JUNE 3RD, 2024

MONDAY

MONDAY’S VIBES

MEETING MONDAYS. BUT YOU’LL DO GREAT. THIS IS OUR WEEK.

🥮 PARADE OF PLANETS: Happy early Monday morning, CuratedLA.

Today’s 4:30am publication is intentional because if you are up and outside by 5:02am, you might have a chance to see the Parade of Planets that is set to take place in our sky.

This morning marks the first morning when we will be able to see the Parade of Planets, which are set to last about a week.

The best time to view will be right after 5:00am, which is about twenty minutes before first sunlight. Happy viewing. And Happy MOANday! - Wyatt

🔼 BACK TOP: A ‘Back to the Top of Newsletter’ anchor has been placed at the bottom of every applicable section that takes you…you guessed it, to the top of the newsletter. This works for those that are utilizing the Table of Vibes to quickly scroll through their favorite sections. Again, both the Table of Vibes and Back to Top of Newsletter functions only work online, so please click ‘read online’ for those that view CuratedLA within their email app.

🔗 MOST CLICKED: Last week’s most clicked link or content comes from Wednesday’s newsletter (‘Los Angeles over New York’) regarding The Rams and PacSun’s donation program to provide essential laundry facilities to educational institutions in both Compton + Los Angeles.

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

• 🐇 represents our hopes to provide political news without opinions. Please don’t trust us on politics, we don’t know anything other than how to drink a good CapriSun.

EATS

LOCAL HEADLINES

 🛒 TRADER JOE’S: Trader Joe’s is slated to open eight new stores throughout Southern California. The growth is part of a larger national strategy that includes that launch of sixteen additional locations across the country. Southern California will see stores throughout Orange County, The Inland Empire, San Diego, and here in both Los Angeles and Pasadena.

OPENINGS

🎡 SANTA MONICA: Sandpiper in Santa Monica recently opened. Perched atop the Oceana Santa Monica, the Sandpiper Dining Room is considered to be a culinary gem that offers more than just a meal, offering an experience with its stunning views of the Pacific. The chefs behind this luxury restaurant curate each dish with the freshest ingredients sourced from the local farmers market, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of both quality and taste. From the pan-seared sea bass, to the dry-aged New York strip steak, the menu is a curation of American classics + international delights.

• 🏄‍♀️ Various: American, Italian, Mediterranean

• ⏰ Daily: 11:30a - 9:30p

• 📸 Website | Instagram | Menus

🍜 PARK LA BREA: Noodle Art just opened their second location inside of The Original Farmers Market on West 3rd Street in Park La Brea. Noodle Art is known simplicity with their three-topping spicy noodles, a curation of savory tomato egg stew, pork cubes with mushrooms and potatoes, all sprinkled off with julienned cucumbers. It is also said that the pork burger is a must: a toasted flatbread in tender, carnitas-style shredded pork.

• 🍜 Chinese: Noodles, Soup

• ⏰ Mon - Sun: 9:30a - 8:30p

• 💻️ Website | 📸 Instagram

🏎️ KOREATOWN: Kisa Sikdang, which translates to ‘driver’s diner,’ is now serving drivers of all types in Koreatown. This street-side eatery has been designed for taxi + rideshare drivers (anybody is welcomed), to partake in Korean eats that are swift, comforting, and wallet-friendly. The restaurant offers fixed pricing for lunch and dinner, with lunch menu being priced at $18.99, and dinner at $23.99. Each meal features a main protein, such as beef bulgogi, pork bulgogi, stir-fried squid, or spicy stir-fried pork, with an array of small metal bowls brimming with kimchi, japchae, rice, spicy julienned radish, seaweed soup, lettuce wraps, and more.

• 🇰🇷 Korean: Bulgogi, Squid, Rice

• ⏰ Tues - Sun: 11:00a - 3:00p &
  → 5p - 9p

• 📸 Instagram

🧋 CAMARILLO: Om Thai is preparing to launch its second location in Camarillo, according to What Now Los Angeles. The eatery, renowned for its authentic Thai flavors, is expanding its footprint after eight successful years. The new venue promises a lively atmosphere with an expanded menu featuring street food favorites, a variety of appetizers, and a selection of beverages including Thai tea, boba, and Thai coffee, complemented by beer and wine options. A late-night menu is also on the horizon. The cafe-style eatery will offer a cozy ambiance with dark walls and an open kitchen, allowing diners to observe the culinary magic unfold.

☕️ CANOGA PARK: Cafe 86 is set open in Canoga Park. Though the date has not been announced, Franchisees Patrick and Jacky Sia are at the helm of this expansion, which is part of the chain’s impressive growth, adding nine new locations since early 2024. Cafe 86 serves up a menu that’s a tribute to Filipino culinary traditions, offering a modern take on classic flavors. Other items include their famed Halo Halo, an eclectic mix of coconut jellies, jackfruit, boba, and more, topped with ube ice cream and flan, as well as a variety of milkshakes, teas, and their signature Churrochies dessert.

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TICKETS SELLING FAST

The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody

The hit burlesque parody The Empire Strips Back… is back at last!

Making its way to Los Angeles, this previously sold-out experience drops classic sci-fi characters into the world of burlesque. Don’t miss out!

Let us deliver you to the dark side! With comedy and allure, loving detail, and hilarious parody, The Empire Strips Back drops classic Star Wars characters into the world of burlesque. Be prepared for some seriously sultry Stormtroopers, a dangerously enticing Boba Fett, some tantalizing Twi'leks, a delightfully luke-warm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker, the Droids you are looking for, and much, much more!

Don't miss out and get your tickets for The Empire Strips Back in Los Angeles!

EVENTS

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

[CLICK FOR FULL AGENDA VIEW]

TRENDING

[CLICK FOR FULL AGENDA VIEW]

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ACTIVITIES

⛳️ FOOTGOLF: FootGolf is gaining traction in popularity throughout Los Angeles. But what is FootGolf?

• FootGolf is an innovative sport that blends the precision of golf with the energy of soccer, offering families a fresh and enjoyable experience.

• Played on specialized courses with oversized holes to accommodate a soccer ball, participants aim to sink the ball in as few kicks as possible, mirroring golf’s objective of minimal strokes.

• It’s a game of strategy and skill, where players alternate kicks from the tee box, striving for the lowest score to win. Unlike the continuous action of soccer, FootGolf is more measured, with players observing each other’s turns, adding a social element to the challenge.

• Whether opting for a quick 9-hole round or the full 18-hole experience, FootGolf is a delightful way to engage in friendly competition while enjoying the outdoors.

Where can I play FootGolf in Los Angeles?

• Arcadia Par 3 / Arcadia

• Chevy Chase Country Club / Glendale

• Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy / Norwalk

• Lake Forest Golf and Practice Center / Lake Forest

• Lake Lindero Golf Course / Agoura Hills

• Rancho Park Par 3 Golf Course / Los Angeles

• The Lights at Indio Golf Course / Indio

• Van Nuys Golf Course / Van Nuys

Drop a line if you know more about FootGolf or other places not listed to where we can play FootGolf here in Southern California.

Read more about FootGolf from Moms LA ⬅️ 

🏃‍♀️ VENICE: The First Annual Venice Beach Run will debut on Saturday, July 20th at 8:00am. This celebration of fitness, community, and the scenic beauty of Venice Beach will allow for athletes to test their mettle in either a 5K race, or a 1-mile sprint. Proceeds from this event go towards the Los Angeles Parks Foundation to aid the Venice Beach Recreation Center. Post-race festivities include the Beach Fitness Challenge & Expo, where participants can revel their achievements and enjoy the local flavor with samples for Venice’s finest.

🎷 PASADENA: Pasadena will come alive with the soulful sounds of the beloved Jazz in the Park concert series, presented by the Playhouse Village Foundation. Every Sunday evening in June and July, the Van Halen Stage at Playhouse Village Park will host a dazzling lineup of jazz talent. Kicking off on June 2nd with Michael Haggins' smooth jazz, the series promises a diverse musical journey featuring acts like the Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Quartet and the Brazilian rhythms of the Marcelo Bucater Quartet. Concertgoers can savor the culinary delights from Anaya’s Restaurant, famed for its taco plates, while relaxing on picnic blankets. Though outside food and coolers are welcome, note that alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

🎨 DOWNTOWN BURBANK: Burbank’s streets are set to come alive this weekend on June 8th + 9th with the return of the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity and community spirit. The Downtown Burbank Partnership and Jackalope Arts invite the public to a free event showcasing the talents of two-hundred artisans + curators. Attendees can expect an eclectic mix of handmade housewares, fashion, beauty products, and visual art. The festival, which draws over twenty thousand visitors, offers a chance to engage with artists, enjoy live acoustic music, and marvel at chalk art inspired by cinematic icons. With more than six-hundred local shops and eateries participating, the festival is a can’t miss for anyone interested in creative flows.

🍿 PASADENA: The Courtyard is the place to be on select Saturdays this June and July, where you can catch complimentary screenings of beloved musicals and blockbuster hits. With free public seating available on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s time to pack your favorite blankets, chairs, and snacks to fully enjoy Movies Under the Stars. Get ready for an unforgettable summer night filled with singing, dancing, and pure movie magic.

Movie Schedule:

• June 15: Mamma Mia! (PG-13) RSVP here

• June 29: Barbie (PG-13) RSVP here

• July 13: Pitch Perfect (PG-13) RSVP here

• July 27: Legally Blonde (PG-13) RSVP here

🍿 NETFLIX SCREENING: John Mulaney and the writers of Everybody’s in LA will have a screening this Thursday, June 6, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Nick Kroll to discuss the hit talk series. Everything takes place at Saban Media Center, starting at 5:00pm, and those interested can RSVP their reservation. This is a free event and attendees are chosen at random, so RSVP today if you are interested! *For outlet, please put ‘Other’

🚴 PASADENA: REMINDER: The Sierra Club invites nature enthusiasts to a serene evening hike along the Arroyo Seco trail tomorrow evening. Starting at 6:30pm near the San Pasqual Stables, participants will embark on a three-mile journey through time, tracing the footsteps of the area’s Indigenous peoples and exploring the rich tapestry of local flora and fauna. The trek promises not just exercise but an educational experience, delving into the trail’s significance in Pasadena’s natural heritage. The hike concludes at 9:00pm, and while four-legged friends must stay home, human hikers are encouraged to sign up at angeles.sierraclub.org for an adventure under the twilight sky.

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COMMUNITY

🎞️ CULVER CITY: Culver City Council approved the conceptual plans for the Better Overland and Safer Fox Hills Project. This project aims to enhance travel for all, including wheelchair users, pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers, covering the area from Overland Avenue and Venice Boulevard to the Culver City Transit Center and Fox Hills. Key improvements include concrete bike lanes, upgraded intersections, new pedestrian signals, enhanced street lighting, and better bus stops. If awarded, construction would begin in 2025.

🏳️‍🌈 WEHO STREET CLOSURES: Attention West Hollywood residents and visitors! As the WeHo Pride festivities reach their peak, please note the following street closures are effective, all until this morning at 7:00am:

• North San Vicente Boulevard: Closed from Melrose Avenue to Santa Monica Boulevard.

• Santa Monica Boulevard (Eastbound): Closed from North La Cienega Boulevard to North Doheny Drive.

• North Robertson Boulevard: Closed from Santa Monica Boulevard to Melrose Avenue.

• Santa Monica Boulevard (Westbound): Closed from North La Cienega Boulevard to North Doheny Drive.

• North San Vicente Boulevard: Closed from Santa Monica Boulevard to Cynthia Street.

🛣️ DIGITAL DMV: Starting today, the California Department of Motor Vehicles is going digital-first. Services that once required for us to go to the DMV in-person will now take place online, such as registration renewals and ID updates. By going allowing certain services to be offered digitally, the DMV expects a reduction of two-hundred thousand in-person monthly visits. It is important to note that not all services are going digital, like REAL ID applications, which require ID verification and other mundane paperwork.

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DEVELOPMENT

🎡 SANTA MONICA: C.W. Driver Cos. has unveiled its latest architectural marvel on Euclid St. This three-story, 65,000-square-foot office complex, caters to the evolving demands of today’s businesses, offering open-air communal spaces that foster creativity and collaboration. Replacing a once vacant lot, the new development not only revitalizes the Memorial Park district but also introduces a pedestrian-friendly courtyard, a vibrant rooftop terrace, and an expansive underground parking facility.

🪸 MARINA DEL REY: Los Angeles City Planning Commission has confirmed the green light for a new multifamily housing complex in Del Rey, overruling objections from local homeowners. The project, spearheaded by LaTerra Development, is set to erect a six-story structure at 4112 Del Rey Avenue, boasting 210 varied apartments alongside a substantial parking facility. Embracing a California Coastal modern aesthetic, the building will offer a range of amenities, including a courtyard, gym, and rooftop pool. With eighteen of the units earmarked for very low-income residents, the development takes advantage of density bonus incentives to provide more housing than typically allowed. Endorsed by the Planning Department, the project’s timeline anticipates a construction start in September 2024, aiming for completion by August 2026.

🏡 TORRANCE: Torrance is set to welcome a new landmark on the cityscape with the groundbreaking of Gable House Apartments on Hawthorne Boulevard. This five-story mixed-use development is rising on the historic grounds of the beloved Gable House Bowl. Spearheaded by Intracorp Homes with VTBS Architects at the design helm, the project will transform a 3.8-acre site into a vibrant community hub. The building will house 218 residential units, ranging from sleek studios to spacious two-bedroom apartments, including seventeen affordable homes. Retail therapy and convenience will be just an elevator ride away, with twelve-thousand square feet of commercial space on the ground floor. Residents will also enjoy a suite of amenities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and co-working spaces, all while their vehicles rest in a sizable 460-car garage. Echoing the site’s heritage, the design pays homage to the iconic gables of its predecessor. After overcoming initial financial challenges, the project has secured the green light with a construction loan, setting the stage for move-ins by Summer 2026.

🎬️ HOLLYWOOD: Hollywood’s housing scene has been approved for a residential development on West Franklin Avenue. Spearheaded by Beverly Hills investor Ilan Gorodezki, with Kamran Tabrizi Architect & Associates at the design helm, the project is set to erect a four-story edifice that will house 41 residential units, ranging from studios to one-bedroom apartments, alongside equivalent parking provisions. Five units will be earmarked as extremely low-income housing in line with Transit Oriented Communities incentives. While the construction timeline remains under wraps, the project does have an ideal location for those seeking alternative transportation at nearby Hollywood/Western Station.

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BUSINESS

🎡 SANTA MONICA: The Shore Hotel in Santa Monica has clinched the title of the No. 1 Hotel in America in TripAdvisor’s 2024 Best of the Best Traveler’s Choice Awards. This boutique hotel, celebrated for its eco-conscious design and pet-friendly policies, has distinguished itself among the eight million listings on TripAdvisor, landing in the top one-percent of establishments based on an overwhelming number of outstanding reviews. Guests rave about the hotel’s high-tech UV-sanitized rooms, its prime location near the Santa Monica Pier, and the array of amenities including an outdoor pool with stunning views, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and complimentary bike rentals.

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ENTERTAINMENT

🦁 GARFIELD: The Garfield Movie has leapt to the top spot this weekend. After a second-place debut last week, the Sony/Columbia and Alcon animated feature made its way to an impressive fourteen million dollars across 4,108 theaters, marking a mere 42% decline from its opening. This performance outshines its predecessors, with 2004’s Garfield: The Movie seeing a 48% drop in its second weekend, and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties experiencing a 29% decrease. The film’s success was bolstered by families returning from Memorial Day travels, eager to enjoy the feline’s latest adventure on the big screen.

🧑‍⚖️ SUITS MOVIE? Patrick J. Adams has hinted at a potential Suits movie, stirring excitement among fans and cast members alike. The ensemble, including Sarah Rafferty, Amanda Schull, Dulé Hill, and Abigail Spencer, expressed enthusiasm for reuniting the Pearson Hardman team, with creator Aaron Korsh open to the idea. The series, which saw a resurgence after dominating Netflix’s streaming charts last summer, has already inspired a spinoff, Suits: LA, featuring Stephen Amell. With the final season of the original Suits set to hit Netflix on July 1st, the question remains: will the original cast return to the courtroom for a cinematic encore? Only time will tell, but the possibility has certainly set the stage for a legal drama revival.

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SPORTS

🧢 DODGERS OVER ROCKIES: In a commanding 4-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies, the Los Angeles Dodgers saw early fireworks from Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who both homered in the first inning, setting the tone for the game. Rookie right-hander Gavin Stone delivered another stellar performance, pitching five solid innings to earn his fifth win in his last seven starts, allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out six. Stone’s impressive consistency, reflected in his 1.64 ERA over the past seven starts, has quietly bolstered the Dodgers' rotation, earning praise from manager Dave Roberts for his adaptability and poise. The bullpen trio of Michael Grove, Alex Vesia, and Daniel Hudson sealed the team’s sixth shutout of the season. Betts, who launched his fourth leadoff homer of the year, and Freeman, who added two runs and two RBIs, powered the Dodgers' offense, leading to their fifth win in six games. Despite Rockies pitcher Austin Gomber’s strong season start, he struggled, allowing three runs in three innings. The Dodgers now gear up for a six-game road trip starting in Pittsburgh tomorrow.

⚾️ ANGELS FALL TO MARINERS: The Seattle Mariners swept the Los Angeles Angels, capped by a 5-1 victory yesterday, thanks to Luis Castillo's stellar performance and Mitch Garver's three-run double. Castillo, claiming his first win since mid-May, pitched seven shutout innings, striking out six and walking three—all on full counts. After a sluggish start, Castillo adjusted his rhythm and retired nine of his final ten batters. The Mariners' defense finally faltered in the ninth, ending a 19-inning scoreless streak against the Angels. Despite this, Seattle's home record remains strong, standing at 21-11. Angels' starter Griffin Canning delivered his best game of the season, but a fourth-inning homer by Luke Raley and Garver's eighth-inning heroics sealed the Angels' fate. As Seattle enjoys a well-earned rest day, the Angels, who just promoted Ben Joyce from Double-A, prepare to face San Diego tonight at home.

⚽️ CHICAGO X LA GALAXY: The Chicago Fire FC defeated our LA Galaxy with a 2-1 victory in Chicago on Saturday. Saturday’s win for the Fire marked the third consecutive match without a defeat. The game commenced with an early lead for LA as Riqui Puig converted a penalty kick, but Chicago quickly equalized through Hugo Cuypers’ deft finish. The second half saw a goal from Chicago’s, propelling Chicago to the lead and their eventual W. The Galaxy’s next match will take place in Carson (CA) at Dignity Health Sports Park against the Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, June 15th at 7:30pm.

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START STRONG, LA!

🤙 Have a wonderful start to the week,

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