DECEMBER 13TH, 2024

Good vibes presented by Curations

FRIDAY’S VIBES

SCARY FACT:

CHRISTMAS IS TWELVE
DAYS AWAY

HAPPY FRIDAY 👋 Cheers To The Weekend!

• As we ease into Friday, let’s soak in the calm before the holiday hustle—and maybe dodge tomorrow’s light rain. This could be your last peaceful weekend before in-laws descend, so make it count with some good vibes below.

• A big shoutout to Lisa Haviland, a talented writer and editor in Los Angeles, for winning our Palma Ristorante raffle! Huge thanks to Julie and the stellar JS2 PR team for making this collaboration with Palma Ristorante in Downtown Burbank happen.

• Wishing all you CuratedLA Curators a wonderful weekend. See you Tuesday!
  – Wyatt

ON THIS DAY ⏪️ Los Angeles History

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CURATIONS

Curations is a full-scale creative agency located here in Los Angeles.

We curate the hearts of brands within the realms of newsletters, branding, and public relations.

We strive to do the next right thing digitally and are Grow with Google Partners. Our Curators have worked for, and with: Apple, Amazon, CBS, Google and other Fortune 500 Companies.

Three onboarding slots are now available for those brands that wish to grow digitally. Mention CuratedLA as your referral within our inquiry form to receive a free, one-hour consultation. This consultation includes takeaway documents and a digital audit, tailored to your brand’s goals.

HOV LANES

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EATS

HEADLINES

TACO BELL 🛎️ Live Más Live Returns to LA with New Surprises:

• Taco Bell’s second Live Más LIVE event is set for January 28th at the Hollywood Palladium, with exclusive perks for FIRE! Tier Rewards members. Following a successful first event during Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas, January’s gathering in Hollywood promises exciting new menu items and experiences. Taco Bell is introducing a unique photo booth experience at participating drive-thrus nationwide, running for a limited time. If you can't get a ticket, the event will be streamed live on YouTube. Last year’s event unveiled more than thirty new items, including the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada and Big Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme, and this year’s event is expected to deliver even more.

WEHO 🏰 December Heats Up at The Abbey & The Chapel::

• The Abbey and The Chapel are serving up an exciting mix of parties and events for every taste. From the Midnight Mayhem Masquerade on New Year’s Eve with Mayhem Miller to the soulful vibes of Brandon Anthony’s Soul Sundays, the month is packed with nights to remember. Plus, Gelty Pleasures brings the largest queer Hanukkah celebration in LA, while HUMP Middle Eastern Night debuts on December 21st. With weekly events like drag shows, musical nights, and Sunday brunches, The Abbey is the place to be all month long. 💌 

OPENINGS

SANTA MONICA 🇮🇳 Fitoor Brings Elevated Indian Cuisine to Santa Monica:

• The Bay Area’s AVB Hospitality debuts Fitoor, its first Southern California venture, just steps from the Viceroy Santa Monica. Known for Michelin-recognized Rooh, the group presents a modern take on wood-fired Indian cuisine under chefs Surya Kumar and Vaibhav Sawant. The menu blends coastal influences with dishes like asado branzino and lamb shank rogan josh, alongside truffle kulchas and inventive cocktails crafted by Elephante alum Joseph Mar. The opulent space, redesigned by Manu Studios, includes a lounge hosting live music and fire dancers on weekends.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

HOLLYWOOD 🐔 Raising Cane’s Revamps Hollywood’s Iconic Arby’s Spot:

• Raising Cane’s is set to transform the former Arby’s location at 5920 W. Sunset Boulevard, famous for its iconic cowboy hat sign. Plans include a 205 sq. ft. expansion to the 1,734 sq. ft. structure, creating a 3,566 sq. ft. space focused on outdoor dining and drive-thru service. With extended hours until 4:00am, the redesign blends modern branding with Hollywood’s historic character, featuring neon signs, murals, and updated traffic flow. The cowboy hat sign’s fate remains undecided as the LA City Council weighs its historic designation by February 2025.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

SANTA MONICA 💰️ Seline - A Luxurious 15-Course Dining Experience:

• Seline, a new fine-dining restaurant in Santa Monica, is pushing the boundaries of the tasting menu experience. With a sleek, mysterious ambiance, the 15-course meal at Seline invites guests into a world of elevated cuisine for $295 per person. Optional wine or non-alcoholic pairings complement the culinary journey, priced at $225 and $125, respectively. Current offerings include innovative dishes like pine-infused chawanmushi with trout roe, a wilted watercress salad roasted in squash, and coffee cream crowned with caviar for dessert. Seline’s contemporary approach to Southern California flavors promises a unique, sophisticated dining adventure.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

BEVERLY GROVE 💎 New Tuscan Spot Brings Authentic Flavors to Beverly Grove:

• Florence Osteria & Piano Bar, a fresh addition to Beverly Grove, opened its doors last week. The restaurant marks the first independent project by Francesco Zimone, known for operating L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Southern California. Rather than pizza, Florence Osteria focuses on traditional Tuscan cuisine, with wood-fired meats, seafood, and pasta taking center stage. Executive Chef Giuseppe Gentile creates dishes like fettuccine prepared tableside in a Parmesan wheel and bone marrow risotto. The Italian wine and cocktail list complements the vibrant, earthy ambiance, complete with live piano performances. Located at 8265 Beverly Blvd, the restaurant serves dinner daily from 5:00pm to midnight.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

EAST HOLLYWOOD 🥃 Cocktail Vibes at Real Charmer:

• Real Charmer brings the latest cocktail bar vibes to East Hollywood with a mystical, moody ambiance to the former Bolita space. The owners, known for spots like Bar Covell and Oriel, have transformed the space with a tarot card-inspired aesthetic and a fresh menu of themed cocktails. For those who enjoy the area's intimate vibes, expect free popcorn alongside drinks, adding a cozy touch to your night out. With its carefully curated atmosphere and creative cocktails, Real Charmer looks set to be the next destination for cocktail lovers in the neighborhood.

  • Instagram

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EVENTS

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

FIVE FUTURES

GUIDES

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ACTIVITIES

FAIRFAX 🎛️ Snoop & Dre Reunite at Complex LA Pop-Up:

• Celebrate the iconic West Coast duo Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre as Complex LA hosts a two-day pop-up honoring Snoop’s new album, Missionary. Taking place today + tomorrow at 433 N. Fairfax Ave., this event offers exclusive merch, including a red vinyl variant of the album, and the chance to pre-order your copy. It’s a tribute to the legends who’ve shaped hip-hop culture for decades. RSVP for this free event, but arrive early—entry isn’t guaranteed. 💸 

DOWNTOWN LA 🎄 Every Wednesday - Sunday:

• Head to ROW DTLA for an authentic European-inspired Christmas Market, where holiday decor, festive music, and seasonal treats await. Browse open-air booths offering soft pretzels, hot chocolate, and handcrafted items from local artisans. Running every Wednesday through Sunday throughout December, this market brings seasonal cheer to downtown LA, with tickets starting at $20 on weekdays and $27 on weekends. 💌 

VENICE ✏️ Sunday, 5:30pm - 7:00pm:

• Join The Casual Creative for a laid-back evening of figure drawing at MoDa Studios this Sunday from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Enjoy wine, art materials, and a live model for an hour-long drawing session in a cozy, no-pressure environment that encourages creativity and exploration.

LA ZOO 🦒 Now - January 5th:

• Reminder: The Los Angeles Zoo transforms into a luminous wonderland with its annual Zoo Lights celebration, running select nights, now through January 5th. This after-hours event offers dazzling displays and a festive atmosphere perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts. Tickets for adults range from $29 to $35, varying by date.

SMORGASBURG 🎁 Sunday, 10:00am - 4:00pm:

• Join the holiday spirit at Smorgasburg’s Holiday Market from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday at ROW DTLA. Explore a shopping aisle full of unique gifts, including Kirei Knives, J BOSS jewelry, and vintage framed ads. Savor delicious bites from local food vendors, spice up your meals at the world’s biggest condiment bar, and capture the season with photo ops featuring Santa, Rudolph, and more. Enjoy live music, craft beers, and special holiday vendor offerings every Sunday through December 22nd. Free entry and parking for the first two hours!

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COMMUNITY

FORECAST ☔️ Frosty Mornings with Light Rain:

• Expect chilly mornings with frost in some areas tonight, followed by dry weather. A second weather system on tomorrow (Saturday) will bring light rain, mainly to the Central Coast, with minimal impact elsewhere. Sunday looks sunny with a slight warming trend. Looking ahead, next week features a warming spell and potential Santa Ana winds midweek, though they’re expected to be weaker than recent events. Rainfall remains elusive, with no significant systems forecast through December.

BRYAN JOHNSON ❤️‍🩹 LA’s Immortality Man Gets Netflix Documentary:

• Netflix kicks off 2025 with ‘Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever,’ an intimate dive into Los Angeles resident Bryan Johnson’s quest to defy aging, premiering January 1st. Directed by Chris Smith (Fyre, 100 Foot Wave), the documentary unpacks Johnson's $2m mission to reclaim youth through controversial wellness practices, alongside its impact on his personal life. Smith’s year-long journey with Johnson includes expert insights on longevity, ultimately reshaping the filmmaker’s own habits.

EL SEGUNDO 🪧 El Segundo’s Gateway Gets a Glow-Up:

• El Segundo will unveil a new city entryway sign next week, blending modern design with a nod to its coastal charm. The sign will be located on the southwest corner of Imperial Highway and Main Street. Strategically placed to greet visitors, the sign aims to symbolize the city's vibrant evolution while retaining its small-town allure. This project is part of broader efforts to enhance El Segundo’s appeal as a thriving economic and cultural hub. Details about the sign's design and the official event are expected soon, showcasing the city’s commitment to community pride.

CULVER CITY 🖥️ Culver City Unveils New Housing Dashboard:

• Culver City has launched a monthly-updated residential development dashboard, offering residents and stakeholders clear insights into housing projects under review. As of November 2024, the city boasts 26 active projects totaling 4,160 units, surpassing its 2029 RHNA obligation of 3,341 units. Of these, 538 are affordable housing units, reflecting a balanced approach to growth. Supported by updates to the General Plan and Zoning Code, this initiative emphasizes transparency and equitable access to housing options. The dashboard is now live on the city’s official website, providing detailed project data and downloadable reports.

DICK VAN DYKE 🙏 Van Dyke’s Close Call Ahead of His 99th Birthday

• Dick Van Dyke turned 99 today, and the actor shared a dramatic escape from the Franklin Fire that ravaged Malibu. Evacuating his home just in time, Van Dyke struggled to reach his car before being rescued by three neighbors who helped him to safety and put out a fire at his guest house. Fortunately, he, his wife, and their pets made it out safely, with their missing cat, Bobo, found unharmed. The fire affected thousands in Malibu, forcing evacuations and shelter-in-place orders, while Van Dyke was recently featured in Coldplay’s ‘All My Love’ music video.

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DEVELOPMENT

CULVER CITY 🎞️ Culver City Plans Over 1,000 New Homes in Fox Hills:

• A new environmental report outlines ambitious plans to transform an 8.3-acre office park in Fox Hills into a residential community with 1,077 units at 5757 Uplander Way. Developed by B9 Sequoia Culver City Owner, LP, the project includes three seven-story buildings featuring affordable housing, ground-floor commercial space, and extensive landscaped areas. Designed by KFA Architecture, the site prioritizes open courtyards and a central paseo, aiming to enhance community connectivity. Pending approvals, construction could begin in 2027, reflecting Culver City’s broader push for higher-density housing in Fox Hills, alongside projects like Lincoln Property Co.’s 309 apartments nearby.

GLENDALE 🚀 Twin Towers to Transform Glendale Skyline:

• Onni Group's revised proposal for 601 N. Brand Boulevard in Glendale envisions twin 36-story towers, marking the city's tallest buildings, replacing a surface parking lot with 858 apartments, ground-floor commercial space, and a 14-story office tower. Leveraging density bonus incentives, the project allocates 129 units for very low-income housing, aligning with Glendale's inclusionary housing policies. Designed by SCB, the towers adopt a streamlined aesthetic, drawing inspiration from local landmarks like the Alex Theater. Updates include a greenery-filled public plaza with new art installations, rooftop amenities, and co-working spaces, creating an urban living room that connects residents and visitors.

VENICE 🏄‍♂️ Coastal Commission Greenlights Dell Housing Project:

• The Venice Dell Community housing project has cleared a major hurdle with the California Coastal Commission approving its coastal development permit after years of legal challenges and delays. Proposed in 2017, the project aims to convert a 2.65-acre parking lot near the Venice Canals into a 117-unit affordable housing complex, with 68 units dedicated to homeless individuals. While the redesign by Brooks+Scarpa addressed some community concerns, critics remain vocal about parking, flooding risks, and beach accessibility. Despite these disputes, the project now heads to the City of Los Angeles for final approval, marking a pivotal step in addressing the city's housing crisis.

KOREATOWN 🏡 New Mixed-Use Development Welcomed in Koreatown:

• A seven-story project at 549 South Harvard Boulevard is bringing 150 apartments and retail space to Koreatown, replacing the site’s former post office. Developed by Jamison Services Inc. and designed by NEXT Architecture, the building will feature studio to two-bedroom units, 12,900 square feet of retail, and a two-level underground parking garage. With Transit Oriented Communities incentives, fifteen units will be reserved as affordable housing for extremely low-income residents. Renderings reveal a modern design with a U-shaped courtyard above the second floor. Completion details remain under wraps, but the location at 6th Street and Harvard Boulevard positions it as a key addition to the neighborhood.

HYDE PARK 🚀 The Clark on 54th: Modern Living + Retail:

• Hyde Park welcomes The Clark on 54th, a six-story mixed-use development at 5365 South Crenshaw Boulevard. Set to offer 48 residential units in studio to three-bedroom layouts, the project includes 2,100 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and a semi-subterranean garage with 28 parking spots. Designed by KFA Architecture, the building features a sleek stucco facade with rooftop amenities and incorporates density bonus incentives, reserving six units for very low-income housing. Backed by funding from MSquared, Six Peak Capital, and local economic initiatives, The Clark is strategically located near the K Line’s Hyde Park Station and is slated for completion in 2026.

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BUSINESS

CULVER CITY 🎞️ Clear Angle Studios Expands to Culver City:

• Clear Angle Studios, the UK-based leader in advanced scanning and digital capture, has launched a new facility in Culver City, marking its second US hub after Atlanta. Building on prior LA collaborations, the studio offers cutting-edge services like photometric head scanning, LiDAR environment capture, and digital facial capture, with plans to introduce radiance fields technology soon. Already supporting major film and gaming projects, this expansion follows their exclusive partnership with the CAA Vault for AI talent cloning. The move reflects growing demand for convenient local scanning solutions, with key talent from their Atlanta and London offices leading the charge.

GLENDALE 📈 ServiceTitan Shines in Nasdaq Debut:

• ServiceTitan, the Glendale-based business management software company, saw its shares surge nearly 50% in their Nasdaq debut, trading under the ticker TTAN. Priced at $71, the IPO valued the firm at over $6.42bn, with market cap climbing past $9bn in early trading. Co-founded by Glendale natives Ara Mahdessian and Vahe Kuzoyan in 2007, ServiceTitan serves eight thousand contracting firms with software managing appointments, invoices, and payroll. IPO proceeds will retire preferred stock and fuel expansion into new trades and markets. As the largest software IPO since April, it signals recovery in the tech IPO market despite economic headwinds.

GROCERY MERGER 🛒 Merger Blocked: Albertsons and Kroger:

• Albertsons has officially terminated its $25bn merger agreement with Kroger, following a federal judge’s decision to block the deal over antitrust concerns. Now, Albertsons is suing Kroger, accusing the rival grocer of failing to secure regulatory approval":

  • A U.S. District Judge cited antitrust concerns, arguing the merger would remove critical competition between the two companies.

  • Albertsons seeks $600m in termination fees and billions in damages, alleging Kroger ignored regulator feedback and refused to divest assets.

  • Kroger denies wrongdoing, asserting Albertsons breached the agreement and interfered throughout the merger process.

• 🔗 Go further: Albertsons sues Kroger after judge blocks $25bn merger, via Forbes.

BLUE BEAR CAPITAL 🐻 $160m Fund to Transform Energy with AI:

• Blue Bear Capital has closed its largest fund to date at $160m, targeting the intersection of AI and the energy sector. Backed by investors like Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the firm invests in early-stage companies focused on sustainable energy, electric grid infrastructure, and climate solutions. One notable investment is ChargerHelp!, a local L.A. startup improving the reliability of EV charging stations through remote management software. Blue Bear's approach combines AI, SaaS, and deep industry expertise, providing both financial support and valuable networks to help these companies scale in the evolving energy landscape.

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ENTERTAINMENT

GOOGLE 🔎 2024’s Year in Google Search Highlights:

• Google's Year in Search report for 2024 reveals the most searched terms, spotlighting a year of global events, pop culture moments, and viral trends. From sports like Copa América and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, to the U.S. election, the top searches reflect what captured people's attention worldwide. Donald Trump dominated searches in the People category, while sports icons like Mike Tyson and Imane Khelif led athlete queries. In entertainment, Disney's Inside Out 2 and Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us were standouts. Unforgettable viral trends included Olympic chocolate muffins and the New York Times' Connections game, rounding out a year of curiosity.

PARIS AND NICOLE 💪 Back to Simple (Life):

• Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie have reunited for a three-part special, Paris & Nicole: The Encore, now streaming on Peacock. Celebrating twenty years since their iconic antics on The Simple Life, the special blends nostalgic nods to their past with a fresh, playful take on reality TV, offering a whimsical tribute to their enduring pop culture legacy. 💌 

CNBC+ 📊 CNBC+ Announced for Global Market Streaming:

• Starting in 2025, CNBC fans will have a new way to track the markets with CNBC+, a streaming service offering global feeds of its programming from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. The service will repurpose existing content without adding new shows or staff, allowing viewers to stay connected during work or commutes:

  • CNBC's audience primarily tunes in outside the home, making a streaming platform a logical extension.

  • CNBC+ debuts as part of Comcast's plan to spin off its cable networks, giving them financial independence to innovate.

  • Streaming services are becoming critical as traditional TV grapples with declining ad revenue and subscriptions.

• 🔗 Go further: CNBC plans Q1 launch for targeted streaming service, via Variety.

NATAS 🎈 Celebrating Excellence in Children’s Entertainment:

• The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) has announced nominations for the 3rd Annual Children’s & Family Emmy® Awards, set to take place in Los Angeles on March 15th, 2025. Now in its third year, the awards honor groundbreaking creativity in children’s programming. ‘This year’s nominations are particularly meaningful as much of the work being honored was delayed due to last year’s strikes,’ said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards. The ceremonies will spotlight winners in categories such as Public Service Initiative and Individual Achievement in Animation, with Lifetime Achievement honorees and additional details forthcoming at https://theemmys.tv/childrens/. 💌 

PEACOCK 🏈 Peacock Secures Friday Night Lights Reboot:

• Peacock has scored big with a new reboot of Friday Night Lights, landing the series after a fierce competition with Netflix. The adaptation, set in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, follows a scrappy high school football team and their interim coach as they aim for the Texas High School State Championship, inspiring their town along the way. Produced by Universal Television, with original showrunner Jason Katims, director Peter Berg, and producer Brian Grazer returning as executive producers, the series promises to reignite the heartfelt drama of the original. The iconic series, which first aired in 2006, garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase during its five-season run.

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SPORTS

RAMS 🐏 Rams Edge Niners in a Rare Touchdown-Free Slugfest:

• The Los Angeles Rams secured a gritty 12-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, marking their seventh victory in nine games and moving within striking distance of NFC West leader Seattle. Joshua Karty’s four field goals, including a game-sealing kick in the final seconds, highlighted the defensive showdown played in adverse weather. Matthew Stafford’s second-half leadership and Darious Williams' crucial interception thwarted San Francisco’s comeback hopes, delivering the Rams their first series sweep over the Niners since 2018. Meanwhile, the defending NFC champions saw their playoff chances dwindle after failing to score a touchdown for the first time since 2019.

CHARGERS ⚡️ Justin Herbert’s Impressive Streak Faces Bucs Test:

• Justin Herbert is rewriting the record books with 335 consecutive passes without an interception—the fifth-longest streak in NFL history. Despite injuries, the Chargers quarterback continues to balance aggression and ball security, a feat matched only by Tom Brady's eleven straight games without a pick. This Sunday, Herbert leads the Chargers (8-5) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6), who have surged back atop the NFC South. Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield has shown explosive potential but struggles with turnovers, while the Bucs’ running backs pose a unique threat in the passing game. With playoff implications looming, this clash promises to test the resilience and strategy of both teams.

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HAVE A GREAT WKND, LA!

🤙 Have an awesome weekend, LA Fam!

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