Los Angeles Downtown News 12-06-21

December 6, 2021 I VOL. 50 I #49

‘Love Actually in Concert’

John Kinsner adores his new production

Las Familias del Pueblo Nonprofit continues mission in its new building

+ Go Little Tokyo

for the Holidays

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DECEMBER 6, 2021

Grand Style, Grand Class.

Luxury Sky Level apartments have breathtaking views.

Photo courtesy of 255 Grand

Living in ‘Grand’ Style

255 Grand boasts sumptuous amenities

255 Grand is located in prestigious Bunker Hill, the go-to neighborhood for fine dining, world-class museums and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. 255 Grand offers its residents immediate proximity to attractions such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Museum of Contemporary Art and the new Broad museum. With breathtaking views, awe-inspiring balconies, oversized patios and spacious floor plans, the 391-unit high-rise property includes studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 480 to 1,335 square feet in a uniquely suburban-urban setting. 255 Grand’s newly remodeled apartments offer residents a true luxury experience, with stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, quartz countertops, deep soaking tubs, and Moen faucets. Life at the top awaits you! Enjoy the highest quality living experience at the Sky Level”. The 26th and 27th floors feature exclusive, premium finishes and enhanced amenities to complement some of the best views in LA. As a Sky Level resident, you can expect high-end features like premium Bosch appliances, Danze & Kohler fixtures, Nest 3rd Generation thermostats, oversized rainfall showerheads, luxury wood-style flooring, deep soak tubs, and ultra-modern luxury countertops. In addition, Sky Level residents also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, cable and parking.

255 Grand features a host of modern amenities for residents, such as an ultramodern fitness center, outdoor fireplaces, pool, spa, cabanas, yoga studio, private meeting room, Wifi Lounge with gourmet kitchen, state-of-the-art theater, 24-hour staffed lobby and more. Spacious apartment homes with floor-to-ceiling windows capture beautiful mountain and city views.

255 Grand’s tastefully complements the classy Bunker Hill neighborhood and you will understand why so many consider it’s “suburban urban” the only place that feels like home in DTLA. For more information, call the on-site leasing office at (213) 229-9777 or visit 255grand.com

By 255 Grand 255 Grand, a Goldrich Kest apartment community, is located in the prestigious Bunker Hill neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles.

Bunker Hill is the go-to spot for dining, world-class museums and a thriving arts and entertainment scene with immediate proximity to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Museum of Contemporary Arts and The Broad Museum.

Life atop Bunker Hill awaits you. A friendly front desk staff greets visitors in the beautifully appointed lobby.

The community of 255 Grand offers breathtaking views, awe-inspiring balconies and patios, and spacious floor plans ranging from 480 to 1335 square feet.

It’s a 391-unit high rise that includes recently renovated studios, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes showcasing floor-to-ceiling windows, which frame picturesque city and mountain views.

The beautifully renovated apartment homes have stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, quartz countertops, deep soaking tubs and Moen faucets.

The luxurious top two floors, known as the Sky Level, feature exclusive premium high-end features such as Bosch

stainless steel appliances, Danze and Kohler fixtures, Nest third-generation programmable thermostats and oversized rainfall showerheads. All residents enjoy complimentary basic cable with Showtime included as well as Wi-Fi. The community of 255 Grand features a host of amenities for residents to enjoy. The spacious Wi-Fi lounge is equipped with a gourmet kitchen with a Starbucks coffee bar, large televisions and public Wi-Fi, which provides residents the ideal place to mingle with friends or entertain a private party.

Residents can also enjoy movie nights or the big game in the stateof-the-art theater. There is also an ultramodern fitness studio with yoga room, weight stations as well as cardio and weight machines. The sumptuous amenities continue outside with a beautifully landscaped deck which offers four barbecue areas and warm and inviting firepits to relax and take advantage of the beautiful California climate. Additionally, residents can lounge by the pool and spa in what feels like a lush oasis in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles.

Come experience the 255 Grand lifestyle, (213) 229-9777.

Outdoor amenities at 255 Grand include a pool deck.

ADVERTORIAL

Photo courtesy of 255 Grand

DT VIP event a grand slam DECEMBER 6, 2021

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for Israel baseball

By LA Downtown News Staff he Jewish National Fund-USA hosted major donors in LA on Nov. 21 featuring a reception and behindthe-scenes tour of Dodger Stadium.

Attendees were also treated to a conversation with Team Israel’s general man-

T

ager, Peter Kurz, who discussed what it was like to lead a team of Jewish-American baseball players to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He covered what’s next for baseball in Israel.

“This event was initially scheduled 18 months ago, prior to the Olympics, but

was postponed because of the pandemic,” Kurz said.

“I appreciated the opportunity to update our most loyal donors about how Israel baseball performed over the last six months — quite admirably I must say — as well as what our plans are for the future and how JNF-USA’s partners can continue supporting us.”

Attendees took photos for personalized baseball cards; received customized Team Israel jerseys; and walked on the field, sat in the dugout, and visited restricted areas of Dodger Stadium.

The VIP guests also heard from Louis Rosenberg, JNF-USA’s executive director in Los Angeles, who spoke about the partners’ generosity.

Getting a behind-the-scenes tour of Dodger Stadium were, from left, bottom row, Cooper Stein, Brian Schall, David Chudnow, Jesse Abrams, Jeff Abrams, Lou Rosenberg, Sandra Kass Gilman and David Gould; top row, from left, Caleb Yellin, Fred Toczek, David Rosenthal, Mark Levinson, Jake Gordon, Joel Krischer, Robert Cannon, Sara Cannon, James Felton and Brian Cohen.

“Featured in national publications including USA Today and Associated Press, among other major news outlets across the country, JNF-USA’s Project Baseball initiative covered a large portion of Team Israel’s expenses for the 2021 Olympic Games and will continue to raise millions of dollars in the coming years to help develop the next generation of Israeli athletes,” said Brian Cohen, member of JNF-USA’s President’s Society and Project Baseball/Softball Task Force.

“Additionally, we are building state-ofthe-art baseball and softball fields in Israel, including the primary Team Israel field in Beit Shemesh, which is expected to be the site of future international competitions and boost tourism in the area.”

Jewish National Fund-USA major donors in Los Angeles attend a VIP event at Dodger Stadium.

Photo by Esteban Ramirez

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LA Mission’s Thanksgiving event reunites the community

LA Mission President and CEO Troy Vaughn passionately speaks to the staff and volunteers during the nonprofit’s annual Thanksgiving meal event.

By Andres de Ocampo LA Downtown News Staff Writer he Los Angeles Mission hosted its annual Thanksgiving meal event in person this year and brought housed and unhoused Angelenos together, from the Skid Row community and greater Los Angeles, to celebrate a day of giving on Nov. 24.

Troy Vaughn, president and CEO of the LA Mission, a nonprofit that provides housing, rehabilitation and other services to those in need, said the event was set to be “an amazing time of serving,” with food prep for the event accounting for 4,000 meals from LA Mission staff and around 200 volunteers helping with cooking and serving meals.

The event, held outside of the LA Mission on Fifth and Wall streets, was sponsored by Magic Johnson, Magic Johnson Enterprises and Wells Fargo.

As folks waited for their meals, music played. Pop-up tents from the likes of LA Christian Health Centers, Fearless Church and Warm Heart Mission lined the sectioned-off block of the event and offered

T

Photo by Chris Mortenson

Photo by Chris Mortenson

medical services, tarps, prayers, Crocs and socks, blankets and to-go meals to homeless individuals as they left.

Mayor Eric Garcetti and his predecessor, Antonio Villaraigosa, passed out meals, and other local elected officials, like City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Councilmember Kevin De Leon (District 14), attended the event briefly.

Hollywood celebrities in music and film, like Kanye West, Alexandra Daddario and Danny Trejo, volunteered by handing out meals and cooking.

West made an appearance later in the day and brought 1,000 meals for homeless Skid Row residents along with him, according to a tweet from Vaughn thanking West for his show of generosity.

Last year’s event was adjusted for COVID-19 restrictions. Takeout meals and to-go food boxes with hygiene kits and blankets were distributed to the homeless.

The importance of the nonprofit’s Thanksgiving event is “to show that ‘community’ is back,” Vaughn said. “The sense of community, the sense of giving and

supporting people who are less fortunate “I want to tell the local community: We than us and to see the power of commu- love you. We’re here for you if you need nity coming back and transforming peo- anything. Come on down and get fed, get ple’s lives,” he said. a bed, get a good shower and just know This is Vaughn’s first year as president that you have support.” and CEO of the nonprofit. He was previPollard Timiko, a 14-year Skid Row resously homeless and struggled with ad- ident, waited to enter the sectioned-off diction. In recovery, he worked his way up block for LA Mission’s Thanksgiving meals. from volunteer to his current position.

Though Timiko said she appreciates the “I’ve been the recipient of the (LA Mis- LA Mission and its volunteers, she looked sion) Thanksgiving meal, as a formerly forward to the food. homeless individual,” he said. “Anything “Everyone’s here for different things. I’m can happen when you give someone a here for the plate. I want to see what the meal. I’m living proof of that.” chef prepared this year,” she said.

LA Mission executive chef Erik Grant Four-year Skid Row resident Andrew said he, his team and volunteers handed Jackson waited in line to receive his out 5,000 pounds of food.

COVID-19 booster and flu shots. He also “What my job here is, is to make sure looked forward to the Thanksgiving meal.

EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski that no oneEXECUTIVE goes hungry.

We feed the Jackson has received a Thanksgiving STAFF WRITERS: Andrew Checchia, Andres De Ocampo, Julia Shapero Skid Row community and communities meal from the LA Mission for the past four CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sara Edwards, Kamala Kirk abroad,” he continued. years.

ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres Luis kitchen Chavez Grant andSTAFF his PHOTOGRAPHER: team are in the “The food is always great here,” he said.

Myriam Santos year-round, CONTRIBUTING serving SkidPHOTOGRAPHERS: Row and anyone “The people are pleasant, and the situaACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb in need. HeFOUNDER is always looking tion is always nice. I enjoy coming here EMERITUS: Suefor Larisvolunteers or donations. every year. There are some compassion“We need all of the support to help ate people with great and compassionate fight homelessness and hunger,” he said. hands (in the kitchen). God’s taking care

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Mayor Eric Garcetti, right, and his predecessor, Antonio Villaraigosa, serve unhoused Skid Row residents at the LA Mission’s annual Thanksgiving event.

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski STAFF WRITERS: Andres de Ocampo, Jordan Houston CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Ellen Snortland STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris Mortenson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Esteban Ramirez, Matt Sayles/Invision for Black Ink, Nicolas Wendl ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway (213) 308-2261 Michael Lamb (213) 453-3548 FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris

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Skid Row resident Leslie McClain stands in line waiting to celebrate Thanksgiving with the LA Mission and to receive a meal during the nonprofit’s annual event.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

of the food.”

The nonprofit and its services have been instrumental in Jackson’s life, “from clothing to feeding me, to giving me help with all of the things that I need with mental (health) and drug rehab,” he said. “It’s been awesome.”

With a smile Jackson added, “It’s great to have people out and doing their thing. It’s great to be around folks

again, eating, talking, just looking for a joyful time.”

Fellow Skid Row resident Fred Owens said the LA Mission has always been “polite and caring” toward him and that if he was not in line for its Thanksgiving meal he would “just ride the bus. I have no plans,” he said.

Owens previously attended the event and said the food was great and the people were friendly.

Leslie McClain, a newer Skid Row resident, is housed through the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Housing Corp., a community nonprofit organization providing supportive housing and other services.

McClain used to live in shelters, but a year ago she moved into her one-bedroom apartment with her cat.

Since then, she has gone back to school to work in the culinary industry and has a private chef license, she said.

“I come out here to get some extra things for my house,” McClain said.

“It helps out on grocery bills. (The LA Mission) gives clothes and everything else, they help out with a lot of things.” With a laugh, she said was excited for the Thanksgiving meal because she wouldn’t have to cook.

Before the meals were distributed, Garcetti and Villaraigosa spoke in the LA Mission’s new chapel, along with Vaughn and Eli Graham, chairperson for the LA Mission Arts Council.

After showing love to Villaraigosa and his work during his term as Los Angeles mayor, Garcetti spoke to the crowd of volunteers and LA Mission staff.

“As we know, the church is not made up of the walls we build and the architecture we have. It’s of the people that are here. It is of the spirits that we move. … (We believe) that there is no one that we ever give up on, that there is no soul that is not worth saving, that there is no life that is not worth God’s love.”

Garcetti asked the crowd to reflect on what they are

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Skid Row resident Fred Owens stands in line waiting to receive a Thanksgiving meal and to celebrate the holiday with the LA Mission as a part of its annual event.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

thankful for and encouraged gatherers to “make sure that Thanksgiving isn’t a one-day thing.

“This mission, this city, our future, and our brothers and sisters on the street need us every single day,” he said. “To all of you and the work and sweat and belief that you have here today, I know that we will manifest what the Los Angeles Mission is all about.”

DT Las Familias continues mission in its new building 6 DOWNTOWN NEWS

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By Andres de Ocampo LA Downtown News Staff Writer lice Callaghan, founder and director of Las Familias del Pueblo, calls the nonprofit an “old-fashioned community center.”

“Kids grow up here and come back and visit us. The thing that is the most unique about Las Familias is its intimacy. Even though we’ve been around for 40 years, the center is still one room. We know everybody and their lives well.”

The organization has thrived since it moved into its new building in March.

In South Park on the edge of the Garment District, the center provides immigrant children and families with education and other supportive services. The facility took three years to complete.

Steve Marcussen, executive director for the commercial real estate company Cushman and Wakefield, advised and organized the development team for the project, which was completed at a discount or complimentary.

Callaghan is grateful for Marcussen and the development team.

The new community center “will serve us well as we continue our work with garment workers and their children. … I am sincerely appreciative of everyone who contributed to get Las Familias built, and in a challenging environment, which never made it easy.”

The nonprofit helps families living in the Downtown, Westlake, Pico-Union and South Los Angeles areas and primarily focuses on education and support programs for children of the families apart of Las Familias.

Callaghan said “all children in Las Familias’ programs are eligible for the federal free/reduced meals, all are Latino, all start school as English-language learners, all come from families living on incomes below the poverty line, and most live in low-literacy homes.”

Las Familias provides education for children in kindergarten and first grade during the day. Dividers separate the community center into into two classrooms for students, allowing for two teachers from a charter school, Jardin de la Infancia, to teach the children.

In the afternoon, however, the room serves as an after-school program for children in second to fifth grade. Their parents, some working long hours, pick up their children when they are off work.

Callaghan said five staff members work in the after-school program. Some of them are Las Familias alumni. It’s im-

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The new community center building for nonprofit organization Las Familias del Pueblo has served immigrant families in Los Angeles as a part of its mission since 1981.

Photo courtesy of Cushman and Wakefield

portant for Callaghan and the Las Familias staff to create a strong educational foundation for children to give them hope for a better future.

Though the Las Familias center only provides schooling for kindergarteners and first graders, the nonprofit continues to help children with their education, according to Callaghan.

“We do kindergarten and first grade, then we get our kids into Brentwood Science Magnet Elementary (for second to fifth grade) and we give them all of the support that they need to succeed at Brentwood,” Callaghan said.

“When they are in fifth grade, we get them into the Alliance College-Ready Public Schools (for sixth grade to high school). We really work hard at that. We make sure that our kids, from kindergarten all the way to high school, go to the best schools we can find for them. I think that education is key.”

Callaghan said the help extends beyond education. She has helped with housing, food, legal issues and mental health resources.

“We help the families who are here with whatever their needs are, and it’s a whole range, like immigration and employment, etc.,” she said.

“We’re very much a community center, and people help each other. It’s a real sense of community with all of us being here and doing what we can.”

The Cordero family is close with the nonprofit and Callaghan. They have been a part of Las Familias for years. Viviana Cordero and her husband, Jorge, immigrated to California from Mexico and Guatemala and have three children who, in some way, have been supported by Las Familias.

Viviana cleans in a hospital, sometimes for long hours, and though she said work is great, sometimes it’s tiring. She remembers when her children attended a Downtown preschool and was referred to Las Familias and its after-school program.

“When we got (to Las Familias), Alice explained to us how the after-school program worked. It was good that we went there,” she said.

Their 11-year-old middle child, Andrew, is in sixth grade but fondly remembers being a part of the Las Familias program. “It was great because after coming out of school I would do my homework and play and have a great time and I would be able to play and interact with other kids,” he said.

Andrew, recalling Callaghan and Las Familias being supportive in other ways for him and his family, said, “When my mom didn’t know how to speak English, Las Familias would try their best to translate and help with whatever she needed.

They helped her out when she didn’t understand something, and they would explain it to her.

“During the pandemic, Alice helped a lot with our homework, and my mom is grateful for that because a lot of people didn’t have the opportunity.”

Jorge added, “Alice, the staff and the teachers there help a lot around the community with the families. If the parents need any recommendations for school or anything else, they will help.

After school, the teachers help the children with their homework, and they’re very loving,” he said.

Jorge said he and his family received therapy and legal aid through Las Familias. It was beneficial for him.

Andrew added, “Thank you to all of the teachers that have helped me throughout my years, from first grade to fifth grade. It’s been awesome, and leaving Las Familias and my other schools has been a little sad, but thank you for all of the help.”

DECEMBER 6, 2021

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JUDGE’S OPINION

Mea culpa.

No, really.

By Ellen Snortland LA Downtown News Columnist ubject line: Please correct yourself: We have a woman Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court

S

“Ellen, I am a fan and enjoy your writing. But I think you have lost track of current reality regarding the chief justice of the California State Supreme Court. I was shocked when you said that Rose Bird was the last and only woman to hold that office. Please read up on Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, who is actually sort of a local girl. Raised in the Bay Area, she had relatives who brought her to Eagle Rock frequently for visits.

Many thanks and best wishes: Mona Field, professor emerita, political science, Glendale Community College.”

Of course, as soon as I saw the subject line, my stomach clenched with that old, familiar, immature gut feeling: “Uhoh, now I’ve done it! I’m in trouble!” I tell myself, “Oh, grow up.”

After 30 years of writing a weekly column, I frequently wonder what the heck this week’s column will be about. I have faith that there’ll be an obvious answer, found either in public or private events from my own life. And indeed, there always is. This week, I have a topic that is both universal and personal — macro and micro, as it were. I made a blunder that needs amends. I stated in the first paragraph of last week’s Thanksgiving column that “Rose Elizabeth Bird, the late, great 25th chief justice of the California Supreme Court — and the only female ever to hold that office …”

Yikes! To say that I am mortified is a tad of an understatement. Here I am, Penny Perfectionist, Wanda Women’s History, Fanny Fact Freak, and I didn’t even know about Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye? Shame on me!

I looked up the way to make a genuine, authentic apology, and I realize the paragraphs you just read are veering into the realm of “Apology No-No’s.”

This should not be about me; instead, it is about repairing trust and making amends to the person I offended. Apolo-

Hey you! Speak up!

Ellen Snortland gy experts Aaron Lazare and Nick Smith say, “The apology is all about them and how they feel. It doesn’t matter if the actions were intentional or not; the end result is the same.”

Do a search on “real apologies” and you’ll find formulas ranging from four easy steps to 15-point Mea Culpa prescriptions. Considering our current Pandemic of Rudeness, we could all benefit from an Apology Brush-up. I’ve heard enough pitiful apologies to know the answer for most of us is a bashful “yes.”

And I believe journalism in general needs confession, but I digress.

Today, I’m going with the four-part “sorry” from the book “On Apology” by Aaron Lazare and Nick Smith. This formula is easy to remember because it has a handy-dandy mnemonic device, the 4 Rs: recognition, responsibility, remorse and reparation. (I’ll add my own fifth later.)

1. Recognition — Stating that someone was the first and only when they weren’t is inexcusable, especially in my area of passion and concern: women’s firsts, empowerment of females, revealing heretofore invisible women, etc.

2. Responsibility — Here’s where I can’t blame circumstances, how I felt, where I was, or minimize with “Not a big deal in the scope of the universe…” I did it, and no one had a gun to my head.

3. Remorse — I am sincerely sorry for

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stating that Rose Bird was the first and only female chief justice of the California Supreme Court. In fact, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye is the second female Chief Justice and the first Filipina American woman on the court. She comes from humble beginnings, and recently de-Republicanized herself to “no party preference” due to the current state of the GOP. I promise to be better at research or have someone else do it so I can blame them! I kid, I kid!

4. Reparation — How do I repair a blow to my credibility? How do I clean up carelessness? And I am truly not “careless,” as I care more about these things than most. All I can do is take better care. One of several ironies of my mistake is that firsts of any marginalized group are essential, but it’s arguably the seconds, thirds, fourths that are even more important to actual progress.

I had mentioned that I’d add my own fifth R:

5. Request — I will tell you what happened only if you request an explanation. Some apology recipients don’t really want an explanation. Their “How could you?” doesn’t require an answer.

An explanation could be a deflection, making the explanation itself the culprit and not the perpetrator. For those who do want to know what happened, I’m glad you asked. I trusted a quote aggregator and shouldn’t have. That’s it. It was stupid and something I will never do again. It’s not enough to verify that the quote is attributed correctly. The minibio with the quote is also subject to verification.

And that, my friends, is all she wrote, having situated myself into current reality. Thank you, Mona, and to dear friend and lawyer, Jill Switzer, a faithful reader of my column for caring enough to write.

Ellen Snortland has been writing a gender column for decades. Contact her at authorbitebybite.com.

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DTLA’s John Kinsner adores his new production, actually

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor ohn Kinsner wants to do justice to the endearing holiday movie “Love Actually.”

Through his creative and production banner, Black Ink Presents, the DTLA resident has produced “Love Actually in Concert,” set for Friday, Dec. 17, at the Microsoft Theater.

“I wanted to be the one to produce a really amazing tribute to this film because I love it so much,” said Kinsner, whose favorite scene in the film is Grant’s character dancing on the staircase. “This is the beginning. We want

J

to come back next year and make this a yearly thing. There’s nothing more Christmas than getting together and watching Christmas movies like ‘Love Actually.’”

The event will feature a screening of the classic holiday film from Universal Pictures/Working Title, with the score performed live by the Billy Mack Orchestra.

“This is a true celebration of the film and everything about the film,” Kinsner said. “We have a large orchestra, the Billy Mack Orchestra, playing the Craig Armstrong score, and we surround it with production embellishments, beautiful

sound and an interactive lighting spectacle.

“There’s going to be fun, interactive bits respective to the lighting. It’s going to have a beautiful Christmas vibe all around.”

“Love Actually” photo opportunities will fill the lobby, where there will be holiday music and a Christmas village. In front of the Microsoft Theater will be an ice rink and a giant holiday tree.

“It’s going to be beautiful for holiday pictures,” he said. “It’s just a huge celebration of the film.”

Kinsner hints that talent from the film may make guest appearances.

Released in 2003, “Love Actually ” weaves nine love stories in London leading up to Christmas. It stars Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy and Rowan Atkinson.

Before this project, Kinsner watched the movie “probably 10 or 15 times,” as it was released when he was in his late

teens.

“It was really, really popular generationally with people my age,” he said.

“Every year it’s on, I can sit down and watch it with my mom or brothers, and we all love it. To date, I’ve seen it somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 to 60 times.”

Letting the ink dry Kinsner moved to LA in 2010 from Denver to further push his career.

“From a career perspective, I plateaued and eventually found myself at the Microsoft Theater,” said Kinsner, the principal owner of Black Ink Presents.

“I had applied for a job there to be an usher and wound up through the interview process being hired as a production manager.

“I wound up working there for over three years, running all the productions.

That’s where I really got my chops and cut my teeth on production. They were super wonderful to me.”

John Kinsner’s Black Ink Presents also produced “Rocketman: A Live to Film Experience.”

Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for Black Ink

DECEMBER 6, 2021

DOWNTOWN NEWS 9

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He was the production manager at the Microsoft Theater for AEG from December 2010 to December 2013.

“AEG didn’t know it, but when they hired me in 2010, I was living in a squat house behind Pink Elephant Liquor,” he said. “Come to find later, it was a big piece of Jim Morrison’s life.

“When I got the job at the Microsoft Theater, shows would not end until 2 or 3, and I was too terrified to take a bus back over to Hollywood. So, I would actually sleep at the theater in the dressing room.”

That life experience, Kinsner said, resonates with “Love Actually in Concert.”

“If you believe in yourself and you manifest things and lead with love, amazing things are going to happen,” he said. “AEG was wonderful to me. The whole team is super excited to see the growth.

“It absolutely feels 100% like a family.”

Black Ink Presents was primarily involved in concerts as producers when it was founded. Slowly, it started produc-

ing and licensing its own shows. Black Ink Presents found success in 2018 with “Rocketman: A Live to Film Experience.”

“That was a lightbulb moment,” he said. “People love coming out and watching embellished shows and talent.”

Black Ink Presents’ other credits include “Coco: Live at the Hollywood Bowl,” with special guests Benjamin Bratt, Eva Longoria and Miguel; Disney Music Group’s “D Cappella”; Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast in Concert” with Zooey Deschanel, Taye Diggs, Rebel Wilson, Kelsey Grammer and Jane Krakowski; and Disney’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” with Danny Elfman, Paul Reubens and Ken Page.

“Family” is the reason Kinsner is bringing “Love Actually in Concert” to the stage.

“It is important and special to do something, not only for the fans of this but the supporters of our business and for ourselves,” he says. “It felt like the right time to get out there and do something for this property.”

“Love Actually in Concert” WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 WHERE: Microsoft Theater, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles COST: Tickets start at $50 INFO: 213-763-6020, microsofttheater.com, axs.com

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Jazz. Cocktails. Food. Fridays!

By LA Downtown News Staff Traxx Restaurant is launching Friday Jazz Nights from 7 to 11 p.m. beginning Nov. 12 on its patio.

Running through the holidays, the evenings feature live jazz, cocktails and an American fare dinner to be served outside under heaters.

The menu of delectable dishes features salmon tartare, Waldorf salad, New York steak frites, crispy skin Scottish salmon and risotto with golden beets and asparagus, fall chicken and grits with apples, dates and carrots in demi-glace, and Traxx’s outdoor patio will host jazz nights shrimp fettuccini in white wine and garlic with fresh tomato and Thai basil — not to on Fridays.

Photo courtesy of Traxx mention its amazing Angus beef burger.

For dessert, try the s’mores flourless chocolate cake with marshmallow meringue, graham cracker crumble and basil.

The oldest cocktail bar in Union Station, Traxx does not let history stop its creativity when it comes to drinks and mixology. Aside from hearty entrees and tasty appetizers, classic gin martinis and an exciting wine and beer menu, it offers a full bar helmed by mixologists.

Try a signature cocktail like its hibiscus sour with its housemade Santa Barbara Citrus bitters. Those on a diet or who prefer to avoid sugar can try the bourbon espresso martini, which is infused with holiday spices.

For adventurous and bold types, there’s the spicy ghost pepper mezcal margarita. A little cold? Sip on Traxx’s ginger hot toddy while enjoying LA’s autumn under the string-lit jacaranda trees. Not feeling boozy? Traxx’s nonalcoholic mint and hibiscus sour is a palate pleaser for those not partaking.

All items are also available in the Traxx Bar for those who are traveling solo or feel like grabbing a great meal and drinks before hitting the Downtown bar scene.

A secret tip: Traxx Bar is the No. 1 place for striking up conversations and meeting new people. Many couples have met at Traxx Bar through the years and even return to get married.

Traxx Bar and Traxx Restaurant (located across the hall from each other) is the longest-standing restaurant and bar in the historic Los Angeles Union Station. Traxx has catered to many of the station’s events and is the only restaurant to reopen after the pandemic mandates.

Traxx delivered more than 55,000 meals to health care workers and people in need during the pandemic, in collaboration with Chef José Andrés Foundation.

Traxx offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, with a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. in the bar.

In bringing this classic restaurant back to life, the new chef, owners and staff are dedicated to creating an intimate patio dining experience with the Friday Jazz Nights.

These jazz nights bring comfort during the holiday season after the last two years.

It will be a season of reflection that will propel us into a better future. The Traxx staff appreciates the guests’ support and admires their strengths.

For reservations, call or text 323-470-7094. Parking is validated for lunch and dinner.

The no-sugar-added bourbon espresso martini is infused with fall spices.

Photo courtesy of Traxx

The 10-ounce New York steak frites is drenched in green peppercorn sauce. Traxx fries are served on the side.

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Photo courtesy of Traxx

DECEMBER 6, 2021

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Ztilo finds his sweet spot with ‘No Hard Feelingz’

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor merging R&B/Latin artist Ztilo has “no hard feelings” about the COVID-19 pandemic. The quarantine gave artists like him an opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and reflect on what’s right.

“It allowed us to focus more on the studio and not focus on outside distractions,” the Bay Area artist said.

The fruits of his labor were released throughout 2021 via platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The first-generation Latin American also sent to streaming services his debut EP, “No Hard Feelingz,” earlier this month.

It features singles like “Peligrosa” and “I Got You,” the latter of which was featured on grammy.com for its artist performance series, “Positive Vibes Only.”

Ztilo, who affectionately refers to his current musical offerings as “boy-band trap,” was once a rapper dubbed Cristiles during the 2010s. However, toward the later years of the decade, he went on hiatus after his

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son was diagnosed with high-functioning autism.

This break gave him the time he needed to focus on family first, and ultimately drove him to pivot his career into new territory. He returned to the music scene as Ztilo in late 2019. In addition to changing genres, the new music has seen him tap more into his Latino roots, with songs like “Manera” and “Peligrosa.”

Ztilo is genuine and honest about the motivation behind his music.

“Women,” he said with a laugh. “As far as the project, it’s just a collection of experiences dealing with women and relationships and putting it together in a way that’s sincere and relatable.”

Ztilo has wanted to be in music for as long as he can remember. When he was 8, he started lip syncing to music videos, something that came naturally to him.

“I would lip sync to whatever was on TRL at the time,” he said about the MTV show.

He didn’t frequent concerts, however. His first show was his own.

“I was throwing concerts before I went to

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R&B/Latin artist Ztilo released his debut EP “No Hard Feelingz” recently.

Submitted photo

concerts,” he said. “I would say my first big, big show was Eminem and Rihanna in 2014.

“I wasn’t going out to shows as a fan. The first local festival I performed was back in 2007. The only thing on my mind was working on music.”

Now that music crisscrosses genres, he purposely doesn’t stick with one sound.

“However, I don’t venture too far from R&B and pop,” he said. “I’m reaching audiences who are drawn to different types of music and bringing it.”

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DECEMBER 6, 2021

Covered ARTS & California CULTUREwill help

Steve Caballero, left, and Christian Hosoi sign artwork at Punk Rock & Paintbrushes.

Photo courtesy of Emily Nielsen

Artists show off their skills at holiday exhibition

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor t concerts, there is an assumed barrier between artists and the audience. Emily Nielsen, who founded Punk Rock & Paintbrushes, said her events are different.

The sixth annual holiday art show features pieces from musicians, professional skateboarders, tattoo artists, photographers and visual artists, including members of the Vandals, Pennywise, NOFX, Strung Out and Flogging Molly.

“There’s no division between the artist and the fan,” Nielsen said. “It is a meet and greet in a way, but their art is personal and emotional. It’s a lot for the artist, but they’re still enjoying it.”

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The opening night artist reception is 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at The Lazarus Experience in Downtown Los Angeles with a full cocktail bar, coffee booth, a red carpet and live body painting.

Admission is free for those who own the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes coffee table art book “The Insides of Artists Written by Outsiders” or $20 for a general ticket. There is also a VIP admission option, which allows for early entry into the friends and family hour at 5 p.m.

The show continues Sunday, Dec. 12.

The beneficiaries are nonprofits like Rock to Recovery and The Alexandria House with the help of TUK Shoes.

One-of-a-kind designs will be painted

onto TUK Shoes by members of notable bands like Slipknot, Taking Back Sunday and Fishbone.

Each pair of shoes will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting The Alexandria House, which provides safe and supportive housing for women and children who are moving from emergency shelter to economic stability and permanent housing.

Additionally, musicians and artists will paint guitars that will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting Rock to Recovery, a therapeutic music program serving more than 100 addiction treatment and mental health facilities in the country.

“A lot of them are closet artists,”

she said about the participating artists. “A lot of them create art but don’t know the means of showcasing it. It’s nerve-wracking. They’ve had so much success in their music, but they’re not sure if people are going to like (their art).”

Last year’s art exhibition was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nielsen said the Dec. 11 event is a large celebration.

“This is our biggest event of the year for us,” she said. “We hold it at art galleries and music festivals. We were just at Welcome to Rockville (in Florida).

“We showcase whether it’s at festivals or art galleries. We have 23 artists showcased. We also have DJ sets; friends

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San Diego recently hosted Punk Rock & Paintbrushes. In attendance were, from left, Matt Hensley, Mark DeSalvo, Emily Nielsen, Paul Kobriger, Warren Fitzgerald, Soma Snakeoil, Steve Caballero, Brandon Novak, Stacie Stevenson, Brian Kent and Christian Hosoi.

Photo courtesy of Emily Nielsen

of ours are DJing like Noodles from the Offspring. He always wanted to support, but he doesn’t do art. He plays music and sets the tone for the event.”

The Punk Rock & Paintbrushes art exhibition has free admission on Dec. 12, with gallery hours from noon to 5 p.m.

The afternoon will feature local artists and artisans; live music by Bent Duo, Warren Fitzgerald of the Vandals, and Jason Cruz of Strung Out; a DJ set by Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop; as well as surprise guests.

All the art at the show will be available for purchase. Nielsen said the exhibition is the perfect opportunity to buy creative holiday gifts.

“We have original artwork from $1,000 to $5,000,” she said. “It depends on the

artist. We have prints. It’s definitely attainable for everyone.

“Grown adults can buy pieces as a holiday gift, or a teenager can come in and buy something for $40. I didn’t buy art prints when I was 18. I don’t even think I went to an art show. This is an opportunity to open those children and teens to art — physical art. With the technology of the world, nothing’s tangible anymore. It’s not all about Spotify. What about vinyl records? You’re not going to buy an original art piece, hang it on the wall and throw it away after a year. It’s really important to bring art to everyone and to share how important it is.”

Art is clearly important to the participants. Nielsen said Pennywise singer/ guitarist Jim Lindberg told his father he

was quitting college to be a singer of a punk rock band.

“Imagine your child saying that?” she said rhetorically. “Thirty years later, he’s still doing that and now he’s creating art with us. It’s so rad.

“The pandemic was really hard on artists and musicians. They need to be supported, and this is the opportunity to do so. I buy art all the time from these artists. I manage them, but it’s important to support them.”

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Show WHEN: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 WHERE: The Fashion District’s The Lazarus Experience, 224 E. 11th Street, Suite 501, Los Angeles COST: Admission is free for those who own the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes coffee table art book “The Insides of Artists Written by Outsiders” or $20 for a general ticket on Saturday; free admission on Sunday INFO: RSVP at punkrockholiday21.eventbrite.com

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A 31-year veteran at Walt Disney Imagineering, Steve Spiegel will host a Zoom talk about the use of neon signs throughout history.

Submitted photo

Spiegel to discuss the world of Disney neon

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor teve Spiegel is passionate about two things: Disney and neon.

The Disney Imagineer is combining his two loves for “The Wonderful World of Disney Neon,” a Zoom talk at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, thanks to the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale.

Spiegel has been photographing vintage neon signs for a decade.

“As soon as the Museum of Neon Art opened in Glendale, I immediately contacted them to volunteer and do whatever was needed to help,” he said.

“I’ve been involved with photographing vintage neon signs for the last 10 years. The museum knew I was with Walt Disney Imagineering, and we’ve talked recently about the idea of me combining my day job with my hobby of photographing neon and do a talk about how neon is used in the Disney parks around the world.”

Disney theme parks are known for their rigorous attention to historic and aesthetic detail and the “Imagineers,” Disney’s team of artists, writers, engineers and technicians use neon and other forms of lighting in multiple ways, from perfectly replicating Golden Age movie houses of Hollywood to transporting audiences into hyper-realistic future worlds.

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A Q&A will follow the presentation. Audience members will be able to ask follow-up questions about Disney and how neon is used in the parks.

“We are thrilled to share a unique backstage pass to the magic of Disney Parks with Steve Spiegel,” museum Executive Director Corrie Siegel said.

“It is incredible to see how Imagineers conjure new worlds and construct layers of reality. Steve Spiegel’s work helps me to see storytelling and neon in a new light. We are honored to offer this fascinating presentation.”

Spiegel is a story editor executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force that imagines, designs and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. In this role, Spiegel has written notable Disney experiences including “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!,” “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission: BREAKOUT!” His photographs of vintage neon have been featured in exhibits at the Museum of Neon Art and the Perfect Exposure Gallery in Los Angeles and in a “Signs from Different Worlds: Vienna meets Havana” exhibit in Vienna, Austria.

Spiegel said preparing for the talk was a learning experience.

“I did a lot of research into the history of neon on the parks,” he said. “I learned a lot putting this presentation together. I’ve been with Walt Disney Imagineering for 31 years, but I had to dig further back than that to get the whole story on neon use in the parks. I’m really excited to be sharing that.”

Neon signs speak to baby boomers’ childhood and history. When cameras were added to cellphones, Spiegel began snapping photos of “cool signs.” Today he uses an array of cameras from mirrorless digital to old-school 35 mm and medium format film to capture neon.

“I thought that was my own little quirky hobby,” he said. “Then Instagram came along. I didn’t understand how to use Instagram at first and then a millennial taught me how to hashtag.

“I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t alone. There were so many other people doing this.

We started befriending each other through the app — here’s this person in Dallas taking incredible photos. Here’s another in New York and Florida.”

As Signs United, Spiegel and fellow neon lovers travel together to places like Las Vegas and Mesa, Arizona, the latter of which has the piece de resistance, the diving lady at the Starlite Motel.

“It includes photographers for sure,” he said about Signs United, which he co-founded. “But also artists who do fine art paintings of neon signs and those who make miniature replications of vintage signs also belong to our group, as do historians and museum preservationists.

“It’s been very exciting to find all these people who not only want to photograph, build and paint them but also help restore or save them.”

He loves what the Museum of Neon Art is doing to save neon signs. Even if the signs do have to come down, the staff works to save them and add them to their collection. Recently, he was saddened that the sign at Pig ‘N Whistle on Hollywood Boulevard was lost before anyone had a chance to save it.

“That was LA history that unfortunately can’t be brought back. That’s why it’s so important that we all keep our eyes open when a business with a vintage neon sign closes for good. When the museum can rescue a sign from being lost forever, it’s so rewarding.”

Spiegel got his start at Disney after working in LA as a writer for “The Arsenio Hall Show” in the 1980s. From there, he became a freelance writer before joining Walt Disney Imagineering.

“I found that was the perfect type of writing job for me, for my personality and my background,” he said.

“There’s no getting in a rut when one project is a 3D experience and the next is a live vehicle stunt show, a Circle-Vision 360 presentation about Canada, or a thrill attraction around ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’”

Spiegel feels blessed to work with “incredibly creative people,” he said. He spoke to several of his co-workers for research on this presentation. About 80% of the photos he’ll showcase are from the Disney archives and media vaults.

“I’m going to talk about why we use it, how we use it, and how it helps to immerse the guests in the story we want them to be a part of,” Spiegel said. “I’m also going to cover when neon doesn’t make sense for the story. It should be a fun talk.”

“The Wonderful World of Disney Neon” WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9 WHERE: Zoom, courtesy of the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale COST: $10 INFO: neonmona.org

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Covered California will help BUSINESS

M.andonìa redefining ‘pop-up shop’

By Jordan Houston LA Downtown News Staff Writer o say Maria Argyropoulos loves her pop-up, designer handbag shop is an understatement.

“We loved the space, we loved the people and we loved the area,” she said.

“So, we stayed — that was a year ago.”

Sitting in One Colorado at 15 Douglas Alley in Pasadena, m.andonìa is redefining the meaning of “pop-up.” The store — with its locally made purses, jewelry and accessories, many of which are sourced in DTLA — opened in November 2020 and is planning on staying in One Colorado for several more months.

Argyropoulos’ bags are designed, hand-sewn, manufactured and shipped out of her parents’ 30-year-old Burbank-based facility Golden Fleece Designs Inc. Argyropoulos ships around the world to clients who have included Halle Berry, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston and Tyra Banks.

M.andonìa bags range from small evening bags to tote and overnight bags. The 2021 collection features chain crossbody bags emphasizing colorful patterns, such as zebra prints and yellow formals, while the best-selling crossbody is marked by a modern Evil Eye. The bags are also frequently embellished with Swarovski crystals and lamination.

“When a customer sees a finished product like what we have, I don’t think they expect that it is locally made,” Argyropoulos said.

The designer noted that she doesn’t rely heavily on trends, drawing inspiration from around the globe. Argyropoulos frequently scours European fabric mills and vintage stores in the United States to find the perfect combination of materials to create her vibrant, edgy, fresh and funky pieces.

“We have a little bit of everything. It’s a bit of a mix,” Argyropoulos said. “It’s not full vintage, but you can tell there is that little edge to it.”

The brand, according to the designer, caters to those who want to stand out from the norm and dare to be noticed.

“What I like about what we do is we offer a unique item, and it’s for the woman who wants to be different,” Argyropoulos said. “We’re not a huge-brand label that is plastered all over the billboards and in mass department stores, so when someone comes in here, they’re buying something unique.

“To buy unique, you feel unique, you are unique and you are just different. It’s not like you are wearing somebody else’s same bag because of the label.”

Argyropoulos’ fashion know-how stems from her degree in graphic design from Cal State Northridge and her graduate studies at the renowned Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy. She ran with her potential after she made a handbag from a vintage placemat.

“Everything started off with one-of-a-kind vintage inspo and retro design,” Argyropoulos explained. “We were picking out vintage fabrics or dresses and cutting them up and doing handbags. We couldn’t meet the demand, because everybody wanted one. I could only do a few at a time because of materials.”

Her eye for craftsmanship dates back to 1936, when her family opened its first leather goods factory in Athens. Argyropoulos largely attributes her taste and success to her mother, she said.

“I couldn’t do it without her. She is extremely passionate about manufacturing and staying local — as am I,” she said.

Shortly after opening the pop-up location in Pasadena, Argyropoulos pivoted to help the nation.

Proceeds of all sales benefit nonprofits like Philoptochos of Pasadena, Armenia Fund, Junior League and Soroptimist.

In partnership with her parents’ company, Argyropoulos launched Masks for a Cause, which donates one mask per sale to those working on the front lines, such as first responders, grocery store workers, restaurant employees and homeless shelters.

“The giving back was really important,” she said. “I felt like at one point I was billing orders for the entire country and trying to donate to as many facilities as possible. We

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Maria Argyropoulos, owner of m.andonia, sifts through vintage stores and European fabric mills for her designer handbag materials.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

M.andonia bags have been sold to the likes of Drew Barrymore, Halle Berry and Jennifer Aniston.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

did quite a bit. We were giving thousands away — that was the most rewarding part.

“To see the health care workers show up at your door and give a huge bag of inventory to them, and to the homeless shelters and nursing home — to anybody who needed it.”

All masks, which are priced on average at $9, are compliant with the personal protection equipment (PPE) guidelines.

The face masks “are fun, mood-lifting fabrics to get us through these volatile times,” featuring patterns of all colors and shapes to cater to a variety of tastes and desires.

As far as m.andonìa, locals can expect to see new items hit the shelves soon. Argyropoulos teased the upcoming collection as a crowd-pleaser, with loud colors, creative prints and one-of-a-kind designs.

“There’s a lot of one-of-a-kinds, and that’s where I have fun,” she said.

m.andonìa 15 Douglas Alley, Pasadena mandonia.com Masks for a Cause masksforacause.com

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Covered California will help BUSINESS Pasadena resident aligns with Dodgers for rebranded beer

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor acharias Gardea has been in heaven since he won a contest to name a beer in honor of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Pasadena resident’s idea was simple: Brew Heaven. It’s now the new moniker for the former Golden Road Dodgers beer. The win is an honor for Gardea, a lifelong Dodgers fan.

“Back in middle school and high school, I would go to every Opening Day game with my dad,” said Gardea, who grew up in Highland Park.

“Every Opening Day, I would skip out of school. I was lucky enough to have supportive parents and generally supportive teachers as well. They knew I was a huge Dodgers fan growing up. I still am. I really treat Opening Day like a holiday.”

Set for release early next year, the blonde ale is a play on Tommy Lasorda’s quote “Dodger Stadium is Blue Heaven on Earth.”

“I’m really excited for that drop — especially if it’s

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Zacharias Gardea of Pasadena said coming up with the name Brew Heaven was easy.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

The first few years of a child’s life are critical for their development. Children at risk of a developmental delay, or showing any signs of delay, may qualify for intervention and services through the Early Start program of California.

Across the state of California, the Early Start program is coordinated by all 21 regional centers. With the guidance of service coordinators, an individualized plan for services and supports can make a difference in a child’s development.

For individuals over the age of 3, the regional centers also provide lifelong services and supports from the school age years through adulthood, including service coordination, individual service planning, education related advocacy and training In partnership with the Family Resource Centers, parents and family members may receive parent-to-parent support, guidance, information and referrals to community resources.

Due to the decline in referrals during the COVID-19 State of Emergency, it is important to know that your local regional center remains open and is accepting referrals. Although some regional center staff may be working remotely, they continue to work hard to ensure your child is receiving the services they need.

To find out exactly which regional center would serve your family, please visit dds.ca.gov/services or dds.ca.gov/listings

Los primeros años de la vida de un niño son críticos para su desarrollo. Los niños en riesgo de un atraso en el desarrollo, o que muestran signos de atraso, pueden calificar para la intervención y los servicios a través del programa Early Start de California.

En todo el estado de California, el programa Early Start es coordinado por los 21 centros regionales. Con la guía de los coordinadores de servicios, un plan individualizado de servicios y apoyos puede marcar la diferencia en el desarrollo de un niño.

Para las personas mayores de 3 años, los centros regionales también brindan servicios y apoyos de por vida desde la edad escolar hasta la edad adulta, incluida la coordinación de servicios, la planificación de servicios individuales, educación relacionadas con la defensa y capacitación.

En asociación con los Centros de Recursos Familiares, los padres y los miembros de la familia pueden recibir apoyo, orientación, información y referencias a recursos comunitarios.

Debido a la disminución de las referencias durante el estado de emergencia de COVID-19, es importante saber que su centro regional local permanece abierto y está aceptando referencias. Aunque algunos miembros del personal del centro regional pueden estar trabajando de forma remota, continúan trabajando arduamente para garantizar que su hijo reciba los servicios que necesita.

Para averiguar exactamente qué centro regional serviría a su familia, visite dds.ca.gov/services or dds.ca.gov/listings

Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center 3303 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 383-1300 or (213) 252-5600 kyrc@lanterman.org | www.lanterman.org

Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center 3303 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 383-1300 or (213) 252-5600 kyrc@lanterman.org | www.lanterman.org

DECEMBER 6, 2021

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around Opening Day,” he said.

“To roll that out alongside Opening Day would make it a special experience. Once the new Brew Heaven is released, that’s all we’re getting at Dodger games.”

Gardea said arriving at the name was easy. Within a few minutes, Brew Heaven popped up in his head.

“My mind just clicked to Brew Heaven,” he said. “It was in a matter of minutes when I thought of that name. I thought thousands of people are going to submit Brew Heaven. I suppose I was the first submittal of Brew Heaven.

“That was lucky. Nevertheless, it’s quite special and I’m really excited for its release.”

Gardea got the news via video from Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner.

“He’s arguably one of the best Dodgers of all time,” Gardea said. “He’s done a lot for the team, organization and city. For him to have driven the campaign, it makes it that much more special.”

Pitcher Julio Erias is also special to his family, as they moved to the United States from Mexico.

“He’s relatively young,” he said. “He’s 25 now. He still has quite a few good years remaining. I’m excited about his future, given how young he is and how he says composed during the post-season run.

“He hails from Mexico, and that means a lot to the city of LA, to the Dodgers fan base and to me.”

Highland native Zacharias Gardea said he attended “every Opening Day game” with his dad when he was younger.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

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Learn more about The LAGRANT Foundation at www.lagrantfoundation.org

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New residential tower dubbed The Grand by Gehry

By LA Downtown News Staff elated Companies revealed a 45-story residential tower at The Grand LA will be called The Grand by Gehry.

Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the tower will have 436 luxury residential apartments, including 113 ultra-premium residences on the its uppermost floors. Homes will range in size from studios to one, two and three bedrooms and feature a penthouse collection.

The Grand by Gehry will be the paradigm-shifting residential center to The Grand LA, Los Angeles’ newest destination for shopping, dining and entertainment slated to open in 2022. The tower will feature first-class amenities including expan-

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The Grand by Gehry is the cornerstone to Frank Gehry’s long-lived dream of revitalizing Downtown LA’s Grand Avenue corridor, according to Rick Vogel, senior vice president, Related Companies.

Renderings courtesy of CORE

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The 45-story residential tower was designed by architect Frank Gehry. sive indoor and outdoor amenities.

“The Grand by Gehry is the cornerstone to Frank Gehry’s long-lived dream of revitalizing Downtown LA’s Grand Avenue corridor,” said Rick Vogel, senior vice president, Related Companies.

“The residential tower honors his commitment to transforming Downtown Los Angeles into a vibrant community centered around the top performing arts and cultural centers in the world.”

Through Gehry’s design, The Grand LA’s 164,000 square feet of retail space, anchored by chef-driven restaurants, a collection of shops and entertainment, and the 28-story Conrad Los Angeles Hotel, will complement the nearby arts and cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center, the Broad Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Colburn School of Music.

The Grand Avenue Project is a public-private partnership with the Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority to revitalize Downtown LA’s cultural and civic core with a mix of commercial, retail, cultural and residential uses stitched together with great public spaces and world-class architecture.

This multiphased master-planned development is re-envisioning and redeveloping underutilized government-owned parcels directly adjacent to the Civic Center and key cultural institutions.

Related Companies and CORE (USA) Investment Holding LLC are funding and executing the development of The Grand under a joint venture partnership.

Info: livegrandla.com

Renderings courtesy of CORE

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Covered SPORTSCalifornia will help

Ski Dazzle ushers in the winter sports season

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor udy Gray was an exhibitor at Ski Dazzle in the late 1970s, when she sensed change.

“The gentleman who was doing it was ready to retire,” Gray said. “We had some great ideas, and the other exhibitors said, ‘Why don’t you do the show?’”

Gray “begged, borrowed and stole everything to buy the shows from him” and — 43 years later — Ski Dazzle continues. North America’s largest annual consumer ski and snowboard expo returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center Friday, Dec. 10, to Sunday, Dec. 12.

Earlier this year, it was inducted into the LACC Hall of Fame, along with the Anime Expo and the Los Angeles Auto Show.

“It is a wonderful community,” Gray said about winter athletes.

“You see people once a year who are customers, and then you see the public, who become friends.

They bring their kids and then they bring their grandkids. I don’t feel any older. This sport keeps you young.”

At Ski Dazzle, consumers can shop more than $6 million in gear, clothing and accessories at up to 70% off as well as visit a host of ski resorts, including those from California, Wyoming and Utah.

Attendees will receive a free lift ticket offer with a general admission purchase. Celebrating 58 years, this annual event will also feature a climbing wall, contests, prizes, food, drink and entertainment.

“It’s just a wonderful, fun event,” she said. “You save money. You get a free lift ticket, and it kicks off the ski and snowboard season.

“It’s a good way to get out, especially now with all the stuff we’ve lived through. We’re all itching to get back to it.”

Gray said, from an outsider’s view, California is the least likely place to have a snowboard/ski show.

“We live an hour up to Mount Baldy and two hours to Big Bear, Summit and Mountain High. They’re in our backyard. We can go skiing in the morning and surfing in the afternoon. I don’t think there’s another city in North America, for sure, that has that kind of access with these kind of population numbers.

Southern California has more skiers and snowboarders than any other metropolitan city in North America.”

The Los Angeles Convention Center was a logical place for the event.

“It’s mutually inconvenient for everybody,” Gray said with a frequent laugh. “It’s anywhere from a 5-minute drive for those who live Downtown to over an hour.

“You walk in, get your hand stamped, present the QR code on a mobile phone or device, walk in and

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enjoy a lot of local resorts. We have $6 million of gear on sale from 20% to 70% off. That’s unheard of during the supply chain issue.”

The clothing and gear are great for winter sports; however, it’s also appropriate for cooler nights in California, she added.

Throughout her 43 years with Ski Dazzle, Gray has watched the industry “ebb and flow with the population and the economy.”

“It goes up and down like a mountain,” she said. “It was huge when the baby boomers came through, and when they had kids it went downhill a little bit.

Now, they’re the cool parents taking their friends or kids skiing. You become the cool parent when you take your kids, even if you don’t ski or snowboard.”

Gray called the sport “cheaper than a psychiatrist” and an easy way to bond or build friendships.

“You can sit next to a student, celebrity, a great local person on the chairlifts,” she said. “You have time to connect and chat and then you’re on your way. It’s very social without trying too hard. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, you have something in common with everyone who’s on the mountain.”

Ski Dazzle, she explained, is her chance to share the sport and the state she loves.

“We’re surrounded by an embarrassment of riches in Southern California,” she said. “It’s our secret.”

Ski Dazzle: The Los Angeles Ski Show & Snowboard Expo WHEN: 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles COST: Tickets start at $22 INFO: skidazzle.com VACCINE: Ski Dazzle will be operated in accordance with health protocols required by the Los Angeles County Department of Health. At this time, everyone ages 2 and older are required to wear a face mask. All attendees 12 years and older must present a photo ID and copy of proof of vaccination or copy of a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours.

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Los Angeles welcomed FIFA delegation on an official FIFA World Cup 2026 site visit including SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.

LA venues welcome FIFA delegation

By LA Downtown News Staff he Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee recently welcomed FIFA delegates for an official FIFA World Cup 2026 site visit, showcasing the region’s world-class venues and infrastructure in an ongoing bid to bring the event to Southern California.

The host committee led FIFA and U.S. Soccer on tours of two of the nation’s most iconic sports and entertainment venues, Rose Bowl Stadium and SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.

During the visit, the delegation also visited numerous locations proposed for training sites, base camps for international teams, and the official FIFA Fan Fest. In addition to seeing the various venues, the delegates took part in a few uniquely LA activities, including the host city meeting at the Grammy Museum, a reception with local officials at Sony Pictures Studios, and a culinary experience representing the diverse cultures and neighborhoods of Los Angeles by Wolfgang Puck.

In 2026, North America will be the site of history’s first 48-team FIFA World Cup, with cities in Canada, Mexico and United States all set to host matches.

This will mark the first time three nations have been selected to co-host a FIFA World Cup and the event’s first return to North America in 32 years. The site visit with FIFA focused on solidifying the Los Angeles region’s bid to be a Super Host City, with both stadiums hosting matches, including the semi-final and final, a fan festival, and other ancillary World Cup events. FIFA is expected to finalize the 16 host cities from the proposed slate of 22 candidates by mid-2022. The United States has proposed 17 candidate host cities, with at least 10 of these destinations expected to be selected in the final round.

“We are happy to have welcomed the FIFA delegation to Los Angeles this weekend,” said Chris Klein, LA Galaxy president.

“During this visit, we had the opportunity to showcase Los Angeles’ resources and infrastructure, as we believe the city will make a perfect location for the most celebrated tournament in the world. LA is the world’s city, and we’re ready to bring the World Cup to Los Angeles in 2026.”

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Photo by Nicolas Wendl

The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee is a united soccer front established to deliver a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Los Angeles that will drive lasting social, cultural and economic impact for the region. The effort is led by the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and includes the Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and the LA Galaxy.

“It was an honor to meet with the FIFA delegation this weekend and help showcase the incredible venues and our dynamic city of Los Angeles,” said Larry Freedman, LAFC co-president.

“We know that LA is one of the premier soccer cities in the world, and we are excited to continue working with our partners and the Host Committee to ensure our vision of the World Cup becomes a reality here.”

In June, the Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee named Klein and Freedman as co-chairs of the region’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2026. Then, in September, the group launched its official bid video featuring actor Will Ferrell, LA Galaxy and U.S. Soccer legend Cobi Jones and narration by one of history’s most iconic broadcasters, Vin Scully.

A successful bid would add to Los Angeles region’s long-standing reputation as one of the nation’s top soccer cities, building on the 1984 Olympic tournament, 1994 FIFA World Cup and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which collectively remain the largest-attended FIFA World Cup events.

“The Los Angeles region has a rich history of hosting the world’s greatest sports and entertainment events, a privilege that consistently benefits our entire region,” said Kathryn Schloessman, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission president and chief executive officer.

“We are grateful for the FIFA delegation’s consideration, as hosting the FIFA World Cup here would strengthen our local businesses, drive philanthropic impact and unite all Angelenos through the Beautiful Game, just as it has before.”

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DECEMBER 6, 2021

Covered California will help FEATURE

Five reasons to go to Little Tokyo this holiday season

By LA Downtown News Staff his season, Go Little Tokyo for the holidays to shop and support one of Los Angeles’ most historic neighborhoods.

Whether dining in or ordering takeout from Little Tokyo’s beloved restaurants, discovering creative gifts, capturing the perfect holiday moment in a photo with Shogun Santa, or enjoying the festive scene with roaming carolers and Christmas tree in Japanese Village Plaza, there are several ways to show love to Little Tokyo this season.

Skip the mall and shop small at Little Tokyo’s many historic businesses by picking up or ordering unique items. Celebrate this special community and make new memories in the heart of Downtown LA with the top five reasons to Go Little Tokyo for the Holidays.

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Deck the halls with one-of-a-kind gifts: Browse Little Tokyo’s annual Holiday Gift Guide for a convenient way to discover unique gifts while supporting beloved local businesses like Anzen Hardware with Sustainable Little Tokyo’s annual holiday gift sale.

Delight in the spirit of giving: Give back to the Little Tokyo Community Council with curated gifts from the LTCC Online Pop-up Shop including limited edition pins, totes, sweatshirts and greeting cards. Make a donation in loved one’s names, and they will receive a limited Little Tokyo print in the form of a holiday greeting card on the givers’ behalf. Cards will be mailed out the first week of December to ensure that they arrive by the holidays.

Make your (restaurant) list and check it twice: Use Go Little Tokyo’s online directory of restaurants to map out where you’ll be picking up holiday meals or refueling during your Little Tokyo shopping excursion. Pick up gift cards from favorite restaurants to check off gifts for all the foodies on your list.

Shogun Santa is coming to town: Snap the perfect holiday card photo with Shogun Santa next to the Japanese Village Plaza Christmas tree during his visits on Saturday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the health and safety of Santa and visitors, there will be a barrier around Santa, and sitting on Santa’s lap will not be permitted. Shogun Santa is sponsored by the Little Tokyo Business Association.

‘Tis the season to be festive: Take in the historic neighborhood’s magical atmosphere with twinkling lights and showstopping Christmas tree in Japanese Village Plaza. Enjoy the sweet sounds of roaming carolers, JTOWN JINGLES, presented by Go Little Tokyo and East West Players, featuring Filosophy as they serenade the neighborhood from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Stay to experience the free, public fullset performance at JANM Plaza at 5 p.m.

This Little Tokyo Christmas tree is in Japanese Village Plaza.

Photo courtesy of Go Little Tokyo

Shop and support Little Tokyo’s small businesses for a chance to win a $50 Little Tokyo gift certificate. Submit receipts from Little Tokyo businesses at GoLittleTokyo. com/Holidays to enter. Two winners will be chosen, and multiple entries are encouraged. Receipts must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31.

Businesses in Little Tokyo continue to monitor and adhere to guidelines put forth by local and state agencies and the CDC. It is recommended that unvaccinated guests wear masks when not actively eating or drinking and that all guests, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask when in line or when not able to maintain a 6-foot physical distance from other guests. For more information about the holidays in Little Tokyo and to view the Little Tokyo Gift Guide, visit golittletokyo.com/ holidays.

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