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Concept project Re-Charge LA, created by the LA design team for Woods Bagot, reimagines gas and electric fueling stations, mixing LA culture, car meetups and an outdoor event space.

The Flor 401 Lofts in Skid Row won for the Housing and Multi-Family Affordable Housing category and features a fresh design integrating intentional community spaces for social interaction and a feeling of openness, according to KoningEizenberg Architecture design studio.

Photo courtesy of Woods Bagot LA Studio

Photo by Eric Staudenmaier

Four DTLA architectural projects win awards

By Andres de Ocampo LA Downtown News Staff Writer our Downtown LA projects were winners at the Los Angeles Business Council’s 51st annual Architectural Awards.

“This year’s winners break the mold for how creative, elegant design can build a better future for our city,” LABC President Mary Leslie said.

“Visionaries like the great Frank Gehry show us how architecture and development can help celebrate and reinvent LA’s rich legacy, while inspiring the next generation to do the same.”

LABC received hundreds of submissions for the architectural award cere-

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mony. Submissions for awards fell into categories like health care, education and housing. The judge’s panel ranged from architecture to building development experts.

Gehry, a world-renowned architect, whose well-known works include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in DTLA and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, was the recipient of the award ceremony’s first LA Community Legacy Award. The prize celebrates Gehry’s architecture and how it benefited LA and inspired others, all while connecting people with their environment.

Gehry is the designer of The Grand LA, a project said to revitalize Downtown by

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introducing a large destination center blends charging stations with car meetfor shopping, entertainment and hospi- ups. A digital screen is available for car tality. The project is scheduled to open owners to watch movies while their vein early 2022 and is across the street hicle charges. from Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The sustainability award was granted During the ceremony, presenters to the LA Department of Transportation named four architectural award re- (LADOT) Bus Maintenance Facility, decipients in DTLA for categories in In- signed by Pasadena’s architectural deEXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski novation and Technology in a Busi- sign studio GAA+. The construction for STAFF WRITERS: Andrew Checchia, Andres De Ocampo, Julia Shapero n e s s E nv i ro n m e n t , WRITERS: S u s t a i Sara n a bEdwards, i l i t y, Kamala the site CONTRIBUTING Kirk was completed in 2020 and feaART DIRECTORS: Affordable Arman Olivares,and Stephanie Torresparking, fueling and maintenance Housing-Multi-Family tures Education. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Chavez for 70 natural gas and electric-fueled CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Myriam Santos The winning Innovation and TechLADOT DASH buses.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb nology in a FOUNDER Business Environment The Flor 401 Lofts project in Skid EMERITUS: Sue Laris project went to Re-Charge LA, designed Row received an award for the Housing:

by Woods Bagot. The concept reimag- Multi-Family Affordable category. The ines gas and charging stations in LA. It project was designed by KoningEizen-

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski STAFF WRITERS: Andres de Ocampo, Annika Tomlin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lynda Lin Grigsby, Frier McCollister, Bridgette M. Redman, Ellen Snortland STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris Mortenson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jonathan Weiner, Tom Bonner, Martin Cox, Eric Staudenmeier, Paul Vu 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 design for the Heart of LA’s new performance and event space won an award in the Education category and gives the nonprofit a space to provide underserved youth a place to practice and perform, as a part of HOLA’s music education program, according to architecture design studio Berliner Architects.

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The new LADOT DASH bus maintenance facility, designed by GAA+, won an award for the Sustainability category and can provide 70 DASH buses with maintenance and gas and electric fueling.

Photo by Tom Bonner

berg Architecture in Santa Monica and features 99 permanent supportive housing units with “tree canopied courtyards and strategically located community spaces encourage social interaction.”

For the Education award, the Culver City architecture studio Berliner Architects’ design for the Heart of Los Angeles’ new performance center and event space won. The Heart of LA (HOLA) is a

nonprofit providing underserved youth with free academic, art and athletic after-school programs. The performance center in Lafayette Park provides HOLA with an opportunity and space for music education and other activities for youth.

The night’s grand prize went to Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium that will host the 2022 Super Bowl. The mixed-use development provides Inglewood with un-

Photo by Paul Vu

matched user flexibility.

The LABC’s award ceremony was hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It attracted winners, elected officials and the architecture project design teams to commemorate the minds and individuals working to push Los Angeles’ culture forward through design and infrastructure.

LA County Supervisor Holly Mitch-

ell said, “Los Angeles welcomes dream chasers and fearless innovators who harness our region’s boundless creative energy to build something new.

“From Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, these forward-looking architectural designs will captivate locals, attract new visitors and inspire the next generation of visionaries.”

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Documentarian wants Fletcher Bowron Square renamed

By Lynda Lin Grigsby LA Downtown News Contributing Writer he name on the wall near city hall makes Steve Nagano’s blood boil.

Fletcher Bowron Square offers a small respite from Downtown’s urban structures with open space and public art. But for Nagano, the square’s namesake evokes painful memories.

Nagano lives in Little Tokyo, within walking distance of the square, but his family roots stretch from Los Angeles to Arizona because in 1942 his father Paul M. Nagano was one of the many Japanese Americans who during World War II were forced to leave their homes for desolate government “camps” surrounded by barbed wire.

Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor plunged the United States into war and stoked fear that Japanese American friends and neighbors could be spies. In Los Angeles, the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Angelenos received the full-throated support of the city’s mayor — Fletcher Bowron.

Bowron fanned the flames of hysteria that directly led to the unjust incarceration of many families like his, said Nagano, so he is leading an effort to rename the square.

“The pain, the suffering, the loss, the PTSD,” said Nagano, 71. “It can be traced back to people like Bowron.”

Nagano’s new shor t documentary, “Putting Them Where They Could Do No Harm,” is a bold call to action for the

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city and its residents to rethink a place named after a former city leader who is credited with modernizing Los Angeles but also criticized for his handling of race relations.

“There’s a lot of argument that his record on race relations, especially during the war for all the minority groups, was abysmal,” said Michael Holland, archivist at the Los Angeles City Archives.

Bowron was Los Angeles’ 35th mayor from 1938 to 1953. During his tenure, he had a weekly radio broadcast used to rally support, lambast political opponents, and give wartime justifications for the forced removal and incarceration of thousands of Japanese Angelenos. Transcripts of Bowron’s Thursday night radio speeches are preserved in the city archives.

Nagano’s documentary gives voice to Bowron’s fiery words and highlights the mayor’s wartime discriminatory acts, including putting 39 Japanese American city employees on an indefinite leave of absence and advocating to strip citizenship rights from Japanese Americans.

At wartime, Los Angeles was home to a large population of Japanese Angelenos, who the mayor said posed a security threat because their loyalty to the United States could never be determined.

In a Feb. 5, 1942, radio address, Bowron advocated for the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans in federal prison camps away from West Coast where they could aid war efforts by growing food

Little Tokyo resident Steve Nagano is leading the effort to rename Fletcher Bowron Square.

Photo courtesy of Patty Nagano

and manufacturing rubber substitute.

“Certainly, some way should be devised for keeping the native-born Japanese out of mischief,” Bowron said.

Days later, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, ordering the mass removal of 110,000 Japanese Americans living on the West Coast.

Paul M. Nagano was an aspiring minister living in Boyle Heights when he left everything behind at 21 and was incarcerated at the Poston War Relocation Center in southwestern Arizona. He was born in Little Tokyo and never convicted of any mischief.

The internment is considered a stain in American history. In 1988, the U.S. government issued a formal apology and monetary compensation to the victims of the mass incarceration.

Steve Nagano made the film to raise awareness about how a city leader like Bowron played a role in creating racial trauma but continues to be celebrated.

Angelenos drive by the square and take in the sights of the Triforium art sculpture without knowing the full history of the square’s namesake. He wants to change that.

“People watch the film and say, ‘I never knew,’” Nagano said.

A new report from the mayor’s office on how to celebrate Los Angeles history addresses this type of cultural amnesia.

The “Past Due” report was written by the Civic Memory Working Group, which in-

cluded of 40 historians, scholars and Indigenous leaders.

“We have for too long in Los Angeles accepted a comfortable amnesia when it comes to reckoning with some of the most fraught aspects of our history,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said in the report.

Last summer, the murder of George Floyd ignited protests and a national reckoning with the country’s racially fraught past. Monuments to Confederate leaders toppled, a National Football League team changed its long-criticized name, and buildings dropped the names of historical figures with checkered pasts.

Nagano kept thinking about Fletcher Bowron Square.

He started an online petition calling for the square’s renaming. The petition has 1,394 signatures.

Fletcher Bowron Square was dedicated in a 1975 ceremony seven years after Bowron’s death. The square sits on top of the site that used to house the Bella Union Hotel. A plaque at the site also commemorates the hotel’s history.

Bowron was a lawyer and Superior Court judge whose reputation for fairness and honesty earned him the mayorship in 1938 as a Republican progressive to foil the corrupt reputation of his predecessor, Frank Shaw.

“Fletcher Bowron is really known, if for nothing else, for his honesty,” said Tom Sitton, curator emeritus of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and author of “Los Angeles Transformed:

Fletcher Bowron Square is home to the Triforium, a public art structure at Temple and Main streets.

Submimtted photo

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After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Fletcher Bowron, second from right, placed Japanese American city employees on an indefinite leave of absence. Pictured in 1945, Bowron welcomes some employees back.

Fletcher Bowron Square was dedicated in 1975 ceremony attended by his widow Albine Norton Bowron and Mayor Tom Bradley.

Photo courtesy of the LA City Archives

Photo courtesy of the LA City Archives

Fletcher Bowron’s Urban Reform Revival.”

Bowron was well liked among city employees and modernized Los Angeles as a proponent for expanding public housing, said Sitton, 72. But his failure to address racial discrimination also brought severe criticism.

Bowron later apologized for his wartime treatment of Japanese Americans, most notably when he was out of office and did not have any political gain from it, said Holland, 60.

But for Nagano, contrition rings hollow.

“After the fact, you know, when some-

body apologizes, does it make it go away?” Nagano said.

Fletcher Bowron Square used to be a part of Little Tokyo, said Nagano, with flourishing family businesses until the city took over the area for development.

Inspiration for a new name could draw from many cultural sources, he said.

“I think any renaming should reflect a rededication to a principle that brings people together,” said Warren Furutani, a former California State Assembly member and senior adviser of Councilmember Kevin de León’s office.

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Nagano wants to rename the square a Tongva name to celebrate the area’s Indigenous history. City leaders say they want to talk about how to better commemorate Los Angeles history. “ Th e a c t i o n s a n d co m m e nt s o f then-Mayor Fletcher Bowron fueled the unconstitutional displacement of Japanese Americans and has been an episode in our history from which we’re still trying to heal,” de León said.

“I welcome any conversation that aims to help us confront our painful past and restore justice for those who were victims

of prejudice and racism.”

It is a name of a small square in Downtown, but as the “Past Due” report cites, making memorials and tearing them down is a political act. The report also asks: How do we retire memorials that have stood beyond their meaning or appropriateness?

In “Putting Them Where They Could Do No Harm,” the filmmaker answers the question by digitally erasing Bowron’s name.

“I just think it’s a slam dunk,” Nagano said.

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Vietnamese electric vehicle brand to debut at auto show

By Andres de Ocampo LA Downtown News Staff Writer ew car manufacturers and models, as well as experiential attractions, will welcome the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show Friday, Nov. 19, to Sunday, Nov. 28.

Lefteris “Lefty” Tsironis, senior director of strategy and business development with LA Auto Show, said the event is a tradition for Angelenos and car enthusiasts.

“It’s a tradition that people from LA and beyond have been waiting to return to for a long time,” he said.

The show has been postponed twice, in November 2020 and May 2021. Now, the million-square-foot show is on schedule for Nov. 19 and will be hosted at the LA Convention Center.

“There are a lot of new automakers from Southern California and beyond that are going to be making their debuts,” Lefty said.

VinFast will bring its electric SUVS, marking its North American debut. The Vietnamese automotive brand will sit alongside es-

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tablished car brands like Porsche, Kia and Subaru to present their new car models and products.

Attendees can expect many attractions, including outdoor exhibitions from Jeep, BMW and Ford and opportunities to test drive select cars. In addition, Tsironis said this year’s event will be an “experiential, discovery zone,” for consumers who are curious or already interested in electric vehicles.

Recognizing the demand and interest in electric vehicles, the LA Auto Show will host a 55,000-square-foot electric vehicle test track for patrons.

“We’ve never done this before. It will be the first time you will be seeing this at any auto show,” he said.

“I think it’s going to be a really pivotal year in the (automotive) industry, because you’re going to see the juxtaposition between established automakers that have been around for 100 years and these new (automakers) who are coming out with some incredible innovations to give consumers new options,” Tsironis said about

Burbank to Los Angeles ProjectSection Section Burbank to Los Angeles Project

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY / Open House Project Update Meetings NOTICE OF AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING March 9 - 13, 2020

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announces the availability of the ALL UPDATE MEETINGS WILL BE IDENTICAL WITH A Final PROJECT Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Burbank to Los Angeles Project Section of the California High-Speed Rail Project.

The Final EIR/EIS and associated documents will be available to the public on November 5, 2021.

BURBANK LOS ANGELES* The Final EIR/EISMonday, is available online9,in2020 PDF at the Authority’s website (www.hsr.ca.gov).

You can also request March Thursday, March 12, 2020 an electronic copy by calling (877) 977-1660. Printed and or electronic copies of the Final EIR/EIS have been 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. placed at the following library locations and can be viewed during hours the faciilities are open (open days / Buena Vista Branch Library Cypress Park Recreation Center hours may be reduced for compliance with coronavirus public health and safety directives): 300 N Buena Vista St Burbank Burbank, CA 91505

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2630 Pepper Ave Los Angeles, CA 90065

Printed and/or electronic copies of the Buena Vista Branch Library Atwater Village Branch Library Final EIR/EIS and electronic copies of Meeting 300 N Buena Vista Street 3379 Glendale Boulevard *English/Spanish GLENDALE / ATWATER technical virtual Openassociated House starts at 5:30 reports p.m. are also Northwest Branch Library Chinatown BranchThe Library availablestarts for review during Wednesday, Live webcast presentation at 6:00 p.m. business 3323 W Victory BoulevardMarch 11, 2020639 N Hill Street hours at the Authority’s Headquarters 5:30 Library p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Burbank Central Cypress Park Branch Library http://ustream.tv/channel/chsra at 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, GlendaleBoulevard Adult Recreation Center 110 N Glenoaks 1150 Cypress Avenue Sacramento, CA and by appointment at 201 E Colorado St Lincoln Heights Branch Library Glendale the Authority’s Southern California Street Glendale, CA 91205 2530 WorkmanFor Pacific Park & Community Center more information, please visitathsr.ca.gov Regional Office 355 S Grand Avenue, Little Tokyo Branch Library 501 S Pacific Avenue Suite 2050, Los Angeles, CA. To make an 203 SThe LosLos Angeles Street *English/Spanish Meeting: Angeles meeting will be conducted in English Glendale Central Library appointment to view the documents, Spanish. English presentation starts at 6:00 p.m.; Spanish presentation 222 E Harvardand Street please call (323) 610-2819. starts at 7:00 p.m. Simultaneous translation will be offered during both presentations.

Grandview Library 1535 Fifth Street AUTHORITY BOARD *Join Us Via Webcast: The Los Angeles meetingMEETING will also be offered as a webcast.

Theofvirtual Openwill House at 5:30meeting p.m. Theon liveJanuary webcast19presentation The Authority’s Board Directors holdstarts a two-day and January 20, 2022 at 11 am 6:00 p.m.EIR/EIS To participate in the live webcast, go to: to consider whether to starts certifyatthe Final and approve the Preferred Alternative (the HSR Build http://ustream.tv/channel/chsra.

Alternative, including the Burbank Station) pursuant to CEQA. The Authority’s Board of Directors, in the Authority’s role as NEPA lead agency, will also consider whether to AND OTHER NEEDS direct the Authority Chief LANGUAGES Executive Officer to issue a Record of Decison for the Burbank to Los Angeles Interpretación enAlternative español será todas lasincluding reuniones.

Project Section selecting the Preferred (thedisponible HSR Build en Alternative, the Burbank Station) in the Authority’s role as NEPA lead agency. Documents andMeeting materials supporting the Authority’s Board Other language requests can be accommodated upon request. facilities are accessible for persons withof Directors’ proposed willaccommodations be available prior to the meeting on the Board‘s webthree pageworking at disabilities.

All requests for actions reasonable and/or language services must be made days (72 hours) in advance of the scheduled meeting date. Please call (877) 977-1660 or the Authority’s https://hsr.ca.gov/about/board-of-directors/schedule/.

TTY/TTD number at (916) 403-6943 for assistance.

Please check the project section website (www.hsr.ca.gov) for more information, including links to the youtube.com/ facebook.com/ environmental document and other project materials. @cahsra CAHighSpeedRail CaliforniaHighSpeedRail

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car manufacturers and electric vehicles.

Tsironis said with several zero-emission vehicle mandates on the table and private companies making pledges to decrease their carbon footprint, “Electric vehicles will be on the forefront of everyone’s minds this year (at the auto show). You’ll really feel it on the auto show floor.”

Tsironis said the LA Auto Show is an “inclusive environment,” which prompts neutrality about the type of car and power source it utilizes, whether that be an internal combustion engine, a battery or a hybrid. There is still an existing and growing demand for electric vehicles.

Tsironis referenced a survey LA Auto Show did earlier this year with show attendees that revealed a 78% increase in electric vehicle interest.

Founded in 2017, VinFast is one of the newer electric car brands making an appearance at the event. Vingroup is the largest private conglomerate in Vietnam with a focus on technology, industry and services.

In an emailed interview with LA Downtown News, VinFast’s U.S. CEO, Van Ann Nguyen,

expressed that the company’s focus is on becoming “a global smart electric vehicle brand.”

Nguyen said the pandemic and related supply chain issues have not affected it. It has “made us more flexible to achieve our goals,” she said.

“As planned, we will launch the VF e35 and VF e36 models globally in 2022 and participate in several large-scale exhibition events in the U.S. and Europe. While adapting to new conditions in COVID-19, we also take this chance to promote the development of the domestic supporting industries, restructure supply chains to reduce dependence on external sources, and diversify sales methods.”

VinFast plans to participate in other large-scale exhibitions in the United States and Europe. The two SUV models will be available for preorder in 2022.

The car company quickly became popular in Vietnam, and Nguyen said that VinFast “has prepared and researched thoroughly to understand the U.S. market and its consumer insights.

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“Thus, our product strategy is ‘tailor-made’ to meet the U.S. market’s customer demands and operating conditions.”

Nguyen specifically mentioned its two latest models of electric vehicles, which it believes will provide for the needs of Western consumers. The company said the two vehicles will “have designs that meet American needs and habits and are equipped with many smart technologies that contribute to a user-friendly and valuable experience to users.”

Technology included in the car includes “remote firmware updates, smartphone — smart city connectivity, voice control, native-language virtual assistant, theft warning, learning and remembering user habits, service center locating, etc.,” according to Nguyen.

VinFast’s popularity in Vietnam is attributed to its team of “reputable experts” with experience working with other major car manufacturer companies, along with their product quality, after sales services and outstanding sales policies. “ The U.S. is a vast market, with open-minded consumers, strong development potential, economic conditions and favorable policies. Therefore, it is the most suitable place for VinFast to have a strong foothold in the global market. …

Regarding services, our battery rental policy and 10-year warranty (will eliminate) customer concerns. VinFast will always directly connect and interact with customers

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through centralized marketing that focuses on building a modern experience, along with traditional communication methods,” Nguyen said about the unique aspect of the company.

VinFast, having its sights on becoming a reputable, global car brand, is also focused on sustainability and “intends to play a significant role in the global development of green transportation,” Nguyen said.

Tsironis, noting that the LA Auto Show is not just for car enthusiasts, said, “So many different companies have come through the (LA Auto Show) to present their innovations because of the notoriety of the show being inclusive of all (vehicle) powertrains.

“Not only is the LA Auto Show an informational place, it’s a tradition for Angelenos. It’s a big, big tradition for so many people to come from all over because they want to spend time with their family and friends.”

General admission tickets are available for the event, along with VIP group tours, which allows for an extra experience where goers will be accompanied by an automotive journalist and see the new vehicles on the show floor for a slightly more expensive ticket, according to Tsironis.

Though the auto show serves different purposes to each individual, some purposes and intentions aligning with others, Tsironis said, “We create an environment for automakers and other innovators to come and introduce their products and their ser-

VinFast’s VF e36 is one of its latest electric SUVs to be showcased with other new car manufacturers at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. It is the brand’s North American debut.

Photo courtesy of VinFast

vices and themselves, but ultimately the consumer decides what impression it has, having come to the show.

“We as the show provide not only the

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space for this to happen but a fun experience. That’s where the beautiful mix happens, where it’s not just information and it’s not just entertainment. It’s both.”

Los Angeles Auto Show WHEN: Various times Friday, Nov. 19 to Sunday, Nov. 28 WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles COST: Tickets start at $20 INFO: laautoshow.com

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City charges owner of low-income senior housing

By Andres de Ocampo LA Downtown News Staff Writer ity attorney Mike Feuer’s office has filed 16 misdemeanor charges against the owner and operator of Cathay Manor, a 16-story, 270-unit low-income senior citizen residential building.

Gong Donald Toy — president and CEO of the nonprofit Chinese Community on Aging (CCOA) Housing Corp.

— and the CCOA are listed as the defendants, as the owner, operator and organization tied to the ownership of the residential building in Chinatown.

CCOA is an eligible and active nonprofit organization applicant for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) section 202 supportive housing for the elderly program, according to the HUD database.

The HUD senior housing program provides property applicants with capital advances to finance the construction, rehabilitation or acquisition, with or without rehabilitation of structures, that will serve as supportive housing for very low-income elderly persons and provides rent subsidies for the projects to help make them affordable, HUD’s website states.

Occupancy for properties like Cathay Manor that are a part of the section 202 program are open to any low-income household with at least one member being 62 years old or older at the time of initial occupancy.

Toy was charged because two elevators were allegedly out of service, despite city orders to fix them, and he failed to test and maintain them in accordance with fire safety protocols. He has been cited by Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) for fire protection violations, Feuer said.

Toy could not be reached for a statement about the city ’s filed charges against him and CCOA. “(Cathay Manor’s) two elevators have not been functioning for days, and that’s not right,” Feuer said.

“It is outrageous that vulnerable senior citizens that live in a 16-story highrise are, essentially, trapped in their (apartment) units. They have endured multiple days without any elevator service.”

The investigation started with an anonymous complaint made to a Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (DBS) official on Sept. 1. DBS handles building- and safety-related issues,

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including inspections, safety code enforcement, construction and building repair permits.

During the DBS inspector’s visit to Cathay Manor on Sept. 1, it was confirmed that the elevators were out of service and an order was issued to repair them.

One of the elevators was then repaired prior to the next DBS inspection a week later.

In mid-October, DBS received another complaint and confirmed that the elevators were, again, inoperable and they have remained that way, even after many confirmations and issued orders from DBS to fix them.

Feuer said under current city law, building operators are required to have at least one operable passenger elevator servicing residents of a building. The city’s 16 charges filed against Toy and CCOA each carry a $1,000 penalty and up to six months in jail, according to Feuer.

“We’ve filed these charges and we’re going to seek conditions associated with the release of the individuals on their own recognizance that will include the requirement that they adhere to the city’s law,” he said.

Feuer said the city is trying to get Toy to comply and repair the elevators and other building safety issues on his own.

The city is also exploring alternative steps by working with elevator repair operators, pending Toy’s failure to act.

However, “there is a not a complete solution yet for the people living (in Cathay Manor),” Feuer said.

Cam Ngoc Truong, 80, and Ly Tran, 72, are Cathay Manor residents living on the eighth floor in the 16-story building, and they hope the elevators are fixed soon.

Truong and Tran share similar experiences about the building’s elevators and other problems with the property, with each other and with other tenants in the building, and many of the tenants, like Truong and Tran, speak very little English.

Truong has lived in the building for 11 years and said that it’s “difficult” and tiring for her to travel up and down the stairs. She is concerned how she will take the stairs if she is ill. Truong cries sometimes because it’s hard for her to have to constantly take the stairs at her age, she said.

Ly Tran’s experience has not been much different. She said her experience with both of the building’s elevators being inoperable has been incon-

City Attorney Mike Feuer publicly addresses 16 criminal charges against the owner and operator of Chinatown’s Cathay Manor, a 16-story, low-income residential building for senior citizens, after complaints of inoperable elevators.

Photo courtesy of Mike Feuer’s office

venient and uncomfortable. Tran said the residents on the 16th floor must feel trapped in their apartment.

Tran said she hopes the laundry room also opens soon. It’s operational, but without an elevator, it becomes hard for residents to carry their laundry up and down the stairs.

Councilmember Gil Cedillo, District 1, issued a statement concerning the safety and access for seniors and tenants living in Cathay Manor, not long after Feuer’s Oct. 28 news conference.

Cedillo acknowledged global supply chain issues, which make it difficult to gain access to parts. In this case, however, the elevator company is no longer in business.

The councilmember noted that his office, along with the Housing Department, Department of Building and Safety, previously tried to fix the elevator, but it was inspected and tagged as being noncompliant because the elevator did not stop appropriately on certain floors.

Cedillo began to work on immediate solutions with “the appropriate city departments, including the Housing Department, Department of Building and Safety, and the City Attorney’s Civil Branch to have one elevator in operation,” he said.

Cedillo said that the city is working on “getting one elevator manually operated while the second elevator will be modernized. We hope to have a manual operator within the next 48 hours,” he said.

Feuer’s comments were consistent with Cedillo’s, in that his office has been reaching out to relevant city departments to “determine what the city can do to grapple with this issue. There are steps underway to try to evaluate these things that never should have gotten to this stage,” he said.

“This, for the people living in Cathay Manor, is a crisis. I have to say, for those of us that have older relatives, it’s hard not feel personally about this issue,” Feuer said.

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

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SMITH’S OPINION

Uncovering the women of history

By Ellen Snortland LA Downtown News Columnist hat is Veterans Day? It’s a day to honor all veterans, regardless of the war they fought in. Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated Nov. 11, 1918, the day “The Great War to End All Wars” — later renamed World War I — was over. If you’re a faithful reader, you know my particular lens is “Where are the women?” Most of the women who played pivotal roles in that ghastly conflict are rarely, if ever, mentioned.

Who are some of these WWI MIA gals?

Let’s start with three notables: Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg; the U.S. coterie of “Silent Sentinels”; and Rep. Jeannette Rankin of Montana.

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• Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg — Sophie’s story reminds me of the perennial trick question, “Who’s buried in Grant’s tomb?” The answer’s obvious … except it’s not. Next time someone asks you that question, hit them back with: “Julia and Ulysses are buried there!” When it comes to the missing women of history, you often have to dig deeper. Conversely, I doubt if anyone will ever ask you, “Whose assassination started World War I?” If they do, you can say Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Duchess Sophie Hohenberg.

During their visit to Sarajevo, Duchess Hohenberg was assassinated along with her husband on that fateful day in 1914 while riding in a topless and horseless carriage. Sophie was the “hapless” wife of Franz Ferdinand. I couldn’t resist that groan-worthy play on words since Sophie was of a much lower rank than her husband, the heir presumptive to the Hapsburg throne. Sophie was a mere lady in waiting, their courtship was scandalous, and dear Franz was a fervent sort who wouldn’t give Sophie up. To marry, they had to agree not to pass the Hapsburg scepter to any of their issue.

Imagine: you’re riding along in a tense urban setting, you are with your husband, and suddenly a blast. You’ve been hit in the stomach by a bullet. Your husband is next. He leans over; his last words to you are, “Don’t die, Sophie. Stay alive for the children.”

Sophie was forbidden to attend most public appearances. Then, a change was

made in the parade route due to an earlier bomb, causing the drivers to back up.

While they were reversing, a young Bosnian, Gavrilo Princip, was sitting in a café not expecting to his enemies. He saw the couple from his window seat, grabbed his pistol, ran out, and shot both the Duchess and the Archduke. The couple died en route to the hospital. Her death — or even that she was there at all — is never mentioned. So, what is Sophie, chopped liver?

• The Silent Sentinels — President Woodrow Wilson had initially been against America entering the war, and mainly due to his wife Edith’s strong influence, also exceedingly against American women’s suffrage. Eventually, the United States joined the Great War in 1917 with the express purpose, as Wilson said, of saving democracy for Europe. For American women who could not participate in their own country’s democracy, the hypocrisy of that statement was too much to bear. Dozens of intrepid American suffragists, led by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, could not remain silent any longer. They decided to picket the White House to bring attention to the issue; picketing the White House had never been done before. The picket signs read “Mr. President: What Will You Do for Woman Suffrage?” and “How Long Must Women Wait for Liberty?” The most gut-wrenching sign read, “It Is Unjust to Deny Women a Voice in Their Government When the Government is Conscripting Their Sons.” Indeed.

• Jeannette Rankin — Finally, Rep. Jeannette Rankin of Montana is one of the most important unsung women of the World War I era. She was the first woman to hold federal office. As of 2021, Rep. Rankin is still the only female member of Congress from Montana! Consider this: Rankin was elected to the House of Representatives in 1916, four years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which codified women’s right to vote in the U.S. Constitution. Rankin won her seat before she could even vote for herself! She was elected again in 1940. It hurts me deeply that, while I was a freshman in college in Montana, she was still alive, and I didn’t know. Had I known

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.

about her, I would have done whatever it took to meet her.

Rankin is best known for being a lifelong pacifist. She voted against both world wars while a member of Congress and served two terms that coincided with the onset of two world wars. She also helped organize anti-Vietnam War demonstrations. It takes big ovaries to be anti-war at any time in our country’s history. Although she was proud of her pacifism, she famously said, “If I am re-

membered for no other act, I want to be remembered as the only woman who ever voted to give women the right to vote.”

Do me a favor: Every time we commemorate something, ask, “Where are the women?” They are there, but you must look for them.

Ellen Snortland has had a burning desire to write a gender column for decades. Contact her at authorbitebybite.com.

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

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Covered California will help PHOTO PAGE

Mariachi Plaza on Día de los Muertos Photos by Chris Mortenson ngelenos remembered deceased loved ones by visiting Mariachi Plaza during Día de los Muertos. Music filled the air as kids had their faces painted. In the end, the altars were a meaningful part of the remembrance.

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Mila Pinon sits for a portrait by artist Robert Vargas.

Muralist and painter Robert Vargas live paints in Boyle Heights.

Damien Gutierrez, Sandra Gutierrez and Lorenzo Gutierrez with their pink 1979 low rider.

Nico Avina and Beatriz Ochoa of Boyle Heights dress the part.

State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, who represents District 24, addresses the festival crowd.

Teohuayolotl Ruiz performs a ceremonial Aztec dance to kick off Día de los Muertos.

Nataly Vasquez, Jazzlyn Rodriguez, Mia Rodriguez, Leyla Calderon and Kimberly Chavez from Mexico Modern Dance Academy in Boyle Heights.

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

Jazz. Cocktails. Food. Fridays!

By LA Downtown News Staff Traxx Restaurant is launching Friday Jazz Nights from 7 to 11 p.m. beginning Nov. 12 on its patio.

Running through the holidays, the evenings feature live jazz, cocktails and an American fare dinner to be served outside under heaters.

The menu of delectable dishes features salmon tartare, Waldorf salad, New York steak frites, crispy skin Scottish salmon and risotto with golden beets and asparagus, fall chicken and grits with apples, dates and carrots in demi-glace, and Traxx’s outdoor patio will host jazz nights shrimp fettuccini in white wine and garlic with fresh tomato and Thai basil — not to on Fridays.

Photo courtesy of Traxx mention its amazing Angus beef burger.

For dessert, try the s’mores flourless chocolate cake with marshmallow meringue, graham cracker crumble and basil.

The oldest cocktail bar in Union Station, Traxx does not let history stop its creativity when it comes to drinks and mixology. Aside from hearty entrees and tasty appetizers, classic gin martinis and an exciting wine and beer menu, it offers a full bar helmed by mixologists.

Try a signature cocktail like its hibiscus sour with its housemade Santa Barbara Citrus bitters. Those on a diet or who prefer to avoid sugar can try the bourbon espresso martini, which is infused with holiday spices.

For adventurous and bold types, there’s the spicy ghost pepper mezcal margarita. A little cold? Sip on Traxx’s ginger hot toddy while enjoying LA’s autumn under the string-lit jacaranda trees. Not feeling boozy? Traxx’s nonalcoholic mint and hibiscus sour is a palate pleaser for those not partaking.

All items are also available in the Traxx Bar for those who are traveling solo or feel like grabbing a great meal and drinks before hitting the Downtown bar scene.

A secret tip: Traxx Bar is the No. 1 place for striking up conversations and meeting new people. Many couples have met at Traxx Bar through the years and even return to get married.

Traxx Bar and Traxx Restaurant (located across the hall from each other) is the longest-standing restaurant and bar in the historic Los Angeles Union Station. Traxx has catered to many of the station’s events and is the only restaurant to reopen after the pandemic mandates.

Traxx delivered more than 55,000 meals to health care workers and people in need during the pandemic, in collaboration with Chef José Andrés Foundation.

Traxx offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, with a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. in the bar.

In bringing this classic restaurant back to life, the new chef, owners and staff are dedicated to creating an intimate patio dining experience with the Friday Jazz Nights.

These jazz nights bring comfort during the holiday season after the last two years.

It will be a season of reflection that will propel us into a better future. The Traxx staff appreciates the guests’ support and admires their strengths.

For reservations, call or text 323-470-7094. Parking is validated for lunch and dinner.

The no-sugar-added bourbon espresso martini is infused with fall spices.

Photo courtesy of Traxx

The 10-ounce New York steak frites is drenched in green peppercorn sauce. Traxx fries are served on the side.

ADVERTORIAL

Photo courtesy of Traxx

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Downtown LA resident Dinh Thai directed two episodes of “New Amsterdam,” including the show on Nov. 2.

Photo courtesy of NBC Universal

DTLA resident Dinh Thai recreates TV’s magic

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor owntown LA resident Dinh Thai’s broken heart worked well for him.

He spent his 20s smoking weed and watching movies. The magic he felt whenever he saw films was something he longed to replicate.

“Being intoxicated and watching the same movies, I had this cloud of confidence,” he said. “The magic I felt when I watched those films was really interesting to me. I was just inspired. I wanted to try to chase that magic and that feeling again. I had an addiction to that feeling.

“I was brokenhearted in my 20s, and I was looking for something. Film and TV spoke to me.”

An alum of NBC’s Emerging Director Program, Thai directed an episode of the network’s “New Amsterdam,” “Harmony,” which aired Nov. 2. It is available on Peacock and NBC On Demand. This is his second go-around with “New Amsterdam.” He directed episode 218 nearly two years ago, and NBC asked him to return.

With “New Amsterdam,” Thai had the pleasure of working with executive producer/writer and former 1970s teen idol Shaun Cassidy.

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“He’s a dream,” Thai said with a laugh.

“He’s great. He’s full of heart. He has a lot of feelings. He and I get along really well.

We became fast friends. I teased him about the white leather pants he wore back then.

He’s very collaborative in between takes and setups. He had notes about what we thought worked, what we thought we could improve on. He’s very close to the characters and all the emotions of the characters. He’s very insightful.”

A Vietnam native, Thai moved to the United States at age 7 in 1980. He grew up in Temple City and attended the Arts Center in Pasadena and Pasadena City College for about 10 years.

“I became an American kid in two months,” he said with a laugh. “For my family, it was pretty tough. They were older.

My mom still has a hard time with the English language. Half of my family moved back to Asia. We’ve gone through a lot of issues. The post-war trauma is real, and we all suffer from it, whether we want to admit it or not.”

His commercial clients include Adidas, Beachbody, T-Mobile, Toyota and the U.S. Navy.

Thai’s narrative work has been featured on HBO, Cinemax, Amazon, Short of the

Week, and Omeleto. Specifically, “Monday,” a short film he wrote and directed, has garnered more than 50 festival awards, including first place in the inaugural HBO Asian Pacific American Visionaries competition; Outstanding Director, Outstanding Actor and Next Generation Filmmaker Award at the prestigious NBCU Shorts Festival; Best Direction at the New York Television Festival and The One Screen Festival; and Best Short Film at Catalyst. He was also recognized as Best New Filmmaker of the Year by NFMLA. Thai was mentored by American cinematographer and TV director Michael Slovis, best known for his work with “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” and “Game of Thrones.” He serves as executive director on “New Amsterdam.”

“He’s a great human being and a great filmmaker,” he said. “He’s a legendary guy.

He’s such an artist. I’ve learned a lot from him. For the crash site in (episode) 407, I had to stage where the crash would be.

He was invaluable in helping me with that.

I had only seen the location for 10 or 15 minutes. He was asking me where the wreck should be. I didn’t really know.

“He had more time with the location. He had been there before, and it made things

better. I’m very thankful.”

Next up, Thai will direct an episode of “The Good Doctor” on ABC. Recently, he wrapped up two episodes of “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” on Hulu. His goal is to work his way into film. He’s also awaiting word on an Asian American pilot he cowrote for Freeform.

“I’m lucky to be working in this field,” Thai said. “I graduated from film school in 2002. It took me a long time to figure it out and get here.

“My first episode was ‘New Amsterdam’ last March, and then last April, I got COVID. I got better, then the pandemic hit. There was almost a year off between the first episode and the second episode of ‘Wu-Tang.’

It’s great to be back on ‘New Amsterdam.’ I have very fond memories of everyone.”

Jocko Sims (Dr. Floyd Reynolds) and Ryan Eggold (Dr. Max Goodwin) were especially welcoming.

“I snuck on the set one time, and everyone was wearing masks,” he said. “Jocko and Ryan were doing surgery and they were wearing their masks as well, but because of surgery. Still, we all recognized each other and they welcomed me with big hugs. It was nice to be appreciated and be a part of the family.”

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Ozomatli understands the plight of Alzheimer’s

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor zomatli multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Ulises Bella said it was an easy decision to headline the Alzheimer’s LA 40th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Nov. 14.

“Alzheimer’s Los Angeles came to us, and the obvious answer for us as a band — me included and (vocalist) Asdru Sierra — was yes,” Bella said.

“Both of his parents are dealing with Alzheimer’s. My mom has dementia. We’re in the thick of it and dealing with it. I’m excited to do this show, talk to people and maybe network, and deal with my own situation. You know, it’s tough — the caregiving, the changing of personalities and what it takes to be a caretaker.”

The Alzheimer’s Los Angeles event will be a celebration of food and music at LA State Historic Park. Gates open at noon.

“We will do anything to help people with diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, AIDS, diabetes, you name it — things that affect the population,” Bella said. “ “The statistics say a lot of us are going to go through it one way or another. You or somebody you know is going to get it.”

Ozomatli will add to the joyful vibe at the celebration.

“We’re always high energy,” he said.

“We’re always trying to bring the party and

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get people to dance and have a good time.

In these situations, having a break and a celebration or some sort of party can be really helpful, mentally.

“I have friends, too, dealing with parents with Alzheimer’s, and the caretaking and taking care of themselves is so intense it becomes life consuming. You have to step away for a hot second.”

Ozomatli’s set list will surely include its recently released single “Fellas,” which features guest appearances by Lisa Lisa of Cult Jam fame and J.J. Fad (“Supersonic”), the latter of whom hasn’t released a recording in more than 30 years.

Bella met Lisa Lisa through social media while he was livestreaming a DJ set of ’80s freestyle.

“I put up a picture of Stevie B and Lisa Lisa,” he said. “It was an old picture of them looking a la ’80s — Lisa Lisa with the headband and Stevie B with his big walrus moustache. Someone tagged Lisa Lisa on it, and she put hearts.

“I commented that I felt Lisa Lisa is beyond the freestyle scene. She had so many hits and she has a hot band. She puts on a great show. She really liked that comment.

We asked her if she wanted to be a part of that song. Lisa Lisa and J.J. Fad have the same manager.”

“Fellas” will appear on Ozomatli’s upcoming David Garza-produced album due

early next year. The band was in the middle of recording on it when the pandemic hit.

“We’ve been sitting on this new album for about a year now,” he said. “It’s been really tough to want to release it and tour on it. We’ll release it, most likely, the beginning of next year. Then, we’ll tour extensively on that.”

Besides Ozomatli, the multicultural festival will include live performances by Grammy Award-winning and nominated member of Ellas, as well as Egyptian Lover, No Small Children, Quinto Sol and DJ Mona Lisa.

Local food vendors and informational booths focusing on brain health and other healthy lifestyle opportunities will also be part of the festivities. Top sponsors of the event include Zenith Media, Biogen, Lilly, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Alfred E. Mann Foundation, Cedars-Sinai, Genentech and Amoeba Music.

“Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has been part of this community for 40 years, and we’re

proud of our long history of working with our partners to provide the care and support families need when facing Alzheimer’s or another dementia,” said Susan Disney Lord, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles board cochair.

“This event celebrates the richness and diversity of our community, and what better way to do that than through food and music?”

With this fundraising event, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is celebrating the past and turning its vision to the future to ensure anyone in need of help can access it.

“This event will help raise awareness about available support and resources within the communities most affected by Alzheimer’s disease,” said Heather Cooper Ortner, president and chief executive officer.

“But it also gives us all a safe place to come together in person and celebrate the community. We all need a reason to celebrate these days and a safe way to do it.”

Alzheimer’s LA 40th Anniversary Celebration WHEN: Noon Sunday, Nov. 14 WHERE: LA State Historic Park, 1501 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles COST: $25 per person; $45 for two people; $80 for four people INFO: https://bit.ly/3q4K3MP

Alzheimer’s LA 40th anniversary celebration will feature a performance by Ozomatli.

Photo courtesy of Ozomatli

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Author, professor unearth the secrets of Parisian cemetery

By Bridgette M. Redman LA Downtown News Contributing Writer n the Nov. 18 virtual episode of CalTech’s “Behind the Book,” viewers are invited to eavesdrop as author and photographer Carolyn Campbell and CalTech professor Jed Buchwald channel three Parisian scientists who are buried in Paris’ Père-Lachaise Cemetery.

The 5 p.m. episode is called “Conversations with the Scientists in Père-Lachaise Cemetery.”

Campbell has recently published “City of Immortals: Père-Lachaise Cemetery, Paris,” a book filled with photographs of the famous cemetery that reveals the history and “interviews” dead artists who are buried there.

The questions are Campbell’s, but the answers are things the artists said while alive, based on exhaustive research that included autobiographies, biographies and interviews.

When she was planning to visit the cemetery, a British friend was worried the restless spirits would harm her. The book relates the story of what he did to protect her — it includes chicken blood and champagne — and its effect on her first visit to the famous park.

The “interviews” in her book feature Sidonie-Gabrielle Collette, Frederic Chopin, Jim Morrison, Honore de Balzac, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Amadeo Modigliani and Isadora

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Duncan.

“There were so many I could have opted for,” Campbell said. “There were so many fascinating stories. I started reading, and my assignment was to read every biography I could of the people on my top 10 list. I must have read about seven books on Oscar Wilde alone.”

Her research enabled her to write easy-toread, engaging interviews with her subjects.

“A lot of people thought, ‘That’s pretty brazen of you to contact all these spirits,’ but I felt I had read enough and, in some cases, interviewed family members,” Campbell said.

She interviewed Oscar Wilde’s grandson, met the manager of Morrison’s the Doors and felt that she could take liberties about asking some challenging questions.

She said her priority was to be respectful, not to dig in the dirt.

Team selected three unusual scientists She said there are more than 70,000 people buried in Père-Lachaise. It’s why she was thrilled to be invited to the CalTech “Behind the Book” episode and be introduced to Buchwald.

“I want people to know that I wasn’t ignoring the scientists,” Campbell said. “It was hard to pare down just the list of artists.”

A history professor, Buchwald studies sci-

Carolyn Campbell interviews the dead in her book on a world-famous Parisian cemetery.

Photo by Martin Cox

ence’s backstory. He has written six books on the topic, and at CalTech he teaches courses on ancient civilization, the origins of religion and the history of physics.

Campbell and Buchwald came up with a list of 10 to 20 scientists and narrowed it down to three that they would “channel” in the “Behind the Book” episode. Campbell will ask the questions, and Buchwald, who has written books about many scientists, will play the part of the scientists and answer the questions.

They chose astronomer Jérôme Lalande; mathematician, physicist and historian Joseph Fourier; and decipherer of Egyptian hieroglyphics Jean-François Champollion.

“These three more or less are at the same period of time and intersected, if not directly, then their actions and what they did with other people in the period during and right after the French Revolution,” Buchwald said.

All have ties to Napoleon. And all, Buchwald said, were interesting in their own way. Some spoke out about atheism in the late 18th century, while others were womanizers or ate fried insects.

“Lalande was a rather notorious, well-respected astronomer,” Buchwald said. “He was something of a womanizer but was among the few who supported women in science, including his niece whom he hired to do astronomical calculations. He was a complex and interesting character.”

Bonaparte links between scientists, cemetery “They all had this very close link to Napoleon,” Campbell said. “Without Napoleon, there would be no Père-Lachaise.”

Napoleon founded Père-Lachaise. He sponsored a competition for engineers to

In an upcoming “Behind the Book,” author Carolyn Campbell and Professor Jed Buchwald will channel three scientists buried in Pere-Lachaise, including astronomer Jérôme Lalande.

Submitted photo

solve the problem Paris was experiencing of too many dead bodies for churches to handle and religious cemeteries spitting up corpses.

While the church did not approve of a civic cemetery, there was little they could do to stop it and the 107-acre Père-Lachaise was born.

In their “Behind the Book” episode, Campbell and Buchwald will touch on the controversies and peculiarities of the scientists’ lives, the significance of their discoveries and the role that Napoleon played in science and culture during the French Revolution and the Restoration.

Campbell and Buchwald have had several discussions about how the episode will go, and Campbell has been reading up on the scientists.

“It won’t be a script,” Buchwald said. “Carolyn and I will talk a bit. I have to channel these guys. She’ll come up with questions, and I will try to respond as if I am these characters.”

Buchwald said they’ll do about 10 minutes of dialog for each scientist.

After spending years researching the artists of Père-Lachaise, Campbell said she is delighted to spread out to the scientists.

She hopes it is an episode that will entertain viewers of the series and encourage them to travel.

“Hopefully, now that the borders are open, they’ll travel to Paris,” Campbell said. “I suspect there will be a few Francophiles in the audience. When they do visit, this is the world’s most famous cemetery. I hope that they’ll take in a broader view of what this place of rest is, what it offers to people and take time to contemplate and to think of all the contributions that these people have left behind.”

“Conversations with the Scientists in Père-Lachaise Cemetery,” “Behind the Book” Series w/Carolyn Campbell and Jed Buchwald WHEN: 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18 WHERE: Virtual COST: Free, but registration required at https://bit.ly/ParisCemeteryVirtual

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Madeline the Person finds her own sound

By Annika Tomlin LA Downtown News Staff Writer uarantine brought out true emotions and raw talent. Both can be said about rising alt-pop singer-songwriter Madeline the Person. She will be touring for the first time with the all-female indie-pop quartet the Aces, hitting the stage at The Fonda on Friday, Nov. 19.

“I’m so excited, first of all, to meet the Aces and to become friends with them, and I’m so excited to meet the people that listen to my music,” said the singer, who was born Madeline Holste.

“I think that is what I’m most looking forward to. It’s really hard to imagine that these people are like real people, because it’s all been online and basically all of my career thus far has been online, even my signing and stuff, so meeting them in person will remind me that this is real life.”

Signed to Warner Records, Holste owes her career to social media.

“I started maybe in middle school posting covers on Instagram and would usually just get attention from the people that I knew,” the 20-year-old said.

“A few people that I didn’t know would comment on my things and I was like, ‘That’s the coolest thing ever.’ Often, I

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would sing kind of smaller artist’s songs and then they would comment or repost me, and that’s actually how I got my manager.”

Holste has the same manager as fellow artist Spencer Sutherland after she did a cover of one of his songs. Subsequently, TikTok helped her collect followers, which total 788,000. Social media also played a part in Holste’s stage name.

“I just wanted something cute and then I thought, ‘I’m a person,’ and was like that’ll work,” Holste said with a laugh.

“I really like to be honest within my music and life and being upfront about the fact that I have lots of feelings and I’m going to make mistakes, and I advocate for those things. Just kind of being upfront is really important to me.”

Madeline the Person signed with Warner Records after a Zoom call last year.

“I grew up in a pretty music family,” Holste said.

“My mom is a classic pianist and my brother used to play flamenco guitar and now he does jazz piano and compositions and stuff. (We’re a) pretty creative family who loves music and loves writing music.

My dad was super into stereo equipment and stuff, so we would always listen to really good music on really good stereos

Madeline the Person has two EPs — “Chapter 1: The Longing” and “Chapter 2: The Shedding.”

Photo by Jonathan Weiner

Madeline the Person is influenced by John Mayer, Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin and Demi Lovato.

Photo by Jonathan Weiner

growing up.”

Holste mirrored her mother. She started playing the piano at age 4 and continued her music journey.

The breakout star explored her own sound in sixth grade but really embraced the craft at 15 when her father died. Her first EP, “Chapter 1: The Longing,” dives into the highs and lows of her early life, including the loss of her dad.

“It’s super hard to go back to those times just because it’s painful,” she said.

“Those were some of the hardest formative years of my life, but it’s super important to revisit it and see how far I have come and also kind of delve back in and reheal some of those wounds.

“It was really important for me in my healing process. More than anything my writing is just something that I do for me just to help me heal. It’s hard emotionally and it’s also hard to share it, but I did.”

The four-song EP was followed by her second collection of four songs, “Chapter 2: The Shedding,” which came out in September, serving as the second installment in a three-part series. Her second album explores matters of the heart, identity and sexuality.

“I kind of wanted to tell the story in a way that it happened, so ‘Chapter 1’ was more of my upbringing and the sadness of losing someone when you are young,” Holste said. “‘Chapter 2: The Shedding’ is more about finding my identity and that hap-

pened in that order, so I wanted to talk about it in that order,” she said. “I was really excited to finally make songs about my journey with finding who I am.”

Her favorite song on her first EP was “Glady,” and “Unrecognizable” on the second.

Her song “Haunted” is an acoustic pop anthem that doubles as a coming-out statement. The arc of the song — losing a lover who’s gone “back in the closet” — mirrors her first romantic experience. Further touching on the emotional intensity of that point in her life, the music video for the song was filmed in her own closet.

Holste’s favorite artists include John Mayer and Joni Mitchell, both of whom she listened to “growing up, and both of their writing is a really big part of how I learned to write.” She also points to Aretha Franklin and Demi Lovato, who “sing from their soul,” as influences for her music.

“I did perform in a lineup with John Mayer, and that was like the biggest thing ever,” Holste said. “I still think about it sometimes and then I just freak out. It’s amazing. I still can’t believe it.”

Outside of going on tour with the Aces, Holste is working on her third EP. “I won’t say much, but I’m really excited about it because it is a turn of events slightly,” Holste said.

“I’ll admit that it is super empowering, which is super exciting. Less on the sad reflective side and more on the empowerment side.”

The Aces w/Madeline the Person WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 WHERE: The Fonda Theatre, 6126 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles COST: $25, masks and proof of vaccination are required INFO: fondatheatre.com

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16 DOWNTOWN NEWS

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NOVEMBER 8, 2021

Covered DINING California will help

Father’s Office reopens in the Arts District

By Frier McCollister LA Downtown News Contributing Writer hef Sang Yoon opened his third Father’s Office in January 2020 and barely gained traction before the pandemic lockdown.

Yoon — a contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters Season 5” — is trying again with the DTLA craft beer and burger fixture now that it has reopened.

“We were like a newborn baby, given what happened,” said Yoon, who also has Father’s Office locations in Santa Monica and Culver City.

“Just like everyone else, we didn’t know how long this was going to last.

We had just started partnering with a delivery platform weeks prior to the lockdown. We had no track record with any takeout or delivery in any other location. We had to make a tough decision and shutter the whole thing, simply because we didn’t know how this would go down.”

The Santa Monica and Culver City eateries pivoted to takeout as the pandemic churned last year.

“At two of our other locations, we were able to tip it over to takeout — at least we tried to for a while. The (Downtown) restaurant ended up being shut for almost exactly 18 months,” Yoon noted.

When Yoon took over Father’s Office in 2000, he installed a small kitchen and introduced his Office burger. The small restaurant was soon recognized as the epicenter of the Los Angeles craft beer movement. Established in 1953, the previous owner, Lou Moench, started replacing the conventional big brewery taps with fresh beer from smaller niche breweries.

Notorious for its strict prescriptions of no substitutions, desserts or ketchup, Father’s Office and Yoon’s gourmet burger proved to be influential and transformative fixtures on Los Angeles’ larger culinary landscape.

“Father’s Office, before I owned it, was a place I visited,” Yoon said.

“It was a local watering hole, (where) I grew up on the Westside there. It was one of the few places that had a solely, dedicated beer list that was all small breweries. It didn’t have any of the big-brewery stuff there. That was somewhat unique at the time, especially in LA. I really appreciated it.

“The burger concept as a menu focus was a natural inclination. I’m a big fan of

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The open floor plan at Father’s Office in the Arts District can accommodate over 200 people. Father’s Office offers a selection of 36 local craft breweries on tap along with an elegantly simple food menu.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

places that focus. I love eating in Japan for the same reason. I love single-menuitem restaurants more than anybody. It really spoke to me. I wanted to continue that.”

The burger fascination tends to eclipse the focus on small local craft breweries at Father’s Office. With its emphasis on small craft breweries already established in 2000, Yoon expanded on it and helped launch the local craft brewery movement that peppers the LA landscape.

“Father’s Office was a first outlet for many, many beers that we enjoy and take for granted,” Yoon said.

“Russian River, for instance, we were their first location in Los Angeles. Bear Republic, Racer 5, Anchor Brewing, Sierra Nevada, on and on, going way back.

Father’s Office has a long, long history of bringing in small breweries.”

Yoon uses a novel metaphor for his role at the time.

“It’s like being a fan of garage bands,” he explained. “The music didn’t have any distribution outside their local areas. I was that indie radio station DJ from LA who wanted to play all these unknowns.

That’s kind of how I felt. That was my position, as craft beer has (now) blown up, literally.

“This was at a time, 20 years ago, when LA didn’t have any local breweries, very few. Now we have local breweries, and that has completely upended how we buy beer now. So, it’s been an evolution for sure. We still stand for the same things. We’re all about the craft, and we’re all about the little guy. We’ve stood by that.”

Father’s Office is still 36 taps, which enables the staff to offer “a little bit of everything” but be selective at the same

time.

The menus remain elegantly simple at all three locations.

“Pre-COVID, all three locations shared the majority of their menus, but there was some distinction between them,” Yoon said.

“There was little bit of uniqueness to each location. Currently now, all three locations share the same menu, due to all the circumstances regarding staffing and so forth. We have a slightly shortened menu than is typical, but the intention going forward is to have some identity that is unique to Downtown as well.”

He also has detected differences in the preferences of his Downtown guests. “(Between the locations) there are considerable differences in how people order. On the beverage side, we notice there’s more desire for cocktails Downtown. On the food side, we’re selling a

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

lot more vegetables (Downtown), which is something inspiring and cool to see.”

Looking at the current menu, the fabled Office burger ($18) is served with caramelized onions, bacon, gruyere and Maytag blue cheese and arugula. (Yoon recommends medium rare to medium cooking to ensure juiciness.) Frites in a basket ($7) with garlic, parsley and aioli round out a simple order, but remember: no ketchup.

Other intriguing options abound here.

There is a fried chicken sandwich ($15) with cabbage slaw and kimchi vinaigrette. Prime hanger steak with frites ($24) provides classic bistro fare. Spicy shrimp and grits ($18) and the grilled octopus salad ($18) offer unexpected novelty.

As the original gastropub, there are worthy snacks to accompany a pint of freshly tapped craft beer including, deviled eggs ($7) with fried capers and hot paprika; chorizo fritters ($8) with salsa verde; stuffed piquillo peppers ($8) with herbed Spanish goat cheese; and chicharrones ($9), with a charred tomatillo salsa verde.

The 36 tap craft beer list is a brew nerd’s dream. Most are priced between $7.50 and $10 a pint, spanning a wide range of flavor notes and alcohol volumes. The list is divided into the following sections: malty; hoppy; yeasty and spicy; fruity and herbaceous; and “The Really Good (expletive),” which features a dozen rare breeds priced from $11 to $50.

Yoon has been in the lab devising a new burger. “Prior to the shutdown, I was working on another burger, which we’ve never served before. The second burger was something we’re going to launch Downtown.”

Any hint as to composition? “It’s perhaps a touch more geographically connected, that’s about it,” Yoon said cryptically.

The pandemic lockdown also closed Yoon’s Michelin-rated fine dining restaurant Lukshon, which he opened in 2011.

“Still closed. It’s a really difficult restaurant to run and to hire and train for, under the best of circumstances,” he said.

“Right now, I can’t imagine getting something like that off the ground, from zero. (It’s) staffing, yes, but also personal bandwidth. It’s a restaurant that’s very personal to me. It’s the restaurant I would have to spend the most time in.

That’s kind of how it was before. With less staff at all levels, people in my shoes are stretched quite thin these days. So, it would be a very heavy lift, until things

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

get better circumstantially for our whole industry.”

With his empire effectively hobbled, Yoon stayed busy through the pandemic as an active industry advocate. “ We rallied around each other as restaurateurs,” he said.

“Oh, gosh, now it seems like a lifetime ago. Getting everybody involved in the Independent Restaurant Coalition and helping to lobby Congress and getting us federal aid for our industry. It’s funny, I made closer and deeper relationships with a lot of people I didn’t even know. It galvanized us as an industry. There are a lot of LA restaurateurs I got to know a lot better through these circumstances.

“There was a lot of rallying. You don’t realize how resourceful people are in our industry until you put them into a situation like this. I was very inspired by hearing people’s stories of literal survival. Even though our restaurants weren’t open, I was literally getting up every morning (to) conference calls, lobbying and speaking with members of Congress and local politicians as well. You’re trying to be a voice for our whole industry.”

With the third location of Father’s Office now open, he’s enthusiastic about its prospects and location.

“What’s interesting, there’s a feature there,” he said.

“There are very, very large windows facing Second Street. They look almost like garage doors, and they open basically, nearly the whole wall. So, it’s almost like a convertible. We’re able to have a very outdoor feel indoors. We’re using those obviously now as a nice breezy effect. Having big operable windows wasn’t something that I thought would be a benefit the way it is now.”

The gastropub pioneer is relieved and grateful for the opportunity to finally expand his vision Downtown.

“Part of me feels like this is not a reopening but simply take two in a way,” he said.

“The opening seems like such a distant memory now. I really feel like this is our real opening. We’re very excited to engage with this community. I could have opened another Father’s Office in so many other places, so many different parts of the country in fact, but I really love my hometown.

“I think this particular spot, in this particular community within Downtown, feels like a very homey, very residential area. It makes me feel like it’s a place where we can make a lot of regulars, as much as our other locations. I’m excited to meet all of our neighbors going forward.”

Father’s Office 905 E. Second Street, Suite 105, Los Angeles 310-736-2224, fathersoffice.com

DOWNTOWN NEWS 17

Chef Sang Yoon took over Father’s Office in 2000, installing a small kitchen and creating the Office burger.

Submmited photo

“The Office Burger” is Father’s Office’s signature burger and has been unchanged since it’s creation in 2000.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

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18 DOWNTOWN NEWS

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

Covered California will help BUSINESS

Staff pushes clients in nontraditional exercise form

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor elinda Hughes suffered from scoliosis as well as knee pain, until she discovered SuperSlow strength training 13 years ago.

After experiencing more energy during the day and a more restful sleep each night, the then-27-year-old noticed her knee pain disappeared and her back was stronger. Her scoliosis wasn’t as pronounced, because she safely corrected muscular imbalances.

“I thought it was too good to be true,” she said. “Something about the science made sense to me. I went out on a limb and tried the workout with her.

Right away, I would tell the difference.

In only a few months, my knee pain was completely gone. It was just a matter of strengthening the muscles.”

In 2011, wanting to share SuperSlow, she stepped out on her own and opened The Strength Shoppe to bring the benefits of high-intensity strength training to Pasadena. The move has proven to be successful. Six years later, she expanded to DTLA/Echo Park.

Hughes said the technique is quite different, calling it “slow-motion, high-intensity strength training.”

“You’re lifting the weight slowly and lowering it slowly,” she added.

“You’re not using momentum to lift the weight. You work very intensely. We never lock out our joints, and we never set the weight down. From the beginning to the end of the exercise, muscles are working to a point of muscle failure.

If you’re lifting to the point of muscle failure, you’re not allowing the muscle to rest.”

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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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The Strength Shoppe brings the benefits of high-intensity strength training to Pasadena.

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Hughes said at one point, the weight can’t be lifted. At that point, Hughes or her staff encourage the person to try to move the weight for 10 seconds.

“The key element to this is because you’re working the muscles that intensely it’s a more effective workout.”

The body must be pushed a little bit more to get it to respond, she says.

This form of exercise was developed for osteoporosis patients in their 80s and is safe enough for 90-year-old osteoporotic women.

“Weight training has long been known to be the only nonmedication way of halting progress of osteoporosis and reversing it,” she said.

Her studio members with osteo-

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

porosis were using traditional strength training, which made them susceptible to bone fractures. SuperSlow produces results quicker and more significantly, too, she explained. It just takes 20 minutes once a week.

Her clients range in age from 12 to 91. The younger ones are children of members who want their kids to understand how to take care of their body and feel good about it, she explained.

“I had a client come in walking with a cane,” said Hughes, who added that SuperSlow is based on scientific research. “She said her doctor wanted her to try strength training before knee replacement surgery.

“The healing after the knee replacement surgery goes better if you’re stronger. The aftercare is easier. After only about two to three months, she had no pain and was walking without the cane.

She still hasn’t had knee replacements.”

Hughes said without allowing the body to recover, those who use traditional exercise are more susceptible to cold, flu, sickness and injury.

Still, according to the Mayo Clinic, research hasn’t shown SuperSlow strength training to be superior to other forms of strength training.

Hughes said SuperSlow is perfect for those who want to exercise and get the maximum benefit in a minimal amount of time. Armed with a Master of Science in holistic nutrition, Hughes

DOWNTOWN NEWS 19

DOWNTOWNNEWS.COM

sees many clients who are busy parents or those who work long days.

The exercise form works, she said, because SuperSlow causes little tears to the muscle fiber. The muscle, which is attached to bone, tugs at the bone, causing trauma to the bone tissue.

“Growth hormones are released, osteoblasts are released, and the body recovers from the workout.

“It’s like your skin,” she explained. “If you scrape your knee, your skin is going to repair itself pretty quickly. In a day or two it’s done. If you cut your skin to the bone, it’s going to require more days for the body to repair the skin tissue and heal that wound.”

The Studio City resident says working out at The Strength Shoppe is appropriate in this pandemic-riddled world.

“This is still a raging virus,” Hughes said. “It’s nice to be able to come in and have your trainer wear a mask. You’re the only one in there. You don’t have to worry about bigger gyms with a bunch of people.

“COVID-19 hit the fitness industry really hard. However, people are not looking for big classes with lots of people. That’s not what the people are looking for right now. They’re looking for something that makes them healthier and keeps them strong. We have an air purifier system, and we clean the machines after workouts. All it takes is 20 minutes each week.”

The form of exercise was developed for osteoporosis patients in their 80s.

Submited photo

The Strength Shoppe 350 S. Lake Avenue, Suite 105, Pasadena 305 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles thestrengthshoppe.com

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

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

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

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

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

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20 DOWNTOWN NEWS

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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

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You see, the U.S. Gov’t stopped minting 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 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

ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL: year varies 1916-1947

LAST REMAINING: minted in philadelphia, denver & san francisco

RARELY SEEN: minted by the u.s. mint in the early 1900’s R1043R-3

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

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DOWNTOWN NEWS 21

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(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: RWB2759

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. RWB2759 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-3

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.

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Covered California will help FEATURE

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

Circus Vargas: “Mr. V’s Big Top Dream” WHEN: Various times Monday, Nov. 8, to Monday, Nov. 15 WHERE: Westfield Santa Anita, 400 S. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia COST: Tickets start at $48, with discounts for children, military and seniors INFO: 1-877-468-3861 or circusvargas.com

Mr. V’s Big Top Dream celebrates the quirky nature of founder Clifford E. Vargas.

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‘Mr. V’s’ tells story of Circus Vargas’ founder

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski LA Downtown News Executive Editor

C

ircus Vargas is spending 2021 celebrating its founder, Clifford E. Vargas, with its new big top adventure at Westfield Santa Anita in Arcadia from Monday, Nov. 8, to Monday, Nov. 15.

“Mr. V’s Big Top Dream” is a semibiographical circus spectacular that pays homage to the flamboyant, over-the-top Vargas with traditional acts like trapeze artists, motorcyclists, contortionists, jugglers, clowns and comedy.

“As a little boy, he went to the circus with his mom, saw the circus and became a circus empresario,” said Katya Arata-Quiroga, who has owned the circus with her husband, Nelson Quiroga, since 2005.

“We tell his story, and it could really be anyone’s story. The show resonates with people when they see the circus. Children will want to be a circus empresario, too, one day.”

Arata-Quiroga is right up there. She is a seventh-generation circus artist. She and her husband’s daughters are trapeze artists and contortionists. Former trapeze artists Arata-Quiroga and Quiroga acquired Circus Vargas from her stepfather and mother. They took it over when Vargas died unexpectedly.

“Mr. V’s Big Top Dream” tells the tale of the young entertainment genius as he scours the globe in search of the world’s top talent. Quiroga was similarly scouted.

“My parents were already working at Circus Vargas,” she said. “The year before I met my husband, Clifford E. Vargas toured the world to find the most amazing acts.

When he came back, he said, ‘One of these will be your husband one day.’

“He said it to me as a joke. I was only 18. I was telling my mom, and we laughed.

It ended up being that way. My now-husband came on the show. The founder of the show passed away shortly after that. As they say, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.”

At the end of “Mr. V’s Big Top Dream,” Vargas hands the circus over to the next generation.

“He lets people know the circus is going to keep going no matter what,” she said.

“Not only is it a wonderful business, it is a thing to uphold. We bring joy to every child, every adult, every grandparent. They can feel something fun at the circus.

For us, it’s the American dream. I’m a U.S. citizen because of this project, and now we’re owning the company that got us started here. It’s a great story, and we’re very happy we’re doing it.”

Arata-Quiroga said the show is getting “amazing reviews.” This is the first time Circus Vargas has erected its tent at Westfield Santa Anita.

“We hope people come from far and near and see Circus Vargas,” she said. “Don’t miss this one. It’s definitely one of the best ones ever.”

The attraction tells the story a young Clifford E. Vargas’ quest to scout talent across the globe.

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The show features traditional acts, including trapeze artists and motorcyclists.

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NOVEMBER 8, 2021

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NOVEMBER 8, 2021

10/14/21 2:23 PM