APRIL 22ND, 2024

MONDAY

MONDAY’S VIBES

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

🌎️ HAPPY AND HEALTHY
EARTH DAY, GOOD LOOKIN’

• 💪 BACK AFTER A WEEK HIATUS: CuratedLA is back after a week hiatus, thanks in-part due to a spring flu that I received. While we were away, Google announced plans to block certain news publishers from their Google News results. Not only do I believe that this will not hinder CuratedLA growth, but showcases more need for CuratedLA. If you are a publisher and would like for CuratedLA to link your content, please email me: [email protected]. Please note that CuratedLA does not link content that contains morbidity or political opinions.

• 📆 CALENDAR UPDATES: I believe that the CuratedLA Calendars (below) are two of CuratedLA’s most valuable digital assets as a community. Today’s noon publication (rather than traditional 6am) reflects the work I spent posting events for this week. I’ll continue to post events as I see them accordingly. Please feel free to share events that you have with CuratedLA.

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

EATS

LOCAL HEADLINES

• 🐔 BOJANGLES: Bojangles has followed me from South Carolina to Southern California as one of my favorite chicken eats announced plans for thirty initial locations throughout LA County. If you haven’t had Bojangles, then congratulations: you do not have as many guilt trips to the gym as I do. Bojangles is known for their chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea. I’m pumped and believe that Garrett’s Mom will allow for me to now move out of the CuratedLA office, allowing me to work remotely at any of the thirty Bojangles locations that are up-and-coming.

• 🔌 TESLA DINER UPDATE: Urbanize LA has provided us with the latest update on Tesla's plans for an entertainment-focused supercharging station in Hollywood. As CuratedLA readers are already aware, the project located at 7001 W. Santa Monica Boulevard will feature 30 electric vehicle charging stalls, two movie screens, and a 24-hour diner with rooftop seating. Urbanize reports that construction is now underway on this unique, retro-futuristic concept.The design is intended to provide Tesla owners and other EV drivers with a novel dining and charging experience in the high-traffic Hollywood area. While some nearby residents have expressed concerns about potential light and traffic impacts, this integration of charging infrastructure and amenities is moving forward.

• 🛒 GRUBHUB X MERCATO: Grubhub, the popular food delivery service, has expanded its offerings to include grocery delivery through a new partnership with e-commerce platform Mercato. This collaboration allows Grubhub users to order groceries, alcohol, and other goods from over 950 independent grocers across the country that utilize Mercato's services with many of these grocery stores having a local presence here at home. The arrangement aims to help smaller retailers grow their online presence and reach more customers without the added burden of managing multiple platforms. Grubhub will handle the delivery logistics using its network of drivers, and customers enrolled in Grubhub's membership program will receive free delivery on eligible grocery orders.

OPENINGS

• 🍔 STUDIO CITY: Heavy Handed, a popular smash burger restaurant, has opened a new location in Studio City, transforming the former Mister O's space. The new restaurant features a bold, vibrant design with an orange exterior, custom graffiti-style logo, and a wraparound patio. The menu remains consistent with the original Santa Monica location, offering single, double, and triple short rib-based smash burgers, tallow fries, sodas, and soft serve ice cream. Future plans include adding new dip flavors like Funfeetti, chocolate, and butterscotch, as well as a dark chocolate-covered pretzel. | 📸 @heavyhanded.la | 💻️ View Website

• 🐟️ SANTA MONICA: Chef Michael Mina will be opening a new Mediterranean restaurant called Orla this summer inside the upcoming Regent Santa Monica Beach oceanfront hotel. Orla will draw inspiration from the bustling markets of the Mediterranean and Middle East, showcasing regional flavors and traditional cooking techniques. The 175-key property will also feature Ayesha Curry's lifestyle brand Sweet July, a 10,000 square-foot wellness spa, and a beachside pool deck. Mina, who has been honored with numerous accolades including a Michelin star, has owned and operated over thirty full-service dining concepts around the world through his Mina Group. | 📸 @orla_santamonica 

• 💎 BEVERLY SOON POP-UP: In a delightful culinary collaboration, the iconic Beverly Soon Tofu restaurant is making a one-night-only comeback at Intercrew in Koreatown tomorrow. Chef Johnny Tran of Intercrew and Chef Monica Lee of the beloved Beverly Soon Tofu will join forces to present a tantalizing seven-course menu, priced at $100 per person. | 🎟️ Buy Tickets for Tuesday’s Pop-Up

EVENTS

Submit your event 

TRENDING

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

• 🍺 CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER: The Brewsology Beer Fest will take place on July 13th at the California Science Center. The festival is considered to be a boozy hybrid of our middle school museum field trips. The festival will take over the California Science Center after hours, from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, and will feature dozens of local craft breweries and ciders, given attendees access throughout the California Science Center at night. The Brewsology Beer Fest also includes exhibits, science demonstrations and access to brewery reps.

• 🔫 WATERBOMB FESTIVAL: The Waterbomb Festival, a popular Korean music event known for its unique blend of water activities and live performances, is set to make its debut in LA this summer. The festival, which has built a dedicated following since its inception in Seoul in 2015, features K-pop, K-hip-hop, and EDM artists and is expanding its global reach to include first-time stops in cities like Dubai, Taipei, and Ho Chi Minh City. The Waterbomb Festival's blend of music and water-based activities makes it a perfect fit for the warm climate of Los Angeles, and its expansion to the city is sure to be a hit with local music and water enthusiasts alike.

• 🎵 HEAR NOW MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Hear Now Music Festival, an annual celebration of contemporary Los Angeles composers, starts this Wednesday and lasts until Sunday. The festival will feature performances by the acclaimed International Contemporary Ensemble from New York, as well as the UCLA Philharmonia and Hear Now's resident ensembles Brightwork, the Lyris Quartet, and HEX vocal ensemble. Over twenty-nine multiple concert venues, including 2220 Arts + Archives, FRANKIE in the Arts, and Schoenberg Hall at UCLA, will host locations for the festival. Tickets are $35 for General Admission, $25 for Seniors, and $15 for Students.

• 🚶TCM CLASSIC FILM TOUR: The Warner Bros. Studios Tour Hollywood has launched a new TCM Classic Film Tour in partnership with Turner Classic Movies. The tour takes visitors to rarely seen parts of the studio lot, including the exterior of James Dean's apartment and the rose garden that was once Jack Warner's tennis court. Guests can also visit the Property House, which houses over half a million TV and movie props, such as the pirate chair from Captain Blood and the Tiffany chandelier from The Letter. Warner Bros. executives say the tour allows movie lovers from around the world to experience the studio's rich history and legacy in filmmaking. | 🎟️Buy tickets online.

• 🌼 DESCANSO GARDENS: Descanso Gardens is set to host a vibrant exhibition celebrating Korean American art this summer. HWAJODO: Flowers and Birds in Korean American Art will showcase a blend of traditional Korean flower-and-bird imagery alongside innovative works by contemporary Korean American artists from the Los Angeles area. Curated by renowned Asian art historian Meher McArthur, the exhibition explores the enduring themes of nature that have long been a focal point in Korean art. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience large-scale murals, ceramics, textiles and abstract paintings that reflect the artists' unique connections to their Korean heritage.

• 🎥 WOODLAND HILLS: The Valley Cultural Foundation is bringing back its popular Free Movies at Warner Park program this summer in Woodland Hills. The outdoor movie series, presented by Kaiser Permanente and Rosenheim & Associates Inc., will run from August 3rd to August 31st and feature family-friendly films like Barbie + Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom. Attracting up to 2,500 attendees per screening, the events invite guests to bring blankets, low chairs, and pillows to enjoy the movies under the stars. | 💻️ Official Website.

COMMUNITY

•  🚇️ FREE METRO RIDES TODAY: In celebration of Earth Day, LA Metro is providing free rides on all of its bus, rail, bike share, and Metro Micro services today from 3:00am until 2:59am (tomorrow early morning). Metro Bike Share users can redeem 30 minutes of free ride time by using a promo code, while Metro Micro customers can get free on-demand electric rideshare trips.

• 🛑 TOPANGA CANYON LANDSLIDE: The stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard that was closed due to a massive landslide could remain shut down until September. The ongoing closure, between Pacific Coast Highway and the neighborhood of Fernwood, began March 9th after a landslide blocked the entire roadway. Caltrans stated that the landslide involved 9.2 million pounds of dirt, rocks, and mud, and water continues to seep out from underneath the debris, indicating the mass may move at any given moment. Due to the unstable geological conditions, Caltrans said the road will likely remain closed until fall 2024 as they work to remove the debris and stabilize the hillside from the top down.

• 👮LAPD SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM: The Los Angeles City Council has voted 12-1 to expand the LAPD's surveillance program, which will give the department real-time access to private and business security cameras across the city. The motion, introduced by Councilmembers Traci Park and John Lee, instructs the LAPD to report back on plans to expand their network of real-time crime centers from an initial three divisions to all twenty-one divisions. This expansion comes amid a reported increase in property and retail theft in 2023, with the city aiming to leverage security camera footage to prevent and interrupt criminal activity.

• 🚲️ E-BIKE LENDING PROGRAM: The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and the city's Department of Transportation have unveiled an e-bike lending library in South LA. Dubbed South Central Power Up, the program provides 250 electric bicycles, including commuter, cargo, and adaptive models for public use across seven locations.

• 🏫 BURBANK PTA CELEBRATES MILESTONE: The Burbank PTA celebrated a major milestone last week, marking one-hundred years of service to the local community. At their annual Honorary Service Awards ceremony, over sixty volunteers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to supporting children and youth in Burbank Schools. The event, held at the De Luxe Banquet Hall, honored recipients across various categories including the Very Special Person Award, Honorary Service Award, Continuing Service Award, and Outstanding Administrator Award. Burbank Council PTA President Charlene Walters and Vice President Wendi Harvel were presented with a Legacy Award from the California State PTA, acknowledging the organization's century of dedicated service. State Senator Anthony Portantino also issued a resolution commending the Burbank Council PTA for their tireless efforts.

DEVELOPMENT

• 🚈 SOCAL TO VEGAS AND BACK: The highly anticipated twelve billion dollar Brightline West high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas and Southern California officially broke ground this morning in Las Vegas. This privately-owned train service aims to provide a faster, more sustainable transportation option between the two major tourist hubs, with trains capable of reaching speeds up to two-hundred mph. The project has secured significant federal backing, including a three billion dollar grant and a two-and-a-half billion dollars in tax-exempt bonds, and is expected to create thousands of construction jobs in the region. Brightline will make an aggressive push to have the light-speed rail completed within four years in preparation for the 2028 Olympics.

• 🏨 BEVERLY HILLS: The Beverly Hills Planning Commission has unanimously approved a project to transform the Sunset Ballroom at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel into a new reservation-only Supper Club restaurant. The project will convert the existing banquet space into a fine dining establishment with a design inspired by art deco and live entertainment. A screening room will also be available to rent for private film screenings, with numerous guests attractions like a veranda bar overlooking Century City and the hotel’s beautiful entrance.

• 🏰 ANAHEIM: The Anaheim City Council has unanimously approved Disney's $1.9 billion plan to expand Disneyland over the next ten years. The expansion will include new restaurants, hotels, and park attractions on land Disney already owns. The plan aims to create a more immersive experience for visitors, with the redesign of Disneyland and its adjoining attractions like Downtown Disney and California Adventure Park.

• 🏫 USC-CAPITAL ONE CENTER: USC is partnering with financial services company Capital One to launch a new five-million dollar research center focused on responsible AI and decision-making in finance. The USC-Capital One Center for Responsible AI and Decision Making in Finance will be housed within USC's new School of Advanced Computing, the university's first new school in over a decade. The center will support faculty-led research projects, host workshops, and offer fellowships for doctoral students, with the goal of driving innovations in algorithmic, data, and software advancements for AI applications in the financial sector. Capital One's three-million contribution will be matched by two-million from USC Viterbi, underscoring the institution's commitment to addressing critical issues at the intersection of technology, finance, and ethics.

• 🚇️ SOUTHEAST GATEWAY: The Southeast Gateway Metro Line, which would serve several majority-Latino cities in Southeast LA County where residents have long endured poor air quality, is set to clear a key hurdle as Metro's planning and programming committee has recommended the full board approve the final environmental impact report. The planned light rail line, previously known as the West Santa Ana Branch, would stretch from Artesia to the Slauson Avenue station of the A Line and eventually north to downtown LA. Metro is accepting public comments on the final report and the board is set to vote on the project this Thursday. A yes vote would clear the way for design and engineering work to begin.

• 🌳 HAYNES STREET GREENWAY: Construction has officially begun on a new five-thousand-square-foot pocket park along the Los Angeles River in Winnetka. The Haynes Street Greenway project will transform a long-vacant lot into a green space featuring new landscaping, trees, outdoor seating, and a concrete path that will connect to the existing L.A. River bike path. Funded by the Los Angeles County Safe Clean Water Program, the greenway is designed to help capture stormwater and improve water quality through the use of bioswales and other sustainable features.

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA: Redcar Properties, a local developer, has unveiled plans for a new three-story, 47,300-square-foot mass timber office building in Santa Monica. The project, designed by House & Robertson Architects, will feature a hybrid design with a timber structure topped by rooftop solar panels and a two-level underground garage. The offices will include floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor balconies, and a shaded rooftop deck. This new building will connect to an existing 39,000-square-foot office structure next door that Redcar previously developed. The Santa Monica Architectural Review Board has recommended approval of the project.

BUSINESS

• 💥 NETFLIX EARNINGS: Netflix surpassed both their earnings and revenue estimates for the quarter with a 16% increase in subscriber-base YTD, totaling a collective 269.6 million subscribers. | HQ: Hollywood

• 🎟️ LIVE NATION EARNINGS CALL: Live Nation has announced plans to release its first quarter 2024 financial results on May 2nd. The company's President and CEO, Michael Rapino, will host a teleconference that day to discuss the company's financial performance, operational outlook, and other forward-looking matters. Live Nation, which owns major subsidiaries like Ticketmaster and Live Nation Concerts, will provide a live webcast of the call for investors and other interested parties to access through the company's website. This earnings release comes as the live entertainment industry continues to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic, with Live Nation well-positioned to capitalize on the return of in-person events and concerts across Los Angeles and beyond. 💌 | HQ: Beverly Hills

ENTERTAINMENT

HEADLINES

• 💿️ AUGUSTANA: Santa Ana’s own AUGUSTANA released their new studio album Something Beautiful at the end of March. The full-length studio LP was written throughout last year with the album’s track being sequenced to the order in which the songs were written. Something Beautiful provides an optimistic and uplifting narrative in the face of relatable, daily struggles. It includes inspiring + positive messaging with empowering lyrics. And I recently streamed this (Something Beautiful is available on all platforms) and it reminds me of a blend of fun., country, and top-americana, all mixed with positive vibes. 💌 | 🎧️ Stream Something Beautiful on Spotify

• ⚡️CHILDISH GAMBINO: Childish Gambino, the musical alter ego of actor Donald Glover, has announced the release of two new albums. In a surprise Instagram Live stream, Glover revealed that the first album, titled Atavista, is on the way, to be followed by a soundtrack for a new project called Bando Stone & the New World, which Glover described as the final Childish Gambino album. This news comes after Glover made a surprise appearance at Coachella, joining Tyler, the Creator on stage to perform their collaborative track Running Out of Time.

• 🎞️ A NEW HOME FOR SUNDANCE? The Sundance Film Festival is considering moving its permanent location from Park City, Utah, where it has been held since its inception. The festival's contract with Park City is set to expire in 2027, prompting the Sundance Institute to explore new opportunities and solicit bids from cities across the United States to potentially become the festival's new home. While Park City remains a strong contender, the Sundance Institute is dedicated to ensuring the festival's continued success culturally, operationally, and financially. The selection process will involve a request for information (RFI) stage, followed by a proposal stage, with a final decision expected by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

• 👙 PAMELA ANDERSON: Pamela Anderson has joined the cast of the upcoming Naked Gun reboot alongside Liam Neeson. The film, which is being directed by Akiva Schaffer, will see Anderson playing the love interest role originally portrayed by Priscilla Presley in the original franchise. The reboot is being produced by Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins with Daniel M. Stillman as executive producer.

• 🧧 FALLOUT RECEIVES TAX CREDITS: The post-apocalyptic series Fallout is expected to relocate its second season production from New York + Utah to California, thanks to a twenty-five million tax credit from the state. The California Film Commission has awarded a total of $152 million in tax incentives to a dozen TV shows, including two from Ryan Murphy and a prequel to NCIS. Fallout has the largest budget of the group at $153 million in qualified expenditures. California's tax incentive program is aimed at luring productions that have already started filming elsewhere, offering a 25% credit on qualified costs and an additional 20% for subsequent seasons. While the tax credits don't guarantee a show will actually move to California, the state is hoping the program will help combat runaway production and keep more filming in the state.

• 🐻 A REALITY SHOW…WITH BEARS: Peacock is set to premiere a groundbreaking new wildlife reality series, The Hungry Games: Alaska's Big Bear Challenge, narrated by Rhys Darby from Flight of the Conchords. The three-part series follows the bears of Alaska's Katmai National Park as they bulk up for winter hibernation, battling the elements and each other to consume three million calories and gain up to two-hundred pounds. Unbeknownst to the bears, their progress is being tracked and ranked for a television audience, with Darby providing a combination of fascinating bear facts and colorful commentary.

WEEKEND BOX OFFICE

SPORTS

• 🚀 WILLIAMS PROJECTED AS FIRST PICK: The Chicago Bears are poised to make a franchise-altering decision with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, as they are expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Bears president Kevin Warren has been heavily involved in the process, having numerous dinners with GM Ryan Poles to discuss the team's options at quarterback, including the potential trade of incumbent starter Justin Fields. Warren is excited about the prospect of drafting Williams, believing he can be the centerpiece to transform the Bears into an exceptional organization that can host major events like the Super Bowl.

• 🧢 OHTANI BREAKS MATSUI’S RECORD: Shohei Ohtani has etched his name further into Major League Baseball history by surpassing Hideki Matsui's record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player. Ohtani's 176th career homer came in a game against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium, a 423-foot shot that gave the Dodgers an early lead as the Dodgers dominated the Mets yesterday afternoon, 10-0.

• 🐏 RAMS DRAFT PROJECTIONS: The Rams are looking to the future at quarterback, as they are projected to select Oregon's Bo Nix with their second-round pick at this week’s NFL Draft in Detroit. Nix, who set several Oregon passing records in 2023, is seen as a potential long-term solution for the Rams under center. While some may view Nix's age as a negative, experts believe his advanced pre-snap understanding of defenses makes him an attractive option for the Rams as they look to reload their roster. The Rams are also expected to address their offensive line in the first round, with Georgia tackle Amarius Mims a potential target to help protect whomever is playing quarterback.

• ⚡️CHARGERS DRAFT PROJECTIONS: The Chargers are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare this week’s draft, with reports indicating they have hosted several prospects from the University of Michigan for pre-draft visits. This includes potential first-round picks like wide receiver Malik Nabers and offensive lineman Joe Alt, as well as players from the Michigan Wolverines. The Chargers' interest in Michigan players is not surprising, given the recent hiring of Jim Harbaugh as the team's new head coach. Harbaugh, of course, led the Wolverines to a national championship last season and his familiarity with these prospects could give the Chargers an advantage in the draft.

• 🏏 CRICKET + KNIGHT RIDERS: Cricket, a sport long dominated by India and other former British colonies, is set to make a major push into the United States this summer as the country hosts part of the prestigious Cricket World Cup for the first time. The tournament, co-hosted by the U.S. and West Indies, will feature matches in Texas, Florida, and New York, as well as the highly anticipated clash between cricket powerhouses India and Pakistan. Experts say this historic event could open the door for the sport's future growth in America, especially after the debut of Major League Cricket in 2023, which includes the Los Angeles Knight Riders as one of its six franchises. With cricket accounting for 85% of India's national sports spending and drawing record viewership, the International Cricket Council is strategically targeting the U.S. market, hoping to capitalize on the potential for the sport to gain a foothold, even in a baseball-centric city like Los Angeles. This World Cup represents a significant milestone for cricket's global expansion and the LA Knight Riders will be at the forefront, vying to showcase the sport's star power to a new American audience.

• 🎒HIGH SCHOOL SCORES: Saturday’s high school baseball and softball scores via Los Angeles Times.

CU WEDNESDAY, LA!