DOWNTOWN WEEKLY LA

DOWNTOWN WEEKLY

THE SPIRIT OF

DTLA

DTLA MASTERMINDS

GRAFFITI TOWERS

SOUTH PARK BID EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NOLAN MARSHALL SPEAKS

CRYPTO HONORS KOBE BRYANT

CHINATOW N FIRE CRACKER 10K

on the cover: NOLAN MARSHALL III

PHOTO: SHANGO BARNS

LOCATION:

DTLA WEEKLY

SOUTH PARK DTLA 2

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Keri Freeman JACKSON ROBERTS VIOLA SATOR

Aleks StajkovGRE GREG ARAGON

photography

GARY LEONARD

SHANGO BARNS

eric epperson

keri Freeman

VIDEO & GRAPHIC Production

@kerieatsdtla

hunter

FINANCIAL DISTRICT SKID ROW

SOUTH PARK

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10 great places to celebrate Black history month>>> in dtla

Downtown Los Angeles is a vibrant city with a rich Black cultural tapestry that provides unique experiences from historical sites, to artistic expressions and delicious culinary adventures. Add community events, and Downtown LA has a Black Historic Experience for everyone. Here are 10 Great Places to Celebrate for Black History month in 2024…

One.

Mayor’s Office Innovation’s Black History Month Celebration: Attending this annual event hosted by the LA Mayor’s office and Our Authors Study Club (OASCLA. org) promises keynote speakers, live performances, traditional soul food and community engagement activities celebrating Black history and announcing a full knights if events sponsored by OSHGA with closing reception Feb 22nd. www.oascla.org

Two. GRAMMY Museum’s “Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit”: Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with this immersive exhibit. Explore music, dance, art, fashion, and activism through interactive displays, gaining a deeper appreciation for this influential cultural movement. www.grammymuseum.org

Three. African American Firefighter Museum: Take a free guided tour of this historic fire station, learning about the legacy of Black firefighters in Los Angeles. Discover their bravery, dedication, and crucial role in shaping the city’s fire service. Tours are available every Sunday. www.aaffmuseum. org

Four. Bob Marley Day

Celebration: Commemorate the reggae legend beginning February 6th at the Skid Row History Museum. Opening night brings a community event filled with music, food, and cultural activities celebrating Bob Marley’s message of peace, unity, and love. www. skidrowhistorymuseum.org

Five. Support Black-Owned

Businesses: Show your support by patronizing Black-owned businesses throughout Downtown LA. Enjoy authentic soul food dishes like Mac and cheese, fried chicken and collards at Fixins Soul Kitchen at LA Live or savor mouthwatering Southern-style modern soul-fashion at Joyce on 7th and Grand. Remember, this list is just a starting point – explore and discover diverse businesses across various sectors, pick up a copy of the Downtown Weekly for for a weekly list of owned businesses showcased by a black star on our full page map.

holy mamba!

For twenty seasons, Kobe Bryant played for the Lakers, with nearly 600 games at the Staples Center, now the Crypto. com Arena, also known as The House That Kobe Built.

Four years after the fateful helicopter crash that shocked the entire world and took the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, Kobe Bryant has finally come home.

02/08/24 – The day of the reveal of his statue was carefully chosen to give meaning to such an inconceivable loss. 2, the jersey number Gianna started to step into her father’s footsteps with, and 8 and 24 worn by the NBA legend himself.

Kobe was not only loved and admired in Los Angeles. Fans from all over the world came to be part of the ceremony that was held for the first of three statues, created to remind people of his excellence, determination, and perseverance.

The pedestal on which the 4000 pound and almost 19 feet tall bronze statue resembles the moment after Kobe had scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006, was actually chosen by Kobe before his death.

“For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see”, states his widow Vanessa Bryant at the podium, “so if anyone has any issues with it, tough s***t. It is what it is.”

January 26, 2020, was a dark day for anyone who ever witnessed the baller

take sports, and life’s philosophy, to new levels. One can only hope, those who look up to the statue will adopt Kobe’s Mamba Mentality and recognize the possibility of their own potential. A legacy only a Kobe Bryant could leave behind.

The revealing marks the first of three statues slated for erection at Crypto. com Arena.

The first statue is in honor of Bryant’s 81-point game, the second statue will be of Bryant and his daughter Gianna and a third statue will have Bryant in the No. 24 jersey.

These statues of Kobe Bryant will join fellow Laker legends Shaquille O’Neal, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Chick Hearn and Elgin Baylor with statues outside the home of the LA Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Sparks.

Other sports heroes honored outside the arena include boxing icon Oscar De La Hoya, NHL’s “Great One” Wayne Gretzky – who had a stint with the Los Angeles Kings – and fellow Kings legends Luc Robitaille and Dustin Brown.

KOBE BRYANT STATUE AT CRYPTO.COM ARENA PHOTO BY KERI FREEMAN

dtla masterminds: nolan marshall iii South Park BID Executive director speakss

In Spring of 2023, months before the vandalism of Oceanwide Plaza, the South Park Business Improvement District invited City Council leaders to hear its concerns about the deterioration of the Oceanwide site.

We discussed the impacts on residents, local businesses, and visitors. We walked the site with city staff and pointed out obstructions in the right of way and our distress over site security and safety. We elevated business owner concerns over the economic impact the blighted towers have had.

Nowthat the site has garnered worldwide attention, South Park BID Executive Director Nolan Marshall has some innovative ideas to share with the city...

Nolan Marshall III has been the Executive Director of the South Park Business Improvement District for 1 year, previously serving as the CEO of Downtown Vancouver, Chief Engagement and Solutions Officer of the New Orleans Business Alliance, Chair of the New Orleans Planning Commission, Executive Director of Uptown Dallas Inc., and Director of Public Affairs and Policy at the Downtown Development District of New Orleans.

City leaders have recently begun to act with urgency to address the immediate security of the building and abatement of graffiti. We are grateful to have everyone’s attention now, regardless of the reason. But we’ve seen a 70% increase in neighborhood graffiti, beyond the Oceanwide site. No matter what you think of the prolific tagging of these towers, vandalizing neighborhood businesses isn’t activism or art. We appreciate Mayor Bass, Deputy Mayors Freeman and Winston, and CD14 Councilmember Kevin de Leon for their commitment to removing graffiti, securing the site, and assisting our clean and safe teams throughout the neighborhood. However, our concerns about the deterioration of the Oceanwide site, and its blight, persist.

GRAFFITi TOWERS

The site has been an albatross for four years, disconnecting LA Live and the Convention Center from the emerging neighborhood that at one time was the fastest growing in Los Angeles. Data from Placer.ai (a software company that tracks mobility using cell phone data) shows that the economic fluidity in South Park has been drastically disrupted by this massive failure; residents don’t pass beneath the site to cross Figueroa and spend money at LA Live, and visitors and tourists rarely navigate the construction hoarding to spend time and money in any other part of our neighborhood.

We know the economic health of South Park and Downtown businesses will remain fraught as long as these towers remain lifeless.

Downtown may be only 1% of the city’s land (and South Park an even smaller portion of that), but according to a 2019 study by the Central City Association and Beacon Economics, 23% of Los Angeles’ sales taxes are generated in Downtown.

The time for city leaders to decide is now, with the same urgency they captured to address graffiti.

And because of the sports, tourism, and hospitality infrastructure within South Park, the success of this Downtown neighborhood is disproportionately critical to the fiscal health of Los Angeles and the services the city can provide to other areas. This equation is true in Downtown’s across North America, which is why our nascent pandemic recovery should continue to be a priority to everyone; we’re all downtown stakeholders.

Oceanwide can’t be allowed to remain an anchor around our highest hopes and ambitions. Almost 10 years after construction stopped, we’ll host the international media during the 2028 Olympics. We should own a narrative of renewal around the Oceanwide site, not a tale of abandonment and decline. Will local officials be the leading actors in a story of public pride, or will this blighted structure remain on display for the global community to gawk at, depicting a decade of disinvestment on the biggest world stage?

With this in mind, we ask city leaders to be proactive and engage in the planning and disposition of the Oceanwide site. The city should simultaneously pursue two paths. One path is to commit resources to evaluate the structural integrity of the towers –ensuring public safety and viability of the project. If safety and viability are compromised, the city must be prepared to act through imminent domain. A second path is to dedicate resources to support the neighborhood while globally marketing the site. The city can lead a public private partnership by creating the best environmental conditions for the private sector stepping forward to fix this mess.

That means expediting the convention center expansion in advance of the Olympics, and supporting the South Park BID’s efforts to improve lighting in the public realm, enhance pedestrian experiences, create quality placemaking installations, upgrade our waste receptacles, and add a park to a neighborhood that doesn’t have one, despite our name.

SETTING BOUNDARIES AT OCEANWIDE

race with the dragon R

egistration is now open for the 46th annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K Run to be held at the historic Chinatown Plaza. The two-day event celebrates 2024 Year of the Dragon and is expected to draw up to 30,000 spectators.

Running in the Firecracker race must feel like diving headfirst into a celebration of community and culture. To commemorate the Chinese Lunar New Year, runners course through the vibrant streets, enveloped in a tapestry of tradition. Golden dragons look down upon them from above, while stone lions and red lanterns line the majestic pathway.

“People come from all over to attend,” says Jennifer Gee, board member with LA Chinatown Firecracker. “The Firecracker is not just for runners or bike riders. It’s for everyone, including families and friends and participants of all levels.”

Started as a 10k run in 1978 as a way to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and attract more people to Chinatown, the Firecracker has blossomed into one of the largest and oldest running races in the U.S. Today, the event features walking, biking and doggie events for people of all ages and skills.

Those interested in entering The Firecracker can participate inperson or virtually. Each registered participant receives a commemorative 2024 Firecracker race bib, exclusive collectible finisher’s medal, limited

CHINATOW N FIRE CRACKER 10K

edition t-shirt (Paw’er Dogs receive their own commemorative Firecracker t-shirt), goody bag, and more.

All registered participants age 21 and over are also eligible for one complimentary beer at the Beer Garden. In addition, participants and their guests will enjoy the Lunar New Year Celebration in the heart of historic Chinatown with an opening ceremony filled with lion dancers and the traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers.

The festival is located in the heart of Chinatown and hosts more than 50 exhibitors showcasing products and services including nutrition, beverages, snacks, running shoes and cycling apparel.

The expo is open to the public and free. There will also be vendors and booths.

DTLA Weekly will host a booth at the event and all attendees are encouraged to stop by, say hi, grab the latest issue of DTLA Weekly, and receive a free t-shirt and button.

The annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker has been approved as a 2024 United States Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned event. It is produced by the nonprofit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee (LACFRC), a group of volunteers who help stage events and programs promoting healthy lifestyles, fitness, and cultural awareness to the greater Los Angeles community.

Registration is $38 - $75 with discounts for participating in multiple events. The festivites begin with Chinese Dragon Dancing and over 8,000 participants at the starting line at 7am - 12pm located at 943 N Broadway, Chinatown - DTLA. @firecracker10k

<<< black history month

Six. Kobe Bryant Statue at Crypto.com Arena: Pay homage to the basketball legend and his impact on the community. The first of three statues slated for the location, this 19-foot bronze statue depicts Kobe in his iconic pose, commemorating his achievements at and his enduring legacy as an inspiration to many. www.cryptoarena.com

Seven. First Pentecostal Church Site in Little Tokyo: Stand at the birthplace of the global Pentecostal movement, marked by a plaque and a grapefruit tree in Little Tokyo, honoring founders William J. Seymour and Jennie Seymour. Reflect on the significance of this site for religious history and its lasting impact on Christianity.

Eight. Jean-Michel Basquiat Exhibition at MOCA Grand

Explore the brilliant and dramatic artworks of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a key figure of the 1980s whose work remains influential today. This major retrospective features over 100 works from throughout his short but impactful career. www.moca. org

Nine.

Biddy Mason Memorial Park: Discover the inspiring story of Biddy Mason, a formerly enslaved woman who became a landowner and philanthropist in downtown LA. Explore the 80-foot timeline wall showcasing her extraordinary journey and contributions to Los Angeles development spanning Buddy Mason Square located at 333 S. Spring.

Ten.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – Virtual:

Explore the legacy of this renowned dance company and its founder, Alvin Ailey, through their website’s treasure trove of resources. Enjoy videos of past performances, delve into the company’s history, and mark your calendars for their upcoming live performance at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 20th-24th, 2024. www. musiccenter.org

Celebrate and connect with the diverse and vibrant stories that paint the rich tapestry of Black history in Downtown Los Angeles. #BLKDTLA

IntelleScope: DT WEEKLY ASTRO-LOGICAL GUIDE TO THE FUTURE

DTLA Weekly urges all signs to harness the power of the mind for the week ahead. As celestial energies converge with cognitive potential, seek clarity in decision-making, creative inspiration, or strategic planning. Trust in the wisdom of the cosmos as you embark on a voyage of self-discovery and mental empowerment.

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20):

This week, Pisces, your intuition and creativity will be your greatest assets. Use your brainpower to tap into your imagination and express yourself through art, music, or other creative outlets. Trust in your inner guidance and allow yourself to dream big.

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19):

This week, Aries, your brainpower is your key to success. Channel your natural drive and energy into solving complex problems or tackling challenging tasks. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to take bold steps towards your goals.

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20):

Taurus, your steady and methodical approach will serve you well this week. Use your brainpower to strategize and plan ahead, especially when it comes to your long-term goals. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20):

This week, Gemini, your quick wit and adaptability will be your greatest assets. Embrace your curiosity and explore new interests or hobbies that stimulate your mind. Engage in meaningful conversations and exchange ideas with others.

Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22): Cancer, this week calls for you to trust your intuition and tap into your emotional intelligence. Use your brainpower to deepen your connections with others and nurture meaningful relationships. Focus on finding balance between your head and your heart, especially when making important decisions.

Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22): Leo, your natural leadership skills and confidence will shine brightly this week. Use your brainpower to inspire others

and lead by example. Take on challenges with enthusiasm and courage, knowing that you have the intelligence and charisma to overcome any obstacles in your path.

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22): This week, Virgo, your attention to detail and analytical thinking will be your greatest strengths. Focus on organizing your thoughts and prioritizing your tasks with precision. Use your brainpower to problem-solve and find practical solutions to any challenges that arise.

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22):

Libra, your ability to see all sides of a situation will serve you well this week. Use your brainpower to seek harmony and balance in your relationships and surroundings. Trust your instincts and follow your heart, especially when it comes to making important decisions

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21):

This week, Scorpio, your intuition and depth of perception will be your guiding lights. Use your brainpower to uncover hidden truths and delve into the deeper meaning behind events or situations. Trust your instincts and embrace transformational experiences that challenge you to grow.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Sagittarius, your adventurous spirit and optimism will be your driving forces this week. Use your brainpower to explore new ideas and expand your horizons. Embrace learning opportunities that stimulate your mind and broaden your perspective. Trust in your ability to adapt to change and seize the opportunities that come your way.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19): This week, Capricorn, your determination and ambition will propel you towards your goals. Use your brainpower to plan strategically and stay focused on your objectives. Trust in your ability to overcome obstacles and persevere, even in the face of adversity.

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Aquarius, your innovative thinking and humanitarian ideals will be your guiding principles this week. Use your brainpower to envision new possibilities and create positive change in your community or the world at large. Embrace your individuality and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo.