren’t quite ready for a bigger venue like the Fonda or the Wiltern,” Gill said. Growing Scene The Downtown Los Angeles rock scene is expanding. The Regent, a 1,100-person capacity club, opened last year on Main Street, and has attracted a steady stream of prominent acts. Other area clubs include The Smell, which specializes in punk bands, and the Redwood Bar
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM & Grill. The Bootleg Bar on Beverly Boulevard, just west of Downtown, also has a consistent lineup. Better-known bands and DJs perform at places such as the Orpheum Theatre and the venues at L.A. Live. Like The Regent, the Teragram touches on history. The original building was constructed in 1913 as the Playhouse Theater, where it showed silent movies. Later, it became a print shop and then the Quality Cafe, which was a popular filming location. The seismic retrofitting of the century-old building proved to be the biggest challenge during the renovation, said Brian Swier. Walls had to be reinforced and the existing shell of the structure was strengthened. Workers also upgraded the power and added a transformer. Brian Swier tried to preserve some of the building’s past, but there wasn’t much that could be salvaged, he said. The sequence of archways remain, as does an exposed, barrelvaulted lobby ceiling. The original steel windows have been repurposed. The Swiers said clear sound and sight lines were a top priority. They tapped acoustic consultant Jim Falconer, who worked on their New York venues. Falconer oversaw the Teragram’s installation of rigid insulation panels and the new ceiling, which is hung from springs. The 30-foot stage features a proscenium arch and production mezzanines designed specifically for musical production and acoustics. “We’re genuinely concerned about the musicians, and how they hear themselves is so important for how they sound to others,” Michael Swier said. The Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge have hosted a slew of big names, including The
Downtown News 11
photo by Gary Leonard
Swier and his partners spent more than $2 million turning the 1913 edifice into a modern rock club. Upcoming highlights include Fun singer Nate Ruess on June 24 and punk pioneers Television on July 2.
Strokes, Arcade Fire, the White Stripes, Kanye West and many more. Gill believes the New York track record will give the Teragram instant credibility. “I think their involvement is a stamp of quality which a lot of people will be excited about,” he said. Ultimately, Michael Swier just wants everyone involved to have a great experience, and for both the bands and the people watching them to feel comfortable. There’s also a personal element in the project for Michael Swier. His late wife Margaret, who passed away from cancer in 2009, helped create
and manage the New York venues. The couple never had children of their own, so the clubs in a way became their kids, Michael Swier said. “This is another child. I really feel it,” he said. Although she isn’t there to help him with the new venture, her spirit and memory live on at the Teragram. The name is Margaret spelled backwards. “She was such a big part of it all, and it’s a missing thing for me since she’s not here,” Michael Swier said. “This venue is a reminder and tribute to her. She has become part of it.” The Teragram Ballroom is at 1234 W. Seventh St. or teragramballroom.com.
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Suspect Arrested in Connection With Da Vinci Blaze L.A. Resident Held on $1 Million Bail By Eddie Kim and Jon Regardie suspect was arrested last week for the December arson fire that leveled one building in the seven-story Da Vinci apartments at 900 W. Temple St. Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism section, the LAPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced that Los Angeles resident Dawud Abduwali was arrested in
A
connection with the Dec. 8 blaze in City West. “We truly wish to thank all of the investigators for their thorough efforts in reaching a potential prosecution and conviction for this evil act,” Da Vinci developer Geoff Palmer said in an email to Los Angeles Downtown News. Abduwali, 56, was arrested on an unrelated traffic violation on Tuesday, May 26, and was later charged with aggravated arson and arson of a structure. He is being held on $1 million bail. If
June 1, 2015
convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison. Investigators combed through 75,000 square feet of debris at the site just east of the 110 Freeway. The search involved a canine team, a forensic chemist and other specialists. “This was an historic fire in size and dollar loss, and required an equally significant joint effort by the LAFD, LAPD and ATF to solve,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlos A. Canino, from the Los Angeles Field Division of the ATF. “Our agencies spent thousands of hours processing the scene, running down leads, interviewing potential witnesses and performing numerous other investigative activities leading to Abdulwali’s arrest.” The Da Vinci, which was in the framing stage, went up in flames in the early hours of Dec. 8,
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Parachute Market Design Fair Lands at One Santa Fe
T
he big Dwell on Design show finished up last week at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but that doesn’t mean high design is out of Downtown’s mind. That’s because the fifth installment of the Parachute Market takes place this weekend at the Arts District apartment complex One Santa Fe. The event, according to a press
leaving nothing but the concrete podium of the structure. It caused an estimated $20 million-$30 million worth of damage to the complex. The fire was so hot that it melted signs on the 110 Freeway and caused an additional $50 million-$60 million in damage to a nearby cityowned office building. Authorities soon discovered that accelerants were used to start the fire and declared it arson. They eventually offered a $170,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. One of the two Da Vinci buildings has opened. Palmer said he plans to rebuild the structure that was destroyed, and expects to complete it by the end of the year. The entire project will have 526 units. eddie@downtownnews.com release, is a “temporary experimental show space and retail environment for designers to not only show their work, but also take part in a collective conversation on design.” Various local designers and artists will display their wares on Saturday-Sunday, June 6-7, and on Saturday at 2 p.m. there will be a panel discussion on the impact of popup marketplaces. “This season’s Parachute Market will embrace the spirit of the ‘happening,’” said Parachute Market founder, creative director and co-curator Coryander Friend. “It is our hope that intention, artistic urgency and an energetic, ephemeral presence will coalesce into a spontaneously occurring communal and interactive moment.” Tickets and additional information are at parachutemarket.com.
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photo by Danielle Klebanow Photography for the Music Center
June 1, 2015
CALENDAR
SO THEY THINK YOU CAN
Dance Music Center Series With Free Lessons Returns and Adds Evenings Featuring Top Local DJs
The 11th edition of Dance Downtown returns to the Music Center on June 5 and runs through Aug. 28. Expect live bands and DJs, and lessons in dance styles such as salsa, Bollywood and two-step.
By Eddie Kim owntown’s Music Center is best known for its trio of theaters and its role as a hub for high-profile cultural events, encompassing star-studded operas, big-budget Broadway musicals and more. Despite that, one of the most popular summer events at the Music Center doesn’t take place on the stages of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre or Mark Taper Forum. Instead, the Dance Downtown series unfurls under the glow of streetlights in the plaza outside. Dance Downtown returns June 5 with free events on 13 consecutive Fridays. In addition to the slate of evenings that offer a live band and dance lessons in styles such as salsa, Bollywood and tango, the 11th annual installment includes something different: six freeform, DJdriven parties without lessons, part of an aim to keep growing the crowd at the Music Center. “People tend to know the Music Center as a place to dress up formally and buy a ticket. Programs like Dance Downtown is our way to give another option to enjoy the Music Center,” said Assistant Program Manager Betty
Avila, who is part of the team that organizes the series. “It flips the script because audiences can participate in any way they want. You can come to picnic and hang out or really participate in the lesson.” The new addition, Bring Your Own Dance Moves, features local DJ sets through a collaboration with art organization ArtDontSleep and nonprofit radio station Dublab. The Dance Downtown and DJ series alternate, and both run from 7-11 p.m. Attendance is always free, though there is a fee for parking in the Music Center garage. ‘Ahead of the Curve’ It took several years for Dance Downtown to gain traction, but attendance has grown steadily in recent years, said Avila, who joined the Music Center team two years ago. The revitalization of the Downtown nightlife scene and nearby destinations such as Grand Park has boosted the profile of the event, she added. “We’re now at the point where we usually have about 1,000 people on any given Dance Downtown event,” Avila noted. “More people are just casually spending time around the Mu-
photo by Mario DeLopez for the Music Center
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sic Center and happening upon the event in a way they might not have a few years ago. I think we were ahead of the curve in offering an event like this.” New faces and bigger crowds is good news for Leslie Ferreira, a Dance Downtown instructor who has been featured on shows such as “Dancing With the Stars” and “Millionaire Matchmaker” and who also directs the Bachata Caliente dance company. Ferreira first partnered with the Music Center six years ago and is leading the salsa (June 5) and cumbia (July 31) nights. She said the deep, diverse pool of attendees from across the city sparks her love of the free Downtown events. “You’ll have everyone from seniors to children, talented dancers and total non-dancers, and you get such a fun crowd,” she said. “Nothing is more exciting than seeing people who don’t dance actually learn how to do it and then be the last ones leaving the dance floor at the end of the night.” Like many other Dance Downtown instructors, Ferreira keeps her lessons simple, using easy steps that allow people to groove to the
music. She often sees more experienced dancers giving tips to newbies, which adds to the easygoing vibe, she said. Ferreira avoids the complicated moves, which, she remarked, “You’ll probably forget by the time you get to a party, anyway.” Communal Focus Even with the growing crowds, the Music Center team wanted to get more people to come out. The Bring Your Own Dance Moves series is an experiment, but one the Music Center team hopes will lead to additional growth in the future, Avila said. “Bring Your Own Dance Moves helps us expand to genres where you can’t really have a formal dance lesson, with things like electronic music and funk-soul and hip-hop — music that we haven’t really brought through Dance Downtown,” Avila said. “We’re going to see the results this summer.” The soundtracks come courtesy of top L.A. DJs, including Peanut Butter Wolf, who is bringing his brand of retro-funky hip-hop and electronica to the Music Center on June 12. He’ll be joined on the inaugural evening by local legend Egyptian Lover and the eclectic Jimi Hey. Other artists will be announced in coming weeks. Whether it’s a lesson or just an open dance floor, Ferreira said it’s a thrill to see people from all parts of the city filling the Music Center plaza and stepping with smiles to new sounds. “People will drive out from the Pacific Palisades and others will take the bus from East L.A., but everyone is hanging out together,” she said. That communal effect and atmosphere, Ferreira said, is exactly why she expects to be teaching crowds how to get down at the Music Center for years to come. Dance Downtown takes place from 7-11 p.m. on Fridays from June 5-Aug. 28, alternating with the Bring Your Own Dance Moves program every week. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org/dancedowntown. eddie@downtownnews.com
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June 1, 2015
Five Alarm Fun Annual Hope for Firefighters Event Raises Money and Offers Food and Muster Games
photo by Gary Leonard
The 18th annual Hope for Firefighters features a series of muster games with corporate teams trying to act like firefighters. The event on Thursday, June 4, is expected to raise about $100,000.
available for another emergency,” said Albarran, an LAFD firefighter for 35 years. “This event allows us to be a part of the community and interact with the people we serve in a casual setting.” While the games generate crowds, for many attendees it’s all about the food. Ross said the cuisine this year, all prepared by firefighters, will include pulled pork sandwiches, tri-tip, fish tacos, empanadas, chicken and waffles, desserts and smoothies. Food from 25 stations will be judged at the event by local chefs. There is also a competition for best food booth decorations, Ross said. While the firefighters share a certain camaraderie by virtue of all being in the same profession, Albarran said that they take the food very seriously.
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“We want to make sure we’re responsible and careful with our water use during the drought. The games will still be just as fun as before.” Other team challenges include races to suit up in complete firefighter gear, an old-fashioned hose pull and using a net to catch a falling dummy. Albarran said 20 corporate teams will participate. Downtown office giant Brookfield Office Properties won the competition last year, and the L.A. Galaxy took second place. Players from the L.A. Kings and L.A. Sparks have also participated, said Heather Ross, co-chair of Hope for Firefighters. The event is timed to capitalize on Bunker Hill office workers on their lunch break. Organizers anticipate about 5,000 people attending, and Albarran said they hope to surpass $100,000 again this year. Admission is free, but attendees pay for food and merchandise. The proceeds cover the costs faced by injured or disabled firefighters and their surviving family members in the case of death. Money has gone toward the purchase of wheelchairs, paying for hospital stays and treatments not covered by insurance, Albarran said. That coverage is important for Albarran, though he also stressed the community theme of Hope for Firefighters. “Normally we’re in the fire trucks taking care of an emergency, then heading back to the station as quickly as possible to become
“We’re pretty competitive, so it’s natural for us to compete when it comes to our cooking,” he said. Still, Ross noted that the community spirit wins out over this friendly culinary rivalry. She said she is always encouraged by the sight of so many people showing up and expressing their admiration. Plus, she said, the firefighters work very hard to protect the public, and deserve the chance to have a little fun. “Everyone is thankful for the fire department and they want a chance to give back and show their appreciation,” Ross said. Hope for Firefighters is June 4 from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Hope Street between Third Street and Hope Place. More information at hopeforfirefighters.org. heidi@downtownnews.com
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By Heidi Kulicke any children dream of growing up to become firefighters. While few ultimately realize that ambition, an event in Downtown this week allows some of them the next best thing: the opportunity to don fire gear, carry hoses and get up close with some of those who take on one of the world’s most dangerous jobs. It all happens in Hope for Firefighters. The 18th annual event takes place from 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, on Hope Street between Third Street and Hope Place. Hope for Firefighters gives the public a chance to thank those who risk their lives on a daily basis, while also raising money for the Los Angeles Fire Department Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Last year’s event brought in more than $100,000, said Juan Albarran, a firefighter and president of the beneficiary. Highlights include food prepared by the firefighters, LAFD merchandise, a silent auction and a series of muster games, which simulate old-fashioned firefighting techniques. One game in particular, the “bucket brigade” relay, is commonly a soaking wet charade. That won’t be the case this year, however, said David Ortiz, committee chairman of Hope for Firefighters. “We’re using dry cement instead of water to mimic the weight in the buckets,” Ortiz said.
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The End of First Fridays and ‘Immediate Family,’ a Homecoming for No Age and More Downtown Fun
Sounds of LA 333 S. Grand Ave. or artsbrookfield.com/event/ soundsofla_wfc Arts Brookfield presents the free lunchtime concert series Sounds of LA at the Wells Fargo Center with Moonchild on June 3 and Iliana on June 10. photo by Craig Schwartz
By Dan Johnson | calendar@downtownnews.com
ThRee
The Natural History Museum closes out its 2015 First Fridays series on June 5 with a blistering lineup. Not to be missed is San Francisco singer/songwriter Hanni El Khatib, whose lyrics teeter between nihilistic ramblings and sinister foreboding — his indie lounge sound suggests the sort of lucid montage that Quentin Tarantino or David Lynch might employ. Also on the bill at the Exposition Park event are Chicano Batman and DJ Raul Campos. Additionally, there are tours, the prospect of drinking in proximity to dino skeletons and, perhaps best of all, a 6 p.m. talk from Arthur Benjamin, who dubs himself a mathemagician. He’ll prove that numbers can be tricky and fun. First Fridays goes from 5-11 p.m. at 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3466 or nhm.org.
TWo All good things must come to an end. More proof of that is displayed this week, with the final performances of Immediate Family. Playwright Paul Oakley Stovall’s rollicking work at the Mark Taper Forum proves that the story of a dysfunctional family can be very, very funny. Deftly directed by Phylicia Rashad, the 90-minute one-act flips the script on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, with an African-American family, some dead parents, a controlling sister and a son who is bringing his white Swedish boyfriend home for a visit. Immediate Family plays Tuesday-Friday, June 2-5, at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. photo courtesy Grammy Museum
MONDay, JuNE 1 Is L.A.’s Past Worth Saving? Plaza on Olvera Street or Zocalopublicsquare.org. 7:30 p.m.: That title sure does sound one-sided, like if you say no then you are also against kittens and kisses. Actually, the event from Zocalo Public Square will help celebrate HistoricPlacesLA, an online city inventory of places of interest. The panelists include Libros Schmibros founder David Kipen and L.A. Office of Historic Resources manager Ken Bernstein. Just remember, though: “Developer” is not a dirty word. TuESDay, JuNE 2 Ryan O’Connell at the Last Bookstore Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., or lastbookstorela.com. 7 p.m.: Free spirits, juice aficionados, tattoo fiends and hipsters of all shapes and sizes will find food for thought in Ryan O’Connell’s book I’m Special and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves. ThuRSDay, JuNE 4 Andrea Fraser at the Geffen Contemporary MOCA Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., (213) 626-6222 or moca.org. 7 p.m.: UCLA grad and performance artist Andrea Fraser adds her voice to the chorus of supplementary perspectives accompanying the current William Pope.L: Trinket show. LA Fight Club The Belasco, 1050 S. Hill St. or goldenboypromotions.com. 5:30 p.m.: Oscar De La Hoya’s series featuring up-and-coming boxers returns. In the main event, undefeated Jayson Velez fights Daniel “Hurracan” Ramirez in a 10-round featherweight bout. Mick Ebeling at the Last Bookstore Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., or lastbookstorela.com. 7 p.m.: Mick Ebeling purports to be a film producer by trade and an optimist by nature. So it’s fitting that the book he is talking up is titled Not Impossible. Chinatown After Dark Far East Plaza, 727 N. Broadway, (213) 680-0243 or chinatownla.com. 6 p.m.: A strong lineup of finger-lickin’ good food purveyors open their doors for an evening of tasting and outright revelry that highlights the ever-growing Chinatown food scene. FRIDay, JuNE 5 Dance Downtown Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org. 7-11 p.m.: Bring your dance shoes, sense of rhythm and booze, but leave the music and dance instruction up to the kind folks at the Music Center. This week’s theme is salsa. See story p. 13. First Fridays Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 7633466 or nhm.org. 5-11 p.m. The final installment of the 2015 season features singer/songwriter Hanni El Khatib, Chicano Batman, KCRW DJ Raul Campos, mathemagician Arthur Benjamin and much more. SaTuRDay, JuNE 6 Paul F. Tompkins Palace Theatre, 630 S. Broadway Continued on next page
photo courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The Don’T one Miss LisT
Enigmatic and often puckishly willing to spread disinformation about his creative intent, Sufjan Stevens is a sort of musical sphinx. His work sits astride lines of popular indie music and electronica while carefully balancing an asymmetrical conceptual palette that incorporates elements of Midwestern lore, traditional religious music and the Chinese Zodiac. On WednesdayThursday, June 3-4, Stevens occupies the unlikely Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for a pair of shows. Always looking to recontextualize his sound, the home of L.A. Opera should provide a scenic backdrop to Stevens’ work. At 152 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-0711 or musiccenter.org.
UR FoUR How many times has Pat Boone been mentioned in the Don’t Miss List? Zero! The counter flicks to one this week, as the onetime television personality and far-right supporting entertainer comes to the Grammy Museum. He’ll show up on Tuesday, June 2, at 8 p.m. to showcase some songs and talk about his long career. Be sure to ask Boone about his 38 Top 40 hits, the first number one record he notched way back in 1955 (a version of Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame”), his zillions of collaborations and, of course, his tongue-in-cheek 1997 heavy metal cover album. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.
photo courtesy Asthmatic Kitty Records
DT
CALENDAR LISTINGS
L.A.’s Largest Mixer XVII 700 W. 32nd St., (323) 230-5656 or lamixer.com Join Los Angeles area chambers and business organizations at L.A.’s Largest Mixer XVII, being held at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center July 16 from 5-9 p.m. Mingle with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of business people representing a wide variety of industries and companies in and around Southern California. The 17th annual event is a great opportunity to reach small and large companies, meet prospective clients, generate new leads and renew business relationships. Admission is $20 per person.
Downtown News 15
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM
photo courtesy No Age
June 1, 2015
FiVe
On the more abstract and visceral end of the punk spectrum resides Los Angeles’ own No Age, a big-decibel duo specializing in noise rock that simultaneously embodies and disarticulates the urban malaise of this fair and balmy city. On Wednesday, June 3, No Age returns to its former haunt in the heart of Downtown with a homecoming show at The Smell. For those unaware, the tiny all-ages punk club on Main Street graced the cover of the band’s full-length debut Weirdo Rippers. Those trying to access the venue should take a stroll through the alley where they will find the entrance and a bevy of appropriate odors. Do whatever it takes to get through the doors. At 247 S. Main St. or thesmell.org. Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.
stAF coNt coNt
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
16 Downtown News
NISSAN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
888-838-5089 635 W. WASHINGTON BLVD. • DOWNTOWNNISSAN.COM
NEW ’15 NISSAN SENTRA SV
LEASE FOR ONLY
159
$
June 1, 2015
TOYOTA OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
800-574-4891 1600 S. FIGUEROA ST. • TOYOTADOWNTOWNLA.COM
NEW ’15 TOYOTA CAMRY SE
LEASE FOR ONLY
199
per month for 36 mos
per month for 36 mos
$
One at this price. $159 plus tax per month for 36 months on approved above average credit. MSRP $19,495. $2,399 down plus tax, license and fees. $0 security deposit. 12k miles per year, 0.15 per mile in excess. VIN# FL633625. Offer expires 6/30/15.
Plus tax and license. Security deposit waived. Model 2546. $0.15 per mile for all mileage over 12k miles/yr., $24,890 MSRP. $1,999 Drive Off, Credit available through Toyota Financial Services to qualified Tier 1+ credit customers. 3 at this price: T150482/875717, T150555/877542, T150757/881692. Offer ends 6/30/15.
$8,999 2009 Nissan Cube SL .............................. $10,499 Brilliant Silver. N150887-1/122332 2010 Nissan Sentra Sl ............................ $11,999 NvyBlu, Auto, 4 dr sedan. N151181-1/AL694589
2012 Toyota Corolla ..............................
2011 Nissan Versa S .................................. Drk Grey, Auto, 4 dr hatchbk. N151599-1/463164
$14,988 2012 Toyota Prius ................................... $17,888 White/Gray, Htchbk, Low Miles. TU1283/581043 2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport LS ........ $19,288 White/Black, Auto. TU1274R/657505 Blue/Black, 4dr, Auto, Low Miles. T152352-1/070045
VOLKSWAGEN OF DOWNTOWN L.A.
DOWNTOWN L.A. MOTORS MERCEDES BENZ
NEW ’15 VW JETTA S 2.0L
NEW ’14 MERCEDES CLA 250
888-781-8102 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • VWOFDTLA.COM
LEASE FOR ONLY
99
$
Manual Transmission. $1,999 due at signing excludes title, tax, options, $625 acquisition fee and dealer fees. Includes $500 Memorial Day VCI Bonus. Residual Value $10,109. At lease end lessees responsible for $0.20/mile over 30,000 miles and excessive wear and tear. Lessee responsible for insurance. Closed-end lease offered to highly qualified lessees on approved credit by Volkswagen Credit. 1 at this price. Example lease. May not reflect model shown in images. Offer ends 6/30/2015. Call dealer for more details. VIN FM298351. 0% Available on 0-60 month terms. 0% on approved credit. Not all buyers will qualify. 0% APR in lieu of cash discounts. See dealer for more details. Example Lease May Not Reflect Model Shown in Image.
$15,495 2010 BMW 1 Series 135i ..................... $19,732 Blue/Blk, Auto, 2 dr coup, 18/25 mpg. ZV3497/K95940 2012 VW Passat TDI 2.0 Turbo ............ Select Prem. , Blue/Beige, Auto, 30/40 mpg. V150228D-1/079908 $20,995 CARSON NISSAN 2012 VW Beetle 2.0 Turbo .................. Blk Pearl/Blk, MT, 2 dr hatch, 21/30 mpg. V150413-1/637383
888-845-2267 1505 E. 223RD ST., CARSON • CARSONNISSAN.COM
NEW ’15 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S
LEASE FOR ONLY
169
$13,888 2007 Honda Pilot, EX-L SUV ............... $13,888 Moonroof, Leather, Alum Wheels. CU1782P-2/037442 2013 Kia Soul + Hatchback ................. Carfax 1 Owner, Dune Ext, Excellent Condition! CU1621R/7534754 $14,888 FELIX CHEVROLET 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Van .... Extra Clean, Quad Seats, Only 26,231 miles! CU1747P/418545
888-304-7039 3300 S. FIGUEROA ST. • FELIXCHEVROLET.COM
NEW ’’14 14 SILVERADO 1500 REG. CAB
MSRP ........................................................ $26,670 FELIX DISCOUNT .................................. - $2,475 CONSUMER CASH ................................ -$1,500 GM TRADE ALLOWANCE ................... - $2,000
$28,991 2012 Mercedes GLK350 ........................ $30,889 Certified, Nav Syst, Low Miles! 8188C/CF920074 2012 Mercedes ML350BTC ................... $44,991 Certified, Prem Pkg 1, Bluetch, Must See! 8181C/CA052229 AUDI OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2014 Mercedes C250 ............................. Certified, Sport, Prem Pkg 1. 8144L/EG241550
888-583-0981 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • AUDIDTLA.COM
NEW ’’14 1 AUDI A4 2.0T
LEASE FOR ONLY
315
$
per month for 42 mos
Plus tax 42 month closed end lease on approved credit. $2199 down, plus first month pay payment, tax, title, licensing fees and $695 bank acquisition fee.$0 Sec. Dep. Must qualify for the Audi Loyalty or Audi Acquisition Rebate of $1,000. $0.25 per miles over 10,000 miles/year. 1 at this offer EN022577.
$11,988 2012 Honda Accord Coupe ................... $17,988 Blk/Blk, Only 24,000 miles, Loaded! STK#ZA10956-#CA004388 2009 Ford F-150 Lariat .......................... $23,988 Pearl Wht/Beige, 4 WD, Leather, Loaded! ZA10912-1/B32740 PORSCHE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. 2006 Audi A3 .......................................... Lthr, Concert Sound, Full Pwr. ZA10919-1/66A072752
888-685-5426 1900 S. FIGUEROA ST. • PORSCHEDOWNTOWNLA.COM
NEW ’14 PANAMERA 4S Executive LEASE FOR ONLY
$
$
1,299
NET COST
GM SELECT BONUS CASH ................. - $1,750 TOTAL SAVINGS ........................... $7,725 * Program subject to change, see dealer for details.
$12,888 2014 Ford Fiesta .................................... $12,888 White/Gray, 36 MPG HWY, Auto., 102437 2013 Chevy Malibu ................................ $18,888 Silver/Gray, 34 MPG HWY, Auto, 2.5L. 325774
per month for 36 mos
$7,995 due at lease signing. Excludes tax, title, and license fees. No security deposit required. P14802, 10k miles per year, VIN#EL064132, residual $73,097.60, 1 at this price. Down payment excludes tax, DMV fees, $895 Bank Acquisition fee, first payment and document fees. Rates based on approved Tier1 credit through Porsche Financial Services.
$45,898 2014 Boxster ......................................... Blk/Blk, CPO, PDK, Infotainment Pkgs., Only 10k Miles. ES120116 $52,898 2013 Cayenne S Demo ........................... $69,988 Silver/Blk, Nav, XM, Prem, Pkg., PASM, Pk. 5k miles. DLA85183 2011 Cayman S ...................................... Blue/Beige, CPO, 6 Spd, Navi, Bose (BU780672)
One
ROCK, POP & JAZZ Ace Hotel 929 S. Broadway, (213) 623-3233 or acehotel.com. June 2, 8 p.m.: Downtown’s Dave Foley joins his merry band of pranksters, The Kids in The Hall, for an evening of hilarity and irreverence. Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. June 1: Jeremy Siskind. June 2: Alex Rodriguez Group. June 3: Laila Biali and The Radiance Project. June 4: Marcel Carmago and Brazil You Never Heard. After this though, you’ll have heard it. June 5: Anthony Wilson and The Curators. June 6: Munyungo Jackson’s Jungle Music. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. June 1, 7:30 p.m.: Indie rock residents Hunny have a little bit of bite to the low end of their tasty sound.
Plus tax, 36 Month closed end lease on approved credit through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. $2,499 CAP reduction, $795 acquisition fee. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options No security deposit required. 25¢ per mile in excess of 30,000 miles. Offer good on all with MSRP $33,925.
18,945
©201 must-
per month for 36 mos
BUY FOR ONLY
2012 Chevy Impala ................................ Black/Gray, Auto., 3.6L, UC1629R-1/251967
329
$
per month for 36 mos
$169 Plus tax, 36 months on above average approved credit. $1999 down, plus tax, license and fees. Payment net of $1550 Nissan Lease Rebate and $600 Nissan College Grad Rebate. College Grad Rebate requires recent college graduation and proof of employment. $0 security deposit. 12k miles per year, 36k total miles with 15 cents per mile thereafter. Model#13115, 2 available: C151099/393207, C151155/394876. Offer expires 06/30/15.
1 at this price. (F14782D)
LEASE FOR ONLY
per month for 36 mos
OR PURCHASE WITH 0% APR FOR UP TO 60 MONTHS
$
888-319-8762 1801 S. FIGUEROA ST. • MBZLA.COM
Continued from previous page 7 p.m.: The comedian who formerly did a killer monthly show in West Hollywood comes Downtown to do a live taping of “Crying and Driving.” Sunday, June 7 MOCA Big Family Day MOCA, 250 S. Grand Ave. (213) 626-6222 or moca.org. 1 p.m.: Bring the whole family for a child-appropriate day of hands-on activities and multimedia pursuits that will help your child develop a taste for art and abstraction.
Art d Assi
S I N C E 19 7 2 Los Angeles Downtown News 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News
twitter: DowntownNews
Editor & PublishEr: Sue Laris GENErAl MANAGEr: Dawn Eastin ExEcutivE Editor: Jon Regardie sENior writEr: Eddie Kim stAFF writEr: Heidi Kulicke coNtributiNG Editor: Kathryn Maese coNtributiNG writErs: Jeff Favre, Greg Fischer Art dirEctor: Brian Allison AssistANt Art dirEctor: Yumi Kanegawa PhotoGrAPhEr: Gary Leonard AccouNtiNG: Ashley Schmidt clAssiFiEd AdvErtisiNG MANAGEr: Catherine Holloway AccouNt ExEcutivEs: Catherine Holloway, Brenda Stevens sAlEs AssistANt: Claudia Hernandez circulAtioN: Danielle Salmon distributioN MANAGEr: Salvador Ingles distributioN AssistANts: Lorenzo Castillo, Gustavo Bonilla ©2015 Civic Center News, Inc. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Civic Center News Inc. All rights reserved. The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed every Monday throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles.
One copy per person.
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S I N C E 19 7 2DT News on your mobile device, with Los Angeles Downtown News more than 6 years 1264 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 of past issues! phone: 213-481-1448 • fax: 213-250-4617 web: DowntownNews.com • email: realpeople@downtownnews.com facebook: L.A. Downtown News
twitter: DowntownNews
Edito GENE
ExEc sENi stAF coNt coNt
Art d Assi
©201 must-
One
June 1, 2015 June 2, 8 p.m.: Aurora: Halcyon Norwegian singer and sadly not the secret government project aiming to control the weather. June 5, 8 p.m.: John Reilly and Friends, a night of Americana music from a sensitive and cerebral musician who once played guitar for Dirk Diggler. June 6, 8 p.m.: Indie pop espousing danceability and bossa nova roots is the promise of Trails and Ways. June 7, 7:30 p.m.: I can assure you that HalfNoise will be playing at full volume. Club Nokia 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or clubnokia.com. June 3, 8:30 p.m.: Calling Sweden’s Amaranthe “heavy metal” is like calling a Big Mac artisanal. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. June 4: Sander Van Doorn. June 5: Matzo. Yep, there really is a band named Matzo. June 6: Dash Berlin. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org. June 2, 8 p.m.: An evening with Pat Boone. June 3, 7:30 p.m.: Beth Hart’s latest album Better Than Home will be the subject of tonight’s intimate performance. Mayan 1038 S. Hill St., (213) 746-4287 or clubmayan.com. June 3, 7 p.m.: Southland nurtured John Darnielle helms The Mountain Goats. Nokia Theatre 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6030 or nokiatheatrelalive.com. June 5, 8 p.m.: Lee Seung Chul used to be in Boohwal but has
CROSSWORD
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM now struck out on his own to pursue his unique brand of K-pop and a penchant for sweaters. June 6, 8 p.m.: You know La Arrolladora Banda El Limon is the real thing because there are 18 people in the group. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrand.la. June 2, 10 p.m.: Two days into June and The Makers already have righteous farmers’ tans. Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7326 or staplescenter.com. June 5, 8:30 p.m.: Plan By Amigos is a concert featuring Latin urban music. The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org. June 3: No Age, Casinos and Janelane. June 5: Kim & The Created, Vaguess, Wild Wing and Sad Girl. June 7: Prissy Whip, David Scott Stone, In Tents and Pauline Lay. Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org. June 3-4, 8 p.m.: Sufjan Stevens gives a cerebral spin to indie rock that is already extremely satisfying.
THEATER, OPERA & DANCE Andre & Dorine The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., (213) 489-0994 or thelatc.org. June 4-6, 8 p.m. and June 7, 3 p.m.: Fair warning: When we say that this show from Basque Spanish theater troupe Kulukna Teatro is iconic, we mean that all the characters wear masks that make them look like the anonymous automatons
in Pink Floyd’s The Wall and that the subject is Alzheimer’s disease. Through June 7. Bob Baker’s Something to Crow About Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., (213) 2509995 or bobbakermarionettes.com. June 5-6, 2:30 p.m.: The puppets are getting downright agrarian as Bob Baker’s marionettes sojourn into the American heartland in Something to Crow About. Immediate Family Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or musiccenter.org. June 2-5, 8 p.m., June 6, 2:30 and 8 p.m. and June 7, 1 and
LAST WEEKS ANSWERS
Downtown News 17 6:30 p.m.: Phylicia Rashad directs playwright Paul Oakley Stovall’s 90-minute dramedy. The show examines longstanding, deep-rooted prejudices within the black community with a raucous sense of humor. Yes, it’s a bit by-the-numbers, but the fun and energy more than compensate for the lack of originality. Through June 7. Paloma The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., (213) 489-0994 or thelatc.org. June 4-6, 8 p.m. and June 7, 3 p.m.: Inter-faith love liasons and ancient stigmas cloud the forbidden romance in Paloma. Through June 21.
MORE LISTINGS Hundreds of listings of fun and interesting things to do in Downtown Los Angeles can also be found online at ladowntownnews. com/calendar: Rock, Pop & Jazz; Bars & Clubs; Farmers Markets; Events; Film; Sports; Art Spaces; Theater, Dance and Opera; Classical Music; Museums; and Tours.
2YOUR EVENT INFO
EASY WAYS TO SUBMIT
4 WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar 4 EMAIL: Calendar@DowntownNews.com
Email: Send a brief description, street address and public phone number. Submissions must be received 10 days prior to publication date to be considered for print.
TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS
18 Downtown News
June 1, 2015
Map © 2014 Cartifact
DWP
DOG PARK
SPRING STREET PARK
THE BLOC
FUTURE KOREAN AIR WILSHIRE GRAND
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June 1, 2015
DT
CLASSIFIEDS
AUTOS & RECREATIONAL
REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL lofts for sale
To place a classified ad in the Downtown News please call 213-481-1448, or go to DowntownNews.com Deadline classified display and line ads are Thursday at 12pm. FORfor RENT All submissions are subject to federal and California fair housing laws, which make it illegal to indicate in any advertisement any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income or physical or mental disability. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
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fiCtitious Business naMe
This statement was filed with DeAn c. LoGAn, Los Angeles county clerk, and by J. Perkins, Deputy, on May 20, 2015. NOTICE—This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions code). Pub. 06/01, 06/08, 06/15, and 06/22/2015. naMe ChanGe suPeRioR couRt oF caliFoRnia, countY oF los anGeles
for L.A. school. Mail resume to Carousel Child Care Corp. DBA Carousel School, 7899 La Tijera Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
Fictitious Business name statement File no. 2015134964 the following person(s) is (are) doing business as: cinevision Global, 424 Bamboo Lane, Los Angeles, cA 90012, are hereby registered by the following registrant(s): Frank Mayor, 2665 Aberdeen Ave., Los Angeles, cA 90027. this business is conducted by an individual. registrant has not commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above.
For SALe Albuquerque, New Mexico
seven acres los Ranchos
oRDeR to sHoW cause FoR cHanGe oF name no. Bs153448 Petitioner (name of each) stephanie Joanne Miller, 13930 edgewater Drive, norwalk, cA, 90650, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: stePhAnie JoAnne MiLLer Proposed name: stePhAnie JoAnne koLokotroni Jones the court orDers that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must
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to the date set for hearing on the petition in LA DoWntoWn neWs, 1264 West 1st street, Los Angeles, cA 90026 of general circulation, printed in this county. Prepared by: sherri r. carter, Executive Office/Clerk. stanley Mosk courthouse 111 north hill street Los Angeles, cA 90012 Date: January 29, 2015 hon. kevin c. Brazille Judge of the superior court Pub. 05/18, 05/25, 06/01, and 06/08/2015
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appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. notice oF heArinG Date: 11/19/2015 time: n/A Dept.: n/A the address of the court is 111 north hill street, Los Angeles, cA, 90012. A copy of this order to show cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior
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20 Downtown News
June 1, 2015
Hello Kitties Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore!
Two-Day CatCon Brings All Things Feline to Downtown
It’s our business to make you comfortable... at home, downtown. Corporate and long term residency Call Now Fo is accommodated in high style at the Towers Apartments. Contemporary singles, studio, one r bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes provide fortunate residents with a courteous full service lobby attendant, heated pool, spa, complete fitness center, sauna and recreation room Move-In Spec with kitchen. Beautiful views extend from the Towers’ lofty homes in the sky. Mountain vistas and ial slender skyscrapers provide an incredible back drop to complement your decor. Far below are a host of businesses s ready to support your pampered downtown lifestyle. With spectacular cultural events nearby, even the most demanding tastes are satisfied. Downtown, it’s not just big business anymore. Visit the Towers Apartments today.
E
at xci Gr ti A 255 South Grand Avenue an ng sk A dT ow Ne bou Leasing Information er w t O Co 213 229 9777 m Re ur ing n Su ova Apartment Amenities: Community Amenities: m m tio ~ Refrigerator, Stove, ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby er Microwave & Dishwasher ~ Concierge 20 n 15 (most units) ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas
Grand Tower
~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room
~ Central Air Conditioning & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)
On-site: ~ Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants
Promenade Towers
123 South Figueroa Street Leasing Information 213 617 3777 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Pool / Spa / BBQ Grills ~ Fitness Center ~ Covered Parking
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove & Dishwasher ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Solariums and/or Balconies
On-Site: ~ Convenience Store / Beauty Salon
museum Tower
225 South Olive Street Leasing Information 213 626 1500 Community Amenities: ~ 24 Hr. Manned Lobby ~ Concierge ~ Pool / Spa / Saunas ~ Fitness Center ~ Gas BBQ Grills ~ Recreation Room
Apartment Amenities: ~ Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave & Dish washer (most units) ~ Central Air & Heating ~ Balconies (most units)
8 7 7 - 2 65 - 714 6
TOWERS T H E
A PA RT M E N T S
www.TowersApartmentsLA.com MAID SERVICE • FURNITURE • HOUSEWARES • CABLE • UTILITIES • PARKING
RESIDENCES: SINGLES • STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOM
photo courtesy of CatCon
CatCon takes place June 6-7, at Maker City. The event offers cat-themed art, jewelry, clothing, home goods and discussions, including one on Sunday with feline “celebrity” Lil Bub.
By Eddie Kim ttention all feline fans: A two-day cat show is coming to Downtown Los Angeles. No, it’s not the kind of show where too-serious judges closely examine perfectly coiffed cats to see who deserves a ribbon. CatCon, taking place at Maker City L.A. (in the former L.A. Mart) on Saturday-Sunday, June 6-7, is instead a celebration of popular cat culture, featuring art, literature, fashion, home goods and even panel discussions with kitty luminaries. The event at 1933 S. Broadway runs 9 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. Admission is $25 for a single day and $40 for the weekend, and there are discounts for kids 5-12 years old (anyone 4 and under gets in for free). CatCon comes from L.A.-based arts journalist and producer Susan Michals, who dove into the world of feline events last year by staging the Cat Art Show Los Angeles in West Hollywood. That drew nearly 5,000 people to see cat-related works from artists such as Shepard Fairey, Tracey Emin and Ray Caesar, Michals said. Its success inspired her to go bigger and broader. “I was introduced to a lot of groovy people who were really into chic cat fashion, furnishings and art,” Michals said in an email. “It took a lot of research and hiring a lot of people to pull off CatCon in 2015, but it will be the first of many.” There will be plenty of art at CatCon, including from Little Tokyo’s Japanese American National Museum, which just closed an exhibit on Hello Kitty, as well as vendors offering cat-themed toys, hipster apparel, handbags and a free “caticure” nail bar. Then there are the panels, with topics such as “My Cat’s a Celebrity... and How I Dealt With It,” “Photographing Cats” and “How Cats Have Changed the Internet.” Hosting the opening talk on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. is Simon Tofield, creator of the online cartoon “Simon’s Cat,” which boasts nearly 3.5 million subscribers on YouTube. Closing on Sunday at 4 p.m. is celebrity cat Lil Bub and human companion Mike Bridavsky. They’re hosting a live edition of “Lil Bub’s Big Show” with funnyman Jack McBrayer; the “talk show” features guests such as Whoopi Goldberg, rocker Andrew W.K. and producer Steve Albini being “interviewed” by Bub via subtitled meows and purrs. Why do cats make such great material for viral content? For Michals, who owns a cat and a dog, it’s all about the felines’ unpredictable nature and quirks. “Cat videos… are a respite from the everyday — a break from work, a relationship, a stressful situation — and we get a lovely, unrehearsed, unbiased laugh-fest,” Michals said. Think of CatCon as a different way to cure your cat scratch fever. CatCon is June 6-7 at Maker City L.A., 1933 S. Broadway. More information and tickets at catconla.com. eddie@downtownnews.com
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