IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT IS ROLLING BACK INTO THE SOCIAL (DISTANCE-MINDED) CONSCIOUSNESS - Irvine Weekly
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KOREAN BBQ OUTDOORS IN IRVINE • FIVEPOINT DONATES 1 MILLION FACE MASKS • WILD RIVERS NEW SITE DESIGN
AUGUST 5,
2020 VOL. 2,
NO. 20
IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT IS ROLLING BACK INTO THE SOCIAL (DISTANCE-MINDED) CONSCIOUSNESS
JULY 22, 2020 NO. 19 AUGUST 5, 2020 NO. 20
| AU G U S T 5 , 2 0 2 0 | I R V I N E W E E K LY. C O M
CONTENTS CONTENTS
SIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS
SALES AGENT (IRVINE, CA) SENIOR IT ENGINEER
Sell various conventional/ at Insight Direct USA, Inc.
EMPLOYMENT
government insured loans. (Santa Ana, CA): Analyze
Highschool diploma req'd. engineering, business,
Resume to: Home Approvals and other data processing
Direct Inc. 18201 Von problems to implement and
Karman Ave #300, Irvine, improve computer systems.
CA 92612 Require BS. in Comp. Sci. or
Sr. SWcomp. Eng. and 2 yrs exp. PROJECT ENGR sought by
Dev.: Develop Sr. Quality Assurance Engi- CORPORATE
software
Add’lsolutions based
duties, requirements, Sunpin Solar Development, neer: Provide QA & testing DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
on requirements
travel req needs,upon
available LLC in Irvine, CA. Support PV for complex distributed & REGISTERED IN-HOUSE
SENIOR FOREIGN LEGAL
6
conferring with customers,
request. Email resume proj devt from proj design systems. See http://www. COUNSEL
ANALYST caljobs.ca.gov/ & Job ID
design systems work-flow.
and cover letter to susan. to maint. REQ: MS in Elect’l/ Provide corporate legal
White & Case LLP in Los See http://www.caljobs. Electrncs/Comp Eng or rel. #17181340 for details & advisement, draft & review
triggs@insight.com, ref
Angeles, CA seeks a Senior ca.gov/ & Job ID #17191700 Send CV to: Rachel Cum- reqs. FT in Irvine, CA. Apply legal docs related to fresh
Job#EK01.
Foreign Legal Analyst w/ for details & reqs. FT in mings, 2020 Main St., Ste. to: M. Salimova, Luxoft USA, produce industry. Perform
Master’s deg or frgn equiv Irvine, CA. Apply to: Luxoft 300, Irvine, CA 92614. Inc., Ref #IR929, 1 Rocke- & coordinate legal & biz
deg in Law w/admission to USA Inc., Andrea Stanowiec, feller Plaza, 27th Floor, New due diligence, advise on
Brazilian Bar & 6 yrs of exp Ref. #4744342,
SR. SW DEV.: 1 Rockfeller Pastoral Counselor - Mas- York, NY 10020 anti-trust issues & legal
2
at an int'l law firm managing Plaza,Develop
27th floor,
andNY, NY
support ter’s Degree in Divinity req., info requests. License to
high volume of Brazilian & 10020. test cases and test set $33176/yr, F/T, Resume practice law in a US state
atin American litigations. IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
management application to Sinwoong Park, Onnuri req’d. 5% dom & int’l travel
Fluency in Portuguese for various frameworks and Mission Alliance, 17200 IRVINEWEEKLY.COM req’d. Mail: C Zaleski #TP201
6
anguage for legal purposes. SR. Eng. QA .: Deliver qual-
servers. See Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA Total Produce USA Holdings
IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
Send resumes to lateralre- ity and support all testing
http://www.caljobs.ca.gov/ 92614 BOWERS MUSEUM Inc. 4695 MacArthur Ct,
cruiting@ activities of a complex IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
& Job ID #17160952 for Ste 1560, Newport Beach,
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CA. Apply to: Analyst: Bachelor’s Degree
applications. See http:// IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
Luxoft USA Inc., Andrea in Business. Administration
www.caljobs.ca.gov/ & Job
ART...3
Stanowiec, Ref. #4725056, 1req., $42494/yr, F/T, Re- IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
SR. ACCOUNTANT ID #17193845 for details
Rockfeller Plaza, sume to Grace Kim, Chun-
& reqs. IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
ought by Laboratory for 27th floor, NY, NY 10020. Ha Insurance Services, Inc.,
FT in Irvine, CA. Apply to:
Advanced Medicine, Inc in 9122 Garden Grove Blvd., IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
rvine, CA to prepare and
Luxoft USA Inc., Andrea The
Garden Grove, CA 92844
history and future of the UCI Institute and MuseumCOURTESY
of OF THE TRIBECA DRIVE-IN
Stanowiec, Ref. #4739629, IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
analyze financial statements.
1 Rockfeller
STRATEGY Plaza,
AND 27th
PR MAN-
California Art.
Resume to: HR, Laboratory IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
or Advanced Medicine, Inc,
floor,AGER
NY, NY 10020 BY LIZ GOLDNER
IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
9950 Research Dr., Irvine, (Los Angeles, CA) Focus on
CA 92618. managing the company's
image & raising awareness
of the company & its
FOOD...6
Irvine restaurant owners hopeful despite uncertainties.
FOOD...3
SR. DEVELOPMENT ENGI- projects in the US, & abroad, Baekjeong starts serving its popular K-BBQ cuisine outdoors.
NEER (IRVINE, CA). especially in China. Bach BY TARA FINLEY BY EVAN J. LANCASTER
Execute vehicle-lvl design deg in communications or a
NEWS...8
validatn (DVP) testg for closely rltd major; 18 mos of
Rivian’s electric vehicles. Do-
mestic trvl reqd approx 50%
of the time. Must possess a
work exp in film &
proficient in MS Office
television;
(Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
& Adobe Systems. Apply to
TO ADVERTISE CONTACT US AT
Irvine COVID-19 cases more than double in one month.
NEWS...4
Irvine receives donation of 1 million face masks for front-line
Master’s degree or foreign
equiv in Mechancl Engnrg
or a closely reltd field &
The H Collective, Inc., c/o
Jianhui Huang, 12959 Coral
PUBLISHER@IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
BY EVAN J. LANCASTER workers.
BY EVAN J. LANCASTER
BUSINESS...9
2 yrs of (or a Bachelor’s Tree Place, Los Angeles, CA
degree or foreign equiv 90066
n Mechanical Engrg or a Wild Rivers Water Park unveils new site design at Great Park.
closely reltd field & 5 yrs of Premier assisted stretching boutique opening its doors.
progrssvly resp) calibratn BY EVAN J. LANCASTER
STRATEGY MARKET BUSI- BY TARA FINLEY
dvlpmt exp. Exp must incl NESS ANALYST.
durability testg, dyno testg
& real world testg in diff
Master’s Degree in Business
Administration, req.,
ENTERTAINMENT...10 CULTURE...6
d$$
climatic & altitude locatns,
lar Pai
$56,056/yr, F/T, Resume to
supervsg vehicle intgratn & Drive-in movies making a come-back in SoCal.
Jake Oh, Linkone, Inc., 5681 Movie Guide: The Surrogate, Babyteeth, The Truth and more.
ol
prototype blds & debugging
BY LINA LECARO
D
Beach Blvd, Suite 100, Buena
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sftwr & hrdwr components,
Park, CA 90621 BY CHUCK WILSON
as well as the followg skills/
ools/technologies: Vector
CAN tools, ETAS INCA or any
other CCP Data acquisitn TAEKWONDO INSTRUCTOR FILM...11 ENTERTAINMENT...9
Irvine Weekly Movie Guide.
platfrm, MATLAB/Simulink (Irvine, CA) Conduct Review: Palm Springs
proficiency for analysis and teach taekwondo CHUCK WILSON AND LINA LECARO
& post processg, CATIA& techniques. Minimum 4th
BY ASHER LUBERTO
ART...10
ENOVIA PLM, &MS Project degree Dan certificate req'd.
& ste. Email res to Rivian Resume to: Talium Group
Automotive, LLC, Attn: Inc. 3580 Barranca Pkwy #G,
Mobility, Job Ref #: SDE20,
hrmobility@rivian.com
Irvine, CA 92606 WANTED HOTWHEELS South Coast Repertory Theatre hosts online community programs.
BY LIZ GOLDNER
1968-1985
IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
COLLECTOR WILL PAY TOP DOLLAR
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COVER AND TOC: EVERYDAY EATERY COVER: PHOTO COURTESY OF LEVEL 8 DRIVE-IN
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HER @ IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
FOR ALL INQUIRIES: PUBLISHER @ IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM IRVINEWEEKLY.COM
FOOD
I R V I N E W E E K LY. C O M | AU G U S T 5 , 2 0 2 0
3
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KOREAN BARBECUE HEADS OUT- While the pandemic has presented its
share of hardships for restaurateurs and
DOORS
workers, Chon’s outlook remains opti-
mistic. In fact, Chon mentioned that the
reaction to Baekjeong’s outdoor dining
in Irvine was so positive that the chain
BAEKJEONG BRINGS ITS POPULAR IRVINE FARE OUT- will be expanding its outdoor dining into
more locations in Orange County and
SIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME. Los Angeles County.
“We have only been open for outdoor
dining in Irvine for a few days and the
BY EVAN J. LANCASTER
response has been fantastic,” he ex-
plained to Irvine Weekly. “Our customers
PHOTOS - COURTESY OF BAEKJEONG
love eating outside in the shade of the
R
tent where they can still smell the meats
estaurants everywhere are the chain needed to overcome in order one in New York City, the K-BBQ chain barbecuing, listen to Kpop music and
continuing to adapt to new to begin outdoor operations for the first gained major social media recognition relax in a socially distanced open-air en-
state guidelines when offer- time ever. in 2015 when the late Anthony Bourdain vironment. It is our plan to offer a similar
ing dine-in options. Yet for “In offering outdoor dining, it is critical for visited with a group of friends. outdoor dining experience at both our
establishments like the popular Korean us to provide a very pleasant physical It was clear at the time that Bourdain Buena Park and Temple City locations in
barbecue chain Baekjeong, the inability environment for our customers,” Chon knew about the excellence of Baek- the next 10 days.”
to offer dine-in service was challenging. explained. “That required us to procure jeong’s selection. The prime boneless Since the pandemic began, the city of
However, new guidelines have created tents, turf, tables, dividers, plants, etc. and short rib, ribeye, thinly sliced brisket, beef Irvine has offered outdoor dining across
new opportunities. in many cases it has been a real chal- tongue, and marinated pork collar are multiple community centers, thanks to
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, a well-known lenge to find what we need.” perfect starting points. an efficient permitting process intro-
Korean barbecue chain, visited by the Chon added, however, that Baekjeong Obviously, if a dish receives even the duced to the city council in May.
likes of Anthony Bourdain, has opened its was able to lean on local community slightest hint of approval from Bourdain Additionally, through Irvine’s Dine Al
first-ever outdoor dining patio at Irvine’s vendors for support. it becomes a must-try. Since then, Baek- Fresco program, restaurants around the
Heritage Square. “For instance, we were fortunate to get jeong has attracted countless popular city have been able to serve guests in a
While some restaurants can easily shift the last tent from a local vendor that met entertainers and celebrity chefs. safe, socially distanced outdoor environ-
to serving food outdoors, bringing the our specifications. Lots of equipment was Baekjeong’ Heritage Square location is ment.
concept of Korean barbecue into a simply sold out,” he said. “So the chal- currently offering 17 tables. All tables are If there’s one thing that’s been on the
different environment, in the middle of a lenge is that we have had to cast our net spaced to accommodate social distanc- minds of everyone during quarantine, it’s
pandemic, was a challenge. wide in order to obtain what we needed ing and will be open Monday – Friday finally being able to enjoy a meal with
Michael Chon, CEO of Kijung Hospitality so as to offer Irvine outdoor dining.” from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Baekjeong’s friends. So, it’s great to see more restau-
Group, which operates Baekjeong, spoke With a half-dozen locations in Southern weekend hours are 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 rants opening for outdoor dining in Irvine
with Irvine Weekly about the obstacles California including Koreatown and p.m. — especially Korean barbecue.
NEWS
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4
SUPPORTING FRONT-LINE WORKERS
IRVINE RECEIVES DONATION OF 1 MILLION FACE MASKS FROM FIVE-
POINT HOLDINGS.
BY: EVAN J. LANCASTER
PHOTO BY: MACAU PHOTO AGENCY ON UNSPLASH
T
hrough a valiant effort to March, even as PPE was extremely its residents and those who work here, Great Park can accommodate between
ensure public health and limited, FivePoint was able to meet and FivePoint will continue to do as 200 – 260 tests per day.
help support those in Irvine an incredibly high demand to supply much as we can to help this community Irvine Mayor Christina Shea thanked
working on the front lines and distribute more than 100,000 face be prepared for what lies ahead.” FivePoint Holdings for its generous do-
of the COVID-19 pandemic, FivePoint masks to health care workers, law en- This comes after Irvine saw its largest nation, and said the city is committed to
Holdings LLC has donated more than 1 forcement and essential workers within month-to-month increase of COVID-19 keeping the community safe and healthy.
million face masks to the city of Irvine. the city. from June to July. In one month, Irvine “The health and safety of all residents,
On July 27, The city of Irvine and “From the start, FivePoint has support- saw nearly 600 cases, more than twice and especially health care workers
FivePoint issued a joint news release ed health care workers, first responders the total number of cases reported in and first responders on the front lines,
detailing a new donation of 1 million and all of the heroes on the front line June. remains the city of Irvine’s highest
face masks that will be provided to of this pandemic, including here in the Earlier this month, Irvine became the priority as we continue closely monitor-
health care workers, law enforcement city of Irvine, our public partner in good first city in Orange County to offer free ing the COVID-19 crisis,” Shea said. “We
personnel and distributed throughout times and moments of crisis like this,” COVID-19 testing to residents and work- extend our deepest appreciation to our
the community to slow the spread of FivePoint Chairman and CEO Emile ers within the city. The program has partner FivePoint for their dedication to
COVID-19. Haddad said. “We believe deeply in the filled up twice since it began on July 10. the Irvine community and continued
Since the state began lockdown in safety and well-being of this great city, The site, located at the Orange County collaboration.”
NEWS trying to reopen Wild Rivers. The two
I R V I N E W E E K LY. C O M | AU G U S T 5 , 2 0 2 0
most important aspects of the project –
land and funding – have been difficult
to acquire at the same time.
During an April 28 Great Park Board
Meeting, the board cited an “unfore-
seen delay” in the land transfer of the
planned construction site and recom-
mended the City Council approve a
new 20-acre site for Wild Rivers.
“I’ve been working on this project since
2006 or 2007. We’ve been working on it
a long time. We got some lease exten-
sions closed in 2011 and have been try-
ing to find new dirt and get financing
— both are difficult, and we never seem
to have one and the other at the same
time,” he explained. “Now everything
seems to be lining up. We’ve got the
right partners in place.”
Rieder said the new Wild Rivers site
5
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design will include some aspects of the
old park, but mainly will become a new,
improved version of the Irvine-based
water park.
“Where we found success in Wild
WILD RIVERS UNVEILS NEW Rivers 1.0 was that we were able to seg-
regate the bigger kids from the little kids
SITE DESIGN
by putting all the little kid attractions on
what we called The Island, in between
the Lazy River,” he said. “That theme
works well in the new park.”
UPDATED PLAN INCLUDES SOME OLD FAVORITES What to expect
ALONG WITH NEW RIDES. In terms of rides, Rieder was excited to
announce the new design does include
some old favorites from the original 1986
BY: EVAN J. LANCASTER • PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF IRVINE design. However, there will be signifi-
cant upgrades to the look and feel to the
I
new Wild Rivers Water Park.
rvine’s soon-to-be water park broke “We brought back the Bombay Blast-
a four-month social media silence ers slide, which is an iconic Wild Rivers
by posting an image of the new ride. It’s a tube slide that goes under-
Wild Rivers site design on Face- neath the ground. And a ride that will
book. While the project has yet to break be called “Switzer,” which was kind of a
ground, Irvine residents didn’t hesitate transitional ride for the little kids, before
to share their excitement. they start riding the bigger rides.”
The July 24 post included an aerial Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pan-
rendering of the proposed design, and demic, Rieder says he thinks the project
indicated that Wild Rivers had submit- is on track — considering the hurdles
ted the new plans to the city of Irvine: that it has already cleared. While he
“We submitted our site design to the expects the pandemic to keep attrac-
City of Irvine this week. We hope to tions closed for the foreseeable future,
have the design and environmental he’s optimistic about targeting 2022 for
reviews completed and in front of the opening.
Planning Committee in September. This “The city has continued to work on the
will let us break ground at the begin- project. I’m not sure we would want to
ning of 2021 and open in May of 2022.” Waterpark, said he’s thankful for the Riedel said during a phone interview open in 2021, just because I don’t know
Since then, the post gained more than community’s continued enthusiasm, with Irvine Weekly. “Everyone’s been if we would move forward understand-
600 likes and had nearly 300 com- considering how long the project has really supportive, that includes all the ing that COVID is there, and obviously
ments from users recalling childhood taken. members of the council as well.” attractions in California, theme parks,
memories and displaying excitement “We’ve been lucky that we’ve had haven’t opened yet and probably won’t
over the new Wild Rivers site design. such great support all the way through Project roadblocks for quite some time. So, I think we would
Mike Riedel, president of Wild Rivers this process, and it’s been a long one,” Riedel has spent more than a decade have ended up in 2022 anyway.”
CULTURE
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6
COURTESY OF
LEVEL 8 DRIVE -IN
AT THE DRIVE-IN
IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT IS ROLLING BACK INTO THE SOCIAL
(DISTANCE-MINDED) CONSCIOUSNESS.
BY LINA LECARO
W
hile technology and the perhaps also a hunger for back to basics Grease) and a decade or two later, Gen- what was usually a double feature, and
array of distractions it film-going, before mall-adjacent multi- Xers like myself caught the tail end of why not? It was like a mega-slumber
provides is helping most plexes took over the cinema landscape in-auto movie amusement, going to the party in public. Yep, family night at the
of us get through pan- – drive-in entertainment is having a drive-in with more wholesome inten- drive-in was special.
demic times, simpler forms of entertain- moment, and it’s rolling back into the tions. If you’re of a certain (pre-millenni- In 2020, kids are used to more stimula-
ment – especially those that allow us to social (distance-minded) consciousness al) age, you probably have memories of tion, especially with current movie the-
leave home and do so safely – have a in a myriad of ways. the family hatchback or truck getting ater sound and picture quality systems,
special appeal. In Southern California, where car cul- backed into a drive-in’s giant outdoor though it seems an appreciation for
As the movie industry adjusts its ture is ingrained into our history, drive- screen, your parents attaching tiny something less tech-driven is emerging.
release schedule due to Covid-19 by ins are a source of nostalgia and child- speaker boxes to their car windows for It just may have to. Coronavirus is show-
premiering new titles online, alterna- hood memories for many. Boomers went the movie’s audio, or wearing pajamas ing no signs of ceasing spread anytime
tive ways of going to the movies are to them as teens mostly to make out (as and bringing the comforts of home soon, and the drive-in provides a way
also gaining interest. Out of necessity – depicted in films like The Outsiders and along. Often, we’d fall asleep during to be out in public without potentially
CULTURE picnic-like outdoor screenings similar
I R V I N E W E E K LY. C O M | AU G U S T 5 , 2 0 2 0
to the Cinespia events at Hollywood
Forever Cemetery, has been offering
hit movies at its new in-car series with
Caruso (owners of both The Grove next
to Farmer’s Market on Fairfax and the
Americana shopping mall in Glendale).
In conjunction with Toyota, the screen-
ings, called the “Level 8 Drive-in,” are
currently taking place on the top level
of the Americana’s parking lot. Classic
movie refreshments, including compli-
mentary popcorn, bottled water, and
boxed candy are included with the tick-
et fee, but guests can enjoy another level
of culinary components, with options
from the shopping center’s hottest eat-
eries including Bourbon Steak, Katsuya
and Shake Shack.
Both the Tribeca series and Level 8
have presented mostly classic films
7
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COURTESY OF MISSION TIKI
(Jaws, Wizard of Oz) and fan favorites
DRIVE-IN & SWAP MEET (Mean Girls, Lala Land), but few new
titles. That may change as more dates
are hopefully announced for both. New
getting exposed to others’ germs. This COURTESY OF THE releases in general are still being pre-
fact has led to an exploration of the TRIBECA DRIVE-IN miered via streaming services at home,
drive-in format and drive-in venues but studios seem to be testing the waters
as a showcase not just for movies, but more and more at both pre-existing
concerts, comedy shows and even drag drive-in locales and pop-ups.
extravaganzas, as well. Fatima, Marco Pontecorvo’s story of
“I think it’s fantastic because it gives a religious revelation in Portugal near the
whole new generation the opportunity end of World War I, was previewed on
to do something they’ve never done a giant screen in the parking lot of the
before,” says Southern California pop Hollywood Palladium recently, allow-
culture expert/author/speaker Charles ing four guests per car to watch the film
Phoenix. “It’s the time-honored tradi- and giving away keepsake face masks
tion of watching a film under the stars and prepackaged concessions. Similar-
from the comfort of, as I call them, your ly, Dave Franco’s new thriller The Rental
private motor cars. Car culture saves the also held preview screenings for press
day!” at the drive-in last month. In association
The drive-in resurgence goes beyond with Arclight Cinemas, Franco debuted
movies too. Phoenix thinks drive-thrus his new thriller in the City of Industry at
can be just as much fun as drive-ins the Vineland Drive-in, taking the oppor-
and when we’re all looking for things tunity to speak to fans before the movie
to do, we need to open our minds to the car culture, touts visiting old landmark co-founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal. started on the big screen and do a Q&A
possibilities. drive-ins in SoCal (which have become “As an immediate and safe solution [to afterward.
“My whole thing with drive-in and better known for flea markets and swap indoor theaters], we’re excited to bring Other locales providing drive-in
drive-thru culture is not only is this meets in recent years) versus the newer new and classic works from filmmakers, events include Ontario Airport, which
an opportunity for us to save our own makeshift drive-in experiences with creators, and artists to communities launched a drive-in movie series last
lives and the lives of others, we have blow up screens such as those popping across the country. We aim to bring month; the “Movies Under the Moon” se-
the opportunity to learn history at the up at sports stadiums or mall parking people together through the arts to send ries in Anaheim and the City of Irvine’s
same time,“ he says, adding that historic lots, drive-in entertainment remains a signal of unity and resiliency to the drive-in series featuring movies and
locales such as the Randy Donuts in inherently old school cool either way. world during challenging times.” concerts (beginning in August).
Inglewood, the original Wienerschnit- Which is why one of the biggest film Robert De Niro, Tribeca’s other Though they are also streamed online,
zel in Wilmington, the world’s oldest festivals in the world recently decided to co-founder, concurs in promo for the drive-in music performances from the
McDonalds in Downey, and The Donut get in on the trend. Tribeca Film Festival program, “The Tribeca drive-in series likes of Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton and
Hole in La Puente (in which guests drive has been holding weekly screenings at is a tribute to movies and the shared Gwen Stefani and more have brought
through a giant donut) should be added the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and since experience of watching them, even if the idea to the entertainment forefront
to anyone’s flashback foray into drive-in they started back in June, they’ve been from our cars,” he says. “In anticipation too. Voss Entertainment’s Drive-in Drag
and drive-thru culture. selling out. of theaters reopening imminently, we Shows scheduled for August should add
Though Phoenix, known for his ‘50s “We hope that the drive-in serves as look back at what we love about the big to the car show craze too.
and ‘60s slideshow presentations and a reminder of the magic of the mov- screen experience.” As we discovered at Franco’s event,
a YouTube channel celebrating retro iegoing experience,” says Tribeca Street Food Cinema, a group known for some things have changed since our
CULTURE time, and if you want the time honored
| AU G U S T 5 , 2 0 2 0 | I R V I N E W E E K LY. C O M
authentic traditional experience, they
are where you must go,” he enthuses.
Though Wilmington and Pomona
might seem like quite a drive out of L.A.
just for a movie, Phoenix thinks they are
“destination experiences that are worth
traveling for.” As a movie critic who sees
a lot of films, and a mom looking for safe
outside distractions, we agree.
“It’s about getting out of the house and
staying out of the house and having
a time-honored experience while just
feeling like you’ve done something,”
insists Phoenix. “It is a classic American
experience. Car culture invaded Amer-
ica a long time ago but we do it better
and more frequently than everybody
else. At the end of day, the way things
are going, we’re gonna have a drive-th-
COURTESY OF MISSION TIKI
ru and drive-in culture once again, so
8 DRIVE-IN & SWAP MEET
let’s enjoy it.”
childhood drive-in days. Those who Rosas, who was also a movie theater Without a lot of other options for safe Roll into the following next time you
haven’t been to one in years will note manager in his youth and worked as a outdoor activities, even movie fans like need to get out and be entertained:
that they did away with the old speaker production coordinator at Netflix, says Rosas seem to be opening up to the
boxes of yore a while ago. Now, patrons that many grew up loving movies large- drive-in experience, regardless of prior City of Irvine Summer Drive-In Series,
tune into a frequency on their car radios ly because it is an indoor activity. Endur- opinion. If coronavirus has taught us Orange County Great Park
to get audio for the film, which provides ing the traffic jams to get in and out of anything, it’s an appreciation for a lot of https://www.cityofirvine.org/or-
better sound than we remember as a drive-in, not to mention lesser picture the things we used to take for granted. ange-county-great-park/great-park-
a kid, though it can drain older cars’ and audio quality, is not really worth it Being entertained while in our cars and calendar-events
batteries. In the corona era, cars are for some movie buffs like him. “Especially sharing an experience - even if we are
parked 6 feet apart, and bathroom and with a projected situation, outdoors just somewhat separated while doing so - is Paramount Twin Drive-In,
concessions have staff on hand making isn’t a controlled enough environment for all we got right now and when we start 7770 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount
sure masks and socially distanced picture or sound,” he explains. “Head- to go stir-crazy indoors, it’s still a novel
restroom lines are enforced. Some also lights bouncing across the scene, slam- option. Vineland Drive-In 443 N Vineland Ave,
employ extra cleaning people to make ming car doors, idling cars, long distance If you decide to incorporate some histo- City of Industry
sure these areas are sanitized. from the screen itself are all a bummer if ry lessons into the activity as the colorful
Of course, the novelty of catching a it’s a movie you really want to see.” Mr. Phoenix advises, novel and nostalgic Mission Tiki Drive-In 10798 Ramona
flick in your car provides a refreshing Perhaps this is why classic films are what you’ll be in store for. He has Ave., Montclair/Pomona
alternative to watching one at home, rather new ones seem to fill the roster suggestions, too.
and movie-lovers seem to be getting at most drive-ins at the moment. There “The best drive-in movie theater Van Buren Drive-In 3035 Van Buren
into it. Still, some hardcore cinephiles are exceptions, however. Mission Tiki experiences in all of Southern California Blvd, Riverside
don’t think they’re optimal if you’re Drive-in in Pomona - one of the most include four original old school classic
going to see an anticipated film. popular local destinations since indoor spots still standing,” he shares. “The Rodi- Rubidoux Drive-In 3770 Opal St., Riv-
“People are getting out and seeing movie theaters shut-down - has been um in Redondo Beach, where the screen erside
movies which is great and the drive-in offering new films, though most of them tower is a Mid-Century modern architec-
can be fun, but I’ve always said it’s a have also been available via video on tural masterpiece and the sign out front Rodium Drive-in, 2500 W. Redondo
terrible way to watch a movie,” says Jor- demand (VOD) or on streaming services will blow your Mid-Century space-age Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach
dan Dobbs Rosas, co-host of The Basic at the same time. Two anticipated 2020 style lovin’ mind!”
Pitch Podcast (the seasonal rom-com titles - Spies Like Us and Palm Springs - “Then there’s the Mission Tiki,” he Tribeca Drive-in at the Rose Bowl, 1001
screenwriting game). “I guess I see it as a were screened at local drive-ins while continues. “It’s been there since 1956. It’s Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena https://tribeca-
social activity as opposed to a cine- simultaneously debuting on Amazon got four screens and it was made over film.com/drive-in
matic one, the equivalent of a group and Hulu, respectively. by lovers of master tiki craft about 10-12
in a living room who have all seen the “It harkens back to a time when going years ago. They gave it a tiki overhaul Level 8 Drive-in at the Glendale
movie many times and are going to to movies was just a thing to do to pass which is fantastic because now it looks Americana, 889 Americana Way, Glen-
talk over much of it because they know the time,” adds Rosas. “But for me person- genuine of the era. “ dale https://americanaatbrand.com/
the good parts to quiet down for, but if ally if I can’t watch the movie with no Phoenix’s other two faves include the events/level-8-drive-in-summer-mov-
you’ve ever been the one person in the distractions (which to be fair hasn’t been Rubidoux Drive-in the Inland Empire (“it’s ie-series-at-the-americana-at-brand-
living room who is seeing that movie for the case in the theaters for a long while, a total time warp”) and the Van Buren with-street-food-cinema-7/
the first time, you know it’s a miserable and seems to be getting worse with Drive-in located in Riverside. “Those
place to be, which is mostly how I feel things like table service) I’d rather just are the four drive-ins that are survivors. Voss Events Drag N’ Drive at the Rose
about all of the various outdoor movie stay home and have a better experience They’re out there and I’m glad they’re Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena
events. “ there.” out there because if you want layers of https://vossevents.com/drive-n-drag/
ENTERTAINMENT in this nuanced take on comicbook Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets / VOD
I R V I N E W E E K LY. C O M | AU G U S T 5 , 2 0 2 0
CHARLIZE THERON IN THE OLD GUARD
© 2020 NETFLIX, INC heroes and villains concerning a covert “When nobody don’t want your ass, you
band of immortal mercenaries and their can come in here and have a good time,”
lonely but extraordinary lives, filled with says a patron at the Roaring 20s, a dive
never-ending combat against those who bar on the outskirts of Vegas. It’s just after
might threaten the world as we know it. lunch on a shimmery hot desert day
When the group takes on an emergen- and the bar’s regulars, young, old, and
cy mission and their healing powers are culturally diverse, are already arriving
exposed, leader Andy (Theron) and new for what will be the joint’s last day.
member Nile (Kiki Layne), must fight In the sneakily haunting Bloody Nose,
harder than ever to protect themselves Empty Pockets, filmmaking brothers Bill
and save humanity, and which of course and Turner Ross (Contemporary Color),
they do with violent aplomb. who make documentaries that redefine
Adapted from Greg Rucka and Leandro the term, roam the bar with their cam-
Fernandez’s graphic novel and directed eras, capturing snippets of conversation,
Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basket- song, and lament as a never famous
IRVINE WEEKLY’S ball, Beyond the Lights), this one is a slick
popcorn flick with substance boasting
Vegas staple prepares to close its doors.
For a good long time, nothing much
MOVIE GUIDE
diverse characters, believable backsto- seems to be happening. Folks greet each
ries and -ironic, considering they can’t other fondly. Bad jokes are told. The bar-
die- an engaging humanity that draws tender curses Jeopardy on the big TV.
9
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you in and makes you care, even with a And people drink, but never sloppily.
MUCHO MUCHO AMOR, THE OLD contrived sequel/potential for franchise
tease near its climax. –L.L.
Drinking, you come to realize, is what
these folks do. They know how to stretch
GUARD, THE RELIC, DIVOS! AND The Relic / VOD
out the day, just as they know to lean in to
humor and intimacy, for surely that’s the
MORE … Relic, the elegantly creepy debut film
from writer-director Natalie Erika James,
payoff for living your best hours in a bar.
Nothing happens in Bloody Nose,
BY CHUCK WILSON AND LINA LECARO may not be the film to watch if you have Empty Pockets except funny, quotable
an aging parent in distress. That’s the conversation — “You’re sweet on me now
I
dilemma facing Kay (Emily Mortim- but just you wait. I’m a destroyer” — and
rvine Weekly’s Movie Guide is your sented not weirdness, but campy wonder er), whose mother, Edna (Robyn Nein), the passing by of a dozen lives filled with
look at the hottest films available thanks to his popular horoscope-driven briefly disappears from her Australian enough love, fury, and regret to fill three
on your TV sets, electronic devices show Walter y Las Estrellas. The glam- country home only to return and begin Hollywood movies. This is a scruffy, gor-
and in select drive-ins throughout orous self-help extravaganza offered a acting out in strange and unnerving geous movie. -C.W.
Southern California. Theaters remain refreshing dose of androgyny, astrology ways. Edna is clearly struggling with
closed, but the good news is that there’s and audacious theatricality that clearly dementia but Kay and her daughter Divos! / VOD
no shortage of diverse and engaging resonated beyond Spanish speaking TV Sam (Bella Heathcote) begin to wonder Of course, Ricky Redman (Matt Steele)
films to see at home. And as always, we fans too. if Edna, or her rambling old house, or will land the lead role in this year’s San
let you know what’s worth the watch- Much Mucho Amor, the new doc chron- the family itself, is being taken over by a Fernando Catholic Church high school
time — from indie art house gems to pop- icling Mercado’s life, is aptly named as it’s malevolent force. musical. He does so every year. A proud
corn-perfect blockbusters to new movies a loving look at an unforgettable figure In this house, the walls groan like a sail- show queen, with epic plans to be a
garnering buzz, indicating where you who broke all the rules (he was gender boat adrift at sea, a shadowy figure hov- Broadway star, Ricky is a true diva,
can catch them whether it be digital fluid before it was a thing, after all). De- ers at the end of hall, and everywhere, but wait, who’s the hunky blonde boy
Video on Demand (VOD) or streaming spite retreating from the public eye many black mold is growing, including, most walking into auditions, the one backlit
subscription services. years ago, Mercado opens up his home to disturbingly, in a round patch on Edna’s like Jesus?
the filmmakers here and proves that his chest. Aided by Brian Reitzell’s jangly That would be Josh (Timothy Brun-
Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of charisma continued to glimmer just like score, director James and cinematogra- didge), the school’s injured baseball
Walter Mercado / NETFLIX his famous capes (and yes, we get to see pher Charlie Sarroff slowly build a sense pitcher who’s decided that he too is
Don’t let Walter Mercado’s over the his marvel of a closet!). of menace and dread, even as the three destined to be a Broadway sensation.
top look fool you. He’s no Joe Exotic type He passed away last year so this gifted leads dive deep into the tangled Ricky takes him under his wing but a
wacko with delusions of meth-head Sundance-produced film makes for a emotionality of this fractured family. bitter rivalry ensues, and Divos!, a deft
grandeur. And this is not another sala- fitting tribute, packaging interviews and In the last half hour, all hell breaks indie comedy written by Steele and
cious doc exploiting queer eccentricity, archival footage into a cohesive look at loose, with Sam trapped in a hidden, directed by Ryan Patrick Bartley, takes
thank heavens. The Puerto Rican TV as- his impact, the most significant of which shape-shifting part of the house and off.
trologer was a true superstar who might was probably the way he hammered at Kay forced to battle her mother, who’s If the cast seems a bit past high
have been unusual and over the top the homophobia inherent in Latino cul- evolving into something else, something school age, no matter, their energy and
(even for the ’70s) but garnered a loyal ture not by trying to, but simply by being other. The film’s last moments, which shift general fabulousness carry the day.
following nonetheless, and the filmmak- himself. -L.L. daringly from the horrific to the tender, Steel’s script takes some unexpected
ers here are clearly included. may frustrate horror fans in need of a plot turns, including a mid-turn shift to
If you’re of Latin decent, odds are your The Old Guard / NETFLIX clear explanation for all that’s come Josh’s home life, and a welcome avoid-
abuela loved him and you grew up fasci- Charlize Theron is our favorite amiable before, but anyone who’s watched a ance of opening night clichés. A trifle
nated by him. Despite getting parodied badass (Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic loved one age and fade is sure to feel a to be sure, but an accomplished one,
often for his unusual look, Mercado repre- Blonde, etc.) and she nails it once again resonant ache. -C.W. Divos!, is a charming surprise. – C.W.ART
| AU G U S T 5 , 2 0 2 0 | I R V I N E W E E K LY. C O M
RICHARD DOYLE, HAL LANDON JR.,
WILLIAM FRANCIS MCGUIRE AND
KIMBERLY SCOTT IN SCR’S 201 8
PRODUCTION OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
PHOTO BY JORDAN KUBAT
10
EXPLORING LIVE THEATER’S MANY
POSSIBILITIES
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE SCHEDULES ONLINE COMMUNITY-
ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS.
BY LIZ GOLDNER
W
ith theaters throughout subsequent presentations, to be held lat- nationwide theatrical experience to this free, but ticketholders are encouraged to
Southern California er this summer, are part of the “El Teatro production. support the “Second Harvest Foodbank
continuing to be dark, de la Comida” (Theatre of Food) series. The MASA readings are divided into of Orange County.” To reserve tickets,
South Coast Reperto- The MASA readings, as announced by the following topics: “The Gardens of Az- visit www.scr.org.
ry theater in Costa Mesa will hold its SCR’s Artistic Director David Ivers and tlan” by Luis Alfaro (from California Sce- In early 2019, I spent an illuminating
first online “Community Engagement Managing Director Paula Tomei, are narios, a 2001 SCR-commissioned work); hour interviewing Ivers who began
[theatrical] Initiative,” titled “MASA,” on curated and directed by Juliette Car- “El Maiz” by Lisa Loomer; “Tejuino” by working as SCR’s new Artistic Direc-
August 17. This first of three SCR com- rillo, Professor of Drama at UC Irvine’s Amilcar Jauregui; and “The Path to tor just a few months previously. He
munity-centered readings will address Claire Trevor School of the Arts. The Divado” or How to Make Fat-free Tama- explained that his plans included con-
the historical and cultural importance Yale School of Drama graduate, previ- les in G minor, by Diane Rodriguez. tinuing the theater’s successful formula
of masa – or corn meal. MASA and two ously an SCR Artistic Associate, brings Tickets to this online presentation are of balancing new work with classicalART pian grew up in Toronto and Calabasas,
I R V I N E W E E K LY. C O M | AU G U S T 5 , 2 0 2 0
RICHARD DOYLE, HAL LANDON JR. California, and fell in love with acting
AND KIMBERLY SCOTT IN THE 201 8
PRODUCTION OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL. when he played the Wizard of Oz in the
PHOTO BY JORDAN KUBAT third grade. His parents supported his
theatrical aspirations early on. “They
were hard working, beautiful, inquis-
itive people. They were progressive
in their thinking, and felt that it was
important for my brother and me to be
individuals.”
In high school, he pursued theater
aggressively, performing in Li’l Abner,
Grease and The Music Man, among
other plays. He received his BFA from
Southern Oregon University and his
MFA from the University of Minnesota, a
curriculum including performances at
the nearby Guthrie Theater.
Ivers has worked at the Utah Shake-
speare Festival as actor, director and
Artistic Director, and as a resident artist
11
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at the Denver Center Theatre Company.
He has directed plays at the Guthrie
Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festi-
val, Berkeley Repertory Theater and
SCR (the British farce, One Man, Two
Guv’nors in 2015). He has performed in
farces, comedies and in most Shake-
speare plays.
As an educator, he has taught theater
SCR MANAGING
at the Universities of Michigan and Min-
DIRECTOR PAULA nesota, Southern Utah University and
TOMEI
PHOTO BY
Southern Oregon University. He balanc-
JORDAN KUBAT es his career with involvement with his
family, with his wife and two sons.
Paula Tomei who works closely with
Ivers said, “David is a passionate artist
with a deep understanding of collab-
oration at all levels. When he directed
One Man, Two Guv’nors, it was a delight
to watch him work with the cast to
SCR ARTISTIC bring out the most outrageous comic
DIRECTOR
DAVID IVERS moments in the show. He listens careful-
PHOTO BY ly, asks questions that elicit thoughtful
JORDAN KUBAT
ideas and responses, and he’s all about
finding the joy in theater.”
would happen to Orange County if this Richard Doyle, an SCR founding actor,
theater ceased to exist?” He described was asked about Ivers’ role at the
his vision of how the SCR campus could theater last year. His response: “Taking
dramas, musicals and contemporary one of the first regional theater compa- be alive with activity in the future with on the leadership of one of America’s
theater. nies committed to new work, and that outdoor presentations linked to the on- premier ‘League of Regional Theatres’
“SCR is one of the most prolific theaters is an important touchstone for us. They stage productions. He added that these is a huge undertaking, At this moment
in the country in terms of new play de- can answer some important questions complementary events could attract in time, with the changing way our
velopment,” he explained. “Few theaters about how things developed here over theater-going patrons with event-driv- theatergoing audiences access live
in the country are able to produce such time … and why. That will help me as we en outings. entertainment, doing so will require
a range of plays. I am also interested move forward.” Community engagement might also energy, innovation and heart, all things
in entertaining our audiences. It’s not Looking to the future of the theater, include collaborating with other arts that David has in abundance.”
all about laughs, but about expanding Ivers said, “Telling stories in our plays institutions, or “sharing talents.” Ivers’ Hunkered down at home with his
how they see the world and opening illuminate the human condition. The plans then include meeting with other family these days, David Ivers envisions
up their hearts. It is both humbling and theater is a tool for social justice. It is Orange County arts groups, talking and South Coast Repertory Theater as a
thrilling to work here.” cathartic, expanding our view of how learning from them about possible col- dynamic center for inspiring live plays
Reflecting on the theater’s early days, we see the world, while examining laborations. “I’m still young in my tenure in the future. In the meantime, he con-
he said, “Founding Artistic Directors Da- everything we do.“ here and I’ve got a lot to learn,” he said. tinues to plan online productions and to
vid Emmes and Martin Benson created He then rhetorically inquired, “What Ivers, a tall, lanky 40-something thes- announce these events in videos.You can also read
