08-19-19

a new option for homeless women Page 6

paul robeson theatre festival returns Page 17

PRIDE IN Pershing Pershing Square Square Three-Day Celebration of LGBTQ Culture Returns to Downtown This Week See page 16

Inside this week SPECIAL SECTION:

RESIDENTIAL LIVING See pages 11-15

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

photo courtesy DTLA Proud

AUGUST 19, 2019 I VOL. 48 I #33

2 DOWNTOWN NEWS

DT

AROUND TOWN

Temporary Flower Street Bus-Only Lane Could Become Permanent

I

n June, as part of its upgrade of the Blue Line, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority introduced a bus-only lane along Flower Street, with the aim to speed transit users forced out of the subway and onto buses. Now Metro and the office of 14th District City Councilman José Huizar are exploring the possibility of making the lane permanent. The lane, which runs from 28th Street to the Seventh Street/Metro Center station (though buses to replace light rail service run all the way to the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks station), is currently scheduled to cease operations in September (work on the $350 million overhaul of the Blue Line is scheduled to be completed in October). According to Metro, nearly 70 buses per hour use the bus-only lane between 3-7 p.m. on weekdays. Huizar tweeted his support for the proposal last week as part of his DTLA Forward initiative, launched in 2017 to improve traffic flow, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and access to public space. According to a representative for Huizar, the councilman’s office and Metro plan meet this month to discuss the possibility of making the lane permanent. Metro has

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been looking at installing bus-only lanes in various locations across the city.

Key Approval for Flower Market Revamp

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he planned redevelopment of the Southern California Flower Market is a step closer to a reality. The City Planning Commission gave its approval to the project at 714 Maple Ave. on Aug. 8. As part of the redevelopment, an existing building on the north side of the lot, which holds parking, would be maintained and renovated. A southern structure would be demolished and replaced with a 15-story edifice. The first three floors would include the wholesale flower market, parking, offices and restaurant space, and the upper 12 levels would hold 323 residential units (32 would be set aside as affordable housing). During the transformation, vendors would first be consolidated in the south building while the north one is improved, then in the north one while the new building is constructed. The project requires the approval of the City Council. No budget has been revealed. Previously, the developer said construction on the entire project would take three years.

Spring Street Park Gets Security Funds

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lmost since the moment it opened in 2013, there have been community con-

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cerns and complaints about maintenance and safety at the Spring Street Park. The city sought to address that last week. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the City Council approved a motion authored by 14th District Councilman José Huizar to allocate $150,000 to continue funding daily security at the Historic Core park. The money, which comes from the Council District Public Benefits Trust Fund, will pay for security services for the park at 426 S. Spring St. for a little more than a year. Past complaints have ranged from dogs being off leash in the children’s play area to seeing used needles on the ground.

According to Patti Berman, president of the nonprofit Friends of Spring Street Park, which raises money to supplement services provided by the city Department of Recreation and Parks, security at the park costs approximately $90,000 annually. Additional services, including events and cleanings, are funded through community benefits grants from area developers.

Hello Kitty, Haunted PopUps Coming to Downtown This Fall

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nother pair of multi-room immersive pop-up spaces are coming to Downtown Los Angeles, but don’t expect any similarities between the two. On Sept. 20, the “Friends Around the World Tour,” built around the ubiquitous, bubbly merchandising and cultural icon Hello Kitty, lands in a 10,000-square-foot space at La Plaza Vil-

AUGUST 19, 2019

lage at 555 N. Spring St. It runs through Oct. 20 and will feature rooms inspired by New York City, Tokyo, London, Paris and Honolulu. As with other pop-ups, this will be an Instagram-friendly spot with colorful, themed spaces. A visit also allows people to interact with Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters. Tickets start at $22 and are available at showclix.com. It’s the opposite end of the spectrum at Haus of Creep, a 75-minute multi-sensory experience that debuts at Row DTLA on Sept. 13. Organizers, who have mounted previous Creep L.A. haunted houses in Downtown, describe it as a “darkly satirical and terrifying send-up of social media-driven culture.” There are more than a dozen fright-oriented installations. It runs through Nov. 3. Tickets and information are at creepla.com

Electronic Music Festival Returning to Chinatown

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ast fall, a group of electronic artists took over a venue on the north end of Chinatown for the inaugural Secret Project music festival. It was enough of a success that it is coming back for a second year. Last week, organizers announced the line-up for the two-day event running Oct. 12-13 at 1756 Naud St. DJ and musician Four Tet headlines the sophomore effort. Also on the bill are DJs Ben UFO, DäM-FunK and Honey Dijon.

Two-day passes start at $139. Tickets went on sale last week. More information is at secretproject.com.

AUGUST 19, 2019

DOWNTOWN NEWS 3

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

A Tiny Corner of Nature in a Busy Neighborhood Privately Operated South Park Commons Provides Shade, Trees and Quiet in South Park

By Nicholas Slayton he park is tiny, measuring roughly a quarter-acre, but even at that size it is a noticeably quiet respite in bustling South Park. During the day people stop by to catch a moment of calm. Others use it as a shortcut between Grand Avenue and Margo Street.

The South Park Commons is a 13,000-square-foot open space at the base of the Aven apartment complex. Though created by developer Mack Real Estate Development as part of the project that debuted in January, the park at 1120 S. Grand Ave. is open to the public.

The South Park Commons was designed by landscape architecture firm Rios Clemente Hale and opened in May. It’s simple in scope, with a concrete path flanked by pockets of flowers and trees (both potted and not), as well as wood-paneled chairs and tables. Shade comes from the trees and the two tall buildings on either side of the space.

Mack Real Estate Development created the park in part to help the community, according to Kevin Lindquist, chief operating officer with the developer. He said that when the company purchased six lots in South Park in 2012 for $80 million, the idea was always to think on a larger scale. The park would benefit residents of the five buildings the developer intended to create (two are now open), as well as anyone else who lives or works in the area.

The community was immediately interested, according to Ellen Riotto, executive director of the South Park Business Improvement District. She said that early design meetings drew a heavy turnout, with people eager to get more open space in the area.

Lindquist said the early feedback had been positive.

“We know our residents enjoy it as an extra amenity

T

The quarter-acre South Park Commons was developed by the team behind the Aven residential development, but is open to the public. The design is heavy on seating and shade.

photo by Nicholas Slayton

space, but what we’ve heard from the community is that it gives something of an oasis in the city,” he said. “The thought was that it would be more of a passive park, to sit and take in the day.”

That appears to be how it is being used. People come and

go, sitting for a few minutes, often in the morning or at lunch.

Others zip in to take a phone call.

During a recent visit, the park was sparsely attended. Lupe Morales, who works in South Park, said that she was there on Continued on page 7

Explore one of the largest public art collections in the U.S. Take a free guided art tour led by volunteer docents in Metro stations.

Sonia Romero, detail of MacArthur Park, Urban Oasis at Westlake/MacArthur Park Station

19-3183eh ©2019 lacmta

See calendar of upcoming tours at metro.net/art.

4 DOWNTOWN NEWS

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EDITORIALS

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AUGUST 19, 2019

TAKE MY PICTURE GARY LEONARD

Too Many Scooters on Downtown Streets

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he status of scooters and other dockless devices is an often contentious issue in Los Angeles. It’s also an important one.

Discussion and debate occur citywide, with some of the most heated conversations playing out in Downtown. That’s because the vehicles have arrived here en masse. You can’t go a block without seeing a scooter or electric bike. Sometimes they stand single and stoic, waiting to be activated by a user with a smart phone. Other times they lie capsized in bunches, a cluttered heap blocking the right-of-way.

The city has been struggling to get its arms around the issue, and in the spring the Los Angeles Department of Transportation initiated a year-long pilot program in the effort to gather data and determine what works and what needs improvement. Give the department credit for taking this step. It is difficult but necessary, and ideally this sort of Wild West period will ultimately lead to stability and clear, consistent and enforceable rules.

The pilot program has many months to go, but one thing has already become apparent in Downtown Los Angeles: There are too many dockless devices here. The problem isn’t the ones being used, but rather the ones that are not. One commonly sees five or more scooters standing in a bunch on the sidewalk, brightly colored but doing nothing. There’s a sense of clutter even when they are lined up neatly in a row.

According to a recent article in Los Angeles Downtown News, by June 20,000 dockless vehicles had reached city streets, with 16,000 more permitted but yet to be deployed. More than 3,300 had been allocated to Downtown.

Even as this pilot period continues, we urge the LADOT and the dockless vehicle companies to look closely at their statistics and scale back the number of devices that have been deployed to the Central City. Maybe one day a large number of scooters and e-bikes will be constantly in use, but right now too many stand stagnant. Fewer should be on the streets. More can be added as usage increases.

Other issues also need addressing, and the companies themselves must do more to promote common sense and safety rules. Too many people ride scooters on the sidewalk, which is illegal. One also occasionally glimpses people riding double on devices that are intended for one person — it’s a stupid bit of consumer behavior, but sometimes consumers need to be trained and repeatedly reminded what is allowed and what constitutes responsible usage.

The dockless devices hold great potential and could keep large numbers of people from climbing into cars. They are a viable alternative for short trips, and can get mass transit users from a bus or train stop to their job or home. This includes destinations in Downtown L.A. Scooters and e-bikes may prove to be a valuable component in the future of Downtown mobility. But that is the future — right now they are just a small part of the solution, and there are too many devices on local streets. It’s time to look at limiting the supply until the demand picks up.

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LA Memorial Coliseum Restoration Celebration

DT

COMMENTS

Regarding the article “Peeling Back the Plaza: Food and Drink Options at Music Center Renovation Revealed,” by Sean P. Thomas Just what the County and the Music Center needed, a $41 million fix of what wasn’t broken. After the travesty that ripped out a dozen or more mature shade trees and a shaded lawn to give us Grand Park, you’d think they’d learn their lesson. But no, we need to throw good money after bad and create the new version of an Easy Bake Oven out of the plaza at the Music Center. What a waste.

—Donald Bruce Manes No matter what is done to make things better in Los Angeles there will always be complainers. This is money well spent and the finished product is absolutely beautiful. The whole Music Center area is becoming a worldclass destination. Grand Park is beautiful and maturing nicely. It’s also great that it’s become a hot spot for the 4th Of July, New Year’s Eve and many other festivals throughout the year. I can’t wait for the grand reopening.

—Paul Wright Regarding the editorial “Again, Los Angeles Needs a Homelessness CEO” We need a FEMA approach, not a “FEMA-like” approach.

EDITOR: Jon Regardie STAFF WRITERS: Nicholas Slayton, Sean P. Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Fassbender, Jeff Favre

August 15, 2019

This cannot be fixed locally. We need federal resources and we need them now. Several important people who know what they are doing have already insisted on this.

Why are we ignoring them?

—Tony Hoover Regarding the article “Updates, Designs Revealed for First and Broadway Park,” by Sean P. Thomas Yet another new park in the works that offers no basketball courts, tennis courts or handball courts. I don’t get it.

We have both the Lakers and Clippers, yet can’t put any courts in a park. Why another park to just sit around in?

I used to take my daughter to a park in Lakewood that offered all of the above, plus a swimming pool. Between Grand Park and this new park, you’d think they could have offered some recreation facilities.

—David Russell

Hey You! Speak Up! Downtown News wants to hear from people in the community. If you like, or dislike, a story or editorial, let us know. Or weigh in on something you feel is important to the community.

Participation is easy. Post a comment online at the bottom of any story, or go to downtownnews.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click the “Letter to the Editor” link. For guest opinion proposals, email regardie@downtownnews.com.

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 5

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Joe Buscaino Makes His Case As a City Councilman Riffs on Homelessness and Other Subjects, He May to Be Looking Toward the Future

By Jon Regardie t may turn out to be nothing, just remarks by a politician in a city replete with remarks by politicians. Then again, Councilman Joe Buscaino’s brief broadside directed at Los Angeles’ second-highest elected official may go down as a first, very early strike in what will ultimately be a whambam 2022 Los Angeles mayor’s race.

I

THE REGARDIE REPORT Buscaino’s sortie came at Los Angeles Downtown News’ party last month for the just-published Best Of Downtown issue. It was a Tuesday evening, and Buscaino stood to the side as City Attorney Mike Feuer addressed a crowd sipping post-work champagne and Mai Tais. Feuer, who has said he is considering running for mayor after Eric Garcetti is termed out (though the implications of a July FBI raid of the City Attorney’s office remain unknown) withstood the interruption of a heckler and lifted his voice. He connected with the room. He earned a hearty round of applause, then departed.

I don’t know what thoughts zipped through Buscaino’s mind in the brief period before he followed Feuer. The two have been on opposite sides of what is known as the Mitchell case, which concerns the possessions of homeless individuals; Feuer supported settling a lawsuit filed against the city, and while the agreement stanches a potential hefty pay-

out should the city lose, it also allows homeless individuals to keep more items on the sidewalks of Downtown. Many community groups were furious at the settlement and wanted the case taken to trial, risks be darned. Buscaino was one of just two council members, along with José Huizar, who voted against settling.

Los Angeles politicians rarely criticize each other in public, even obliquely. When it was Buscaino’s turn to speak, he chucked protocol.

Buscaino referenced the heckler. Then he mentioned Feuer before thundering, “He wants to settle homelessness. I want to solve it.”

And with that Buscaino was off, saying he was sorry he couldn’t get eight council votes to reject settling the Mitchell case. He picked up momentum and zipped into something that sounded like a stump speech. With his dress shirt untucked and his sleeves rolled up — council was in summer recess — he zoomed.

“I’m advocating for you because you deserve it,” Buscaino pronounced. “You’re living here, you’re investing here, and people are visiting here, and just call on me to be with you, and you know that you have a friend in City Hall, and what I’m going to do is to continue to fight for you, to restore our public safety, our public health, and our quality of life here in DTLA.” It was cliché central but it resonated, and the Continued on page 10

photo by Gary Leonard

City Councilman Joe Buscaino, whose 15th District includes San Pedro and other waterfront communities, won over a crowd at L.A. Downtown News’ Best Of Downtown party last month.

Many political observers believe that he will run for mayor in 2022, but the councilman professes that, “It’s way too early” to decide anything.

LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS

shing stories on the 47 years has been publi r fo d an , 72 19 in d t topics of he n News was launc . Although they were no nts ide res d an ers Los Angeles Downtow rk wo aries les years marijuana dispens to Downtown Los Ange t st en mo rec r in , tte ce ma t en ist tha s ex ’ ue iss n News four decades of Downtow conversation in the first the community. r fo d hurdles y matters ke be to n ow gr th, evolution, hiccups an ve ow ha gr e the g lin tai de , and cannabis us ics top ortedly regularly on the Downtown News has rep s: rie sto the try. Here are two of of the burgeoning indus This past April, Downtown News WEKEIDNG In June 2014, Downtown published “Competition and ConWHAC .A. News published “How Downfusion on the Cannabis Front,” exIN L town Came to Be Weedtown,” ploring how things had changed afrevealing how, unbeknownst ter state voters approved legalizing to many, the neighborhood recreational marijuana use. The stohad emerged as a hub for mery detailed the clash between shops dicinal marijuana sales, with with permits and those operating ilthe arrival of more than 30 dislegally, and chronicled the shifts and pensaries.

The story examined How Downtown challenges for everyone from police the growing industry and how Became Weedtown to business people in the industry. locals were trying to get their and between arms around it. nclude November 11, co ll wi s rie se ” ers att M News and topics Downtown The “Local Journalism s rie sto the of me so l will detai journalism to now and then this page state and importance of the t ou ab n tio ma or inf t r “Local has tackled, and presen king you to donate to ou as be ll wi we ue iss al that fin For more information or to make a donation, contact ur voice relevant local communities. For nation will help keep yo do ur Yo e. tur fea ial ec the L.A. Downtown News office at (213) 481-1448 or rk or live.

Journalism Matters” sp mmunity where you wo co n tow wn Do realpeople@downtown.com. the to and connected the ailey company dances into downtown Page 10

the ‘other lapd’ tackles public safety Page 11

APRIL 1, 2019 I VOL. 48 I #13

The L.A. Film Fest Returns | 17

Where to Watch the World Cup | 18

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With Cannabis Enforcement in Downtown, When One Illicit Business Gets Shut Down, Another Pops Up

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THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN L.A. SINCE 1972

Downtown Has More Than 30 Medical Marijuana Clinics and Delivery Services.What Happens Next?

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By Nicholas Slayton n the latest Homeless Count, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority found 1,492 women living in Skid Row, a 3% increase over the previous year. It is part of a situation that has been worsening for several years — according to the count, there are 10,845 homeless women in the city.

Now there is a bit of relief for women in Skid Row hoping to transition into permanent housing.

On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Downtown Women’s Center held an opening event for a bridge housing facility on San Pedro Street.

The 25-bed shelter occupies the DWC lobby and cafeteria each evening, with cots for women who have been screened, according to Lisa Watson, interim CEO for the DWC. The facility actually began operations on Aug. 7.

The space is part of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s A Bridge Home program, which intends to set up temporary transitional shelters across Los Angeles (four have opened to date). It is the second bridge housing site in Downtown, following the 45-bed space at El Pueblo which opened last September. “[The center is] a safe place for women to put their heads in at night, with meals and activities that help and heal and an understanding of who they are so we can get them the help they need to transform their lives,” Garcetti said at the opening event.

The DWC was founded in 1978 and serves an estimated 200 women a day in Skid Row, providing food, clothes and medical care to women. It also offers housing at two locations.

I

The new facility adds shelter to the mix. It is technically termed an “enhanced” bridge housing site in part because the staff is trained to deal with trauma and other issues women face while living on the streets, Watson said.

“All of our case managers are trained to be supportive in talking about trauma and looking at the roots of what the causation of the issue is, in order to give them the best support services,” Watson told Los Angeles Downtown News.

Due to the need to serve clients during the day, the beds are only set up from 5 p.m.-5 a.m. Women staying there are woken at 5 a.m., when they can shower and eat breakfast.

The space opens to the public at 6 a.m., and Watson said shelter residents can mingle with other women during the day.

The 25 women will reside each night in the shelter until they transition into permanent housing. Similar to other bridge housing spaces, there is storage for personal belongings, and hygiene facilities are available on-site.

Each resident is assigned a caseworker, who helps the women deal with health or addiction issues, and connects them with housing and other resources.

Watson said that it generally takes six to eight months to transition someone to permanent housing, but the aim of the new facility is to get residents moved in three months.

The DWC facility was funded in part by a $350,000 contribution from the city, with an additional $285,000 grant from financial firm Wells Fargo. The center is budgeting $60 per

AUGUST 19, 2019

woman per night, or $1,500 each night if it is at capacity.

Garcetti cited research saying that 90% of the women who live in Skid Row are current or past survivors of sexual or domestic violence.

“The triple morbidity — substance abuse, mental health problems, physical health problems — you talk to some of the women here, that can just be too overwhelming to deal with,” Garcetti said.

The DWC facility responds specifically to the surrounding neighborhood. According to the LAHSA count, 834 women live unsheltered on Skid Row. The idea behind bridge housing is to get people living in tent encampments or other locations into housing near where they are staying. Once they begin receiving services, the goal becomes moving them to permanent supportive housing, possibly into residential units being funded in part through Proposition HHH funds, approved by city voters in 2016.

No housing funded by Prop HHH has opened yet. However, at the DWC event 13th District City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, chair of the council’s Homelessness and Poverty committee, said that 1,300 HHH-funded units will come online in the next 12 months.

Watson acknowledged that, given the homelessness crisis on Skid Row and throughout L.A. County, 25 beds is not much. She said that the DWC is working on more long-term options, but while those are being developed, the center had an opportunity to take immediate action. nicholas@downtownnews.com

PARK, 3 her lunch break, and that it was nice to have a new green space in the area.

“There’s some construction noise nearby, sure, but it’s really mostly quiet,” she said.

Lindquist said that shade and seating were priorities in designing the space, so the development team added mature greenery instead of saplings. At the same time, seating was arranged on the edges of the paseo to avoid a feeling of clutter.

Privately developed parks can benefit the general public, according to Esther Margulies, director of the Master Landscape Program at the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture (Margulies worked on the initial entitlements for Aven and the park while with the firm AECOM, but left the project before Rios Clemente Hale designed the space). She said there is a greenspace deficit in South Park, and that while the South Park Commons is compact, the developer approached it from the lens of how it would benefit the public, and not just residents.

“I think every bit of open space, if it truly behaves like open space, is a benefit and of value to the people in South Park and the city of L.A. in general,” she said.

The park is open daily from 6 a.m.-7 p.m., with fences and entrances that are locked after hours. There are security cameras that can monitor activity in the park. Neither dogs nor drones are allowed.

Riotto said that even with the limited space, the development team has provided some essential elements for the area.

“As far as the landscaping, they did a fantastic job with the color palette and shade,” Riotto said. “Part of the challenge of living in urban Los Angeles is the lack of shade, and both given how the park is situated, but also the trees chosen, it contributes to the livability of the neighborhood.”

Lindquist expects the space will serve community events. It recently hosted the graduation for students from the Metro Charter Elementary School. He said that in the coming months, the team at Aven will increase programming.

South Park Commons is at 1120 S. Grand Ave. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 7

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AUGUST 19, 2019

Restaurant Buzz New Features at Dodger Stadium, More Coffee Spots and Some Korean-Japanese Flair in the Downtown Food Scene

By Sean P. Thomas ostmates to the Plate: There are few things worse than going to Dodger Stadium and seeing that game-tying home run on a tiny monitor because you’re stuck in an inning-long concession line. Now, in a why-didn’t-they-think-of-this-before? move, fans can skip the wait by using a new pickup option launched by Postmates and the Dodgers on Aug. 7. For the rest of the season, those sitting on the top deck can use a smart phone app to place an order through Postmates Live; you’ll be notified via text message when the food is ready for pickup at a nearby location. “Having the opportunity to bring our mission to enable anyone to have anything on-demand to Dodger Stadium is extremely exciting for us,” Bastian Lehmann, co-founder and CEO of Postmates, said in a prepared statement. According to a press release, no added fees will be added to the order. There will be a full stadium roll-out in the 2020 season.

At 1000 Vin Scully Ave. or losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com.

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Planting the Flag: Downtown has a plethora of places to get a cup of coffee, but if you ask Restaurant Buzz, there is no such thing as too many caffeine haunts. Verve Coffee Roast-

ers, known for its large, airy spot on Spring Street in the Fashion District, is adding to the pot in a big way this week. On Friday, Aug. 23, the new 7,000-square-foot Roastery Del Sur is scheduled to open in the Arts District.

The space, described as Verve’s new Southern California flagship, will combine a roaster, a 110-seat restaurant and a cafe. Chef Mario Tolentino, who previously worked at San Francisco’s Curio Bar SF and The Market, will helm the kitchen. The Roastery will also sell beverages. Roastery Del Sur will be open daily from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Coming to 500 Mateo St. Keep it KoJa: The chain KoJa Kitchen, which has exploded across Northern California over the past five years, is opening its first Los Angeles restaurant. An opening was scheduled for Friday, Aug. 16 (after Downtown News went to press), for a spot on Seventh Street in the Financial District. KoJa Kitchen specializes in its eponymous KoJa sandwiches, burger-like dishes with a Korean and Japanese flair (hence the KoJa name). The sandwiches come in various styles and proteins, including the Beef KoJa and the Chicken KoJa. They are served between a lightly fried garlic rice bun and there is an assortment of toppings and sauces. There are also bowls, tacos, salads

photo by Jon Regardie

KoJa Kitchen opened its first Los Angeles restaurant on Friday, Aug. 16. The Seventh Street restaurant specializes in a burger-like dish called the KoJa.

and a selection of sides. KoJa began as a food truck in San Francisco in 2011 and opened its first brick and mortar spot three years later.

There are 13 locations in Northern California.

At 611 W. Seventh St., (213) 265-7579 or kojakitchen.com.

Something for Summer: Chef Daniel Shemtob is rolling out a fresh summer menu at The Bloc’s Hatch Yakitori + Bar. New entree options at the Japanese restaurant include the Furikake Salmon, a filet cooked with a furikake crust, rested on a bed of Japanese sweet potato wasabi mash; skirt steak, served with pickled onions and spicy shiso sauce; and Miso Pork Spare Ribs, slow cooked with miso

caramel, seasoned with a spice blend, and topped with green onion. “Less is more in Japanese cuisine,” Shemtob said in a prepared statement. “It is all about discovering the harmony of flavors within a minimalist experience.” Hours and a full menu are at hatchyakitori.com.

At 700 W. Seventh St., (213) 282-9070 or Hatchyakitori.com.

Corner Closure: After a little more than a year, Corner Cantina has closed. The Financial District bar this month posted a notice on its website that it was shutting down. Corner Cantina, at Sixth and Hope streets, began as the Sixth Street Tavern in 2013. After five years, the Ar-

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Shirley Chung has been tapped as the first chef in Abernethy’s emerging chef’s program. Chung will bring a Chineseinspired menu to the restaurant opening at the newly renovated Music Center Plaza.

There will be a new head chef at the restaurant every quarter.

photo courtesy Music Center

tisanal Brewers Collective, which scooped up ACME Hospitality’s Downtown properties in 2018, made a change, refashioning the space as a California/Mexican-focused establishment. An email to ABC was not returned last week.

Adding to Abernethy’s: Downtown is just a few weeks away from the grand reveal of the Music Center’s $41 million plaza overhaul. That will include a collection of new eating and drinking spots.

Last week, additional details about the full-service restaurant Abernethy’s were unveiled. It will open on Sept. 5, and different chefs will helm the kitchen each quarter, each bringing his or her own unique menu. The Music Center announced on Thursday, Aug. 15, that Shirley Chung, who currently runs Ms

Chi Café in Culver City, will start the rotation. Her menu will invoke her Beijing heritage, with dishes such as handmade dumplings, Beijing lamb belly and her Bowl of Hugs soup. Additional chefs on the rotation include Geter Atienza of Broken Spanish, Ryan Constanza, executive chef at Freedmans Restaurant, and Jason Fullilove, chef and owner of Barbara Jean. The 125-seat restaurant has both indoor and patio seating, and architects Rios Clementi Hale’s design utilizes a neutral palette of muted grays, greens and blues. Abernethy’s will be open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Coming to 220 N. Hope St., (213) 927-8088 or abernethysLA.com.

Have any juicy food and beverage news? Send over any tips to sean@downtownnews.com.

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Jail Plan Shifts to Mental Health Facility

By Sean P. Thomas he County Board of Supervisors last week voted to scrap the $1.7 billion Men’s Central Jail Replacement Project in favor of a facility that will focus on mental health treatment.

Supervisors voted on Tuesday, Aug. 13, to end a contract with McCarthy Building Companies, which in 2018 was hired to design a replacement for the aged and dilapidated Men’s Central Jail on Bauchet Street.

The original plan was to raze and replace the jail with the Consolidated Correctional Treatment Facility, a 3,300-bed complex.

However, in February the board changed direction, electing to pursue a plan that focuses on addressing and treating the estimated nearly 70% of jail inmates who suffer from a mental illness.

First District Supervisor Hilda Solis, who authored the motion alongside Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, said in a prepared statement that the county must focus on a “care

T

first, jail last” model.

According to a report from the Department of Public Works, the contract with McCarthy had to be canceled to meet the “care first” directive.

“Before we move forward with building an expensive new jail, we must address the mental and physical health needs of our jail population, many of whom can be safely diverted to community-based treatment facilities, which have better outcomes, and thereby increase public safety,” Solis said. “Today’s cancellation of the McCarthy contract creates an opportunity to begin to move in a new direction, toward this ‘care first, jail last’ model, by first collecting essential data and greater community input.”

The new complex is expected to be a ring of small hospitals with a focus on rehabilitation, and would be overseen by the Department of Health Services. No designs, budget or timeline have been revealed. sean@downtownnews.com

10 DOWNTOWN NEWS

BUSCAINO, 5 crowd reacted with enthusiasm — Buscaino won the room. When I caught up to him 20 minutes later he sported a huge grin.

“You sounded like someone who’s running for mayor,” I remarked, and Buscaino gave a huge open-mouthed faux-shocked expression. He appeared both proud of what he had said, and amazed that he’d said it.

‘Way Too Early’ So is Buscaino running for mayor? Many local political observers believe he is, though two weeks after the Best of Downtown event, when he appeared at a luncheon at The Palm hosted by the Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum, he wouldn’t cop to it.

“It’s way too early,” he said when asked about a potential candidacy. “I do know that in 2022 there will be a host of candidates. I’m just focused right now on continuing to deliver for my district and my main goal is to solve homelessness in my district right now. So I’m not committing to any one particular office.”

That’s the answer he is supposed to give, and if Buscaino has ambitions of following Garcetti, you can’t blame him for playing it close to the vest. It’d be goofy to announce a mayoral campaign in the heat of early August, two-and-half years before the primary.

Still, if you gawk at political tea leaves, there are indicators that the former LAPD senior lead officer has mayoral thoughts. At the Palm luncheon he mentioned that he is look-

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

ing at authoring a parks bond for the 2020 ballot, and if there’s a surefire way to curry favor with voters, it’s to establish a record of being proactive on creating green space. The only thing that polls better than being in favor of parks is being in favor of puppies.

Buscaino also mentioned that he is slated to be the next president of the National League of Cities (he’s currently first vice president of the body) and though most people have never heard of the organization, it’s a post that fits on a political resume.

Buscaino spent the first 20 minutes of the Palm luncheon detailing his accomplishments since taking office in 2012. It was rote stuff, and though he mentioned infrastructure, public safety and keeping human jobs amid robot-powered automation at the Port of Los Angeles, it felt like he was going through the paces. He lacked flair.

Then he switched topics.

Flip the Switch Watching Buscaino grow animated when he began talking about homelessness made me wonder if someone had crept up and flipped a secret switch between his shoulder blades, or if his iced tea had been spiked with pure adrenaline. He eyes flashed and his voice rose. Game on.

In front of the crowd of about 55 power players, Buscaino referenced the trio of emergency shelters now being built in his district and detailed the NIMBYism he encountered when pushing safe parking zones and other projects. His own emotion turned into a boulder rolling downhill and he became

AUGUST 19, 2019

even more alive; he referenced how others might criticize him, even if no one in the room was actually doing it.

“You can’t tell me I’m not compassionate about this issue,” he declared. “So don’t give me that nonsense, of ‘he’s a former cop. Not compassionate. He wants to get rid of the homeless.’ No. As I mentioned earlier, our own service providers cannot reach these souls.”

Buscaino’s display didn’t seem to be for show. Ironically, one of the few other local politicians I’ve seen get this intense when discussing homelessness has been Feuer; I’ve watched him seethe at a press conference about the “dumping” of a homeless patient by a hospital, and I’ve heard the City Attorney detail a lengthy list of thoughtful initiatives his office has undertaken to address myriad elements of the homelessness crisis. Buscaino and Feuer may stand on opposite sides of Mitchell, but they’re both deeply invested in combatting homelessness and have been more solutions-oriented than many politicians.

If Buscaino wants to be mayor, the big question may be, will enough people care?

Few outside his 15th District know him, and the thin membrane that connects his home base of San Pedro with the bulk of Los Angeles further removes him from the public mindset. He’s adept with social media and his office has crafted some sharp videos, but I’d wager that most Angelenos can’t pronounce his name (not his first name; “Joe” is pretty easy). I’d also wager that if you men-

tioned San Pedro without any context, at least 54% of registered voters would think it is a standalone city and not part of L.A. If Buscaino runs, he’ll likely face a stacked field. In addition to Feuer, many expect powerful County Supervisor and Eighth District City Council candidate Mark Ridley-Thomas to run. There’s also an expectation that former state Senate President Kevin de Lèon will run for mayor if he wins his current quest for the 14th District City Council seat. Everyone will be watching mall master Rick Caruso to see if he jumps into the race.

The point is, there are a lot of players who could gobble up a voting bloc. Buscaino’s path could be difficult, and winning San Pedro won’t propel him into the runoff.

Then again, the primary is not until March 2022, and anything can happen. That’s precisely why you don’t declare your intentions this early.

One can also ask, is mayor his best next step? There may not be a better gig in city government, but given his deep law enforcement background and community connections, Buscaino could theoretically swing for L.A. County Sheriff in 2022. Alex Villanueva has been a roller coaster since being elected last year and the local political establishment will be desperately looking for a viable alternative to get behind. The charismatic Buscaino could be that person.

At this point, Joe Buscaino is a guy to watch. Time and politics will tell if he’s more than that. regardie@downtownnews.com

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 11

RESIDENTIAL LIVING

photo courtesy Berkshire

An interior of a unit at The Met Lofts.

Bringing Bunker Hill To New Heights 255 Grand and Museum Tower Get Top-to-Bottom Remodels, Complete With New Amenities

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he building 255 Grand, previously known as Grand Promenade, a Goldrich Kest apartment community, is in the final phase of a multi-million dollar renovation. It is located in prestigious Bunker Hill, the go-to neighborhood for fine dining, world-class museums, upFROM OUR ADVERTISERS

scale hotels, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. 255 Grand is in immediate proximity to attractions such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Museum of Contemporary Art and The Broad.

With breathtaking views, oversized balconies and spacious floor plans, the 391unit high-rise property includes studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 480 to 1,335 square feet. Renovated apartments include Whirlpool appliances, quartz countertops, deep soaking tubs and Moen faucets.

Enjoy the highest quality living experience at the all-new 255 Grand “Sky Level.”

The 26th and 27th floors feature exclusive, premium finishes and enhanced amenities to complement some of the best views in L.A. Sky Level residents also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, cable and parking.

255 Grand features a host of amenities

for residents, including a Wi-Fi lounge with a gourmet kitchen, theater, a 2,400-squarefoot fitness center, yoga studio and a meeting room. Outdoor amenities include a modern pool deck with heated pool, spa, fireplaces, barbecues and lush landscaping.

More practical details include a laundry lounge with laundry alert, concierge service, on-site restaurants, dry-cleaning and a 24-hour staffed lobby.

With the 255 Grand renovations nearing an end, Goldrich Kest and Shapell Industries have already begun work on their next marquee property: Museum Tower. It is also located in Bunker Hill, just steps from MOCA, Grand Central Market and historic Angels Flight.

Nadel Architects, with the help of APT Design Studio, have reimagined Museum Tower with an emphasis on artistic design.

An elegant, 24-hour attended lobby with modern finishes welcomes residents. The ground floor also is home to a new fitness and cardio studio featuring Life Fitness equipment, a Freedom Climber and Well Beats on-demand classes. The third floor hosts a resident lounge and library, a theater and a modern pool deck with heated pool, spa, fireplaces, gourmet BBQs and

cabanas. The amenities are set to open soon.

Museum Tower’s 212 studio, one- and two-bedroom residences come complete with high-speed Internet, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and private balconies. Museum Tower is now leasing some of these fully remodeled residences.

The 20th floor holds five ultra-luxury penthouse residences, where no expense or detail have been spared. The residences feature GE Monogram appliances and the latest

in smart home technology.

Museum Tower is taking things to the next level with an all-new rooftop amenity deck, which will offer panoramic views in a modern, relaxing indoor/outdoor setting.

Whether an enthusiast of the arts or a professional looking to ditch the commute, Museum Tower offers the perfect Downtown retreat.

For more information about 255 Grand, call the on-site leasing office at (213) 2299777 or Museum Tower at (213) 626-1500.

12 DOWNTOWN NEWS

AUGUST 19, 2019

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Meet Model Residence 1107

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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

A Glimpse Inside the Luxurious Metropolis

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odel 1107 at the Metropolis project is inspired by the glittering streets of DTLA, showcasing a bold color palette and an array of contemporary pieces. The spacious open concept one-bedroom home is perfect for hosting game night with fresh homemade pizzas straight from your oven. If a quiet FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

night is more of what you are after, there is a space tucked away from the city where you can get lost in your favorite book.

Outfitted with luxury finishes and high-quality design details, Residence 1107 features top-of-the-line brands including Miele appliances, quartz countertops, European oak flooring, Nest thermostats, Hansgrohe plumbing fixtures and custom window shades.

Metropolis’ resident-only resort-style amenities include

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a 1.5-acre deck complete with a heated outdoor pool, spa, cabanas, dog park, children’s park and an outdoor pavilion with a chef ’s exhibition kitchen. Indoor amenities include a game room and clubhouse, business center, world-class fitness center with indoor/outdoor yoga room and more. Whatever you are looking for, Metropolis has it.

Studio, one- and two-bedroom residences range from 482 to 3,534 square feet and are priced from $489,000 to $2 million-plus.

The Metropolis sales gallery is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday noon-6 p.m. at 877 S. Francisco St., Suite C-6, (213) 493-5555 or MetropolisLosAngeles.com.

AUGUST 19, 2019

RESIDENTIAL LIVING

DOWNTOWN NEWS 13

AN URBAN OASIS IN THE HEART OF THE CITY METROPOLIS RESIDENTS ENJOY CONVENIENCE AND EASE OF ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION, SHOPPING, WORLD-CLASS DINING & ENTERTAINMENT JUST OUTSIDE THEIR DOOR. RESORT-STYLE AMENITIES INCLUDE 1.5-acre Sky park | Owner’s club house | Resort style pool & spa with cabanas State-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio | Billiard & screening rooms | Wellness garden Dog park & children’s play area | 24/7 Lobby Ambassadors & Security | Business center | 21st floor roof terrace Schedule your private tour to take-in DTLA from a new point of view and experience Metropolis’ generously appointed studio, one- and two-bedroom homes starting from $489,000 Sales Gallery Hours Mon-Sat 10-6 | Sun 12-6 | Furnished Models 877 South Francisco Street, Suite C-6, Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.493.5555 | MetropolisLosAngeles.com The information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. Owner makes no representations for variances in units that may include but are not limited to views, exposure to light including any existing or future construction by either Owner or a third party, finishes for the final product as well as items depicted in photography and/or renderings. Floor plans and finishes are subject to change and square footage measurements are approximate and may be based on various measurement methodologies, subject to construction variances and tolerances, and may vary from floor to floor. Pricing is subject to change without notice. No real estate broker or agent is authorized to make any representations or other statements regarding the residences or the project, and no agreements with deposits paid or other arrangements shall bind the developer. Owner reserves the right to make changes in accordance with terms of the Offering Plan and applicable laws and regulations. Obtain the Property Report or its equivalent by Federal and State Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal or State agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Real Estate Consulting, Sales and Marketing by Polaris Pacific – a licensed California, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington Broker. CA DRE #01499250. 8/2019 LA Downtown News Best of Ad 7.16.19_Art File.indd 1

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14 DOWNTOWN NEWS

The Finest in Architectural Salvage Olde Good Things Has Unique Items From Prestigious Buildings

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This includes the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and the Flatiron Building in New York City, the JL Hudson Building in Detroit and Elvis Presley’s Ellis Auditorium in Memphis. The list goes on and on.

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People who live at Berkshire don’t have to settle for less. Berkshire goes above and beyond to make sure that customers have everything they need. Essentials (available at select locations) include a stateof-the-art fitness center, a resort-style swimming pool with sundeck and an interactive resident lounge.

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AUGUST 19, 2019

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 15

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16 DOWNTOWN NEWS

photos courtesy DTLA Proud

DT

AUGUST 19, 2019

CALENDAR

A Triple

Dose of

Pride

Three-Day Celebration of LGBTQ Culture Returns to Pershing Square

By Sean P. Thomas few years ago a group of Downtown Los Angeles activists and stakeholders noticed a problem.

Despite having a vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ population, Downtown lacked a gathering akin to the pride festivals held annually across the nation in June.

Thus sprouted the DTLA Proud Festival, scheduled for August so as not to conflict with other activities and to give people a respite from June Pride month. Since that first day-long Central City event in 2016, it has blossomed into a three-day celebration of LGBTQ culture in the heart of Downtown.

The slate of performances, artists and more kicks off at Pershing Square on Friday, Aug. 23, with a free all-ages, no alcohol day. It ratchets up on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 for the weekend.

Festival organizers say that 15,000 people showed up last year, and they are preparing for growth. They anticipate that 20,000 people will flock to Pershing Square over the three days.

Oliver Alpuche, the festival founder and president of the nonprofit behind the event, said that the goal is not only to celebrate and feature performers, but also to support those launching businesses in Downtown.

“We really wanted to make sure that with this festival, yes it’s a time to celebrate, but it’s also time to support your local community,” Alpuche said. “Our stage performances are geared to local artists, and we took a step forward and looked at entrepreneurs and asked, how do we give them a platform?”

A

That is addressed in a section known as The Marketplace. The festival will close off a portion of Hill Street for a 20-vendor space that focuses on LGBTQ-friendly entrepreneurs.

Participants will include Round2 LA, a clothing store at 605 S. Los Angeles St., as well as Pocket Square Clothing, a boutique men’s clothing brand on Seventh Street. Other businesses include one selling CBD products and another that focuses on spiritual healing goods.

The Hill Street space will also hold a food court filled with approximately 16 food trucks.

Eric Solis, the festival’s co-founder, said organizers made the decision to try to bring together as many facets of the LGBTQ community as possible, whether someone who works in the apparel industry, or someone who operates a food truck.

“We try to bring together an otherwise disjointed and disconnected community into one cohesive experience where our attendees can really get a sense of our community and the scale of our community,” Solis said.

Take the Stage While the entrepreneurial spirit will draw eyes and dollars, most of the action will be geared toward the festival’s main stage. The lineup includes a colorful array of singers, bands, performers and speakers.

Cheer LA, a local adult cheerleading organization, is scheduled to perform, as is Judas Joe Manson, a drag queen who specializes in impersonating Lady Gaga.

Abhora, one of the 10 contestants to

compete on the second season of the Canadian show “Boulet Brothers Dragula,” is also expected to bring his unique brand to the Pershing Square stage. Expect plenty of horror movie-inspired garb.

Solis said he is particularly interested in seeing Mrs. Shalae, a Beyoncé impersonator and community activist.

“When she performs, you really think that Beyoncé is on stage,” Solis said.

He added that the weekend also marks the return of Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, the world’s first LGBTQ mariachi band. The group has performed at the last two installments of DTLA Proud and always draws an enthusiastic response.

Alpuche said that the performance lineup is deeply diverse.

“It’s a full spectrum of talent that represents different aspects of our community,” Alpuche said.

Also returning for the third time is Summertramp, a 20,000-square-foot water park in the southern portion of Pershing Square. Created by DTLA Proud co-founder Andres Rigal, it started as its own standalone event to bring a bit of the beach to Downtown Los Angeles.

The park features a collection of waterslides, pools and water guns that allow people to cool down in the summer heat.

DJs provide the soundtrack.

Looking to the Future While the DTLA Proud organizers are busy getting ready for the big crowds and the weekend’s slate of activities, they are also looking to the future. Solis said that the organization’s board of directors has begun exploring how DTLA Proud can become a year-round organization.

One avenue the board is exploring is creating a LGBTQ community center in Downtown.

“There is a missing link, especially in the Downtown neighborhood, to have a space that isn’t necessarily a bar, nor a festival, where the community can work together,” Solis said.

While the center is in the early stage, possible elements include everything from a cafe to providing services for counseling and financial advice. Possibilities under discussion also include a nonprofit incubator, conference room and theater.

To help achieve that goal, Solis said that proceeds from the DTLA Proud festival will go toward the project. The aim is to begin work on it next summer, with potential temporary space in the Fashion District. The idea is eventually to find a permanent home in Downtown.

There’s another change that organizers are getting ready for: 2019 will mark the last year that the festival will take place at Pershing Square. Solis said that due to the event’s growing size and popularity, in 2020 they may look to move to Grand Park, or another larger venue.

Solis said that the growth is testament to the demand for a celebration like DTLA Proud.

“It is just pure jubilation,” Solis said. “You can really see the happiness on everyone’s faces, and you can see just how strong, how visible and how proud our community is to celebrate in one space.”

DTLA Proud runs Friday-Saturday, Aug. 23-25, at Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St. or dtlaproud.org. sean@downtownnews.com

AUGUST 19, 2019

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DOWNTOWN NEWS 17

Theater of the Black Experience

By Nicholas Slayton or a quarter century, the Robey Theatre Company has been staging plays that examine the black experience in America.

Now it is celebrating its 25th anniversary by revisiting past highlights, and also providing a first look at a new work developed in and based on Los Angeles.

This weekend, the Robey Theatre Company presents its third Paul Robeson Theatre Festival. It takes place on Friday-Sunday, Aug. 23-25, at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in the Historic Core.

Last year, the festival named for the performer and activist focused on works inspired

by Harlem and its influence on Central Avenue, the historic and cultural hub of Los Angeles’ black community; the street had its heyday in the jazz age.

This year, the focus shifts to work the company has presented. The festival is titled “Awakening the Past, Present and Future: A Retrospective.”

“We have selected scenes from several of the past productions, some through archival tape, as well as recreating some of the productions live, in five- to eight-minute stagings,” said Ben Guillory, co-founder and producing artistic director of the company.

Before the jump to the past, the company

F

is capitalizing on the present. Friday at 8 p.m. brings the first staged reading of The Queen of Los Angeles.

Written by Oscar Arguello, Kurt Maxey, Melvin Ishmael Johnson and Julie Taiwo Oni, the play has been in the works for two years. Directed by Bernadette Speakes, it is a drama that follows a woman with supernatural abilities over the course of more than a century around Southern California.

Although the play is fictional, the Robey Theatre Company spent months interviewing members of the Los Angeles African-American community about family history and their time in the city. The playwrights used elements from those conversations to inform and guide the work.

Queen of Los Angeles was shaped in house, according to DiSmith, the company’s office and theater manager. She added that it was developed through its creative workshops.

“Almost everyone that’s a part of this are people who came out of the acting workshops,” Smith said. “We intermingle with the playwrights lab. They learn, develop and grow from each other.”

To the Past The Robey Theatre Company got its start in 1994, and was co-founded by Guillory and actor Continued on page 19

The Downtownbased Robey Theatre Company this weekend presents its third Paul Robeson Theatre Festival. The lineup includes a performance of scenes from past shows, including The Emperor’s Last Performance (top) and The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel.

photo by Ed Krieger

photo by Tomoko Matsushita

Robey Theatre Company Marks Its 25th Anniversary With Pieces From the Past, and a New Work

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The

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21 Bar Wrestling Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd. or bootlegtheater.com.

8 p.m.: See Joey Ryan and more duke it out in the ring… in a bar. This month’s theme is “Don’t Talk to Me Until I’ve Had My Coffee.” Do we get it? No. Will it likely be a wild physical showcase? Yes. THURSDAY, AUG. 22 Tea and Letter Writing to the Future Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org.

5 p.m.: An afternoon of tea drinking also serves as an opportunity to write a message to future residents of Little Tokyo.

SATURDAY, AUG. 24 Retro Roller Rink Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St. or unionstationla.com.

12 p.m.: Roller disco? Roller disco! Enjoy a 3,200-square-foot rink and test your moves. It continues on Sunday.

SUNDAY, AUG. 25 The Thing in the Labyrinth – a Horror Book Club Last Bookstore, 453 S. Spring St., (213) 488-0599 or lastbookstorela.com.

9:30 p.m.: This month, sit under a dimly lit chandelier in a dark bookstore and discuss Helen Oyeyemi’s “White Is for Witching.”

This week, the transit hub Union Station becomes a place to…wait for it… roller skate, as its ticket concourse will transform into a retro roller rink. The Skate, Rattle and Roll event, which takes place on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 24-25, offers an opportunity to lace up those four-wheelers and glide around a 3,200-squarefoot rink smack in the middle of the station. DJs will spin a playlist of grooves from the ’70s and ’80s, and if you’re concerned about looking like a newborn deer, the L.A. Roller Girls will offer tips and tricks for rookie skaters.

The rink is open noon-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 in advance and $10 at the door for a one-hour session. You can bring your own skates or get them there. At 800 N. Alameda St. or unionstationla.com/happenings.

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ROCK, POP & JAZZ

5 OFF $

Some of the unsung heroes of television work in the costume department. Designers and their teams help immerse viewers in the world of the show by stitching together convincing and genre-appropriate garb. Check out some of the best work in the field during the opening week of the 13th Art of Television Costume Design exhibition, which is back at the FIDM Museum. The South Park exhibit features costumes from shows including “Game of Thrones,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Black-ish” and “Good Omens.” The free exhibit opens on Tuesday, Aug. 20, and is on view Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It runs through Oct. 26.

At 919 S. Grand Ave. or fidmmuseum.org.

If you’ve ever caught a string of concerts by your favorite musical acts, then you might have Jerry Weintraub to thank. The concert promoter (shown here with the Carpenters) helped revolutionize the concert industry by being the first to organize and book a string of large arena tours — artists he has worked with include Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. The Grammy Museum is paying homage to the mover and shaker with a new exhibit, Jerry Weintraub Presents. It offers an inside look at how Weintraub and his Management 3 company took concerts out of the theaters and clubs, and into stadiums. The exhibit launched last week and runs through December. At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.

The inaugural Los Angeles International Choir Festival concludes this week with a rendition of Verdi’s “Requiem” by The Dream Orchestra. Kicking off at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, the Dream Orchestra, helmed by Daniel Suk, will be joined by a collection of guests including the Opera Chorus of Los Angeles and the Learners Chorus of Hong Kong. Heads up: A Choir Festival community concert will take place at the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall on Saturday at 7 p.m. At 555 W. Temple St. or dreamorchestra.org.

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photo courtesy The Dream Orchestra

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photo courtesy Union Station

photo courtesy FIDM Museum

1720 1720 E. 16th St. or 1720.la.

Aug. 21: Two Fingers is like Two Chainz, at least in terms of having a similar name.

Blue Whale 123 Astronaut E.S. Onizuka St. Suite 301, (213) 620-0908 or bluewhalemusic.com.

Aug. 19: Jason Fabus plays a birthday concert. Bring him a cake. And candles. And a birthday pony.

Aug. 20: Logan Kane also apparently has a birthday. Get that second pony.

Aug. 21: Ted Case Presents.

Aug. 22: Kenny Washington with the Josh Nelson Band.

Aug. 23: Jonathan Pinson Group.

Aug. 24: Michael Ragonese Group.

Aug. 25: Night one of Guinga and Monica Salmaso’s twonight run.

Bootleg Bar 2220 Beverly Blvd., (213) 389-3856 or bootlegtheater.org.

Aug. 19: A.O. Gerber keeps the folk music coming.

Aug. 20: Noah Harmon and friends.

Continued on page 19

LUNCH

1

BY Sean P. Thomas

photo courtesy Grammy Museum

CALENDAR LISTINGS

AUGUST 19, 2019

If you’re looking for something completely different, this week you can sip some tea and pen a thought-out letter to the future residents of Little Tokyo. Just head to the plaza in front of the Japanese American National Museum from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, to share tea and write letters alongside Little Tokyo +LAB Artist-in-Residence Traci Kato-Kiriyama, and artist and tea enthusiast Linda Wei. Tea and material will be provided free of charge, and there is no cost to participate.

If you feel inclined, you can read your letter aloud. Prompts will be provided if the creative juices refuse to flow. Tea & Letter Writing to the Future also takes place on Aug. 29. At 100 N. Central Ave., (213) 625-0414 or janm.org/events.

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

photo courtesy JANM

18 DOWNTOWN NEWS

AUGUST 19, 2019

LISTINGS, 18 Aug. 22: Hillbilly-tinged Tennessee rock and roll courtesy of Blackfoot Gypsies.

Aug. 23: Storied Japanese alt-rock group Shonen Knife is back in L.A. and the band can still shred.

Aug. 24: Ethereal Austin-based indie pop from Molly Burch.

Aug. 25: Grunge meets shoegaze with Draag. The band has a song called “Your Better Half Is Dead,” to give you a sense of its style.

Exchange LA 618 S. Spring St., (213) 627-8070 or exchangela.com.

Aug. 23: Nitti Gritti.

Moroccan Lounge 901 E. First St., (213) 395-0610 or themoroccan.com.

Aug. 19: Royal & The Serpent, Sophie Strauss, Enjune.

Aug. 21: Hablot Brown has that groovy neo-soul sound.

Aug. 22: Phil Hartunian plays ironic folk music under the name Follies. So if you dig Father John Misty and are not baffled by that idea, go for it.

Aug. 23: Pacific Northwest rocker Kyle Craft is back, and backed by the band Showboat Honey.

Aug. 24: Synth punk and indie pop collide in danceable sounds from the excellently named Gone Sugar Die. Then there’s an ’80s live band karaoke show.

Aug. 25: L.A. Drones, Programmed for Pleasure, Magic Wands, Blood Candy, and Tangients are all contenders for band name of the week.

Resident 428 S. Hewitt St. or residentdtla.com.

Aug. 20: Argonaut & Wasp, Boy Willows, Honeycraft.

Aug. 22: Nebula with Sasquatch.

Aug. 24: It’s a night of hip-hop from 2000-2010. Relive the recent past!

ROBEY, 17 Danny Glover; the moniker came from a nickname for Robeson. The company regularly stages works at the LATC. Some of those works will be revisited when the company restages or otherwise shows scenes from 20 past performances.

That will be done rapid fire, with quick transitions, according to Smith.

The goal, she added, is not to re-create plays from the past, but to emphasize the power of the text and the actors’ ability to bring the drama to life.

Per formances are on Saturday at

Seven Grand 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0736 or sevengrandbars.com/la.

Aug. 19: Michael Starr, back in a bar, you can watch him from afar, as long as you are also in the bar.

Aug. 20: The Makers have returned from the Iowa State Fair, and are full of deep fried food and political fervor.

Aug. 21: Joe Kincaid & the Soul Brothers.

Aug. 22: The Racket Squad possibly is in the waste management business.

Aug. 23: The Big Chiefs.

Aug. 24: Midnight Blues Revue.

Aug. 25: California Feetwarmers.

The Redwood 316 W. Second St., (213) 680-2600 or theredwoodbar.com.

Aug. 20: The Flourescents, The Turnouts, The Grapevines, It’s Butter, Caleb Trask.

Aug. 21: Edges, Earth Is a Death Star (Los Angeles Downtown News cannot confirm this), Todavia, Shiro.

Aug. 22: Frankie and the Studs, The Girls, The Drained.

Aug. 23: The Hangmen have a record release show, with The Cornfed Project, Beggars & Choosers, and DJ Johnny Witmer.

Aug. 24: Hot Laundry, Bodegas, The Rippertons, Thee Heartomatics, DJ Emily Strange.

Aug. 25: The Graylings, The Vandoliers, New Elvis.

The Regent 448 S. Main St., (323) 284-5727 or spacelandpresents.com.

Aug. 20: Gondwana is on “The Lion’s Tour,” which is hardcore.

Aug. 21-22: Two nights of Homeshake.

Aug. 24: Ceremony is back with their first album in four years.

The Smell 247 S. Main St. in the alley between Spring and Main or thesmell.org.

2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The scenes come from works such as Philip Kan Gotanda’s Yohen, Randy Moss’ Birdland Blue, Clare Coss’ Dr. DuBois and Miss Ovington, and Tim Toyama and Aaron Woolfolk’s Bronzeville. The works will be backed by live music.

In some cases, certain actors wanted to reprise roles but could not make it to Downtown this weekend, so the performances will feature archive video. Guillory will direct a few of the live scenes and act in some others.

Guillory and Smith acknowledged that after a quarter century, it was hard to narrow down which plays to select for the fes-

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Aug. 23: Hotbrothers, Rick N Dick, Thank You Congratulations, Rocket 9.

Aug. 24: Sin + Passion, Sad Park, Mexican Slum Rats, Delete Insert.

Teragram Ballroom 1234 W. Seventh St. or teragramballroom.com.

Aug. 21: Local rockers Vista Kicks, with Aging Actress and Honyock.

Aug. 23: Embrace the strangeness as rocker Ty Segall continues his residency, playing new album “First Taste” and the wonderfully named “Goodbye Bread.”

Aug. 24: Slumberjack gets points for puns.

Aug. 25: Composer and singer Azam Ali.

THEATER & DANCE

Paul Robeson Theatre Festival Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St. or thelatc.org.

Aug. 23-25: The Robey Theatre Company’s biennial celebration of black theater returns. This weekend sees the debut of a new work, “The Queen of Los Angeles,” plus screenings and restagings of scenes from the company’s 25-year history.

See story on page 17.

FILM

Alamo Drafthouse 700 W. Seventh St. or drafthouse.com/los-angeles.

Through Aug. 25: 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (1, 3:30, 6:15 and 9:05 p.m.); Blinded By The Light (1:20, 4:25, 6:30 and 9:35 p.m.); Cold Case Hammarskjold (12:20, 3:35, 6:45 and 10 p.m.); Good Boys (1:40, 3:50, 7:30 and 10:10 p.m.); Ready or Not (6 and 9 p.m.); Luce (1, 4:15, 7:15 and 10:10 p.m.); Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (12:50, 3:50, 6 and

tival. They ultimately chose works that they felt best exemplified the black experience, and have a strong social commentary.

“It’s about what the Robey Theatre is about. Paul Robeson, his social consciousness guides the theater company’s choices in everything we do,” Guillory said.

“That may sound like getting on a soapbox, but boy do we avoid that. It needs to have a social consciousness, but it needs to be theater.”

He pointed to Levy Lee Simon’s The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel, which has a strong comedic streak. He also mentioned Birdland Blue, which the company recently staged. The play is not a musical, Guillory

tion of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et. seq. Business and Professions Code).

Pub. 7/29, 8/5, 8/12 and 8/19.

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9:35 p.m.); The Amazing Jonathan Documentary (3:20 and 7 p.m.); The Nightingale (12:35 p.m.); Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (12 and 3:40 p.m.); Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (1:25, 4, 5:15, 7:45 and 8:40 p.m.); The Farewell (12:35, 2:55, 5:40 and 8:30 p.m.); Where’d You Go, Bernadette? (12, 3, 6:45 and 9:45 p.m.).

Downtown Independent 251 S. Main St., (213) 617-1033 or downtownindependent.com.

Aug. 19-22: Four young women have a wild two days as summer dies down in Low Low. IMAX California Science Center, 700 State Drive, (213) 7442019 or californiasciencecenter.org.

Dogs can do more than just slobber over your shoes. Check out all of their unique abilities in Superpower Dogs 3D.

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.

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said, but since it deals with Miles Davis and John Coltrane, it uses a lot of music.

“I wish we could do everything with this festival, but there’s only so much time,” he added.

There’s another element of the festival.

On Sunday at 12:30 p.m., there will be a discussion that explores the current state of black-focused theater in Los Angeles and what themes playwrights are exploring. The event is free, but a reservation is required.

The Paul Robeson Festival is Friday-Sunday, Aug. 23-25, at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St. or robeytheatrecompany.org. nicholas@downtownnews.com

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Sat, Jan 18 The Theatre at Ace Hotel

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