Los Angeles Downtown News 03-01-2021

Hope on the Horizon Experts predict DTLA’s

Revitalizing DTLA Architect bringing ideas

strengths, weaknesses

to city’s urban core

Page 2

March 1, 2021 I VOL. 50 I #9

Page 4

OUTDOOR DINING GUIDE PG. 11

14 Days of Food Celebrate LA’s top restaurants with dineL.A.

THE VOICE OF DOWNTOWN LA SINCE 1972

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

2 DOWNTOWN NEWS

DT

Covered NEWS California will help

Experts predict DTLA’s strengths, weaknesses

By Kamala Kirk rior to the pandemic, Downtown Los Angeles was a bustling and vibrant metropolis that was developing at a rapid pace. When COVID-19 hit, many businesses closed their doors and a significant decrease in tourists and visitors to Downtown led to virtually empty streets. But as

P

vaccines are rolled out and cases continue to decrease, hope appears to be on the horizon.

On Feb. 16, Bisnow hosted a virtual webinar, “Future of Downtown Los Angeles: Predicting DTLA’s Strengths & Weaknesses in 2021 & Beyond,” where a panel of five industry experts discussed what lies ahead

Los Angeles Downtown News PO Box 1349 South Pasadena, CA 91031 213-481-1448

MARCH 1, 2021

tion photography and drone video footfor DTLA. Bisnow is the largest producer of news age with in-depth market stats and projand events within the commercial real es- ect specs.

The Development Tour highlights the tate industry across North America, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Op- top projects that have been recently comerating in more than 50 cities across North pleted, are under construction or have America and Europe, Bisnow hosts more been proposed in Downtown, along with than 300 events each year with the pur- key deals and market data. It can be acpose of informing, connecting and ad- cessed at downtownla.com/virtualtour vancing the commercial real estate com- and features four interactive tour stops that take viewers behind the scenes of munity to do more business.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski The discussion kicked off with a presen- some of DTLA’s most highly anticipated STAFF WRITERS: Andrew Checchia, Andres De Ocampo, Julia Shapero developments. tation by Elan Shore, director ofSara research CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Edwards, Kamala Kirk “When the pandemic hit and we realized and special projects at Downtown Center ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Chavez we weren’t going to be putting 50 people Business Improvement District (DCBID).

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Myriam Santos He gave a preview of the DTLA Virtual: De- on a bus anytime soon, we started workACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb velopment Tour, anEMERITUS: online tour that of- ing on this alternative, and thus our virtual FOUNDER Sue Laris fers a bird’s-eye view of Downtown’s con- tour was born,” Shore said.

“All of the images are 360-degree pantinuing transformation through interactive technology, digital mapping, high-defini- oramic so you can turn all the way around

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski STAFF WRITERS: Sarah Donahue, Ethan Greni, Kamala Kirk, Matthew Rodriguez, Annika Tomlin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Doyoon Kim, Steven Rosenthal, Ellen Snortland ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Chavez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris

1620 W. FOUNTAINHEAD PARKWAY, SUITE 219 TEMPE, ARIZONA 85282 PRESIDENT: Steve T. Strickbine VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt

S I N C E 19 7 2 facebook: L.A. Downtown News

twitter: DowntownNews

instagram: @ladowntownnews

©2021 Times Media Group. Los Angeles Downtown News is a trademark of Times Media Group. All rights reserved. The Los Angeles Downtown News is the must-read newspaper for Downtown Los Angeles and is distributed bi-weekly throughout the offices and residences of Downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles Downtown News has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in Court Judgement No. C362899. One copy per person.

MARCH 1, 2021

and see everything in the surrounding area. In the coming weeks and months, we will be adding existing office, residential, retail and hospitality tours, plus the ability to create custom tours tailored to your needs and interests.”

The webinar was moderated by Max Shapiro, a commercial real estate attorney from Allen Matkins. The panel’s featured presenters included Clare De Briere, executive vice president and regional manager for Skanska, a leading project development and construction group; John Barganski, SVP of leasing, Western region, Brookfield Properties; Ricardo Pagan, CEO of Claridge Properties; Stephane Lacroix, general manager of Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel; and Justin Weiss, vice president of Kennedy Wilson Brokerage.

Weiss said that while retail activity is slow, leasing is still happening, and he has a dozen leases in the works.

“Of all the neighborhoods in LA, DTLA was hardest hit, but it’s obvious why,” Weiss said. “However, if you look at the sheer magnitude of investment in Downtown, there are approximately $4.5 billion worth of projects right now that are just under construction. I’m not going to sugarcoat it — retail activity is low right now, but most tenants are thinking long term and just trying to get through the present.”

Weiss added that restaurants are also continuing to open and that second-gen-

DOWNTOWN NEWS 3

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

eration restaurant spaces are the most sought after because they are already built out and don’t require a huge investment to get up and running.

Landlord Brookfield is the largest owner of Downtown LA class A high-rise space and has over 10 million square feet of office space in its Western region portfolio. While 80% to 85% is leased, Barganski mentioned that the space is experiencing physical occupancy of about 10% to 15%.

“The last year has been spent investing huge sums of capital and human capital to change how those workplaces interact with our users,” Barganski said. “I think people will return to the office, but what they’ll return to will be different on the inside.”

When asked how the pandemic has changed the way her company is developing projects, De Briere pointed out that Skanska had been investing in technologies associated with healthy building and sustainability over the last decade, so they won’t be doing things that much differently than they already have.

“We have a building in the Arts District that we’re designing right now, and we have an exterior corridor around every one of the office floors and a garden space on every single floor in order to create that indoor-outdoor connectivity,” De Briere said.

“We also employ touchless technology

on virtually all of our buildings, and we’ll continue to do that. I do think that we’ll start to see smaller buildings so that tenants can control the entirety of their environment and provide for the health and safety of employees and customers.”

When discussing the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, Lacroix shared that he and his team began to think about ways to reconnect on a deeper level with the LA community. The Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel, which is scheduled to open in June 2021, is one of the most anticipated high-design hotel openings this year.

“At all of our properties, we always find a way to partner with successful local businesses and restaurants,” Lacroix said. “Our hotel is located two blocks away from the Orpheum Theatre, and I love the energy and true urban feel of the area. When it comes to the safety and health of our team, in order for customers to be confident, we have to ensure that we do our due diligence and have a robust plan in place.”

Pagan also talked about his upcoming developments, including a $2 billion Angels Landing on Fourth and Hill Street that will bring two luxury hotels, more than 400 for-sale and for-rent residential units, and more than 36,000 square feet of commercial space to the side that is currently an undeveloped hillside and former park.

Even though the project may be delayed for a year and a half, Pagan said that the reason was due to “political headwinds” and not the pandemic. As of September, developers were still anticipating the project would be open for the 2028 Olympics, which LA is scheduled to host.

“People love urban cities, and once people gain confidence and are comfortable being near each other again, in the long term people will return to Downtown,” Pagan said. “Looking ahead five to 10 years, we believe that underdeveloped cities like LA are key. New York is already built out, as is Seattle and most major cities.”

De Briere added that Downtown is starting to see more neighborhood pockets coming up, which create a sense of community that people are drawn to.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how each one of those neighborhoods will continue to evolve,” De Briere said.

“Bunker Hill has a very different feel than the Arts District. The nice thing is that they’re all connected by transit now, so you can get to all of them, but they each have their own community and feel, which is important. As a developer, what I’m building in one part of Downtown is very different than what I would build in another part. As long as we maintain that sense of uniqueness as we build for the community, I think that will create a really vibrant and diverse Downtown.”

Because your heart matters, we’re here.

Don’t delay care.

At Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center, we understand that your health has never been more important. And that includes taking care of your heart. From education, prevention and diagnostic procedures to advanced treatment and rehabilitation, our cardiovascular specialists are here and ready to safely put their heart into caring for yours.

Learn more or find a cardiologist near you at DignityHealth.org/CaliforniaHospital/Heart.

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

DT

4 DOWNTOWN NEWS

MARCH 1, 2021

Covered NEWS California will help

DTLA architect hopes her ideas will help revitalize the city’s urban core Downtown LA’s Dual Language Immersion School

Sacred Heart Catholic School A TK-8 school serving Los Angeles since 1890

2109 Sichel Street, Los Angeles www.SacredHeartLA.org

Spanish/English Dual Language Español/Ingles de doble lenguaje Our new English & Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program is now enrolling TK and Kindergarten students. Students spend half their day learning in English and the other half learning in Spanish. They receive personalized attention in a small classroom environment.

Enrolling Now! / ¡Inscríbase ahora!

Call (323) 225-4177 * Financial Aid Available * A Catholic Education Offers an Advantage For Life Una Educación Católica Ofrece una Ventaja para la Vida ✦Strong Catholic Identity ✦Small Class Sizes ✦Boys & Girls CYO Sports ✦School Issued iPads & Laptops ✦Academic Decathlon ✦Counseling Services ✦Music Program TK-5 ✦Instrumental Music 6-8

✦Fuerte Identidad Católica ✦Clases con Menos Alumnos ✦Deportes de Niños y Niñas CYO ✦iPads & Laptops Disponibles ✦Decatlón Académico ✦Programa de Consejería ✦Programa de Música TK-5 ✦Clases de Música Instrumental 6-8

Take a Tour!

www.SacredHeartLA.org

By Matthew Rodriguez s a kid, architect Karin Liljegren would stare at buildings while she refined them in her head.

“As a kid, I used to look at buildings and think about how I could improve them,” said Liljegren. “I love positive transformation.”

In 20 years, Liljegren and her company, Omgivning, have built over 400 buildings, helping to revitalize Downtown Los Angeles after crashes in 2000 and 2008.

To revitalize the city’s urban core after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic brought the city to its knees, Liljegren hopes her ideas will help businesses reconnect with their communities.

According to Liljegren, there are many items DTLA must change, but it must first repopulate the vacant ground floors. Active ground floors would bring people into the area and create the urban city experience.

“There’s a lot of things that need to happen, but I do think that activating the ground floor has to occur right away,” she said.

For a temporary fix, Liljegren suggests popup stores, galleries or anything as long as it gives people a reason to return to your area.

She believes the pop-ups would not only bring a cash flow to the owners but also reinvigorate the community while more urban reprogramming occurs.

“We need (to bring) pop-up stores and programming into (these) empty spaces right now,” Liljegren said. “It could be an art gallery that comes in (or) it can literally be a popup retail space. We need to get some stuff in there.”

While the pop-ups continue to bring customers back into the area in the short term, one of Liljegren’s ideas to create a lasting impact is to create a “makers collective.”

“Something that is like a food hall concept, but it might be a different model — like a makers collective,” she said. “It’s not a brandnew idea, but it allows tenants to have a much smaller space that’s actually affordable.”

Liljegren continued by saying the collective will have a connection to the commerce via street access and can come together to have a management team to oversee the whole space.

Additionally, Liljegren believes that alfresco dining will help bring restaurants back during and post-pandemic.

“There’s no reason that most buildings can’t just pull that storefront back into the build and create that really great outdoor pa-

A

Architect Karin Liljegren and her company, Omgivning, are helping to revitalize Downtown Los Angeles.

Submitted photo

tio (that’s still) within the building envelope,” Liljegren said.

“A lot of restaurants do that, but not enough. A lot of them still want to maximize that square footage and get it right up to the property line instead of understanding the desire and need for people to sit outside.”

Also, the alfresco dining can be coupled with public art to help reactivate the space and bring more pedestrian traffic to the area, which could help local retail spaces as well.

Liljegren also believes that the spaces need to be flexible. One example is to have a workplace and restaurant on the same floor.

In the hybrid workplace/restaurant model, the office space would operate during normal business hours while the restaurant would open at night. During the day the office could use the restaurant for breakout sessions and other uses. Offices could also use pods to provide private spaces to their employees, especially post-pandemic. At night, the office can still be accessed by employees during the dinner rush.

“Those could all work really easily,” Liljegren said. “A restaurant has small tables and chairs and private dining rooms which could also become conference rooms. … The idea of sharing or having a hybrid of these two uses is something that is potentially viable.”

Again, Liljegren believes it will take a lot of effort and time to revitalize DTLA, but before all that happens people need to present ideas to get the ball rolling.

“I’m just trying to give people ideas that are kind of out of the box because we need to get some new stuff happening on these ground floors,” she said.

MARCH 1, 2021

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DOWNTOWN NEWS 5

Experience the Community: L.A. Charter Public Schools Near You

By LACFEPS The global health pandemic has upended education for many families in unexpected ways. As we slowly emerge out of this crisis, many of us are beginning to reimagine what education will look like moving forward.

You may now be thinking about the fall and new school options available in your community that may offer you the academic and social emotional supports your children and family need. If this is the case, then you may want to explore charter public schools.

Why a charter public school?

Public charter schools are free, open to all students, and already part of our public education system. These schools enjoy more flexibility than traditional public schools. Increased flexibility means: • longer school days that are inclusive of enrichment activities, • smaller class sizes, • meeting the needs of all students

through individualized curricula, and • more professional development for teachers.

It also means that charter public schools are held to high levels of accountability in academics, financials and management. More importantly, charter public schools offer families an opportunity to find the right school; the public school that best meets their children’s academic and social-emotional needs.

“In the fall, students will be returning to school with needs that will require an individualized approach,” said Angelica Solis-Montero, executive director for the L.A Coalition for Excellent Public Schools (LACFEPS). “It’ll be important for parents to identify what type of school environment and curricula will best meet these needs. This is where charter schools, with smaller class sizes and added flexibility can help,” she added.

Finding the Right School for Your Student ALLIANCE COLLEGE READY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Alliance Marine-Innovation and Technology 6-12 Complex 11933 Allegheny St., Sun Valley, CA 91352 (747) 223-2649 | www.allianceMIT.org Alliance Leichtman-Levine Family Foundation Environmental Science High School 2930 Fletcher Dr., Los Angeles, 90065 (323) 739-0560 | www.esathigh.org Alliance Jack H. Skirball Middle School 603 E 115th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 905-1377 | www.skirballmiddle.org For more information: www.laalliance.org (213) 943-4930 BRIGHT STAR SCHOOLS Stella Middle Charter Academy (5th grade)Baldwin Hills 4301 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 (424)789-8337 | brightstarschools.org/SMCA Rise Kohyang Elementary SchoolKoreatown 600 S. La Fayette Park Place Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 224-8900 | brightstarschools.org/RKES Valor Academy Elementary School San Fernando Valley 8755 Woodman Avenue Arleta, CA 91331 (818) 217-2733 https://www.brightstarschools.org/VAES For more information: www.brightstarschools.org (323) 954-9957 x 1030

CAMINO NUEVO CHARTER ACADEMY Jose Castellanos Elementary School Central LA 1723 W Cordova St., Los Angeles, CA 90007 (323) 730-7160 https://castellanos.caminonuevo.org/ Jane B. Eisner Middle School - Central LA 2755 W 15th St., Los Angeles, CA 90006 (323) 358-2030 https://eisner.caminonuevo.org/ Sandra Cisneros Learning Academy, K-8 Echo Park 1018 Mohawk St., Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 353-5300 https://cisneros.caminonuevo.org/ For more information: www.caminonuevo.org (213) 417-3400 EDNOVATE Brio College Prep 350 S. Figueroa St., Ste 100, Los Angeles, CA 90071 (323) 446-2570 ednovate.org/brio South LA College Prep 700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 377-9377 ednovate.org/south-la East College Prep 3825 North Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90031 (323) 285-1441 | ednovate.org/east For more information: www.ednovate.org/enroll (213) 454-0599 EQUITAS ACADEMY Equitas Academy

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

– William Shakespeare What is a charter public school?

Public charter schools are public schools. They are part of the many school choices, such as magnets and pilot schools, offered to families by the public education system. An L.A.-area charter public school is authorized by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), or another authorizing school district, and is subject to state law.

The authorizing school district holds public charter schools accountable to ensure that they are in compliance with established agreements, which are also known as charters. Hence the name, charter schools.

LACFEPS, is a coalition of L.A.-based nonprofit charter public school networks that represent more than 46,000 students in over 100 schools in South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, Downtown L.A., Southeast cities and parts of the San Fernando Valley. These schools have a proven track record in academics, as well as graduation and college readiness. They serve a diverse population of students with varying abilities and individualized needs.

1700 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 201-0440 | eq.equitasacademy.org Equitas Academy #2 2723 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90005 (213) 201-5940 | eq2.equitasacademy.org Equitas Academy #3 1050 Beacon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 204-0344 | eq3.equitasacademy.org For more information: www.equitasacademy.org/apply/ (213) 532-4411

(323) 647-8898 | https://Kippsocal.org/enroll KIPP Generations Academy - San Pedro (323) 647-8898 | https://Kippsocal.org/enroll For more information: www.kippsocal.org/ (323) 647-8898

GREEN DOT PUBLIC SCHOOLS CALIFORNIA Animo Westside Charter Middle School Alsace/Playa Vista 5456 McConnell Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066 (323)565-3251| https://greendotpublicschools. schoolmint.net/ Animo Compton Charter School – Compton 13305 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90061 (323) 565-4415 https://greendotpublicschools.schoolmint.net/ Animo Ellen Ochoa Charter Middle School – Belvedere/Maravilla/East Los Angeles 4360 Dozier St., Los Angeles, CA 90022 (323) 565-3245 https://greendotpublicschools.schoolmint.net/ For more information: https://greendotpublicschools.schoolmint.net/ (323) 565-1600 KIPP SOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS KIPP Pueblo Unido - Southeast Los Angeles 3759 E. 57th St., Maywood, CA 90270 (323) 364-6537 | https://Kippsocal.org/enroll KIPP Poder Public School - Montebello

SPONSORED CONTENT

Applications for the 2021-2022 school year are now available online on each school’s website. If you’re interested in a new school for your child, make sure to visit the school’s website for further information.

MAGNOLIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Magnolia Science Academy-Bell 6411 Orchard Ave., Bell, CA 90201 (323) 826-3925 | http://bit.ly/MagnoliaEnroll Magnolia Science Academy-2 Valley 17125 Victory Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA (818)758-0300 | http://bit.ly/MagnoliaEnroll Magnolia Science Academy-3 Carson 1254 East Helmick St., Carson, CA 90746 (310) 637-3806 | http://bit.ly/MagnoliaEnroll For more information: https://magnoliapublicschools.org/ (213) 628-3634 STEM PREP SCHOOLS STEM Prep Elementary (TK-5) 1374 W 35th St., Los Angeles, CA 90007 (323) 998-0950 www.stemprepelementary.org/apply-now Crown Preparatory Academy (5-8) 2055 W 24th St., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 238-9702 www.crownprep.org/apply-now Math and Science College Prep (9-12) 3202 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 821-1393 www.mscollegeprep.org/apply-now For more information: www.stem-prep.org/ (323) 795-0695

DT

6 DOWNTOWN NEWS

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

MARCH 1, 2021

Covered NEWS California will help

Downtown firefighters enjoy sundaes courtesy of charity

By Steven Rosenthal pring is in the air, and the First-in Fire Foundation recently shared its “Love at a Grassroots Level” with Downtown firefighters.

LAFD Fire Station 10 received ice cream and an assortment of toppings and a heartfelt “thank-you” flier for the courageous and brave firefighters who protect the community.

The sweets were purchased from a Los Angeles small business, Local Ice, a specialty ice cream shop. Firefighters at fire stations south of Downtown, including 14, 64 and 65, received big boxes of assorted dark chocolates compliments of Television City, in collaboration with First-in Fire Foundation.

The foundation’s mission is connecting local citizens and businesses to their local fire stations. First-in Fire Foundation is

S

unique in that it directly asks the question, “What do you need?”

All fire stations need and welcome goodwill and appreciation from the communities they serve.

Fo r a l m o s t a ye a r, CO V I D - 1 9 h a s changed the world, and Los Angeles is no different. Morale for everyone — citizens, small businesses, first responders — is so important. Special delivery of an ice cream dessert is a win-win and a guaranteed morale booster.

Emergency responders have been especially overloaded and tested by the pandemic. However, they’ve met the challenges and have overcome complexities caused by COVID-19.

The foundation has found that bonding during a crisis and in this pandemic helps strengthen local friendships and resilience for emergency preparedness, and points

At Fire Station 10, LAFD, 1335 S. Olive Street, firefighters lined up in front of their fire truck to show their appreciation for their ice cream treats. From left are firefighters Sam Abbott, Stephen Benevente and Keith Garcia.

Photo courtesy of First-in-Fire Foundation

out that “friendship is the first step toward preparedness.”

“We hope the love at the grassroots level shared with our firefighters will keep the spirit of springtime alive all year long.

It’s as easy as making an old-fashioned ice cream sundae or opening a box of chocolates and knowing it came from the heart of a friend,” said foundation President Lyn

MacEwen Cohen.

“In this pandemic year and beyond, we aim to help small businesses and firefighters at the same time.”

To be a part of the First-in Fire Foundation’s firehouse campaign to support and thank local firefighters, call 323-933-8164, email info@firstinfirefoundation.org or visit firstinfirefoundation.org.

MARCH 1, 2021

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DT

Covered will help NEWS - California COVID COUNT

Reported cases in DTLA and surrounding areas as of Feb. 21 Chinatown: 689; Little Tokyo: 373; Los Feliz: 985; Silverlake: 3,006; South Park: 7,117; Wilshire Center: 5,348 Total confirmed cases in DTLA: 3,722 Total deaths in DTLA: 43 Total confirmed cases in LA County: 1,179,063 Total deaths in LA County: 19,793 Los Angeles County continues to report a decline in COVID-19 cases, but the rise of a more transmittable and deadlier variant stresses the importance of following all community guidelines and safety precautions. The county has reported 2,393 new cases and 136 additional deaths with two additional cases of the B117 variant as of Feb. 20. Residents younger than 50 made up 64% of the new cases, and people 65 and older made up only 15% of the new cases but 71% of reported deaths. Experts predict the B117 variant, first discovered in the United Kingdom, will become the dominant coronavirus in the nation by the end of March. Officials fear another major surge if vaccinations are too slow to roll out or people disregard safety rules. As of Feb. 19, there are 2,369 COVID-19 patients, and hospitalizations have decreased by 44% from two weeks before, when there were 4,186 patients.

Los Angeles County has postponed vaccinations, as vaccine shipments remain stuck in transit due to the winter weather affecting many parts of the country. The delays will be affecting many of the large vaccination sites, including Dodger Stadium. On Feb. 19, around 2,500 vaccine appointments were rescheduled, as tens of thousands of vaccines were being delayed.

Mayor Eric Garcetti stated that people receiving their second dose will still get it within the 42-day window, and those delayed appointments will be prioritized once the vaccine is restocked. The cancellations caused mass confusion for many people who still showed up on Feb. 19 to receive their shot. Some were notified about their appointment being postponed, while oth-

ers were unsure the message they received was actually from the city. On the upside, starting next week, Los Angeles city residents can get tested for the coronavirus without making an appointment. Residents are now allowed to just walk up to a testing site at one of the eight official sites. Health officials are still working to get more vaccines in underserved communities using mobile vaccination clinics, which are continuing to operate despite the vaccine delays.

The Golden State stimulus, a COVID-19 relief program, will be going to legislation for approval in the next week. The program is a part of the $9.6 billion economic recovery package. The program consists of a one-time $600 payment to households who make under $30,000 a year. Stimulus checks are also provided to taxpayers with individual tax identification numbers whose income is below $75,000 and who did not receive stimulus payments. There is also a grant proposal that will provide tax relief over the next couple of years, exempting the first $150,000 of expenses paid by the Paycheck Protection Program for many small businesses heavily affected by the pandemic. There are also several other provisions, including $100 million in financial aid for low-income community college students and $24 million for financial aid through Housing for the Harvest, which supports agricultural workers in quarantine.

Los Angeles elementary schools are starting to reopen after county health officials announced it expects to reach the state COVID-19 threshold for reopening campuses, an adjusted case rate of 25 per 100,000. Since Feb. 16, dozens of elementary schools have been allowed to reopen.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plans to get teaching staff vaccinated more quickly have had significant backlash from the teachers union, which remains opposed until community case rates drop further and vaccines have full effect for returning workers. A return to in-person instruction before the end of the school year remains uncertain.

—Information compiled by Doyoon Kim

DOWNTOWN NEWS 7

8 DOWNTOWN NEWS

DT

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

MARCH 1, 2021

Covered NEWS California will help

Celebrating the New Year

I

n celebration of Lunar New Year, the office of Councilman Gil Cedillo distributed 450 gift bags with a mask and chocolates to Chinese seniors at the Grand Plaza Senior Apartments, 601 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, on Feb. 19. Photographer Luis Chavez captured images.

Daussia Spinks, employee of the Grand Plaza Senior Apartments, celebrates Lunar New Year with a resident.

Photo by Luis Chavez

Daussia Spinks and Gabriela Guevara, employees of the Grand Plaza Senior Apartments, put together packets to be delivered to seniors for Lunar New Year.

Photo by Luis Chavez

Grand Plaza Senior Apartments resident Barbara Cook says “thank you” for her package.

Photo by Luis Chavez

To celebrate Lunar New Year, a resident receives a mask and fun trinkets for the Lunar New Year.

Photo by Luis Chavez

Min Shu, resident for the Grand Plaza Senior Apartments, gets a goodie bag.

Photo by Luis Chavez

Ricardo Flores, senior field deputy for Councilman Gil Cedillo, holds one of the red packets delivered to residents of the Grand Plaza Senior Apartments in Los Angeles.

Photo by Luis Chavez

MARCH 1, 2021

DT

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DOWNTOWN NEWS 9

Covered NEWS California will help

Council asks Garcetti to use FEMA funds to shelter homeless

By Sarah Donahue s the pandemic continues to run its course, homeless people continue to be affected by COVID-19 at disproportionate rates — all while hotel rooms nearby remain vacant.

In early February, the Biden administration announced its commitment to provide additional Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to reimburse 100% of the cost of housing the most vulnerable individuals within homeless populations in hotel and motel rooms until September under a state program called Project Roomkey.

The Los Angeles Business Council (LABC) called on Mayor Eric Garcetti and the city council on Feb. 19 to seize this opportunity to get the most at-risk individuals within the unhoused community off of the streets as the devastating impacts of COVID-19 persist.

The LABC stated it wants the city government to “aggressively pursue a target of 15,000 hotel rooms” to house homeless seniors as well as unhoused individuals with underlying health conditions. To stimulate the effort, the LABC recommended the city request an advance on the reimbursements.

“We urge you to act fast to explore options for renting vastly more hotel and motel rooms and bringing our unhoused Angelenos safely indoors,” the LABC wrote in a letter to Garcetti. “Opportunities like this don’t come along often. We must take full advantage of it.”

The Los Angeles Business Council has a mission of impacting public policy and advocating for progress in the city within the sectors of housing, transportation, energy, international trade and economic development by utilizing the combined power of business and government.

Los Angeles has an inventory of around 100,000 hotel and motel rooms, with occupancy rates “hovering at or below 50%,” according to official information from LABC. It also mentions the rates of homelessness and deaths in the city.

“There are more than 41,000 Angelenos suffering on the streets of our city today, and tens of thousands more in the County.

Deaths on the streets are up 74% in 2021 compared to the same time frame in 2020, with an average of five deaths each day.”

A

Project Roomkey began in April and is a collaborative initiative under state and county governments to get the most vulnerable individuals within the homeless community housed in vacant hotels.

With this program, around 4,000 homeless people were housed in hotels and motels across the county.

However, the reimbursements from FEMA at this time only covered 75% of the costs for placing the homeless in hotel and motel rooms, leaving state and local governments to cover the rest.

“Getting 4,000 people off the street and into some form of housing during a pandemic when we’ve been really stressed to house people is a great success story,” said Jessica Lall, president and CEO of Central City Association (CCA).

CCA is an advocacy organization that represents over 300 businesses, nonprofits and trade associates with a big focus on the issues impacting Downtown Los Angeles.

The CCA and the Los Angeles Business Council came together with other organizations to write a collaborative letter urging Garcetti to make use of the additional funding to house the city’s most vulnerable homeless individuals.

However, the letter also voices the importance of working with willing and participating hotel and motel operators rather than commandeering in order to provide flexibility during a time when businesses are struggling as well.

“We wholeheartedly support Project Roomkey and its objective; however, we wish to make clear that we do not support the City, or any other government agency, commandeering properties to achieve program expansion,” the letter states in bolded lettering.

It states the success of Project Roomkey depends on willing private sector partners, governments and “highly skilled homeless service providers” and that there should be coordination and cooperation across the nonprofit, private, labor and business sectors.

When the city commandeers hotels, it pays fair market value to cover the costs.

However, “Projec t Roomkey can and should expand with willing partners,” the letter states.

Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of

The Los Angeles Business Council called on Mayor Eric Garcetti and the city council on Feb. 19 to seize the opportunity to get the most at-risk individuals within the unhoused community off of the streets as the devastating impacts of COVID-19 persist.

Submitted photo

Commerce, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and Valley Industry & Commerce Association were also part of this collaborative letter dated Feb. 23.

In an interview with Los Angeles Downtown News, Lall went into more detail, as she explained how each organization is very supportive of Project Roomkey, and the ACC is “happy to see the Biden administration provide 100% for the cost to support this program.”

However, she emphasized, “We believe flexibility is key.”

It’s important to work with willing or interested hotel operators, and the flexibility will allow each operator to “decide what’s the best solution for them,” Lall said.

It’s also vital to educate hotel operators and others to encourage them to take advantage of the opportunities this program offers, she added.

The additional funds from Projec t Roomkey are important incentives, Lall stated.

Prioritizing and providing support to the homeless community’s most vulnerable individuals while also bringing revenue to businesses facing the devastating financial impact of COVID-19 goes hand in hand with taking care of people’s basic needs and protecting public health, she said.

“We think it’s a great program because it shows what can be done when the public and the private sector come together and act with a sense of urgency,” she said.

Project Roomkey creates “pathways to get the most vulnerable folks off the street, into a home where they’re less likely to get COVID — and, more importantly, to get the kind of services they need to get them into a permanent living.”

DT

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

10 DOWNTOWN NEWS

Covered California will help OPINION

MARCH 1, 2021

OPINION

Who are in all those white vans?

By Ellen Snortland

W

hite vans. I’m seeing them everywhere since we watched the astoundingly good “Nomadland,” starring Frances McDormand and directed by Chloe Zhao. Such is the magic of becoming aware of something previously unknown. Now, every time I see a white van, I’ll wonder if that is someone’s home.

Zhao is beyond gifted. Her abilities to frame a scene, work with actors, and evoke powerful emotions without needing to use a sledgehammer are stellar. She also edited the film, which has no violence and barely any drama. To call “Nomadland” a meditation on “there but for the grace of God, go I” comes close to the experience of watching it. I could relate to every single one of her characters, many of whom play themselves.

The American middle-class has been gutted, and we are part of the innards. I have resigned myself to the reality that I will never retire. I could be a textbook case of what not to do. For example, I used

personal assets to fund my documentary, thinking that the project would pay off at some point. So far, it hasn’t, but I don’t regret taking the road less traveled. My sisters sold their souls for security; I sold my soul so I wouldn’t have to work for a-holes!

And yes, I can laugh at myself.

In truth, I couldn’t ever imagine retiring; however, I would have liked having the choice. My husband and I have cobbled together a freelance, independent-contractor empire, and I consider us fortunate.

Here’s a partial list of what I — a person with a Juris Doctor, mind you — do just to keep the wolves from our door: We have two Airbnb guest spaces on our property; I bake Norwegian specialty goodies; I board and walk dogs; I coach writers and teach writing classes; I collect royalties from my books; I am an exotic dancer. Kidding! (Just checking to see if you’re still with me.) I am so fortunate because I love writers and dogs with all my heart.

Back to “Nomadland.” Based on actual events and people, the movie is also a love

Bob Wells is the most well-known person in Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland.”

Submitted photo

Hey you! Speak up!

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

Participation is easy. Go to downtownnews.com, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “Letter to the Editor” link. For guest opinion proposals, please email christina@timespublications.com.

letter to a significant portion of our aging population who take seasonal work where they can find it. For example, working at Amazon warehouses around Christmastime (the “Amazon CamperForce”), following crop harvests like sugar beets, or working as short-order cooks. They are temps in the real sense of the word, but not the front office kind. These people are nearly invisible, except to one another. They have similar stories to the people we all interact with regularly. Many of us are one client or one paycheck or one medical emergency away from being on the streets, or as the case may be, living in a van… if we’re lucky.

Fern, the character played by McDormand, is a well-educated, hard-working former teacher. She’s a “team player” who loves her job and her husband. They live in a small Nevada company town controlled by U.S. Gypsum, whose mines are also there. Almost overnight, her husband and the company itself have died, and the town evaporates — Nevada even erases its ZIP code. Fern takes to the road and hooks up with a woman who is part of a network of people similarly situated, who urges Fern to go to Quartzite, Arizona. This is where the annual get-together happens of the RTR: Rubber Tramp Rendezvous, a veritable boot camp for new and old van dwellers.

The people who attend the RTR gather-

ings, created by Bob Wells, give each other pointers, barter and swap goods and services, and provide a community I would join in a heartbeat. While Zhao doesn’t romanticize the experience of being “houseless,” she reveals a piece of American values that include neighborliness and coming together, similar to the traditions of barn raisings and quilt making. I came away from “Nomadland” seeing just how much material “stuff ” weighs me down. I can see how I could shed enough to fit in a van… as long as I have my sweetheart and my dogs.

Bob Wells, pictured, the most wellknown person in the film, took his actual life experience of loss and sorrow and channeled it into his creation of the RTR. His son committed suicide, and he shares that in the film. The theme of grief is a steady undercurrent, and it’s not hyperbole to say that many of us also grieve the loss of the so-called American dream — a dream out of reach from large segments of our society for a long time.

Do I still want my home? You bet. However, “Nomadland” makes an uncertain future at least confrontable, which is quite an accomplishment for a movie. And… another white van just drove by.

Ellen Snortland has written “Consider This…” for a heckuva long time, and she also coaches first-time book authors. Contact her at ellen@beautybitesbeast.com.

OUTDOOR DINING

MARCH 1, 2021

DT

DOWNTOWN NEWS 11

OUTDOOR DINING GUIDE

DINING

Celebrate LA’s top restaurants for 14 days

By Annika Tomlin ineL.A. Restaurant Week celebrates a cross section of the area’s unique dining options.

Set for March 1 to March 14, guests can try dishes from lunch or dinner menus with dine-in, pickup or delivery options.

Here is a list of a few of the participating DTLA restaurants and what they will be offering. For the full list of locations and menus, visit dineLA.com.

D

Anwar’s Kitchen Anwar ’s Kitchen will offer a lunch menu for $15 and dinner menu for $25, each with three courses. The lunch menu consists of hummus and pita chips for an appetizer, shawarma tacos (beef shawarma, chicken shawarma, gyro or falafel) for an entree, and pistachio or walnut baklava for dessert. Dinner consists of Mediterranean salad, Oozi roasted chicken, and pistachio or walnut baklava. Anwar’s Kitchen is available for takeout, outdoor dining, and delivery via

GrubHub. 217 E. Eighth Street, 213-265-7982, anwarskitchen.com H&H Brazilian Steakhouse H&H will be offering a three-course dine-in only dinner menu for $65 per person. First-course options include Brazilian cheese bread, unlimited organic salads and hand-picked vegetables. The main course is a choice of one of 16 different grass-fed, organic and locally sourced types of meat, including filet mignon, garlic picanha, pork ribs and H&H steak.

Choices of sides along with the main course include mashed potatoes, fried polenta, golden bananas and marinara spaghetti. For dessert, there’s a choice between old-fashioned lemon bar or peanut butter chocolate cake.

518 W. Seventh Street, 213-266-8103, hhsteakhouse.com KazuNori KazuNori has two all-day menus for $20.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Golden Dragon shines in Downtown LA

Golden Dragon has been voted Best Dim Sum for six consecutive years. The restaurant is open for takeout, delivery through Uber Eats & Grubhub and outdoor dining.

(Photo courtesy of Golden Dragon)

By Golden Dragon In the heart of Chinatown is Golden Dragon, a restaurant where guests can satisfy their cravings for Chinese food, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Golden Dragon has been voted Best Dim Sum for six consecutive years. The restaurant is open for takeout, delivery through Uber Eats & GrubHub and outdoor dining.

Diners can order from the regular menu and dim sum menu. Dim sums start as low as $2.99 each and are served from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Golden Dragon offers a variety of dim sums such as siu mai, har gow, beef riceroll, shrimp riceroll, baked barbecue pork buns, steamed chicken buns, marinated chicken feet, fried shrimp balls, egg rolls, egg custard tarts and sesame balls, just to name a few favorites.

From the regular menu, diners can order favorite items such as house chow mein, beef chow fun, fried rice, French-style diced beef, honey walnut shrimp, tangerine beef, tangerine chicken, fried calamari and spicy pork chop. Golden Dragon offers free parking and offers plenty of bang for the buck.

When the bill comes, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. So, gather fellow foodies for a visit to Golden Dragon, home to some of the finest dim sum in town.

ADVERTORIAL

Pikunico will serve a $35 family dinner chicken basket.

Photo courtesy of Pikunico

Philippe’s is just as tasty outdoors

By Philippe the Original The outdoor patio at Philippe the Original — the home of the original French dipped sandwich — is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for lunch and dinner.

Although different from the good ol’ days of eating on communal tables, walking on saw dust floors and snapping pics in the phone booths, the iconic Philippe’s French dip is just as tasty when enjoyed outdoors.

With plenty of shade, socially With plenty of shade, socially distant tables distant tables and lights for eveand lights for evening dining, the alfresco terning dining, the alfresco terrace race at Philippe’s fits perfectly in the parking fits perfectly in the parking lot lot adjacent to the restaurant. adjacent to the restaurant. Not (Photo courtesy of Philippe’s) to worry, the lot across from the restaurant has plenty of free spots for patrons.

Carver stations are still open for ordering, with some adjustments to keep everyone safe. Enjoy one of six French dips, like a classic beef dip, a hand-carved lamb dip or a tender pastrami dip. Each dip is served on a freshly baked and lightly toasted French roll and can be ordered single-dipped, double-dipped or wet, which is submerged in au jus, the natural gravy of the roasts. Don’t forget the hot mustard and tasty sides like chili, tangy coleslaw, macaroni salad or a signature pickled egg.

The beer and wine menu won’t disappoint with local craft drafts and cans, and a quality selection of red and white wines to complete a classic LA meal.

Philippe’s is located a block away from Union Station at 1001 N. Alameda Street.

For more information, call 213-628-3781. Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for lunch and dinner. Free parking. For more information, visit philippes.com.

ADVERTORIAL

12 DOWNTOWN NEWS

OUTDOOR DINING

MARCH 1, 2021

CELEBRATE LA’S TOP RESTAURANTS, 11 The on-site dine-in menu offers salmon sashimi, toro hand roll, salmon hand roll, crab hand roll and NZ Sea Bream hand roll.

The pickup and delivery menu includes salmon sashimi, four pieces of toro cut rolls, four pieces of salmon cut rolls, four pieces of crab cut rolls and four pieces of NZ Sea Bream cut rolls.

421 S. Main Street, 213-493-6956, handrollbar.com/downtown-los-angeles Lala’s Argentine Grill Lala’s will serve a three-course lunch for $20 and dinner for $35. Meals are available for takeout, GrubHub and dine-in. Lunch includes a choice of appetizer, caprese salad, chorizo or salmon or gorgonzola empanada; main course, 5-ounce salmon, 6-ounce New York steak or chicken encebollado; dessert, flan vanilla ice cream or cheesecake. Dinner options include appetizers, shrimp sauteed in garlic paprika sauce, caprese salad or sauteed mushrooms; main, 6-ounce filet mignon, grilled trout or double chicken champignon; dessert, flan, chocolate mousse cake, caramel crepes with vanilla ice cream.

105 W. Ninth Street, 213-623-1810, lalasgrill.com L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Da Michele’s dineL.A. menus are available for dine-in only. Lunch features three

courses, including choice of an appetizer (meatballs, gnocci fritto or Caesar salad), main course (cacio e pepe or one of da Michele’s pizzas), and Caprese flourless chocolate cake with hazelnut and vanilla gelato for dessert. Dinner, a five-course meal, features smaller, individual portions and includes a choice of two starters (burrata eggplant, scallops and truffle, beet salad), two entrees (pappardelle Genovese, grilled branzino fillet, pizza) and a choice of dessert (bread pudding or tiramisu). Lunch is priced at $30 per guest and is available until 5 p.m. Dinner is $65 per guest from 5 to 11 p.m.

1534 N. McCadden Place, damicheleusa.com

Manuela will offer a three-course lunch or dinner.

Photo courtesy of Manuela

Manuela Available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery, Manuela’s dineL.A. will allow guests to choose from three-course lunch or dinner. The Southern-influenced meals feature staples such as black bean chilaquiles, wood-grilled jidori chicken thigh, ocean trout tartare, Peads & Barnetts pork chop and burnt honey cake. Lunch is priced at $30; dinner is priced at $55.

907 E. Third Street, manuela-la.com

first course of hibiscus marinated beet salad or spicy tuna tostada; main course and dulce of vanilla bean tres leches flan cake or churros ice cream sundae. Lunch main courses include two “champion” tacos, pambazo (griddle sandwich) or the vegan roasted kabocha squash. Dinner’s main course options include chile verde braised ossu buco, Pez Powder blackened ahi tuna or the vegan roasted kabocha squash.

401 S. Grand Avenue, 213-258-2280, pezcantina.com

Pez Cantina Pez Cantina will dish up a $20 lunch and $35 dinner prix fixe menu. Each menu includes one choice of chips and salsa; a

Pikunico Fried Chicken Pikunico will have a $15 lunch menu and $35 dinner menu. Lunch sees choices of a golden chicken sandwich with fried

chicken on a golden turmeric bun with pickled daikon, watercress, alfalfa sprouts, lemon aioli, jalapeno and miso jam along with a flourless brownie cookie. Dinner has a family basket with 1 pound of tenders, large pikunico slaw, two onigiri, fingerling fries, housemade pickles, three dipping sauces and four choconut chip cookies.

767 S. Alameda Street, Suite 122, 213-278-0407 Rappahannock Oyster Bar Rappahannock will showcase a threecourse lunch menu for $35 and a threecourse plus starter dinner for $55. Lunch menu choices include main course op-

Diners get $20 back at FIGat7th

By FIGat7th Now through March 31, get $20 back on a tasty meal from one of 15 restaurants at FIGat7th, including Mendocino Farms, California Pizza Kitchen, Morton’s, Five Guys, Salata, Pizza Studio and Sprinkles Cupcakes.

FIGat7th’s Dine with Purpose program is aimed at dishing out rewards to support its restaurants, as well as the community, offering diners $20 back when they spend $50 or more at any FIGat7th restaurant. Customers can even order through popular delivery services for home delivery and get $20 back.

Getting the $20 reward is easy. Diners can simply upload a photo of the receipt, showing $50 or more spent on food and/or beverages, tax and tip at a FIGat7th restaurant, and get a $20 reward card via email.

Get started at dinewithpurpose.com or text DINEFIG to 811811.* In support of the greater community, diners are encouraged to share with purpose, too, by posting photos of their meals on Instagram with #DineFIGat7th. With each post, FIGat7th will donate an additional $20 to the Social Justice Learning Institute, up to $10,000, to support its response to food insecurity caused by COVID-19.

In addition to the perks of its Dine with Purpose program, FIGat7th offers a respite from the urban landscape of Downtown LA. Craving sunshine, fresh air, good food and socially distanced meetups? Get it all at FIGat7th’s Alfresco at FIG dining area nestled among the trees on its park-like upper Plaza Level.

Grab a bite after shopping or plan a distanced date night and choose from fresh, made-to-order wraps and salads at Twist & Grill, cheesy sandwiches from The Melt, refreshing drinks from CoCo Fresh, mouthwatering, Korean barbecue bowls from Oleego, and so much more.

In addition to the park-like setting for dining on the Plaza Level of FIGat7th, other outdoor dining options include TASTE Food Hall’s Courtyard on the Lower Level M1, perfect for savoring Mendocino Farms or George’s Greek Grill. Plus, Morton’s The Steakhouse patio seating on FIGat7th’s Middle Level

M2 next to Sprinkles Cupcakes and California Pizza Kitchen’s extended patio seating at Street Level M3.

For more information, visit figat7th.com or follow on Instagram @figat7th. * Terms & Conditions at dinewithpurpose.com. By texting DINEFIG to 811811, you consent to receive up to eight promotional text messages pertaining to this program only, via an automatic telephone dialing system to the number you provided, from Snipp Interactive Inc., on behalf of FIGat7th. Text HELP for help or STOP to stop. Your consent to the above is not required to make a purchase. Text messaging and data rates may apply.

In addition to the park-like setting for dining on the Plaza Level of FIGat7th, other outdoor dining options include TASTE Food Hall’s Courtyard, Morton’s The Steakhouse patio seating on FIGat7th’s Middle Level M2 next to Sprinkles Cupcakes and California Pizza Kitchen’s extended patio seating at Street Level M3.

(Photo courtesy of FIGat7th)

ADVERTORIAL

MARCH 1, 2021

OUTDOOR DINING

DOWNTOWN NEWS 13

Little Jewel: DTLA-based Southern market, delicatessen

Rappahannock Oyster Bar will showcase a three-course lunch menu for $35 and a three-course plus starter dinner for $55.

Photo courtesy of Rappahnnock Oyster Bar

tions of Rapp burger, fried chicken sandwich or grilled chicken club; side of crispy Brussels sprouts, Barcat oyster chowder or truffle fires; finishing with banana bread pudding for dessert. Dinner choices include three oysters to start; first course of bay scallops, shrimp cocktail or avocado kale salad; second course of shrimp and grits, lobster roll or lobster and shrimp quesadilla; ending with banana bread pudding. Lunch and dinner are available for dine-in or takeout.

777 S. Alameda, Suite 154, 323-435-4004, rroysters.com Redbird Redbird is cooking a three-course dinner for $55 available for on-site dining.

First-course choices include burrata and citrus salad, chawanmushi or grass-fed beef tartare; second course includes barbecue smoked tofu, California sea bass or prime short rib; third course spotlights coconut lime rice pudding or s’mores bar.

114 E. 2nd Street, 213-788-1191, redbird.la Savoca The menu offers Savoca’s signature unfussy Cal-Ital fare and features dishes like burrata cheese with cherry-balsamic jam and housemade coccoli bread; spaghetti alle vongole with P.E.I. mussels, Manila

clams and pinot grigio; and olive oil cake with almonds, orange jam and honey gelato. Price: $45, three courses.

900 W. Olympic Boulevard, lalive.com/ concierge/savoca Strada Eateria and Bar Strada will offer a $45 three-course dinner for dine-in or takeout. First-course items include bruschetta with jamon, the guac, two mojama (sun dried ahi), Indo Impaler, mici, house mix, charred cauliflower or ceviche de Peru. Entree selections include Loch Etive salmon linguine, The Impaler, lobster ravioli, wagyu truffle ravioli or filet duo. Dessert is either flourless chocolate cake or ice cream sandwich.

825 W. Ninth Street, 213-822-4558, stradadtla.com Sugarfish Sugarfish will dish out a lunch and dinner menu priced at $35 for pickup or delivery. Lunch and dinner consist of an edamame starter, salmon sashimi, two pieces of albacore sushi, two pieces of salmon sushi, two pieces of yellowtail sushi, two pieces of large scallop sushi, four pieces of toro cut roll and four pieces of crab cut roll.

600 W. Seventh Street, 213-627-3000, sugarfishsushi.com

Three courses will cost $45 at Savoca.

Photo courtesy of Savoca

By Little Jewel Established in 2014, The Little Jewel of New Orleans is a restaurant/deli/specialty grocer specializing in cooking up classic as well as more contemporary New Orleanian-Louisianian cuisine.

It produces in-house specialty deli meats such as andouille and boudin sausages and sells regional grocery items from its small market.

In the six-plus years they have been open, The Little Jewel of New Orleans they have been embraced by their neighbor- features the customer favorite hood of Chinatown and the people of Los An- the deluxe half and half with geles — and beyond. Their customers have fried oysters and shrimp. The been so gracious and supportive of all their classic is No. 12 on the menu. endeavors.

(Photo courtesy of The Little Jewel “It isn’t easy replicating the celebrated of New Orleans) and beloved cuisine of a city that has such a unique identity and deeply rooted connection to its wonderfully complex food, but we have been giving it our all and our best,” said Eunah Beniger, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Marcos.

Their po’boy and muffuletta bread is and has always been sourced directly from Leidenheimer Baking Company in New Orleans, and their sausages and deli meats are produced from scratch and smoked in pecan wood in their industrial smoker.

The full range of all Abita beers available in Southern California, as well as a curated selection of essential Southern regional grocery items, such as cane syrup, roux and gumbo file are sold in their market. Their efforts in bringing the best of New Orleans to Los Angeles have garnered the attention of media outlets like Food Network’s acclaimed cooking show “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives” several times.

The Little Jewel of New Orleans is located at 207 Ord Street, Los Angeles. For more information, call 213-620-0461 or visit littlejewel.la.

ADVERTORIAL

Phoenix Bakery fulfills demand for cakes, treats

By Phoenix Bakery Like many small, family-owned businesses, Phoenix Bakery has adapted drastically over the past year to continue to serve the community.

Pandemic life has caused a shift in the way the bakery services customers and staffs the kitchen. One thing that remains, however, is the demand for celebration cakes and treats.

With so much anxiety around, it’s no surprise people are seeking something Phoenix Bakery’s fresh strawberry more to bring a smile to their faces. Phoe- whipped cream cake is a celebratory nix Bakery’s signature sweets are flying off staple that is going strong. the shelves to fulfill this sense of joy.

(Photo courtesy of Phoenix Bakery) Birthdays continue and so do the presence of fresh strawberry whipped cream cakes on family tables. Bakery staff have been shipping almond cookies and sugar butterflies with more volume than ever before. Face masks have been made with Sing Song, the bakery’s mascot boy to promote safety. Whether these items bring a sense of nostalgia or simply a sweet indulgence, customers line up daily from open to close.

As Chinatown has changed since the bakery’s start in 1938, the bakery’s main goal has not — to offer something that brings the community together. The satisfaction of biting into soft sponge smothered in freshly whipped cream or the sticky fingers that result in picking up a sugar butterfly are joyful. Only those who have experienced it can relate to the feeling. While the community may feel disjointed these days, Angelenos may relish in minute indulgences that bring us together like Sweets for the Sweet from Phoenix Bakery.

Phoenix Bakery is located at 969 N. Broadway, Los Angeles. For more information, call 213-628-4642, email phoenixbakery@gmail.com or visit phoenixbakeryinc.com.

ADVERTORIAL

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

14 DOWNTOWN NEWS

MARCH 1, 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to CA residents

California residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the $39 minimum set for state residents - non state residents must pay $118 per coin if any remain after 2-day deadline STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per CA resident has been imposed

CALIFORNIA - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist.

That’s why Hotline Operators are bracing for the flood of calls,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Treasurer for the National Mint and Treasury.

For the next 2 days the last remaining State of California Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually being handed over to California residents who call the National Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication.

“I recently spoke with a retired Treasurer of the United States of America who said ‘In all my years as Treasurer I’ve only ever seen a handful of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s.

But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls still in pristine condition is like finding buried treasure.

So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said.

“Now that the State of California Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we won’t be surprised if thousands of California residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne.

“That’s because the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t

JACKPOT: Imagine finding the 1919-D Silver Walking Liberty shown above worth thousands of dollars in collector value in one of these unsearched Bank Rolls. There are never any guarantees, but California residents who get their hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls will be the really lucky ones because even more common coins are still worth up to $115 $825 in collector value.

issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of California Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what California residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say.

And here’s the best part.

VALUABLE: It’s like a treasure hunt there’s no telling what you’ll find. That’s because the dates and mint marks of the fifteen U.S. Gov’t issued coins sealed away inside these State of California Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. All we know is some of the coins are worth up to 100 times their face value.

If you are a resident of the state of California you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the

2-day deadline.

The only thing California residents need to do is call the National Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends.

“Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this R1018

(Continued on next page)

MARCH 1, 2021

DOWNTOWN NEWS 15

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page)

before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $115 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said.

“So just imagine how much these last remaining, unsearched State of California Restricted Bank Rolls could be worth someday. Remember, these are not ordinary coins – these rarely seen coins date clear back to the early 1900’s.

In fact, these coins have been forever retired by the U.S. Gov’t, and you can’t get them rolled this way anywhere because these are the only State Restricted Bank Rolls known to exist,” said Lynne.

“We’re guessing thousands of California residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,”

Lynne continued.

“We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be

easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all,” Lynne said.

“That’s why the National Mint and Treasury set up the National Toll-Free Hotlines in order to make sure California residents get the State Restricted Bank Rolls

before they’re all gone,” she said.

The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of California and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

IMPORTANT: The dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties sealed away inside the State of California Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. Coin values always fluctuate and they are never any guarantees, but any of the scarce coins shown below, regardless of their value that residents may find inside the sealed Bank Rolls are theirs to keep.

1916-P Mint: Philadelphia Mintage: 608,000 Collector Value: $55 $265

1919-P Mint: Philadelphia Mintage: 962,000 Collector Value: $32 $515

1921-S Mint: San Francisco Mintage: 548,000 Collector Value: $80 $800

1938-D Mint: Denver Mintage: 491,600 Collector Value: $60 $160

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: COVER JUST $39 MINIMUM PER COIN BEGIN CALLING AT 8:30 AM: 1-800-929-4439 EXT. RWL1384 if you are a resident of the state of California call now to claim the state limit of 4 state of California restricted bank rolls. all California residents who beat the 2-day deadline are getting the only full fifteen coin bank rolls loaded with rarely seen u.s. gov’t issued silver walking liberty half dollars dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value known to exist. The only thing California residents cover is just the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen u.s. gov’t issued silver walking liberty half dollars worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 and that’s a real steal because non-California residents must pay $1,770 for each state of California restricted bank roll. just be sure to call the national toll free hotlines before the deadline ends two days from today’s publication date.

NON STATE RESIDENTS: MUST PAY $118 PER COIN - IF ANY REMAIN DO NOT CALL BEFORE 5:00 PM TOMORROW: 1-800-929-8898 RWL1384 if you are a resident living outside of the state of California you are required to pay $118 for each silver walking liberty for a total of $1,770 plus shipping and handling for each state of California restricted bank roll loaded with fifteen u.s. gov’t issued silver walking liberty half dollars.

NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2021 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY. R1018

16 DOWNTOWN NEWS

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

MARCH 1, 2021