Los Angeles Downtown News 02-07-22

February 7, 2022 I VOL. 51 I #05

Doubling Down

A New Spin Lawrence, Wilson and Lynch to

District 1 participates in Pico Union community cleanup event

‘sign’ Subway sandwiches

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The Whitmore Sisters

Eye on Education February 14, 2022

FROMPRESCHOOL PRESCHOOL TO FROM TO POSTGRAD POSTGRAD

For more info. contact Michael Lamb 213-453-3548 • mlamb@timespublications.com or Catherine Holloway 213 -308-2261 • cholloway@timespublications.com

Eye on T H E V O I C E O F D O W N T O W N L A S I N C E 1 9 7 2 Education

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FEBRUARY 07, 2022

Larchmont provides an exceptional education for students TK-12

By Larchmont Charter School Larchmont Charter School is a free public charter school serving over 1,600 students in grades TK-12 on four campuses in Los Angeles.

Larchmont has become a national leader in diverse-by-design, whole-child progressive education, fulfilling its mission to provide a socioeconomically, culturally and racially diverse community of students with an exceptional public education.

With participation from the entire community, the staff strives to instill in each student a dedication to improving the world.

Larchmont Charter staff said it reflects what great public education can and should be.

PhPhoooPPhoto courtesy of Larchmont Charter School The school offers all students in California a free education with rich programming, including: • Affordable aftercare for TK through seventh.

• Nutritious gourmet lunch program. Larchmont • Highly qualified teachers with expertise in both offers free and reduced-price meals for students academic and social-emotional development. who qualify.

• Small class sizes.

• Students of all backgrounds at Larchmont out• Exceptional academic program rooted in perform their peers in surrounding schools. constructivist, project-based learning.

• Robust offering of AP classes.

• Diverse student body.

• Dynamic arts program.

• Weekly enrichment classes, including PE, art, • CIF sports program in high school. music, gardening, cooking and more.

• High technology to student ratio.

PhPhoooPPhoto courtesy of Larchmont Charter School

• Fantastic community of families.

• First place in the 2020 Get Lit Classic Slam finals, the largest youth classic poetry festival in the nation.

• No. 3 in Best Charter Elementary Schools in Los Angeles area, according to 2021 Best Schools by niche.com.

Larchmont Charter School larchmontcharter.org

ADVERTORIAL

LOOKING FOR AN OUTSTANDING TK-12 SCHOOL? Free, public charter school open to all students in California Highly qualified teachers - trained in academic and social-emotional development Small class sizes | Diverse student body | Progressive, whole child education

LARCHMONT CHARTER SCHOOL Outstanding academic program rooted in constructivist, project-based learning Unique programs like Edible Schoolyard which nurtures healthy eating habits and teaches eco-literacy 97% of our graduates were admitted to college, including 29 of the top 50 colleges in the US As a reminder, families that qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch receive a preference in the lottery & have a better chance of getting in.

*

The deadline for the 2022-23 lottery is February 16, 2022. Visit www.larchmontcharter.org/admissions to apply!

FEBRUARY 07, 2022

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Covered California CONSIDER THIS will help

JUDGE’S OPINION

What is it with ‘you people’?

By Ellen Snortland LA Downtown News Columnist ere we are, 60 years after the 1960s, and Youth Supremacy is still a thing. Younger is not superior; it’s simply younger.

“You must have been hot when you were young,” a woman once said to me. Thank you? “Do you hear yourself?” I thought. A chirpy young woman preached at another event, “We believe in intersectionality and inclusion!” Somewhat prepared for pronouncements like that, I asked, “Does that intersectionality include older people?” She stammered, “Oh… no, we don’t.” “Why not?” I asked.

She didn’t have an answer. I will continue to ask that question of people because, as I grow older, I see how much older people are left out. I feel the sting of exclusion because, despite my disbelief that “aging” would ever happen to me, here I am.

Famous curmudgeon Andy Rooney had opinion pieces at the end of “60 Minutes” episodes from 1978 to 2011. He once said, “It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.”

Indeed.

Why do so many people dread aging?

A large part of that is because of ageism, one of the persistent “isms” that rears its nasty head with people who really should know better. Look at what so many people face as they age: a reduction of respect and income and an increase in micro-aggressions that add up to a societal door-slam in the face. Even old people don’t want to be around other old people!

When asked, “How old are you?” I’ve said, “95 — don’t I look great?” Rather than fulfill the ageist/sexist stereotype of women lying about their age by a decade or so younger, I go up a couple of decades. I’ve

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also answered, “How old are you?” with, “Old enough to kick your ass. Why?” That shuts ‘em up real quick.

Seriously, the time to transform our society to include older people is before you’re actually old. Our ability to occupy large platforms is usually reduced. A former paramour was a famous white man in the entertainment industry. At around age 70, he complained about ageism. He wasn’t getting calls like he was accustomed to. He even wrote an op-ed about it in a major newspaper. I hadn’t seen him in decades when I read his piece. My reaction was, “Wah, wah, wah! When I told you my shelf life as an actor was 35, you didn’t care. Now that it’s happening to you, you’re singing another tune, you putz.”

The perceptions and stereotypes that we have to break through are thick: • We’re hopeless at understanding new tech (not true: the 18 to 25s are also having a tough time).

• We’re incompetent in understanding new ideas (which are usually not new at all).

• We’re pathetically unable to contribute a perspective that’s useful (no comment; this is a family publication!).

My fingers may be slower now, but how dare you grab my phone out of my hand when I’m not fast enough for you? That’s happened to me several times. It’s such a stunning behavior that I have been struck speechless when it’s happened. Now, I will practice saying something like, “Excuse me, you’ve just sprayed your ageism on my hands and my phone. I don’t like it. Don’t do that to anyone else after this, OK?” We were at a well-regarded posh restaurant in Altadena and discussing the menu with our server. She said, “That’s a great dish; a recent diner tweeted about it… Oh wait, you don’t know what Twitter

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.

is.” Apparently, an older person she once I am gratified that Lisa Gaeta, chief exencountered didn’t know what Twitter ecutive officer of IMPACT Personal Safewas, so she assumed that’s true for all of ty, asked me if I’d do a TikTok as a senior us in the elder category. It’s the same way demonstrating self-defense. Yes! IMPACT bigotry works in other areas of life. Imag- means it when they talk about inclusion ine if she’d said, knowing that I was a par- and intersectionality. How old am I? Old ticular ethnicity, say, Norwegian Ameri- enough to kick your ass. can, “Oh wait, you Norwegian Americans “You don’t stop laughing when you don’t know what Twitter is.” How much grow old, you grow old when you stop kinder and diplomatic it would be to sim- laughing.” — George Bernard Shaw ply ask, “Do you tweet?”

Anytime someone makes a “you peo“Women may be the one group that ple” out of a group, you’re going to have grows more radical with age.” — Gloria bias, minimization and knee-jerk exclu- Steinem EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski sion. Casting in Hollywood is a contribSTAFF WRITERS: Andrew Checchia, Andres De Ocampo, Julia Shapero uting factorCONTRIBUTING of older people’s “Beautiful young people are accidents WRITERS:invisibility Sara Edwards, Kamala Kirk ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares,why Stephanie and stereotyping.

Speaking of which, ofTorres nature, but beautiful old people are STAFFhired PHOTOGRAPHER: hasn’t SNL ever anyone Luis overChavez 50 to works of art.” — Eleanor Roosevelt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Myriam Santos play characters who are over 50?

Instead, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb they dress their castEMERITUS: members geezer Ellen Snortland has been kicking metaFOUNDER Sue in Laris drag. There have been exceptions that phorical ass in this column for decades. She prove the rule: the late, great and adored also teaches creative writing and can be Betty White is a prime example. reached at ellen@beautybitesbeast.com.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bliss Bowen, Ellen Snortland STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris Mortenson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Zb Images

ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway (213) 308-2261 Michael Lamb (213) 453-3548 FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris

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FEBRUARY 07, 2022

Covered NEWS California will

Aurora Corona, a lifelong Pico Union resident and neighborhood council member, joins Councilmember Gil Cedillo, District 1, at a Pico Union community cleanup event.

Photo by Office of Gil Cedillo

District 1 doubles down on community

By Andres de Ocampo LA Downtown News Staff Writer Pico Union resource fair and community cleanup underlines the importance of renewed civic engagement and partnership for councilmembers and neighborhood groups, emphasizing the need for community awareness.

The collaborative cleanup event between the office of Gil Cedillo, District 1, Pico Union Neighborhood Council Quality of Life and Safety Committee, and other groups invited area volunteers to connect with the likes of Byzantine-Latino Quarter Business Improvement District, Salvation Army, LAFD and National Health Foundation.

“It’s a way of getting community engagement. People have pride in their own neighborhoods. I’m marveled and pleased about how the community will come out and participate to clean up their communities,” Cedillo said.

The events give Cedillo a chance to listen to District 1 residents’ concerns in person, he said.

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“It’s a very intimate experience to be on the council. It’s very organic,” Cedillo said. “It’s the pleasantness of governance at a local level. It puts myself and my staff there to listen to the community. You get right on the ground. The city or state legislator might pass a law, but it’s at these events where you can see the impact.

“It’s helpful. It informs us and it informs our daily work, and then we’re able to go to work and respond. …

It’s not just me, though; it’s my staff and the volunteers who are our eyes and ears on the ground.”

Cedillo said par tnerships with groups like Koreatown Youth + Community Center can lead to citywide change on a bigger level.

“This is what the city needs — this type of city engagement,” he said.

“There are a lot of city and national problems, and we can’t solve them all ourselves, but we can solve problems dealing with being a good neighbor and building community. By coming out when it’s safe and appropriate, working with your neighbors to

FEBRUARY 07, 2022

build a better community, ultimately, we’ll build a better city.”

Aurora Corona, a lifelong Pico Union resident, joined the neighborhood council in 2021. Now its secretary and the chair of its Quality of Life and Safety Committee, she’s looking to inspire more change locally.

“There are a lot of people who love the community, like myself, and they want to keep it clean and change the image of Pico Union,” she said. “There have been periods of ups and downs, and my goal and the committee’s goal is to make a rebirth.”

The committees work on improvement projects, focusing on cleanups. They collaborate with local youth, finding ways to improve and showcase the historic Pico Union.

On Jan. 22, PUNC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the installation of 50 “Welcome to Pico Union Historic District” street decals. The project invited Pico Union students to design an image that would capture the spirit of the community, according to Corona, who pitched the idea to PUNC. Corona also helped organize the resource fair and community cleanup with Cedillo’s office, which brought over 100 Pico Union residents and students together.

“It’s about community engagement but also about community awareness,” she said. “There were already cleanups in the neighborhood, but there’s a lot of people in this area that are in different pockets and groups, and they love their community, but we want to bring everyone together.”

The neighborhood council plans on more community cleanups, partnering with the city for larger resource fairs and reaching out to less privileged schools in Pico Union to organize mentorships, according to Corona.

Residents who attended the community event received free COVID-19 PPE and information about health care and other programs through organizations like the National Healthcare Foundation and the Salvation Army.

At Keep It Clean events, Cedillo and his team hear residents’ concerns and ideas about community cleanups.

The councilmember is running for reelection in the upcoming municipal elections in November and plans to continue on-the-ground work in his district to directly ad-

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dress issues or concerns that residents have about public safety, homelessness and housing stability.

“We want to get this election behind us. It’s a part of our democratic system, but we want to move forward and continue the work. We want to be first in affordable housing, workforce housing, reducing homelessness and help with economic development,” he said.

Among a more recent affordable housing project, a motion from Cedillo details the construction of a $24 million housing project, Oak Apartments, which is set to become a 64-unit multifamily housing site on Francis Avenue. The project is still in pre-development stages.

According to a report from Los Angeles City Planning, “Equitable Distribution of Affordable Housing,” data gathered from 2009 to 2020 documents that District 1 is leading in affordable housing production, with 2,423 total units permitted.

“Our work is driven by our capacity, by being informed by the community and our experience. It’s not driven by the elections. We’re moving forward, and we’ve been moving forward since day one,” Cedillo said about continuing existing community programs and collaboration, ultimately responding to the needs of District 1.

The councilmember highlighted plans for upgrading parks around District 1, noting the reopening of MacArthur Park in the coming days. The city temporarily closed the Westlake park in October 2021 for beautification and infrastructural upgrades to lights, benches and irrigation, but not before moving unhoused residents out of the park and offering Project Roomkey housing, leaving a chain-link fence around the park’s perimeter.

“We’ve used our legislative experience and skills to accomplish more with no drama. That’s just a product of our experience, legislative maturity and personal maturity of being in public service for many years. People trust us, and it’s because of that trust that we’re able to have accomplishments,” Cedillo said.

“In my office, we consider ourselves public servants. Me and my team come together to serve our district, and we consider it a privilege and honor. This is just one of our daily expressions of our ability to serve our district. … We share in the community pride that our residents have,” he said.

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FEBRUARY 07, 2022

SUPER BOWL

Subway puts new spin on signature sandwich

By LA Downtown News Staff hree NFL stars — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and former Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch — will sign their signature sandwiches at the Subway Vault Signature Sandwich Experience at the Super Bowl Experience.

However, fans will be left with a tough decision: Eat the sandwich autographed with edible ink or save it.

The sandwiches include: • Wilson’s “The Dangerwich”: pepperoni, salami, black forest ham, provolone cheese and bacon on Italian herb and cheese bread, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers and banana peppers and finished with yellow mustard and mayonnaise; 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10.

• Lynch’s “The Beef Mode”: Choice Angus roast beef, pepper jack cheese and hickory smoked bacon on Italian herb and cheese bread, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, red onions and jalapenos and drizzled with yellow mustard and Baja chipotle sauce; 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11.

• Lawrence’s “The Sunshine Sub”: oven-roasted turkey, BelGioioso fresh mozzarella cheese, avocado and tomatoes on hearty multigrain bread; 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12.

The snacks are part of “The Vault” menu, which was released ahead of Super Bowl LVI, set for Sunday, Feb. 13, at SoFi Stadium.

The players will hang in a 1,600-square-foot immersive and multisensory activation.

“Our athlete partners are some of our most passionate Subway fans, so it was a natural fit to create a collection of their favorite sandwiches, and Super Bowl LVI is the ideal location to introduce these sandwiches and ‘The Vault’ to our fans,” said Carrie Walsh, Subway’s global chief marketing officer, in a statement. “‘The Vault’ furthers the Eat Fresh Refresh campaign with new, craveable options to help you make better choices not only on gameday but everyday.”

“The Vault” is exclusive to Subway’s app and website and features five new sandwiches.

The Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe’s features exhibits and activities ranging from player meet and greets to a walking tour of NFL

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history.

NFL representative Dan Kitchen described it as “Disneyland for football fans.”

The Super Bowl Experience is set for Thursday, Feb. 10, to Saturday, Feb. 12. Tickets are $40; Metro users, as well as military members and their families, can get a 50% discount.

Attendees can get priority access to the attractions with the $60 SBXTRA ticket.

To attend, guests must register on the NFL OnePass app and have it downloaded to their devices. They are also required to wear face masks and provide a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination.

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BUSINESS

HelloFresh, Kings partner for meal kits

By LA Downtown News Staff elloFresh and the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators, New York Islanders and Los Angeles Kings have partnered to become the first meal kit partner of each team.

Through these NHL team partnerships, HelloFresh will tap into new audiences using digital marketing and in-arena signage and experiences, all designed to help fans step up their game in the kitchen.

The partnerships will also provide Predators, Islanders and LA Kings’ fans with the chance to win branded gear through sweepstakes and in-arena contests along with exclusive deals on HelloFresh meal kits, including $110 off and free shipping. To take advantage of the teams’ offers, local fans can visit hellofresh.com and use the codes PREDS, ISLANDERS and LAKINGS. “Hockey fans are some of the most passionate, loyal fans in the world who love what their team and city stand for,” said Jens Reich, managing director and chief marketing officer with HelloFresh

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US. Josh Veilleux, senior vice president, AEG Global Partnerships, is looking forward to the partnership.

“We’re excited to welcome HelloFresh to the LA Kings and our family of partners,” he said.

“Their focus on sustainability as well as their commitment to delivering healthy and delicious meals directly to people’s homes mirrors our desire to bring our fans nothing short of the very best experiences. We look forward to expanding their reach across Los Angeles and bringing our fans even more value as a result of this new partnership.”

HelloFresh provides home cooks with everything needed for a successful and satisfying cooking experience by delivering fresh ingredients and recipes.

With more than 50 weekly options available each week, HelloFresh offers a variety of flexible meal options and chef-curated additions, such as grocery essentials, quick meal solutions, desserts and sides.

Info: hellofresh.com

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

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

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

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

To find out exactly which regional center would serve your family, please visit dds.ca.gov/services or dds.ca.gov/listings Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center 3303 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 383-1300 or (213) 252-5600 kyrc@lanterman.org | www.lanterman.org

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FEBRUARY 07, 2022

FEATURE

California Hospital welcomes 2/2/22 baby

By LA Downtown News Staff ignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center welcomed baby Aiden Chino at 2:32 a.m. Feb. 2, 2022.

The healthy baby boy was 8 pounds and 21.5 inches.

“We are so excited to welcome baby Aiden into our family, especially on 2/2/22,” said Aiden’s mother, Sheyla Chino.

“The care we’ve received here at California Hospital has been excellent, and we could not be happier with the entire experience. The staff has been very helpful, and it’s my best experience with a C-section so far.”

Mom and baby are healthy and doing well.

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Los Angeles Best Advertising Source ’ ‘In the Heights

film Emotional, upbeat d recalls old Hollywoo

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Vegan chain selling kits plant-based BBQ

Eastside Arts Initiative grant deadline is March 31

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Sheyla Chino holds her baby, Aiden, at Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center. Aiden was born on Feb. 2, 2022.

Holiday Guide

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THE VOICE OF D OWNTOWN LA S INCE 1972

a Advertising is Keep Great Way to rs Your Custome Informed The Los Angeles Downtown News publishes a wide array of special sections and quarterlies throughout the year on topics like Health, Education, Nightlife and Residential Living.

C A L L TO D AY C AT H E R I N E : 2 1 3 . 3 0 8 . 2 2 6 1 MICHAEL: 213.453.3548

By LA Downtown News Staff A Plaza de Cultura y Artes Eastside Arts Initiative invites local artists and arts organizations serving Eastern LA County to apply for a grant for programming or projects in the visual and performing arts, including the art trades.

A total of $150,000 will be awarded for grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 through a competitive process.

Grant proposals demonstrating a cultural and community significance, meeting LA Plaza EAI’s funding priorities will be accepted through 5 p.m.

March 31. Visit eastsideartsinitiative.org for guidelines and applications.

“The LA Plaza Eastside Arts Initiative plays an integral role in the development of the arts in Eastern LA County through our grant funding, making a long-lasting impact in our local com-

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munities,” said John Echeveste, LA Plaza chief executive officer.

Applicants are encouraged to attend the LA Plaza EAI Grant Program Q&A Workshop by Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 or Feb. 17.

This workshop will help applicants through the process and answer frequently asked questions about the funding priorities and grant applications. To attend one of the two workshops, RSVP with preferred the date to arts@eastsideartsinitiative.org.

“I am very grateful for my EAI grant, which helped continue performing arts classes free to the young people in Highland Park and Lincoln Heights.

“My students, their parents and family members who help with the beautiful dance costumes and stage designs are also grateful,” dance choreographer Jorge Rivas said.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

LA Live readying for Super Bowl

By LA Downtown News Staff rypto.com Arena and the Microsoft Theater are bustling the next few weeks, thanks to the Super Bowl and its peripheral events.

Below is a lineup of what’s coming up at both venues. For more information, visit cryptoarena.com or microsofttheater.com.

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Roger Waters: Tuesday, Sept. 27, and Wednesday, Sept. 28 Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles Shaquille O’Neal and Lolx! Present AllStar Comedy Jam: Thursday, Feb. 10

Crypto.com Arena 1111 S. Figueroa Street Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest Halsey and Machine Gun Kelly: Thursday, Feb. 10

Junior H: Saturday, Feb. 12

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani: Friday, Feb. 11

Cirque Ovo: Wednesday, March 16, to Sunday, May 1

Ricardo Montaner: Friday, Feb. 18 George Lopez: Saturday, Feb. 19

Miley Cyrus, New Year’s Eve. She shares a stage with Green Day at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, Feb.12.

Green Day and Miley Cyrus: Saturday, Feb. 12 Banda MS: Friday, Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb. 19

Marc Anthony: Friday, March 18

Ricardo Arjona: Sunday, May 1

Netflix is a Joke: The Festival: A Conversation with Ellen DeGeneres: Wednesday, May 4

Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castano II: Saturday, March 19

Kevin Hart Netflix Comedy Special: Thursday, May 5

KEM and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds: Saturday, May 14

New Edition: Sunday, March 20

Eric Church: Saturday, May 7

Pedro Fernandez: Friday, May 20

Alt-J & Portugal. The Man: Sunday, March 27

New Kids on the Block: Friday, May 27

Alejandra Guzman and Paulina Rubio: Sunday, May 22

Photo courtesy of @vijatm

Kasey Musgraves: Sunday, Feb. 20 PBR Pluto TV Invitational: Tuesday, Feb. 22 Bad Bunny: Thursday, Feb. 24 Tyler, the Creator: Thursday, March 31

Nick Cannon Presents: MTV Wild ‘N Out: Sunday, June 26

Gerardo Ortiz: Saturday, May 28

Harlem Globetrotters: Sunday, Feb. 27 Los Tigres del Norte: Saturday, April 2 Justin Bieber: Monday, March 7, and Tuesday, March 8 Imagine Dragons: Saturday, March 12

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Shawn Mendes: Friday, Sept. 9, to Monday, Sept. 12

Journey: Tuesday, April 5 Krush Groove: Saturday, April 30

Morgan Wallen: Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25

Russell Peters: Saturday, Aug. 13 Salt N Pepa, Bell Biv DeVoe and Ginuwine: Saturday, Oct.

YOUTH

Christina Mauser scholarship accepting submissions

By LA Downtown News Staff n partnership with the Christina Mauser Foundation, the Rose Bowl Institute is accepting submissions for the second Christina Mauser Scholarship Award. Applications for the scholarship are due March 1.

Launched in 2021, the Christina Mauser Scholarship Award provides financial assistance to young female athletes who display extraordinary sportsmanship, leadership and citizenship qualities.

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Those traits were memorably exhibited by the award’s namesake: former award-winning student-athlete and educator Christina Mauser.

She was working alongside Kobe Bryant as the assistant coach for the basketball legend’s Mamba Sports Academy when she died in the helicopter crash that killed nine people — including Bryant — on Jan. 26, 2020.

The Christina Mauser Foundation was created by her husband, musician

Matt Mauser, to foster the ideals that his wife displayed on and off the basketball court.

In 2022, the foundation will partner once again with the Rose Bowl Institute to present scholarships in four different categories. One award will go to a student at Edison High School, Christina’s alma mater. The three remaining categories will offer awards to California-based, national and Hispanic applicants.

Matt presented awards to the Christina Mauser Scholarship Award’s inaugural class of standout athletes — wrestler Samantha Parcell, soccer star Sophia Drake and lacrosse player Taya Riley — at Edison High School in June 2021.

Funded by the Christina Mauser Foundation, the Christina Mauser Scholarship Award assists young female athletes in accomplishing their extraordinary goals as well.

Info: rosebowlinstitute.org

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FEBRUARY 07, 2022

ARTS AND CULTURE

Whitmore Sisters’ harmonies, melodies extract beauty from grief

By Bliss Bowen LA Downtown News Contributing Writer he titular “Ghost Stories” of the Whitmore Sisters’ luminous new album are not spooky Halloween fare but rather melodic recollections of beloved friends and inspirations that have died in recent times.

Bonnie and older sister Eleanor Whitmore have contributed to each other’s solo releases over the years, and Bonnie has played bass with the Mastersons, Eleanor’s acclaimed LA-based band with husband Chris Masterson, but “Ghost Stories” is their first official foray as a sibling duo. Not unlike the Mastersons, the music’s healing allure is rooted in harmony.

Paul McCartney’s “On the Wings of a Nightingale,” originally written for the Everly Brothers, provides a sweet vehicle for the Whitmores’ alchemical vocal blend, while they take a sassy romp through the intersection of pop and country with Aaron Lee Tasjan’s “Big Heart Sick Mind.” Most of the songs, however, were written from their own experiences.

Although the sisters have contributed to each other’s solo endeavors over the years, including via some co-writes, “Ghost Stories” represents the first time they have written so many songs together.

Hopeful album opener “Learn to Fly” was inspired by their dad, a Navy carrier pilot who passed along his love of aviation: “It takes calculation/ Line up in formation/ A certain swagger comes to mind/ Careful the wager, but you love the danger/ Buckle up, it’s time to fly.”

The title track’s haunting melancholy takes wing on Eleanor’s elegant violin solos while offering a subtle message: “We need to tend to our gardens/ Root-

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CLASSIFIEDS

Notice of invitation to Bid Volunteers of America of Los Angeles (VOALA) an Equal Opportunity Employer, with funding assistance from the City of Los Angeles through monies from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, General City Purpose Fund, and HHAP-1 Category 1 funds, is seeking qualified Licensed Contractors to bid on a project involving building improvements to an existing facility located at 2525 Long Beach Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90058.

Scope: Commercial remodel of existing shell warehouse space into mixed-use emergency homeless shelter with (office/shelter) space per design plans attached in Exhibit A. Please send your notice of intent to bid to Ms. Mara Pelsman via MPelsman@voala.org by February 9, 2022. RFP packages (Plans and Specifications in PDF format will be provided upon request until February 11, 2022. Bids are to be sealed and delivered to VOALA located at 3600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #1500, Los Angeles, California 90010. Attention Ms. Mara Pelsman until 4:00 P.M. on February 18, 2022. Please denote: Long Beach Avenue Project. All further qualifications will be defined in the RFP. For further information, contact Mara Pelsman, VOALA at MPelsman@voala.org.

Please include “VOALA Long Beach Avenue Project“ in the email subject field.

The Whitmore Sisters are Bonnie and Eleanor.

Photo by Zb Images

ing out what is rotten/ Sowing the seeds/ Of what we ought to be/ What if we reimagine/ A system that isn’t broken?/ Reflect on ourselves/ See love in everyone.”

The occasion to finally write and record the album was a blessing that emerged from pandemic-imposed burdens. In late 2019, the Mastersons were looking forward to a substantial tour promoting their fourth album, “No Time for Love Songs,” with opening sets from Bonnie, whose 2018 album “(Expletive) With Sad Girls” had spun many ears her way and whose “Last Will & Testament” would earn glowing reviews later in 2020.

When the pandemic shut down those tour plans, the three retreated to the Mastersons’ home in Los Angeles. There, as time turned elastic and artists everywhere scrambled to find new ways to practice their craft and connect with audiences, Chris persistently encouraged Eleanor and Bonnie to finally write and record songs for the album they’d been talking about making for most of their lives.

Having grown up in Texas playing in their family’s band, Daddy & the Divas, the sisters had absorbed myriad sounds and styles that informed their individual releases as well as “Ghost Stories”: classic folk and rock songs their dad taught them, classical music from their opera singer mother, ’80s country and pop radio hits — an eclectic range of influences that color the al-

bum’s melodies and arrangements and Chris’ sympatico production choices.

Now they’re anticipating a tour opening for the Jayhawks and playing on the Outlaw Country Cruise later this month. Throughout March, the Whitmore Sisters will open for the Mastersons at shows across the Midwest and the South. Fans will encounter cathartic release in songs such as “Friends We Leave Behind,” which illuminates how the Whitmore Sisters extract beauty and grace from loss. Its gentle uplift speaks to those who are re-examining life priorities and pondering next steps: “Love can pull you through And fear can take you down The friends we leave behind It’s what defines us How many will there be When we’re gone?

In my heart, I’ll take you with me I will carry you, I will carry, carry on” To learn more about the Whitmore Sisters, visit thewhitmoresisters.com. “Ghost Stories” is available in brick-and-mortar stores and at the usual digital platforms.

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FEBRUARY 07, 2022 2022 JANUARY 10,

DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWNNEWS NEWS11 15

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

Veteran DTLA Realtor Randelle Green: ‘Local Experience is Priceless’

By LA Downtown News Staff Since 2005, local Realtor Randelle Green has been servicing Downtown LA buyers and sellers since 2005.

That’s more than 15 years of dedicated and committed service to Downtown residences, over 15 years of playing a major role in the continued renaissance of our beloved urban core.

From his early days of managing sales teams at the Pan-American Lofts in the Historic Core and South Park’s “Mega-Complex” of Elleven, Luma & Evo, to the financial district’s Roosevelt and the Arts District, Green has been and continues to be a fixture of our booming market.

His powerful DTLA boutique brokerage, The Randelle Green Group, has gained national attention since he brought his dream to fruition back in 2015. He alone has sold over $18 million in lofts and condos since 2016 (per the MLS).

When asked what makes his company different, Green said the idea of working with a local specialist who lives and breathes the market, works one on one with clients, is accessible and, perhaps most importantly, intimately knows the different districts, buildings and developers throughout the sprawling and constantly emerg-

The RandelleGreen Group PhPhoooPPhoto courtesy of Randelle Green

Broker-CEO Randelle Green

PhPhoooPPhoto courtesy of Randelle Green

ing downtown area.

Green spoke about the early days, before LA Live, Ralphs, CVS & Whole Foods, before The Bloc, The Row and all the trendy restaurants and lounges. A time when the handful of local Downtown Realtors, to which he points out only a few remain, did not have many options for the buyers in DTLA. Oh, but how times have changed, Green said, ADVERTORIAL

“Nowadays it’s different. Downtown buyers must decide if they are new construction, high-rise people leaning toward a South Park condo or soft-loft, historians looking at Mills Act buildings in the Old Bank District, the theater crowd interested in the burgeoning Bunker Hill District or more secluded artists flowing into The Arts District. How fun it has become, facilitating and directing those dreams One thing is for sure, I was there yesterday, and I will be here tomorrow and remember. I put my name on it.”

12 DOWNTOWN NEWS

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

FEBRUARY 07, 2022

FREE TAX FILING SERVICES February - April 2022

(Appointments are limited, Make yours today!)

If you made less than $57,000 in 2021, you may qualify for FREE tax filing and the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a tax refund that benefits workers with low to moderate income.

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To qualify for the EITC, you must meet the basic requirements below:

Have a Social Security Number. Must be a U.S. citizen or resident all year.

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Have a filing status of single, married filing jointly, widowed, or head of household.

Have an earned income.

(Income limits vary by filing status and number of qualifying dependents)

Be 18 or older and must have a qualifying dependent.

TOMA is a program funded by the Office of Minority Health to help low-income communities learn about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).