DECEMBER 6TH, 2024

FRIDAY’S VIBES

NEW SWAG

JUST DROPPED

IN THE STORE

OH HEYYY 👋 

• Happy First Friday of December, CuratedLA Family! I was traveling for the past two weeks, hence no publications since. But good news: this current month of December will see 2x CuratedLAs a week, one on Tuesday, and then wrapping out the weekend on Friday.
  
  Two weeks ago, we partnered with the fine folks at Palma Ristorante in Downtown Burbank for a $200 raffle. We do have a winner! However, that winner has not yet reached back out to me regarding if they want the credit or not. So, if you have a Yahoo email address, please check your spam inbox or search ‘CuratedLA.’ Otherwise, a new winner will be announced this time next week.
  
  And now, today + this weekend’s good vibes! Have a wonderful weekend, CuratedLA! Wyatt

ON THIS DAY ⏪️ Los Angeles History

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GOOD SWAG

Shop CuratedLA for this Giving Season

We just launched new winter swag at the CuratedLA Store! And there is still time to snag something from CuratedLA and get it before Christmas Eve. If you’re outside the US/EU, order by today! Within the US/EU, order by December 10th (standard shipping) or December 16th (rushed shipping).

HOV LANES

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EATS

HEADLINES

RANDY’S DONUTS 🎄 Randy’s Donuts Unwraps Holiday Magic:

• Randy’s Donuts is ringing in the season with a festive 2024 holiday box design, transforming its iconic Inglewood location into a winter wonderland. Now until New Year’s, indulge in holiday-themed donuts like the Snowflake Raised Donut with white pearl dust, the gift-wrapped Holiday Present Donut, and Hanukkah Rounds filled with raspberry jelly, available exclusively December 25th through January 2nd. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring solo, these treats blend holiday traditions with Randy’s signature sweetness. 💌 

MCDONALD’S 🍟 McDonald’s Announces the Return of Snack Wrap in 2025:

• After years of fan demand, McDonald’s is bringing back the iconic Snack Wrap in 2025. The item, which first debuted in 2006, will return following its removal from most U.S. locations in 2016. McDonald’s President Joe Erlinger confirmed the return on 'Good Morning America, noting the product's strong, loyal following. The wrap, which features chicken breast, cheddar jack cheese, lettuce, and ranch sauce, is expected to attract both chicken lovers and value-conscious customers, aligning with the chain’s focus on expanding its chicken offerings. While the exact return date remains under wraps, it is poised to compete with similar offerings from competitors like Burger King and KFC.

OPENINGS

AGOURA HILLS 🌯 Frankie’s Breakfast Burritos Coming to Agoura Hills:

• Frankie’s Breakfast Burritos is opening its first brick-and-mortar location on Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills, transforming the former Lemon Tree Chinese Cuisine into a community-focused breakfast haven. The eatery will offer breakfast burritos with locally sourced ingredients wrapped in warm flour tortillas, alongside creative breakfast bowls and specials. Owner Rob Pausmith, inspired by his father Frankie, aims to create a welcoming spot blending classic tastes with inventive twists.

  • Instagram

BRENTWOOD 🧆 Turkish Delights Land in Brentwood:

• Doner Corner opened yesterday on Wilshire Blvd in Brentwood, bringing the vibrant flavors of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine to a space that has seen various culinary identities over the years. Previously home to The Upper Crust Pizza and other eateries, the newly refurbished location features a menu of authentic dishes, including doner kebabs, falafel, kibbeh, and hummus. This marks an exciting addition to the area, promising a taste of Turkey’s rich culinary tradition in a modern, welcoming Brentwood setting.

  • Website + Menu

FAIRFAX 🍔 Napa Valley’s Iconic Burger Spot Heads to LA:

• Gott’s Roadside, the James Beard Award-winning burger joint from Napa Valley, is opening its first Southern California location at LA’s Original Farmer’s Market in fall 2025. Known for its California burger, featuring Niman Ranch beef and Cowgirl Creamery cheese, Gott’s also offers curations like kimchi and green chile burgers alongside classic American fare. Founded by brothers Joel and Duncan Gott in 1999, the eatery has expanded to eight locations in Northern California, serving 50,000 diners weekly. The Original Farmer’s Market, at Third and Fairfax, complements Gott’s tradition of iconic food destinations.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

MELROSE 🍖 Zira Uzbek Kitchen Brings Silk Road Flavors to Melrose:

• Zira Uzbek Kitchen, a full-service Uzbek restaurant, has opened on Melrose Avenue, introducing Los Angeles to the vibrant flavors of Central Asia. Spearheaded by Azim Rahmatov and his family, the menu highlights dishes like plov, hand-pulled laghman noodles, and lamb shashlik, complemented by colorful decor sourced from Uzbekistan. This 2,500-square-foot space aims to celebrate Uzbek heritage while creating a hub for LA’s Uzbek community. Zira joins a growing list of local Uzbek eateries, offering a culinary journey through the region’s blend of Asian, Eastern European, and Silk Road influences.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

RAMPART VILLAGE 🇲🇾 Rasarumah Lights Up Historic Filipinotown:

• Rasarumah, a vibrant addition to Rampart Village/Historic Filipinotown, merges a cozy yet chic atmosphere with Malaysian culinary mastery. Spearheaded by the chef behind Pearl River Deli, the restaurant's offerings include signature dishes like wagyu beef cheek rendang paired with house-made roti, spicy ayam berempah, and a refreshing gado-gado salad. The intimate dining room, complete with backlit lettering that reads ‘Hold on to yer butts,’ invites diners to enjoy sambal-topped plates alongside creative cocktails such as barley shochu. For a sweet finish, the pandan sundae blends coconut pandan ice cream and gula melaka syrup into a decadent treat. Seating just 35, the restaurant already feels like a must-visit homage to modern Malaysian cuisine in LA.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

ROSEMEAD 🥟 Good Alley Brings Kaifeng Soup Dumplings to Rosemead:

• Good Alley, the latest addition to Rosemead’s dining scene, serves up guan tang bao, hearty soup dumplings hailing from Kaifeng, Henan. The 62-seat restaurant also highlights rou jia mo (Chinese hamburgers) and beef noodle soup crafted by chef Peter Pang, who spent over a decade perfecting dumpling-making techniques with a fifth-generation master. The menu spans traditional and modern influences, offering dishes like crispy beef rolls, wagyu-stuffed dumplings, and hand-pulled noodles in six-hour beef broth. Located on Valley Boulevard, this stylish spot also features curated teas, sparkling drinks, and creative boba options alongside an impressive sake and beer selection.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

VENICE 🥩 American Beauty Brings Signature Steak to the Grove:

• American Beauty, Venice’s acclaimed steakhouse, now welcomes diners to its second location at the Grove, bringing its signature California-inspired menu to one of LA’s busiest shopping destinations. The space, designed by Frederick Fisher and Partners, blends modern charm with quirky sophistication, featuring an indoor-outdoor patio with fire pits, a horseshoe bar, and seating perfect for groups. The menu, led by co-chefs Elisha Ben-Haim and Evan Hickey, offers standout dishes like almond wood-grilled steaks, sweet-and-spicy baby back ribs, and seasonal sides, alongside new lunch and brunch options. Open daily, the new outpost offers an upscale yet approachable dining experience steeped in Angeleno spirit.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

FIVE FUTURES

GUIDES

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ACTIVITIES

PASADENA 🌹 Pasadena Lights Up the Holidays with Annual Tree Lighting:

• Pasadena’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is tonight from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. Hosted by Mayor Victor M. Gordo, the free event features performances by local singers and dancers, kids’ crafts from Armory Center for the Arts, and festive photo stops courtesy of Pasadena Management Association and Girl Squad Media. Santa Claus will make a special appearance, and the official tree lighting takes place at 6:00pm. Early arrival is recommended for parking and prime views. Accessible services are available with advance notice.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART 🔭 Tonight from 5:00pm - 8:00pm:

• MOCA Geffen in Little Tokyo invites art enthusiasts to explore the immersive works of Olafur Eliasson during Free First Fridays this week. As part of the PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative, Eliasson's exhibition features site-specific installations that play with light, optics, and sensory perception. Adding to the evening’s allure, QWENGA will perform dynamic in-gallery dance activations. Free timed entry slots are available from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, but reservations are limited, so plan ahead.

FIRST FRIDAYS 🥳 Tonight from 6:00pm - 11:00pm:

• L.A.’s Chinatown comes alive after dark this Friday with an expanded First Friday lineup. Explore extended hours at local galleries, live music, and a bustling pop-up market at Chung King Plaza. New this month is the Damnoen Saduak Thai Market at Far East Plaza, adding vibrant flavors to the mix. With dozens of small businesses and cultural spaces joining the celebration, it’s a night to experience the best of this historic neighborhood.

HOLLYWOOD PARK 🎁 Tomorrow from 10:00am - 2:00pm:

• Hollywood Park celebrates the season with its second annual Winter Fest, a free, family-friendly event packed with festive activities. Attendees can enjoy photos with Black Santa, a celebrity pickleball tournament hosted by Baron Davis, and local food trucks. The event also showcases performances, music from DJs, activities from upcoming Hollywood Park tenants, and more. Additionally, the monthly Farmers Market by FarmHabit will be open from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Don’t miss out on the fun this weekend!

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.

TOY DRIVE 🏋️ Sunday from 10:00am - 3:00pm:

• The 17th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive returns this Sunday at Venice's iconic Muscle Beach from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Hosted by Joe Wheatley Productions and Icon Muscle with World Gym International, the event collects new, unwrapped toys valued at $20 or more to support children in Venice, Culver City, Santa Monica, Oakwood, Westchester, and Marina del Rey. Festivities include photos with Santa and his elvettes, product giveaways, and a 1:00pm recognition ceremony led by Councilwoman Traci Park. Proceeds from limited-edition T-shirt sales will also benefit the drive, with donations distributed by LAPD’s Pacific Division.

LA ZOO LIGHTS 🦒 Now - January 5th:

• 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.

VENICE ⚡️ Tomorrow night, 6:00pm - 9:00pm:

• The Venice Chamber of Commerce hosts its 13th annual Venice Sign lighting tomorrow from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. This event transforms the iconic landmark with festive red and green hues. Located on Windward Avenue, east of Pacific Avenue, this beloved holiday tradition features live music and family-friendly activities, making it the perfect way to kick off the season with your community.

BURBANK 🎄 Winter Arts Festival, Saturday + Sunday:

• Jackalope brings its indie artisan market to the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival. Spanning San Fernando Blvd from Magnolia to Angeleno, the event features over 170 vendors offering unique hand-crafted goods, from jewelry and housewares to photography and visual art. The festival runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, making it a perfect stop for holiday shopping. Free to attend and packed with creative finds.

DOWNTOWN LA 🎁 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

EARTHQUAKE 🫨 Cal Earthquake Sparks Aftershock Warnings:

• A significant earthquake shook Northern California earlier yesterday, and the USGS warns of a 53% chance of damaging aftershocks above Magnitude 5 within the next week. Over forty smaller aftershocks have already been recorded, with up to 130 more expected, some strong enough to be felt. While this activity is localized, it serves as a timely reminder for Southern California, including Los Angeles County, to revisit earthquake preparedness plans. Experts note that while SoCal isn't directly impacted, the interconnected seismic system underscores the importance of staying vigilant. Check USGS updates for real-time forecasts and safety tips.

  • RELATED: Recent Los Angeles Area Earthquakes, via City of Los Angeles.

CLOSURES 🛣️ Overnight Freeway Lane Closures Tonight:

• Partial lane closures are scheduled tonight for this week’s last night of utility work on major freeways. Crews have been working all throughout the week to help our traffic flow. These freeways include 101 in Encino, 405 in Sepulveda Pass, and 710 in Long Beach. Closures will affect select lanes with work happening overnight between 8:00pm and 6:00am, depending on the location. Impacted areas include southbound lanes on the 101 near Reseda Blvd., north and southbound sections of the 405 near Getty Center Drive, and northbound lanes on the 710 from PCH to Wardlow Rd.

STAMP 📫️ Betty White Honored with Forever Stamp:

• The U.S. Postal Service will celebrate Betty White's legendary legacy with a 2025 Forever Stamp featuring an illustration based on a 2010 photo of the beloved actor. Known for her iconic roles in Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, White, who passed in 2021 at 99, was also a dedicated animal advocate. The Postal Service calls her an icon of American television, sharing her warmth across seven decades. This announcement is part of a broader 2025 stamp lineup, including tributes to musician Allen Toussaint and artist Keith Haring. Additional designs will be revealed in the coming months.

OLYMPIC FUNDING 🚇️ Can LA’s Transit Dreams Get Federal Backing for LA28?

• The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority is urging federal support to prepare for the 2028 Olympics, requesting $3.2bn from President-elect Trump’s administration. In a letter highlighting the Games as ‘the largest and most spectacular sporting event in American history,’ Metro emphasized the need for federal investment to bolster public transit, including adding 2,700 buses and creating fast lanes for athletes and fans. With a $6.9bn private organizing budget focusing on venues and logistics, Metro’s broader transit enhancements remain unfunded, raising concerns about readiness. As past administrations provided significant Olympic funding, the city hopes Trump's penchant for grandeur might align with their vision, despite political tensions.

SANTA MONICA 🚥 Slower Speeds, Safe Streets - New Speed Limits:

• Santa Monica has implemented a citywide speed limit reduction, including a drop from 30 to 25 mph on Neilson Way between Pico Boulevard and Marine Street. These changes follow a recent state law allowing cities more control over speed limits in safety-sensitive areas. New signage and road markings highlight the adjustments, part of a broader effort impacting thirty streets across the city. Most limits have been lowered to improve safety, with only one street seeing an increase. Santa Monica’s Department of Transportation conducted speed surveys earlier this year to ensure the changes meet legal standards and reflect actual driving patterns.

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DEVELOPMENT

PASADENA 🌹 Rose Bowl’s $80m makeover ahead of the 2028 Olympics:

• The Rose Bowl is set for an $80-million renovation, with upgrades designed to prepare the historic venue for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Spearheaded by the Rose Bowl Operating Company and the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, the project includes a new South End Zone field-level club, enhanced bowl seating, a massive video board, and infrastructure improvements. Construction will unfold in two phases, with the first phase concluding in 2026 and the second just before the Olympics. Recent updates, including a refurbished marquee sign and new sound system, highlight the stadium's ongoing evolution as it continues to cement its status as a premier venue for sports, concerts, and festivals.

HYDE PARK 🪴 Mixed-Use Living Rises on Slauson Avenue:

• Construction is in full swing at 3457 West Slauson Avenue in Hyde Park, where a five-story mixed-use development is set to deliver 63 apartments, 2,000 square feet of ground-floor restaurant space, and 27 parking spaces. Designed by Aero Collective and backed by Transit Oriented Communities incentives, the project will include seven units reserved for extremely low-income housing. Featuring a bold red exterior, rooftop deck, garden, and community room, the development is just steps from Metro’s K Line, blending modern living with transit accessibility.

SANTA MONICA 🎡 Builder’s Remedy Project Brings Hotel-Apartment Hybrid:

• Diico Properties has unveiled plans for an eight-story hotel-apartment project at 1420 20th Street in Santa Monica. The development will feature a forty-room hotel, fifty residential units—including ten affordable apartments—1,299 square feet of retail space, and a 62-car underground garage. Designed by Ottinger Architects, the white and olive structure will include metal-wrapped balconies and a rooftop deck. Leveraging the builder’s remedy to bypass zoning restrictions, the project replaces a ten-unit complex while contributing to Santa Monica’s housing goals.

FLORENCE 🏡 Affordable Housing Rises in Florence:

• Pandora, a four-story affordable housing project by Eleos, is under construction at 7655 South San Pedro Street in Florence. Designed under Transit Oriented Communities incentives, the development will feature forty one- and two-bedroom units, all reserved for low- to extremely low-income households, excluding a required manager’s unit. Built on a site acquired in 2021 for $950,000, the project excludes on-site parking and maximizes accessibility for residents. Project completion and availability dates remain announced.

NORWALK 🚀 Norwalk Greenlights 32-Acre Transit Village:

• The City of Norwalk has approved the Norwalk Transit Village, a transformative 32-acre mixed-use development at 13200 Bloomfield Avenue. Replacing a former youth prison, the project will feature a three-acre commercial hub with 66,000 square feet of retail, a 150-room hotel, 770 apartments and townhomes (40% designated as affordable housing), and over three acres of parks. Designed by Perkins&Will, the plan allows for buildings up to five stories and aims for completion by 2030.

CULVER CITY 🏡 Mixed-Use Living Approved for Culver City’s Fox Hills:

• Culver City has approved a six-story mixed-use project at 5700 Hannum Avenue, led by Lincoln Property Company and Highmark Advisors. Replacing an office building, the development will feature 309 apartments, including 27 very low-income units, 5,600 square feet of retail space, and parking for 428 vehicles. Designed by KFA Architecture, the contemporary structure will include a curved facade, rooftop deck, gym, and public plaza landscaped by Agency Artifact. Groundbreaking is set for early 2025, with completion anticipated by late 2027, marking a new residential venture for Lincoln Property in the area.

SANTA MONICA 💎 Snyder Diamond Site to Transform into Mixed-Use Hub:

• Plans are underway to redevelop the Snyder Diamond showroom at 1399 Olympic Boulevard into an eight-story mixed-use complex featuring 222 apartments and 9,484 square feet of retail space. Designed by DFH Architects, the project will include three building blocks with courtyards, amenity decks, and a 211-car underground garage. Utilizing density bonus incentives, 35 units will be reserved as affordable housing. Located across from Memorial Park, the development is expected to take up to six years to complete.

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BUSINESS

BIZ GRANTS 🧧 Santa Monica Launches Matching Grants for Pico Biz:

• Small businesses along Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica can access up to $10,000 in matching grants for storefront upgrades through the new Commercial Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program. Prioritizing women-, minority-, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses within the Pico Business Improvement District, the initiative supports upgrades like signage, ADA-compliant entryways, and security enhancements. Backed by federal Community Development Block Grants, the program encourages using local vendors to further economic growth. An informational meeting is set for January 15th at the Pico Branch Library.

BEVERLY HILLS 💪 Gold’s Gym Brings Wellness to Beverly Center:

• Gold’s Gym SoCal is set to elevate fitness in Los Angeles with its new 33,000-square-foot location at the Beverly Center, opening in Spring 2025. This 24-hour facility will feature state-of-the-art equipment, including Gym80 and Booty Builder machines, a Signature Playground Turf for functional training, and dedicated cardio and free weight areas. Additional perks include a juice bar, steam room, sauna, and free two-hour parking validation for members. Positioned as a hub for LA's wellness-driven community, this marks Gold’s Gym SoCal’s 24th location.

SANTA MONICA 💻️ Hawke Media Expands with Seattle’s We Are Unicorns:

• Hawke Media, the Santa Monica-based performance marketing agency, has acquired Seattle’s We Are Unicorns, a narrative storytelling firm. The acquisition, following several others this year, enhances Hawke's portfolio of creative agencies while preserving We Are Unicorns' team and operations. With a $150m evaluation, Hawke Media integrates its proprietary HawkeAI platform across its acquisitions, delivering data-driven insights to top clients like Barstool Sports and Crocs.

GLENDALE 🖥️ ServiceTitan Sets Sights on $502m IPO:

• Glendale-based ServiceTitan, a tech firm specializing in business management software for contractors, announced plans to raise up to $502m in its upcoming Nasdaq IPO. Offering 8.8m shares priced between $52 and $57, the company could achieve a $5.16bn valuation. Founded in 2007 by Ara Mahdessian and Vahe Kuzoyan, ServiceTitan serves 8,000 contracting firms with software for scheduling, invoicing, and payroll. Despite an operating loss of $195 million in fiscal 2023, its revenue grew to $614m. Shares, trading as ‘TTAN,’ aim to expand the company’s reach in trades and markets while maintaining founder control.

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ENTERTAINMENT

APPLE TV+ 🙉 The Secret Lives of Animals Docuseries:

• Apple TV+ has released the trailer for The Secret Lives of Animals, a 10-part docuseries premiering globally on December 18th. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, the series explores the intelligence and adaptability of 77 species across 24 countries, showcasing groundbreaking animal behaviors like a frog-tarantula partnership and a killifish breathing through its tail. Produced by BBC Studios' acclaimed Natural History Unit, the series follows hits like Prehistoric Planet. Cutting-edge tech brings rare moments to life, while each episode delves into pivotal life stages of the animal world. Watch the trailer on YouTube and stream it exclusively on Apple TV+. 💌 

MOVIE MONEY 💰️ Box Office Feast Breaks Records This Thanksgiving:

• The Thanksgiving weekend shattered box office records, raking in $420m, the highest in history. Disney’s Moana 2 led with a staggering $221m, outperforming expectations and surpassing 2019’s Frozen II for the top Thanksgiving debut. Universal’s Wicked soared with $117.5m, cementing its status as the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever, while Gladiator II added $44m, contributing to its $320m global total. The trio’s success reinvigorated theaters, narrowing the 2024 box office gap to just 6.4% behind 2023, as audiences embraced musical magic, epic drama, and family adventure over the holiday.

SCRUBS 🏥 Scrubs Reboot in the Works at ABC:

• The beloved sitcom Scrubs is making a comeback, with a reboot in early development at ABC. Series creator Bill Lawrence is collaborating with 20th Television to reunite original cast members Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, and John C. McGinley. Known for its mix of humor and heart, the series originally aired for nine seasons, earning seventeen Emmy nominations. Lawrence expressed excitement about revisiting the show, exploring both familiar characters and the challenges faced by modern doctors.

AFI AWARDS 🏆️ Honoring the Best in Film and Television:

• The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced the honorees for its AFI AWARDS 2024, recognizing ten outstanding motion pictures and television programs that reflect this year's cultural and artistic achievements. Highlights include Dune: Part Two, Wicked, and A Complete Unknown for films, and series like Abbott Elementary and The Bear. The event also acknowledges exceptional works beyond traditional categories, awarding a Special Honor to Baby Reindeer. A private luncheon will be held on January 10th at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, bringing together creatives to celebrate the collaborative spirit of storytelling. Full details, including jury insights and selections, are available on the AFI website.

HARRY POTTER 🪄 Harry Potter Series Begins Casting for New Wizards:

• Warner Bros. Discovery revealed that the highly anticipated Harry Potter series will start shooting this summer at Leavesden Studios, where the original films were made. With 32,000 kids auditioning for the lead roles, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod are currently reviewing up to 1,000 audition tapes per day. The series will stay true to the characters' canonical ages, with Severus Snape potentially portrayed by Paapa Essiedu and the Potters depicted as the young couple they were at 21. While set to span a decade, the series aims to evolve the original story while staying respectful to the legacy of the films, with a focus on expanding Hogwarts and deepening character arcs. The casting call remains open for Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

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SPORTS

RAMS 🐏 Bills vs. Rams - A Playoff Showdown at SoFi Stadium

• As the Buffalo Bills head to SoFi Stadium in Week 14, they’re riding high after securing a postseason spot and clinching the AFC East with a dominant 35-10 win over the 49ers. With Josh Allen at the helm and a seven-game win streak, the Bills are on fire and aiming for home-field advantage. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams, sitting on a 6-6 record, are fighting to stay in the playoff race and will need an upset win to stay relevant in the NFC West. Experts largely favor Buffalo, with predictions ranging from a 29-23 victory to a 34-22 rout, as the Rams struggle to contain the Bills’ high-powered offense.

CHARGERS ⚡️ Chargers vs. Chiefs - AFC West Battle on SNF:

• The Week 14 Sunday Night Football matchup between the Chargers and Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium is shaping up to be a pivotal game for both teams. While the Chiefs, boasting an 11-1 record, have managed to win despite some unconvincing performances, the Chargers have only gotten stronger as the season progresses with an 8-4 record. With the Chargers riding a 5-1 ATS run and strong third-down defense, many are backing them as the potential upset pick of the week. Kansas City’s offense has struggled at times, making this matchup a critical test for both teams in the AFC West.

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HAVE A GREAT WKND, LA!

🤙 Have a wonderful weekend, LA!
Your in-laws are almost here!

AND GO CLEMSON! BEAT SMU IN THE ACC CHAMPIONSHIP!

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