MAY 3RD, 2024

FRIDAY

FRIDAY VIBES

Eats | Events | Activities
Community | Development
Biz | Entertainment | Sports

🇲🇽 HAPPY FRIDAY + CINCO DE MAYO, GOOD LOOKIN’

• 🌅 EARLY MORNING START: A reminder that CuratedLA will now publish at 5:30am to align with our beautiful SoCal sunrises. This new morning publication time will start Monday, and thus, I took advantage of having one last noon start today for extra news to include within today’s newsletter before the weekend. But it is that time of the year again where a cup of java, an early productive morning, and a sunrise all go together, hand-in-hand.

• 🚀 CURATEDLA GROWTH: CuratedLA has received a lot of press releases, events, and community submissions as we continue to grow. Please know that I am aware that the submission form might work for some, and for some reason, might not work for others. I aplogize about this. In the interim, if you have content that you wish to submit, please email it to me directly, or send a link to our Catfish text/voicemail line. As always, no OnlyFans. Plz. 

  • And thank you, all of you, for being community-driven. If you are a member of the press, or a PR agency, please feel free to submit as well: DUI wrecks, violence, crime and/or political opinions will not be published. We backlink accordingly and provide credit to imagery/media as indicated. Have a wonderful weekend, Los Angeles. - Wyatt

    • 💌 DIRECT EMAIL: [email protected]

    • ☎️ CATFISH TEXT/VOICEMAIL: 747-200-5740

• ⛈️ WEEKEND FORECAST: After a stretch of pleasant spring weather, a cold and unsettled storm system is set to move into Southern California this weekend. Gusty winds up to 65 mph are expected in the San Bernardino mountains on Saturday, followed by a chance of rain on Sunday, with rainfall amounts ranging from a tenth to a quarter of an inch. While the wet weather will be brief, it will bring a noticeable temperature drop before the region bounces back to sunshine and warmer temperatures by Monday. According to KTLA Meteorologist Henry DiCarlo, the high-pressure system developing next week could help sustain the warmer, drier conditions all the way through the following weekend. Though a brief interruption, this weekend's storm serves as a reminder that spring weather in SoCal can still be unpredictable.

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

EATS

LOCAL HEADLINES

• 🍪 CRUMBL COOKIES: Crumbl Cookies is serving up a delectable lineup of new and returning flavors for today + tomorrow in LA. Leading the charge is the Peanut Butter Munch Cookie, a warm peanut butter cookie topped with milk chocolate, crunchy peanut butter cereal, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Joining it are the Churro Cookie, bursting with cinnamon flavor and swirled with cinnamon buttercream; the Blueberry Muffin Cookie, smothered in a buttery glaze and streusel topping; and the Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie, packed with semi-sweet, white, and milk chocolate chips. Crumbl is also bringing back its shareable Tres Leches Cake in a new family size.

• 📝 NO MORE HIDDEN FEES: California restaurants will soon be prohibited from tacking on hidden fees and service charges, thanks to a new law taking effect on July 1st. Under SB478, authored by state senators Nancy Skinner and Bill Dodd, restaurants will be required to fold any additional costs into their menu prices, rather than listing them as separate surcharges. The goal is to provide greater transparency for consumers and prevent the practice of junk fees that artificially lower advertised prices.

OPENINGS

• 🛍️ CALIFORNIA MALLS: Southern California's malls are no longer just shopping destinations: they've become bona fide culinary hotspots. Once known for standard food court fare, malls across the region are now home to an impressive array of chef-driven concepts and local favorites. In the San Fernando Valley, the new Topanga Social food hall at Westfield Topanga features twenty-seven vendors, including acclaimed spots like Dtown Pizza and Slab Barbecue. Further south, the Shops at Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City houses high-end grocers, hometown eateries, and even a hidden wine bar. And at the iconic South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, diners can indulge in Michelin-starred French cuisine, Singaporean soup dumplings, and more.

• 🍕 PITFIRE PIZZA X SONORATOWN: Pitfire Pizza and Sonoratown are collaborating for a special Chivichanga Pizza in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The collaboration is loaded with shredded chicken from Sonoratown, monterey jack, and mild cheddar cheese. Proceeds from this collaboration benefit No Us Without You.

BIG BRANDS

• 🛒 WALMART’S NEW BRAND: Walmart is making a play for more affluent and health-conscious grocery shoppers with the launch of its new private-label brand, Bettergoods. Priced mostly under five dollars, the new line will feature a range of trend-forward and chef-inspired foods, including plant-based items and products free of certain ingredients like gluten or antibiotics. Walmart developed Bettergoods in response to customer demand for more elevated and inspirational grocery options, as the retailer looks to retain the higher-income shoppers it has attracted during the recent period of high inflation. With nearly sixty-percent of Walmart's U.S. sales coming from its grocery business, the new brand represents a strategic move to strengthen the company's position in the competitive grocery landscape, complementing its existing private-label staple, Great Value. 💌 

• 🍔 BURGER KING: Burger King's parent company, Restaurant Brands International, is doubling down on revitalizing the fast-food chain's U.S. footprint. The company announced a new three-hundred million dollar investment to remodel around 1,100 Burger King locations across the country, building on a previous two-hundred fifty million dollar commitment made a year and a half ago. The renovations will bring Burger King's Sizzle design to life, featuring drive-thru pickup for mobile orders and self-order kiosks, features aimed at driving increased sales of Whoppers and fries. So far, the initial round of one hundred remodeled restaurants has seen a sales boost, prompting Restaurant Brands to expand the program. With 85-90% of Burger King's seven thousand U.S. locations expected to have the modern design by 2028, this multi-year, $2.2 billion overhaul represents a major bet on reviving the iconic burger brand.

• 🍟 MCDONALD’S COOKING UP DEALS: McDonald's is stepping up its focus on deals and value offerings to drive traffic. The fast-food giant reported that same-store sales rose just 1.9% globally in the first quarter, below Wall Street expectations, with flat or declining traffic in major markets like the U.S., Australia, and the UK. In response, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said the company will be more aggressive in promoting value, noting that ninety-percent of U.S. restaurants are now offering meal bundles for four-dollars or less. Kempczinski also highlighted the availability of discounts like a 29-cent Big Mac when you buy another, signaling a shift towards more value-driven messaging to appeal to budget-conscious customers. With the company warning of slowing post-pandemic growth, these strategic moves aim to keep McDonald's competitive in the face of economic headwinds.

• 🍧 SHAKE SHACK’S NEW SHAKES: Shake Shack is welcoming the spring season with a delectable new lineup of seasonal shakes. Leading the charge is the Strawberry Frosted Donut Shake, which blends donut-flavored frozen custard with rainbow sprinkles and tops it with whipped cream, strawberry frosting, and more sprinkles. Chocolate lovers can indulge in the Chocolate Salted Caramel Shake, featuring chocolate custard, salted caramel, and chocolate brownie bites. Rounding out the trio is the Peaches and Cream Shake, a vanilla custard base infused with fresh peach flavor. Priced at $6.79 each in Los Angeles, these limited-time shakes offer a sweet and creamy way to celebrate the warmer weather. And for those looking to save a bit, Shake Shack is offering a special Afternoon Shake deal, where we can score a free shake with any $10+ purchase between 2:00pm - 5:00pm daily.

EVENTS

Submit your event 

• 📆 LAST UPDATED: I am working with a vendor to add automatic RSS feeds to both Calendars. This should be reflected on Monday. This RSS feed + a nice CuratedLA fine comb of events is going to be awesome to what I believe is one of the most important digital elements on CuratedLA: the CuratedLA Calendars.

TRENDING

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

• 🎤 NETFLIX IS A JOKE FESTIVAL: The highly anticipated Netflix Is a Joke Fest has landed in our home of Los Angeles with over four-hundred artists performing over five-hundred shows across thirty-five venues. Beyond the star-studded stand-up lineups, the festival promises a diverse array of unique comedy experiences, from Chris Rock's table reads of classic films to live versions of hit Netflix shows like Big Mouth and I Think You Should Leave. Other highlights include David Letterman's Gods of Comedy interview series, the Middle Aged Dad Jam Band featuring The State's Ken Marino and David Wain, and a Clash of Netflix Casts event hosted by Kevin Smith. With so much packed into twelve days, comedy fans in LA are in for a truly epic celebration of the art form. And we at CuratedLA look forward to showcasing highlights and hidden gems to attend, throughout the series over next week.

• 🇲🇽 CITY OF SAN GABRIEL: The City of San Gabriel is hosting Cinco De Mayo Mercado today from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at Mission District. This festive event features artisan vendors, music, crafts, food, beer, a craft cocktail garden, kid’s activities, and more! The beer and craft garden are presented by Pez Cantina. Parking will be available for the event tonight at the Mission Playhouse Parking Lot (320 S. Mission Drive) and the Park and Ride Lot (257 S. Mission Drive).

• 🏖️ BEACHLIFE FESTIVAL: The two-day musical shindig known as BeachLife Festival begins today and runs through tomorrow. The festival takes place on Redondo Beach and includes headlining acts such as Sting, My Morning Jacket, Incubus and many. more. Tickets for the festival start at $179 per person.

• 🎷 LACMA’S FREE FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS: Celebrate the vibrant jazz scene of Los Angeles this spring and summer with the return of Jazz at LACMA, the museum's free Friday evening concert series running from May through October. This week, the series kicks off with a performance by the Grammy Award-winning Bob Mintzer Big Band.

• 🎡 LA COUNTY FAIR BEGINS TODAY: The LA County Fair begins today in Pomona. With LA County being one of the most diverse counties in the nation, the LA County Fair brings a mix of cultures and communities. Through song and dance, awe-inspiring exhibits, and the enticing aroma of everything from corn dogs to turkey legs, tacos to red beans and rice, plantains to funnel cakes, the Fair honors LA County with Stars, Stripes & Fun. This year brings new attractions, new carnival thrills, and musical entertainment in every corner of the fairgrounds, and of course, lots and lots of food.

COMMUNITY

• 🏔️ SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS: President Biden has signed a proclamation expanding the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument by nearly 106,000 acres. The expansion, part of the administration's American the Beautiful initiative, will protect additional cultural, scientific, and historic sites within the monument, as well as expand access to outdoor recreation for the millions of Angelenos who live nearby. The newly protected lands were once home to indigenous tribes like the Gabrielino, Kizh, and Tongva, who have long advocated for their preservation. The expanded monument will also safeguard critical habitats for endangered species like the California condor. Hailed by local leaders and environmental groups, this landmark move ensures the San Gabriel Mountains will be preserved as a natural treasure for generations to come.

DEVELOPMENT

• 🚀 DOWNEY’S NEW SPACE SHUTTLE EXHIBIT: The City of Downey has completed the environmental review process for the Downey Space Shuttle Exhibit & Education Building Project, paving the way for the expansion of the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Discovery Park. The planned two-story, 29,000-square-foot museum will feature event space for up to three-hundred guests, staff offices, classrooms, and exhibit space showcasing the Inspiration, a full-size Space Shuttle engineering mock-up, as well as other space exploration artifacts. Designed by LPA and expected to take eighteen months to construct, the project will also include an educational programming building, entry plaza, outdoor classroom, and various courtyards and pavilions. This expansion builds upon the legacy of the former NASA Downey facility, which played a crucial role in the development of programs like the Apollo capsules and Space Shuttle orbiters. The completed project will provide visitors with an immersive and educational experience centered around the history and future of space exploration.

•  🛫 JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT: The Newport Beach City Council has approved plans to demolish two older commercial buildings near John Wayne Airport and replace them with new condominium and apartment complexes. The projects, proposed by developers Intracorp Homes and the Picerne Group, will include a total of 296 residential units, with thirty-one set aside as affordable housing. With Newport Beach's housing targets nearly exhausted, the city is now looking to the airport area and other locations to meet new state mandates for over 4,800 additional units. Though the airport commission may continue to raise objections, the city is incentivized to approve these housing projects, as developments with affordable components are difficult for local governments to deny.

• 🎬️ HOLLYWOOD: New York-based developer Millennium Partners has formally withdrawn its entitlement requests for a over one billion project that would have built the tallest building in Hollywood. The proposed Hollywood Center development called for two high-rise towers, totaling over one thousand residential units and 386,000 square feet of office space, on parking lots adjacent to the iconic Capitol Records Building. While Millennium had previously secured approval for a similar mixed-use project on the site, those plans were struck down in court over concerns about an earthquake fault. Though the developer is no longer moving forward with this particular vision, Millennium Partners says it remains committed to preserving the Capitol Records Building and working to improve the Hollywood community. The firm has, however, secured entitlements for a separate 431,000-square-foot office development on Sunset Boulevard.

• 🎞️ WARNER BROS. RANCH LOT: Worthe Real Estate Group, a Santa Monica-based development and property management company, has begun construction on the thirty-acre Warner Bros. Ranch Lot in Burbank, marking the largest sound stage development in the nation. The $500 million project, fully leased to Warner Bros., will consist of a 926,000-square-foot campus with sixteen soundstages, a parking structure, a commissary, mill space, and a 326,000-square-foot office complex. The project's estimated completion date is the first quarter of 2026.

BUSINESS

• 💰️ DOTLA ACQUIRED: Our friends at dotLA have announced that they have been acquired by HouseVenture Inc., a new technology and media startup founded in 2023 by a team of Southern California entrepreneurs. Launched in 2019 by Zillow co-founder Spencer Rascoff, dotLA has written over two-thousand stories and hosted hundreds of events to highlight the successes of LA's thriving tech ecosystem. The HouseVenture team, which previously built multimillion-dollar proptech companies and the largest online community for real estate agents, plans to double down on dot.LA's community focus by launching a mobile app with new networking features. They also intend to create a dedicated dotLA website and app for the real estate and tech sectors, as well as a venture fund to invest directly in early-stage LA startups. The acquisition comes as HouseVenture, which has already achieved one million dollars in monthly recurring revenue, aims to showcase Southern California as the best place to build a tech company.

• 🎻 LA PHIL: The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has named David C. Bohnett CEO Chair and Kim Noltemy as its new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective July 8th. Bohnett is an American philanthropist and technology entrepreneur who founded the social networking website GeoCities. Noltemy, who currently serves as the Ross Perot President & CEO of the Dallas Symphony Association, brings over twenty-fives years of leadership experience in American symphony organizations. In her new role, she will guide the LA Phil's world-renowned orchestra and innovative artistic programming, while nurturing the organization's commitment to access and community engagement through partnerships and initiatives like the acclaimed Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) program. Recognized for her strategic acumen and ability to strengthen cultural institutions, Noltemy will lead the LA Phil into its next chapter, building on its legacy of excellence, accessibility, and a willingness to evolve at its iconic venues like Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. 💌 

• 🎢 MATTEL THEME PARKS: El Segundo’s Mattel is expanding its theme park footprint, with plans to open a second Mattel Adventure Park in Bonner Springs, Kansas in 2026, before its first park in Glendale, Arizona even debuts later this year. The $487 million Kansas park will feature the same lineup of rides and attractions as the Arizona location, including Hot Wheels roller coasters, Barbie-themed experiences, and a Masters of the Universe laser tag arena. Mattel sees these immersive entertainment destinations as a key growth opportunity, allowing the company to bring its iconic brands to life for fans in new ways. With the first two parks in the works, Mattel expects to build even more Mattel Adventure Parks in the future.

• 🌮 TACO BELL EARNINGS: While Yum Brands' overall earnings and revenue missed analyst expectations, there was one bright spot in the company's Q1 results: Taco Bell. Irvine’s food chain was the only one of Yum's major brands to report same-store sales growth, rising one percent globally. In the U.S., Taco Bell's same-store sales were even stronger, climbing two-percent. Executives noted the brand had a particularly strong start to the second quarter as well. Taco Bell's digital sales also continued to impress, accounting for over 50% of total sales for the first time. Looking ahead, Yum plans to expand its pilot of AI-powered drive-thru technology to 35 Taco Bell locations, building on an initial test in California. As Yum navigates challenges at Pizza Hut and KFC, Taco Bell's resilience and digital innovation make it a standout performer, especially for Irvine area residents who have easy access to the popular fast-food chain.

• 🏨 MOTEL 6 + GARFIELD: Motel 6 has appointed the iconic cartoon cat Garfield as its first-ever Chief Pet Officer, and he's transforming select hotel rooms into his dream premium suite. Designed with Garfield's love of naps in mind, the re-decorated rooms feature orange décor, cat towers, and Garfield and Odie plushies, creating a pet-friendly oasis for fans. The Garfield-themed rooms will be available at eleven Motel 6 locations nationwide, including in Hollywood, Carson, and Inglewood, from May 21st through mid-June. Guests can book the rooms by calling the Hollywood location or visiting the Motel 6 Garfield website, with room rates starting at $149.99 plus tax. Additionally, one lucky winner and three guests will receive tickets to the world premiere of The Garfield Movie and a two-night stay in the Garfield suite, with twenty runners-up receiving a $25 movie gift card and a one-night stay voucher.

ENTERTAINMENT

HEADLINES

• 📺️ ROKU + NBC: Roku has announced several major partnerships ahead of its annual NewFronts presentation for advertisers. The company has teamed up with NBCUniversal to create an NBC Olympic Zone on Roku, which will guide viewers to live coverage and highlights of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Peacock. Additionally, Roku is expanding its measurement partnership with ad tracking firm iSpot, with iSpot becoming a preferred third-party measurement partner and integrating Roku's advertising watermark. Roku has also announced a new data-driven TV streaming partnership with ad tech firm The Trade Desk, aimed at providing advertisers with better planning, buying, and measurement capabilities for TV streaming campaigns. These deals demonstrate Roku's efforts to enhance the value it can offer to both content providers and advertisers as the streaming landscape continues to evolve.

• 💰️ A PARAMOUNT DEAL: Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management have formally expressed interest in acquiring Paramount Global in a twenty-six billion dollar all-cash deal. Under the proposed terms, Sony would assume a majority and controlling stake, while Apollo would become a minority shareholder. This development comes as Paramount approaches the deadline for its exclusive negotiations with Skydance Media, which had been in talks to merge with Paramount and receive an investment from Redbird Capital Partners. The Sony-Apollo bid could appeal to Paramount shareholders who have voiced concerns over the Skydance deal, which they believe benefits the company's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, at the expense of others. The potential merger between Sony and Paramount would create a formidable new player in Hollywood, combining the studios behind major franchises like Spider-Man and Mission: Impossible. However, the deal would still need to navigate regulatory hurdles, particularly regarding the fate of Paramount's CBS broadcast network.

• 🔫 NAKED GUN REBOOT: Paul Walter Hauser is set to join Liam Neeson in the upcoming reboot of the classic Naked Gun franchise, directed by Akiva Schaffer and slated for release on July 18, 2025 by Paramount Pictures. Hauser will play the role of Captain Ed, while Neeson will take on the iconic part of bumbling detective Frank Drebin, originally portrayed by the late Leslie Nielsen. The script for the new Naked Gun movie is written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, who previously collaborated with Schaffer on the Disney+ feature Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers.

• 💼 SAG-AFTRA: SAG-AFTRA has partnered with measurement firm Nielsen to serve as a third-party provider of streaming viewership data. Under the agreement, Nielsen's Streaming Content Ratings will complement the first-party data provided by platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Peacock, offering a consistent and objective lens to analyze the performance of streaming titles across various distribution channels. This is crucial for SAG-AFTRA, as its new contract includes a streaming bonus for shows that reach at least 20% of a platform's subscriber base, a provision the union wants to ensure is properly enforced.

• 🎶 TIKTOK + UNIVERSAL MUSIC: After a months-long dispute, Universal Music Group and TikTok have struck a new licensing agreement that will see the return of music by top artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, Adele, Bad Bunny, and Billie Eilish to the social media platform. The deal promises significant benefits for UMG's global roster of artists and songwriters, including new monetization opportunities, enhanced data and analytics tools, and integrated ticketing capabilities. Crucially, the agreement also aims to protect human artistry and ensure proper attribution as the industry navigates the rise of AI-generated music. While the future of TikTok remains uncertain amid potential regulatory challenges, this new partnership represents a positive step forward for both the platform and the music industry, ensuring that UMG's powerhouse lineup can continue to thrive and connect with fans on TikTok.

• 🎞️ NICOLE BROWN SIMPSON: Next month marks thirty years since the tragedies of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, a case that captivated the nation and forever changed the course of American justice. Now, Lifetime is shining a new light on Nicole's story with the upcoming two-part documentary The Life and Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson. The film aims to move beyond the sensational trial of her ex-husband, NFL star O.J. Simpson, and instead focus on Nicole herself - her life, her relationships, and the domestic abuse she endured. Featuring interviews with over fifty people, including Nicole's sisters and friends like Kris Jenner, the documentary promises a more intimate and humanizing portrait of a woman whose story was often overshadowed.

CURATEDLA EARLY SUMMER 24 PLAYLIST

HAVE A GREAT WKND, LA