12-03-18 by Los Angeles Downtown News

new use for an old firehouse Page 6

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AROUND TOWN

After Long Debate, City Council Legalizes Street Vending

treet vendors selling hotdogs, tacos and other wares can breath a sigh of relief. The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday, Nov. 28, approved an ordinance to legalize and pursue a regulatory framework for street vending citywide, including a set of guidelines for large venues, some of which are in Downtown. The council voted unanimously to legalize street vending and will initiate a permitting process; it is expected to take about a year to create the framework for the permits. The city is also expected to move forward with setting up “no-vending” zones near venues such as Staples Center, the Los Angeles Convention Center and Dodger Stadium. Clare Fox, executive director of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, said the permitting process should seek to incentivize street vendors to sell healthy food. “Promoting healthy food carts as part of a permit program creates more fresh food options for residents who need it most,” Fox said in a prepared statement. The move comes more than a year after the city decriminalized street vending, and two months after the state passed SB 969, which decrimi-

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nalized street vending statewide.

DCBID Launches Holiday Pop-Up

nstagram-friendly pop-ups have been a regular part of Downtown Los Angeles for the last two years, and now the Downtown Center Business Improvement District is getting into the game. The BID launched DTLA // IRL on Thursday, Nov. 29, at the northeast corner of Seventh and Olive streets at the base of the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The space, short for Downtown Los Angeles In Real Life, is a mix of a shopping location with local businesses showing off their wares, and a place for Downtown artists to display their work. The space is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday-Saturday through Dec. 21. The attraction at 437 W. Seventh St. launched with an installation titled “I Am Alive in Los Angeles,” and the DCBID promises weekly holiday-themed events, including movie screenings. Admission is free and more information is at downtownla.com.

South Park Mega-Project Releases EIR

eveloper City Century is one step closer to building its massive, three-tower Olympia project. The Department of City Planning last week released the final environmental impact report for the project at 1001 W. Olympic Blvd., adjacent to the 110 free-

way. The glass and steel complex, being designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, would have a trio of towers standing 43, 53 and 65 stories. City Century is weighing two options: The first would create up to 1,367 apartments, and the second would bring up to 879 apartments and a 1,000-room hotel; the building heights would be the same in either plan and both include 40,000 square feet of commercial space. City Century still needs city approvals and there is no groundbreaking date. Olympia would replace a medical office and urgent care facility, plus a parking lot, currently on the site. No budget has not been disclosed; construction is expected to last four years.

Landmark Status Coming to Part of Times Mirror Square

ast week the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee gave a split decision to efforts to grant Historic-Cultural Monument status to buildings that are part of Times Mirror Square. Preservationists were hoping to secure the designation for the complex at 202 W. First St., including Art Deco structures built in the 1930s and 1940s, plus one designed by William Pereira in 1973. The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission had previously recommended granting monument status to the entire complex. The PLUM committee said the older buildings deserve monument status, but that the Pereira structure, on the northwest

DECEMBER 3, 2018

portion of the block, does not. The Vancouver-based developer Onni Group acquired Times Mirror Square in 2016 and plans to overhaul the site, replacing the Pereira building and two other structures with 37- and 53-story residential towers creating a total of 1,127 units. The Los Angeles Times vacated Times Mirror Square in the summer, moving to a new headquarters in El Segundo. No timeline and budget for Onni’s project has been announced.

Convention Center Issues Plastic Straw Ban

lastic straws are going to be a thing of the past at the Los Angeles Convention Center in South Park. The LACC announced a plastic straw ban, part of an effort to make the entire building more environmentally friendly, on Nov. 9. The LACC, which draws millions of visitors annually, is partnering with in-house caterer Levy Restaurants to institute the ban. According to a news release, the center currently goes through 250,000 straws annually. Paper straws will be used only for blended coffee beverages and will be offered to people with disabilities. “Environmental sustainability is embedded in the LACC’s culture and permeates every aspect of our day-to-day operations,” said Ellen Schwartz, general manager of the LACC. The Convention Center is operated by Anschutz Entertainment Group; AEG in August halted the use of plastic straws at its Staples Center and Microsoft Theater.

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Fire Sparks Grim Future for Pickle Works Building Arts District Property Had Been Site of Dispute Between Preservationists and Government Officials

photo by Gary Leonard

Fire tore through the James K. Hill & Sons Pickle Works Building on Nov. 9. Metro wants to tear down the property for a project in the Arts District, though preservationists hope to save at least a portion of the structure.

By Nicholas Slayton or 130 years, the two-story James K. Hill & Sons Pickle Works Building has been a part of Downtown, its aged Victorian brick façade standing sentry next to the First Street Bridge. Everything, including the property’s future, changed on Nov. 9. The building caught fire that evening. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded quickly and prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby structures. The cause of the fire has not been determined and is still being investigated. Although no one was injured, according to a Fire Department spokesperson, the Pickle Works Building now stands as a charred husk. Its windows are burned out and heavy black marks scorch the walls that had been painted white. Yet the fire is not the only thing related to the building that has sparked attention. The conflagration comes amid a dispute between local government officials and, on the other side, community activists and preservationists over the fate of the edifice at 1001 E. First St. The city of Los Angeles, which owns the property, has been planning to sell the land the Pickle Works Building sits on to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Metro is developing a “turnback” facility at its Division 20 rail yard a few blocks south. The project, part of a greater overhaul of the rail yard, would allow Red and Purple Line trains to more easily re-enter service after

arriving at Union Station, thereby speeding up travel times. The project would require the demolition of at least part of the Pickle Works Building. Before the fire, preservationists including the Los Angeles Conservancy called for saving most if not all of the structure, citing its historical significance. Although the fire has thrown the salvation efforts into question, Adrian Scott Fine, the Conservancy’s director of advocacy, is unwavering when it comes to the 27,683-square-foot structure’s importance. “It’s worth saving for a couple of reasons. It’s significant as an early industrial building in the Arts District,” Fine said. “Later on, in the 1970s and 1980s, it was one of the original buildings in terms of artists living in the neighborhood.” In October, Metro’s board of directors signed off on the turnback facility’s environmental impact report, and work is expected to begin in the spring. Metro and the city were still working on the terms of the sale when the fire broke out. The sale will still go through — the details are currently being evaluated based on the damage — according to Nate Hayward, Public Works Director for City Councilman José Huizar, whose 14th District includes Downtown Los Angeles. Changing Neighborhood Originally built in 1888, the brick structure began life as a pickle factory. Portions were added to the building over its first 21 years. Continued on page 16

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DECEMBER 3, 2018

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Finally, a Grand Achievement On Grand Avenue

n a Downtown Los Angeles where more than 100 projects are under construction or in the planning phase, the demolition of Bunker Hill’s decades-old “Tinker Toy” parking structure hardly seems noteworthy. Most passersby would give it little thought beyond knowing they lost a place to leave a car. But when one considers the magnitude of what will rise at the southeast corner of First Street and Grand Avenue, and the history and context of the project and the site, then this becomes one of the most important developments in Downtown in the past 15 years. It is also one that deserves accolades, as it could easily have died long ago. The project is The Grand, a mixed-used complex being designed by Frank Gehry. The $1 billion effort will change the look and fabric of Bunker Hill, with two towers holding 436 residential units (20% set aside as low-income housing) and a 309-room hotel. The complex, across the street from Gehry’s Disney Hall, will rise around a plaza that opens to Grand Avenue, and it will contain 215,000 square feet of retail with shops, restaurants and a movie theater. Demolition of the aged parking structure began last month, making this the appropriate time to praise developer Related Cos., which has persisted through the type of travails that would have made many developers walk away. It was back in 2004 that Related and Gehry won a public bidding competition to develop the project on city- and county-owned parcels. They had proffered a $2 billion development and began assembling hotel and financing partners. Related always had an expansive vision, and as part of a deal orchestrated by former County Supervisor Gloria Molina, the developer paid $50 million upfront, which funded the creation of Grand Park. Yet what Related endured in ensuing years is staggering. Around 2008 the project was nearing a groundbreaking, and the parking structure was fenced off. Then the global recession took hold, lending markets chilled and The Grand screeched to a halt before it had started. Eventually the economy recovered and The Grand came back, but Gehry had left the partnership. A new design was revealed and was promptly slammed. Gehry returned to the fold, but the project was smaller than originally envisioned, and Related had to redo almost everything, including finding new lenders. The final piece of the puzzle, $630 million in construction financing from Deutsche Bank, came through last month. The Grand’s gestation period had other equally tricky segments. While the project was stalled, one parcel in the original deal was pried away from Related; it now holds the art museum The Broad. Then there was the cumbersome approvals process in which every phase of the effort had to be approved by city and county entities, including the joint powers Grand Avenue Authority. There were a lot of politicians with a lot of hoops to jump through. This alone would have made most developers throw up their arms in frustration. Yet through it all Related persevered, and now Downtown is primed to benefit. Congratulations are in order.

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COMMENTS

Regarding the column “Why I’m Done With ALOUD,” about the elimination of the positions of curator Louise Steinman and Associate Director Maureen Moore by Ken Brecher (who made $487,000 last year), president of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, by Jon Regardie Thank you for speaking out on the outrageous treatment of the founder of the ALOUD series. I have attended many events and they have all been outstanding. It’s shameful to fire the ones who built up such a vibrant program. I wonder what will happen next. I, for one, will probably go back into the archives to hear some of the talks I missed. —Gretchen Hays Nonprofit status is a joke. We have nonprofit healthcare providers (hospitals) where the CEO is making millions under the guise of providing healthcare for the poor. Good luck. I think the only thing that might work is continued all-around pressure like this article. The lack of transparency everywhere is amazing —Richard Carpenter Please keep asking these questions, particularly about Brecher’s salary! —Liesel Friedrich EDITOR: Jon Regardie STAFF WRITER: Nicholas Slayton, Sean P. Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre

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November 21, 2018

Regarding the article “New Details for Fifth and Hill Tower,” which features a Jenga-like design with protruding architectural components, by Nicholas Slayton I’m so glad to see an interesting design go up. So sick of all the simple glass towers. —Aliza Marciano OMG. I love this. How do I buy one now! We need more architecturally inspiring towers. I was in Dubai this summer and the diversity of buildings is amazing. I’m sick of the cheaply designed, boring boxy buildings. More of this, please. —Mike Condon Regarding the article “Show Store With Rooftop Basketball Court Opens,” by Nicholas Slayton Broadway is becoming a “sneaker row.” That’s very cool! —Gregory Perry

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 5

For Team Huizar, Winter Is Here The Hits Keep on Coming and the FBI Keeps Investigating. How Far Will This Go? By Jon Regardie he seasons won’t change until Dec. 21, but for José and Richelle Huizar, winter is already here. After a summer of promise and expectation, an unexpected chill arrived in late October. Then, last month, a furious storm slammed into City Hall. There’s no telling when it will let up. Already, one nascent political career has been snowed over, with Richelle Huizar forced to pull the plug on her

THE REGARDIE REPORT looooong-in the-works quest to replace her husband on the City Council. Now observers are wondering whether José Huizar himself can survive a storm powered by two federal agencies, or if he is destined to be frozen in ignominy and embarrassment. It seems like everyone in the 14th District, which includes Downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights and neighborhoods in Northeast L.A., is talking about this. José Huizar has had a political career that is both spectacular and spectacularly speckled. He is 5-0 in elections dating back to 2001 (one LAUSD School Board race victory and four City Council wins) and he and Council President Herb Wesson are the longest-serving members on the 15-person panel. While Huizar wasn’t the most powerful guy in City Hall, he ranked high, partly because he represents booming Downtown, and partly because he chaired the council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee. PLUM gives thumbs up or down to major development projects all across L.A. In other words, deep-pocketed developers frequently needed Huizar’s blessing. So they

regularly donated to his campaigns, officeholder account and favored charities. His stumbles were legion even before the latest turmoil. Most notable was his affair with a former staffer, Francine Godoy, who later sued Huizar and the city for harassment and retaliation. Huizar acknowledged the affair in 2014 and the suit was privately settled. Whether Huizar would have survived such a scandal in the #MeToo era remains a topic of occasional discussion, but he bounced back big, thanks to support from some of the city’s most powerful players, chief among them Wesson. At some point the Huizars began thinking dynasty, and all the José Huizar signage at public events soon gave way to a city seal decorated with the phrase “Team Huizar.” For about a year Richelle Huizar accompanied her husband everywhere that voters or donors might gather. The quest for House Huizar was on well before Sept. 13, when she formally entered the race. Richelle Huizar was an instant frontrunner thanks to that surname and that groundwork. But what the election goblins giveth, they also taketh away. She dropped out on Nov. 21, just 69 days after she began. The Huizar era in the 14th will end when the councilman is termed out in 2020. Unless, of course, he doesn’t last that long. Five Weeks of Hell The Huizar meltdown is the political equivalent of Kobe Bryant’s final game, but turned upside-down in a manure factory. In that unforgettable 2016 contest, the Laker great dropped mind-blowing shot after mind-blowing shot. He

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Richelle Huizar abandoned her campaign to capture her husband’s 14th District City Council seat the day before Thanksgiving. The couple is shown here at José Huizar’s 2015 election night victory party.

walked off the court with 60 points and a place in the history books. For five weeks José Huizar sparked equal amounts of jaw-dropping moments, and he may also make the history books, though not in the way he would have wanted. Literally each week he sparked something unpredictable and headline-grabbing. For reporters, Team Huizar is the gift that keeps on giving. It started on Oct. 22 when a former José Huizar office worker, Mayra Alvarez, filed a lawsuit charging harassment and retaliation in the wake of an alleged affair with another office employee (the person’s identity has not been revealed). Perhaps the lawsuit was lonely, as the following week it was Continued on page 9

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DECEMBER 3, 2018

Historic Skid Row Firehouse to Become Youth Arts Center Project Funded 22 Years Ago Finally Ready to Roll, Though Some Question Whether It Is Needed By Sean P. Thomas any projects in Downtown Los Angeles have faced delays, but few have had a more curious story than the plan to refurbish and renovate Skid Row’s Firehouse No. 23. The funds for the development were approved 22 years ago. Now, finally, it is ready to move forward, and plans call for a groundbreaking as soon as February. Yet just as things appear ready to roll, some opposition has risen, with opponents charging the project that will create an art center for low-income children shortchanges the adults in Skid Row who could benefit from an artistic outlet. The plans, and the opposition, were in the spotlight at a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the James M. Woods Community Center on East Fifth Street. Architecture firm Brooks + Scarpa is handling designs for the transformation of the three-story structure at 225 E. Fifth St. According to Diane Thepkhounphithack, designer and project manager for Brooks + Scarpa, the project is in the plan check

phase, with the Department of Building and Safety evaluating the proposal. The project is being undertaken by the city, which owns the firehouse. Neil L. Drucker, program manager for the Bureau of Engineering’s Recreations and Cultural Facilities program, said the first phase of the renovation will begin in February, and will include stripping worn paint, seismic upgrades and the completion of structural improvements. The second phase will include renovating the space. No timeline for an opening has been revealed. The project is funded through Proposition K, which was approved by Los Angeles voters in 1996 to fund the acquisition, improvement, construction and maintenance of city parks, recreation facilities and other youth-oriented spaces. The measure earmarked money for 183 projects, including Firehouse No. 23’s transition into a youth arts center. Prop. K allocates $25 million annually to such projects, which range from renovated sports fields to street lighting improvements. The projects must be finished by 2026. Of the

photo by Gary Leonard

The city is working on plans to turn a 1910 firehouse on Fifth Street into a center offering art programs for kids. The firehouse, which was used in Ghostbusters and other films, has fallen into disrepair.

original 183 projects, 60 remain to be completed. The projects have been rolled out sporadically, and the Skid Row facility will come after five other youth arts centers were finished. The ballot proposition allocated $2.3 million to the firehouse through what Deputy City Attorney Marcia Gonzales-Kimbrough called a loose estimation process. Inflation and rising construction costs will

put the price well above what was originally allocated. Gonzales-Kimbrough said a final cost cannot be determined until the full scope of what type of programming the center will offer is revealed. That will also impact Brooks + Scarpa’s design. “It’s kind of a chicken and egg situation,” Gonzalez-Kimbrough said. “You need a design to do a cost estimate. But you can’t fully Continued on page 8

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The Midnight Mission is looking for volunteers to help with its annual Santa’s Village, but the need for assistance and donations continues throughout the year.

By Nicholas Slayton he holidays bring a lot of festive concerts, events and parties to Downtown Los Angeles. For people who live here and elsewhere, they also involve a lot of present-giving, with many lavish items bestowed. Then there’s the other side of the coin: The holidays can be a prime time to give back to the community and to help out those less fortunate. Multiple organizations in Downtown are hoping that the attention extends beyond last week’s Giving Tuesday. Below is a rundown of seven local nonprofits or destinations where everyone can get involved to whatever degree they want, whether that means showing up and volunteering for a day or more, or just dropping something off. If you can’t do it, remember, there are also plenty of opportunities to help beyond the holidays.

Midnight Mission: As in past years, the Midnight Mission is organizing a Santa’s Village, where underprivileged kids can pick up toys on Christmas morning. The Skid Row mission is seeking toy donations for kids up to 17-years old, as well as school supplies. The mission is also looking for people to help out on the weekends leading up to and after Christmas, including putting together clothing and hygiene kits for people living on the streets. At 601 S. San Pedro St. To volunteer: Call (213) 624-9258 or midnightmission.org. Los Angeles Mission: The Fifth Street mission is looking for hygiene products and clothes than can be donated to homeless individuals. Along with the physical goods, the mission, which has been serving men

and women for 82 years, is seeking people to help distribute goods, or to work in the kitchen. Volunteers have to go through a twohour orientation before they can participate. At 303 E. Fifth St. To volunteer: Call (213) 629-1773 or losangelesmission.org. Downtown Women’s Center: The long-running facility focuses on providing shelter and resources for women facing homelessness. During the holidays, the DWC is seeking people to help out in various ways, including preparing meals in the kitchen, sorting donations, organizing resource kits and helping the administrative staff. The center is also looking for assistants at its Made by DWC stores at 438 S. San Pedro St. and 325 S. Los Angeles St. The shops sell candles, cups, arts, crafts and more made by women transitioning out of homelessness. At 442 S. San Pedro St. To volunteer: Call (213) 680-0600 or downtownwomenscenter.org. Union Rescue Mission: The Skid Row facility is the only one in Downtown that accepts families overnight, and in September it recorded an all-time high of 270 children. So the need for help is high, and the mission is looking for hygiene and clothing donations, as well as people to sort through given items. Additionally, the URM is looking for people to help work its annual Christmas store. On Dec. 12, the mission will take over a warehouse in Carson (13200 S. Avalon St.; 7 a.m.-4 p.m.) where parents staying in the facility will be able to select presents for their kids from donated items. Volunteers will work three-hour shifts. Toy Continued on page 16

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do that until you know what you’re going to do with the space.” What is known is that the project will offer programming and arts classes for children ages 3 to 17. The Department of Cultural Affairs will oversee the facility. Leslie Thomas, Community Arts Division Director for the Department of Cultural Affairs, said that he is interested in developing a program based on intergenerational arts where different age groups work together. The ‘Taj Mahal’ The firehouse was built in 1910 and served as the headquarters of the Los Angeles Fire Department until 1920. The station was once known as the “Taj Mahal” of firehouses for its ornate features and expensive imported materials. The building shuttered in 1960 as the department began replacing older stations with newer facilities. It has since been used as an occasional filming location, with cameos in Ghostbusters, Police Academy 2 and Big Trouble in Little China. In recent years the firehouse grew dilapidated. Drucker said there has been a number of break-ins at the property over the past decade. He said that city is considering installing new security measures including additional gates, alarms and cameras. As plans move forward, some are questioning the need for a youth arts center in Skid Row. The Wednesday meeting saw numerous questions as to whether the property could also function as an arts space for adults. Members of the Local Volunteer Neighborhood Oversight Committee, a civilian board created through Prop K to oversee the project, reiterated concerns on the topic made by community members at a previous meeting. Theresa Hwang, a member of the LVNOC, questioned city staff on whether a split use, with one part focusing on youth programming, and another offering something akin to “community programming,” would be feasible. Gonzalez-Kimbrough said the idea is possible, but would depend on how the programs are designed and operational concerns. “The design for that youth programming would hopefully take into account that when it’s not being used for youth, that it would also be used for the local community,” she said. “General” Jeff Page, a Skid Row activist, took issue with designating a youth facility in an area that he said lacks a significant youth presence. “That property is in Skid Row,” Page said at the meeting. “We don’t have family housing in Skid Row anymore, so it’s not the best fit for our community.” According to statistics provided by the city, 200,370 children attend school within a five-mile radius of the firehouse. Katherine McNenny, co-founder of Industrial District Green, which seeks to get more trees and plants in Skid Row, questioned why the youth arts center is needed when the nonprofit Inner-City Arts exists within the same neighborhood (at 720 Kohler St.). She questioned whether the center would truly serve the children of Skid Row. “We don’t need another one,” McNenny said. “If this is going to serve the youth, it needs to serve these youth right here.” Drucker said the proposal to look into intergenerational art might open the door for more adult use at the location. “I really thinks that’s the way we have to go to serve everyone,” Drucker said. “If it’s just a youth arts center, I think we’ll really lose out on the experience of the community.” A meeting to further discuss the programming is tentatively set for mid-January. Project backers said they hope to have neighborhood children and parents attend. sean@downtownnews.com

DECEMBER 3, 2018

DOWNTOWN NEWS 9

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

TEAM HUIZAR, 5 joined by a second, similar suit, this one filed by a different former employee, Pauline Medina. Medina also raised harassment and retaliation charges and reiterated the allegation of an extramarital affair with an unnamed employee. Huizar denied the charges and claimed they were politically motivated. But then came the most stunning scene City Hall has witnessed in decades: On Nov. 7, FBI agents paraded into Huizar’s fourth floor office with a sealed warrant and exited hours later toting boxes, bagged items and computer equipment. Raids were also executed at his home and Boyle Heights office. The show wasn’t close to finished. The following week Wesson stripped Huizar of his council committee assignments, including that juicy PLUM post. More headlines! Week five brought Richelle Huizar’s announcement that she was quitting the council race. The news dropped on the afternoon before Thanksgiving. Insert your own turkey joke here. The IRS, Too As mentioned in previous columns, José Huizar has not been arrested and has not been charged with any crime. If that occurs he’ll have the opportunity to defend himself in court. He may keep a battery of lawyers employed, but our legal system offers the presumption of innocence. The question is, what sparked the Feds’ interest? There have been reports of an FBI investigation into Huizar before, including those raised during the councilman’s 2011 re-election race against candidate Rudy Martinez, though the bureau never publicly commented. The FBI generally investigates terrorists and really bad guys, and doesn’t waste time on middling cases, so the focus on a city official implies that something extra special is going on. Then there’s the bureau’s acknowledgement that the IRS is part of the investigation — that’s a double whammy, and indicates that matters related

to income and taxes are being explored. The implications for Team Huizar are serious, particularly when you consider the resources being expended. As one person well-versed in law enforcement investigations pointed out, the dozens of FBI agents at City Hall and the Huizars’ Boyle Heights home (as well as a Boyle Heights field office) was only the tip of the iceberg. There had to be months or years of work before that. While warrants are easy to secure on TV, in real life judges don’t hand them out like Skittles to trick-or-treaters. Investigators must do copious work and lay out a compelling case to secure them, and the FBI has acknowledged that there were seven warrants related to this investigation. That includes one for the search of a home, where there is an elevated expectation of privacy. Now, investigators must pore through all those physical and digital items, and determine if there is sufficient evidence to move forward. You can’t pawn this off on an intern. Plus, the Feds are unlikely to be rushed — it could be months before we know what’s next. As the informed figure told me, the Feds don’t tend to do this much work, to dig this deep, and then settle the matter by allowing someone to resign from office and agree not to run again. With all the attention and resources expended, the result is usually prosecuting a case in court. One has to wonder what’s next for the Huizars and the city, and by the by, city leaders have taken an unimpressive ostrich approach here. Wesson, who in the wake of the Godoy lawsuit famously appeared with Huizar at a Downtown fundraiser and proclaimed him “my brother, my best friend on the council,” issued only a one-sentence statement when he yanked Huizar’s PLUM position. Mayor Eric Garcetti hasn’t commented publicly on the situation. It’s like they’re trying to avoid the issue until Christmas arrives and then hope everyone forgets about it. José Huizar himself has been only a sporadic presence in City Hall since the first lawsuit was filed. He won’t comment

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publicly either, and when bombarded by reporters on Nov. 20, he offered little more than variations on the line, “I’m here to do my job.” So what’s the likely outcome? I see two possibilities: 1) The FBI and the IRS realize that, oops, they chased the wrong José Huizar, they utter a public “My bad,” and Wesson reinstalls Huizar as chair of the PLUM committee, and also gives him 100 Spanish doubloons for his troubles. Or, door number 2: The Feds take their time, prepare their case, and unleash all their power on Los Angeles, ultimately staining not just House Huizar, but the entire city political system. If that happens, then winter has only begun. regardie@downtownnews.com

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DECEMBER 3, 2018

FORMand FUNCTIONand ABSENCE

CALENDAR

Exhibition of Alexander Calder’s Sculptures At Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles Explores the Artist’s Fascination With the Void By Nicholas Slayton lexander Calder (1898-1976) was known for his abstract sculptures. During the mid20th century he created dozens of large monoliths and hanging mobiles. These were often twisting metal works, designed to be seen from all angles. A dynamic new exhibition of Calder’s work recently opened at the Arts District’s Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles complex. In a move completely befitting the artist, the show with 30 pieces on display is as much about what isn’t there as what actually exists. Calder: Nonspace covers nearly 40 years, collecting works created between 1939 and 1976. The title comes from a 1963 essay by James Jones, and reflects Calder’s design aesthetic: “Missing” sections frequently pop up in his sculptures, with, for example, two bits of metal intersecting and the planes stopping at the point of connection. This is on display in the show’s Swiss cheese-like “Dent de sagesse.” Calder: Nonspace opened on Oct. 27 and runs through Jan. 6. This marks Hauser & Wirth’s first exhibition of Calder’s work in Los Angeles. A different batch of Calder creations was displayed in Hauser & Wirth’s Somerset, England outpost, with pieces both indoors and out. It made sense to expand on that idea in Los Angeles, according to Stacen Berg, senior director for Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles. “It’s a good fit. We have this site that allows us to have outdoor sculpture, which is really unique for an urban gallery,” Berg said on a recent warm weekday afternoon. “That allowed us to sort of work off what was

Calder: Nonspace features 30 works. As the name implies, the exhibit explores Calder’s interest in negative space and absence.

photos by Gary Leonard

Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles in the Arts District recently opened an exhibit of work by the late American sculptor Alexander Calder. Hauser & Wirth Senior Director Stacen Berg (right) organized the show with Calder’s grandson, Sandy Rower.

done in Somerset.” The bulk of the show, which was developed with the Calder Foundation, fills one of Hauser & Wirth’s large galleries. The raw space has been altered, however, with temporary walls erected to create a series of minirooms. Visitors can turn a corner and almost walk straight into a Calder sculpture. Architect Stephanie Goto, who designed the temporary walls and the layout, also added translucent covers to the skylights, accentuating the bright white look. The result, Berg said, is that the sculptures don’t cast a shadow. Because of that, there is no particularly prominent viewing angle, meaning visitors can walk around the pieces and check out different facets. “There’s no one way to view the show,” Goto said. The works exist in this liminal space as if they’re suspended, Berg added, creating an immersive environment. “Part of the exhibition is how you move through it, that you turn a corner onto a sculpture,” Berg said. “There are some more unusual encounters in the space than what you find in most exhibitions. This installation had some big structures obstructing your path.” Almost every piece on display is monochromatic. “Black was his favorite color,” said Sandy Rower, Calder’s grandson, who helped organize the show. Red serves as a counterbalance, and pops up in an untitled piece in an alcove. One small wall is painted a striking black (in contrast to the otherwise stark-white space) to showcase Calder’s 1955 “Franji Pani,” which sports white ornamental metal on the tips of wires. Approximately half of the works are untitled, and those with names bear Continued on page 12

DECEMBER 3, 2018

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Oh Canada! Musically Joyous ‘Come From Away’ Finds Exuberance at a Time of Tragedy

photo by Matthew Murphy

A 12-person ensemble cast plays both the residents of the town of Gander and the “come from aways” who landed there after planes were grounded following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

By Jeff Favre f there’s one thing Americans believe about Canadians, it’s that they are nice. That reputation will continue to grow as more people experience the exuberant, uplifting Broadway musical Come From Away, which has landed in Downtown’s Ahmanson Theatre as part of its first national tour. Expertly directed by Tony-winner Christopher Ashley, the joyous 100-minute, one-act ode to the small town of Gander is running through Jan. 6. Gander, in the province of Newfoundland, made brief news when, on 9/11, it nearly doubled in population after 38 planes carrying about 7,000 passengers were diverted to its large airport, which decades earlier was a popular refueling stop for trans-Atlantic flights. Husband-and-wife creative team Irene Sankoff and David Hein conducted interviews at a 10-year reunion of the nearly week-long stay that forever changed the unexpected visitors, as well as the townspeople who fed, housed and befriended them. Those stories, combined with Newfoundland-appropriate Gaelic-infused tunes and straightforward lyrics, form the kind of theater that feels needed now. With an impressive cast of 12 playing multiple roles and an eight-member onstage band, Come From Away never tries to be fancy or overtly clever. There’s an earnest quality to it that matches the story’s heroes. We meet the hearty citizens of Gander in the opener, “Welcome to the Rock,” a rollicking, fast-paced number punctuated by the cast’s foot stomps. Lyrics that set the tone include, “Welcome to the land where the waters tried to drown us, And we said: We will not be drowned! Welcome to the land where we lost our loved ones. And we said: We will still go on!” In those first few minutes, we meet the Mayor (Kevin Carolan), who likes his morn-

ing soda at the donut shop, the town’s only newscaster and several other key residents, all of whom spring into action as soon as the planes start landing. The passengers are portrayed by the same actors, but thanks to a top-to-bottom versatile cast and masterful direction, it’s never confusing. Intricate blocking allows focus to be pulled from an actor, who casually adds a hat or jacket, shifts from the Newfoundland accent to one of several others, and jumps back into the action. Some of the “from away” characters are amalgams and others are real, including pilot Beverly Bass (Becky Gulsvig), one of the first women pilots hired by American Airlines. The strangers can’t believe the friendliness of Gander. New Yorker Bob (James Earl Jones II, who provides the biggest laughs) keeps worrying about his wallet being stolen, until gradually he realizes he’s never felt safer in his life. It’s not a vacation, of course. The passengers learn about the attacks and worry about their families, in particular Hannah (Danielle K. Thomas), whose son is a New York firefighter. There’s a heavy need for phones. There also are Muslim passengers, notably Ali (Nick Duckart), who is subjected to nasty treatment by other travelers and suspicion from law enforcement. For the most part, however, Come From Away is about people helping people — and animals, including two bonobos — in a time of need with no thought of what’s in it for them. There are 15 songs, but most flow into one another, and the music rarely fades. The one people will remember is Beverly’s autobiographical “Me and the Sky,” which has the soaring impact of Wicked’s “Defying Gravity” with a turn that earns tears. The world of Gander feels so real, which is all the more impressive because of a minContinued on page 12

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COME FROM AWAY, 11 imal set design by Beowulf Boritt, which includes a back wall, a few tall trees and a rotating portion of the stage. Most of the magic is conducted with chairs moved by the cast and deft lighting by Howell Binkley. Likewise, Kelly Devine’s musical staging works because of its simplicity. Every movement, like the geographically accurate music, feels organic. Sankoff and Hein are Canadian and it’s clear they wanted this to feel authentic for natives. On opening night, some of the people de-

picted in the show shared the curtain call, which was followed by an encore. Many shows have mini-jams as a coda, but few feel as earned as this one. Yes, Come From Away is about a specific time and place, but it’s so much more. This is one of the most feel-good shows to come around in a generation, and can serve as a healing balm for almost anyone in need of one. As a bonus, it’s one of the best ever advertisements for visiting the friendly people of Canada. Come From Away runs through Jan. 6 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org.

photo by Matthew Murphy

The full cast is onstage almost the entire time, and races through 15 rollicking songs in the 100-minute, intermissionless musical.

DECEMBER 3, 2018

CALDER, 10 simple placeholders to identify a piece based on its appearance. Rower said the monikers had no deeper meaning. On the Outside Alexander Calder was born in 1898 in Pennsylvania. After starting his career by working in painting, prints and other media in New York, he spent years in Paris, learning from the avant-garde art scene and expanding his style. After World War II, Calder increasingly focused on sculpture. Over the decades Calder specialized in abstract and kinetic art, works designed to be moved, either by wind or by people. He also became known for large metal monuments, some of which still stand in city squares. That includes the bright red “Flamingo” in Chicago’s Federal Plaza, a 53-foot-tall abstract bird with two long metal arches. Calder worked until the end of his life; one mobile on display in Downtown Los Angeles is from 1976, the year he died. The biggest pieces in the exhibition are outdoors, in the courtyard and garden. The works are sometimes imposing, and designed for visitors to walk by and around. Here two Calder motifs — curling, moving metal mobiles and large black monoliths — collide. This happens in “Fuelle d’arbre,” where a pyramid-like bit of dark metal serves as a base for another metal slate. A twisted, tri-point sheet of metal is perfectly balanced on the tip of the pyramid. In the wind, the

sheet spins. One rare bit of color is in a 1954 untitled mobile, where white and red circles spread out on rods and revolve around a central point when the wind picks up. That is how Calder’s work is meant to be seen, Rower said, in action and in response to what is happening in the surrounding environment. The gallery’s outdoor garden, which has large herb plants and even chicken coops, also sports a Calder work. “The Tall One,” a kind of giant board game piece-meets-crown concoction of sheet metal, sits in the center of the garden. Visitors can experience it up close (but no touching is allowed). The effect is imposing. The outdoor works are meant to take the idea of nonspace even further, according to Berg. As visitors move through the courtyard, they can glimpse the holes and cut-off planes of metal in the works, but they also see the relation to the gallery’s open space. Calder: Nonspace is one of three new shows at Hauser and With Los Angeles. Zoe Leonard: Analogue, on view through Jan. 20, collects 412 of the artist’s photographs, covering 11 years of cultural transformation in New York City. Julian Rosefeldt’s Manifesto, up through Jan. 6, arranges 13 videos of actress Cate Blanchett — in multiple costumes and varying looks — reciting different calls to actions from multiple artists. Calder: Nonspace runs through Jan. 6 at Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles, 901 E. Third St., (213) 943-1620 or hauserwirth.com. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 13

Restaurant Buzz A New Fried Chicken Option, an Elegant Cocktail Bar and More Downtown Food and Drink News By Sean P. Thomas lifton’s Reboot: Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Clifton’s Republic is changing up its culinary plans. Several month ago Clifton’s closed its groundfloor cafeteria, and many expected it to return soon. Now, Andrew Meieran, who owns the restaurant and the building, said that the team is “going back to basics,” and will replace the cafeteria with the Exposition Marketplace, which will serve a wider selection of dishes and classics outside of the typical American offerings that the cafeteria slung. “We’re going back to the original new concept, back to the original spirit of Clifton’s,” Meieran said. A projected opening for the new dining options is early 2019. But don’t expect things to slow down during the changeover — Clifton’s four bars will remain open. At 648 S. Broadway, (213) 627-1673 or cliftonsla.com.

Kue the Fusion: The team behind Wokcano has delivered another Asian fusion spot to Downtown Los Angeles. Kues Modern Asian Bistro and Bar held its soft opening on Oct. 29 in the former home of Spear Steak and Seafood. Prices typically range from $14-$25 for lunch and $16-$30 for dinner. Offerings in the spot in the heart of the Financial District include pan-seared salmon, Chilean sea bass, lobster uni pasta and wagyu beef fried rice. Kues also serves dim sum and various noodle dishes. Kues is open Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., 11 a.m.-midnight on Thursday and Friday, and 4 p.m.-midnight on Saturday. At 800 W. Sixth St. (213) 688-3000 or kuesrestaurant.com. A Sweet Arrival: Downtown Los Angeles is flush with cafes that specialize in roasting high-quality coffee beans, but how about a cocoa bean-to-chocolate bar haunt? Dandelion Chocolate, based in San Francisco’s Mission District, opened on Nov. 19, in the increasingly crowded Row DTLA. Dandelion, which specializes in chocolate bars made

from cocoa beans sourced from regions in South America, fills an 1,100-square-foot space and will roast and temper small batches of cocoa beans into chocolate bars on site. The two-pronged plan has one space focused on retail, and a second where classes take place. Dandelion Chocolate is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. At 787 Alameda St. or dandelionchocolate.com. All Cooped Up: The chicken restaurants are continuing to flock to Downtown. The latest is banker-turned-chef Kuniko Yagi’s first standalone project, Pikunico. Scheduled to open Monday, Dec. 3, in the Row DTLA complex in the Industrial District, Pikunico will serve karaage (Japanese fried chicken) in sandwich, basket or rice bowl form. Blending American picnic aesthetics with Japanese design influences, Pikunico will use dine-in dishes in paper clamshells, and the room is full of light wood and greenery. “After so many incredible experiences working in fine dining restaurants, I took a lot of time to really reflect on what I wanted to pursue next,” Yagi said in a prepared statement. “The journey led me to realize that my heart is ultimately with my customers, and being able to cook great food for as many different types of people as I can.” Pikunico will seat 40 people and will be open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. At 767 S. Alameda St., (213) 278-0407 or pikunico.com. Tokyo Meets L.A.: Once a subterranean nightclub, Mrs. Fish has been refashioned into a hip and modern Japanese restaurant. Located 15 floors below the rooftop restaurant and bar Perch (and owned by the same proprietors), the establishment has ditched the club threads, replacing them with moody lighting and, most notably, a 5,500-gallon ceiling saltwater fish tank. There is also art on the walls from Tokyo art galleries. The menu balances cold and hot Japanese dishes such as Striped Bass

Mrs. Fish, just north of Pershing Square, has ditched its former nightclub vibes and now offers a modern take on Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is full of artwork and there is a 5,500-gallon fish tank.

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photo courtesy Mrs. Fish

Yuzu and Kurobuta Pork, and there is an extensive sushi list consisting of nigiri and maki sushi offerings. Mrs. Fish, just north of Pershing Square, is open Tuesday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-1:15 a.m. At 448 S. Hill St., (213) 873-4444 or mrsfish.com. All Aboard: Hospitality guru Cedd Moses’ latest food and beverage venture is finally rolling in Union Station. The joint brewpub and cocktail bar Imperial Western Beer Co. and The Streamliner opened at Union Station on Oct. 4. Occupying the old Fred Harvey Restaurant space, Imperial Western taps into the 1940s train aes-

thetic, with bespoke furniture and lighting. Chef David Lentz’s menu includes an oyster and raw bar and fare such as beer-battered fish tacos, smoked pork ribs and buttermilk fried chicken. Attached is The Streamliner, a craft cocktail space that takes its cues from a 1940s train of the same name. “We are thrilled to be crossing the finish line with Imperial Western Beer Co. and The Streamliner, sharing them with L.A. and beyond,” Moses said in a prepared statement. Moses’ 213 Hospitality operates a plethora of Downtown drinking spots including the Golden Gopher, Broadway Bar, Las Perlas and the Arts District Brewing Co. At 800 N. Alameda St., or imperialwestern.com.

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CALENDAR LISTINGS

the Don't Miss List

EVENTS

photo by Jon Regardie

photo by Gary Leonard

ROCK, POP & JAZZ

Belasco Theater 1050 S. Hill St., (213) 746-5670 or thebelasco.com. Dec. 4-5: Enjoy two nights of Beach Fossils and Wavves. Dec. 8: Electronic legends Orbital come to town. Don’t miss this. Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St., (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com. Dec. 3-7: Steve Coleman and the Five Elements have a long residency. Dec. 8: Anthony Wilson Group. Continued on next page

photo courtesy The Mormons

MONDAY, DEC. 3 Bob Lazar: Area 51 & Flying Saucers Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, (213) 235-9614 or acehotel.com/losangeles. 8 p.m.: Catch a screening of the new documentary about Lazar, who claimed to have worked on alien space ships in Area 51. The truth is out there. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5 How I Built This with Guy Raz Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, (213) 235-9614 or acehotel.com/losangeles. 8 p.m.: The NPR show does a live edition, with Raz talking to Dollar Shave Club founder Michael Dubin. FRIDAY, DEC. 7 Union Station Cocoa Concerts Series Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St. or unionstationla.com. 6:30 p.m.: Brazilian group MôForró hosts a night of dance music. A Thousand Thoughts: A Live Documentary with the Kronos Quartet Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, (213) 235-9614 or acehotel.com/losangeles. 8 p.m.: Explore the history and creative legacy of the Grammy-winning band with this mix of footage and live music from the group. SATURDAY, DEC. 8 Pershing Square Winter Holiday Festival 532 S. Olive St. or (213) 847-4970 or laparks.org/pershingsquare/winter-holiday-events. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Celebrate the holidays with a festival offering free churros, arts and craft opportunities, a Ferris wheel, a merrygo-round, pics with St. Nick and more. Also on Sunday. World AIDS Day | Day With(out) Art: Alternative Endings, Activist Risings The Broad, 221 S. Grand Ave., (213) 232-6200 or thebroad.org. 2 p.m.: This screening of short films from modern community groups highlights the role art plays in advocacy for those suffering from AIDS. Renegade Craft Fair Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St. or renegadecraft.com. 11 a.m.: Check out the wares and crafts from some of Los Angeles’ top artisans. The event continues on Dec. 9. SUNDAY, DEC. 9 C&C: Everything’s Alright Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. 6:30 p.m.: Claudia Dolph and Crissy Guerrero’s variety show returns with a holiday-themed night of comedy and music (including El Vez). We’re All Gonna Die! at the Last Bookstore The Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com. 7:30 p.m.: The dystopian book club is discussing Paolo Bacigalupi’s “The Water Knife.” Make it before everything ends.

DECEMBER 3, 2018

photo courtesy Wonder Productions Inc.

14 DOWNTOWN NEWS

BY SEAN P. THOMAS

At its core, the story of Hansel and Gretel is terrifying: Two children, abandoned and left to fend for themselves in the woods, are lured into the grasp of a cannibalistic witch. The Los Angeles Opera isn’t shying away from the macabre origins in its iteration of the German tale that is on stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Liv Redpath and Sasha Cooke (both shown here) take on the titular roles as they try to escape the scrumptious trap laid by the wicked witch (played by Susan Graham). Flush with spooky 12-foot-tall creatures, gorgeous costumes and jaw-dropping stage effects, the performance proves that children’s stories can entertain older crowds, too. Shows this week are Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. It continues through Dec. 15. At 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001 or laopera.org. If you missed legendary punk rockers X’s 40th anniversary celebration last year, no worries. The venerable and now 41-year-old band is returning to the Central City to rattle Angelenos with “Johnny Hit and Run Pauline,” “We’re Desperate,” “The World’s a Mess” and more. On Friday, Dec. 7, Exene and the gang will show up at The Novo at L.A. Live. What could be better? X is sharing the bill with another iconic Los Angeles band, Los Lobos. Both groups have been going strong since the mid-’70s. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and, triple bonus, Downey’s own The Blasters will open. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd. or thenovodtla.com. Can you believe it’s December already? Pershing Square certainly can. With the holiday season in full swing, and the park’s annual ice rink luring skaters, the list of festive offerings is going up a notch. The Winter Holiday Festival returns to the Central City on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 8-9, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Admission is free (though there is a charge for skating) and there will be more than 60 tons of artificial snow to toss around. Attendees can enjoy free churros, arts and craft opportunities, a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round and, naturally, photo ops with St. Nicholas himself. Additional food and holiday treats will be available for purchase. At 532 S. Olive St., (213) 847-4970 or laparks. org/pershingsquare/winter-holiday-events. Is it weird that not a single member of the Los Angeles-bred punk rock group The Mormons is a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints? Possibly, but what we do know is that they put on one heck of a live show, and that their mission is, truly, to rock you. On Thursday, Dec. 6, the veteran five-man band, dressed in their best Mormon gear (including bike helmets and backpacks), take the stage at the Redwood Bar and Grill. Expect to hear a few selections from their 2016 album, Rock Out Correctly, as well as older numbers from 2004’s Statement of No Statement. Baiza’s Mecolodiacs and Sweet and Cruel will also perform. At 316 W. Second St. or theredwoodbar.com. One of the many things you can say about Stevie Wonder is that he has a heart. For 22 years, the Grammy Award-winning artist has organized a winter benefit concert for children, people with disabilities and families in need. Well, it’s that time of year again. The House Full of Toys Benefit Concert returns to Staples Center on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. Hosted by Wonder, the concert will feature numerous celebrity appearances and performances and almost certainly a song or two by Wonder himself. To keep with the charitable theme, concertgoers are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or gift. At 1111 S. Figueroa St. or staplescenter.com.

Send information and possible Don’t Miss List submissions to calendar@downtownnews.com.

DECEMBER 3, 2018

Dec. 9: More of Steve Coleman and the Five Elements. Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org. Dec. 3: Karmic starts its December residency, because what goes around comes around. Dec. 4: Steven Steinbrink does pop music for the “Portlandia” crowd. Dec. 5: Laura Gibson played the very first NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Dec. 6: Kevin Krauter isn’t limited by labels. Dec. 7: The Wild Reeds play progressive folk-rock, so think of them as the more rootsy Grateful Dead for the Millennial age. The Escondite 410 Boy St., (213) 626-1800 or theescondite.com. Dec. 7: Janey, Francesca Brown & the Moon Howlers. Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com. Dec. 7: Andrew Bayer. Dec. 8: Tiga, Shaded, Jimmy Edgar. Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

Dec. 3: Grammy-winner Estelle performs cuts from her new album. Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Ct. or microsofttheater.com. Dec. 8: War headlines a night of funk and soul. Moroccan Lounge 901 E. First St., (213) 395-0610 or themoroccan.com. Dec. 3: Picture the band Picture This on stage. They will be on Monday. Dec. 4-5: Two nights of L.A. pop musician Sasha Sloan. Dec. 6: Nostalghia’s music was used in both “John Wick” films, which earns her instant approval for life. Dec. 7: The rockers of Skating Polly have toured with X, so that’s probably a good sign. Dec. 8: Shad is the award-winning Canadian rapper you need if you want non-Drake Canadian rap. Dec. 9: Despite the name, the Scene Aesthetic are not an image-obsessed hipster group. Resident 428 S. Hewitt St. or (323) 316-5311 or residentdtla.com. Dec. 4: Ayokay is on the “In the Shape of a Dream” tour. Shaed opens. Dec. 5: Castle is on the “Deal Thy Fate” tour, with Dread, Old Blood, and Garbeast supporting. If you are looking for a way to

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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.

LEGAL NAME CHANGE Superior court of California, County of Los Angeles ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME No. 18LBCP00056 Petitioner (name of each) Jennifer Louise Lallite Myers, 2120 Sea Ridge Drive, Signal Hill, CA 90755 filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: JENNIFER LOUISE LALLITE MYERS Proposed name: JENNIFER LOUISE LALLITE 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 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

DOWNTOWN NEWS 15

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Date: 01/04/2019 Time: 8:30 AM Dept.: S-27 Room: 5400 The address of the court is: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, 275 Magnolia Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802. Branch Name: Governor George Deukmejian. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior 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. Deputy: E. Salcido Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 275 Magnolia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802 Governor George Deukmejian Date: November 16, 2018 Hon. Mark C. Kim Judge of the Superior Court Pub. 11/26, 12/03, 12/10 and 12/17. Superior court of California, County of Los Angeles ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME No. 18VECP00055 Petitioner (name of each) Chantal Zivari Castanon, 4652 Fulton Ave., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 filed a

petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: CHANTAL ZIVARI CASTANON Proposed name: CHANTAL ZIVARI 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 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: 12/31/2018 Time: 8:30 AM Dept.: C Room: 511 The address of the court is: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Superior Court, Northwest District – East Bldg., 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for

bond with grandma, this is not it. Dec. 6: Rituals of Mine and VOWWS are somehow not two death metal acts. Dec. 7: Leftist elected leaders, foreign spies and paranoid revolutionaries, don’t worry — the CIA is a local post-punk band, not the bad guys from the Bourne films. Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St., (213) 742-7100 or staplescenter.com. Dec. 8: Stevie Wonder is back with his House Full of Toys benefit concert. The Novo 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-7000 or thenovodtla.com. Dec. 6: 6lack Dec. 7: A heavy lineup with X, Los Lobos and The Blasters. The Redwood 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com. Dec. 3: The Graylings, The Vandaliers, Nobody But You. Dec. 5: Year of the Fist, Sapphic Musk, Moonraker. Dec. 6: The Mormons, Baiza’s Mecolodiacs, Sweet and Cruel. Dec. 7: MX Machine, Malison, Heretic, Damyon, Insecticide.

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. Superior Court of California, Los Angeles Northwest District – East Bldg. 6230 Sylmar Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91401 Date: November 14, 2018 Hon. Huey P. Cotton Judge of the Superior Court Pub. 11/26, 12/03, 12/10 and 12/17. Superior court of California, County of Pomona ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME No. KS021511 Petitioner (name of each) Francisco Jaime Herrera, 15902-A Haliburton Rd #307, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: FRANCISCO JAIME HERRERA Proposed name: FRANCISCO CHANG 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

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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 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:01/04/2019 Time: 8:30 AM Dept.: EA O Room: 543 The address of the court is: Superior Court of California, County of Pomona, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for

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This show is also a food and toy drive event. Happy holidays. Dec. 8: Matt Houdini, Tyranny of Dave, Damon Robinson, Neon Kross, Pins and Needles, Shrouds, DJ Daniel Deleon. Dec. 9: Sofa City Sweetheart, Aimee Lay, Timmy Milner. The Regent 448 S. Main St., (323) 284-5727, or theregenttheater.com. Dec. 4: Silverstein. Dec. 5: Las Culturistas.

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.

TO SUBMIT WEB: LADowntownNews.com/calendar

A LISTING:

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.

County of Pomona 400 Civic Center Plaza Pomona, CA 91766 Date: OCTOBER 4, 2018 Hon.Peter A. Hernandez Judge of the Superior Court Pub. 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 and 12/31.

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Advertising Sales L.A. Downtown News, in the heart of Los Angeles, has an immediate opening for an experienced ad sales professional to sell print and digital products for LA Downtown News from our downtown office. Y ou will have the opportunity to also sell into our other media properties, including the Pasadena Weekly, Arroyo M onthly, The Argonaut, Playa V ista Direct, San Diego City Beat as well as their respective digital platforms. Duties include selling to and servicing clients, creating advertising campaigns, pursuing leads and presenting to local businesses and advertising agencies. We are looking for a proven professional with a minimum of two years of media sales experience, a track record of achievement and a desire to be part of one of the most exciting markets on the West Coast - Downtown Los Angeles! A college degree is preferred. A valid driver’ s license and auto insurance are req uired. We offer salary + commission & bonus opportunities, health insurance, 401K participation, and a fun and stimulating work environment. If your skills are a good match please contact us for an interview. Come be a part of our growing team! Please send an email introducing yourself and why you are a perfect fit for the position along with your resume to Lake@ DowntownNews.com

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16 DOWNTOWN NEWS

DECEMBER 3, 2018

PICKLE WORKS, 3

TRILOGY

Downtown...It’s Not Just Big Business Anymore! 255 GRAND 255 South Grand Avenue 213-229-9777 www.255GRAND.com Community Amenities: Expansive Outdoor Terrace Heated Pool & Spa Custom-Designed Interiors 24 hr. Manned Lobby Resident Concierge Fitness Center / Yoga Studio Wi-Fi Lounge State-of-the-Art HD Theater Gourmet BBQ Areas / Gas Fire Pits Contemporary Lounge with Gourmet Kitchen

Apartment Amenities: Breathtaking Views Spacious Floorplans Central Air & Heating Balconies / Urban Patios (Most Units) Deep Soaking Tubs Luxury Stainless Appliances & Finishes Sky Level 27th Floor Penthouse Units: Complimentary Wi-Fi & Basic Cable Waterfall Countertops Bosch Appliances Nest 3rd Generation Thermostats Up to 2 Parking Spaces Included On-Site: Dry Cleaners / Dental Office / Restaurants

PROMENADE TOWERS 123 South Figueroa Street 213-617-3777 www.THEPROMENADETOWERS.com

Community Amenities: Expansive Outdoor Patio with BBQ Grills Heated Pool & Spa 24 hr. Manned Lobby Fitness Center Parking Garage

On-Site: Convenience Store / Café / Beauty Salon / Private Fitness Training Apartment Amenities: Floor-to-Ceiling Windows City Skyline Views Solarium and/or Balconies

MUSEUM TOWER 225 South Olive Street 213-626-1500 www.THEMUSEUMTOWERAPTS.com

Community Amenities: 24 hr. Manned Lobby Resident Concierge Heated Pool & Spa Fitness Center / Yoga Studio Outdoor Patio Gas BBQ Grills Recreation Room State-of-the-Art HD Theater Rooftop Patio with Views

Apartment Amenities: City and Mountain Views Luxury Appliances & Finishes Central Air & Heating Balconies (Most Units) Basic Cable *All Amenities Under Renovation

RESIDENCES STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • TWO BEDROOMS PENTHOUSE UNITS • CORPORATE HOUSING

The Pickle Works property represents an early Victorian industrial building; that style is rare in Los Angeles, especially in the Arts District, Fine said. The property’s industrial uses faded by the mid-20th century, and like many buildings in the area, it stood vacant for decades. However, also like other surrounding properties, it gained new life in the late 1970s as a number of artists were drawn to the community for its large spaces and low rents. Then known as the Citizens Warehouse, it served as a kind of early live-work space, with art installations and shows. Tim Keating, a longtime Arts District resident and former head of the nonprofit Los Angeles Downtown Arts District Space, said that dock storage space was regularly opened, allowing passersby to see the art set up there. Keating said that in the late 1970s, rents were 25 cents per square foot. “That was a bargain price,” he said. “You could easily get 5,000 square feet and make real art.” The fire damage is so significant that the Department of Building and Safety has determined that the structure poses a safety risk, and what remains of the edifice will have to be taken down, according to Hayward. He added that the city and the council office are working to preserve parts of the building undamaged by the fire. Fine acknowledged the extent of the damage to the Pickle Works Building, and said the Conservancy is also trying to assess if full demolition is warranted. Keating said the fire has shined a light on the changing nature of the neighborhood. “The building was a birthplace in the Arts District in many ways. The fact that it’s an ashtray, it’s kind of a symbol of the state of the arts in the area,” he said. Hayward said more details on the sale and preservation plans should be available this month. nicholas@downtownnews.com

VOLUNTEER, 7 donations (new and unused items) are also accepted leading up to Dec. 12. At 545 S. San Pedro St. To volunteer: (213) 347-6300 or volunteer@urm.org. St. Vincent Meals on Wheels: Although it’s based in Westlake, the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels program services the Central City, including Skid Row and nearby neighborhoods. As with other Meals on Wheels services, volunteers pack and deliver food to low-income senior citizens who are frequently facing mobility challenges. The organization is looking for people to drive delivery vans or use their own vehicle to get food to clients. At 2303 Miramar St. To volunteer: (213) 484-7775 or stvincentmow.org. City National Plaza: The two-tower office complex held a toy drive for the past two years, but this year is mounting a clothing drive. Property manager CommonWealth Partners is looking for business and professional clothing and outfits that will go to people looking for jobs. The drive starts Monday, Dec. 3, and runs through Dec. 20. The clothes will be distributed by a nonprofit. There are donation bins on the ground floor of both Financial District towers. At 515 and 555 S. Flower St. or citynationalplaza.com. Inner-City Arts: The venerable Skid Row youth arts organization is seeking volunteers to help with studio classes and theatrical productions, including performances of My Winter Adventure With Grandma Ruby on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 7-8. Those interested in helping out must attend an orientation meeting; upcoming sessions are Dec. 4 and Dec. 20. Inner-City Arts is also seeking financial donations, as well as art materials such as oil pastels and construction paper, plus items including USB flash drives and printer ink cartridges. At 720 Kohler St. To volunteer: Call (213) 627-9621 or inner-cityarts.org. nicholas@downtownnews.com