Los Angeles Downtown News 08-01-22

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O’Farrell calls for Echo Park community needs assessment

By LA Downtown News Staff os Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell led the city council in adoption of a July 27 motion that will transfer $500,000 to the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) for a community needs assessment and continued maintenance and operations at the Echo Park complex.

“I have always said that the needs and wants of the community will drive any decisions at Echo Park, and today’s motion formalizes that commitment,” O’Farrell said.

“This action will help to ensure that the Echo Park complex remains safe, welcoming and vibrant in service of our diverse local community, many of whom lack access to green space of their own.”

As part of the assessment, RAP and its hired consultant will work with local stakeholders to assess the needs of the 28.14-acre Echo Park complex, which houses a lake, lotus beds, boathouse, recreation center, two children’s play areas, tennis courts, skate park, a half

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basketball court, ball field and walking path.

The funding will also extend the unarmed security provided daily by the park rangers.

The assessment will be guided by what the local community feels it needs and wants at the Echo Park complex, including park amenities, security measures and programming. The community needs assessment process, which will begin this summer and take place over the coming months, will include multiple outreach meetings with the Echo Park Lake Park Advisory Board and local Echo Park residents and community members.

Since the $1.1 million rehabilitation of Echo Park Lake in 2021, crime within the boundaries of Echo Park Lake has been reduced to zero in 2022. The park renovations followed nearly 200 transitional housing placements arranged for people who had been experiencing homelessness at Echo Park Lake, a comprehensive, three-month operation from

January through March 2021.

The complex was reopened on May 26, 2021.

“The Echo Park complex is a place for all to enjoy, and it has a special place in

our community,” O’Farrell said. “The Echo Park community will be front and center throughout the process, helping to guide this beloved public space into the future.”

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Dunkin’, Red Cross encourage blood donations

By LA Downtown News Staff ocals who donate blood or platelets will receive a voucher for a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free classic doughnut redeemable at participating Dunkin’ restaurants in LA. About 12,000 vouchers will be provided this August.

The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are

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needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.

Right now, the Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,200 blood and nearly 3,000 platelet donations each day to support patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals across the country.

The need for blood doesn’t take a summer break as hospitals continue to respond to traumas and emergency

room visits, organ transplants and elec- cial gift from Dunkin’.” tive surgeries.

Schedule an appointment to give EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski “We are thrilled to kick off our partblood or platelets by using the Red STAFF WRITERS: Andrew Checchia, Andres De Ocampo, Julia Shapero nership with Dunkin’ and encourage Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sara Edwards, Kamala Kirk Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres individuals ART to DIRECTORS: give to help prevent a CrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Chavez summer blood shor tage,” Luis said Jay CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Myriam Santos Winkenbach,ACCOUNT regional donor services exVisit website for restrictions. Donors EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb ecutive, American Red Cross.

“As you fican save up to 15 minutes at the blood FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris nalize your plans for the summer, make drive by completing a RapidPass®. With a blood or platelet donation appoint- RapidPass, donors complete the pre-doment part of them and receive this spe- nation reading and health history ques-

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski DEPUTY EDITOR: Luke Netzley

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STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris Mortenson 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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The long-awaited re-opening of MiKaza Sushi and Lounge is finally Here!!!!

MiKaza Sushi’s Grand Opening is on Monday, August 1, 2022.

Doors Open at 12:00p.m.

Join us for lunch or dinner Locals who donate blood or platelets will receive a voucher for a free medium hot or iced coffee and a classic doughnut.

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tionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. “Dunkin’ is thrilled to team up with the American Red Cross this August,”

said Jamie Struwe, Dunkin’ field marketing manager.

“We hope that by providing donors with a free medium hot or iced coffee and classic doughnut, Dunkin’ will encourage the Los Angeles community to stop by Red Cross blood drives and roll up their sleeve.”

Restaurant hours: Monday through Sunday from 11:00a.m.-8:00p.m.

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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.

542 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013 (323) 685-5035 mikazadtla.com Instagram: mikazasushi

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Music Matters O n Monday, July 25, the Los Angeles Mission kicked off the Skid Row Revitalization Project by launching a comprehensive street festival and day of service for the homeless titled Music Matters. In addition to providing food and essential supplies to Skid Row residents, LA Mission hosted free performances by the Grammy-win-

ning gospel group Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin, who performed the prior evening to a sold-out audience at the Crypto.com Arena, along with Grammy Award winner Lecrae. The “Day of Service” also offered food truck vendors, essentials, giveaways and raffles.

LA Downtown News photographer Chris Mortenson captured the day.

LA Mission board member Chandra Williams and Sal Williams pose with vendors Louis Perez and Raphael Perez from Andrea’s Catering.

The Rev. Troy Vaughn preaches to the crowd before Maverick City Music performs at the LA Mission Music Matters festival in Skid Row. Skid Row artist Lorraine Moreland poses for a portrait during the LA Mission Music Matters festival in DTLA.

County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis shares her love of Skid Row at the LA Mission Music Matters festival.

The crowd goes wild as Maverick City Music takes the stage during the LA Mission Music Matters festival.

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Baby2Baby Event

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he Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB partnered with Baby2Baby to pack supplies for youth and families living in poverty. LA Downtown News photographer Chris Mortenson captured the activities.

Baby2Baby Co-Chief Executive Officer Norah Weinstein welcomes the volunteers before sending them off to their stations, where they prepared packages to help families living in poverty in Los Angeles.

LA Dodgers catcher Will Smith works alongside volunteers to create packages.

LA Dodgers Foundation Chief Executive Officer Nichol Whiteman shares a story about the relationship between the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Baby2Baby before getting to work at the event.

LA Dodgers pitcher David Price fills bags that will make their way to families in need around Los Angeles.

Shannon Wollock, Spencer Wollock and Ace Reines prepare to pack toiletries.

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Volunteer Nico Gutierrez works with Dodgers.

Sophie Saken and Drew Lublin are all smiles while volunteering at the Baby2Baby event with the LA Dodgers Foundation.

Ellen Bennett, Nora Gilbert and Katie Lowes pose for a portrait before preparing clothes.

Linda Part and Pattie Willis fold clothes that will be donated to impoverished families around Los Angeles.

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5 tips to ace college entry exams

By Family Features ecause most colleges and universities require applicants to submit ACT or SAT results as part of admissions consideration, prepping for the test itself can be a critical component of that process.

While it can oftentimes be hard to deal with the anxiety that comes with a rigorous test meant to show your mastery of certain subjects and concepts, such as reading and mathematics, consider these test prep tips to boost your score while simultaneously lowering stress.

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Register early To allow yourself as much flexibility as possible, taking college entrance exams during your junior year of high school is encouraged. If you don’t get an ideal score, you can refine your approach and retake the exam with a better idea of what to expect.

Take a practice test Any test prep plan should start with a

practice SAT or ACT exam. Taking practice tests under realistic conditions can help you gain a better understanding of the content of the test, improve your time management and combat test anxiety. You can use your practice test as a baseline to set goals and focus the rest of your prep on areas you would like to improve before the real thing.

Sign up for a prep course If you find studying on your own difficult or not as successful as you’d hoped, a prep course can put you through the paces and hold you accountable. Complete with homework and in-class practice, prep classes can range from small groups to larger classes taught by test experts. Some school districts even offer after-school programs dedicated to ACT or SAT prep.

Gather supplies To reduce test-day stress, gather everything you’ll need the night before. Check the list of banned items — cellphones ar-

en’t permitted — to make sure you don’t accidentally bring something you’re not allowed to have. Ensure your bag is packed with your admission ticket, valid photo identification, several sharpened pencils with erasers, an approved calculator (with fresh batteries) and a watch, if allowed.

Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast While it’s tempting to stay up late the

night before the test to cram, you’re likely to perform better with a full night’s sleep.

Sleep is important for retention, and eating a balanced breakfast before heading out the door can aid in your ability to focus. To make your morning easier, prep breakfast before bed to keep an early morning from starting even earlier.

Remember, the college admissions process involves more than just test scores. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more education tips and information.

Para Los Niños helps families find their path to success

By Para Los Niños Para Los Niños (PLN) still has limited spots available in its infant and toddler classrooms, preschools, and transitional kindergarten through eighth grade charter schools. PLN’s network of schools is located across Downtown Los Angeles and the county. Each school provides safe, nurturing and welcoming environments for students and families.

Starting as young as six weeks, its Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms promote school readiness by supporting health, nutrition, mental health, and social-emotional and cognitive development, applying an integrated approach to educate the whole child within the context of their family.

Plus, tuition is free or low in cost for all qualifying families.

PLN’s TK-8 classrooms provide high-quality education — project-based learning that fosters creative problem solving and innovation while emphasizing literacy and language arts. There are three centrally located charter school locations: Gratts Primary Center serves transitional kindergarten through second grade in MacArthur Park; the PLN Charter Elementary School (CES) in the Arts District reaches transitional kindergarten through fifth grade; and just a few blocks from CES, the Charter Middle School continues from sixth through eighth grades. Admission is free and open to any student who is a resident of California.

“My time with Para Los Niños was like being with family,” shared Jennifer, one PLN elementary student alumn. “My teachers, my friends and the way we all worked together — it made learning safe and supportive.”

Parents are encouraged to engage and learn, too. For over 40 years, PLN has partnered with families to find their path to success, providing quality

Para Los Niños provides safe, nurturing and welcoming environments for students.

Para Los Niños/Submitted

education and compassionate wraparound support for children and families across Los Angeles to thrive. In addition to education and support for students, parents and caregivers are also supported with the tools and resources to thrive, such as parenting workshops, community involvement and leadership development opportunities, early intervention, and mental health and family support services.

Start your enrollment and join the PLN family today at paralosninos.org/ enroll. Follow PLN on social media @paralosninosorg.

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Now Enrolling TK-8th Public Charter | Free Grades TK-8 Technology Supports for Success Wraparound mental health & family supports After-school Programming until 6pm Parent Engagement and Workshops Free nutritious meals and snack

Learn more and enroll today at paralosninos.org/enroll

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5 ways to support schoolteachers this fall

By Family Features hroughout the pandemic, teachers have gone above and beyond for their students, becoming not just educators, but also counselors, role models and friends to their students by supporting their overall well-being.

Even so, only 52% of teachers feel valued by their communities, according to PDK International, a professional association for educators. What’s more, teachers are more burnt out than ever, with 81% reporting their workloads have increased and 55% sharing they have less time for planning than before, according to a State of Teaching survey conducted

by Adopt a Classroom.

Heading back to school means stocking up on supplies, updating wardrobes and planning new routines for hassle-free mornings. This fall, as you prepare for the new school year, consider these ideas for supporting your children’s teachers, too:

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Volunteer in the classroom With the extra roles and responsibilities many teachers have taken on in recent years, there aren’t enough hours in the day to complete special projects or keep up with certain tasks. Ask teachers how you can lend a hand. That might mean spending some time physically in the classroom, or there may be ways you can support your children’s classes from home, such as assembling instructional packets or researching field trip ideas.

Recognize teachers who go above and beyond Chances are good you know at least a few educators who have gone beyond the call of duty and made an exceptional impact on their students. Honoring their contributions shows appreciation for all they do. One way to demonstrate your gratitude is by nominating educators for Staples’ fourth an-

There are multiple ways to get involved with supporting your children’s teachers this coming school year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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nual #ThankATeacher contest, which recognizes 20 standout educators who go above and beyond for their students.

Winners’ schools will be awarded $5,000 in classroom essentials for the upcoming school year. Learn more about how to nominate a teacher at staplesconnect.com/thankateacher

Be a partner in your child’s learning at home Supporting teachers isn’t just about the classroom and supplies; you can also provide a helping hand by creating good habits and modeling the importance of education at home. Actions like creating routines that keep students on a comfortable, familiar schedule help teachers manage classrooms more effectively. You can also make communication with your children’s teachers a priority so you’re aware of concerns and can help address them early.

Donate school supplies Often, teachers dip into their own income to create fun, engaging learning experiences and supplement student supplies when they run low. In fact, the

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average teacher spends $745 on supplies for their classrooms that are not covered by school budgets. According to Adopt a Classroom’s State of Teaching survey, 71% of teachers spent more of their own money on classroom materials in 2022 than during the previous year.

You can ask teachers what supplies they need, or you can give back to teachers through Staples’ Classroom Rewards program. Join for free and earn 5% back on every qualifying purchase for you and 10% back of qualifying purchases to donate to local teachers. The program helps reduce teachers’ out-ofpocket costs for their classrooms by allowing them to earn up to $2,000 a year.

Attend school board meetings and voice support Keeping tabs on the issues affecting your school district and teachers is an important part of monitoring and advocating for your children’s education, but it’s also a way for you to lend your support on topics affecting teachers.

Stay informed about issues that matter to your children’s teachers and support school board policies and actions that serve teachers’ best interests.

Creating a routine with your child at home allows teachers to manage their classrooms more effectively.

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DT 6 tips to mitigate mental health risks for youth BACK TO SCHOOL

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By Family Features ids are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety at home, school and in their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic, which affected kids in all those places, only exacerbated the problem.

The surgeon general issued an Advisory on Youth Mental Health Crisis to highlight the urgent need to address the growing concern.

“It is normal for children to experience emotional distress as they develop and mature,” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said.

“However, the number of youth struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide over the past decade have increased. The future well-being of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation.”

Even pre-pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people with up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the United States having a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder, ac-

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cording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The pandemic has been incredibly disruptive for youth since it has affected routines, access to social activities and virtually every aspect of their lives,” said Robyn Knecht, director of counseling for St. Joseph’s Indian School, a Native American residential school that helps students move beyond the cycle of poverty, addiction and mental illness with an education and opportunities for a brighter future. “Offsetting those impacts requires an active response from trusted adults that promote healthy development and well-being.”

If you’re concerned about your children, or another child close to you, consider these tips from Knecht and St. Joseph’s.

Create a support system of family, peers and teachers The people surrounding youth influence their behavior directly and indirectly. Each child needs a team of actively involved adults at home, school and within the community leading by example and en-

to his or her success. Backing up your expectations with reasonable consequences when your child falls short can teach responsibility and accountability.

Teach coping and problem-solving skills Robyn Knecht is director of counseling for St. Joseph’s Indian School.

St. Joseph’s Indian School/Submitted

couraging success. Similarly, encouraging friendships with peers who demonstrate positive habits and good decision-making skills can provide a sense of connectivity and beneficial peer pressure.

Encourage academic achievement and aspirations Not every student is destined to be valedictorian, but every student can give his or her best effort. Encourage and recognize effort in studies, be conscious of struggles and work with educators to find additional support when needed. Talk about the future and impress upon your child many careers require further training through college, trade school or another form of advanced education. Talk with your child about setting academic goals and equip him or her with the tools necessary to achieve them. Find things your child is passionate about and encourage participation in activities that foster development.

Set clear expectations for behaviors and values

with free apps from PBS KIDS!

Although it’s natural to test limits, kids need clear boundaries. Consistently communicating your expectations for behavior and values sets a bar for your child and demonstrates your care and commitment

How your child responds to and navigates challenges is as important as the outcome.

Teaching your child how to accept disappointment, navigate conflict and be solution-oriented in the face of adversity can serve him or her throughout life.

Promote involvement in social activities A sense of connectivity is important for humans at any age. Encouraging participation in group activities can create opportunities to form bonds with other children whose families share similar values and interests. Examples include sports teams and religious groups, as well as age-appropriate jobs where teens can interact with other kids learning the value of hard work.

Don’t be afraid to seek outside help If you notice changes in your child’s behavior or routine, be inquisitive and partner with him or her to work through them.

If your child doesn’t open up, it’s OK to find another trusted adult he or she can connect with. Ask your child if there is someone he or she would feel comfortable talking to and look into counseling services in your community. Additionally, mentor and social service programs can help support your child’s journey and foster a supportive network.

Find more ways to address the challenges facing today’s youth at stjo.org.

College Prep Curriculum * Academic Scholarships Available Financial Aid Available * Campus Tours Available

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Free Summer Resources Activity Book

Virtual Workshops

Activity Videos

Educational Articles

Visit pbssocal.org/familymath to strengthen your child’s math skills.

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Build friendship skills for back-to-school success

By Family Features hen thinking about back-toschool season, most people naturally think of academics. However, it is just as important to focus on social and emotional skills.

Children of all ages are still learning to manage their emotions and get along with others. As they learn these skills, behaviors that make academic learning more challenging for everyone else in the classroom may be seen.

“Social and emotional skills are crucial to a child’s academic success, but they aren’t inherent,” said Carter Peters from KinderCare’s inclusion services team. “Teachers tell us again and again that starting the school year with a grasp on social emotional learning is just as important as knowing academic concepts. Children who are struggling to manage their emotions and transition into the classroom may not be able to focus on academics.”

Consider these three skills families can teach their children before school starts to help build friendships.

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Turn transitions into games Making a game out of stressful transitions can help both you and your child reframe your mindsets and reduce stress. Asking your child “Can you hop like a bunny while you get your school things together?” or playing a listening game like “Simon Says” can help your child develop executive function skills such as impulse control. You could also give him or her choices. For example, tell your child “You can put your shoes on yourself, or I can help you,” which lets him or her feel a sense of autonomy and control when choosing the desired solution.

Take turns One thing younger children often struggle with is the concept of sharing. Adults can forget that to young children sharing implies giving something up, Peters said. If your child struggles to share, try introducing the concept of taking turns: “It’s Mariah’s turn for the slide. When she’s done then you

can go,” for example. Help your child practice how to have conversations with playmates about taking turns.

Play a ‘what if’ game Help school-age children build a growth mindset by problem-solving responses to common friendship issues. Ask your child “What would you do if …?” and help him or her practice responses. Thinking of responses ahead of time gives your child a rehearsed playbook to choose from in the moment. The more he or she practices these responses, the less you will see unwanted behaviors such as yelling or hitting.

By giving children the autonomy to choose their own responses, you demonstrate your trust in them, which can give children a powerful sense of their own abilities to act maturely.

“The need to practice impulse control and self-regulation skills will remain a challenge throughout childhood as executive function skills continue to develop into a

person’s mid-20s,” Peters said. “It’s not that children don’t ‘know better,’ it’s more their brains are still learning these vital social and emotional skills.”

Building these social skills now can help your children start the school year ready to learn and grow. Find more tips to build children’s social and emotional skills at kindercare.com.

Turning stressful transitions into games can help you and your child reframe your mindsets and reduce stress.

KinderCare/Submitted

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Covered DININGCalifornia will help

Bar Clara is DTLA’s new rooftop drinking, dining destination

By Luke Netzley LA Downtown News Deputy Editor eated on the rooftop of one of Downtown Los Angeles’ newest high-rise hotels, Bar Clara is a cocktail-fueled diamond in the rough. ““Bar Clara is designed from every angle to be a good time — from our weekend vibes and programing to our menus planned with fun in mind,” said Jordan Nova, general manager of Hotel Per La’s food and beverage division.

Rooted in the Hotel Per La’s heritage as the former Bank of Italy, the bar is named after Claire Giannini, who was the first woman to serve on the board of the Bank of Italy which later became the Bank of America. Giannini was known for breaking through the social, class and gender barriers of her time, and the bar’s approach to hospitality is inspired by her

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spirit of inclusivity.

“We were deeply inspired by the ideas of inclusivity held by the original owners of the building, Amadeo Giannini and his daughter Claire, and how we imagined their roots in Italy and Southern California could be expressed through taste, smell and color,” hotel owner and partner at HN Capital Group Jeremy Selman said.

Bar Clara’s menu boasts a diverse representation of Mediterranean-influenced coastal cuisine, featuring dishes such as the Calabrese salami stuffed snapper prepared with citrus, tarragon and parsley and the skewered prawns with harissa, charred lemon and dill yogurt.

The bar’s cocktail and wine lists showcase a colorful medley of eclectic selections like the “Margarít” made with milagro reposado tequila, blood orange, agave, lemon and chocolate bitters, the

As Hotel Per La’s new rooftop bar, Bar Clara provides guests with a Mediterranean-inspired drinking and dining experience supplement by sweeping views of the Downtown cityscape.

Sierra Prescott/Submitted

“Aurora” made with roku gin, kumquat, vanilla, lime and fever tree tonic, the Spritz Rainbow and a set of red, white, orange, rosé and sparkling wines from around the world.

“Chef Courtney Van Dyke’s food is mouthwatering and dramatic to frame the drink-forward environment,” Nova explained. “Our director of bars, Coleen Morton, creates cocktails giving bright flavors and ingredients to mirror our DTLA community. Rick Arline, director of wine, pulled corks that are delicious and speak to Mediterranean sensibilities.

From these stories, we want to convey that Bar Clara is a creative space born out of creative human interaction. When you come here, we want you to feel that same energetic connection as a guest in our bar.”

The Mediterranean influence is not only reserved for the menu itself, as the bar features a replica of The Orcus Mouth, the main sculpture seen in Il Parco dei Mostri, or the Garden of Monsters,

Bar Clara’s menu was designed by chef Courtney Van Dyke and built to honor both local cuisine and the Italian roots of Amadeo and Claire Giannini.

Sierra Prescott/Submitted

in Lazio, Italy. The sculpture’s transcription reads, “Missa omnium cogitationum,” which translates to “Any whispers made into the mouth will be heard by all.” The message is meant to signify Bar Clara’s welcoming nature of inclusion to both travelers and locals alike.

The space also includes a mural wrap created by local artist Jessalyn Brooks, who’s paintings focus on portraying the female form and use the geometric lines of Cubism to provoke thought around beauty ideals, body shape and gender expressions.

“The idea of community is greatly important and something that really motivates us,” Selman said. “We want everyone that comes to Bar Clara to feel a deep sense of welcome and belonging and where people feel comfortable letting loose and having fun. We are proud to be in Downtown and really want to celebrate it, whether we are introducing someone new to DTLA or welcoming in our neighbors.”

Bar Clara WHERE: Hotel Per La, 649 S Olive Street, Los Angeles HOURS: Monday through Thursday, Sunday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

INFO: hotelperla.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

Hoodie Allen looks forward to his next chapter

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor oodie Allen’s forthcoming tour marks the 10th anniversary of his first commercially successful album, “All American.”

His teenage self is having a fit.

“I guess the naïve 18-year-old version of myself is probably saying, ‘That’ so old,’” Allen said with a laugh.

“In that spot, it went pretty quickly. I cross my fingers that I can look forward to the second decade of doing this.”

The notable pop artist just released his first tour dates in nearly three years. The With or Without You 2022 Summer Tour will span across the United States in August. To commemorate the 10th anniversary, the setlist will include fan favorites like “No Interruption” and his new single, “Wouldn’t That Be Nice.”

His jaunt comes to Echoplex in DTLA on Tuesday, Aug. 16. Over the last decade, Allen has worked hard to establish a work-life balance, which lends itself to more creative work.

“You can’t really create good art that affects me if you’re not also living your life and doing things that inspire creativity,” he said.

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Hoodie Allen will begin his With or Without You 2022 Summer Tour this August.

Hoodie Allen/Submitted

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“I’ve tried to — especially in the last five years or so — to remember to also have career and personal lives. Avoiding burnout is definitely clutch.”

Following the tour and two singles— “Wouldn’t That Be Nice” and “Call Me Never” — Allen will send a new album to streaming services.

“I think anybody who’s listened to me before will find it’s a departure, especially lyrically,” he said. “Musically, it leans more in an alternative pop-rock, or emo format — whatever you want to call it.

“It’s very cohesive. I wrote it all in the same period of time where I was trying to manage the end of a relationship and seeking closure for it.”

The lyrics are painfully honest, Allen said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done something that was this honest before,” he explained. “I spilled my guts and made me look ‘weak’ or vulnerable. There’s a certain raw quality to it. For me, it’s exciting to release something in the world I’ve never done before. It has a great vibe for the summer, though.

“It’s very interesting to see and receive the feedback from fans.

Some of them say these songs couldn’t have come in a better point in their lives. It reminds you that we have these shared experiences and music is a great tool to connect us.”

Hoodie Allen w/Lolo and Belanganas WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16 WHERE: Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles COST: Tickets start at $29.50 INFO: theecho.com

Hoodie Allen will perform at DTLA’s Echoplex on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

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Hoodie Allen/Submitted

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AUGUST 1, 2022

ARTS & CULTURE

Famed street artist D*Face showcased in DTLA

By Luke Netzley LA Downtown News Deputy Editor eneath the darkened clouds of the London skyline, a sea of crystalline skyscrapers and ancient roads, a young Dean Stockton flipped through the pages of Thrasher Magazine. In those childhood years long before he would become known as the famed street artist “D*Face,” a creative fire had been lit in Stockton’s mind whose flames crept along the English capital’s walls until they grew far beyond the confines of the rainy city, stretching across the world to Downtown Los Angeles.

On Saturday, Aug. 6, Stockton’s new work, “Painting Over the Cracks” will fill DTLA’s Corey Helford Gallery as an observation of life during the pandemic and a glimpse of the altered society it left behind.

“When I started on this show two years ago … there was a lot going on,” Stockton described. “It felt like the world was changing quite rapidly around us while we were observing it very much via the internet or Facetime, and it felt a lot like, ‘This place is falling apart,’ in a good way as much as it was a bad way. People were taking the power back. They were questioning what was going on and how it was going on. It felt both scary and exciting to me. … It felt like we were painting over the cracks for a very long time without addressing the actual issues.”

Stockton grew up in London during the 1980s after the punk subculture had left American shores and spread across the globe. He was enthralled by the emerging skateboarding scene around him along with the work of graphic artists like Jim Phillips.

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D*Face’s new exhibition, “Painting Over the Cracks,” opens on Saturday, Aug. 6.

Chris Mortenson/Staff Photographer

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Stockton set off on a path of graphic design and illustration, then began to screen print his own stickers and paste them throughout the streets blending art, design and graffiti in a manner that pre-dated the emergence of street art as it is known today.

“If I look back at it now, it was always inevitable that I’d end up in some form of art, design, illustration industry because I wasn’t academic nor did the academic system work for me,” Stockton said. “My attention was drawn to the things that I was being influenced and inspired by that seemed exciting and relevant and was speaking to me in a voice that I understood. Those things were graffiti, skateboarding, and punk music. … And so it was those things that I would gravitate towards more and more.

“I thought I’d use those elements and combine them into one, and that worked in the street really because there was no curator. There was nobody telling me what could and couldn’t be done. There was no brief, and I just started using the street as a format, as a vehicle and a blank canvas for work. And that was like late ‘90s and there wasn’t a thing called street art at the time, but it slowly became part of the movement that it is today.”

As his work gained more attention throughout the city, Stockton’s anarchic style continued to develop as his iconic D*Dog logo became an inseparable part of British Urban art.

Under the name D*Face, Stockton would go on to become recognized as one of the U.K.’s most prolific Urban Contemporary artists and work alongside the likes of Shepard Fairey, Banksy and Blink-182.

With his third solo show at the Corey Helford Gallery, which will cover both the Main Gallery and Gallery 2 through Saturday, Sept. 10, Stockton has paired his “aPOPcalpytic” artistic style, subverting images and icons of the everyday with re-appropriate forms of media such as advertisements and comic books, with his observations of society’s reaction to the pandemic.

“I think this is one of my best bodies of work,” Stockton said. “For me, it’s always been about articulating a message as simply and as graphically as possible. And that really comes from that inspiration of skateboard graphics and being inspired

by Jim Phillips, and obviously pop art.”

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D*FACE,21

“Mermaid’s Tale”

“Not As Bad As It Looks” Corey Helford Gallery/Submitted

Corey Helford Gallery/Submitted

Stockton recalled that his mother used to take him to traditional art galleries as a child, but the work did not speak to him in a language he could understand. When he began to encounter pop art, Stockton found a striking relevance to it.

“I like the idea that people understand pop art. … So, let’s see if I make this relevant to today’s society,” Stockton said. “That body of work is something I continue to explore, that familiarity of the style and aesthetic, but with a darker undertone that is much more relevant.”

As the isolation and conflicts that arose during the last two years brewed in his mind, Stockton took the vibrant hues of his palette and told stories of separation and submission throughout the show, which acts as a wake-up call to an overly conspicuous society.

One section of the show is dedicated to an expansion on Stockton’s previous body of work on relationships, particularly focusing on connections that have fractured during quarantine.

AUGUST 1, 2022

“People were told they couldn’t be together,” Stockton said. “This is a continuation looking into that body of work, which is about people being absent, not just having passed, but just not being present within your life and the inability to be able to connect with those people. Obviously, that was very prevalent during lockdown.”

Another part of the show warns that the right to protest is slowly being taken away from people across the world as governments vie for more control over their citizens.

“The right to have your own voice heard is being slowly taken away from us and it’s something that I feel is intrinsic to the public,” Stockton explained. “As an artist that works within the public domain, it feels fundamentally important that we’re allowed to express ourselves and have our voices heard.”

Throughout “Painting Over the Cracks,” Stockton’s work echoes both a message a warning for the audience to be more aware of the powers that influence their daily lives and a call to action for people to protect their fundamental rights that Stockton feels have been increasingly jeopardized.

“As much as it’s a critique of the times we’ve been through, it’s also a celebration of humanity and that we’ve come out of this fight together,” Stockton said.

“I just think we need to be increasingly mindful of what’s happening around us.

Like I said, the right to protest to me is so fundamental and it’s something that not many people know about, but it’s just the way the system works today where these things are being very quietly, very carefully negotiated in the background.

“It’s just time for people to be more aware of what’s happening. I feel like we’re all so excited to have some form of release and go out and socialize again. I just think it’s important for people to mind what’s actually happening in the background.”

“Painting Over the Cracks” by D*Face WHERE: Corey Helford Gallery, 571 Anderson Street, Los Angeles WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, to Saturday, Sept. 10 COST: Free admission INFO: coreyhelfordgallery.com

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Publication Date: August 15, 2022

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