OCTOBER 4TH, 2024

Good vibes presented by Curations

FRIDAY’S VIBES

TODAY
IS FRIDAY

TOMORROW
IS SATURDAY

• 👋 AFTERNOON DELIGHT: Good afternoon, CuratedLA! I’m sorry for today’s delay (typical postings 6am, MWF). I got excited, made some small design changes, and I almost published next weekend’s events for this weekend’s events. ADHD. YouTube tutorials….but it’s Friday, another week in the wraps where you crushed it with more wins than your NYC counterpart. Here are today’s good vibes - and hopefully, the right events. I will see everyone on Monday. Have a wonderful weekend, CuratedLA Family! - Wyatt

CURATIONS

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Since 2019, we’ve been curating the heart of brands within the realms of newsletters, branding + public relations.

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HOV LANES

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EATS

HEADLINES

• 🍷 MANHATTAN BEACH: The inaugural Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival kicks off next week, with two epic nights of culinary bliss. Friday’s Opening Night and Saturday’s Grand Tasting bring fifty star chefs from top LA and international restaurants to Manhattan Village, where unlimited tastings, craft cocktails, and stunning beach vibes await. With names like Dominique Crenn, Nyesha Arrington, and Neal Fraser, this is the festival for LA food lovers. Early bird tickets start at $275, so snag yours now before prices jump.

OPENINGS

• 🇮🇹 THE GROVE: Sogno Toscano has opened its second LA spot, now at The Grove, offering a stylish escape from the shopping frenzy. This lifestyle café combines a wine bar and espresso bar with a menu that transports you straight to Italy. Expect Roman-style pinsas, Tuscan schiacciate (stuffed flatbread), fresh pastas, and charcuterie boards loaded with imported meats and cheeses. The market side also sells Italian gourmet products, from olive oil to truffles, ideal for taking a bit of Tuscany home from the local comfort of The Grove.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🇲🇽 COMPTON: Hidden in a Compton backyard, Mariscos El Tambo serves up some of the best Nayarit-style seafood in LA. Run by Jesús Guadalupe Linares Navarro and Adriana Soto, this family-owned spot whips up spicy shrimp soups, charcoal-grilled snook, and tangy ceviches straight from their Tuxpan roots. With a bounce house marking their weekend hours, this underground gem offers a true taste of Mexico's coastal culinary traditions—from fiery aguachiles to shrimp-filled empanadas—all in a warm, homey setting.

  • Instagram

• 🐷 ARLINGTON HEIGHTS: Arlington Heights (Mid City) welcomed Barbara Gene’s Soul Food Cafe, a new BBQ hotspot from Chef Eric Campbell. Melding his Texas and SoCal roots, Campbell's menu brings the smoke with classics like ribs, brisket, and a standout creation: the soul roll—an egg roll stuffed with smoked turkey, mac and cheese, collard greens, and topped with brisket or chicken. Taking over the old Chefs Table space, Barbara Gene is already drawing crowds, selling out of ribs and brisket on opening day.

  • Website + GoFundMe + Instagram

• 🇲🇽 ECHO PARK: Bar A Ti, the latest addition to Echo Park’s buzzing food scene, is a new Mexican spot from Andrew Ponce, former chef de cuisine at Bestia. Known for his creative take on LA-Mexican cuisine, Ponce has designed a tight menu featuring standout dishes like bluefin tuna tostadas, koji-cured fish tacos, and a confit duck mole that will have you reconsidering everything you thought you knew about mole. The restaurant also offers unique drinks like a Michelada with pickled mussels and an ume Paloma, all curated by David Fernie of E Stretto fame. Open as a two-month residency, Bar A Ti could stick around longer if all goes well. Make your way to W. Sunset Blvd, where it’s open Wednesday through Sunday, 5:00pm ‘til late​.

  • Website + Instagram

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EVENTS

TODAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

FIVE FUTURES

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ACTIVITIES

• 🍺 HISTORIC MISSION DISTRICT: TODAY: San Gabriel’s Dumpling and Beer Fest is back this evening from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, transforming the Historic Mission District into a foodie haven. Expect all kinds of dumplings, unique eats, live entertainment, and activities for the kiddos. Festival entry is free, but a $44.52 wristband (+fee) gets you unlimited beer samples in the Grapevine Arbor's beer garden. Must be 21+ to enjoy the brews.

• 🤟 VENICE BEACH: SATURDAY + SUNDAY: Venice Afterburn, a regional Burning Man event, returns to Venice Beach Saturday and Sunday, bringing art installations, performances, and interactive experiences to Windward Plaza. From 12:00pm to 10:00pm each day, attendees can explore art cars, flame-spinning shows, and LED-lit paths, with live performances from 40+ DJs and musicians. Free entry until 6:30pm., with a $10 fee after. Produced by Dogtown Artists United, the event fosters creativity and community, welcoming both seasoned Burners and newcomers. More info available at Venice Afterburn.

• 🚲️ DOWNTOWN LA: SATURDAY, 9AM - 11AM: Celebrate Clean Air Day and SoCal Transit Week with a scenic four-mile community bike ride through Downtown LA. Bike while exploring vibrant city landmarks, including Gloria Molina Grand Park, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, and Little Tokyo. Riders will end the journey with a return trip via Metro rail. This event is perfect for urban cycling enthusiasts (16+), with bike lanes and mixed-use routes. Metro Bikes are available for free, and electric bikes are first-come, first-served. 💸 

• 🍺 MARINA DEL REY: SATURDAY, 7PM - 11PM: Brennan’s Pub in Marina del Rey is turning up the Oktoberfest vibes tomorrow. The party kicks off with live wrestling on the turf, plus kegs of Oktoberfest beer to keep the good times flowing. From 7:00pm to 11:00pm, Festmeister Hans und die Sauerkrauts will be bringing the polka beats, and Venice Paparazzi’s got you covered with an Oktoberfest-themed photo booth.

• 🎻 THE COLBURN SCHOOL: NEXT WEEKEND: Get ready for TonicCon, happening next weekend on October 10th-11th at The Colburn School in Downtown LA. This two-day classical music festival, led by superstar violinist Ray Chen, will feature masterclasses, panel discussions, and performances with top-notch musicians and Colburn faculty. Don’t miss Chen’s standout performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons alongside the Colburn Chamber Players. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a classical music fan, it’s a perfect blend of learning and live music. CuratedLA Family: use code TONIC15 for 15% off tickets to experience this inaugural event that brings the global Tonic app community together in person​. 💌 

• 💜 HEART OF LA: NEXT SUNDAY: CicLAvia: Heart of LA is next Sunday from 9:00am - 4:00pm. In this family-friendly event, the streets of Boyle Heights, Chinatown, Downtown, Echo Park + Little Tokyo will be open for people to walk, bike, skate, and explore car-free. Whether you’re cruising through LA’s neighborhoods or stopping at local businesses along the way, CicLAvia is perfect for all ages and abilities. This free event isn't a race, so enjoy it at your own pace. 💸 

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COMMUNITY

• 🏅 BOBBLEHEADS: The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame just dropped its first-ever bobbleheads of three Olympians with LA ties. The lineup includes Jordan Chiles, UCLA’s 2023 NCAA champ in uneven bars and floor exercise; Maddie Musselman, the Bruins' all-time water polo goal leader; and Sky Brown, the 16-year-old skateboarding phenom who splits her time in LA. These limited-edition bobbleheads spotlight Olympians and Paralympians, some of whom are already looking ahead to the 2028 LA Games. 💌 

• 📸 PLATE READERS: The San Fernando Valley is stepping up its crime-fighting game with one hundred new automated license plate readers (ALPRs), thanks to a $500,000 initiative led by LA City Councilmember John Lee. These cameras will scan plates and notify police if linked to any crimes, aiming to curb a growing wave of brazen break-ins—especially in areas like Porter Ranch, where home burglaries have surged by 103%. While already in use across Beverly Hills and other nearby areas, critics raise concerns about privacy. Still, Lee points to early success, with the readers already aiding in solving two robberies.

• 👮 NEW LAPD CHIEF: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has officially appointed Jim McDonnell as the new Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, marking his return to the department where he began his law enforcement career 43 years ago. McDonnell, who previously served as Assistant Chief of the LAPD and as the LA County Sheriff, is stepping into the role following a months-long search process. He replaces Michel Moore, who retired earlier this year. McDonnell’s leadership comes at a critical time, with Los Angeles preparing to host major international events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. His priorities include growing the department's ranks, enhancing public safety, and strengthening relationships with local communities. McDonnell is well-known for his reform-minded approach, honed during his tenure as sheriff, where he worked to rebuild public trust after scandals rocked the sheriff’s department. His appointment signals a focus on stability and experience as Los Angeles gears up for significant public safety challenges. 🐇 

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DEVELOPMENT

• 🏡 NORTH HOLLYWOOD STATION: Metro has approved a major development at North Hollywood Station, which will bring 1,500 housing units to the area, alongside retail and office spaces. This mixed-use project aims to create a vibrant transit hub, blending residential and commercial spaces around the station. It's a key part of efforts to revitalize the neighborhood and promote public transit use, with affordable housing included in the mix. The development represents one of the largest transit-oriented projects in the San Fernando Valley.

• 🎳 DOWNEY SEARS: Round One Entertainment is transforming the vacant Sears at Downey’s Stonewood Center into a lively family-friendly entertainment hub. The plans include their signature bowling and arcade setup, plus Spo-Cha, a sports challenge zone that offers everything from trampoline jumping to indoor batting cages. On top of all the action, they’re rolling out a brand-new concept: a food hall packed with dining options to fuel the fun. City officials are excited about the boost this will bring to the community, with Mayor Mario Trujillo highlighting the appeal for families looking for an all-ages spot to hang out​.

• 🏡 SANTA MONICA: Big changes could be coming to Santa Monica’s skyline near the E Line’s western terminus. Lincoln Property Company has submitted plans for an eight-story building on 5th Street, featuring 132 apartments with a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms. The project also includes fifteen affordable units, taking advantage of density bonus incentives. KFA Architecture is behind the design, with amenities like a courtyard and rooftop pool deck. This development is just part of a larger vision—eventually creating up to 570 apartments across neighboring parcels, with 140 affordable units, all steps away from the Downtown Santa Monica station.

• 🏢 SOUTH PARK: Jade Enterprises is one step closer to reshaping Downtown LA’s South Park. The City Council just certified the environmental study for the South Park Towers, a mixed-use project near the L.A. Convention Center. The plan? Two sleek, glass-clad towers—one 22-story hotel with 300 rooms and another 23-story residential building with 250 units. The complex will also feature ground-floor restaurant space, medical offices, and amenities like fitness centers and rooftop decks. As the Convention Center gears up for a major expansion in 2025, this project could add a fresh touch to the area’s evolving skyline.

• 🏡 BEVERLY HILLS: The Beverly Hills Planning Commission has given the green light to an eight-story, 56-unit mixed-use building that blends commercial, retail, and affordable housing—all on a 15,000 sq. ft. lot. The project will be located on Wilshire and Robertson. Designed by DE Architects, the project includes ground-floor retail, two floors of office space, and ten affordable units out of the 56 total apartments. Plus, with rooftop lounges and a BBQ patio, residents will get a little slice of luxury. It’s being hailed as a crown jewel for the eastern gateway, and with the future Wilshire/La Cienega Metro station nearby, it's poised to be a game-changer for the area.

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BUSINESS

•  🎵 SANTA MONICA: Drawbridge Realty has purchased the Arboretum Gateway office building in Santa Monica for $185m from Clarion Partners. The 226,000 square-foot Class-A building, located on Colorado Ave, is fully leased to Universal Music Group as its headquarters. The property features two recording studios, conference rooms, outdoor decks, and on-site dining. This sale stands out in a sluggish office market, where many properties face price cuts or distress. Universal Music recently extended its lease, making the property a prized asset in LA’s media district.

• 🏢 NEW COWORKING SPOTS: Industrious is leveling up in LA, opening fresh coworking spaces in Century City, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood. Known for offering flexible office solutions, from coworking to private suites, the company is expanding due to high demand. Century City gets a bigger location in Watt Plaza this month, while Santa Monica’s new Wilshire Blvd office opens this winter. West Hollywood will also see an expansion by Spring 2025. For those tired of commuting, these sleek, move-in-ready spaces might just be the perfect solution for a dynamic, modern workday.

• 🏋️ SANTA MONICA: Pvolve’s new Santa Monica studio, located at on Main Street in Santa Monica, opened on August 1st, with a grand celebration held on September 21st. Known for its low-impact, functional movement workouts, Pvolve is shaking up the Westside fitness scene. Run by Paige Gilson, the studio offers the signature Strength & Sculpt class, using Pvolve’s innovative resistance tools like the P.ball and P.band to boost mobility and strength. With cardio and weight training classes coming soon, Gilson’s already seeing packed sessions. Curious? They're offering a three-for-one class deal to try it out.

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ENTERTAINMENT

• 🤡 JOKER 2: Joaquin Phoenix's Joker is back with Joker: Folie à Deux, opening to $7m in yesterday’s previews. While the sequel brings Lady Gaga into the mix as Harley Quinn, it faces a steep climb to match the 2019 original's massive success—Joker hit $1.07bn globally on a $65m budget. With a $200m price tag, Folie à Deux is projected for a more modest $50m to $65m opening weekend. Reviews have been less glowing this time around, despite the film’s shift into musical territory and Gaga's star power. It’ll be a wild ride at the box office, but unlikely to replicate its predecessor's lightning in a bottle.

• ⭐️ MARIO LOPEZ: Mario Lopez is getting his moment on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The longtime TV host and actor will receive the 2,792nd star next Thursday, right in front of Wahlburgers on Hollywood Boulevard. Known for his iconic role as A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell and for hosting Access Hollywood, Lopez is being honored in the Television category. Special guests include actor Mark Wahlberg and NBCUniversal’s Valari Staab. Fun fact: the ceremony lands on Lopez’s birthday, making it a double celebration.

• 💃 HALLE BERRY: Halle Berry is in talks to join Amazon MGM Studios’ Crime 101, the anticipated adaptation of Don Winslow’s short story, directed by American Animals filmmaker Bart Layton. Berry will potentially star alongside Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Barry Keoghan in this crime thriller, which follows a series of high-level jewel heists across the Pacific Coast. With shades of Heat and a detective zeroing in on a thief planning one last score, the project promises major intensity. Shooting kicks off this month, with a theatrical release slated for next year. Berry continues to stack impressive roles, adding to her already legendary career.

• 🪩 THAT ‘90S SHOW: Netflix has pulled the plug on That ’90s Show after just two seasons, with star Kurtwood Smith (Red Forman) confirming the news via Instagram. Despite the show's connection to the beloved That '70s Show and appearances from original cast members like Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher, the sequel struggled to gain traction. Part 3, which dropped on August 22nd, failed to crack Netflix’s Top 10, sealing its fate. While Netflix has had limited success with multi-cam comedies, Smith hinted that the show might be shopped elsewhere, keeping hopes alive for fans.

• 🤝 TEAMSTERS: Teamsters Locals 399 and 817 have officially ratified a new three-year casting agreement with the AMPTP, securing an overwhelming 91.85% approval with an 83% turnout. The agreement covers casting directors, associate casting directors, and newly organized casting assistants in both Los Angeles and New York. Highlights include wage increases, minimum salary rates, health and pension benefits for casting assistants, and more protections for the casting workforce. Lindsay Dougherty praised the members' fight for fair representation, while the AMPTP recognized the deal’s importance in attracting top-tier talent in the industry.

• 🐻 PADDINGTON: Get ready for a bear-y big adventure! On January 17th, 2025, the beloved marmalade-obsessed Paddington returns to theaters with Paddington in Peru. This time, he’s off on a treasure-hunting quest through the Amazon to find his Aunt Lucy. The latest trailer teases a cuddly, adventurous riff on Raiders of the Lost Ark, with Paddington joined by the Brown family, Antonio Banderas as a treasure-seeking captain, and Olivia Colman as a mysterious nun. From riding llamas to navigating rapids, this might be Paddington’s biggest adventure yet. Time to stock up on marmalade sandwiches.

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SPORTS

• 🏈 UCLA @ 7 PENN STATE: Penn State takes on UCLA at Beaver Stadium this weekend, with the Nittany Lions looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season. Ranked No. 7, Penn State has excelled on both offense and defense, led by QB Drew Allar and running back duo Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, while allowing just 11.5 points per game defensively. UCLA, under new head coach DeShaun Foster, has struggled to a 1-3 start with one of the weakest offenses in the Big Ten. While there’s talk of a potential trap game for Penn State, experts agree that UCLA is unlikely to pose a significant threat given their current form. Let’s hope those experts are wrong.

• 🏈 11 USC AT MINNESOTA: Minnesota (2-3) hosts USC (3-1) this Saturday in a must-win game after a narrow 27-24 loss to Michigan. With three of their next four games on the road, the Gophers’ bowl hopes hang in the balance, as their run game falters and they lean heavily on a midrange passing attack. USC, fresh off a 38-21 win over Wisconsin, controls the clock and leads the Big Ten in third-down defense. Minnesota’s top-ranked pass defense will be tested by USC’s Miller Moss, who should capitalize on their lack of balance. Experts’ Prediction: USC 30, Minnesota 21.

• 🧢 NLDS SHOWDOWN: The Dodgers and Padres are reigniting their SoCal rivalry in a must-watch NLDS showdown. Game 1 kicks off tomorrow at Dodger Stadium, with Shohei Ohtani making his postseason debut for the Dodgers. Despite some pitching concerns, the Dodgers boast the best record in baseball and an explosive lineup led by Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. On the flip side, the Padres' deep bullpen and power-packed lineup, headlined by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jurickson Profar, give them a strong edge, especially with a bruised Dodgers rotation. This NL West clash has all the drama you need.

• 🏒 KINGS 4, BRUINS 1: Quinton Byfield made a bold statement in the Kings' 4-1 preseason win over the Bruins, lighting up the ice with a hat trick that has LA buzzing. His chemistry with new linemates Foegele and Fiala looks dangerous, and if this preseason form holds, Byfield could be gearing up for a breakout season. With a fresh five-year, $6.25m-per-year deal and a skill set that blends size, speed, and hockey IQ, he might just be on track for that elusive 40-goal, 80-point season. The Kings will play host to the Florida Panthers tomorrow at 4:00pm for their final preseason game, before commencing regular season play next Thursday in Buffalo.

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HAVE A GREAT WKND, LA!

🤙 Have a wonderful weekend, Los Angeles.
It is set to be another beautiful weekend. Maybe time for a Pumpkin Patch?

And as always, Go Clemson Tigers! Beat FSU!

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