LA Downtown News 04-06-2019

APRIL 13, 2020 I VOL. 49 I #15

Stitching to save lives Urth CaffĂŠ to feed LAPD officers Page 5

Ziply delivering donations to food banks Page 6

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By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Garcetti orders nonmedical essential workers to wear face coverings

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ayor Eric Garcetti issued an emergency order that required many workers providing nonmedical essential services to wear face coverings while at work starting April 10.

The order—which also requires customers at grocery stores and many other essential businesses to wear face coverings—adds a new layer of protection for Angelenos in the fight against COVID-19.

“We need to protect every worker on the front lines of this crisis,” Garcetti said. “Each one of us is a first responder in this emergency. Every employer should keep employees safe, and so should Angelenos patronizing these businesses. Cover up. Keep your distance. Save lives. It’s that simple.”

Under the mayor’s emergency order, employers of many nonmedical essential businesses must either provide workers with cloth face coverings that shield their noses and mouths or reimburse employees for their cost. Essential businesses must also implement physical distancing measures for employees, customers and visitors; make sure employees have access to a clean and sanitary restroom, stocked with all necessary

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cleansing products like soap and sanitizer; and allow employees to wash their hands at least every 30 minutes.

Nonmedical essential businesses described in the order will be allowed to refuse service to customers who do not wear face coverings.

The order also recommends that, whenever possible, businesses install plexiglass barriers between cashiers and customers.

On April 8, Garcetti said he was closing parks to the public from Saturday, April 11, to the morning of Monday, April 13, ahead of Easter Sunday.

He hoped the move would encourage Angelenos to remain in their homes at a critical moment in the fight against COVID-19.

“I know this is a time of the year when many of our families and friends celebrate Easter by getting together outdoors—and we just can’t take any chances right now,” Garcetti said. “The holidays are special moments in our lives, but we’re all safer at home.

Let’s create new memories and traditions this year, so that we can flatten the curve, save lives, and look forward to seeing each other again when it’s safe.”

Currently, trailheads, recreation centers and all city park amenities are closed—with parks open only for walking or jogging.

Info: coronavirus.lacity.org

12 LACFD personnel confirmed as COVID-19 positive

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os Angeles County Fire Department officials tested 32 personnel for COVID-19. Of those, 12 LACFD staff were

Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an emergency order that required many workers providing nonmedical essential services to wear face coverings while at work starting April 10.

Photo courtesy city of Los Angeles

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APRIL 13, 2020

positive as of April 7.

“The Los Angeles County Fire Department continues on a daily basis to monitor our most important commodity: our employees,” Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby said.

“We have put into place a number of processes and stood up systems to help assess, monitor, test and treat our first responders that have been exposed and tested positive for COVID-19 so that they can recover and return to work.

22 new deaths related to coronavirus

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he Los Angeles County Department of Public has confirmed 22 new deaths and 550 new cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Twenty-one of the people who died had underlying health conditions and 16 people were over the age of 65. Six people who died were between the ages of 41 and 65 years old and one of these individuals did not have underlying health conditions. Over the last 48 hours, there have been 970 new cases.

To date, Public Health has identified 6,910 cases across all areas of LA County, including 169 deaths. As of April 7, 1,510 people who tested positive for COVID-19 (22% of positive cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness. Testing capacity continues to increase in LA County, with more than 35,000 individuals tested and 14% of people testing positive.

“We extend our condolences to every family member and friend of a loved one lost to COVID-19,” Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said. “Adapting to life at home can be challenging, causing feelings of isolation and stress. Please continue to connect with friends and family, and show kindness and compassion for the people in your life.”

Public Health is asking the general public to wear nonmedical cloth face coverings when interacting with others while obtaining or providing essential supplies and services. Members of the general public should use a clean face covering anytime they will be in contact with other people who are not household members in public or private spaces. N95 and surgical masks should only be used by health care workers, first responders, essential workers providing care for people who are ill, and people who are ill.

Info: publichealth.lacounty.gov

Adventist Health acquires Blue Zones

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dventist Health acquired Blue Zones, which takes takes a systemic and environmental approach to improving the health of entire cities and communities. The organization’s work in over 50 communities across America has been credited with double-digit drops in obesity, smoking and body mass index, achieving millions of dollars of savings in health care costs.

Adventist Health’s move comes at a time when public attention is focused on coronavirus. Post-pandemic, a focus on improving and strengthening community and public health will be critical as communities across the nation and globe navigate recovery.

“Adventist Health has always believed in creating environments of belonging and easy access to healthy lifestyles, and we also know that the future of health care goes beyond the role of traditional hospitals by investing in our communities to improve people’s overall well-being,” Adventist Health President and CEO Scott Reiner said. “Adventist Health’s work with Blue Zones represents the future of health care and is a major component of our plan to redefine the role of health organizations across America and strengthens our commitment to inspiring health, wholeness and hope.” Blue Zones infuses healthy choices, enhances connections, instills purpose and fuels hope to impact communities where people live, work and play.

This includes leveraging the Blue Zones Power9 lessons of longevity through a comprehensive model for transformational change called the Life Radius, a focus on people, places and policy. Rather than relying solely on individual behavior change, Blue Zones focuses on optimizing environments to improve health by design.

“Blue Zones is proud to pioneer the advancement of the health of entire cities by systematically improving living environments so the healthy choice is the easy choice,” said Dan Buettner, Blue Zones founder and National Geographic fellow and explorer.

“Adventist Health shares our values and its vision for community well-being aligns perfectly with our work. We believe that Blue Zones can have an even bigger impact as part of a strong and proven health organization.”

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Yikon Global settles with city over at-home COVID-19 tests

By Kacey Wilson he Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office reached a settlement with a company that allegedly advertised and sold at-home COVID-19 testing kits that lack U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

Doing business as Yikon Global, California-based Yikon Genomics Inc. was marketing the test kits on its website and social media platforms for $39, said Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer in an April 6 press conference.

Yikon agreed to a settlement that would force the company to end its advertisements for the test kits and provide full refunds to customers, Feuer said.

Although the FDA has not authorized any at-home tests for detecting COVID-19, Yikon shared a Twitter post that stated its test kits were FDA approved, Feuer explained.

According to court documents, the defendants claimed that their testing kit can be used to confidently screen for the presence of “antibodies in the bloodstream, making it possible to detect current or recent viral infections of COVID-19.”

The company claims no kits were actually delivered to customers, but it’s unclear how many were sold. Feuer emphasized the danger related to distributing tests of

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this kind. Because at-home tests are not yet FDA approved, a sick person could get a false result and then unknowingly expose others to the virus.

According to a statement made by the FDA, these fraudulent tests may also keep some patients from seeking care or delay necessary health treatment.

Feuer said Yikon is not the only company attempting to sell non-FDA approved athome tests for coronavirus. The city attorney’s office is conducting more investigations into companies making similar claims.

For example, Feuer’s office dealt with a company that advertised vitamin C as a treatment for the coronavirus. The company immediately removed its claims from its website after the City Attorney’s Office contacted it.

Feuer also stressed Los Angeles is offering free testing for COVID-19 throughout the city to eligible individuals.

Feuer encourages anyone who believes they are a victim of a COVID-19 scam of any kind—via price gouging or a misleading claim—to contact the attorney’s office directly by emailing lacityattorney.org/covid19 or by calling 213-978-8070.

Other recent issues mentioned at the April 6 press conference included the strict enforce-

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Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer’s office reached a settlement with a company that allegedly advertised and sold at-home COVID-19 testing kits that lack U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

Photo courtesy LA City Attorney’s Office

ment of closures of nonessential businesses.

Feuer explained that the city’s prosecution team is taking this enforcement seriously. First, the team educates any nonessential businesses that allegedly remained open. Then, if the business still does not shut down, the Los Angeles Police Department

gives the business a warning. If the business still remains open, legal action can result; four misdemeanor prosecutions have already been filed.

“We need each other to abide by these rules. The city’s future depends on each of us abiding by these rules,” Feuer said.

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EDITORIAL

APRIL 13, 2020

SMITH’S OPINION

Covered California will help

By Covered California hese are unprecedented and challenging times for the nation and the state of California, as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has altered the course of our lives for the foreseeable future.

As job loss claims hit record highs, more and more Californians will be dealing with a loss of income and their health insurance coverage. Covered California and Medi-Cal are providing a path to coverage for those affected by this pandemic.

Covered California recently announced a special-enrollment period related to the crisis. Anyone who meets Covered California’s eligibility requirements, which are like those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, can sign up for coverage from now through June 30.

“The goal is to have as many people covered as possible to ensure they have access to vitally needed health care,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California.

“This is the right thing to do, and we want to make sure no one is left behind in California during this pandemic.”

Those signing up through Covered California will have access to private health insurance plans with monthly premiums that may be lowered due to federal subsidies and new state financial help that became effective in 2020. Once a plan is chosen, coverage begins on the first of the following month—meaning individuals losing job-based coverage will not face a gap in coverage.

That was the case for Jose Gonzalez Fernandez. The 60-year-old Bay Area resident

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lost his construction job and health insurance at the end of February, but in March he heard on the local news that Covered California’s special-enrollment period would apply to his circumstances.

“I have always had health insurance through my union,” Gonzalez Fernandez said.

“It was scary to think that I would not be able to go to the doctor if I got sick or if I catch the coronavirus. I can’t imagine getting sick, not having health insurance and not having money to pay for the medicine and medical services. That truly is scary.”

Gonzalez Fernandez is thrilled to be enrolled in Covered California plan for just $2 a month for him and his wife, Luz. “The best thing ever is that I get to keep my same coverage. I get to keep my doctors.”

Also, consumers who sign up through CoveredCA.com may find out that they are eligible for no-cost or low-cost coverage through

Restaurants are open—and essential during pandemic

By Todd Graves Founder Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers n light of the most recent updates regarding COVID-19, several cities and states have issued a stay-at-home mandate, and more will continue to do so in the days ahead.

So, what does that mean for restaurants?

Shout it from the rooftops: Restaurants are open.

During local stay-at-home mandates, many citizens don’t realize that they can leave their houses for essential needs from essential businesses. But what exactly is an “essential” business? Technically, it’s up to cities and states to decide, but there are some businesses that all locales have deemed essential.

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Some of these include restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, banks and veterinary clinics.

Yes, restaurants have been deemed essential businesses by the executive office of the United States, so they can remain open for curbside pickup, delivery (in-house and third party) and drive-thru.

While every restaurant should be doubling down on health and safety, and held to a high standard when it comes to practicing proper social distancing, they are also providing a critical service during this challenging time.

Restaurants like Raising Cane’s, where our drive-thru business remains brisk, are feeding citizens from coast to coast throughout this unprecedented crisis.

Medi-Cal, for which they can enroll online.

Those eligible for Medi-Cal can have coverage that is immediately effective, because California has put a 90-day hold on Medi-Cal renewal reviews, ensuring those already enrolled can continue their coverage and freeing up resources to quickly process the expected new enrollments.

All medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 is free of charge. This includes telehealth or doctor’s office visits as well as network emergency room or urgent care visits, when necessary for the purpose of screening and testing for COVID-19. In addition, Medi-Cal covers costs associated with COVID-19 in both its managed care plans and with fees for service providers. Covered California health plans will help cover costs that arise from any required treatment or hospitalization.

In addition, all health plans offered through Covered California and by Medi-Cal will provide telehealth options for enrollees,

giving individuals the ability to connect with a health care professional by phone or video without having to personally visit a doctor’s office or hospital.

“A core part of our mission is improving access to high-quality health care, and that has never been more important than it is right now in California,” Lee said. “Covered California will help you find a path to the coverage you need for you and your family.”

Consumers can easily find out if they are eligible Medi-Cal or other forms of financial help and see which plans are available in their area by using the CoveredCA.com Shop and Compare Tool and entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage.

To enroll in Covered California or Medi-Cal health plans, call 1-800-300-1506 or visit CoveredCA.com.

Grocery stores are already struggling to keep up with demand, and average citizens are not in a financial position to buy excessive groceries or to stockpile their freezers and pantries for a drawn-out lockdown. Many Americans also don’t have the time to prepare three meals a day. In addition, more than half of all food spending is made at restaurants. That means restaurants are more essential than ever.

Prior to COVID-19, the restaurant industry had 15.6 million employees serving customers from more than 1 million restaurants across the country. The National Restaurant Association predicts 5 to 7 million of those jobs could be lost over the next three months. We are all doing everything we can to keep our workers employed, so we’re counting on our communities to partner with us in the days and weeks ahead. I’m proud that Raising Cane’s has retained all of our Continued on page 11

Photo courtesy Raising Cane’s

APRIL 13, 2020

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Urth Caffé set to feed LAPD

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski hallom and Jilla Berkman of Urth Caffé are thankful for the first responders who helped protect their restaurant when it moved into Downtown near Skid Row. In a time when the LAPD is facing COVID-19, the Berkmans are raising funds for their Feed Our First Responders lunch program for the Central Station located on Skid Row through April 19.

Guests will be invited to donate any dollar amount that will be matched by Urth Caffé to provide Urth Box Lunches to the police officers. The goal is to raise enough money to pay for 250 boxes.

The idea came about after Urth Caffé fed 200 Cedars Sinai emergency room workers.

“We decided to do more,” Shallom said.

“There are 100 officers in the morning and 100 in the p.m. shift. It turns out they have the most amount of COVID infections, yet they continue to protect and serve the community.

“It’s great to give back and let the community show their appreciation and feed officers in the hardest hit parts of our neighborhoods.”

Each Urth Caffé Lunch Box is prepared with the finest, freshest ingredients sourced direct from many local, organic, sustainable farms as possible, he added.

Valued at $15, lunches include a choice of grilled chicken pesto sandwich, albacore tuna salad sandwich, sprout sandwich with avocado and hummus (vegan), grilled vegetable sandwich or chicken curry sandwich, along with Urth cookies (organic oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip pecan cookies) and a fresh, hand-cut, seasonal fruit cup.

The public can call the restaurant at 213797-4534 to donate or visit urthcaffe.com.

The restaurant is located at 459 S. Hewitt Street, Los Angeles.

“We’re just happy we’re open and we’re able to stay open and serve the community even though it’s just takeout and delivery,”

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Jilla and Shallom Berkman are raising funds for their Feed Our First Responders lunch program.

Photo courtesy David Sand

Shallom said. “We’re blessed to be alive and to be a part of this service and the fight.”

To stave off the virus, the staff is wearing face masks and gloves, and using “a lot of sanitizer.”

“We’re sanitizing every surface before and after deliveries,” he said. “We’re very vigilant about that. I think, in a sense, my staff members who cook the food and deliver the food are brave.

“I’m appreciative for that and for them going out there every day. Same with the LAPD. The chief says there are 14 infections there. They’re really doing the good work serving and protecting with this danger out there. We want to get out there and get them some good food.”

Since 1989, Urth Caffé has built its reputation roasting its own exclusively heirloom, organic coffees and offering hand-selected fine teas.

“Back in the ’80s, we met a coffee farmer in Peru who decided to grow certified organic coffee with fair trade,” Shallom said.

“We started by only roasting organic coffee.

Over the years we expanded the menu and now we bake all kinds of amazing breads

Enjoy an unforgettable homegrown dining experience for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

and pastries and desserts and have a full menu, I think we’re still famous for our heirloom, organic coffee. It really is the best.”

The cafés—in Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Dubai as well—offer inspired, health-conscious cuisine focused on direct relationships with family farms, sustainable ingredients and being organic when possible.

The Downtown café opened in 2008.

“It was one of the first businesses in that part of the art district,” he said. “It was practically Skid Row. It’s now our busiest branch and most successful. I have a lot of gratitude for the police officers. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

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APRIL 13, 2020

BUSINESS

System of a Down bassist expands cannabis empire east

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ystem of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian doesn’t do things halfway.

Chalk it up to the number 22.

“The number 22 has been an ‘angel number’ for me,” Odadjian said. “It keeps me driven. The number 22 has been a part of me since birth. I was born on April 22. I was married May 22. I was 22 when System got picked up (by a record label).

“Recently, I realized my two boys, who are 8 and 6, are exactly two years and 22 days apart.”

When he founded his cannabis company, it only made sense to include “22” in the name.

He needed to pair it with another word— “red” came to mind.

“I’ve always had synesthesia,” Odadjian said about perceiving letters and numbers with colors. “The red comes naturally. I didn’t know everyone wasn’t always like that.”

Since Odadjian founded 22Red, it has sold proprietary strains and premium cannabis with a commitment to consumer education.

22Red recently expanded to Arizona and will start selling in Las Vegas in May. It’s available throughout Los Angeles and the state.

“I never want to do something I’m not good at,” said Odadjian, a 26-year smoker.

“I’ve tried so many different things. I know I’m a good leader and I can put a great team together.

“I’ve learned how to do that and make something successful. When you have a good

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team, you can be successful. I have learned to delegate, but I’m 45 and I’m growing up through 22Red. I’m still learning about myself.

I learned what I’m good at—being creativity and execution. If I say I’m going to do something, I have to complete it.”

The company was conceived under the notion that “cannabis is more than a plant, but a means to honor the creative minds inside us,” according to its mission statement.

It launched with prerolls of Church 22, a strain that smells like frankincense he hadn’t smoked for about 20 years. Church 22 remains, along with Mimosa 22, Caramel Gelato and the heavy 22 OG. Odadjian later added THC vape cartridges—OG Kush, strawberry banana and watermelon, and the same flavors in disposable.

Marrying music, fashion, cannabis and wellness in one space, Odadjian is ushering in a new era of lifestyle branding. He recently developed a line of clothing that is minimalistic and wearable.

“Before we were doing cannabis, my best friend from fifth grade and I were going to do a clothing brand. You know, streetwear,” he said. “Cool, limited drops. It was natural for us to do that.

“Our third partner has been growing in LA for about 15 years. When it got legal, I started thinking about doing something amazing.

“I didn’t know he was an amazing grower. I was like, ‘Wow.’ My mouth was open. I couldn’t believe it. Everything is automated.

LA courier service offering free delivery to food banks

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski he Los Angeles-based on-demand, same-day delivery service Ziply will transport donations to local food banks throughout the region for free.

“In an effort to help those in need during these hard times, we will do our part to help our community,” said Barry Dadon, co-founder of the 24/7 app-based messenger service, which launched in 2015.

“I believe if we can give in our hardest times, then we can overcome anything.

Please spread the word to help get food to the hungry.”

Food banks throughout the greater Los Angeles area, some of which feed 4,000 people a month, are in dire need of supplies.

“We have clients coming out of our ears, and the lack of food is alarming,” said Debbie

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Decker, executive director of the West Valley Food Pantry in Woodland Hills. “We have seniors in need and hourly employees who are frightened because they don’t know when their next paycheck is coming. People are really scared. Anything anyone can donate will be given out immediately. Our storage units are empty.”

General manager Matthew Kimel said this effort is accomplished with heart.

“There are people who can’t afford to eat,” Kimel said. “We want to do our part to help them.”

Food banks accept any noncooked or unopened goods. High-demand foods include canned meat, tuna and peanut butter. Toiletries are also accepted.

In light of coronavirus, Ziply has recently started offering noncontact deliveries, where

Since Shavo Odadjian founded 22Red, it has sold proprietary strains and premium cannabis with a commitment to consumer education.

Photo courtesy Robiee Ziegler

He designed things nobody else has. He’s a consultant now. I said, ‘Why don’t we make it a whole encompassing LA lifestyle brand?’ We can have apparel, cannabis and music. It’s a cool lifestyle deal.”

There will always be music, though. Before the pandemic, Odadjian was slated to introduce North Kingsley, a “work in progress” for the last year and a half, with fellow musicians Ray Hawthorne and Saro Paparian.

“It’s a cool music project,” Odadjian said.

“The genre happened in the studio from scratch.”

He says it’s layered with his bass, a guitar, a 4/4 beat and trap.

“Our singer raps. He’s not talking about

paper plates,” he said. “He’s socially and politically aware. There are a lot of thought-provoking issues. It just organically happened.

The music is ready to go, but with the pandemic, we may hold off. We were going to do constant drops of music so there’s always something new coming at you. There’s video clips for every song.”

In line with 22Red, there will be merch.

“I’m a fan of clothing and apparel,” Odadjian said. “I want clothing that’s especially comfortable and won’t die out after the third wash. It’s going to be exclusive. It’s not a just wear and show off the band’s name. I’m a creature of habit. If I have this new hoodie, I’ll be living in it for the next month.”

users can request shipments to be left at the door and have drivers complete signature confirmations themselves without a recipient having to touch their phone.

Ziply is also waiving its 20% service fee if senders need to deliver food or supplies to a

loved one or elderly person in need.

To start donating to local food banks today, visit goziply.com. If you would like to assist in the delivery efforts or help donate to the cause, email support@goziply.com.

Ziply general manager Matthew Kimel heads out on a delivery for a nonprofit food bank.

Photo courtesy Ziply

APRIL 13, 2020

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Andrea Romero is the founder of Sakura Marketing, a DTLA-based agency that specializes in social media marketing, public relations and branding.

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Sakura Marketing client Calavera Burrito Co. is known for serving homestyle Mexican food in a fast-casual environment.

Photo courtesy Sakura Marketing

Photo courtesy Calavera Burrito Co.

Sakura Marketing strategizing for clients

By Kamala Kirk he COVID-19 outbreak has impacted businesses around the world, forcing many to temporarily close their doors, lay off employees and think of new ways to do business.

Sakura Marketing, a digital agency in DTLA that offers social media marketing and public relations services, has responded to the pandemic by doubling down on the importance of digital strategy to help clients.

“The coronavirus has affected our company and clients in so many ways,” Sakura Marketing founder Andrea Romero said.

“The virus has really brought light to the importance of being able to adapt and pivot quickly, the need for a strong digital strategy, along with the importance of a healthy mindset to move forward accordingly without any attachments to what was.”

Sakura Marketing has lost a few clients that closed or limited their operations. The majority of its client base—including Desuar Spa, Calavera Burrito Co., Le Petit Paris and The Spring Arcade—has pivoted with the changes.

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“My biggest advice for businesses right now is to leave the discomfort behind and adapt quickly,” Romero said. “Address your digital marketing and launch a digital product as soon as possible. Use technology and creativity to your favor along with social media ads, because everyone is online. Don’t be led by fear—there’s an opportunity to gain if you’re fearless and proactive.”

Romero and her team are discussing a larger scope of work with current clients to strengthen digital strategy with social media, marketing and emails. They’ve been offering complimentary digital strategy sessions to business owners who would like to discuss potential avenues of opportunity.

“Our PR side remains strong as media opportunities increase during times like these, giving companies the opportunity to make a difference with ‘feel good’ stories and new products,” Romero said.

“We address what kind of voice to take, as it may feel like there is a lack of consideration for current times, yet it’s an opportunity to be authentic. We’re doing our best to support our clients that have been direct-

ly impacted. Even if operations are down, working now means you’ll hit the ground running once we’re all up and going again.”

For brick-and-mortar clients, Sakura Marketing sent ideas for digitized products and services that could be online or ways to use virtual sales calls and look books for future orders. For fitness trainers, it sent offers and ideas for group virtual workouts. It created simplified menus for restaurant clients that weren’t heavily relying on delivery before the pandemic.

“We didn’t wait to be asked—we saw where things were going and went ahead and had it ready for approval,” Romero said.

As for spas, it has created a digital service and encouraged the use of social media and advertising on it.

“Right now, so many businesses need to communicate with their customers, as it’s their only platform,” Romero said. “We believe this is a time for many businesses to plan email marketing campaigns and online offers where possible. All you need is internet, work ethic and a laptop. It’s important to remain active and not view quarantine

time as a time to rest. Business needs to take place no matter what.”

Romero and her team are also educating clients on statistics reported by entities such as Forbes that show how companies and business owners that continue to invest in marketing during tough times are two to three times more successful in the long run.

“Marketing is essential during good times and an absolute must during bad times,” Romero said. “The costs are much lower as well and the need for creativity is greater.

Not investing in the future and new territories of business can be detrimental. In some cases, the pandemic just put pressure on already-weak infrastructures of companies that were not investing in the future and larger scopes of marketing. After the pandemic ends, we will continue our digital journey and share that passion with many more clients to come.”

Info: sakuramarketingfirm.com

8 DOWNTOWN NEWS

Downtown duo stitching to save lives

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ndrew Cheung and Rodolfo Ramirez do not need to promote their brand Pocket Square Clothing.

Their attention to detail at their Downtown shop that sells men’s accessories speaks for itself. Now, the 31-yearold former USC roommates are championing a different cause—protecting health care workers on the COVID-19 front lines in California.

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Andrew Cheung, pictured, and Rodolfo Ramirez’s company Pocket Square Clothing is manufacturing cloth masks.

APRIL 13, 2020

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The $14 blue plaid COVID-19, nonmedical grade mask has elastic ear straps, an adjustable nose wire and an insertable filter pocket.

The duo repurposed their factory, Top Hand Manufacturing, to make fabric masks—first for Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles and Northern California—after hearing government officials plead for help.

“We’re answering the call,” Cheung said.

Ramirez and Cheung reached out to Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office and were greenlighted to start production the first week of April. Last week, they went into full production mode as part of LA Protects, an initiative through Garcetti and the city of Los Angeles to organize local manufacturers to make 5 million nonmedical masks.

“The first masks we’re going to produce are going to be donated to hospitals and really people in need,” Ramirez said. “We’ve been getting a ton of support from our clients and people who heard about what we’re trying to do.

“There are quite a few individuals who wanted masks for personal use.

Our primary objective is to donate as many possible. We have two hospitals in need of a few thousand—Kaiser Permanente in LA and Northern California. Those are the two we identified immediately. Each one requested at least 1,000.”

Ramirez estimated the factory can produce at least 5,000 masks a week.

The medical grade masks should be left to the health care workers, he added. That leaves millions of Americans and frontline essential workers exposed to the virus.

While looking for donations, Pocket Square Clothing is also selling one mask for $14. A pack of five LA Protects masks is $25 and 250 is $1,000. The LA Protects mask was developed by Kaiser Permanente for the city.

“We’ve launched presales for our LA Protects masks based on specifications developed by Kaiser Permanente as well as our PSC Unity Mask we designed to include an adjustable nose and filter insert,” Cheung said. “These are available individually and in packs for pre-ordering and for donations through our website.

“You can join in on this fight today by donating masks through our website or support us by spreading the word. Every mask purchase will help fund our efforts to donate masks to health care providers and essential workers on the front lines while providing living wages and supporting LA

manufacturing. Please stay at home.”

The Unity Mask is 100% cotton and nonmedical-grade, with elastic ear straps, an adjustable nose wire and insertable filter pocket. Cheung said it blocks 80% to 99% of virus-sized particles.

Every mask purchase goes to donating more masks to front-liners and organizations in need.

“We have hospitals and organizations requesting thousands of mask donations from us, so every donation and purchase counts,” Cheung said.

“We’ll worry about what our finances are later,” Ramirez said.

At the factory, the staff is following the mandate to stand 6 feet apart and staggering the shifts.

“We’re figuring out the best practice,” Cheung said.

Pocket Square Clothing was established in 2011 as a men’s accessory brand by Cheung and Ramirez, who had no formal fashion training but the passion for the industry.

They started with a bow tie and expanded to menswear staples and made-to-measure suiting and shirting.

“We specialize in custom suits and accessories,” Ramirez said. “Our retail shop is multibranded with 20 to 30 different brands and designers. We’ve aligned with many LA-based designers that we support.”

In 2019, Ramirez and Cheung acquired the 50-year-old formal accessories, hospitality uniform and apparel manufacturer Top Hand Manufacturing to ensure the production of their Los Angeles-made ties, pocket squares, bow ties and clothing.

The prices are reasonable: $26 for pocket squares; $56 for ties and bow ties; $150 for custom shirts and $850 for custom suits.

“Pocket Square Clothing is almost 9 years old and we couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Ramirez said.

“We’re redirecting our efforts into producing masks to face this invisible virus,” Cheung added.

Pocket Square Clothing pocketsquareclothing.com

10 DOWNTOWN NEWS

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APRIL 13, 2020

Every class ends with positive affirmations designed to keep participants’ spirits high and fresh.

Photo courtesy Kids in the Spotlight

A playback from the film “Exemplary” of an actress who was shy and nervous in the audition process but found her love for acting and got her nerves out.

Photo courtesy Kids in the Spotlight

Foster children empowered through filmmaking

By Kamala Kirk n any given day, there are nearly 443,000 children in the foster care system—each with their own story to tell. Kids in the Spotlight (KITS) is a unique nonprofit organization that offers a platform for foster youth to share their stories via filmmaking, helping them to heal from past trauma while paving the way for a better future.

KITS was created in 2009 by Tige Charity, who became inspired after visiting an all-girls group home.

“My husband was part of a theater company that had been invited to teach an acting class at the group home,” said Charity, who serves as executive director. “After the class, the director of the volunteer program at the group home invited us to tour the facility, and that experience cracked my heart wide open.”

After being laid off from her corporate job two years later, Charity remembered the experience she had at the group home—and the vision for KITS was born. Prior to working as an insurance claims specialist, Charity was an independent casting director. Using her entertainment industry experience, along with the help of friends and family, she created a platform to train underserved youth how to write, cast and star in their own short films.

“Right now, our organization is mobile, so we travel to the group homes and set up our workshops there,” Charity said.

“We are community partners with NBC and Warner Brothers, and some classes are held on their studio lots. We are currently working to build a production studio that will serve as a creative space for our youth to make independent films, and a place where filmmakers and television studios can rent space from us for their projects as well as employ our youth.”

The program is offered year-round and classes are taught by instructors with industry experience. It includes five weeks of screenwriting, three weeks of acting, one week of casting and rehearsal, and one full day of production, with an optional five weeks of editing at the end. KITS is open to all foster youth between the ages of 12 to 22 and is limited

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to 15 participants per program. To date, approximately 500 youth have participated.

“With our 12- to 17-year-olds, they live in a group home and the administrators of the group home select the participants,” Charity explained.

“For our 18- to 22-year-olds, it’s first come, first serve. We want the best of the best but also the worst of the worst. The Kids in the Spotlight program gives foster youth a way to work through their trauma, and that means opening our door to all.”

More than 80 films have been produced since the program’s inception and screened at film festivals around the country. Participants have created a wide variety of projects, ranging from horror and drama films to rom-coms and documentaries.

“Cyverius” is a sci-fi short script about a global pandemic that was made in 2019 by a group of kids living in Hillsides Group Home in Pasadena. The film debuted for a packed audience at Paramount Studios last November.

“No one could have imagined just how relevant, timely and important this film would become less than a year later,” Charity said. “A good story like ‘Cyverius’ can motivate people to take action and help ensure the well-being of others. Over the coming months, we will be asked to think of others before we think of ourselves. We must recognize small opportunities of selflessness to act upon—such as practicing social distancing, leaving enough supplies for others, and lending a helping hand to the less fortunate or less capable.”

KITS has also attracted the attention of celebrities, with stars like Ty Burrell, Sherri Shepherd, Dr. Dre and Ariel Winters serving as ambassadors, supporters, directing or starring in the youths’ films, and hosting or presenting at the annual KITS Awards—the program’s version of the Academy Awards, a glamorous evening with limousines and paparazzi.

“We screen their films and present them with awards for best actor, best screenplay and other categories,” Charity said. “It’s their night to shine and it’s an incredible night for all of us, including our donors who make it all possible. The ambassadors, donors and

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The group who won the best film award for “Vigil” at the 2019 KITS Awards.

Photo by Mark Laing Photography

kids get the chance to interact and then watch their films for the very first time on the big screen altogether. Seeing the transformation on the kids’ faces is nothing short of incredible.”

After completing the program, many KITS alumni have gone on to attend college, work in the entertainment industry or continue to work with KITS. Daveion Thompson, a first-year KITS

RAISING CANE’S, 4 amazing crew to date, and as long as we can keep our drive-thrus busy, we’ll continue to do so for the duration.

Support your local restaurants.

Like many businesses across the country, restaurants have been devastated by the pandemic. Dining inside a restaurant is no longer an option, which is especially hard for concepts that don’t have a drive-thru. In most cases, restaurants are being forced to completely change their business model in order to stay open.

Now, more than ever, is the time to support your local restaurants. Take a break

DOWNTOWN NEWS 11

from cooking and have your favorite meals delivered, or get some fresh air and take advantage of curbside pickup or drive-thru.

Many restaurants have launched special discounts and offers, like family meals that are meant to be enjoyed at home. Some restaurants, like Dog Haus, have even opened their pantries to provide essential items like eggs, chicken and baking mixes to help support their customers.

Restaurants are adapting, so it’s time for us to adapt, too. Embrace the change and help support your local eateries. Tell your family, friends and neighbors: Restaurants are open!

member, directed a music video for Grammy-nominated band Fall Out Boy. Former participant and current KITS board member Mary Montoya earned an internship at ICM Partners and was featured in the HBO Documentary “Foster.”

“We have been able to turn foster youths’ hardship into artistic release and now they are thriving doing what they love,” Charity said. “We emphasize the importance of

hands-on experience in search of passion.

Kids in the Spotlight can shine a spotlight on what the kids want to be and achieve in their future. I always have them chant, ‘I can do great things, because I was created to do great things,’ and I fully believe that they can.”

For more information, visit kitsinc.org.

12 DOWNTOWN NEWS

Helping You Stay Safer at Home During this uncertain time with the coronavirus, LADWP wants you to know that we are working 24/7 to keep your power on and water flowing.

Our crews will respond to water and power outages. Call us or report an outage online at ladwp.com/outages.

Your tap water is safe to drink. There is no need to buy bottled water. The coronavirus does not affect your drinking water.

Our team members are essential city workers continuing to work hard while taking safety measures.

Need help paying your bill? We can help.

Visit LADWP.com/financialassistance or call us at 1-800-DIAL-DWP. We will not shut off your water and power for non-payment.

We’re Here for You ladwp.com 1-800-DIAL-DWP

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APRIL 13, 2020