OCTOBER 18TH , 2024

FRIDAY’S VIBES

FALL VIBES

IN
THE AIR

FALL VIBES 🍁 Back from Fall Outside Vibes

• What happens when you mix a long holiday weekend and crisp, fall LA vibes into the work week? A longer holiday. CuratedLA is back from a long holiday weekend after taking advantage of the beautiful weather (fall = my favorite season, just like Michael Scott). I am going through a lot of content for this upcoming Monday that you all have sent in, and Monday is going to be jam-packed. But first, here is a weekend worth of vibes for us here in Los Angeles. Have a wonderful weekend, LA Fam! Wyatt 

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HOV LANES

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EATS

OPENINGS

SANTA MONICA 🍢 Orla Opens Today at Regent Santa Monica:

• After six years in the making, chef Michael Mina’s Orla is finally making its Southern California today at the new Regent Santa Monica Beach Hotel. With its ambitious Egyptian-Middle Eastern menu and stunning Pacific views, Orla is poised to become Santa Monica’s next oceanside dining sensation. Mina’s offerings include Mediterranean-inspired crudos, lamb meatballs, and a lavish kebab platter, with daily menu decisions shaped by local farmers market finds. Designed by AvroKO, the 270-seat space embraces an oceanic theme, complete with mosaic tiles and octopus murals.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

SILVER LAKE 🇲🇽 New Baja-Inspiration Comes To Sunset:

• Silver Lake just got a fresh new Baja-inspired spot with the opening of Tacolina, courtesy of the Blue Plate Restaurant Group. Helmed by Chef Jonathan Juarez (of Blue Plate Taco fame), this breezy eatery focuses on coastal Mexican flavors with a farm-to-table twist. Expect handmade tortillas, rotisserie meats, and vibrant salsas alongside a lush outdoor cocktail bar. With roots in the Todos Santos region, Tacolina brings those beachy Baja vibes straight to Sunset Boulevard.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

WILSHIRE CENTER 🍜 Soondol Tofu Opens on W. 6th Street:

• Koreatown's food scene keeps evolving, and the latest addition is Soondol Tofu, offering shareable Korean soups and stews cooked tableside. Opened by Tano Yoo (also behind Seorae BBQ), the restaurant specializes in rich broths, from spicy red pepper to nutty perilla. Diners can personalize their meal with toppings like beef intestines, tofu, and ramen, cooked in a savory oxtail broth that thickens as it simmers. Expect classic Korean vibes with banchan and purple rice on the side.

  • Menu + Instagram

LITTLE TOKYO 🧋 Miss Cheese Tea Cafe Expands To Little Tokyo:

• Miss Cheese Tea Cafe has just expanded its footprint into Little Tokyo, bringing its signature cheese-topped teas and fluffy desserts to one of LA’s most vibrant districts. Known for its unique blend of savory cheese foam and sweet teas, this spot is perfect for those looking to satisfy both drink and dessert cravings. The cafe serves a wide variety of treats, including colorful pastries, fruit teas, and of course, their famous cheese tea curations. With a quirky interior that reflects their playful brand, Miss Cheese aims to be a standout in Little Tokyo’s growing cafe scene.

  • Instagram

VAN NUYS 🍔 Big Bites Opens On Woodman Avenue:

• Big Bites has just landed in Van Nuys, bringing a smash-worthy lineup of burgers to Woodman Avenue. This new spot is serving up wagyu beef curations like the Smashroom, topped with Swiss cheese, truffle mayo, and crispy onions, and the Bluebrie, featuring brie, blueberry sauce, and crispy onions for an unexpected twist. Whether you're in the mood for a classic burger or the house-special Big Bites burger with coleslaw and grilled onions, there's something for every burger lover. Don't forget the sides—classic fries and aioli chicken are local favorites. Open daily from 11:00am to 9:30pm, it's perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

TODAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

FIVE FUTURES

GUIDES

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ACTIVITIES

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES 🥃 Today from 7:00pm - 9:30pm:

• Los Angeles Magazine’s annual Whiskey Festival takes place at THE BLOC on W 7th Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Sip on tasting flights, enjoy crafted cocktails, and pair them with savory bites as you explore top brands like Lodestar, Balcones, Old Hillside Bourbon Co., Redwood Empire, and Tullamore Dew. It’s the perfect Friday night for whiskey aficionados. Must be 21+ to attend. Grab your tickets at lamag.com/whiskeyfestival. 💌 

SKIRBALL 💃 New Exhibitions at Skirball Cultural Center:

• The Skirball Cultural Center has unveiled three new fall exhibitions. Highlighted by the U.S. debut of Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion. Tickets are available for daytime (12:00pm - 5:00pm) or after-hours (6:00pm to 9:00pm) visits, with onsite parking offered at no charge. For more details, click here.

WESTWOOD VILLAGE 🐝 Now - This Sunday, October 20th:

• The Hammer Museum is hosting Bee Week now until this Sunday, October 20th. Beekeeper Joe O’Brien will be on site from Tuesday to Sunday to share insights on beekeeping, honey bees, and the diverse varieties of honey, alongside discussions about native California bee and plant species. Additionally, on Wednesday, bee expert Krystle Hickman will lead a Native California Bee Identification Workshop. Admission to the museum and access to these special activations are free. For more information, visit the museum’s website. 💸 

SANTA MONICA ⛸️ Starts November 8th; Taylor Swift Party December 13th:

• Ice at Santa Monica is back this holiday season, starting November 8th through January 20th. This seasonal outdoor rink at Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue will offer eight-thousand square feet of skating fun, plus a special tot rink for younger visitors. At $22 for an hour session (including skate rentals), this icy playground is perfect for family outings and holiday celebrations. Look out for themed events, including a Taylor Swift-themed night on December 13th, and a New Year’s Eve party tailored for families. With its close proximity to Third Street Promenade's festive lights and tree lighting, it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Plus, the November 8th Grand Opening offers free skate sessions—just make sure to get there early to snag a spot.

ELYSIAN VALLEY 🎤 Saturday, November 9th - Herein Lies the Truth:

• The Elysian Theater’s Spaghetti Festival presents Herein Lies the Truth, an autobiographical solo show by Aaron Pang that explores life after a spinal cord injury. Combining stand-up comedy with storytelling, Aaron shares his journey of navigating love, dating, and self-acceptance in the face of disability. The show tackles the complex narrative surrounding his cane and the questions it raises, inviting audiences to confront uncomfortable truths with humor and vulnerability. Don't miss this chance to experience a unique perspective on life, love, and resilience. For more information and to catch the show, visit the Elysian Theater’s website and show page. 💌 

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COMMUNITY

EAST HOLLYWOOD 🏥 Chuck Lorre Pediatric Health Education Institute:

• Children's Hospital Los Angeles has announced the creation of the Chuck Lorre Pediatric Health Education Institute, thanks to one of the largest donations in its history from The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation. This pioneering institute, the first of its kind at a U.S. children’s hospital, will focus on training pediatric health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and researchers, ensuring a continuous pipeline of educational and career opportunities. With the potential to train over twelve-thousand healthcare professionals in the next two decades, the institute aims to address staff shortages while fostering a diverse workforce in the field.

METRO 🚇️ Over One Million Weekday Riders in September

• Metro celebrated a major milestone in September by surpassing one million weekday riders for the first time since the pandemic, marking 22 consecutive months of year-over-year growth. Metro's bus system achieved over 800,000 weekday boardings, while rail ridership increased nearly 10% compared to last year, driven by strong performances from lines like the A and E Lines. With combined bus and rail ridership reaching 86.4% of pre-pandemic levels—outpacing the national average of 76%—and weekend ridership nearing full recovery.

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DEVELOPMENT

WESTWOOD 🐝 The Hive Takes Shape in Westwood for UCLA:

• The Hive is buzzing to life in Westwood, with a six-story apartment building nearing completion just a few blocks from UCLA. M&A Real Estate Partners is behind this student-focused project on Glenrock Avenue, offering 18 spacious four- and five-bedroom units. Designed by LOHA, the building’s cedar-slatted exterior twists and steps back, creating room for terraces and a rooftop amenity space. Bonus: three units will be set aside for very low-income tenants. The Hive is one of three student-centric developments rising near campus, with UCLA adding its own 545-bed complex nearby.

SANTA MONICA 🏡 Affordable Housing Approved on 4th Street:

• Santa Monica is moving ahead with a major affordable housing project at the former Parking Structure 3 site on 4th Street. The City Council has greenlit a development and disposition agreement, allowing EAH Housing to seek public funding for a six-story building featuring 122 apartments, including fifty units of supportive housing. The $123m development will include ground-floor commercial space and 116 parking spots, with units reserved for those earning between 30-80% of the area’s median income. Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with completion expected by 2029—a faster timeline than initially projected.

WEST LOS ANGELES 🏠️ Affordable Housing on the Rise in West LA:

• A series of commercial buildings just north of Olympic Boulevard in West LA are set to be replaced by affordable housing, following a new application to the Department of City Planning. The Executive Directive 1 project, led by SCAH-LA, aims to construct a nine-story building at 2125-2141 Westwood Boulevard, offering 345 studio and one-bedroom apartments. Designed by MVE + Partners, the contemporary structure will feature two central courtyards and benefit from density bonus incentives. This project is one of several SCAH-LA developments reshaping the Westwood area, with more affordable housing planned nearby.

METRO AT LAX 🚇️ C and K Line Changes + LAX Station Opening Soon:

• Significant updates are on the horizon for the C and K Lines, with new routes set to debut alongside the opening of the Aviation/Century Station, strategically located near LAX hotels and job centers in the aviation sector. The C Line will connect from this new station to Norwalk, while the K Line will operate between Redondo Beach and Aviation/Century, requiring some riders to switch trains at the new station for a seamless journey. These changes aim to enhance service efficiency, with the C Line transitioning to an east-west route and the K Line adopting a north-south alignment. Metro is also finalizing plans for the upcoming LAX/Metro Transit Center, which will serve as a key transit hub once completed. Staff will be available at stations to assist riders during this transition, ensuring a smooth adjustment to the new system.

WEST LA 🏡 New Affordable Housing on Westwood Blvd:

• A new affordable housing project is set to replace a multi-tenant commercial building at 2023 Westwood Boulevard in West Los Angeles, according to an Executive Directive 1 application filed with the Department of City Planning. Proposed by SCAH-LA, the nine-story development will include 124 apartments, with 123 designated as low-income units and one market-rate manager's unit, along with street-level parking for twelve vehicles. Designed by MVE + Partners, the project will utilize density bonus incentives to exceed zoning restrictions and features contemporary stucco cladding. This site is situated north of Olympic Boulevard, near another mixed-use development with 92 apartments currently underway at Westwood Boulevard. SCAH-LA is also planning additional projects in Mid-Wilshire, Westchester, and Westlake.

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BUSINESS

FILMLA 🎞️ LA Film Industry Survives Its Second Slowest Summer:

• The Greater Los Angeles film industry hit a rough patch, with a 5% drop in third-quarter production, totaling just 5,048 shoot days, according to FilmLA's latest report. Despite a surge in feature film production—up 26.6%—the overall picture is less promising, with scripted TV categories still recovering from last year's double strike shutdown. Industry insiders, from local crews to vendors, are feeling the pinch as 2024's production levels lag behind post-COVID streaming highs. As fall approaches, many are wondering if the season will be enough to salvage the year. Download the full report here. 💌 

SANTA MONICA 🎭️ America’s Largest Independent Jewish Theatre:

• The Braid is set to open America’s largest independent Jewish theatre on December 14th, aiming to amplify diverse expressions of Jewish life in response to rising antisemitism. Located in Los Angeles, this innovative venue will present original productions that showcase the rich complexities of contemporary Jewish stories, inviting a variety of voices from Jews of Color, LGBTQ+ communities, and beyond. The grand opening features Monica Piper’s acclaimed one-woman show, Not That Jewish, followed by a new season with original performances focusing on Jewish travel, interfaith families, and connections to animals. With a commitment to storytelling that fosters connection and understanding, The Braid will also offer community events, classes, and livestreaming capabilities, solidifying its role as a global hub for Jewish narratives. For more information, visit the-braid.org. 💌 

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ENTERTAINMENT

PEACOCK 🦚 NBC Eyes 2025 Streaming Debut with Local Games:

• NBCUniversal is set to expand its Peacock streaming service with regional sports channels as soon as early 2025, per a Wall Street Journal report. The channels, which broadcast games for teams like the Warriors, Celtics, and Phillies, will remain on traditional TV but might soon be available as streaming add-ons for local markets. NBCUniversal is still working out the details, and the launch could be delayed. This move follows the company’s recent $77bn NBA deal, shared with Amazon and ESPN, securing eleven years of game rights.

JOHN MULANEY 🎤 Can Mulaney Bring Late-Night Talk Shows Back—on Netflix?

• John Mulaney is about to test if late-night talk shows can make a comeback—on Netflix. As streaming dominates, traditional talk shows like The Tonight Show have scaled back or faded entirely, but Netflix isn’t ready to throw in the towel. In 2025, Mulaney will headline a live weekly variety show on the platform, leaning into his long-running partnership with the streamer. Netflix has seen success with his stand-up specials (his latest, Baby J, hit nearly 380m minutes of watch time), but can the format thrive in this new space? While cord-cutters and on-demand junkies have largely shifted away from live programming, Netflix seems ready to push boundaries. Would you tune in, or has late-night lost its charm for good?

YOUTUBE 📺️ YouTube Rolls Out Long-Awaited Features for All Platforms

• YouTube’s latest update, rolling out across mobile, browser, and smart TV platforms, introduces several long-requested features. A new sleep timer, once exclusive to Premium users, is now available for all, allowing users to set playback time between 10 minutes and an hour. A revamped miniplayer offers adjustable size and positioning, while collaborative playlists bring social engagement with new voting systems and custom thumbnails. Fine-tunable playback speed in 0.05 increments and collectible user Badges add to the user experience, alongside a redesigned interface for YouTube on smart TVs. These updates cater to over 2.5 billion users globally.

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SPORTS

DODGERS 🧢 Dodgers on Verge of World Series

• When: 2:08pm, today | Where: Citi Field, New York
  TV: FS1
  
  The Dodgers are one win away from punching their ticket to the World Series after dominating the Mets at Citi Field. Outscoring New York 18-2 over the last two games, L.A. has been unstoppable, and they’re sending Jack Flaherty to the mound for Game 5. Flaherty blanked the Mets in Game 1, and with the Dodgers lineup dialed in against lefties, David Peterson has his work cut out for him as he makes his first postseason start. It’s a tall order for the Mets, and the Dodgers are primed to close it out this afternoon.

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HAVE A GREAT WKND, LA!

🤙 Have a wonderful + beautiful weekend, LA!

And as always, Go Tigers! Beat Virginia!

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