Downtown Weekly LA

DOWNTOWN WEEKLY THE SPIRIT OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

WWW. DTLAWEEKLY.COM VOL 21. NO 3 - MAR 27 - APR 2, 2025

WWW. DTLAWEEKLY.COM VOL 21. NO 3 - MAR 27 - APR 2, 2025

DTLA ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

HIVE

DTLA

MAKEOVER DR. BABRY OREN

CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

FOLIUM PX

UPSTAIRS COMEDY CLUB

WOMEN TO WATCH

GALLERY

FIESTA

BROADWAY

RETURNS

1ST INAUGURAL

ABRACADABRA

DAY

PIZZA

FEST AT LA LIVE PHOTO BY BASIM ABDEL AZIZ

2025

RONDA JACKSON CHANGE AGENT FOR SUCCESS

LITTLE TOKYO

STREET FAIR

TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

JAMES PAYNE FEAST PHOTO BY

2 ARTISTIC VISION OF DOWNTOWN WEEKLY THE

VOL 21. NO 4 - APR 24 - APR 30, 2025 DTLAWEEKLY.COM

dtla weekly

the spirit of downtown los angeles

HIVE GALLERY photo:

JAMES PAYNE location: GALLERY ROW

RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK...3 UPSTAIRS COMEDY CLUB...4 SAY CHEESE...PIZZAWEEK RETURNS... 5 FIESTA BROADWAY RETURNS....7 HIVE GALLERY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS...8 FIRST ANNUAL ABARCADABRA DAY...10 DTLA CRIME & CULTURE...12 MAP INSIDE....15

THE STYLISTS

<<

on the cover:

DTLA WEEKLY Editor and Chief ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND, LLC

Contributing Writers KERI FREEMAN JAIME HERRERA JACKSON ROBERTS HANNAH PLAYAH LORENZO DE LA RAMA Lead Photography THE LEGENDARY GARY LEONARD BASIM ABDEL AZIZ ERIC EPPERSON Video Production Social Media Design and Layout @kerisellsdtla

Special thanks to...

MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES & Council District 14 THE CITY OF LA ARTS DISTRICT CHINATOWN CIVIC DISTRICT BUNKER HILL ECHO PARK EXPO/USC HISTORIC CORE LITTLE TOKYO FASHION DISTRICT FINANCIAL DISTRICT SKID ROW SOUTH PARK WAREHOUSE DISTRICT THEGRAWN & ARTWALK NEWS

DTLA WEEKLY

All rights reserved. Downtown Weekly is a news, event, LIFESTYLE & Hospitality FREE community resource. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher.

DTLA WEEKLY, in support of local residents, businesses, workers and visitors of Downtown Los Angeles, publishes DTLA WEEKLY. Readers are recommended to make appropriate inquiries before wagering any sum in relation to any ad, article or feature published herein. DTLA WEEKLY will not be liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his/ her accepting, offering to accept or following any invitation or advice contained in any ad, article or feature published herein.

DTLA WEEKLY - The Spirit of Downtown Los Angeles DTLA NEWS l EVENTS l LIFESTYLE I HOSPITALITY 334 S. MAIN STREET - OLD BANK DISTRICT - DOWNTOWN LA 888-732-DTLA (3852) @DTLAWEEKLY WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM

DTLA REAL ESTATE EMPIRE: RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK by ABEL WEISS

VOL 21. NO 4 - APR 24 - APR 30, 2025 DTLAWEEKLY.COM 3

Race Against the Clock: What May or May Not Be Downtown in Time for the 2028 Olympics

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y 2028, Downtown’s newest development, the recently completed 54-story Olympic + Hill by Omni, will be barely three years old. The city will be on the cusp of hosting the world for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

But will today’s planned developments, including improved transportation Photo Courtesy of Lucas Museum of Narrative Art News Box and infrastructure and new Pump up the volume! museums, be ready in time? roar of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Here’s what may and may not The in 2026 and the looming excitement of be here in time for the 2028 Super Bowl LXI in 2027 have refined and Olympic Games. perfected downtown hospitality, with Go Metro! Or Go Home!

Navigating downtown’s dynamic urban landscape will be a markedly different experience, thanks to the newly safer and significantly expanded Metro system.

For visitors arriving by air, the oftendreaded LAX commute will be eased by the efficient direct Metro Connector, People Mover and Inglewood Transit Connector rails linked to the world-class hotels of downtown Los Angeles. Passing the torch to Mayor Karen Bass, former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s ambitious $43 billion ”LA28″ would have finished 28 transportation projects successfully, improving connectivity to major sports venues coupled with an enhanced transit network, bent on prioritizing security with a coordinated and visible presence of Metro Security Officers, welcome teams, and the familiar uniforms of local law enforcement.

For downtown, this could mean a complete abandonment of personal motor vehicles championed by a vision of a pedestrian and public transit-friendly downtown en route to the trifecta of global sporting events.

an accomplished Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board wearing the crown as exclusive regional promoters for such immense sporting games.

A World of Art…

Exposition Park, where the striking Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will showcase its unique collection adjacent to the California Science Center’s newest exhibit, the awe-inspiring Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, finally offering an unobstructed view of the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Indoor-outdoor events coordinators LATC, Music Center, DTLA Proud, the City of Los Angeles, and Grand Performances’ will continue to showcase artisans, music, and theatrical events, having long established downtown as the world’s finest arts and culture. Mecca continues in our quest to present the most diverse events across the city, along with a dramatically expanded Broad museum on Grand Avenue, with its gallery space having been increased by 70%, along with MOCA visitors looking down on all of us from the top of Bunker Hill.

Photo Cour te

sy LA Conven

What may not be here…

tion Center

Notably, despite earlier setbacks, there is renewed hope that the extensive expansion of the staggering $2.2 billion Los Angeles Convention Center expansion, along with the ever-evolving L.A. LIVE and Crypto.com Arena downtown’s Social District, will undoubtedly be one of the world’s most vibrant tourist hubs. Yet, moving forward despite the Los Angeles City Council 13-2 “yeh” vote in April 2025 and high hopes from owners AEG, the LA Convention Center Expansion and adjacent Gilbert Lindsay Plaza may or may not be completed by 2028.

Significantly boosting downtown’s capacity for the games and promising to spark LA tourism forever with state-ofthe-art amenities and almost a full acre of green space, skeptics point out the intensity of the project just may not make it on time to take home the gold. Speaking of the LA Convention Center, just across Figueroa, the fate of the Oceanwide’s newly rebranded Graffiti Towers remains a significant question mark. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

4 DTLA HAPPIEST HOURS: UPSTAIRS COMEDY CLUB BY LORENZO DE LA RAMA

VOL 21. NO 4 - APR 24 - APR 30, 2025 DTLAWEEKLY.COM

Upstairs Comedy Club: Downtown LA’s New Home for Laughter, Culture & Community

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igh above the hustle of LA’s Fashion District, The Upstairs Comedy Club is quietly redefining the downtown narrative— one joke, one set, one unforgettable night at a time.

What started as a dusty storage space on the top floor of a 6,000-square-foot building is now Downtown’s most exciting new cultural outpost. It’s not just a comedy club—it’s a love letter to Los Angeles.

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ounded by veteran film producer and talent manager Sam Sleiman alongside comedy industry icons Sarah Mello and Enrique Salazar, The Upstairs is the first dedicated comedy venue in DTLA. And the vibe? It’s equal parts gritty elegance and big-hearted energy—a place where laughter feels necessary, not optional.

From Car Chases to Punchlines: A Filmmaker’s Journey to Comedy Sleiman knows downtown the way only someone who’s shut down its streets to film car chases can. “I practically grew up here,” he says. “Downtown is misunderstood. It’s vibrant, it’s energetic, and it’s filled with life. It just needed a comedy club that locals could call their own.” After producing dozens of action films in the city, he turned to stand-up—a medium just as raw and unfiltered as the streets he once filmed on.

With Mello and Salazar—who collectively bring decades of experience booking at powerhouses like The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store—Sleiman envisioned more than just a venue. He wanted a community hub.

s like vendors.

“We don’t treat comic ily,” he explains.

We treat them like fam ar t.”

“That’s what sets us ap Enrique Salazar, Sam Sleiman and Sarah Mello - Photo courtesy Upstairs Comedy Club

The Space: Industrial Chic Meets Intimate Charm The Upstairs Comedy Club seats 225 people and delivers an experience that rivals any Hollywood mainstay. The aesthetic is warm-industrial—think exposed beams, premium acoustics, and lighting that flatters both performers and punchlines. But what truly elevates the space is the sense of intention: it’s designed by people who love comedy for people who need to laugh.

It’s also incredibly accessible. Free street parking after 6 p.m. surrounds the venue, and there’s a secured $8 parking lot less than 300 feet from the door. With security guards posted on both Los Angeles and 15th Streets, and an on-site attendant, guests can arrive (and leave) stress-free.

From Fat Tuesdays to Frankie Quinones: Building a Lineup That Hits The club’s early events have already drawn buzz. Sam points to the return of iconic shows like Fat Tuesdays and appearances by fan favorites like Frankie Quinones as proof that The Upstairs isn’t just pulling its weight—it’s raising the bar. With soft openings underway and a grand opening planned in the coming weeks, there’s a palpable sense of momentum.

And the future? Think multifaceted.

“Comedy is our bread and butter,” Sleiman says, “but we’d love to host R&B nights, jazz sets—anything that builds culture. I wouldn’t mind once or twice or maybe even three times a week, where the first show is a comedy show and the second show is a jazz show and so forth” As Sam notes, the venue was never meant to be limited to stand-up—the space is built to evolve, to spotlight live arts in ways that amplify the club’s cultural reach and creative purpose.

Why The Upstairs Comedy Club Matters Downtown Los Angeles has long deserved a stage like this. More than a performance space, The Upstairs is a creative sanctuary—a place where local residents and out-of-towners can come together and share something primal and profound: laughter. “Nothing brings a community together like sitting in a tight room and laughing shoulder to shoulder,” Sleiman reflects.

Grand Opening Coming May 2nd & 3rd For now, The Upstairs is in soft-launch mode, quietly testing its rhythm with limited shows while fine-tuning the experience. But the big moment is just weeks away. “It feels like it’s about damn time DTLA had a comedy club,” Sleiman says—less as a boast, more like a promise kept to a city that’s long been ready for its own comedy renaissance. Upstairs Comedy Club 1415 S Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90015. @theupstairsla

10 GREAT PLACES: HOLIDAY GIFTS BY KERI FREEMAN

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5 DTLA APPETITE: DTLA PIZZAFEST RETURNS BY KERI FREEMAN

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Say Cheese! DTLA Pizza Lovers The Ultimate Pizza Experience is Returning to L.A.

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ow in its third year in Downtown Los Angeles, creator Steve Dolinsky has curated an unforgettable experience showcasing the passion, innovation, and community of great pizza making.

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, and Alex Koons from Hot Tongue in Silver Lake, moderated by Luca Servodio of The L.A. Food Podcast & The L.A. Countdown.

O

n April 26-27, 2025, Pizza City Fest, a first-of-its-kind event, will bring together a stellar lineup of the best pizza makers from Southern California in one location. This two-day festival offers a unique opportunity for fans to taste incredible pizza, see live demonstrations, and attend panel discussions with culinary experts.

Held a top parking structure at L.A. LIVE, the premier sports and entertainment district surrounding Crypto.com Arena and Microsoft Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, provides the perfect backdrop for Pizza CityFest 2025.

The festival features an impressive selection of pizza artisans including III Mas Bakery & Deli from Glendale, Angel City Pizza hailing from Venice, Los Angeles’ own Chi-Pie, Dtown Pizzeria representing West Hollywood, Esco’s New York Style Pizza from Mid-City, Fat Lip Pizza & Beer located in Corona, the mobile Fire & Wood Catering with their pizza truck, Atwater Village’s Hail Mary, Hot Tongue from Silver Lake, LaSorted’s also in Silver Lake, Little Dynamite from Los Angeles, Pie Trap Pizza out of Covina, Pizzana based in Los Angeles, Riip Beer & Pizza from Huntington Beach, Slice & Pint in El Segundo, Slice House By Tony Gemignani in Burbank, Tribute from San Diego, Triple Beam Pizza of Los Angeles,

Photos courtesy of Pizza City Fest

Tickets for this exciting event are on sale now!!

General Admission tickets are priced from $95- $125 and include entry, unlimited access to pizza from over 20 different pizzerias, assorted sides and desserts, unlimited beverages, and the opportunity to learn from the best through panels, seminars, and demos featuring renowned pizzaiolos from across the nation.

Truly Pizza from Dana Point, Two Doughs in Agoura Hills, and Ronan of Los Angeles. To complement the savory offerings, desserts will be available from Lei’d Cookies in Culver City and Uli’s Gelato of Los Angeles.

Bring in the Experts!

Special appearances by renowned culinary experts include Noel Brohner of Slow Rise Pizza in Los Angeles, Downtown’s own Daniel Holzman from Danny Boy’s Famous Original Pizza in Los Angeles, and the acclaimed Tony Gemignani of Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, Capo’s, and Slice House (with locations in both San Francisco and Los Angeles), with their discussions moderated by Karen Palmer, the L.A. Contributing Food Editor for SF Gate. A special 3PM demonstration titled “Pizza at Home: Mastering Dough for Gas, Wood & Electric Ovens” will feature Giuseppe Gentile, the Executive Chef of

For an enhanced experience, VIP tickets are available for $200, offering early entry all the benefits of general admission plus reserved seating for panels and demos, exclusive access to a VIP lounge with comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere, a special VIP gift, and a Pizza City Fest VIP credential. @pizzacityfest.com

GET@DTLA: FIESTA BROADWAY RETURNS BY JACKSON ROBERTS

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32nd Annual Fiesta Broadway RETURNS

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iesta Broadway 2025 is back! Now in its 32nd year, the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in America takes place along the historic Broadway street in downtown Los Angeles on April 27th, with the support of the City of Los Angeles.

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or more than three decades, this free and iconic community event has united millions of locals, families, city leaders and dignitaries with unforgettable performances continuing with this year’s event internationally celebrating Spanish singer-songwriter Natalia Jiménez, who started her musical career in the 2000s as vocalist of La Quinta Estación.

Photos courtesy Fiesta Broadway

Fiesta Sabor a México, Mi Producto Favorito, the Pet Zone, and the Health Pavilion, all celebrating Hispanic culture, cuisine, and community, will line Over the years Fiesta Broadway has the Broadway corridor with its historic been a launchpad for the careers of backdrop of iconic theaters, Grand Central world-renowned musical stars, featuring Market, and favored local hotspots like the legendary performances from Selena, Los newly opened Club Lagos.

Tigres del Norte, Marco Antonio Solís, Thalía, Chayanne, Celia Cruz, El Tri, Here’s what to expect…

Menudo, and many more.

Mole, Tacos and Tradition at Sabor a This year’s event will feature two fanMéxico and Latin Food Fiesta favorite music stages, showcasing The Latin Food Fiesta and Sabor a México celebrities and cultural figures including areas are prime spaces dedicated to Jorge Muñiz, Carmen Jara, Conjunto food lovers. Sabor a México will feature Azabache, Conjunto Nueva Ola, Alex two main sections: Fiesta de los Moles, Rivera, Gerry Belicoso and the Banda celebrating the diverse flavors of mole from Reyna Maria, and renowned composer various regions of Mexico, and the highly Eladio Flores LR, who is now embarking anticipated FiestaTaco Fest, dedicated to on a new career as a singer.

Mexico’s beloved taco tradition.

Young talents Mia Marcella, Kataleya García, and The Wendolls will also be part of the show, along with special appearances by El Niño Prodigio and Chaparro Chuacheneger, who will also take the stage.

High-Energy Lucha Libre Fiesta Broadway brings the highestenergy entertainment zone of professional luchadores in a no-holds-barred mashup of thrilling matches and acrobatic performances that can’t be beat.

Following the success of the 2024 comeback, Fiesta Broadway 2025 promises even more excitement with a fresh approach and specific pavilions designed to make your brand shine.

Exciting new additions like:

Artisans and Products to Love at The Mi Producto Favorito The Mi Producto Favorito zone will present a unique opportunity for artisans to engage directly with attendees, offering samples and unique experiences.

Stay Healthy DTLA at Pabellón de la Salud Health and wellness vendors will connect with attendees through free checkups.

Kids Get Wild at Kids Play Zone At Fiesta Broadway’s family-friendly area presented by PlayLA, keep children and families engaged with fun, interactive activities.

Animal Lovers Welcome Pet Zone Pet products and nonprofits will connect with animal lovers at Pet Zone, showcasing treats, products, and services to pet owners. Pets welcomed!

Spreading the Word!

Media outlets and sponsors include SBS with its stations La Raza and Mega, Telemundo 52 (KVEA), FOX Deportes and DIRECTV, Audacy with all its participating stations, and print and digital media moguls DTLA Weekly, Iconos Magazine, Triunfo Magazine, Avisos Contigo Magazine, and Citywatch LA, as well and the special endorsement from El Genio Lucas.

The executive production is managed by All Access Talent and UNO Productions Inc. This year, the celebration will take place on Sunday, April 27, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. @fiestabroadwayla

8 DTLA ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE BY KERI FREEMAN

I

VOL 21. NO 4 - APR 24 - APR 30, 2025 DTLAWEEKLY.COM

King of the Downtown LA Art Scene

nn the the early early 2000s, 2000s, the the hushed hushed stillness stillness of of the the industrial industrial district district of of Downtown Downtown Los Los Angeles Angeles began began to to coalesce coalesce around around aa dedicated dedicated group group of of talented talented artists artists drawn drawn to to the the area’s area’s stark stark authenticity. authenticity.

O

ften whispered about and discovered by a fortunate few, the downtown art scene kept its landscape of concrete warehouses unexpectedly alive after dark with fiercely independent art shows and obscure gatherings pulsing with a raw and untamed creative energy.

From this compelling, underground world known today as the Arts District, emerged Nathan Cartwright—a talented artist whose incredible ability to mix emerging artists with art collectors within fantastic, curated shows quickly garnered him national attention.

It was this attention that led the creators of Gallery Row, Nik Cha Kim and Kjell Hagen along with the original Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk founders Bert Green, Cheyanne Della Donna, and Kimba Rogers to extend an invitation to Cartwright to open The Hive Gallery on 7th and Spring.

In 2005 the Hive Gallery opened, a year after the newly formed Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk, an event that would eventually bring hundreds of thousands of people to downtown and spark the much-anticipated downtown resurgence from 2004 to 2016.

“At the time Gallery Row needed momentum to keep going.” Said Nik Cha Kim. And momentum it got. The area became permanent host to six more galleries over the next nine months."

King Bee, Nathan Cartwright - Photo by Keri Freeman

"Then the first Gallery Row Art Walk was born, like a child of the movement, that would grow up and walk off on its own.”

This foundational relationship placed Cartwright at the forefront of the resurrection movement, igniting a sense of community and adventure downtown would soon become known for.

“I remember lines of people out the door, for one thing only, amazing art!

The Hive has always been a bright spot in DTLA, from the beginning, it’s been the place to find new and exciting artists from all over Los Angeles.” Said long time friend, Gallery Row Founder/Art Collector Kjell Hagen.

Where the Wild Things Are. For 20 years, through thick and thin, despite the original Artwalk tanking and the post-pandemic devastation of 2020, The Hive Gallery has remained a staple of the downtown Los Angeles art scene.

ht

rig Nathan Cartw Wolf Boy by

Known today as King Bee, Cartwright has mastered the ability to draw together a diverse collective of creative souls, young and old, each bearing their unique spark within the honeycomb of exhibits found within the Hive Gallery.

“The Hive is more than just a space to hang paintings, The Hive, an art installation in and of itself, has become a hotbed for real artists who were struggling, offering them a vital foothold to create, connect, and be discovered.” – Nathan Cartwright, Hive Gallery.

As an incubator for surrealism, pop art, and just about anything imaginable, the Hive Gallery is a place where the raw edges of “danger and beauty” intertwine. >>

DTLA ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE BY KERI FREEMAN

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Hive Gallery Celebrates 20 Years on Gallery Row

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nspired by the collaborative spirit and the need for a more permanent and supportive infrastructure, each honeycomb within the Hive features an individual art exhibit, bringing with it a dynamic fusion of exhibition space, work studio, and intimate collector opportunity.

It is this synergy that has kept King Bee alive for over two decades, making the Hive Gallery one of the oldest successful galleries in downtown Los Angeles, as his creative worker bees continue to produce the richest honey, sweetened by the artistic process that draws in the community.

HIve Gallery & Studios

Over the years, Hive Gallery has presented hundreds of annual themed shows, such as the most recent 14th Annual Line Attack Show and the 18th Annual Hive Tarot Exhibit, with receptions held the 1st Saturday of every month, rseas by English Artist

Queen Bee Gift from ove

Madison Sharp

with subsequent receptions held on the Historic Core’s monthly Art Night and at closing.

Hive Gallery also has an upcoming annual show in Japan in May, curated by Cartwright and entitled “Ultrahive 3,” traveling from Osaka to Tokyo, with over 100 artists exhibiting custom CD cover art.

The show will travel back to LA and exhibit at Hive in July.

The gallery also hosts workshops, along with one very zany YouTube channel that serves as a virtual gathering place for a list of peculiar characters who show up in the videos and to the Hive in full costume from time to time.

On May 3rd, Hive Gallery will celebrate its 20th anniversary of creativity at its location on Gallery Row in Downtown Los Angeles—the show will debut a new picture book highlighting the Hive Gallery’s most memorable moments and resident artists. This event is sure to bring out all of its artists, over 150 in this show, fans and charismatic figures, and will give all of Los Angeles and beyond a chance to meet the King Bee himself, and continue with its constant buzz of creation and connection.

The Hive Gallery is located at 729 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. @thehivegallery

10 TO BE OR NOT TO BE? ABRACADABRA DAY BY HANNAH PLAYAH

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Got Wishes? The Moment to Manifest Arrives with the World’s First “Abracadabra Day” Coming April 26

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f you’ve ever whispered a wish, mutered a mantra, or shouted a dream into the universe hoping someone—or something—was listening, then this first annual Abracadabra Day is for you.

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onceived and created by world-class Los Angeles magician David Minkin, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, the world will celebrate the first annual Abracadabra Day, a brand-new holiday dedicated to the idea that words have power, intention matters, and everyone has a little magic in them (whether they feel it or not).

11:11 am – The moment to make a wish.

“At 11:11 am PST on the last Saturday of April each year, everyone in the world is invited to step outside and audibly speak into existence the things that we want to manifest. And we’ll all do it at the same moment! says Minkin. “You’ll find me live on Instagram at that time, so drop in and say hi.”

The concept is simple but exciting: at 11:11 AM Pacific Time, health, wealth, love, peace, clarity, a new job, a great parking spot—whatever it is one wants, speak it into the world.

Together. At the exact same time. Abracadabra Day is about tapping into intention.

And if 11:11 caught your eye—well, you’re not alone. The number has long been associated with synchronicity and spiritual alignment. Catching the clock at 11:11 is, for many, a moment to make a wish. Abracadabra Day simply takes that practice global.

The word abracadabra has deep roots.

Though it is still under debate, it’s believed by some to come from the Aramaic phrase “Avrah KaDabra,” which translates roughly to “I create as I speak.”

Tickets for the show are available at https://davidminkin.com/abracadabra-day.

Speak it. Feel it. Watch it happen.

A moment to step into the driver’s seat of our own stories and create from the vast, limitless realm of possibility, Abracadabra Day isn’t about waiting for magic to find us—it’s about realizing that we are the magic. With our voice, our vision, and our intention, we can shape the path ahead. There’s power in the simple act of speaking it.

David Minkin performs a resident show at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Throughout the show Minkin weaves in personal stories of his life with magic, effectively connecting with a live audience in a way only he can.

For those in Los Angeles, there’s a particularly magical way to mark the occasion. David Minkin will be performing two special shows on April 26th at the Biltmore Hotel—a venue known for its storied past, gorgeous architecture, and just the right amount of old-world mystery.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy the celebration and experience the kind of live magic that makes you question everything—in the best possible way.

And that’s what makes this holiday feel so fresh: It’s playful,

but also an audible declaration of personal power. A day to hit the pause button and say, “This is what I want. This is who I am becoming.”

Because once a year, we’ll all get a moment to dream out loud together—and the universe just might be listening. Whether gathering with friends in the backyard, standing on a mountaintop, or just popping out to the front porch, remember to mark the calendar for April 26, 11:11 AM PST. @davidminkin

DTLA CRIME & CULTURE: CHAINSAW VANDAL BY KERI FREEMAN

BUSTED!

COPS NAB CHAINSAW VANDAL WHO SAWED DOWN OVER A DOZEN DOWNTOWN TREES

VOL 21. NO 4 - APR 24 - APR 30, 2025 DTLAWEEKLY.COM 11

like elaborate Christmas trees under the moon’s soft glow. With most of the city asleep, a tranquil energy permeates the quiet streets, which feel both lonely and vast.

Perhaps this individual was utterly tired of shade and utterly thrilled by the prospect of scorching sidewalks and turning red like lobsters under the hot California sun.

However, nights in downtown Los Angeles can also become a time for mischief, with a recent incident involving the deliberate and shocking act of sawing down numerous trees serving as a stark reminder of our dark potential.

Perhaps they were against fresh air.

Everyone knows trees recycle carbon dioxide to produce the life-giving oxygen we all need to survive.

On April 19, just a day before Earth Day, downtown Los Angeles awoke from one such serene night to the unsettling news of this deliberate and shocking act.

Out during his morning routine, Media Moussavy, real estate agent and beloved local influencer behind DTLA Insider, came across a stunning and disturbing sight.

DTLA was stumped – No one saw a thing. Leaving all to ponder – Who the F*#% chopped down the trees?

D

espite what outsiders might think about downtown Los Angeles, most areas possess a surprising tranquil- Fallen Tree - Photo by DTLA Insider ity.

Numerous trees had been systematically sawed down, stretching from the Watched over by towering concrete heights of Bunker Hill to the lower reaches giants and lined with rows of sidewalk of the South Park’s Social District. trees intended to enhance the aesthetics, it’s not uncommon to find city dwellers en- Someone under the cover of darkness had joying a gentle breeze, appreciating public committed a brazen act of environmental vandalism that would send shock waves art under clear blue skies, or even spotthrough the city. ting locals or corporate executives taking a peaceful lunch break in one of the city’s As the algorithm caught on, numerous green spaces. reports from major news outlets and social media pages would follow, along with Meeting friends along the way, resdozens of threats of bodily harm for the idents often cheer on joggers, and pet unknown perpetrator. lovers frequently gather, their furry companions greeting each other from sunrise So who the f*^% cut down to sunset. the trees??

At least that’s what the entire city was While there are undoubtedly drawbacks asking. to urban living, these areas of prevailing Despite every building having cameras, tranquility often feel like a golden ray of authorities were stumped? Really, with sunshine, a welcome respite from perno leads other than the rumor some man sistent sirens and impatient car horns. on a scooter traveling a half mile south wielding a chainsaw, no one heard or saw The wee hours of the night in downtown also hold a unique serenity. It’s a a thing? time when the concrete giants illuminate

Perhaps they were against development. It is widely known downtown Los Angeles has been looking for ways to improve our aesthetics, sometimes an uphill battle with so many graffiti-ridden walls, light posts, tunnels, billboards, and skyscrapers.

“Fresh air is so… pedestrian,” this person would probably sniff. “Give me the rich, complex bouquet of exhaust fumes and industrial byproducts. Now, that’s the smell of progress.

Really, where is the logic?

One social media comment suggested it was the building owners themselves, tired of having those leafy stems obstruct their concrete views.

Was there a diabolical top executive looking down on DTLA like the Grinch expressing himself radically to a conference of subsidiaries? “We’re trying to build a serious metropolis here, not some whimsical garden. All those messy leaves and branches? Such a distraction from the beautiful, unblemished, concrete and steel-laden offices. It’s called urban, people, not arboreal.”

Was it a pair of disgruntled city workers responsible for installing the trees recently fired from their job taking out their frustrations on the city? Hmmm.

Maybe it was the villainous Flaccid Sand, still bent on committing heinous crimes, while antagonizing LA’s newest Super Hero Rock Hard to come and catch him. Y Regardless, with so many questions about the motive and persons behind the crime, one question was answered loud and clear… If a tree falls in the city, does it make a sound? Yes. The sound of outrage.

On April 23rd police nabbed the DTLA Chainsaw Vandal, leaving the entire town awaiting news of his fate. DT Weekly will keep you posted. www.dtlaweekly.com

12 BLK DTLA BET OPEN CALL BY JAIME HERRARA

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BET Experience Open Casting Call Coming to the LA Convention Center

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ctors, singers, tickets.aloompa.com/2025-betexperience/ to be considered for an dancers, audition. Space is limited, and auditions are granted on a first-come, first-served and hosts: basis. if stardom and fortune Registration for the free BETX Fan Fest opens soon in conjunction with the are in the cards, why premiere of “BET Awards” 2025, codon’t you shuffle to the produced by Live Nation Urban.

LA Convention Center The BET Media Group, a unit of on Saturday, June 7th, Paramount, is one of the world’s largest for a chance to be media companies. Together with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading discovered?

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ET Media Group has just announced the return of the iconic BET Experience Open Casting Call, where aspiring talent will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to audition live in front of Emmy® Awardwinning Casting Director and BET’s Head of Original Programming Casting, Robi Reed, the BET Talent & Casting Team, and other top entertainment industry leaders.

One talented individual may earn a role in an upcoming BET Media Group original project.

Participants must pre-register for the BET Experience Open Casting Call at www.2025-bet-experience

live entertainment company comprised of Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship, the two have successfully combined to connect Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, VH1, and the BET Media Group.

The synergy has created a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events, and international, leading the way for The BET Experience to become the destination for elevating unapologetic Blackness with authentic entertainment, access, and lifestyle experiences. www. bet.com

DTLA REAL ESTATE EMPIRE CONTINUED...

VOL 21. NO 4 - APR 24 - APR 30, 2025 DTLAWEEKLY.COM 13

What may or may not be here in time for the Olympics 2028 continued...

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y 2028, the unfinished complex could be undergoing a dramatic transformation under new ownership, demolished, or racing against the clock to be ready for the global spotlight. Only time will tell. The $500 million Chinatown Gondola, intended to connect Union Station and Dodger Stadium, may still be facing an uncertain future. Despite Metro board approval in 2024, the complex web of city, state, and community approvals, coupled with persistent legal challenges stemming from environmental and gentrification concerns, casts significant doubt on its completion by the 2028 Olympics.

The projected costs for these ventures are substantial, with the gondola estimated between $385 million and $500 million.

Safe & Clean

Visitors, local businesses, and residents continue to rely on dedicated local BID teams, their purple, yellow, and green uniforms a familiar sight as they maintain the vibrancy of public spaces while escorting the people of downtown as late as 4am.

If proposed Assembly Bill 342 manages to pass, downtown will have designated Hospitality Zones, spurred by extended alcohol beverage hours in select venues accompanied by enhanced safety measures.

grappling with the ongoing challenge of homelessness. By 2028, the impact of legislative efforts like SB 43, focusing on conservatorship and increased resources, will aim to yield more effective solutions and a more compassionate approach to this complex issue.

Amidst this transformation, the Adding another layer voices of Downtown’s of potential change, residents will be the ongoing federal crucial, amplified by audit, with its the newly formed DTLA mission of uncovering Residents Association, corruption and ensuring SPNA, and the change in accountability for public leadership for the Downtown funds, is anticipated to Courtesy Metro People Mover Los Angeles Neighborhood reach a significant stage Council. These organizations will by 2028, potentially fostering have long been actively engaging with city greater trust and transparency within city leadership to address fundamental needs governance as we welcome the world. of residents and tourists alike, such as improved street lighting, enhanced safety Rain or shine, as the city gears up initiatives, anti-crime measures, and for its close-up on the global stage, tenant parking solutions. the “DTLA Weekly” will serve as the essential guide, navigating residents The homeless? and visitors through the excitement, the Whether it’s the Olympics or just rooting changes, and the lingering uncertainties for our favorite teams at 33Taps sports of a Downtown Los Angeles on the cusp of bar, the city will no doubt still be this historic moment. @dtlaweekly