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gives survivors a way to honor loved ones

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor

D

avid Maldonado and Noah Reich are stunned by the number of deaths — from coronavirus and otherwise — in

2020.

The founders of Classroom of Compassion share stories of families’ deceased loved ones through “Los Angeles: I Hope U Know How Loved U Are,” an installation at Little Tokyo Car Wash, 647 Mateo Street.

It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until Monday, May 31, when the duo hopes to find another location for it. When the car wash is closed, the public is invited to see it from across the street or the sidewalk.

“This initiative is essentially a public memorial that we set up in the Arts District of Downtown LA,” Maldonado said.

“It’s dedicated to reflecting and honoring the lives and stories of those we lost in Los An-

geles starting in January 2020. A lot of our traditions and practices that we often engage in were obstructed or downsized during the pandemic. We wanted to create a space alongside ‘We Rise,’ which is a monthlong mental health initiative that the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health puts on every May.” Los Angeles residents who have lost someone in 2020 can submit their stories to losangeleslovestory.com.

“That’s the submission portal for anyone who has lost a family, loved one, relative, friend or acquaintance,” Maldonado said. “They’re able to submit a photo, a name and anything else they would like to say to reflect and share that us as a community can benefit from.

“It was important to give the people that opportunity to let this person shine. The wealth of love that has been captured is just an honor that people have been willing to trust us to reflect on their loved ones.”

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The photos are used to create a looping in memoriam video that projects on a screen embedded in the altar and on a microsite that will function as a virtual form of the work. An accompanying series of online public programs will activate the work throughout its presentation.

Classroom of Compassion is an LA-based floral and creative arts organization dedicated to teaching and sharing the restorative and artistic practice of compassion and self-compassion.

Their work is dedicated to inspiring and imagining a future that supports the mental wellness of all communities. Maldonado is a Guatemalan American multidisciplinary artist born, raised and living in Los Angeles.

“I grew up, maybe, two blocks from the epicenter of the Northridge earthquake,” Maldonado said.

“Our city was in ruins. I remember FEMA setting up in a parking lot down the street. The response from the community was, ‘We all have each other’s backs.’”

He was inspired to be charitable when he heard this Mr. Rogers quote: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are help-

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Classroom of Compassion founders David Maldonado, left, and Noah Reich.

Submitted photo

ing.” Maldonado grasped that thought. The “Los Angeles: I Hope U Know How Loved U Are” installation is the couple’s way of “being there for our city as best as we could in this moment.”

“I’ve always been inspired by the kindness of Mr. Rogers and that quote,” Maldonado said.

“I think, for me, it just came naturally to want to be in service of a greater community or a greater cause. Growing up, I was very shy, reserved and quiet. It was usually, during these moments of being a part of something bigger, when my personality started coming out.

Like-minded people made it more comfortable.”

“Los Angeles: I Hope U Know How Loved U Are” WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through Monday, May 31 WHERE: Little Tokyo Car Wash, 647 Mateo Street COST: Free INFO: losangeleslovestory.com

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CASA of Los Angeles appoints first Black CEO

By Sara Edwards LA Downtown News Contributing Writer

F

oster kids in LA have a strong, passionate advocate in their corner with the appointment of Charity Chandler-Cole as the new CEO of CASA of Los Angeles.

Chandler-Cole, who was a foster child in the LA system, said she’s excited about her new role so she can pair CASAs with foster children. CASA is a court-appointed special advocate.

“I have very poor, horrifying experiences in the foster care system, which essentially led me to advocating for these youth,” Chandler-Cole said. “I made it my life’s mission to fill the social responsibility to help change the system and also show foster youth or former foster youth that we are worthy, and we can do something.”

Chandler-Cole learned about the job after meeting with now-former CASA/LA CEO Wendy Julia. When Chandler-Cole learned Julia was stepping down, they agreed she should apply to be her replacement.

“I’ve never walked into a role as confident as I have here,” she said. “Day one, I went straight to work because I understand what was going on and understood where the need was. The team really just has it all together and they do everything with their heart. It’s been an amazing ride.”

Chandler-Cole earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Loyola Marymount University and a master’s degree from Cal State in public administration. She is pursuing an EdD degree, which she is expected to earn by 2023.

Chandler-Cole’s experience is rooted deep in support and advocacy for youth, especially those in foster care and child welfare.

Before taking on the role of CEO, Chandler-Cole was a director with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, handling the or-

ganization’s $30 million budget. Chandler-Cole also founded Transformative Management Solutions LLC in September 2017 to help nonprofit organizations with administrative duties so they could focus on providing aid and care.

“I never thought I would be an entrepreneur and start my own business,” Chandler-Cole said. “I have my master’s in public administration so I thought it’d be a good idea to start a business where I can help alleviate a lot of the administrative burden or the social justice focus, specifically for nonprofits.”

CASA CASAs are trained volunteers who advocate on behalf of children who are in foster care, knowing the child’s background and history.

CASAs are not foster parents, however.

They can be a mentor or friend to a child in foster care by helping navigate the court system and ensure that they have support in their foster home and school.

“We really rely on our volunteers in the community to be able to provide that service, but it goes beyond advocating for them in court,” Chandler-Cole said. “We show up to their games, make sure they have games to go to, we make sure they’re supported in all facets of their life, and they do it because they care.”

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding what it takes to be a CASA volunteer. Many people think they need to have professional law degrees or experience to be considered, but Chandler-Cole said volunteers just need to pass the background check, go through the provided training and want to love and support these kids.

“Anyone can be a CASA and we provide the training that they need to support the child,” she said. “CASAs also form these

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tion in the foster youth community to reallocate and redistribute funding to community-based organizations that can help kids in the system.

“We rely on the child welfare system to provide oversight, but the question is what are they really protecting the kids from because we see a lot of the horrific experiences when the kids are in the system,” she said.

“The biggest challenge is making sure that we have all the organizations and nonprofit bypasses that are in place to do right by these government-funded programs and resources to make a powerful impact on the system.”

Chandler-Cole said one of her biggest goals while stepping in as CEO is to conA former foster child herself, Charity Chandlertinue to recruit volunteers, especially those Cole is the new CEO of CASA of Los Angeles. who reflect the communities that CASA Submitted photo serves.

She also wants to be more intentional bonds with the children that sometimes go beyond the case being open and once the with the organization’s approach to traincase is closed. A lot of those relationships ing advocates and handling a child’s traucontinue because the partnerships and ma by focusing more on social and racial justice in the foster care system. mentorships and friendships all act as one.”

“How we approach our advocate training As a foster child, Cole experienced everything, including emotional and phys- and how we approach advocating for kids ical abuse. She was constantly told she are some challenges my team and I are exwouldn’t amount to anything, nor would cited about,” Chandler-Cole said. “We want to make sure that what we’re doing for the she gradate high school or college.

Those stereotypes fueled her to change kids is in their best interest and not ours.”

As the branch’s first Black CEO, Chanthe narrative and pursue a career in advocating and supporting children in the foster dler-Cole hopes people start to trust the organization more and want to be more encare system.

Now a mother of four and caregiver to gaged. She said the issue in LA is that a lot her nephew, Chandler-Cole said she want- of voices — especially from people of color ed to ensure her kids didn’t experience the — are overlooked and muted.

“I navigated the communities I’ve been same things.

“I wanted to be everything I needed to a part of and there’s a lot of support and trust from the people I work with,” she said. be for my kids,” she said.

“I know my leadership skills will help to just The LA foster care system now facilitate these new relationships that CASA has and will form.”

Chandler-Cole is launching the Three to Los Angeles County has more than 33,000 foster youth in care with experienc- 3,000 campaign, which aims to pair 3,000 es of abuse, neglect or abandonment, ac- foster children with a CASA in the next EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Fuoco-Karasinski cording to the Children’s Law Christina Center of Cali- three years.

STAFF WRITERS: Andrew Checchia, Andres De Ocampo, Julia Shapero “I’mKirk so excited about seeing more kids fornia. Oftentimes, foster care prevents kids Kamala CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sara Edwards, paired with CASAs and I know that if from attending school due to changes in beTorres ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Chavez I had a CASA when I was growing up, I’m placement and scheduled court hearings.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Myriam Santos Chandler-Cole also said LA County has pretty sure that we would have totally difACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb ferent outcomes and experiences,” she said. one of the largest child welfareSue systems FOUNDER EMERITUS: Laris but To learn more about how to become a not enough organizations with financial opportunities to properly help the kids in CASA, or other ways to volunteer and supfoster care. She said there is a big call to ac- port foster youth, visit nationalcasagal.org.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski STAFF WRITER: Alex Gallagher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sara Edwards, Frier McCollister, Bridgette M. Redman, Ellen Snortland ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Chavez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Douglas M. Parker Studio, Joshua White ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway (213) 308-2261 Michael Lamb (213) 453-3548 FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris

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Dear Community Members, Over the last six years, it has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as the Chief Executive Officer for Metro. During my tenure at the agency, we have made tremendous accomplishments in terms of improving the region’s transportation infrastructure, providing lifeline bus and train service for those in need, and expanding our transportation portfolio to create a world class transportation system for future generations.

Through this effort, I wish to say thank you to the many businesses, residents, visitors and the entire downtown Los Angeles community, as you have endured years of impacts associated with the construction of Metro’s Regional Connector Transit Project.

The complexity of building a transit project in a high-density area is always a great challenge and building in the heart of downtown Los Angeles magnifies that tenfold.

We knew from the start that this project was going to be a critical component of our overall transportation network. It will enable three separate transit rail lines to be connected through a 1.9-mile underground tunnel, away from traffic on street level, for a seamless one-seat ride that connects the entire region. Construction along Flower Street, at 2nd and Hope and 2nd and Broadway, have impacted many people over the years, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to finish this important project.

It is through your continued support and patience that this project has advanced over the years, and as the project completes the final phase of construction, you can be proud that through your efforts, we have accomplished great things by working together.

I would also like to thank the Regional Connector Community Leadership Council, an advisory group that, from day one, has fostered, advanced and promoted community-based dialogue and information-sharing regarding the needs and preferences of stakeholders in the neighborhoods where construction is taking place.

I leave Metro knowing that it is on solid ground, financially strong and ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Great things happen when we all join forces and work together for the common good. Your support is greatly appreciated and respected.

With the Regional Connector Transit Project, there is light at the end of the tunnel with trains expected to be in operation by fall 2022. Your continued support is about to pay off.

Thank you for joining and supporting LA’s transportation revolution!

Phillip A. Washington CEO, Metro

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Sincerely,

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SUMMER GUIDE

Broad fetes reopening with 2020-themed exhibition

By Bridgette M. Redman LA Downtown News Contributing Writer

A

fter more than 14 months of delivering art virtually, The Broad Museum is ready to reopen its doors to the public on May 26.

They’ll welcome visitors with “Invisible Sun,” an exhibit that shares works resonating with the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the demands for social justice.

They’ll also have special installations on Andy Warhol, Kara Walker, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Christopher Wool and Roy Lichtenstein.

“Some of us have been going into the galleries to film various things over the past 14 months and it is one way to experience art in empty galleries,” said Ed Patuto, The Broad’s director of audience engagement.

“It’s another to experience art through your audience, through the public, to see how they’re moved, how they respond to it.

I look forward to having that again.”

Patuto said The Broad’s events include DJs on the outdoor plaza to celebrate “Welcome Back to Art.” For two weekends, they held previews that were open to first responders.

Trials of past year “The Invisible Sun” exhibition will take center stage as it explores the way that artists portray their deep understanding of in-

justices and challenges in the world.

It features the likes of El Anatsui, Alexnder Calder, Keith Haring, Jenny Holzer, Julie Mehretu, Nathaniel Mary Quinn and Cindy Sherman.

Curator Ed Schad said he and his colleagues reviewed The Broad’s pieces that had been collected over 50 years. They saw the connection between the art and the events of the past year. Artists explored the AIDS pandemic and how it relates to what we’re going through now.

“AIDS and COVID-19 are not the same and we’re not saying they are, but there are moments inside of that horrible pandemic that give pause to think inside the current one,” Schad said.

“We do have a legacy of work and these points of connections started to become fertile ground with what we are going through this year.”

The works also explore racial and social injustice including Mark Bradford’s “I Heard You Got Arrested Today,” which covers police acts in different communities.

All the works on display are part of The Broad collection with 24 of them on view for the first time and 16 of them acquired in the past five years.

“There is a lot to see that people won’t be extremely familiar with,” Schad said.

Special installations As visitors climb the museum stairs, they

will see special collections of individual artists, in-depth looks at the work of one person. Their intention during reopening is to show that strength of The Broad collection.

Walker is one such artist, someone who is extremely important to The Broad, Schad said. The museum staff has collected her works for years.

“Kara’s work is an extraordinarily penetrating look at the history of the United States, specifically the legacy and horrible aftermath of slavery,” Schad said. “Kara goes into those narratives and really ruptures them with her practice.”

For the first time, several of her pieces are on display, including her first film.

“Kara Walker is an artist of this moment,” Schad said.

“The really great thing about her is that it is impossible to see the moment that we’re in through her eyes without going back centuries, without going back decades, without tumbling through the 18th century into the deep history of slavery.

“That’s what Kara does. She’s extraordinarily powerful in how she executes those stories.”

The curators did similar work in displaying the collections of the other individual artists. The 26-piece Warhol exhibit features 11 making their Broad debut.

The Lichtenstein has 22 works with nearly half showing for the first time. Making their Broad debut, Basquiat’s pieces

deflect on the Black experience and history against the ongoing aftermath of slavery and colonialism.

“The complete depth of their work has never been on display inside the museum,” Schad said. “While we were closed, we had the opportunity to install them.”

The collection of Wool’s work was up briefly before The Broad was forced to close in March 2020. Because they were only on display for three weeks, that collection will reopen.

“These are deep dives where we have gathered all these artists together and show an extraordinary depth to their work,” Schad said. “It is an opportunity to come into a museum permanent collection and basically see many retrospectives of an artist’s work that gives a very good sense of the many projects that these artists explored throughout their career. (Patrons can) take it in all at once for free on a general admission ticket that applies to the whole building.”

Being safe As The Broad reopens, it will observe Los Angeles County’s COVID-19 protocols for museums and err on the side of safety, Patuto said. While the county is allowing for a 75% capacity, it will open at 25%.

“Those who come will have a very exclusive experience of being in the galleries with so few people and we’ll build from

Installation view of El Anatsui’s “Intermittent Signals,” 2009, from the “Invisible Sun” exhibition at The Broad.

Photo by Joshua White

MAY 24, 2021

there,” Patuto said. “We’ve outfitted the museum to make it as touchless as possible, installed auto door openers in all the restrooms and all of our ticketing is digital.”

They’ll require masks and will enforce social distancing. Hand-sanitizing stations will be aplenty, and patrons will be screened for COVID-19, including temperature checks.

Other safety features include UV light sterilizers for escalator handrails, increased cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, increased cleaning of their state-of-the-art HVAC system and air filter replacements.

Reopening remembers and celebrates In early May, the museum’s namesake and founder, Eli Broad, died at age 88. Patuto said they will honor him and his wife, Edythe Broad, with all the art on view, but also with a special presentation in the lobby.

Projections of Broad’s quotes about his

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art collection and investments will be on a wall so visitors can learn about him as a collector and civic leader.

“His passion for contemporary art will all be in his own words,” Patuto said. “We thought it fitting that people have an opportunity to hear from him about why he invested so heavily in Grand Avenue and in establishing Los Angeles as a contemporary art capital.”

He said after the pandemic year, he hoped the art will help patrons start to recover and heal. The Broad Museum is eager to be a part of that experience as people figure out what life post-COVID-19 will look like.

“Experiencing ar t in person offers unique healing, joy and insights that we hope can play a meaningful role in collective recovery,” said Joanne Heyler, The Broad’s founding director. “We cannot wait to welcome back our community to The Broad’s galleries, safely, after the long and unprecedented closure of the past 14 months.”

The Broad Museum WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays starting May 26 WHERE: The Broad Museum, 221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles COST: Free INFO: 213-232-6250, thebroad.org

Roy Lichtenstein’s “I…I’m Sorry,” 1965-66.

Photo by Douglas M. Parker Studio, Los Angeles

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See available arrival times at DignityHealth.org/ER.

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SUMMER GUIDE

Travelers bring JW Marriott LA Live back to life

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor

J

JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live recently was “refreshed” by award-winning, Santa Monica-based hospitality firm Hirsch-Bedner Associates.

Photo courtesy of the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live

W Marriott Los Angeles LA Live is bustling with hotel guests. Parents of USC graduates and visiting basketball players fill the lobby.

But no one is as thrilled by the activity as the hotel’s operations director, Parker Passman.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “We have a great room product to begin with. The refresh really brought life to it. The soundwaves in the hallways really capture that energy of LA Live.”

The “refresh” Passman is speaking about is the recent renovation by award-winning, Santa Monica-based hospitality design firm Hirsch-Bedner Associates.

The lobby atrium and Glance Lobby Bar feature new flooring and furnishings in soft

gray and taupe tones.

The guest rooms complement that with redwood-like finishes, warm colors blended with neutral tones. With pops of color, the rooms mix leathers, brushed bronzes and frosted acrylics. The updates weren’t just aesthetic. They were functional as well — USB ports and mounted televisions that increase desk space.

The artwork embodies the central design themes of light and energy. One piece displays beachgoers spinning torches of fire at night. Passman said the guest rooms’ carpet shares that energy.

The enhancements were grounded in the thematic pillars of motion, energy and light, Passman said.

“This hotel is an icon of Downtown Los Angeles,” said Robert MacDonald, the project’s key designer at HBA. “We wanted to

MAY 24, 2021

embrace the energy of that metropolitan environment, while also reflecting the forward-movement of an evolving city. California is also famous for its natural light, from soft morning glows to legendary sunsets, and that’s incorporated into the design, as well. Together, these informed our themes of motion, energy, and light.”

Passman said the hotel renovation lasted four to five months, relatively quick for a comprehensive renovation.

Passman wants guests to feel comfortable outside of their rooms, too.

“They’ve all been at home for more than a year now,” he said. “They’ve been DIY making their own sourdough and pasta. We think there’s nowhere better than Downtown LA and LA Live.

“We just started a dinner and movie series that’ll run throughout the summer.

On Sunday evenings, our guests can pay $45 for an appetizer and entrée and enjoy a movie. We offer that in the welcome letter so they can really see we’re rebranding ourselves as an urban resort. For the leisure traveler, you don’t have to leave the hotel.”

Other rooftop pool activities will include concerts, fitness programs, and “different delighters,” Passman said.

“For those who want to wind down, we have the only luxury spa in Downtown LA,” he added. The JW Marriott shares it with The Ritz-Carlton.

For dining, the new restaurant Savoca

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boasts a 120-seat, open layout interior on the lobby level. The dining space features light and bright décor elements, including terrazzo marble tabletops, coral-hued cushioned booths and a sprawling floral mural.

Savoca has custom-built dining outdoor “cottages,” complete with heating and electric candles.

“It makes for a unique dining experience,” Passman said. “It gives diners a personalized experience.”

Savoca’s signature dishes include housemade agnolotti, seared branzino and short rib prepared with roasted carrots and sangiovese wine.

The DTLA Getaway Package encourages guests to use the hotel’s amenities to “spoil themselves,” Passman said.

What it comes down to at the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live is the first-class service guests receive.

“We really pride ourselves on the service we provide,” Passman said. “We have a great team of associates at the hotel.

They’re so excited to be back at work and engaging with our guests. We’re excited to be back.

“We’ve seen plenty of USC families.

We’ve been seeing the same families for four or five years, since (their children) started their college tours. We’re just excited to have guests so enthusiastic about traveling again.”

The pool at the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live will host events later this summer.

Photo courtesy of the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live

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MAY 24, 2021

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SUMMER GUIDE

Crane paintings explore artist’s Chinese American heritage

By Bridgette M. Redman LA Downtown News Contributing Writer

A

n origami crane portrays many aspects of Asian American Pacific Islander identity in an upcoming weekend-long exhibition that closes AAPI Heritage Month.

Dr. Anson Yew, owner of Exhale Unlimited Gallery and a family practice physician, will display his collection from Saturday, May 29, to Monday, May 31, in Chinatown.

He’ll partner with the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE), which will share information and take donations at the exhibition.

Fifteen canvases will feature the origami crane with different messages. They are grouped in ways to tell a story, to capture a narrative of what it means to Yew to be Asian American. He’s showing his collection for the first time at his gallery.

Past exhibitions have been pop-up shows coordinated with different nonprofits. They have included art by homeless artists, students and other groups.

“For some reason, I felt called to do my own work even though I don’t consider myself an artist,” Yew said. “There are a lot of galleries on this road. I (did it) as a hobby with the desire to do something to build the community. We don’t sell art for art’s sake. We don’t represent artists. We represent giving.”

In addition to being a physician, Yew designs architectural spaces. The art he created has been for an office or home.

“I really felt called to do artwork centered on my identity as an Asian American,” Yew said. “I didn’t know why, but I felt it was important. Then COVID hit and there were all these issues surrounding COVID and China with leaders calling it the ‘China virus.’ I started building my collection around different issues surrounding Asian American culture.”

Then six Asian American women were murdered in Atlanta, but it wasn’t declared a hate crime. Yew is a member of racial reconciliation groups and they encouraged him to display his exhibit during AAPI Heritage Month.

He chose to wait until after Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day and then end the month with the exhibition.

Choosing the crane The crane is one of the three most important animals in Chinese culture, said Yew, who

is a Chinese American. The others are the dragon and the phoenix. He said that while the Japanese have popularized the origami crane, it started in China.

It represents peace and unity, two themes Yew was drawn to.

“I feel like, in this world, we’re so polarized and divisive that I love the idea of the crane,” Yew said.

As a young child, he said he was the only Asian American in his Texas elementary school. His mother held folding paper demonstrations in his classrooms to share their heritage. So, he associates cranes with memories of his mother who died of cancer just when he finished medical school.

Creating a narrative Yew adapts the origami crane to telling several stories throughout his exhibition. It flies through his canvases taking on different shapes and colors.

The first grouping isolates a small crane in the middle of large canvases. Each is painted with a different flag — one half the flag of his father’s country of origin, while the other half his mother’s country of origin. The second picture is one of his favorites in the exhibition. It is an origami crane painted with the American flag.

“It is so sentimental,” Yew said. “It represents everything that I am. The crane symbolizes my Asian heritage and the flag my American heritage.”

For his two daughters, he creates a crane that is what he calls a banana — yellow on the outside and white on the inside — even while questioning why we associate white with American.

Other groupings explore the competing ideals of American individualism with Asian collectivism. He has pieces that explore specific Asian American issues such as the bamboo ceiling; the treacheries of being a model minority; their role in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and reclaiming the color yellow.

Creative process reflects Asian symbolism A contemporary artist, Yew carefully chose the medium he used to create his art. Working directly on large canvases, he uses acrylic paint and permanent marker.

Dr. Anson Yew, owner of Exhale Unlimited Gallery and a family practice physician, will display his favorite pieces at his space from Saturday, May 29, to Monday, May 31.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Anson Yew

He explains that many Chinese and Asian art pieces are based on calligraphy, something he wanted to represent.

“Calligraphy is about the brush stroke and a lot depends on the strength of the brush stroke, where it is placed and how,” Yew said.

“You only get one try. You don’t get to go back, it’s done. I wanted to create that essence in a modern sense.”

He used permanent marker because once he put a stroke on the canvas, it was very difficult to wipe out. Therefore, he was extra careful with each marking. He said he made few mistakes, which required a lot of time to correct.

Working with CAUSE Yew said he partnered with a local organization that promotes Asian American issues for this exhibition, which is why he chose CAUSE. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community-based organization that empowers the AAPI community using outreach, training, education and leadership development.

“They do a lot of training and internships for young Asians,” Yew said. “This gallery is kind of like a community gallery that is local to downtown in Chinatown. We really felt called to partner with a local organization that promotes Asian American issues.”

Founded in 1993, CAUSE is dedicated to AAPI civic and political participation, doing so

in a nonpartisan fashion.

Typically, Yew donates proceeds of artwork sales to the partnering organization. In this case, he is not selling his artwork. He wants to keep it as a collection and have it displayed in other galleries or cultural museums.

Instead, CAUSE talk about the nonprofit with patrons. Yew hopes people will donate directly to the organization as well as become more aware of AAPI issues.

Telling many stories The exhibition includes a video during which people of multiple generations of Asian Americans are interviewed.

Yew said Asian Americans have their own stories, whether it is because of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Japanese internments or the Vietnamese who came here after being displaced in the war.

“There are so many different stories and types of Asian Americans,” Yew said. “My exhibition doesn’t represent all Asian Americans.

It only represents my identity.”

He said it’s been a struggle for AAPI people to express themselves, in part, because they don’t want to overshadow the issues that their African American brothers and sisters are experiencing. However, he said, they also recognize that they need to be vocal about their issues.

“We should not be invisible anymore,” Yew said.

“Identity,” a pop-up exhibition by Dr. Anson Yew WHEN: 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30; and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, May 31 WHERE: Exhale Unlimited, 953 Chung King Road, Los Angeles COST: Free INFO: 213-620-8888

MAY 24, 2021

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DOWNTOWN NEWS 11

Farmer Boys’ farm fresh breakfasts are cooked to or- Farmer Boys’ new chicken sandwiches — classic or Stop by Farmer Boys in LA and enjoy farm fresh der and served all day. fiery — are delicious. food.

Photos courtesy of Farmer Boys

Farmer Boys celebrating 40 years of ‘farm fresh’ food

By Farmer Boys Farmer Boys, just outside of Downtown Los Angeles, is located at 726 S. Alameda Street.

The restaurant opened in April 2000 and, at that time, the Los Angeles-Downtown location was the 14th Farmer Boys eatery of what is now a chain of 100 locations throughout California, Nevada and Arizona.

The Southern California-based fast-casual concept opened its first location in 1981. This year, the chain is celebrating 40 years of “farm fresh.”

Farmer Boys has set the standard for serving high-quality, farm fresh food in a fast-casual setting. The menu consists of award-winning burgers; cooked-to-order, all-day breakfast; handchopped salads; specialty sandwiches and more, all prepared with quality ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible.

Produce is delivered fresh and whole to each restaurant every morning. Instead of sitting in a warehouse for weeks, the produce can be enjoyed at the pinnacle of crispness and flavor. By going the extra mile for delicious, flavorful food, guests can count on fresh, cooked-to-order meals every visit.

Farmer Boys’ mantra is “Nobody does it fresher.” Farm fresh food doesn’t just taste better; it feels better. Guests know the difference between vegetables served right off the farm and fast food processed from a factory. After a meal, guests are not ready to take a nap; they’re recharged to get to work. That’s the difference between fast food and farm fresh food.

Farmer Boys invites foodies to visit the Los Angeles-Downtown location and take advantage of the coupon offers in LA Downtown News. Enjoy award-winning burgers, summer salads, all-day

breakfast or one of the new Farmer Boys fried chicken sandwiches.

The fried chicken sandwiches are made with an all-natural chicken breast, double dipped in a batter seasoned with paprika, garlic and onion, then fried to lock in the flavor and ensure maximum crispiness. In addition to a crisp, flavorful chicken breast, the classic includes mayonnaise and pickles on a brioche bun. The fiery fried chicken sandwich includes a housemade fiery farmer’s sauce on a brioche bun to elevate the heat and add a kick. It’s delicious.

Farmer Boys is privileged to serve fellow Angelenos and this community. It is honored that Farmer Boys, Los Angeles-Downtown, has been nominated for the LA Downtown News Best of Downtown 2021. It can’t thank its customers enough. This year Farmer Boys has been nominated in six categories — Best Burger, Best Sandwich/Wrap, Best Farm to Table, Best Takeout, Best Bang for Your Buck and Best Lunch.

Vote and help Farmer Boys win. Visit ladowntownnews.com until noon June 21 to vote.

Stop in Farmer Boys, Los Angeles-Downtown, and experience a delicious, flavorful, fresh, cooked-to-order meal. The staff goes the extra mile every time — count on it.

Farmer Boys, which can be reached at 213-228-8999, is open 24 hours, offering dine-in, drive-thru, phone and takeout service.

Guests can take advantage of the free, plentiful parking.

To see the menu or learn more about Farmer Boys, visit farmerboys.com. Follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Farmer Boys encourages fans to download the Very Important Farmer (VIF) app for news, personalized offers and more.

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MAY 24, 2021

Covered California will help

SUMMER GUIDE

Concerts and fun return to Los Angeles

By Alex Gallagher LA Downtown News Staff Writer

T

hings are starting to look up once again as more events begin popping up around the state. This summer looks to bring concerts and food tastings back to Los Angeles, but for those not yet comfortable going out, there are still plenty of things to do from the comfort of your home or while socially distancing.

Tropical Nights/Tiki Fridays Manuela 907 E. Third Street Manuela’s new Garden Bar hosts tropical nights from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Fridays. Serving eight tiki-inspired drinks and beers, Manuela boasts an exclusive dining menu with its best-selling chili de arbol chicken, garlic shrimp and pencil cobb grits. They will also serve specially made cocktails

Hotel Figueroa

like their Notorious P.O.G. cocktail and Sea Clearly cocktail.

Info: manuela-la.com

Fall Out Boy

Summer’s Not Dead!

Hotel Figueroa 939 S. Figueroa Street Hotel Figueroa is ready to revive customers’s summers by offering its new “Summers Not Dead” staycation package.

The package includes two complimentary cocktails, an extended checkout time and an exclusive coffin-shaped float, which customers can float on in Hotel Figueroa’s one-of-a-kind coffin-shaped pool. Guests can also enjoy food from the hotels reopened Veranda Al Fresco restaurant poolside. Hotel Figueroa will run this special from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Info: 213-627-8791 or hotelfigueroa.com

Pikunico and Still Life Ceramics Fundraise for India ROW DTLA 777 S. Alameda Street Japanese chicken restaurant Pikunico has partnered with the ceramic shop Still Life Ceramics to raise money for COVID-19 relief in India. Inspired by the Empty Bowls Project, customers can purchase a handmade bowl at Still Life Ceramics. The bowl comes with a voucher to fill it with Pikunico’s egg drop soup. The cost for the soup and bowl comes to $29 with 100% of the proceeds donated to GiveIndia, a charity dedicated to supporting hospitals and those impacted by COVID-19 in India.

Bowls are on sale until June 5.

Y Para Siempre…Marco Antonio Solís Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Boulevard As one of Mexico’s most successful artists, the Grammy Museum will honor Marco Antonio Solís by curating the Y Para Siempre exhibit, which profiles Solís’ life in five chapters. Relics like his first award, handwritten lyrics and outfits worn by the Latin music icon are just some of the items on display in this new exhibit, which will be on display through spring 2022.

Info: grammymuseum.org Dave Matthews Band: Inside and Out Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Boulevard.

As one of rock’s most celebrated rock bands, the Dave Matthews Band will be honored at the Grammy Museum with an

exhibit detailing its efforts to promote positive social change. Case in point is Bama Works, which tries to make the world more environmentally sound. The exhibit will be around until the fall and feature the band’s instruments, handwritten lyrics and art.

Info: grammymuseum.org Motown: The Sound of Young America Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Boulevard “The Sound of Young America” seeks to discover how the Motown label has evolved and the influence it has on musicians to this day. The exhibit gives viewers exclusive access into the creative process the artists created 60 years ago. Exhibits include memorabilia from artists ranging in generation from the Supremes to the Jackson 5 to Migos and Lil Baby. The exhibit runs through winter.

Info: grammymuseum.org Outloud: Raising Voices Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Streaming live via Twitch, Outloud: Raising Voices is a three-day entertainment festival in celebration of Pride month.

The event will provide a platform for artists from the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Pride and organizations that work for equality among the LGBTQ+ community. The festival will have appearances from big names like Hayley Kiyoko, Whoopi Goldberg and Yungblud and is headlined

by Queen frontman and “American Idol” sensation Adam Lambert. The event is free

MAY 24, 2021

to all and will be livestreamed via Twitch from Friday, June 4, to Sunday, June 6.

Info: ticketmaster.com Drive-In Movies at The Bloc 700 W. Seventh Street Experience a night at the movies from the comfort of your vehicle at The Bloc this July. The center will offer drive-in movies on Thursdays. Movies and tickets have yet to be announced but keep tabs on theblocla.com.

Digital Dance The Music Center Ever want to dance but are too embarrassed to do it in public? The Music Center will offer digital dancing courses online all summer long. Classes can be viewed every Friday night on musiccenter.org.

Dance dates are: • July 10: Bollywood • July 17: Hip-hop • July 24: Line dance • July 31: Cumbia • Aug. 7: K-Pop • Aug. 14: Salsa • Aug. 21: Motown • Aug. 28: Argentine tango • Sept. 4: Samba Celine Dion Staples Center Celine Dion returns to the Staples Cen-

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

ter on Saturday, Sept. 11, to play her biggest hits and sparkle audiences. Playing songs off her most recent album, titled “Courage,” Dion will treat fans to a night of graceful singing and powerful music. Tickets can be purchased on celinedion.com and range from $50 to $275.

Info: ticketmaster.com Green Day Dodger Stadium Green Day bring its “Hella Mega” tour to Dodger Stadium on Friday, Sept. 17, with special guests Fall Out Boy, Weezer and the Interrupters. Playing its hits and music off its latest album “Father of All…,” Green Day will provide for a night filled with energetic, brain-melting rock. Tickets start at $30.

Info: greenday.com/tour 20/20 Summerfest Banc of California Stadium The 20/20 Summerfest brings faithbased hip-hop to Banc of California Stadium on Sept. 17 and Sept. 18. With headline acts like Alex Zurdo, Derek Minor, Bizzle and Manny Montes, 20/20 Summerfest offers three different viewing options for fans. Fans can purchase tickets to attend in person, view via a livestream or watch it via virtual reality. Tickets are $20 to $250.

Info: 2020summerfest.com

DOWNTOWN NEWS 13

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MAY 24, 2021

Covered California CONSIDER THIS will help

A trip and fall down memory lane

By Ellen Snortland LA Downtown News Columnist

I

t has been 13 months since I wrote my first column about COVID-19, and I thought it would be interesting to revisit it in light of where we are now.

Looking back, I am somewhat stunned at what I couldn’t foresee: that simply wearing a mask would become a political issue for some folks; that we would lose over a half million people to the virus; that conspiracy theorists would create their own pandemic of ignorance. The following column came out in April 2020, and provides a glimpse into the angst many of us experienced at the start of this roller-coaster ride — an anxiety many of us are still dealing with today.

‘No Glove, No Love.

No Protection, No Affection!’

People who lived through the worst of the HIV-AIDS epidemic know precisely what

that phrase means. Now that we’re facing an actual pandemic that is far easier to spread, the phrase takes on new meaning as we go about our lives.

I wanted to wretch when I heard that one of my best friends, visiting his mother at a local hospital, got a full sneeze in his face — from a doctor! Yes, the physician spewed right in my friend’s face. The doctor didn’t even say, “Excuse me,” and my friend and his wife certainly did not say, “Bless you!” They understandably froze. Manners, please!

On a recent grocery run, I stopped at a local store that stocks primarily Mexican products to see if they had any bread.

It turned out they had fresh bolillos, right out of the oven. They smelled heavenly, hot and yeasty. I was clumsily using enormous tongs to retrieve the bolillos from the case, and an older man — or possibly younger than I am (when did that happen?) — rushes over and grabs a plastic bag for me, then grabs plastic gloves with his bare hands

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and thrusts them at me.

We are all newly sensitive to people touching anything. My uncensored self wanted to yell, “what the hell are you doing!?” Meanwhile, I am using tongs that might be crawling with COVID-19, which I only thought of after the bolillo incident, and here’s this super-polite grocery guy who is now double or even triple-exposing me to a possible killer virus? Really?

But did I say anything or leave? No, I did not. Here I am, Ms. Boundary Setter. I advocate and teach boundary setting, locally and globally. I was so stunned that I politely got the bolillos wrestled into the plastic bag, bought them, and proceeded back out to our car. I handed my husband Ken half of a bolillo, and we gobbled it up. I told him about the encounter with the man, after we ate the crusty roll, and he said, “Oh, well.”

I risked my life because I didn’t want to hurt that nice man’s feelings. That means I need to practice saying things that are “impolite” politely when I’m not under stress

and while it’s happening.

I succeeded in saying to a man at Costco, after witnessing his uncovered cough three different times, “Sir, you need to cover your mouth!” I demonstrated by covering my face with the crook of my elbow. Good grief, people! Pandemiquette!

Citizens! Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does make it accessible, whatever “it” is. Go ahead and practice saying these things to another or in the mirror: “Please back up. Please use a hand sanitizer. Please, cover your mouth in the crook of your elbow.”

We are all now part of a paradigm shift in manners. Pandemic Manners — “Pandemiquette” rules — are being forged as I write this.

We ordered takeout from a restaurant we love. I waited in the car. Ken ran in to get our food. The owner was talking a blue streak and not keeping their distance. Ken would back up; they’d close the gap. He’d remind them of “6 feet” and they’d stop…

MAY 24, 2021

DOWNTOWN NEWS 15

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KIRK’S OPINION

and then, it would start over again. Did Ken yell “Back off!” as he’d been trained in his IMPACT Personal Safety Men’s class? No, he did not. Practicing for a possibly violent confrontation is one thing; being direct in the moment during a polite and civil situation is quite another.

Restaurant Person blithely took Ken’s card barehanded, then handed him a pen to sign the bill, which he picked up using a napkin hoping they’d get a clue. They did not. They then person-handled the plastic bags, and he came out, paler than I’m used to seeing him.

This all gives me so much compassion for the people who are too nervous, scared or polite to ask their partners to use a condom.

Friends, we’re condomizing society right now, but it’s not just male reproductive equipment we’re asking people to sheathe, it’s everything. No protection? No affection…business, or anything. Y’all, No glove, no love!

Ellen Snortland has written Consider This… for decades. A writing coach, contact her at ellen@authoratbitebybite.com.

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.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continue

2021

COIN SHORTAGE ZIP CODE DISTRIBUTION NOTICE

■ CALIFORNIA AREA RESIDENTS CASH IN: Pictured above and watched closely by guards are protected U.S. Coin Packages containing the valuable unsearched Vault Bags that everyone will be trying to get. It’s hard to tell how much these unsearched bags loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins could be worth someday. That’s because each Vault Bag is known to contain nearly 3 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the early 1800’s, so you better believe at just $980 these Unsearched Vault Bags are a real steal.

Decision puts valuable United States coins back in circulation – zip codes determine who gets them

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Unsearched Vault Bags loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s and worth up to 50 times their face value are actually being handed over to residents who find their zip code on the Distribution List below and beat the 48 hour order deadline

Who gets the U.S. Gov’t issued coins: Only U.S. residents who find their zip code listed on the Distribution List below are getting the U.S. Gov’t issued coins. If you find your zip code listed below call: 1-800-868-9527 UV3996 “The vaults at Federated Mint are going empty,” said Mar y Ellen Withrow, the emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America.

That’s because a decision by Federated Mint to put rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins, some worth up to 50 times their face value, back in circulation means unsearched Vault Bags loaded with U. S. Gov’t issued coins dating back to the 1800’s are now being handed over to U.S. residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication.

“These are not ordinary coins you find in your pocket change.

These a re ra rely seen silver, s c a r c e , c ol le c t i ble a n d non ci rcu lati ng U. S. coi ns dati ng

back to the 1800’s so we won’t be surprised if thousands of U.S. residents claim as many as they can get their hands on. That’s because a f ter the ba gs were loaded with nearly 3 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins the dates were never searched and the bags were securely sealed. That means there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search all the coins,” said Withrow.

“But don’t thank the Government.

As Executive Advisor to Federated Mint, I get paid to inform and educate the general public regarding U.S. coins. Ever since the decision

by Federated Mint to put rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins back in circulation, I’m being asked how

much are the unsearched Vault Bags worth? The answer is, there’s no way to tell. Coin values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees, but we do know this.

Each unsearched bag weighs nearly 3 pounds and is known to contain rarely seen Morgan Silver Dollars and these coins alone could be worth $40 - $325 in collector value each according to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins.

So there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search through all the coins. But you better believe at just $980 these unsearched Vault Bags are a steal, “said Withrow.

The only thing U.S. residents who find their zip code printed in today’s publication need to do is call the

National Toll-Free Hotline before the 48-hour deadline ends.

This is very important. The Vault Bag fee has been set for $1,500 for residents who miss the 48-hour deadline, but for those U.S. residents who beat the 48hour deadline the Vault Bag fee is just $980 as long as they call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the deadline ends.

“Remember this, we cannot stop collectors from buying up all the unsearched bags of coins they can get in this special advertising announcement. And you better believe with each bag being loaded with nearly 3 pounds of U.S. Gov’t R1021

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MAY 24, 2021

DOWNTOWN NEWS 17

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page)

issued coins we’re guessing they’re going to go quick,” said Withrow.

The phone lines will be ringing off the hook beginning at precisely 8:30a m th is mor n i ng. That’s because each unsearched Vault Bag is loaded with over 100 highly sought after collector coins dating clear back to the 1800’s including iconic Morgan Silver Dollars, a historic Peace Silver Dollar, stunning Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars, the collectible Silver Eisenhower Dollars, spectacular Silver Liberty Head Half and Quarter Dollars, rarely seen Silver Franklin Half Dollars, high demand President Kennedy Silver Half Dollars, beautiful Silver Standing Liberty Quarter Dollars, American Bicentennial Quarters, rare Liberty V Nickels, one cent Historic Wheat Coins including 1943 “Steel Cents”, one of the beautiful Winged Liberty Head Dimes, scarce Indian Head one cent U.S. coins and the last ever minted Buffalo Nickels.

“With all these collectible U.S Gov’t Issued coins up for grabs we’re doing all we can to answer all the calls,” said Withrow.

Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins. That means U.S. residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication can claim the unsearched bags of money for themselves and keep all the U.S. Gov’t issued coins found inside.

Just be sure to call before the deadline ends 48 hours from today’s publication date. ■

value

below

CA RESIDENTS: IF YOU FIND YOUR ZIP CODE BELOW. CALL: 1-800-868-9527 UV3996 900 9 01 9 02 9 03 904 9 05

906 9 07 908 910 911 912

913 914 915 916 917 918

919 9 20 9 21 922 9 23 9 24

9 25 9 26 9 27 9 28 930 9 31

9 32 933 934 935 936 9 37

938 9 39 940 9 41 9 42 943

944 945 946 9 47 948 9 49

95 0 951 952 95 3 95 4 95 5

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Alaska & Hawaii are part of the San Francisco Zone

4 Minneapolis Zone

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Boston Zone New York Zone

5 8

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St. Louis Zone

Richmond Zone

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The National Toll-Free Hotlines open at precisely 8:30am this morning for California residents only. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. If you miss the deadline you will be turned away from this offer and forced to wait for future announcements in this publication or others, if any.

The only thing residents need to do is find their zip code on the Distribution List above and beat the 48-hour deadline. The Vault Bag fee has been set for $1,500 for residents who miss the 48-hour deadline, but for those U.S. residents who beat the 48-hour deadline the Vault Bag fee is just $980 as long as they call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the deadline ends.

Sealed Unsearched Vault Bags contain nearly 3 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins

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■ UNSEARCHED: Pictured above are the unsearched Vault Bags loaded with nearly 3 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s being handed over to California ext page) residents by Federated Mint.

Silver Morgan Dollar 1878-1921

Silver Liberty Head 1892-1915

Silver Peace Dollar 1921-1935

Silver Walking Liberty 1916-1947

Silver Ben Franklin 1948-1963

Silver Eisenhower Dollar 1971-1978

R1021

FEDERATED MINT, 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. FEDERATED MINT, PO BOX 1200, MASSILLON, OH 44647 ©2021 FEDERATED MINT

DT Today Starts Here: Taiwanese breakfast special TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

18 DOWNTOWN NEWS

MAY 24, 2021

Covered DINING California will help

By Frier McCollister LA Downtown News Contributing Writer

T

he restaurant Pine & Crane opened in Silver Lake in March 2014 and caused an immediate splash in a neighborhood already burgeoning with unique culinary options.

Offering mindful turns on Northern Chinese comfort food at accessible price points, the success of Pine & Crane also drew a spotlight on its young, ambitious chef and owner Vivian Ku. Based on the positive momentum of Pine & Crane, Ku opened her smaller venue, Joy, in Highland Park in March 2018 to yet more local interest and acclaim.

“Both venues have a good amount of Northern Chinese influence, especially Pine & Crane, I would say,” Ku said. “(There is) a lot of focus on buns and noodles and dumplings. It’s a little more family-style portions, whereas Joy is more casual.”

Joy is on Highland Park’s hip strip of York Boulevard.

“We feature more street food dishes like the clamshell buns or the thousand-layer pan-

cake,” she said. “Things you can hold onto and eat while you walk is the spirit behind the place.”

Soon enough though, Ku was contemplating a move a bit closer to her own background and personal tastes: Taiwanese breakfast. Today Starts Here, Ku’s pop-up in Chinatown opened in October of last year, in the middle of the pandemic churn.

“I’ve always wanted to do Taiwanese breakfast. It’s probably my favorite meal of the day, when I’m in Taiwan,” she said.

“It’s just the most comforting meal. It’s a lot of soy milk and carbs. Whenever I land in Taiwan, it’s the first thing I would want. So, I was always drawn to serve Taiwanese breakfast.”

The Chinatown location was attractive for a few reasons.

“Chinatown is in between Highland Park and Silver Lake. I figured it’s in Chinatown. Chinatown is a Cantonese population most of the time,” Ku said.

“But things like soy milk and crullers, those are things that should be very familiar to (anyone) with a Chinese background. So, we thought it would be a good place to open.”

Today Starts Here’s fan tuan with purple rice for $5.50.

Photo by Luis Chavez

The plan began to hatch before the onset of the pandemic last March.

“We were looking at that location (in Chinatown),” she said. “The landlord approached us before the pandemic hit and we were excited about it. But because of the pandemic, we put it on pause. Both restaurants closed down for a while.”

Operational and staffing plans were in place as health department restrictions began

to lift. Ku reopened Pine & Crane and Joy at the end of May and reassessed the landscape.

“When we returned, we had plans before the pandemic based on who was going to what location and who was going to take on more responsibility. Because we already had that structure and we didn’t want to lose that, we were able to talk to the landlord.”

The notion of an ostensibly temporary popup experiment seemed intuitive given the ex-

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igencies and uncertainties of the pandemic.

“We didn’t do a full build,” Ku said. “Can we approach this as a month-to-month situation and treat it as a pop-up? That way, we could split up the team and keep everyone on their trajectories. It was an in-between solution, if you will.”

The menu at Today Starts Here is relatively simple. Remember Ku‘s description “soy milk and carbs”? It’s apt, but even Keto dieters should consider making an exception for this breakfast in Chinatown. The prices are reasonable. Inexpensive and delicious, it’s not just any breakfast special.

Favorites include the fan tuan ($5.50), sticky rice rolls stuffed with pork floss, soy braised egg, preserved vegetables and you tiao fried dough. Swap in purple rice ($6.50) or make it vegan or vegetarian at will. Savory soy milk ($6.50) is served with pork floss, preserved vegetables, you tiao and scallions, all dressed out with vinegar and chili oil. There are dan bing ($6), the traditional crepes filled with eggs, scallions, corn and cabbage. Shao bing ($6.50) with scrambled eggs and scallions and folded into flaky pastry. Mantou, simple plain buns, are available steamed ($1.50) or griddled ($2.50). There’s always a daily combo as well. Most recently, the combo featured two daikon rice cakes with fried shallots and shitake mushrooms paired with a dan bing and a choice of savory, black bean or plain soy milk ($12).

Dessert options include the silky tofu pudding, dou hua with ginger syrup ($5) or with

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a topping choice ($6). Toppings? Red bean, grass jelly, taro, fen guo jelly and boba. There is also red bean mochi with Osmanthus ($6) and grass jelly in coconut cream with boba ($6). In addition to the house soy milks, beverage choices include iced teas, six hot loose leaf teas as well as cold brew and drip coffee preps.

Ku grew up on a vegetable farm outside Bakersfield and attended Harvard College as an economics major. That’s where her restaurant dreams began to manifest. “I ran a grill on campus senior year and staged at restaurants.”

The business appealed to her. “I like how it’s very high energy,” she said. “I like how you get to create a place that didn’t exist before and have people come together. People are generally very happy when they eat, so I thought it was a good way to make a living.”

She enrolled at the storied Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York, immediately after graduating from Harvard.

“I graduated in June and enrolled (at CIA) in July. I convinced my parents. ‘It’s 21 months only. It’s a very quick thing.’ Two more years at culinary school. They were very cool about it, thankfully.”

With her mini empire thriving against the odds, Ku hasn’t retreated from the kitchens or the dining rooms, such as they are. “We’re still a very small operation. We’re not at the size where I’m removed from anything. I’m still very involved back-of-house and front-ofhouse.”

With Los Angeles restaurants permitted to

Today Starts Here’s staff includes Christine Tenario, Kyle Hawkins, Xiaosi M, Raymundo Geronimo, Abel Lopez, Kelly Ong, Cody Ma, Zhao Jia and Myles Dedman.

Photo by Luis Chavez

seat patrons indoors at 50% capacity, is there a plan to formalize the service at Today Starts Here?

“We’re actually still in pop-up mode,” Ku said. “We’re still trying to figure out what makes more sense long-term. So, we might not stay there longer term but in the meantime, it’s been a lot of fun running the concept in downtown with our team, trying to do a different meal service and introduce Taiwanese

breakfast.”

Ku said she is grateful that patrons were willing to try her restaurant during a pandemic.

“I do see light at the end of the tunnel and can’t wait until we all make it through together and we’re able to dine together again,” she said.

“I really miss a full dining room. I can’t wait until we all make it through together.”

Today Starts Here 934 N. Hill Street Los Angeles 213-988-7082, todaystartsherela.com

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Covered SPORTS California will help

hosting LGBTQ+ Night

By LA Downtown News Staff

T

he Los Angeles Dodgers will host their eighth annual LGBTQ+ Night at Dodger Stadium, presented by Blue Shield of California, on Friday, June 11.

A special-event ticket package includes a game ticket in the fully vaccinated-only section for the 7:10 p.m. game against the Texas Rangers and an exclusive Dodger Pride-themed T-shirt. Tickets are available at dodgers.com/LAPride.

Dodger owners Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss will be in attendance. The Dodgers and long-time community nonprofit partner LA Pride will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with drink specials in the pavilion bars, a special recognition of frontline workers from Los Angeles’ LGBTQ+ community and additional guests.

Friday Night Fireworks will also return that night — set to a special mix from DJ Bowie Jane — and all vaccinated fans will be welcomed down to the field to view the show.

“The Dodgers take so much pride in celebrating Los Angeles’ LGBTQ+ community and are excited to host our eighth annual LGBTQ+ Night at Dodger Stadium, which continues to grow into one of the biggest Pride nights in all of professional sports,” said Erik Braverman, Dodgers senior vice president of marketing, communications and broadcasting.

“After a trying year apart, we’re looking forward to working with our great partners to welcome the LGBTQ+ community back to Dodger Stadium for a fun and safe in-person event.”

Pride Board President Sharon-Franklin Brown said her organization is looking forward to continuing its partnership and having the Dodgers’ support.

“Our LGBTQ+ Night is always a night our community looks forward to, and we know that this year it is more important than ever to have moments like this to bring our community together to celebrate Pride month,”

Los Angeles Dodgers will host their eighth annual LGBTQ+ Night Friday, June 11.

Submitted photo

Brown said.

In addition to LA Pride, the Dodgers work with many community partners for the night, including: Outsports, a sports news website focusing on LGBT issues and personalities in amateur and professional sports. Outsports is the world’s leading gay-sports publication.

Varsity Gay League (V.G.L.) is the nation’s original Queer+ recreational sports league, established in 2007. With 25,000 members

across 19 cities, V.G.L. is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion by connecting players of all ages and skill levels, however they identify, with new ways to socialize and play.

The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) is a gay and lesbian slow-pitch softball league committed to providing an opportunity for both gay and nongay participants to compete in an environment conducive to the gay community.

Hi Tops Sportsbar, a casual sports bar with an LGBTQ focus in West Hollywood.

To accommodate as many fans as possible for this event, all tickets available through the special event ticket pack link will be in the fully vaccinated-only sections.

In the fully vaccinated-only sections, social distancing will not be required, and fans will be seated directly next to other parties.

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Children younger than the age of 2 do not need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Face coverings must be worn in the fully vaccinated-only section, except while actively eating and/or drinking in the ticketed section. More information on the fully vaccinated-only sections is available at dodgers.com/vaccinationzone.

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