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DUFFY’S OPINION

The sound of one shoe dropping

By Ellen Snortland LA Downtown News Columnist

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ince Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, I have been writing about it and the continuing backlash.

Therefore, it’s impossible for me to stay silent about the recent Texas tyranny over early term abortions. In case you’ve been on vacation or hiding under a rock, the Texas Legislature has not only declared that terminating a pregnancy after six weeks is “verboten” (use of German term intentional), but it has added something extra special. Any tattletale reporting a pregnant person seeking an abortion, or any doctors or health care workers or anyone else who gets involved, can receive a $10,000 reward.

Of course, there’s no penalty for the erstwhile “father.” I would argue that the impregnator omission is illustrative: The legislators themselves wouldn’t consider a fetus having a father. Could that be because the vast majority of Texas legislators are white male Republicans? Well, no kidding! They aren’t going to risk having a bounty on their heads for abortions they caused, are they? No, darn tootin’ they’re not.

Where are the female fighters in Texas now that Ann Richards and Molly Ivins are gone? Currently, the ones standing up to this insanity are being drowned out by a group of Republicans who defy logic or morality.

Molly Ivins, always so eloquent in her irreverent way, said, “No woman who is seven months pregnant ever waddles past an abortion clinic and says, ‘Darn, I knew there was something I’ve been meaning to get around to.’ This is ridiculous. You have those late-term abortions because either the mother is going to die, the child is going to die, or both are going to die.” Ann Richards, the late, great former governor of Texas, said, “You know my No. 1 cause has always been

that women’s reproductive health needs to be protected.”

And where are the corporations who are taking a stand? We’ve often heard they are to be considered “a person” who can claim rights but “not a person” when taking a position. Do you fly American Airlines? Southwest? Do you frequent a Chuck E. Cheese?

There are many big corporations operating in Texas that are discoverable by a web search. Consider boycotting them until they push back on this unconstitutional — and unconscionable — legislation.

Lyft and Uber have done the right thing.

Lyft donated $1 million to Planned Parenthood of Texas and has started a legal defense fund if one of their drivers transports a woman to a family planning clinic. And GoDaddy also took swift action: They kicked the Texas “pro-life” website off their platform pronto. That site was designed to allow anyone to report “abortion” activities so they could get in line for their $10,000 payout.

GoDaddy was not having it and told them to vamoose and get another server. Yee-ha! By the way, I call B.S. on the spin term “pro-life”; it is anti-choice.

Then there were the Supreme Court shenanigans allowing this travesty of justice to proceed, which could take up another column. Suffice to say, the conservative majority has finally shown its true colors.

Never mind the Senate confirmation hearings that allowed the Drumpf-appointed goons to lie their little heads off about respecting “stare decisis,” the fancy Latin term for precedent. Justice Sotomayor wrote an impassioned dissent even though the decision didn’t require written opinions. The whole thing reeks, partly because the “shadow docket” the Texas people used to get this through the Supreme Court didn’t employ the standard tools of legal interpretation: arguments on both sides, appearances and

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.

establishing “standing.” Since when does Mr. “Morning After Pill,” also be outlawed. You and Mrs. Churchgoer have standing in an watch: Birth control will be up for grabs next. unknown woman’s body?

If you’d like a front-row seat on what the As the anti-choice authors of Texas SB8 Bad Old Days were like pre-Roe v. Wade, (the “Heartbeat Bill”) definitely know, bad please watch a movie called “Ask for Jane,” laws are contagious. They intend to spread available on both Apple TV and Amazon this anti-constitutional misnomer to other Prime. Because this country is so hypocritistates, even though calling it a Heartbeat Bill cal about reproductive rights and issues, it’s reflects their stupidity. They think a fetus has a miracle “Ask for Jane” even got made. Not a heartbeat at six weeks! It doesn’t, and at one mainstream entertainment company six weeks, it’s still considered an embryo and had the gonads to finance or distribute it, so not a fetus. the film became a labor of love with a baseBut does that stop dumb-as-a-buck- ment-level budget. Briefly, it’s the true story EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski et-of-nails South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem of a group of college students who took acSTAFF WRITERS: Andrew Checchia, Andres De Ocampo, Julia Shapero from yapping about copying it?Sara She has Kamala tion about CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Edwards, Kirk the number of women who were ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres told the Legislature and health departments damaging — or killing — themselves with PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Chavez she wants toSTAFF go beyond what Texas did! It self-induced abortions. You must see it — CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Myriam Santos could happen, as the Legislature is another now more than ever.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb white male supremacist body that can’t wait Ellen Snortland has written commenFOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris to prove just how ignorant they are. Gov. tary for decades. She also teaches creNoem is also recommending that chemical ative writing and can be reached at ellen@ abortions induced by RU486, or Plan B, the authorbitebybite.com.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Frier McCollister, Bridgette M. Redman, Ellen Snortland

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ROW DTLA signs 6 new tenants

By Allison Brown LA Downtown News Staff Writer OW Downtown Los Angeles has continued to grow and evolve despite the pandemic, welcoming six new office tenants during a time when many are still working from home.

The 32-acre district has an indie feel with avant-garde buildings of a variety of retail, dining and lifestyle shops, as well as innovative office space for businesses.

The multiuse space was created by independent designers and artisans, making it an artistic and diverse space.

The six offices that took advantage of the space were Stink Studios, an advertising and marketing agency; Sliced Bread, a digital marketing agency; Shein, a fashion favorite; Fashionphile, a handbag reseller; an undisclosed technology company; and Miro, an online whiteboard technology company.

In total, the new businesses make up 40,000 square feet in office space. For Miro, its new office space is three times as large as its old location, going from 7,000 square feet to 21,000 square feet.

Its convenient Downtown location, artistic design, updated amenities and perks for tenants are a few reasons why ROW DTLA has been able to keep advancing during the pandemic.

“ROW DTLA has redefined the concept of the modern workplace, creating the perfect location for Fashionphile’s LA Office and LA Selling Studio. The creative environment, convenient transportation offerings, tenant mix and world-class amenities make it an ideal workplace for the Fashionphile team as well as an ex-

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citing destination for our Selling Studio clients,” said Sarah Davis, Fashionphile founder and CCO. Another part of what makes the district unique is the wide range of tenants with a local produce market, women’s clothing boutiques, fitness centers, food of every variety, and many more. No matter the style or occasion, ROW DTLA has something for everyone. But more than being an entertaining shopping center, these perks make it a great way for businesses to connect with clients or just enjoy a more vibrant atmosphere.

“We were attracted to the freedom and modularity ROW DTLA offers to make a space that fits us at any stage of our development. Right now, our space is on the smaller side, which allowed us to reapproach working in an office after a year of working remotely,” said Steven Olimipio, Stink Studios design director.

“It’s amazing to be able to easily add to our existing space or get a new space within ROW DTLA as needed so we can maintain consistency and not have to uproot our team.

“While we’re a creative company — we make films, logos and websites — client service is at the forefront of what we do. Part of cultivating great relationships with our clients comes from interacting with them in person — grabbing a great coffee or dinner, maybe taking them to an art gallery pop-up. ROW DTLA is a self-contained creative city within a city that makes it easy for us to foster a sense of community with our clients and colleagues.”

As Olimpio said, returning to the of-

The six new tenants at ROW DTLA include Stink Studios, Sliced Bread, Shein, Fashionphile, an undisclosed technology company and Miro.

Photo by Katie Gibbs

fice has been a challenge for many, whether employee and employer. Working from home certainly had pros and cons, but people adjusted to that routine. Now, many employers are finding that returning to work in person does not mean returning to work the way it was pre-pandemic. So, on top of struggling with staffing shortages, another wave of COVID-19 cases and an overall decrease in mental health, businesses are trying to figure out how to incentivize employees to return to the office. Chris Kitchen, asset manager at ROW DTLA, said the district

offers that.

“Companies need to give their employees a compelling reason to return to the office, and one of the best ways of doing so is to offer a unique destination with great amenities, plenty of outdoor space and easy parking. With our historic past and our fresh and colorful aesthetic, ROW is a great environment for employees and for employers to recruit new talent,” she said.

ROW DTLA is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and still has space available for retail or office leasing.

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LA Mission’s art council advocates for those in need

By Andres de Ocampo LA Downtown News Staff Writer os Angeles Mission recently released a short documentary, or mini doc, that covers homelessness in Los Angeles and Skid Row. “The Heart of Skid Row,” features commentary from LA Mission’s chief executive officer, Pastor Troy Von, along with information about the organization’s services, and incorporates footage of Kenny

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Scharf’s mural he is painting on the nonprofit’s building.

LA Mission Arts Council, an advocacy group that started during the pandemic, is part of LA Mission and focuses on making the organization more visible to the public. The council aims to spread poverty dynamics in a modernized way across the state and country and helped orchestrate the documentary and the Scharf mural.

Eli Graham, chair of LA Mission Arts

Council, described the council as “an advocacy group that focus primarily on mental health homelessness and drug rehabilitation,” he said.

“We advocate for causes (dealing with our focus) and we grow awareness around causes, driving the change that needs to happen around these issues.”

A notable example of the LA Arts Council’s work is a recent partnership with UCLA’s Center for the Transformation of

Maya Oroszlan and her older brother Ben Oroszlan give a thank-you sign to Kenny Scharf.

Photo by Luis Chavez

Schools to create a free guide for teachers about how they can discuss homelessness in the classroom.

“This is part of (LA Mission’s) advocacy in creating a way to provide guides, resources and information from our expertise of homelessness and poverty,” he said.

Graham said the name of the mini doc and mural is intentional and meaningful.

“When we say, ‘The Heart of Skid Row,’ it is referring to the collective humanity and the voices that are in this community,” he said.

“The voices of the individuals in this area don’t get heard from, which is what the LA Mission and LA Mission Arts Council does.

We bring their voices to everyone’s awareness, and we advocate for more support for homeless individuals.”

The documentary came at a time when the council started to collaborate with artists like Scharf.

“We felt like it was important to share a visual representation of the present-day work that’s going on with the LA Mission, matching it along with this amazing project we did with Kenny Scharf,” Graham said.

The documentary shares the nonprofit’s multifloor renovation that provides better living situations to residents, and a longterm recovery program is called “Fresh Start.” The 12-month live-in program helps residents of LA Mission and Skid Row on their path toward “independent living,” according to the documentary.

Graham said the documentary, along with Scharf’s mural, worked concurrently, not only contributing to a showcase of the organization’s work but getting word out about the LA Mission to those unfamiliar with it.

Graham said that although it’s hard to quantify the impact of Scharf’s mural on the organization, he noticed an “exponential” increase in volunteer interest. The mural, like the council’s other projects, serves to modernize how those in need find and receive support for shelter, recovery programs and counseling.

“We’re putting a statement out to the public that we are here,” Graham said.

“We’re showing that we’re a strong force that can do good for the city and we hope that as we keep going, people will notice and catch on. That is what brings people in to seek recovery.”

A 30-year artist, Scharf said the project started with a direct message on social media asking if he would visit the LA Mission to paint. Upon taking on the project, he said that it felt like the right thing to do.

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“I just stumbled upon this, and of course I jumped at the chance to do anything that might help. For me, it was a very gratifying experience, especially when I know that it’s touched people. As an artist, that’s all I can ask for.”

Scharf said he felt the project was a rewarding and touching experience after having conversations with Skid Row residents.

“The conversations I had with the beautiful souls on Skid Row who responded to what I was doing surprised me because of how much they cared, and it made me cry a lot. … I was very honored to do the mural, and I was touched by the reaction from the neighborhood,” he said.

While painting, Scharf conversed with Kevin Kidd, a six-year Skid Row resident who came to Los Angeles to pursue an art career.

Though Kidd is not affiliated with LA Mission and does not utilize its housing services, he is familiar with housing programs through other nonprofit organizations.

Kidd’s interaction with Scharf and Graham happened while seeing Scharf at work that Kidd passes by daily and said is “beautiful.”

After speaking with Graham and Scharf about the mural and art, Kidd asked if he could bring his own art to show the two of them. According to Kidd, he connected with Scharf and Graham. The meeting allowed him to sell some of his art. Meeting Scharf and Graham, Kidd said, motivated him and gave him the “push toward success” that he needed.

Though Kidd maintains an exemplary level of optimism, hope and faith for his

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life and career, he spoke about the reality of living in Skid Row, not shying away from traumatic experiences that shape many lives of the community’s residents.

“I’ve seen things that I didn’t think I’d see in my lifetime (on Skid Row), but I’m still here,” Kidd said, “I’m going to chase this art career to the ends of the Earth if I have to. “(The mural) makes a difference to the community because of people like me. It means hope. Some people in these streets might not get help; some of those people might die on these streets. Even if the mural isn’t for everybody and it was for one person — me, Kevin Kidd — then it serves its purpose,” Kidd said.

The next step for LA Mission Arts Council is an art exhibit called “Prices with a Purpose” in Downtown Los Angeles, next to the Ace Hotel, on Oct. 1. The council will accept donations for the nonprofit at the exhibit and giving donation “certificates” in return, in the form of household items and clothing.

For example, a person who donates an amount worth 10 T-shirts would receive a single T-shirt that says, “This T-shirt is worth 10 T-shirts,” Graham said. The exhibit’s purpose is about interacting with people who stay in nicer areas of Downtown LA and don’t come to Skid Row. It’s called “Prices with a Purpose.”

“This is the start of a long journey of creating a national platform that advocates for homelessness,” Graham said.

“Los Angeles is just the beginning; we will be growing, and we’re glad that people took notice of the mini doc and Kenny Scharf’s mural. It’s a statement to the incredible community we have in Los Angeles.”

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Kenny Scharf works on his newest mural at the Ann Douglas Center for Women in DTLA. Photo by Luis Chavez

Girl Scouts rounds out senior management team

By LA Downtown News Staff ellie Hudson and Rebecca Hutchinson are the two newest members of the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles’ senior management team.

Hudson will serve as controller, while Hutchinson has joined as marketing and communications director for the Downtown Los Angeles nonprofit.

Kathryn “Katie” Nielsen also joins marketing and communications as senior manager, public relations, communications and events.

Hudson and Hutchinson will oversee their departments’ contribution to GSGLA’s strategic direction, operational efficiency and growth in the greater Los Angeles community.

“As we work to ensure every girl in Los Angeles has the life-changing opportunity to be part of the Girl Scout movement, we are committed to hiring a uniquely talented team that is deeply committed to our mission,” said Theresa Edy Kiene, chief ex-

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ecutive officer, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. “We are excited to have Zellie, Rebecca and Katie on board; each brings a wealth of experience to our council.”

In his role as controller, Hudson leads the finance and risk management team and is responsible for managing all accounting activities, financial reporting, auditing, forecasting, budgeting and risk management for the organization.

He comes to GSGLA with 20 years of accounting and finance management experience with nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

He was most recently interim controller/finance director at Clare/Matrix and the Jewish Federation.

Prior, Hudson was chief financial officer/controller at KJLH 102.3, controller/ chief financial officer at After-School AllStars and the Los Angeles Urban League, and finance director at Angeles Girl Scout Council in Santa Monica. Additionally, he was controller for Kelly Paper Company.

Hudson has a BA in accounting/business administration from UC Santa Barbara and an MBA in finance from Keller Graduate School.

Hutchinson leads development, implementation and evaluation of all marketing strategies, building brand awareness and marketplace positioning for the council.

She is overseeing a departmental reorganization initiated to best serve GSGLA’s diverse communities. The lion’s share of Hutchinson’s 25-year career has centered on cause-related marketing communications and community engagement, with a focus on women’s empowerment, social justice and education.

Most recently she consulted with Children’s Institute and, prior to that, was vice president of communications and development at Imagine LA. Earlier in her career, Hutchinson worked in the LA and Washington, D.C., offices of global PR agency Porter Novelli and at two LA-based PR firms, with brands like Nissan,

Evite, Salt & Straw, the Alzheimer’s Association, UNICEF and several schools.

She earned her BA from Amherst College and her MA in communications management from the Annenberg School for Communication at USC. She serves on the Board of FilmLA, Larchmont Charter School and is a past director of The Ebell of Los Angeles.

In her role as senior manager of public relations, communications and events, Nielsen is responsible for the creative development and implementation of all GSGLA communications efforts. Just prior to joining GSGLA, she led the marketing team at Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast, where she also served on the marketing advisory committee of Girl Scouts USA, a role she will continue at GSGLA. Nielsen has a BA in communications from California State University Channel Islands.

Hudson, Hutchinson and Nielsen will be based in the organization’s Downtown Los Angeles headquarters.

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Nonprofit’s rally protests Texas abortion restriction bill

By Andres de Ocampo LA Downtown News Staff Writer omen’s March Action will host the March 4 Reproduc tive Rights on Oct. 2 to protest a Texas bill restricting abortion access, just days after its passing.

It will be held in DTLA at Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, and march to city hall.

The nonprofit is calling upon “all feminists, allies and like-minded public to take to the streets to rally against Texas’ draconian six-week abortion ban that allows individuals to sue abortion providers and patients.”

The Texas Senate bill, SB 8, is officially known as the “Texas Heartbeat Act,” which went into effect on Sept. 1. SB 8 ultimately bans abortions after six weeks into a pregnancy, effectively making it unlawful for physicians to perform an abortion with detected cardiac activity.

The bill gives authority to private individuals, who are not police officers, state employees or local government officials

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in Texas, to file a lawsuit against anyone performing abortions, “aids or abets,” in an abortion, whether they know about violations of the bill or not, or whether they intend to engage in the act of an abortion.

Private citizens who are successful in their lawsuit can be awarded at least $10,000, and those seeking or receiving an abortion cannot be sued. The bill does not make exceptions for rape or incest.

Emiliana Guereca, founder and president of Women’s March Action, said the rally’s purpose is support of women’s rights and reproductive rights. “Abortion laws and reproductive rights are at stake here,” she said. “We need to make sure that women’s rights are at the forefront of any politician’s mind.”

The rally is a nationwide event on Oct. 2, two days before the Supreme Court reconvenes on Oct. 4. Guereca hopes that the preceding rally to the Supreme Court’s reconvening will call attention from lawmakers in Washington, D.C., Vice

March 4 Reproductive Rights will start at Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive Street, on Saturday, Oct. 2, hosted

by Women’s March Action, and march to city hall.

Submitted photo

President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden about the importance of women’s reproductive rights.

As of Sept. 1, according to a Supreme

Court document, the Supreme Court has not blocked the bill and has yet to rule on the constitutionality of the bill.

Citing Roe v. Wade, a 1973 Supreme

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

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Court case that declared a state’s regulation of abortion is unconstitutional and that a woman’s right to an abortion is protected, Guereca said, “Roe v. Wade is settled (federal) law, and what we know as being settled law apparently isn’t as we can see from SB 8 in Texas.

“We need to make sure that legislation expanding abortion access and abortion rights is (enforced and effective in) legislation and it isn’t something that any state can go back on. This is federal law.”

Guereca invites everyone to come and show support at the rally. “(SB 8) is reproductive coercion,” she said.

“Forcing a woman to go through pregnancy against her will is reproductive coercion, so we need to make sure that folks take to the streets and that body autonomy and feminism is at the forefront. We need all the feminists and all of our allies to come out and stand with us.”

Guereca hopes the rally in Downtown Los Angeles, and across the nation, will have an impact. “Our hope is to activate and mobilize women, feminists and allies that were standing on the sidelines that did not think that reproductive rights were on the line, that thought that Roe v.

Wade was settled law,” she said.

Beyond calling on more supporters of the rally, Guereca said she hopes there is a balancing of U.S. courts and the judges

who serve in them, especially in the Supreme Court.

“We know that former President Trump packed the courts and that we now have a conservative supreme court,” she said.

“When the courts are not balanced, we see that women’s rights are at stake.”

Guereca is referring to Trump appointing more than 200 federal judges to the federal bench during his single term.

Within those 200 federal judges, Trump appointed 54 federal appeals court judges, which is one fewer than President Barack Obama confirmed during his twoyear presidency, according to Pew Research Center. The federal appeals court sits below the Supreme Court and typically has final say on most legal appeals across the country.

With Harris and Biden in office, Guereca said, “We need to make sure that balancing the courts is on their agenda. This is the only way to move forward with making sure that women’s rights and their reproductive rights are protected.

“We will be hosting the Los Angeles march to make sure that we are loud and clear that we will not go back (from the progress toward women’s rights),” she said. “Reproductive rights and women’s rights should be at the forefront across the country. For politicians out there, be on notice. We will not be quiet, and we will not stand down.”

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DTLA Neighborhood Council approves of Angels Landing

By LA Downtown News Staff ngels Landing has earned the support of the board of directors of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council.

The council voted to support the request. Board President Richard Nordin and Planning & Land Use Committee Chair Ryan Afari sent a letter to the zoning administrator with the LA Department of City Planning, “We greatly value and appreciate the Downtown LA Neighborhood Council Board of Directors’ official vote of support for the Angels Landing hotel development project and their letter to LA City Planning entered into the public records signifying their support for our hotel development project,” said Victor MacFarlane, president and chief executive officer of MacFarlane Partners, a principal of Angels Landing Partners LLC. “The DLANC board’s endorsement follows the unanimous vote of support for our mixed-use project by DLANC’s Planning Committee members in May.” He added, “Our project’s plans for an expansive privately managed, publicly accessible plaza at Angels Landing were well received by DLANC members. We anticipate our project at Angels Landing will do as much or more for DTLA’s Bunker Hill neighborhood than our hugely successful Ritz-Carlton/JW Marriott project at LA Live has done for DTLA’s South Park neighborhood.”

R. Donahue Peebles, president and chief executive officer, The Peebles Corp. — a principal of Angels Landing Partners LLC—said organization spent hours discussing the Angels Landing project with DLANC’s leadership and members over the past 12 months.

“The DLANC Board of Directors fully recognizes the importance of our project — the largest hotel development to be built by African American developers in LA’s

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history,” Peebles said.

“With goals for economic inclusion being top of mind nationally and locally, they’re aware of the positive impact Angels Landing will have on the DTLA community and LA County in creating new jobs in construction, advancing hospitality careers for African Americans and other under-represented workforce members, and achieving desired levels of diversity and inclusion in employment and contracting through our project.”

Angels Landing is comprised of two towers, each to be anchored by its own upscale hotel. The development will feature Angels Landing Plaza, an expansive, pedestrian-centered, transit-adjacent, modern urban park in the heart of Downtown LA. According to an analysis prepared by BJH Advisors LLC, more than 8,300 new jobs will be created during Angels Landing’s project design and construction. The New York City-based firm’s report estimates Angels Landing would additionally create more than 800 permanent jobs in DTLA. An estimated 500 jobs would be created by vendors in the LA County region providing good and services to the two luxury hotels.

In addition to new job creation, the BJH Advisors analysis projects Angels Landing would provide LA’s local economy a $1.6 billion boost and contribute $731 million to local worker’s earnings during its construction. The project would generate as estimated $12 million in recurring tax revenues and $2.4 million annually in local property tax revenues, according to the report.

Angels Landing Plaza will anchor the angular, multilevel Bunker Hill site as a publicly accessible, privately managed park amenity, establishing it as a vibrant, inviting and treasured locale for LA’s Downtown neighborhood residents, weekday commuters, nightlife seekers, tourists and hotel guests.

Angels Landing is comprised of two towers, each to be anchored by its own upscale hotel. The devlopment will feature Angels Landing Plaza, an expansive, pedestrain-centered, transit-adajecent, modern urban park in the heart of Downtown LA.

Submitted photo

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Entertain in style this holiday season

By Family Features t’s never too early to plan, especially when you are expecting guests in your home.

Your family and friends know and might love your style, but it can be important to spice things up now and again to impress your visitors. Factors such as lights, music and food can affect your guests’ experience in your home.

To remain stylish and keep your party going, consider these tips for fun and festive home entertaining.

it’s bright enough so everyone can see but dimmed enough to set the mood.

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Set the mood with music Pick music that matches your theme and inspires that same feel throughout the house. If you’re going for a fun, energetic atmosphere, try something with a quick tempo, such as pop. If you’re wanting to relax, go for subtler, soothing tones. Try making your playlist before you entertain and listen to it a few times through so you can know what to expect and how guests will react to your music selections.

Back to basics Staying organized is key while entertaining guests in your home. Try to plan out every detail before the big event, which can allow things to go more smoothly on the big day.

As you think out your plan ahead of time, making lists can be a helpful way to stay organized and ensure you get everything done. List out your guests, what needs to be picked up from the store, and possible decorations you might need to buy or craft yourself. The possibilities can seem endless, but

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

it’s important to have a plan in place before you start putting things together.

ty some life and help guests get into the overall theme of the party.

Think about theme

Light up the party

There are numerous ways your style can be shown while entertaining. One way is to pick a theme or theme-related food dishes. One way to show your theme is through decorations. Placing them throughout your home can give the par-

Transforming your home can be made simpler by changing the lighting. It’s typical for lights to be dimmed for parties to set a more relaxed mood. Other ideas include using candles, lamps or even hanging lanterns if you are entertaining outside. Make sure

Enjoy it Through all the anxiety and stress of entertainment planning, make sure you take time to enjoy yourself during the time guests are in your home. Some guests will notice if you’re not having a good time.

Smile and remember to be present in the moment.

Find more enter tainment tips at eLivingToday.com.

A blank slate.

Perfect for your next event.

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Covered California will help HOLIDAY CATERING

Safe entertaining tips in a COVID-19 world

By Family Features epending on where you live, restrictions on social gatherings may become less strict in the coming weeks and months. However, many experts caution that care should still be exercised when groups of people gather.

After an extended period without social contact, it’s only natural to crave some interaction, and there’s evidence that doing so can be advantageous for your mental health. However, taking precautions to protect your physical health, along with your guests’, can make for a more enjoyable event.

party eliminates shared food and the risk of cross-contamination. You can provide disposable table service (plates, silverware and napkins) and single-serve beverages, but skip the cooler everyone reaches into.

D

Keep it contained Limit your gatherings to a few close friends or family members so if someone does get sick, contact tracing is a simple task. Keep in mind the number of same-household families you invite is more important than the number of people in that family. For example, one family of six that has already been living in close

Provide ample, well-spaced seating

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

quarters poses a lower risk than three couples living in separate houses. Also be mindful of your guests’ approach to prevention; if they’ve been less cautious than your family or vice versa, there’s room for conflict and anxiety.

borne particles hang around longer. Planning your gathering outdoors helps ensure more free-moving fresh air and more space for guests to spread out and practice social distancing.

Celebrate outdoors

Encourage guests to bring their own

Indoor event spaces naturally have less circulation, meaning potential air-

It may go against all your good hosting inclinations, but hosting a bring-your-own

Encourage guests to keep some distance from one another by creating comfy seating arrangements. You can take it a step further by asking guests to bring their own chairs and directing each family to set up its space a reasonable distance from the next.

Make cleanliness a priority Create stations with hand sanitizer or wipes. You can also create a makeshift sink to minimize trips to the restroom indoors. Provide a spray bottle or bucket, soap and paper towels near the hose for quick clean-ups.

Find more advice for navigating pandemic life at eLivingtoday.com.

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

Covered DINING California will help The family meal comes with one roasted rotisserie chicken, two large sides, a side of tangy pickled turnips, six pita breads, and two garlic sauces.

Submitted photo

Zankou Chicken is family’s foundation for happiness

By Frier McCollister LA Downtown News Contributing Writer artkes Iskenderian is the scion of the burgeoning Zankou Chicken empire.

The grandson of the founder and now vice president of operations for Zankou, Iskenderian searched for years for a suitable Downtown location for the popular chain.

It took the pandemic to deliver Zankou’s new location and its first Downtown destination that opened June 23 on Seventh Street between Hope and Grand.

“Downtown, I was working on for years, trying to find the right location here. I thought I had the right location, but that deal fell through. But I’m glad that happened, because I absolutely love this location,” Iskenderian said.

Established in a tiny storefront in Hollywood in 1984, Zankou Chicken is an institution in greater Los Angeles. Zankou’s rotisserie chicken (and accompanying garlic sauce) now joins the list of quintessential Downtown Los Angeles dishes, alongside a Phillipe’s French dip sandwich, Yang Chow’s slippery shrimp, or a taquito from Cielito Lindo on Olvera Street.

The roots of the Zankou brand started in Beirut in the early 1960s.

“My grandfather started it in 1962. It’s always been a family business. We never franchised,” Iskenderian said. The family is originally from Armenia, and their Mediterranean-style cuisine is representative of the greater Armenian diaspora in the Middle East.

“Because of the genocide, my mother’s family went to Syria and my father’s family eventually went to Beirut, Lebanon,” Iskenderian said.

“My mother met my father in Beirut. It was his grandfather, the family patriarch for whom he is named, who first launched the family’s chicken business. My grandfather started Zankou back in 1962. It was actually just called Zankou. It was named after a river in Armenia. All they sold was rotisserie chicken and raw chicken. There was no garlic sauce. That’s all there was. He would wrap the rotisserie chickens with this bread. It was

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The falafel plate is served with hand-sliced tomatoes, fresh romaine lettuce, pickled turnips, hummus, house-made tahini, and warm pita bread.

Submitted photo

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very thin, not as thin as lavash, but almost, and people just loved it. It started out slow but picked up by word of mouth, and it got pretty popular there.”

Beirut’s Zankou was popular enough to sustain a 20-year run, before the turmoil of the country’s civil war became too much. “The civil war hit, and it was bad. (My parents) almost died on several occasions,” Iskenderian noted.

“One time when they weren’t home, their apartment building was bombed. (Another) time, my brother was sick. My mom had to go to the car to get his medicine, but she knew there was a sniper on the roof of a building. She still had to go get the medicine.

She ran and heard gunshots right behind her. That’s the kind of world it became. They loved Beirut, but with (the war), they just had to leave.”

Iskenderian is “an LA kid” having been born here, a few years after his parents and three brothers emigrated from Beirut in 1981. The family settled in Pasadena and then moved to Glendale.

Chicken was not part of the plan at first.

“They actually weren’t even thinking of starting a restaurant business when they first came here,” Iskenderian said.

Initially, his parents dabbled in selling marked-up imported suits from Hong Kong and then researched the possibility of opening a dry-cleaning business.

“It was not something they were passionate about,” Iskenderian said.

“Time was running out. They were running out of the money they saved.” During a brief return to Beirut on family business, his parents began to shape their plan for the American version of Zankou.

“My father found a location in Hollywood. It was a hole in the wall (and) opened in 1984,” Iskenderian said.

“The restaurant was 20 feet wide and maybe 50 feet long. It had one restroom. You had to walk through the kitchen to get there. The office was on the left, and the reachin cooler was on your right. I remember it really well. I grew up there. Some of my first memories were there. Through word of mouth it got busier.”

A second, larger location opened in Glendale in 1991.

“Fortunately, it was a hit from day one, and we grew from there,” Iskenderian said.

Catering to Glendale’s generational Armenian community provided the successful, positive momentum to continue Zankou’s local expansion. The chain continued to grow with locations in Pasadena, Van Nuys and Anaheim.

Zankou’s flagship store opened in Burbank in 2005. By the onset of the pandemic, nine outlets were thriving. With the addition of Downtown and the most recent Huntington Beach opening on Sept. 8, the total stands at 11.

Don’t expect any menu surprises with the new Downtown store. Reliable consistency is part of Zankou’s recipe for success. Besides the rotisserie chicken and the addictive garlic sauce, the tri-tip shawarma, sliced from the vertical spit, and the chicken tarna are popular favorites.

By the way, the tarna prep is a trademarked Zankou innovation. It piles boneless chicken steeped in a proprietary marinade onto the vertical spit for roasting. Don’t ignore the falafel here either. It’s served in generously portioned fried balls and yields an unusually green, richly herbaceous interior. Favorite sides and salads include the housemade hummus, bright green bulgur wheat tabbouleh and the contrasting cabbage salad. Entrees are available in an array of options including plates, wraps and kabobs. Neon pink, pickled turnip strips and small, hot yellow peppers garnish every order.

“When we found this (Downtown) location, the pandemic had already hit,” Iskenderian said. “So, we had to make the decision. It’s in the middle of where the financial district and the residential districts (meet), so we get both communities. That’s just exciting.

“The pandemic was a huge challenge, but we were fortunate to already have a strong takeout business.”

He cited supply chain shortages, the rising cost of food, packaging and labor, as well as shifting health department regulations, as examples of Zankou’s pandemic problems.

“The most challenging and rewarding (part) was keeping everyone’s energy up while keeping everyone safe,” Iskenderian recalled.

He retained his staff throughout the various lockdowns.

Regardless, Iskenderian’s energy and enthusiasm is aimed at Downtown for now.

“Downtown LA had so much momentum before the pandemic,” he said. “I think we can get back there and go much further. We would love to be a part of that journey. We hope to add value to the residents, to the other businesses and to the community in general. (We will succeed) as long as we have the right focus in mind and try to make people smile when they walk through the door. Those simple things are the foundation to our happiness.”

Zankou Chicken 611 S. Seventh Street, Los Angeles 213-550-3455, zankouchicken.com

DOWNTOWN NEWS 15

The shish kabobs are marinated with an assortment of Mediterranean spices, fresh local herbs, olive oil, wine vinegar and garlic. The plate is served with rice, spiced onions, cucumber salad, roasted tomato and hummus, or it can be wrapped in a pita.

Submitted photo

This plate comes with marinated and flame-broiled tri-tip shawarma. The beef can be wrapped in a warm pita and topped with tomatoes, pickled turnips, and house-made tahini.

Submitted photo

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

Covered California will help BUSINESS

App gives the curious a real-time look at what they’re missing

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor ourtney Honda, Slava Borisov and Brandon Howell would love to be in two places at once, as would many others.

The trio did the next best thing: They created an app so users know what they are — or are not — missing.

Live Itt is the first on-demand app that puts the user in control of what they want to see.

Viewers can request experiences for nearby landmarks, events or any other location in exchange for a fee. The fee is negotiated using an automated bid system when multiple streamers within a specific region may be available for a given request.

Borisov, the company’s chief executive officer, said the idea came about in 2016 when he would frequently hit happy hour, clubs and restaurants.

“We used to go out and sometimes we would be disappointed,” Borisov said. “We wanted to know if it was dead, alive, busy or not. Are there women there? If so, what kind of women or men? We want social interaction.

“We were eager to see what the vibe of the other restaurants or bars in the area were like. We would check Yelp for reviews, or Instagram hashtags, but it wouldn’t give us the live look.”

The trio created Live Itt to give people the opportunity to get a live look at FIGat7th, The Bloc, Row DTLA, LA Live, Little Tokyo, Grand Park or “anything in between in real time,” Borisov said.

“If a picture speaks a thousand words, video in real time speaks a million words,” he added.

They built the world’s first platform that allows users to request what they want to see from their point of view, essentially flipping the traditional model upside down, giving full control to the viewer to request what they want to see in real time.

“From a live look at the bar, restaurant, lounge, grocery store line, beach or anything else, they finally have full control and can request a real-time video from their point of view, allowing them to be in two places at once,” he said.

Honda, the company’s chief strategy officer, said the person who is streaming the video is paid.

“It only lasts 15 minutes and then it disappears,” she said. “We wanted to make it private. If I’m the requestor, I make that request and I don’t see that profile or anything else. Think of a video application for a request for Uber. I want to go here. It arrives in 15 minutes or whatever.”

The viewer and the streamer negotiate the pay.

“The biggest takeaway is for the first time, it’s an authenticated video experience,” Borisov said. “When we Google, it is not a real review. Rotten Tomatoes isn’t live. This is.”

The trio, which includes Howell, the chief creative officer, has high hopes. The vision is to empower microcommunities to have more time to do the things that residents in Downtown LA love while embracing and inspiring others for generations to come, according to the website.

The goal of Live Itt is to start with DTLA and expand to cities across the country and, eventually, the world.

“We are focused on growing to 1.5 million users and $540 million in the next 12 months,” Borisov said.

C

From left to right, Brandon Howell is chief creative officer of the Live Itt app, Slava Borisov is chief executive officer, and Courtney Honda is chief strategy officer.

Photo by Luis Chavez

Highlights • The first walking wallet.

Live Itt allows streamers to earn extra cash while doing the things they love, at any time and place.

• The first app that “teleports.”

Live Itt allows users to view a location anywhere in the world by request.

• VPOV: Viewer’s point of view.

Live Itt is the first app that gives the viewer 100% control over what they want to see at any time.

• Simple app design.

The viewer requests an experience — description of what they want to see, location/address and price — waits for someone nearby to accept and broadcast the video. They are then notified when their requested video is live — all in 15 minutes or less.

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Covered California will help BUSINESS Better Place Forests at Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful alternative to traditional cemeteries, according to co-founder Sandy Gibson.

Photo courtesy of Better Place Forests

Forests are ‘better places’ for cremated remains

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor etter Place Forests launched a conservation memorial forest, Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead, so those who choose cremation can reserve a protected tree to rest their ashes.

“The idea for Better Place Forests came from my experience with cemeteries,” said Sandy Gibson, the co-founder and chief executive officer.

“My father was 63 when he died of a stroke when I was 10. That was unexpected. So, we ended up having to go to the local cemetery near our home and find a plot.”

The only available plot was close to the road, and Gibson’s mom did not care for that.

She wanted enough spaces for her; her husband; and potentially Gibson, his brother and their spouses. They settled on it.

“It was tough, because he never chose this place and it wasn’t a nice place,” Gibson said.

“My mom did her best to make it sound good, but it was pretty obvious that none of us really liked the spot. We hadn’t designed a tombstone before. We ended up with a shiny black granite tombstone that was terrible. From the gravesite, we could see the cars and the bus stops. It’s just not a beautiful location.”

A year later, Gibson’s mother’s cancer returned, and she died.

“For the rest of my life, that’s been their place.”

Lake Arrowhead is Better Place Forests’ 10th forest nationwide, and the fifth in California. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, along the Rim of the World scenic byway, and just 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead is SoCal’s first conservation memorial forest.

Wildfires are an issue and a direct effect of climate change, Gibson said. The need for a way to conserve local forestland is important. Approved by the San Bernardino Coun-

B

ty Fire Department, Better Place Forests’ new forest management plan allows those who choose cremation to reserve a beautiful, private and permanently protected tree to return their ashes to the earth and leave a lasting legacy of conservation, he added.

During tours of the property, guests can see the property and learn more about the rising demand for alternative death care options and how Better Place Forests customers find peace planning end of life knowing they’re helping to conserve the San Bernardino Forest.

“On my mom’s birthday, March 1, in 2015, I was sitting there listening to traffic and the bus stop,” Gibson said. “I just thought there has to be a better place than this.

“That’s where the name comes from. This is a place that people would want to remember the person they love. When I think of my mom, I think of a black tombstone.

Here, the world is a little bit more beautiful because you lived. I think that’s something that we all aspire to.”

Gibson called Better Place Forests a sustainable alternative to traditional cemeteries.

Pricing varies on location and setting, tree type and size, and the number of memorial ceremonies. Visit betterplaceforests.com.

“By choosing a tree, you’re helping to contribute to the purchase of the land from private landowners to the creation of endowment funds to maintain that land forever,” he said.

“Then we restrict development on those property. Each county is different in the way we do it. In some cases, we work toward conservation easements and other places.”

Gibson said he found 80% of baby boomers choose cremation, but they are not pre-purchasing in cemeteries.

“It’s not that they don’t care about rituals and they care about their family being taken care of,” he said. “They want something different. They’re drawn to values like celebrating life or taking up less space and leaving the world a little bit more beautiful.”

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

Covered ARTS & California CULTUREwill help

Grammy Award-winning Kings of Leon has kicked off its “When You See Yourself” tour to celebrate its eighth studio album. The band released the record as a nonfungible token, making it the first act to do so.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Followill

Kings of Leon celebrating groundbreaking new album

By Jordan Houston LA Downtown News Staff Writer ings of Leon, the Grammy Award-winning group making history with its new album “When You See Yourself,” is coming to the stands of Los Angeles.

The multiplatinum band, on tour for the first time since 2017 to promote its innovative eighth studio album, will perform at The Forum at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21.

“We’re in a groove right now, and it feels good to get back up here and connect with your fans,” drummer Nathan Followill said. “I’ve seen so many grown men cry after these first few shows, I think that’s a pretty powerful testament to the connection that fans and the band can have.

“And how much people need this right now? They need that release; they need to get out and be with other people and get some bit of normalcy in their life.”

K

Earlier this year, Kings of Leon released “When You See Yourself” in the form of a nonfungible token (NFT). It’s the first band to do so.

A form of cryptocurrency, an NFT operates on a blockchain. Because it is a publicly accessible network, all NFT transaction details are transparent. However, NFTs can be used to hold assets like art and music instead of “money.”

Computers used in NFT transactions “become part of the network,” adding that the subjective value of NFTs fluctuate in the same manner of stocks.

“The easiest way I would describe it is a way to sell digital art but to also make it only accessible by the limited amount you release. That’s what puts value in it,” Followill said. “If they only release 20 of one thing, if you get one of those that is going to be more valuable than if you get one of 10,000 that were made.”

As part of the “NFT Yourself” series, Kings of Leon made available six “Golden Ticket experiences,” offering fans four lifetime front-row seats to the show of their choice at any location for each tour. Token holders were also eligible to

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redeem the acoustic version of the album track “Supermarket,” which is called “Going Nowhere.”

The history-making album drop has amassed roughly $3.7 million, in which $600,000 has gone directly to Live Nation’s Crew Nation.

“The main factor behind us doing it in the first place was to be able to donate a large majority of the proceeds to the setup for the guys on the road where the livelihood was taken from them,” Followill said.

“Any chance to be at the forefront of something — that’s going to give you some street cred. With my 40-plus years’ worth of wrinkles and gray hairs, we need that street cred.”

Since 2003, Kings of Leon has released seven albums and sold over 20 million albums and roughly 40 million singles worldwide. The band has celebrated eight Grammy nominations, three Grammy Award wins, three NME Awards, two Brit Awards and one Juno Award.

“When You See Yourself” was recorded at Nashville’s famed Blackbird Studios and produced by Grammy Award-winning Markus Dravs.

“We started the record and it was finished in 2019,” Followill said.

“We had no earthly idea that at the time we were going to have to sit on it for the foreseeable future. So, we made this record with no pressure of a pandemic breathing down our neck or having a set target date we had to have it finished.

“I think you get a very comfy vibe from it in the sense that it doesn’t feel like anything is rushed. We agreed to take as much time as needed.”

In honor of “When You See Yourself,” the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is also adding a digital NFT display to its “Right Here, Right Now” exhibit. The exhibit seeks to explore “the influence of today’s biggest stars,” featuring personal artifacts and interactive displays, reads a statement obtained by the LA Downtown News.

Kings of Leon plans to celebrate not only its groundbreaking album but the musical community as a whole, funneling $1 from every ticket to its newly formed Inherit the Music foundation.

The foundation, co-founded by band and philanthropist Alisha Ballard, is geared toward inspiring the next generation of musicians, Followill explained.

Inherit the Music provides resources and funds for local organizations tailored around music, he continued.

Followill said he is thrilled to return to the stage and is looking forward to the band’s Los Angeles performance.

“For me, the biggest thing is it’s such a high when you sit down and hear the crowd and you have your little routine you go through and get all fussed up. When that first song starts and that crowd sings and starts dancing, that’s the best part for me.

“I know that’s the start of two hours of nonstop fun with this group of people in this one city. You don’t know when you’ll be back in that part of the country, so you want to make it as fun and as memorable as possible.”

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Kings of Leon w/Cold War Kids WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21 WHERE: The LA Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood COST: Tickets start at $30.50 INFO: thelaforum.com

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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.

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

Covered ARTS & California CULTUREwill help The Leela Dance Collective introduces Kathak, a form of North Indian classical dance, to Pasadena.

Photo by Travis Broxton

Indian dancers bring classical moves to DTLA

By Bridgette M. Redman LA Downtown News Contributing Writer ngelenos are starting to return to their DTLA offices.

The Leela Dance Collective will welcome them back with a noon Friday, Sept. 24, performance at Grand Park, part of a 10-day celebration: ReSound: Kathak in the Streets.

Kathak is a form of North Indian classical dance that goes back centuries. It was once performed in the courts of India and has inspired modern forms of Indian dance.

A storytelling form of dance that features fancy footwork, Kathak was brought to the United States by Pandit Chitresh Das, and the founders of the Leela Dance Collective were his disciples.

Rina Mehta, one of the organization’s founders, said the 10-day festival throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco was born out of the pandem-

A

ic. Kathak is fundamentally a live performance form, and they are eager to bring it back to the community.

“We wanted to bring back live performance,” Mehta said. “We felt really strongly that we wanted to use our art form as a vehicle to build and rebuild and re-engage community and connection.”

The festival will take place in two cities and feature four dancers, 12 workshops and 15 performances.

She said they recognized that geography can be a big hurdle to overcome, especially in Los Angeles. So, instead of selecting one performance space, they have chosen to perform in a variety of neighborhoods to reach as many people as possible.

“If you are in Santa Monica, the folks from Pasadena aren’t going to come,” said Mehta, ReSound choreographer.

“So, while you may put on a phenomenal show, you end up being inac-

cessible to a large part of the city. We wanted to take our art form into the communities, to use the art form to revitalize neighborhoods and bring some life back.”

The Downtown Los Angeles event includes a half-hour performance and then 15 minutes or so where the artists will engage with the audience.

“We know many people are working from home, but people are starting to go into offices,” Mehta said. “So, we are having an afternoon, lunch-time performance. It is about access and connection. We want to be a part of people’s everyday lives. As they step out for lunch, we want them to see some kathak dance and be transported.”

The performance is one of their new street-side performances that showcases percussive footwork, swift pirouettes, dynamic repertoire and mostly recorded music. They’ll perform on special boards designed to support their foot-

work and protect the barefoot dancers.

The performers include members of the Leela Dance Collective, ensemble dancers Sonali Toppur, Ahana Mukherjee, Carrie McCune and Ria DasGupta.

“We want people to meet our dancers and to be transported to a world of music, dance, romance and excitement,” Mehta said. “We want to bring a little bit of art into people’s lives. That’s really our hope for Downtown.”

Staying true Kathak dance has traveled from the courts of India to proscenium stages around the United States to the streets.

“It is spurring creativity and innovation in what we do artistically,” Mehta said. “We’re now having to dance on boards, in parks and in streets.”

The latest street dancing is a step that Mehta feels brings people even closer to the art form, breaking down the barriers that are erected between dancer

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

ReSound pieces are classics. Some dances tell stories, while others are purely rhythm and movement.

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Photo by Travis Broxton

and audience in theaters.

“With these street performances, we are here on the same street you walk on, next to the restaurant you eat at,” Mehta said. “For us, it is really getting people up close and intimate. Our hope is that by doing so, the art form becomes familiar to them, that they’re able to learn a little bit of some basics about rhythm and storytelling, how deep it is, how rich it is, and really how relevant it can be and is to our modern-day life.”

ReSound’s pieces are classics. They’ll start with classic invocation pieces that consecrate the stage and are filled with symbolism from mythology. Some dances will tell stories, while others are purely rhythm and movement. They do bring in narration for storytelling, but Mehta stresses that they are recognizable to all regardless of background.

“All epic stories are universal stories,” Mehta said. “The character might be South Asian or Indian, but they’re about love and loss and greed and the victory of good over evil. Any stories we choose to do will have really universal themes and narration.”

In the Leela Dance Collective and specifically the 10-day ReSound performance, the artists are committed to preserving the dance form, even if they make it relevant for today’s audience. Mehta said they are committed to an integrity around the form.

“We may innovate many, many things, but at the root, the integrity around the form is very high,” Mehta said. “The technique, the music, the movement, the repertoire, we definitely hold a lot of integrity around those things. Then we innovate around the form and in the form as appropriate.”

She said she walks a fine line as a choreographer. She makes many small decisions where she is mindful of Kathak’s roots. She holds true to the core of what her teacher taught about the art form — to be an artist is to give and that the art form is there to bring joy.

“Our core purpose at Leela Dance is to bring joy through Kathak,” Mehta said.

“That is something we preserve in everything we do. No matter what we do, if the audience isn’t walking away joyful, we haven’t done our job.”

Workshops and performances All the ReSound public performances are free and workshops — which can be taken live or virtually — are $10 each. Workshop registration is available online at

leela.dance/resound.

The full schedule of performances and workshops in the Los Angeles half of ReSound are: • 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22: “Before Bollywood” workshop, The Vault Dance Studio, Pasadena.

• 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23: “Bare Feet Beats” workshop, Evolution Studios, North Hollywood.

• Noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 24: Grand Park performance, Downtown Los Angeles.

• 6:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 24: The Village at Topanga performance, Woodland Hills.

• 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 25: “From Sensuality to Spirituality” workshop, The Electric Lodge, Venice.

• 1:30 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 25, Third Street performance at the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica.

• 5:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 25: Pasadena Memorial Park.

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 26: Kathak Karnival, family festival, workshop and performance, Oak Canyon Community Park, Oak Park.

• 3 to 4 p.m. Sept. 26: “The Indian Avatars” workshop, Diaz Studio of Dance, Culver City.

• 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 26: “Movement, Music and Meditation” workshop, Diaz Studio of Dance, Culver City.

• 5:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26: Culver City Town Plaza performance.

“I would definitely recommend coming to both a workshop and a performance, if possible,” Mehta said. “Seeing the art form is one way to experience it, but there is nothing like getting on the dance floor and moving your body. It’s a whole other level of experience, and audience members can do both.”

“ReSound: Kathak in the Streets” by the Leela Dance Collective WHEN/WHERE: Sept. 17 to Sept. 19 in San Francisco; Sept. 22 to Sept. 26 in Los Angeles COST: Free; registration required for some events INFO: leela.dance/resound

TWITTER: @ DOWNTOWNNEWS

22 DOWNTOWN NEWS

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

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CA residents scramble to get last Walking Liberty Rolls CALIFORNIA - Once California residents got wind that California State Restricted Bank Rolls filled with Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s were being handed over, there was a mad dash to get them. That’s because some of these U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins are already worth hundreds in collector value.

“It’s like a run on the banks. The phones are ringing off the hook. That’s because everyone is trying to get them before they’re all gone,” according to officials at the National Mint and Treasury who say they can barely keep up with all the orders.

In fact, they had to impose a strict limit of 4 California State Restricted Bank Rolls. So, if you get the chance to get your hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls you better hurry because hundreds of California residents already have and you don’t want to miss out.

You see, the U.S. Gov’t stopped mint-

ing these Silver Walking Liberties in 1947 and there can never be any more which makes them extremely collectible.

And here’s the best part. The rolls are unsearched so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value.

That’s why at just the $39 state minimum set by National Mint and Treasury it’s a deal too good to pass up.

But you better hurry because these California State Restricted Bank Rolls are the only ones known to exist and California residents are grabbing them up as fast as they can.

That’s because they make amazing gifts for children, grandchildren and loved ones. Just imagine the look on their face when you hand them one of the State Restricted Rolls — they’ll tell everyone they know what you did for them.

■ GOT ‘EM: Residents all across California who get their hands on these State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls are definitely showing them off. That’s because they are the only ones known to exist. And here’s the best part, these Bank Rolls are loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty coins some dating back to the early 1900’s and worth up to 100 times their face value so everyone wants them.

Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to California residents California residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for the next 2 days STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per CA resident has been imposed CALIFORNIA - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist.

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

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

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

But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls still in pristine condition is like finding buried treasure. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said.

“Now that the State of California Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we won’t be surprised if thousands of California residents claim the maxi(Continued on next page)

SILVER: one of the last silver coins minted for circulation

VALUABLE: minted in philadelphia, denver & san francisco

ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL: year varies 1916-1947

RARELY SEEN: minted by the u.s. mint in the early 1900’s R1043R-2

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

DOWNTOWN NEWS 23

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(Continued from previous page)

mum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne.

“That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of California Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what California residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say.

And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of California you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline.

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

“Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said.

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

“We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said.

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

HOW TO CLAIM THE LAST STATE RESTRICTED BANK ROLLS FACTS:

If you are a California State Resident read the important information below about claiming the State Silver Bank Rolls, then call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 8:30 am: 1-800-979-3771 EXT: RWB2071

Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:

Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible.

The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation.

That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:

It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them.

Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only California State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Why are so many California residents claiming them:

Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all California residents are guaranteed to get them for the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.

How do I get the State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls:

California residents are authorized to claim up to the limit of 4 State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls by calling the State Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-979-3771 Ext. RWB2071 starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning. Everyone who does is getting the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist.

That’s a full Bank Roll containing 15 Silver Walking Liberties from the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty, which is just $585 for the full Bank Rolls and that’s a real steal because non state residents are not permitted to call before 5 pm tomorrow and must pay $1,770 for each California State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Roll if any remain.

R1043R-2

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

24 DOWNTOWN NEWS AUGUST 23, 2021

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 DOWNTOWN NEWS 7

Tomer Peretz Brings Depth and Raw Emotion to Downtown Los Angeles

By Danielle Casilio Walking into Ouro Gallery, located at 211 S Broadway, you are immediately welcomed into a world of contrasts. The space is rugged - once serving as a textile factory, with exposed steel beams and exposed brick walls. Elegant canvas paintings are mixed with graffiti-style street art and conceptual installations like re-finished wooden palettes and a hot pink shopping cart.

This is Ouro Gallery, the creation of Los Angeles-based Israeli conceptual artist Tomer Peretz.

Who is Tomer Peretz?

Tomer Peretz moved to Los Angeles 17 years ago. An artist since he was a child growing up in Jerusalem, moving to America allowed Peretz to fully express his talents and find inspiration. His work spans across different mediums, including oil and acrylic paintings and contemporary installations. Currently, he is represented by Giancarlo Pedrazzini in the ‘Fabbrica Eos’ gallery in Milan, Italy, and his artwork has been exhibited in galleries throughout the United States, Israel, Central America and Europe.

Speaking with Tomer, it is clear that his perspective on the world around us is unique. He is curious about the world and urges us to re-think the issues we face as a society, or just as human beings. He isn’t saying all of this with his words - that’s what the art is for. The art tells a controversial story about our culture and the forces behind it. The exhibit currently being showcased at Ouro Gallery entitled ‘Welcome To America’ in fact says all of this quite loudly.

Welcome To America The first time I visited the gallery was during the live showing of the ‘Welcome To America’ exhibit. The space is very DTLA, filled with expensive art and beautiful people. A harpist plays in the background as we purchase $20 cocktails. No one bats an eye, because this is Los Angeles and we are in an art gallery, of course.

Experiencing the first floor of the gallery gave visitors a sense of status.

I am here with the wealthy, with the trendy, with the important. Along one side of the gallery were canvas paintings - portraits mostly. Detailed and striking, some were incomplete to allow you to focus on the part of the image you were intended to see - the part that held the most emotion, perhaps.

Across the exhibit, along the opposite wall, were 6 re-finished wooden pallets. Each came with a hefty price tag, upsetting most viewers. One woman next to me sneered in disgust as she read the price aloud. Emotional responses to wood pallets? Fascinating.

Next, we were ushered into the next part of the exhibit. Working our way up the four flights of stairs, we came across a man. A homeless man. A crazy homeless man, talking to himself and surrounded by garbage. Nobody from the exhibit seemed to notice him, but everyone in my group began shifting uncomfortably. Why is this person here and why wasn’t security doing anything about it?

Enter into the 8000 square foot space, and your senses seem unable to adjust to what’s happening. The lighting is dim, the air is thick and hot, it smells like garbage, and it is quiet except for a few distinct noises - the crying out of homeless people, and the bleating of live sheep. All around you are tents, suitcases, mattresses and dirty old furniture. By now you start to realize that this is the exhibit, the 20+ homeless people are in fact actors, and your emotions are part of it as well.

The art that Tomer displayed in this section of the gallery was a bit different from the first section. Old framed pieces that had been found in thrift stores were spackled with cement, and tagged with graffiti messages that told you the story behind the exhibit. Art dealers crowded around the ex-

Tomer Peretz is at Ouro Gallery DTLA

Tomer Peretz at Ouro gallery, in front of his “Incomplete” series

Photo by Gabriel Ervin

Photo by Casey Reynolds

pensive pieces, pushing sales and disregarding the disgust that lay behind them. However, the true art form showcased was Peretz’ ability to use installations such as a barbed-wire enclosed student working in solitude, CRT televisions, and old newspapers boasting headlines that tell the story of a nation.

What’s next for Ouro?

Although the live exhibit is currently not showing, Peretz notes that it will be back at a later date. Since the closing of the live exhibit, Ouro Gallery is continuing to bring artists and creative thinkers together in a collaborative way. Regularly hosting tattoo artists, there is an underground vibe within the space. Tomer boasts a warm and welcoming energy, making the gallery feel like home to everyone.

Ouro Gallery brings vibrancy to Downtown Los Angeles. A perspective on American culture that is subtle and well-thought out, instead of raging and sporadic, the emotional depth of the gallery is sure to attract critical thinkers and art lovers alike.

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IG @TOMERPERETZART @OUROGALLERY EMAIL: OUROGALLERY@GMAIL.COM