TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO CAST YOUR VOTE! BEST OF DOWNTOWN READERS’ POLL CLOSES SOON
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why are so many downtown restaurants closing?
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skid row settlement sparks division
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JUNE 3, 2019 I VOL. 48 I #22
SPECIAL SECTION
Downtown Residential
The Unlikely Creations of David Hammons Go On Display at the Arts District Gallery PGS. 11-13
See Page 14
THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972
photo courtesy Hauser & Wirth
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AROUND TOWN
Last Chance to Choose the Best of Downtown
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here are only a few more days for Downtown News readers to express their opinion on their favorite local places to eat, drink, shop and more. The balloting for the 31st annual Best of Downtown issue closes Thursday, June 6, at 5 p.m. Voting is free, and readers have the opportunity to weigh in on scores of categories, from Best Burger to Best Neighborhood Bar to Best Family Attraction to Best Farmers Market and more. So don’t miss the chance to throw your support behind your preferred places and businesses in the Central City. All voting takes place online at VoteBestOf.com. Please, no ballot stuffing — we have ways to tell, and hinky ballots will be disqualified. The Best of Downtown will publish on July 22.
Community Meeting for Gil Lindsay Plaza Redesign
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outh Park’s Gilbert Lindsay Plaza, the space that connects the Los Angeles Convention Center to Staples Center, is scheduled for a facelift, and Downtowners this week can weigh in on the plan. Anschutz
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Entertainment Group is hosting its second community meeting to gather feedback and provide information on a planned overhaul of the plaza named for the former Ninth District councilman. The meeting, taking place on Wednesday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Gold Ballroom of the JW Marriott at L.A. Live, will include an update on some questions provided at an initial meeting in April. Free parking will be available at the L.A. Live West Garage, and the meeting is open to the community. Martha Saucedo, AEG’s executive vice president of external affairs, said that the renovation will focus on two goals: providing a space that will benefit incoming conventions, and addressing a lack of green space in the area. Information will also be provided on the Convention Center expansion plan.
Free CPR Training at City National Plaza
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owntowners who have wanted to learn CPR, but always came up with an excuse not to, now have the opportunity to pick up the life-saving skill. The American Heart Association is joining with the Los Angeles Fire Department and City National Bank to host a free CPR training event at City National Plaza on Tuesday, June 4. Local firefighters and emergency responders will provide hands-only CPR training at 555 S. Flower St. in four 30-minute sessions from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. No RSVP is required and people can walk up and learn. A representative for the event said that the goal is to teach 500 people. The
JUNE 3, 2019
event is part of a collaborative effort by local health and safety organizations to teach CPR to 100,000 Angelenos. So far, the partnership has provided training for 62,000 individuals.
Angelenos can celebrate that affinity, and maybe even spur some canine adoptions. The second Pershing Square Paw Crawl takes place at the park on Saturday, June 8. The event runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and includes a dog adoption fair, where people can check out cute pups and see if a bond is formed. The event is, naturally, dog friendly, and there will be pet treats, as well as free rabies and distemper vaccines. There will also be food and music for the dogs’ human friends, and local pet stores will set up tables. More information is at laparks. org/pershingsquare.
Hope for Firefighters Fundraiser Returns
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t’s time once again to head to Bunker Hill for food, a good cause and the amusing sight of corporate teams trying to lug large water buckets. The 22nd annual Hope for Firefighters fundraiser returns on Thursday, June 6, at Bank of America Plaza at 333 S. Hope St. The three-hour event starts at 11:30 a.m. There will be more than two dozen fire stations on hand, serving everything from tri-tip to strawberry shortcake; tickets for the meal are $9 and desserts are $3. Proceeds from the event benefit the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund; the event was founded in 1998 after three LAFD firefighters died in a helicopter crash. Past events have raised more than $100,000. The highlight is the muster games, where various non-firefighters compete in donning fire gear, toting buckets and other activities. More information is at hopeforfirefighters.org.
Veterans Housing Proposed for Figueroa
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63-stall parking lot along the Figueroa Corridor is being considered as a potential site for affordable housing for military veterans. Last week, County Supervisor Hilda Solis put forward a motion to examine using the lot next to the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall at Figueroa Street and Washington Boulevard. Solis’ motion calls for determining if the 30,000-square-foot lot could be converted into a parking structure that would include an unspecified number of housing units for veterans and their families. The conversion is dependent on Bob Hope Patriotic Hall’s parking needs, according to the motion. The building at 1816 S. Figueroa St. hosts a number of events and activities for service members, including conferences and job fairs.
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EDITORIALS
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TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD
Brace for a Spike in Homelessness
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he annual Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority tally of people living without shelter is scheduled to be released this week. Members of the public should brace themselves: A year after the county recorded 53,195 homeless individuals, and despite the hundreds of millions of dollars that have been spent to address homelessness, the crisis may well be getting worse. Potentially, a lot worse. The signs of trouble are clear. As Los Angeles Downtown News reported last month, County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas recently offered a warning shot. Speaking at an event hosted by the Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum, he referenced economic factors that increasingly contribute to homelessness. He pointed out that more people are living in vehicles. He mentioned that the county has an affordable housing shortage of an astounding 560,000 units. Then there are statistics cited by LAHSA itself. A May 17 tweet was simple but stunning, detailing the rise in homelessness in counties throughout California. It mentioned a 17% spike in San Francisco, a 22% boost in Riverside County and a 28% increase in Ventura County. Orange County saw a 43% hike. In Kern County homelessness was up by 50%. No one has leaked figures from the upcoming L.A. County Homeless Count, but the widespread belief is that Los Angeles is not immune to the trend coursing through the state. People who spend time in Downtown won’t be surprised. The “eye test” indicates that more people than ever are sleeping on the streets. Almost every local resident or worker regularly decries the spread of tent encampments. If there is any sense of hope, it’s that city and county leaders now work together and understand that this is truly an emergency. Additionally, voters have approved measures to pay for housing and homeless services, and the state is dedicating more money to the matter. There is also a growing understanding that there are no quick fixes, and that getting someone off the streets requires intense and sustained outreach. We’ll know more, potentially including responses, soon. But L.A. should prepare for a difficult situation.
Reminder: Vote Yes on Measure EE
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lthough the January teachers’ strike inspired unprecedented support for local educators, it had little impact on the dismal finances of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Simply put, LAUSD needs more money. Funding from the state is required, but so is a local cash infusion. That’s where Measure EE comes in. On Tuesday, June 4, Downtown News urges people to vote yes on Measure EE, which would tax property owners 16 cents a square foot, raising an estimated $500 million annually before it sunsets after 12 years. While EE is less than perfect and is no magic bullet for public education, it is necessary to help pay for teacher raises, as well as more nurses, counselors and other resources. If it falters, the district could face layoffs. Some business groups are fighting Measure EE, but business opposition is no reason to starve students of the best possible education.
Little Tokyo
WWII Veteran • Jack Nagano
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COMMENTS
Regarding the article “Traxx in Union Station Closes,” by Jon Regardie Union Station has a Wetzel’s Pretzels, Subway, Starbucks and a crepes shop to serve guests. To have a sit-down, slow service restaurant in a fast-paced train station to me is kind of counterintuitive. Union Station serves the Metro Red, Purple and Gold lines. It also serves the Metrolink trains and the Southwest Chief, Pacific Surfliner and Sunset Limited of Amtrak. This is also counterintuitive as the Southwest Chief and Sunset Limited serve a sit-down meal only moments after leaving Union Station. I did enjoy my only meal at Traxx but the restaurant was severely overpriced for its location. It would have made more sense to lower their prices to be more competitive with the fast-service places in the depot. I hope that the new tenant will be one that will cater more to the people riding the trains than trying to attract people to the station who would probably not ride a train. —Christy Anne Cheray Regarding the editorial “Vote Yes on Measure EE” and the Guest Opinion, by Tracy Hernandez, “Why You Should Vote No on Measure EE” Proposition EE needs two-thirds of the voters to vote yes in order to pass. Maybe LAUSD, and the corporate exclusively for-financial-profit interests that control it, will finally get the message that the public is on to their enEDITOR: Jon Regardie STAFF WRITERS: Nicholas Slayton, Sean P. Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre
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demic corruption if a super majority of two-thirds of the voters vote against this. Regrettably, such an action stands the best chance of finally getting LAUSD to better educate its students. —Leonard Isenberg I agree with the “vote no” side. Although everyone is for better education, this measure is basically a bailout for the LAUSD. —Martha Rodriguez This is a regressive tax that equates a house in Watts to a similar house in West L.A. They would pay the same tax. A better alternative would be to allow sports betting to support the schools. —Donald Ferguson
Hey You! Speak Up! Downtown News wants to hear from people in the community. If you like, or dislike, a story or editorial, let us know. Or weigh in on something you feel is important to the community. Participation is easy. Post a comment online at the bottom of any story, or go to downtownnews.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click the “Letter to the Editor” link. For guest opinion proposals, email regardie@downtownnews.com. DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Salvador Ingles DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS: Lorenzo Castillo FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Lake Trout
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DOWNTOWN NEWS 5
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A Test for Eric Garcetti’s Super Power The Mayor’s Got a Spotless Record Pushing High-Profile Ballot Measures, But He’s Never Faced a Fight Like the One Over Measure EE By Jon Regardie ric Garcetti has a super power. He can’t fly like Superman. He can’t run speedily like Flash. He can’t blow up everything in an instant in a TV interview, like former Lakers President Magic Johnson did recently. But Garcetti possesses an ability that, in 21st century Los Angeles, is far more valuable: He can get a measure, seemingly any measure, passed by voters.
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THE REGARDIE REPORT In an era where government increasingly turns to the ballot box to get big things done — or turns to the ballot box to get the money to get big things done — this is a vital skill, and Garcetti may be the best at it that Los Angeles has ever seen. He was elected in 2013, and four times since then he has served as the public face of a contested, make-or-break ballot proposition or measure. In three of those instances he was seeking a yes vote, and used a combination of personal charisma, political prowess and arm-twisting to make things go his way. On the fourth occasion he was out to convince Angelenos to shoot down a controversial measure, and he won handily. I’ve never been inside Garcetti’s mayoral man cave, but I’d wager that on the wall across from the signed photos of 2020 Democratic party presidential contenders, there’s a case holding a red, white and blue cape adorned with the letters SBBM, for Super Ballot Box Man. Opponents must shudder when he puts it on. Garcetti’s 4-0 record in high-profile proposition races is
pretty sweet. But this week, the mayor faces his sternest test yet. It’s Super Ballot Box Man vs. the Business Brigade. The stakes are high, and come Tuesday, June 4, we’ll see just how powerful and influential Garcetti really is. If voters approve Measure EE, a parcel tax that would raise $500 million a year for local schools, then Garcetti continues his unbeaten streak. But a coalition of powerful business groups is spending big — in both cash and political capital — to knock him down a peg. Going Undefeated To understand Garcetti’s victories, you first have to flash back to a previous failure. That involved Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Actually, AnVil was involved in a lot of failures, but this one was special. In 2008, county voters passed Measure R, enacting a halfcent sales tax to fund Metro projects. The three-decade assessment was Villaraigosa’s greatest victory, and four years later he returned with Measure J; this would have super-sized the tax, extending it for an additional 30 years. But voters narrowly rejected it. Cue extensive whining. Can one blame the loss exclusively on AnVil? No. But he was traveling all over the country, stumping for Democratic candidates in far-flung states, and some locals grumbled that if the mayor had been in town and focused on L.A., Measure J would have passed. Garcetti learned from AnVil’s mistake and stumped like heck when a second-chance effort, Measure M, hit the ballot in 2016. The mayor was everywhere, and although it required the high bar approval of two-thirds of voters, ultimately 71% of the people said yes. It’s been a huge win, the financial fuel
photo by Gary Leonard
When Mayor Eric Garcetti appeared at last month’s Treasures of Los Angeles event, he urged the crowd to support Measure EE, which would raise $6 billion for public education. A collection of business groups is vigorously opposing the measure.
for Garcetti’s push to build 28 transit projects by the opening of the 2028 Summer Olympics. Measure M was actually part of a double-barreled Garcetti victory. In the run-up to that same November election, the mayor was campaigning hard for Proposition HHH, a $1.2 bilContinued on page 9
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JUNE 3, 2019
Competition and Concern in Downtown’s Restaurant Market The Central City Has Recently Lost a Number of Legacy Establishments. Is it Time to Worry? By Sean P. Thomas he news hit the Downtown Los Angeles dining scene like a flurry of powerful punches from a championship boxer: In the space of a week, three landmark institutions shut down. Café Pinot, which had graced a spot next to the Central Library for a quarter century, closed on April 25. Church & State, an Arts District fixture for a decade, shuttered two days later (a promised quick reopening after it was sold has not yet led to a return). On April 29, Traxx in Union Station shut down, ending a run that lasted more than 21 years. Those were not the only notable recent departures. Roy Choi’s Far East Plaza-revitalizing Chego shut down on April 30. Just last week, Charles Olalia’s praised bite-sized Filipino restaurant RiceBar served its last meal. The Seventh Street spot closed on Friday, May 31, after Olalia opted not to renew the lease. It’s a series of big hits for the local restaurant industry. It also leads to a question: Are these the first signs that Downtown’s red-hot dining scene is preparing for a long cool down, or is the spike of noteworthy closures simply a coincidence of timing? Nick Griffin, executive director of the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, thinks it’s the latter. Griffin said that despite the rash of closures involving legacy establishments, the local restaurant market is strong and growing, as evidenced by the number of new businesses champing at the bit to serve Downtown diners. “It’s kind of a natural ebb and flow of a restaurant market, and this is not too far away from what we’re seeing in markets like New York and Chicago,” Griffin said. “People want to be
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here, and I think we’re seeing the result of that.” In the case of Church and State, Traxx and Café Pinot, Griffin said that it’s natural for long-running businesses to move on and for newer concepts to take their place. He said that doesn’t mean that the older establishments “failed” in a traditional sense. “They have a good run, and then they move on to a new, fresh idea,” Griffin said. Indeed, the departure of some notable restaurants is counter-balanced by the arrival in Downtown of a group of highly touted projects, many in locations that were once overlooked. Diners have flocked to new offerings such as the massive Manufactory at Row DTLA in the Industrial District, and to David Chang’s Majordomo on the outskirts of Chinatown. Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis’ Bavel has also drawn a steady stream of diners to a once quiet part of the Arts District. Then again, being highly anticipated doesn’t guarantee success. Simone, a project from lauded chef Jessica Largey, opened on Hewitt Street in the Arts District to fanfare last September, then shuttered seven months later. It returned to service May 18 under a new name, Duello. A Smaller Piece of the Pie Yasmin Sarmadi has experienced the swells of the Downtown dining scene. She opened Church and State, on the ground floor of the Biscuit Company Lofts, in 2008, when the Arts District was still a sleepy, largely overlooked neighborhood. Sarmadi married former Patina chef Tony Esnault and they opened the fine dining French establishment Spring in the Historic Core in 2016. Yet Sarmadi has left Downtown. She and Esnault closed
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photo by Sean P. Thomas
Chego, Roy Choi’s Far East Plaza-revitalizing restaurant, shuttered in April.
Spring in 2018, and after selling Church and State, the pair is working on a new Orange County restaurant, Knife Pleat. She said that the number of restaurants in the Central City is outpacing the residential base that supports the establishments. “The market is very saturated,” Sarmadi said in a recent interview. “The market in L.A. in general is very saturated, but other areas have denser residential populations than Downtown, and while Downtown has certainly come a long way since we opened Church and State, it’s still nowhere near other neighborhoods.” Elizabeth Peterson-Gower, founder of EPG, a Los Angeles
land use consulting firm that specializes in helping restaurants and bars open, echoed Sarmadi’s sentiment. She said getting more people into Downtown residences is paramount to supporting both new and older dining establishments. Peterson-Gower’s wish could be realized, as Downtown’s housing stock is expected to continue to expand. According to a market report from the DCBID, more than 5,000 units are now under construction, and when completed will boost the residential inventory to 51,765 units. Yet Sarmadi is quick to point out that an increase in units does not automatically mean a boon for the market, as dining habits are changing and people are spending more of their income on housing. According to an April report from the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the average person would need to make $53,600 to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles. Yet the average income in the city sits around $44,000. Sarmadi also noted that Los Angeles’ traffic concerns play a role in diners’ decisions to come to the Central City for a meal, placing a greater reliance on people who live here. “When we opened Church and State almost 11 years ago, people were regularly coming from Palos Verdes, Orange County, and certainly from West L.A. on a regular basis,” she said. “But people just don’t do that anymore.” Staying Current Another issue for local restaurants is dining trends. Downtown, like many communities, has seen a shift in preferences — for instance, crowds that once flocked to white-tablecloth establishments still have a taste for well-prepared food with a high price point, but might be more apt to patronize places with a less formal and more relaxed dining room aesthetic. When that coincides with competition from a new arrival, the result can be fatal. After Traxx closed, owner Tara Thomas cited the opening of the Imperial Western Beer Co., also in Union Station, as a major factor in her decision. The day after serving her last meal she told Los Angeles Downtown News,
“Only so many cocktails could be sold in a specific site plan.” Peterson-Gower said it is increasingly important for restaurateurs not only to have expertly prepared food, but to research the trends of a market if a business hopes to succeed. In Downtown, she said, that can mean everything from having health-conscious menu options to dog-friendly dining spaces. Peterson-Gower would know. In addition to her consulting business, she and her husband Tony Gower last spring opened Clayton’s Public House in the Spring Arcade Building (its predecessor, Royal Clayton’s, had closed in the Arts District in 2010). In the effort to connect with current crowds, Clayton’s Public House has approachable price points, a craft beer selection and frequent events like trivia nights. “You have to be aware of the movement around you,” Peterson-Gower said. “You have to stay fresh while staying true to your concept. But you also have to make sure that the quality of your product stays good.” Sarah Meade, who refashioned her railroad-themed Arts District bar Westbound into Here and Now last year, agreed that to compete in this market, one has to know what’s moving the needle. She observed that a number of restaurants have tapped into the “pop-up culture” that has arisen over the last few years. But Meade also was quick to say that a group of new restaurants can be complementary instead of competitive. She said that Here and Now has benefited from the foot traffic sparked by newcomers such as Bavel, and that some patrons might learn of her establishment while waiting for a table down the street. “Where we’re at, the more spots that open up, it’s going to help us,” Meade said. “Whatever we can do to make this feel and function more like a neighborhood is going to be helpful.” One thing that people can be sure of is that more spots will arrive. Only time will tell whether they sink or swim. sean@downtownnews.com
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JUNE 3, 2019
Homeless Property Settlement Imposes New Rules for Skid Row, Surrounding Areas
Under terms of the settlement, large items such as pallets, refrigerators, couches and other furniture can be seized. Anything taken during cleanups or when someone is arrested must be stored, and identification and other important docuMove on ‘Mitchell’ Case Sparks Further Division in Downtown ments must be available for people to retrieve within 24 hours. Rob Wilcox, a spokesman for Feuer, said in By Nicholas Slayton a statement to Los Angeles Downtown News n a landmark legal settlement, the City that “the settlement provides the City the of Los Angeles agreed not to limit the authority and flexibility it needs to address amount of belongings homeless individUnder the terms of health and safety issues related to homelessuals can have in or around Skid Row, and set the Mitchell case ness in the area covered by the agreement, new rules for what items can be seized and settlement, the city and avoids the stricter limitations imposed under what circumstances. cannot seize personal by the court’s injunction on the City’s ability The decision has sparked division in belongings from to clean and protect its public areas.” Downtown Los Angeles, with some cheering individuals on Skid The settlement is the outcome of several unthe move and saying it protects the rights of Row unless it presents fortunate options, according to Alex Comisar, a homeless individuals. Others charge that it a public health risk, spokesman for Mayor Eric Garcetti. He added will worsen the already dirty and cluttered is abandoned or is that, “It’s time we break the cycle of litigation conditions on many streets and sidewalks, evidence of a crime. that keeps us from helping people in need.” and sets a different standard for Downtown The Mitchell case started in March 2016, than other neighborhoods. and was filed on behalf of four homeless inThe settlement of the Mitchell v. City of dividuals, including Carl Mitchell. It alleged Los Angeles case, filed with the U.S. District photo Sean P. Thomas that during cleanups and police enforcement Court for the Central District of California on Wednesday, May 29, awards $645,000 to four diate threat to public health or safety, is evi- ness advocacy group the Central City Asso- activities, the city was seizing personal beciation, criticized the settlement. The CCA longings, including medicine and legal docuplaintiffs and outlines new rules for the sei- dence of a crime, or is contraband.” The city must provide at least 24 hours and other groups had urged Feuer not to ments, and destroying them. zure and storage of property taken in a large A month after the suit was filed, District swath of central Downtown. The settlement notice of any cleanup, as well as a 30-min- settle the case, but rather to take it to trial. In was negotiated by City Attorney Mike Feuer ute warning for people to remove their be- March, the council voted 10-2 to settle, with Court Judge S. James Otero issued an injuncand will last for three years. According to the longings before a cleaning starts. Medication only Downtown Councilman José Huizar and tion blocking the city from seizing belongings settlement, during that period the city “will and identification left at the scene can be 15th District representative Joe Buscaino vot- without advance notice unless it was part of a criminal investigation or presented an imnot seize property as part of a cleanup of an requested by the owner and must be given ing in opposition. I aerioconnect.com I Voice I WiFi I HDTV “The Mitchell settlement creates different mediate public health risk. The injunction apNo cleanings are allowed areaBroadband where homeless people’s property800.900.5788 is lo- over by authorities. laws for Downtown, which we believe is un- plied to Skid Row and “adjoining areas.” cated, absent an objectively reasonable be- while it is raining or below 50 degrees. Shortly after the case was filed, the city apJessica Lall, president and CEO of the busi- constitutional and sets the City up for further lief that it is abandoned, presents an immelawsuits,” Lall said in a prepared statement. proved Ordinance 56.11, which limited the “This settlement removes limits on person- amount of property someone on the streets al goods and will worsen the serious public could have to what fits into a 60-gallon storhealth conditions that are already present in age unit. The ordinance also required that items seized be held for 90 days before being Downtown and in the entire city.” A spokesperson for the CCA said that the destroyed, and that neighborhoods be given organization is exploring legal options to advance notice before cleanings. In the wake of Otero’s injunction, 56.11 challenge the settlement. That includes the was not put into effect in the specified zone. possibility of filing suit. Public commentary was divided and often One attorney who represented the plaintiffs declined to comment, while another heated as the city considered its options. The did not respond to requests for comment by decision to settle also drew criticism from Kevin Murray, the president and CEO of the press time. Skid Row service provider and shelter the Long Struggle The settlement applies to an area bound- Weingart Center. The settlement, he said, ened by Second, Eighth, Spring and Alameda shrines the status quo into law and will have streets. That includes the heart of Skid Row, “unintended consequences.” The settlement comes as the city seeks to but also busy commercial and residential portions of the Historic Core, Civic Center create housing for homeless individuals and address the spread of tent encampments in and Little Tokyo. Downtown. The city spent approximately $30 million on citywide cleanings last year. The budget for the upcoming fiscal year increases that to roughly $50 million. And those savings could add up to $600* Huizar, whose 14th District covers most of So put your Auto and Renters together with Downtown, including Skid Row, had been State Farm® and let the savings begin. the loudest voice on the Council against settling. In a statement to Downtown News, GET TO A he charged that the city sets policy in reac® BETTER STATE. * and instead should ** tion to individual suits, CALL ME TODAY respond with a “comprehensive settlement Karla Greene, Agent Pricing starting from with a multitude of litigants that will move us Insurance Lic#: 0I67776 forward in a proactive path in helping us ad213-239-9675 * Speeds upcrisis. to ”** Pricing starting from dress our homelessness Fax: 213-239-9679 Huizar added, “I am opposed to the catwww.karlagreene.com Karla Greene Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and-mouse game the City and these same litigants continue to play, which will have a detrimental effect on setting sound home1203037 lessness policy for Itheaerioconnect.com City of Los Angeles.” *Average annual per household savings Ibased on a national 2010 survey 800.900.5788 I aerioconnect.com Broadband I Voice I WiFi I HDTV Broadband Voice I WiFi I HDTVState Farm, 800.900.5788 of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm. 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GARCETTI, 5 lion bond to foment the creation of 10,000 permanent supportive housing units. We look back on it now as a slam dunk — it got a whopping 76% approval — but at the time no one had ever tried to persuade local voters to tax themselves to help homeless individuals. Garcetti was a big part of why people said yes. He scored two more key wins the following year. Measure H, a sort of companion to Prop HHH, was a quarter-cent sales tax to fund services for homeless individuals, and was expected to raise more than $350
WHEN IT COMES TO APPROVING OR DEFEATING A BALLOT MEASURE, THE HARD WORK TAKES PLACE WELL BEFORE VOTERS HIT THE POLLS. ULTIMATE SUCCESS DEPENDS ON RALLYING TROOPS AND RAISING MONEY. COINCIDENTALLY, THOSE ARE TWO THINGS THAT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS EXCEL AT. million annually. It’s a county effort, rather than one just for city voters, and leaders including Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas were out rallying support, but Garcetti was the name most people knew. Again, it needed two-thirds approval. Again, it got there, with more than 69% of voters saying yes. The March 2017 election also saw Garcetti oppose Measure S. Known as the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative, it was pitched by supporters as a way to improve City Hall’s wackadoodle planning and approvals process, which frequently seems to be controlled by affluent developers and their also affluent fixers. But opponents charged that the slow-growth proposal would kneecap construction in L.A. Garcetti vociferously opposed it and raised a lot of money to fight it. On election day it was gutted, getting support from only 29% of voters. Garcetti wasn’t the only high-profile politician pushing the first three initiatives or opposing Measure S. Plenty of other people and groups, both in front of and behind the scenes, were involved in the campaigns. Garcetti didn’t win anything solo. But as a mayor adept at using all kinds of media, he was a primary driver in each race. If any didn’t go his way, he’d take the hit. So he also gets the credit for a perfect slate. Money Matters When it comes to approving or defeating a ballot measure, the hard work takes place well before voters hit the polls. Ultimate success depends on rallying troops and raising money. Coincidentally, those are two things
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that special interest groups excel at. Garcetti has consistently been able to convince labor and business groups — the two sectors with the most money and resources — that what is good for him is also good for them. Time and again the triad of the mayor, the business sector and the unions have been successful. What makes Measure EE unique is that, for the first time in recent memory, the business brigade has gone rogue; it has shirked off the unity theme and is forcefully battling something Garcetti is backing. There are dueling campaigns and websites over the measure that would direct billions to LAUSD and local charter schools over 12 years. The past partnership is, for the moment, dead, and some relationships may be permanently scorched It’s the political equivalent of the 2008 movie The Dark Knight, where Batman partners with District Attorney Harvey Dent to rid Gotham City of organized crime. Everything is peachy until it isn’t, and once Dent transmogrifies into Harvey Two-Face, he tries to rip apart everything the Caped Crusader holds dear. Is this an overstatement? Maybe, but it’s fun to picture Garcetti in a Batman cowl. Then again, maybe it’s not an overstatement, because a battalion of business groups is fighting tooth and nail against Measure EE. They charge that it is flawed, won’t help kids as intended and would unfairly burden large property owners. According to documents filed with the City Ethics Commission, the No on EE side has raised about $1.65 million. Garcetti, on the other hand, is using his political capital. Ever since he helped resolve the six-day January teachers strike and bridged the divide between the union United Teachers Los Angeles and the LAUSD administration, he has morphed into the Education Mayor. He hit the subject during his April State of the City speech. Last month, he passionately talked up Measure EE when he spoke at the Treasures of Los Angeles lunch, an event hosted by business advocacy group the Central City Association that drew more than 1,000 of the city’s affluent and powerful. “We will collectively say that these kids matter,” Garcetti told the expensively suited crowd, “or we will leave them collectively dangling in the wind.” Some say that talk is cheap — the money the Yes on EE side is raising is anything but. The pro-EE camp had pulled in almost $5.4 million in the reporting period that ended May 18, according to the Ethics Commission, and documents since that date and through May 24 show donations of another $2.3 million. That’s a gobsmacking total of about $7.7 million. The big givers include entertainment industry titans Jeffrey Katzenberg ($250,000) and J.J. Abrams ($125,000), as well as philanthropist Eli Broad ($250,000) and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer ($500,000). The run-up to election day should be amazing, as a full-bore anti-EE campaign could lead to serious post-race friction between the business community and the mayor’s office, particularly if the measure is shot down. The one thing you can be sure of is that Super Ballot Box Man will unleash all his powers. The question is, will that be enough? regardie@downtownnews.com
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ounded to serve the growing needs of a changing Downtown Los Angeles, Captain James J. Caspari created Downtown Los Angeles Patrol. His mission is to identify the services necessary to meet those needs, based on his experience as a professionally trained protective services officer. Through his experiences in dealing with the residents, business owners, police officers and local officials in the Downtown area, he has created a company and tailored its services based on community input. Downtown Los Angeles Patrol understands the diversity and demographics of the Downtown Los Angeles area, enabling the staff to help clients develop
long-term security strategies. A focus is kept on the quality of services by setting very high standards that are not being offered by other “security guard” type companies. Downtown Los Angeles Patrol does not compete on price alone. Instead, the staff works closely with clients to understand specific needs and develop a package of services that is cost-effective. Downtown Los Angeles Patrol takes pride in establishing long-term relationships with clients and offering personalized quality protective services for the community. Downtown Los Angeles Patrol is at (844) 385-2728 or dtlapatrol.com.
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s Downtown L.A. broker Randelle Green approaches 15 years of local dedication and commitment, much has been written about his contributions toward the renaissance of Downtown. From South Park to the Arts District, Green has been a constant force in representing countless buyers, sellers and renters. “It’s always been about customer service for me. When your name is on the company, it has to be,” Green says. His deep history in Downtown is rooted with some of the biggest developers around. “After working hand and hand with The South Group (Evo/Luma/Elleven), Milbank (The Roosevelt) and Urban Pacific (Pan-American) just to name a few, I was able to really see the big picture and value in branding, marketing and timelines,” says Green. Green is proud of having a true handson boutique brokerage where his clients continue to sing his praises of communication and hard work. “My listings get my full attention,” he says. “They don’t sit on the shelf or get neglected. I make sure not to spread myself too thin. Like my logo says, I put my
name on it.” For more information, contact broker/ CEO Randelle Green at (213) 254-7626 or visit TheRandelleGreenGroup.com.
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Bringing Bunker Hill To New Heights 255 Grand and Museum Tower Get Top-to-Bottom Remodels, Complete With New Amenities
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he building 255 Grand, previously known as Grand Promenade, a Goldrich Kest apartment community, is in the final phase of a multi-million dollar renovation. It is located in prestigious Bunker Hill, the go-to neighborhood for fine dining, worldclass museums, upscale hotels, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. 255 Grand is in immediate proximity to attractions such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Museum of Contemporary Art and The Broad. With breathtaking views, oversized balconies and spacious floor plans, the 391-unit high-rise property includes studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 480 to 1,335 square feet. Renovated apartments include Whirlpool appliances, quartz countertops, deep soaking tubs and Moen faucets. Enjoy the highest quality living experience at the all-new 255 Grand “Sky Level.” The 26th and 27th floors feature exclusive, premium finishes and enhanced amenities to complement some of the best views in L.A. Sky Level residents also enjoy complimentary WiFi, cable and parking. 255 Grand features a host of amenities for residents, including a Wi-Fi lounge with a gourmet kitchen, theater, a 2,400-square-foot fitness center, yoga studio and a meeting room. Outdoor amenities include a modern pool deck with heated pool, spa, fireplaces, barbecues and lush landscaping. More practical details include a laundry lounge with laundry alert, concierge service, on-site restaurants, dry-cleaning and a 24-hour staffed lobby. With the 255 Grand renovations nearing an end, Goldrich Kest and Shapell Industries have already begun work on their next marquee property: Museum Tower. It is also located in Bunker Hill, just steps from MOCA, Grand Central Market and historic Angels Flight. Nadel Architects, with the help of APT Design Studio, have reimagined Museum Tower with an emphasis on artistic design. An elegant, 24-hour attended lobby with modern finishes welcomes residents. The ground floor also plays home to a new fitness and cardio studio featuring Life Fitness equipment, a Freedom Climber and Well Beats on-demand classes. The third floor hosts a resident lounge and library, a theater and a modern pool deck with heated pool, spa, fireplaces, gourmet BBQs and cabanas. The amenities are set to open soon. Museum Tower’s 212 studio, one- and two-bedroom residences come complete with high-speed Internet, quartz counters, stainless steel appliances and private balconies. Museum Tower is now leasing some of these fully remodeled residences. The 20th floor is where you’ll find five ultra-luxury penthouse residences, where no expense or detail have been spared. The residences feature GE Monogram appliances and the latest in smart home technology. Museum Tower is taking things to the next level with an all-new rooftop amenity deck, which will offer panoramic views in a modern, relaxing indoor/outdoor setting. Whether an enthusiast of the arts or a professional looking to ditch the commute, Museum Tower offers the perfect Downtown retreat. For more information about 255 Grand, call the onsite leasing office at (213) 229-9777 or Museum Tower at (213) 626-1500.
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Idiots, Thinkers and Tents
DT
CALENDAR
photo © Guillermo Kuitca, courtesy the artist & Hauser & Wirth
photos courtesy Hauser & Wirth
Artist David Hammons uses stacks of books and tents in his installations at the Hauser & Wirth gallery. Also on display (below) are paintings by Guillermo Kuitca.
Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles Digs Into the Creations of Guillermo Kuitca and David Hammons By Nicholas Slayton t’s raining on a morning in late May, and water runs down a series of colorful tents that are part of an exhibit by the American artist David Hammons. Inside, on a canvas mounted on a wall, is Argentine painter Guillermo Kuitca’s image of empty seats. The sense of desolation and isolation is clear. The pieces are part of a pair of contrasting summer exhibits at the Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles gallery in the Arts District The eponymous shows David Hammons and Guillermo Kuitca both play with medium and form, and each challenges the viewer to interpret the works on display. The exhibitions are up through Aug. 11. Kuitca’s show comes with a sharp focus. Located in the south gallery, it is mostly built around a trio of series he created over a two-year period. The most recent is “The Family Idiot,” a set of 13 identically named paintings that draw inspiration from Jean-Paul Sartre’s three-volume book of the same name. Kuitca frequently works in geometric patterns, and some of the pieces at Hauser & Wirth take that approach, but in “The Family Idiot” he opts for a mix of heavy, atmospheric colors and reoccurring patterns of chairs and beds, often in
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desolate spaces. The works recall barren stages. Other paintings appear to feature reflected elements on asymmetrical backgrounds, with stools and tables standing parallel to each other, separated by a panel or a dividing line within the painting. “It’s almost a mirror, but not quite,” Kuitca told visitors during a media preview. One piece in the center of the exhibition predates “The Family Idiot” by six years but shares many motifs. “Double Eclipse” is a dark and massive painting, with two eclipsed suns illuminating a sea of chairs and beds that appear to have washed up in a heap. The centerpiece of Guillermo Kuitca is “The Missing Pieces,” an 18-panel set of oil paintings arranged like a book layout. Created in 2018, it riffs on book creation and how the format can create unexpected images. Kuitca works in a range of styles and was influenced by maps and theater layout, according to gallery Senior Director Stacen Berg. The exhibit touches on that, with a series of mixed-media depictions of famous concert venues that Kuitca created within the last two years. The colorful works show slightly abstract seating maps of places
such as the Sydney Opera House and the Hollywood Bowl. The latter is a frenetic blend of black, green and blue, with splotches and dots dripped on the exterior. The different series and styles are not unusual for Kuitca, Berg said. He added that the artist goes through phases with his work, sometimes returning to ideas, but evolving his style along the way. One piece in the show doesn’t fit with the others. The “Retablo,” located in an upstairs loft, is a kind of open wooden box, painted on the inner panels and illuminated from within. There’s a bench in front, allowing visitors to sit and take in all of the detail. Here the work is even more abstract, a mess of colors and reflected symbols. To complement the exhibition, Hauser & Wirth is holding a trio of special events, a mix of discussions and performances. The first, on Saturday, June 8, is a panel talk that looks at Kuitca’s output through an architectural lens. On June 13, theatrical group the Actors’ Gang does a staged reading of Sartre’s “No Exit.” Harmolodic Thinker David Hammons is a large exhibition, spanning the north and east galleries, as well as the complex’s courtyard and walkway. The piec-
es on display speak to the artist’s interest in working in multiple and diverse media. Hammons gained prominence with civil rights-focused pieces in the 1960s and ’70s, and for a time he was based in Los Angeles. Today he lives in New York City. The Arts District show is his first local exhibition in 45 years. The sprawling collection of works is dedicated to jazz musician Ornette Coleman, who passed away in 2015. The phrase that Hammons includes, “harmolodic thinker,” comes from a funeral booklet for the musician who died in 2015. It references Coleman’s term for the mix of jazz and R&B he played. The show focuses on recent pieces, but some historic work is included, according to Marc Payot, vice president and partner with the gallery. The works range from tiny sketches to massive installations. None have names and they are organized without any clear pattern or theme. For example, a seemingly random collection of books is stacked on scales placed on stands in one section of the gallery. Spaced throughout the north gallery is a series of paintings, though they are partially or mostly covered, in some cases by a tarp, and
in others with hanging cloth and butcher paper. There are photos, sculptures, installations and paintings throughout the complex. “[A theme] is a really tough one with him,” Berg said. “He really defies explanation and kind of doesn’t engage in too much interpretation of the work. I think that by giving us Ornette Coleman as the kind of inspiration of this show, that is maybe the best reference point.” The most striking component is also the exhibition’s largest — it’s the bright orange and blue tents cluttered together in the courtyard and walkway. A handful of the shelters have “This could be u” stenciled onto their side. It appears to link the art show to the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, though Hammons’ intent is always uncertain. Not everything is bleak, and in some instances the artist’s sense of humor comes across. In one portion of the gallery, amid a collection of unframed works, Hammons has scrawled multiple phrases in pencil on gallery walls. One reads, simply, “It’s been done before.” Guillermo Kuitca and David Hammons run through Aug. 11 at Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles, 901 E. Third St. or hauserwirth.com. nicholas@downtownnews.com
JUNE 3, 2019
DOWNTOWN NEWS 15
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Another Round With the ‘Dancing Queen’ East West Players Makes ABBA’s ‘Mamma Mia!’ Feel New East West Players’ presentation of the 1999 jukebox musical Mamma Mia! benefits from a powerhouse quartet of female principals, including Joan Almedilla (shown here), who plays Donna, the mother of a woman getting married on a fictional Greek island. photo by Michel Lamont
By Jeff Favre he caveat for the mega-successful musical Mamma Mia! is simple. If you truly can’t stand ABBA’s infectiously catchy pop hits — not the people who pretend to hate them but then secretly sing along to “Dancing Queen” in the car — then its twoand-a-half hours of toe-tapping hooks and joyously insipid lyrics likely is a bridge too far. Leaving the haters aside, Mamma Mia! has remained a worldwide favorite since its premiere 20 years ago because, when it’s done well, the show is easily digestible entertainment. Little Tokyo’s East West Players does exactly that — and more — by using its status as a prestigious Asian American theater to layer the typically white, culturally bland story with Filipino flair. Despite a few missteps by director Snehal Desai, and a couple of casting weak spots, a powerhouse quartet of female principals and some memorable choreography make this Mamma Mia! a worthwhile jaunt. The show runs at the David Henry Hwang Theatre through June 9. The two elements of the show that have been rock solid since its inception in 1999 are the songs by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and the often maligned book by Catherine Johnson. Yes, there is standard sitcom dialogue, but Johnson should be celebrated for how she managed to create a story that feels like the songs were written specifically for it. The plot, which is duplicated in the 2008 movie version, begins with the upcoming wedding of 20-year-old Sophie (Grace Yoo) to Sky (Max Torrez) on a fictional Greek island where her mother Donna (Joan Almedilla) owns a hotel. Sophie doesn’t know her father, but by reading her mother’s diary she discovers that he is one of three men. Pretending to be her mother, she sends them all invitations to her wedding. The men are Australian writer and adventurer Bill (Michael Palma), the English banker Harry (Danny Bernardo) and Donna’s great love, Sam (Alan Ariano), who left her on the island to marry another woman. Donna doesn’t know they are coming, and is expecting only her two best friends, wealthy and thrice-divorced Tanya (Anthea Neri) and the lighthearted Rosie (Elvira Barjau).
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While the music is the main attraction, Desai probably should have eschewed the several minutes of overture and entr’acte because the five-piece band feels thin when not accompanied by the singers. Also, his pacing drags in most of the spoken sections, which keeps some laugh lines from landing sharply and the actors looking a bit lost. The good news is that Desai and choreographer Preston Mui more than make up for those sluggish spots during the musical numbers. Mui’s mix of styles is dynamic. He harkens to the 1980s with Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk and a bit of the “Thriller” dance, with some shout-outs to the 1990s as well. In several scenes, Mui stages dances with nearly the entire cast in a fairly small space without it feeling cramped. His first act climax dance to “VoulezVous” has Sophie literally spun around as her plans start to fall apart. Mui’s use of traditional Filipino stick dancing and fan dancing puts an organic and original spin on what in other productions have been less-memorable parts of the show. The use of Filipino culture is Desai’s smartest move, and he even includes bits of Tagalog. In his opening night speech, Desai talked about injecting more people of color into stories that tend to be played by white actors, but his direction shows clearly that he knows it should to be done with proper motivation. The result is that he gives the characters deeper personalities without losing any of the original emotions that were developed by Johnson. None of this would work without the voices, which is why casting Almedilla is key. An East West all-star, Almedilla remains a world-renowned powerhouse vocalist, and she delivers, in particular on “The Winner Takes It All.” The bonus is that she’s backed by Neri and Barjau, who more than hold their own and provide consistent humor throughout the show. No one has, or ever will, call Mamma Mia! a deep, complex work. East West Players gets that, and while entertaining, the company even manages to make this tried-and-true show feel new. Mamma Mia! runs through June 9 at the David Henry Hwang Theater at 120 Judge John Aiso St., (213) 625-7000 or eastwestplayers.org.
PERSHING SQUARE PAW CRAWL Presented by City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks Assemblymember Miguel Santiago The Pershing Square Park Advisory Board
Come find a new furry friend
Saturday, June 8th | 10am - 4pm Pershing Square Park, 532 S. Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013 Dog adoption fair from 11am - 3pm Community pet shop vendors Pop-up agility course Free rabies and distemper vaccines from 10am - 2pm (while supplies last) Music, food and doggy treats For more information please contact us at (213) 620-4646 or (213) 847-4970 and visit us at: asmdc.org/gr or laparks.org/pershingsquare
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GO WILD at the L.A. Zoo! Treat your guests to a one-of-akind experience that only the Zoo can offer! Let our private events team and full in-house catering service help you plan your next company picnic, corporate retreat, cocktail party or dinner.
Three Questions With: A Music Series Organizer FigFest Brings Rising Stars and Local Acts to a Downtown Mall
For more info contact aharvey@lazoo.org
JUNE 3, 2019
SAN ANTONIO WINERY EVENT CALENDAR
Wine Tastings, Wine Festivals, Wine Tours & More at our Los Angeles Winery Location. JUNE 23, SUNDAY • 1 to 4pm • $55 photo courtesy Arts Brookfield
The FigFest series of free evening concerts starts Friday, June 7, with a performance by L.A.-based Cherry Glazerr at the FIGat7th shopping center.
By Nicholas Slayton owntown Los Angeles boasts multiple free summer music series, including the concerts at Pershing Square and the Grand Performances schedule on Bunker Hill (on hiatus this year as the facility is renovated). Then there’s FigFest, which manages the unique feat of being a corporate-run series — it is operated by Arts Brookfield, the cultural arm of the property giant — with a decidedly un-corporate lineup of emerging talent. The month-long program of Friday evening shows at the FIGat7th shopping center begins this week with Los Angeles alt-rock star Cherry Glazerr. Upcoming acts at the 1,600-capacity space include rapper Oddissee and electronic duo Buscabulla. Every event includes DJs and an opening act. Erica Overskei, program manager for arts and events with Arts Brookfield, spoke with Downtown News about the series.
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Los Angeles Downtown News: Was FigFest started more to activate a shopping mall, or was the mall the best venue for a music festival? Erica Overskei: It originally started as a way to activate Downtown in general, and using a property that was tied to Brookfield Properties. That was sort of the main impetus for FigFest. It’s grown since then. The initial success has allowed it to evolve and become a regular draw. Q: The lineup is full of independent acts instead of mainstream or mass-appealing names. What goes into choosing performers? A: L.A. has so many different realities that exist within it. Depending on your zip code, they all live very differently. Whenever I’m approaching the FigFest lineup, I want something that’s representative of different genres that showcase the diversity of the city. We can’t represent every genre, so the first step is finding ones that would fit at FigFest. We can’t do death metal, for instance. Q: At the end of the day, this is a music series at a shopping mall next to a food court. Does that present a hurdle for getting people to FigFest? A: There are definitely a couple of hurdles. It’s really not a music venue; we have to bring in a stage and sound system. In terms of the general public, they don’t really expect it. But once they get there it’s a really good scene. It’s a nice little pocket that’s pushed back from Figueroa Street. There are trees, lighting; it has this kind of backyard vibe in the epicenter in Downtown Los Angeles. FigFest runs every Friday, June 7-28, at FIGat7th, 750 S. Figueroa St. or artsbrookfield.com. nicholas@downtownnews.com
Tri-Tip Oak BBQ We invite you and your friends to enjoy this lively afternoon event with us! Along with refreshing wine and beer offerings, we will be serving Santa Maria style BBQ tri-tip, teriyaki chicken, sausages, veggies, and all the fixings. Additionally, live music will be played throughout the event. We hope to see you for this festive June afternoon!
JULY 21, SUNDAY • 1 to 3pm • $70
Wine & Sushi Pairing Although sushi is most often served with Sake, our awardwinning wines make a delicious and exceptional pairing. We invite you to enjoy an afternoon with us while eating sushi prepared by Master Chefs. Together we will explore the art of wine and food pairing, while tantalizing the taste buds. Wine and Sushi can make for a magical experience.
SEPT. 14, SATURDAY • 1 to 4pm • $50
Stella Rosa Social Come enjoy and Stellabrate all the wines of your beloved Stella Rosa Wines with friends and family! We’ll be serving a large variety of small bites to go with those wines. This event always sells out so be sure to purchase your tickets early. We can’t wait to Stellabrate with you!
San Antonio Winery, Maddalena Restaurant, Tasting Room, Bistro & Gift Shop 737 Lamar St, Los Angeles, CA 90031 Phone: 323.223.1401
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EVENTS
SPONSORED LISTINGS Pershing Square Paw Crawl Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., (213) 620-4646 or laparks.org/pershingsquare. Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: The City of L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks and Assemblyman Miguel Santiago will host the Pershing Square Paw Crawl. Dog adoptions will be available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and free rabies and distemper vaccines will be provided from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
ROCK, POP & JAZZ
Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E.S. Onizuka St. Suite 301, (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. June 3: Remy Le Boeuf Quartet. June 4: The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Ensemble jams. June 5: MishCatt & Friends. June 6: Kristin Berardi Group. June 7: Romain Collin Trio. June 8: Jenny Scheinman and Allison Miller. June 9: Jon Hatamiya Big Band. Continued on page 18
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s s i M t ' n o D List Fun fact: Judge John Hodgman isn’t actually a judge. Instead, he is one-half of a hilarious podcast pairing, and he’s behind a live show coming to The Regent on Thursday, June 6. John Hodgman Live will feature Hodgman’s particular brand of fake legal advice as members of the audience plead their cases. Starting at 8 p.m., the humorist (known for portraying the PC in Apple’s “Mac vs. PC” ad campaign) will settle a few squabbles with help from the always-trusty Bailiff Jesse Thorn, while providing gut-busting laughs. Court is in session. The night also holds musical guest Pete Fields At 448 S. Main St., (323) 284-5727 or spacelandpresents.com.
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Donuts are currently having their moment in the sun, and Union Station is getting in on the fun with the return of the DTLA Donut Festival. The celebration of the fried, high-calorie treat takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, on the transit hub’s South Patio. The event includes a “hole donut marketplace,” where a dozen vendors, including Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken, Voodoo Doughnuts and DK’s Donut Princes, will sell their particular takes on the pastry. There will also be a donut eating contest, a yoga workshop and a baking demonstration. At 800 N. Alameda St., (323) 466-3876 or unionstationla.com.
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4 There is plenty more to children’s films than Frozen and The Secret Life of Pets. Introduce your little one to a worldwide array of youth-oriented creations at the 14th annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival. Kicking off on Saturday-Sunday, June 8-9, at REDCAT, the festival includes three programs each day of short films from across the globe; all last about an hour. This weekend’s lineup features “Beyond the Rainbow,” with works recommended for ages 8 and up (it includes the Russian short “The Theory of Sunset,” shown here) on Saturday at 1:30 p.m., and the Sunday noon set “Feathery and Furry Fun,” recommended for ages 2 and up. The festival will continue the following two weekends. See website for full schedule. At 631 W. Second St., (213) 237-2800 or redcat.org.
photo courtesy Union Station
image courtesy Judge John Hodgman Live
BY SEAN P. THOMAS
image courtesy REDCAT
MONDAY, JUNE 3 That’s Gold Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd. or bootlegtheater.com 7:30 p.m.: More stand up comedy, with a “Seinfeld” reference in the title. What more do you need? THURSDAY, JUNE 6 Judge John Hodgman The Regent, 448 S. Main St. or spacelandpresents.com. 8 p.m.: Noted funny man and former “The Daily Show” eccentric billionaire Hodgman brings his podcast to Downtown for a live show in which he rules on various topics. FRIDAY, JUNE 7 First Fridays Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 W. Exposition Blvd. or nhm.org. 5 p.m.: It’s the final edition this year of the after-hours series. This month, the topic of discussion is earthquakes. Come for the info from earthquake master Dr. Lucy Jones, stay for music from Claude Fontaine and Gavin Turkek. FigFest Fig@7th, 750 S. Figueroa St. or artsbrookfield.com. 6 p.m.-11-p.m.: The outdoor shopping mall’s plaza turns into a concert venue each Friday this month with live music and DJs. This week it’s L.A. alt-rock star Cherry Glazerr. SATURDAY, JUNE 8 Donut Festival Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St. or unionstationla.com 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Enjoy a celebration that Homer Simpson could only fantasize about. The goods from a dozen donut shops will be for sale, and there will also be a donut-eating contest and, uh, a yoga workshop. Downward facing cruller, anyone? Pershing Square Paw Crawl Pershing Square, 562 S. Olive St. or laparks.org/pershingsquare. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: It’s a celebration of all things dog with a free event that is full of games, activities and a chance to adopt a new puppy. SUNDAY, JUNE 9 “We’re All Gonna Die!” Dystopian Book Club The Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com. 7:30 p.m.: A book club has never been more accurately titled. This month the upbeat bunch reads Craig DiLouie’s “One of Us” and then discusses it.
The Natural History Museum is wrapping up its after-hours party First Fridays with a deep dive into the scariest monster laying dormant in California’s closet: earthquakes. Taking place on Friday, June 7, the night holds a 6:30 discussion where Patt Morrison will chat with Dr. Lucy Jones about California’s history with seismic activity. Other highlights include a pair of conversations with podcast host Alie Ward about some of the museum’s hidden facts. Meanwhile, mixmasters will spin in the DJ Lounge from 5-11 p.m., and the evening’s musical acts include Gavin Turek (shown here) and Claude Fontaine. At 900 Exposition Blvd., (213) 763-3466 or nhm.org.
photo courtesy Japanese American National Museum
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CALENDAR LISTINGS
DOWNTOWN NEWS 17
DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM photo by Tiger Tiger
JUNE 3, 2019
In the 1970s, many Asian Pacific Americans took control of their own narrative by denouncing the widespread use of the term “Oriental,” arguing that it was derogatory. Aided by Visual Communications, the first Asian Pacific American media company in the United States, they fought to forge a new political identity as Asian Pacific Americans. The Japanese American National Museum is examining that transition in the recently opened exhibit At First Light: The Dawning of Asian Pacific America. The show takes an almost documentary format, with loads of VC archival footage, including never-before-seen images of American internment camps and the first Asian American march against the Vietnam War. At 100 N. Central Ave., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org.
Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.
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LISTINGS, 17 Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. June 3: Jamie Drake, Rosie Tucker, John Isaac Watters and Mal Bloomfield play the first edition of Adam Levy and Anna Voogelzang’s salon residency. June 4: Enjoy the smooth indie-folk sounds of Luluc. June 5: Pure Bathing Culture’s pop sounds will have you dancing yourself clean. June 6: Holy cow! Pavement’s Scott Kannberg performs as Spiral Stairs. June 7: Low Hum has a record release show. June 8: Aaron Embry, Ethan Gruska, Harrison Whitford and Downtown regular Johanna Samuels. June 9: Dizzy Wright is still going. The Escondite 410 Boyd St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com. June 7: Skinnytubs, Ponderosa Aces. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. June 7: Barely Alive, Modestep. June 8: Head Hunter. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd. or grammymuseum.org. June 7: In the words of Samuel L. Jackson in “Pulp Fiction,” that’s just Kool & the Gang. Ham and Eggs Tavern 433 W. Eighth St. or hamandeggstavern.com. June 4: Terminator, Salt, Nadu, Foxxbodies. Moroccan Lounge 901 E. First St., (213) 395-0610 or themoroccan.com. June 3: R&B crooner Kyle Dion. June 4: Nearly 60s years after The Beatles, what does rock music from Liverpool sound like? Circa Waves probably can’t answer that in anything close to a definitive way, but they are a rock band from Liverpool.
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June 5: How high are the odds that the members of Making Movies were film students at one point? June 7: Singer-songwriter Greg Holden plays the early show while Sam Tsui has the headlining night gig. June 8: Marvel Years has no ties to Stan Lee or Jack Kirby. June 9: Early show artist Field Medic plays “lo-fi bedroom folk,” your niche genre of the week. Kari Faux headlines the night. Resident 428 S. Hewitt St. or residentdtla.com. June 3: Enjoy shoegaze with XO, Highlands and Deep Fields. June 4: More shoegaze from Wild Signals, with electric psych rock courtesy of Lost Aliens. We want to believe. June 8: That Big ’80s Party will take you back to a simpler time. Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St. or sevengrandbars.com/la. June 3: Slim Pickin’s reminds you to keep your options open. June 4: The Makers are willing to coach the Lakers. No cost; they just want to save the team. June 5: Midnight Blues Review. June 6: The Secret Agents are advertising an overt show. June 7: Vignes Rooftop Revival. June 8: Sabine. June 9: The Ghost of Echo Park will haunt you and ask for kombucha. The Redwood 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com. June 4: Brendan Kelly, Vagabonnies Roadshow, Redbush. June 6: Jesika von Rabbit has the June residency. June 7: Motorcycle Boy, Electric Children, The Brutalists, Hot Licks. June 8: La Mera Candelaria. June 9: Dizz Brew, Mountain Tamer, Ivory Bison. The Regent 448 S. Main St. or spacelandpresents.com.
JUNE 3, 2019
June 4: Marianas Trench is deep. We apologize for that pun. June 7: TogetherPANGEA keeps the geography theme going. June 8: Left, the West Coast hip-hop party, will be spinning all of California’s greats. June 9: We were surprised to learn that Yellowman and Alborosie were not a Method Man and Redman cover act. The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org. June 5: Blessed, Hex Horizontal, Picky Bunches. June 7: Whaja Dew, Super Lunch. June 8: Wavebreaker, JPCG, Young Lovers, Karen Joyce. Teragram Ballroom 1234 W. Seventh St. or teragramballroom.com. June 7: Culture Abuse ironically is a part of modern culture. June 8: Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum’s Princess is here to make you swoon with some intense Prince covers.
THEATER, OPERA & DANCE
Happy Days Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org. June 4-7, 8 p.m., June 8, 2:30 p.m. and June 9, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.: A lonely housewife struggles to stay upbeat against the crashing waves of life in this production of Samuel Beckett’s absurdist play. Oscar winner Dianne Wiest stars as Winnie in the production from Yale Repertory Theatre. Through June 30. Indecent Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave. or centertheatregroup.org. June 5-7, 8 p.m., June 8, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and June 9, 2 p.m.: Based on a true story, the play follows a group of theatrical performers who risk their safety and reputation to fight censorship and bring a play to life. The opening is Sunday, and the other dates this week are previews. Through July 7.
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La Traviata Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave. or laopera.com. June 9, 2 p.m.: A hard-partying woman in the 1920s finds herself falling in love, but must contend with real heartbreak for the first time in this L.A. Opera work. Through June 22. Mamma Mia! David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St. or eastwestplayers.org. June 6-7, 8 p.m., June 8, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and June 9, 2 p.m.: It’s the last week to catch East West Players’ Asian-American take on the ABBA jukebox musical. Ahead of her wedding, one woman convenes the three men who might be her father to determine the truth. Mom is not pleased. There are nearly two dozen ABBA songs in the show. Through June 9.
CLASSICAL
SongFest: Evolutions Thayer Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave. or colburnschool.edu/songfest. June 7, 7:30 p.m.: Soprano Martha Guth and pianist Graham Johnson perform works from Schubert, Poulenc, Britten and Fauré. SongFest: Espana! From Iberia to Latin America Thayer Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave. or colburnschool.edu/songfest. June 8, 7:30 p.m.: Soprano Jennifer Ringo and pianist Javier Arrebola team up for a series of Spanish-language performances.
FILM
Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com. June 3-6: Jordan Peele’s class-conscious doppelganger horror film Us screens. You will never hear “I Got 5 On It” the
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same way. June 8-9: It’s a double feature of the George Takei-led short film American and Proof of Loyalty, about Japanese-American soldiers in WWII. IMAX California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 744-2019 or californiasciencecenter.org. Dogs can do more than just slobber over your shoes. Check out all of their unique abilities in Superpower Dogs 3D. Patrick Stewart narrates Journey to Space 3D, about the effort to send astronauts to Mars. Since we’ll never go to space ourselves, at least we can hear Captain Jean-Luc Picard talk about it. Witness the destructive and raw power of volcanoes as Volcanoes 3D: The Fires of Creation tours different hot spots around the globe. Last Remaining Seats Million Dollar Theater, 307 S. Broadway or laconservancy.org 8 p.m. Humphrey Bogart hunts “the stuff dreams are
made of” in The Maltese Falcon. Regal Cinemas LA Live 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 763-6070 or lalive.com/movies. Through June 9: Godzilla: King of the Monsters (11:40 a.m., 12:30, 1:10, 3:10, 4:20, 6:30, 7:40, 9:20, 10 and 10:40 p.m.); Ma (11 a.m., 1:50, 2:30, 7 and 9:50 p.m.); Rocketman (1:30, 3:10, 4:30, 6:20, 7:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.); Aladdin (11:10 and 11:40 a.m., 12:20, 12:50, 2, 3, 3:50, 5:20, 6:10, 8:30 and 10:10 p.m.); Booksmart (11:20 a.m., 4:10, 7:20 and 10:20 p.m.); Brightburn (11 a.m., 4:30, 7:50 and 10:20 p.m.); John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum (12, 3:30, 6:50 and 10:10 p.m.); Pokémon Detective Pikachu (11:30 a.m., 2:20 and 5:10 p.m.); Avengers: Endgame (11 a.m., 5:20 and 9:30 p.m.). Rooftop Cinema Club Level Furnished Living, 888 S. Olive St. or rooftopcinemaclub.com. June 4: Audrey Hepburn is glamorous in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. June 5: It’s a sing-along edition of Grease.
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213.598.7555 LEGAL CIVIL SUMMONS SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): JULIO CESAR PEDROZO; REPUBLIC FLEET SERVICES, LLC; DALE DAVIS; AND DOES 1 THROUGH 10, INCLUSIVE YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): J.J. BEST & COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION CASE NUMBER: (NÚMERO DEL CASO): 30-2018-01030718-CL-COCJC ELECTRONICALLY FILED SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE 11/06/2018 AT 01:21:08 PM CLERK OF THE SUPERIOR COURT BY CLARISSA BUSTAMANTE,
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DEPUTY CLERK NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your
local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por
June 6: Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz vie for Olivia Coleman’s favor in the very eccentric The Favourite. June 7: Once more, with feeling, it’s A Star Is Born. June 8: For “Best Friend’s Day,” the film series is showing Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion.
chip, with work from Rauschenberg, Warhol, Basquiat, Koons, Kruger and every other big name.
MUSEUMS
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.
African American Firefighter Museum 1401 S. Central Ave., (213) 744-1730 or aaffmuseum.org. Ongoing: An array of firefighting relics dating to 1924, including a 1940 Pirsch ladder truck, an 1890 hose wagon, uniforms from New York, L.A. County and City of L.A. firefighters, badges, helmets, photographs and other artifacts. Broad Museum 221 S. Grand Ave., (213) 232-6200 or thebroad.org. Ongoing: In the galleries at the Grand Avenue institution are about 250 works from Eli and Edythe Broad’s 2,000-piece contemporary art collection. It’s big-time blue
imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Orange County Superior Court 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 Central Justice Center The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Ofer M. Grossman, Esq. SBN 163150 310.367.7504 310-307-2993 Law Offices of Ofer M. Grossman P.O. Box 5576 Santa Monica, CA 90409 Date: (Fecha): 11/06/2018 David H. Yamasaki, Clerk of the Court Clerk by (Secretario) Clarissa Bustamante Deputy (Adjunto) Pub: 5/13, 5/20, 5/27 and 6/3. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2019 121316 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) BREADLAM, 826 E 3RD ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90013 LA COUNTY, are hereby registered by the following registrants: (1) BREADLAM LLC, 1690 INTERLACHEN RD. APT. 42E, SEAL BEACH, CA 90740 (2) WILSON PITRUZZELLI INVESTMENTS LLC, 826 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. This business is conducted by a Joint Venture. Registrant(s) began to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 03/2019 This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on May 08, 2019. 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. 5/13, 5/20, 5/27 and 6/3. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2019 143914 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) V DTLA, 5776 LINDERO CANYON ROAD, SUITE D401, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362 LA COUNTY (2) V DTLA, 21600 OXNARD ST SUITE 2000, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367 are hereby registered by the following registrants: STOCKHOLM SOCIAL LLC, 5776 LINDERO CANYON ROAD, SUITE D401, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362. This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant(s) started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on May 22, 2019. 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. 6/3, 6/10, 6/17 and 6/24. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2019 146398 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: (1) DERAILED LLC, 4143 MOUNTAIN DRIVE, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407, LA COUNTY are hereby registered by the following registrants: DERAILED LLC, 4143 MOUNTAIN DRIVE, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant(s) started to trans-
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act business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 01/2019. This statement was filed with DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk on May 24, 2019. 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. 6/3, 6/10, 6/17 and 6/24. POLICE PERMIT NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ZONING AND USE CLEARANCE FOR POLICE PERMIT Notice is hereby given
that application has been made to the Board of Police Commissioners for a permit to conduct a DANCE HALL, 1457 W. WASHINGTON BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90007. NAME OF APPLICANT: BANQUET HALL PLAYA LAS TUNAS RESTAURANT, INC. DOING BUSINESS AS: BANQUET HALL PLAYA LAS TUNAS RESTAURANT, INC LOCATED AT: 1457 W. WASHINGTON BLVD., LA, CA 90007 Any person desiring to protest the issuance of this permit shall make a written protest before JUNE 24, 2019 to the: LOS ANGELES POLICE COMMISSION 100 West First Street., 3147 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Upon receipt of written protests, protesting persons will be notified of date, time and place for hearing. BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS Pub. 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24/2019.
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