💜JULY 1ST, 2024

MONDAY

MONDAY’S VIBES

RABBIT, RABBIT

THOSE TWO WORDS SAID OUT LOUD BRING THE BEST KIND OF LUCK 🍀 

• 🇺🇸  FOURTH OF JULY: Happy Monday, CuratedLA Family! CuratedLA will be off Wednesday and Friday. So the next time we will be in your inbox is a week from today. I will be using some of that time to update both event calendars for our current month of July. If you have any events, please send them to me by using this freeform link. I hope that everyone has an amazing Fourth of July!

• 💜 THANK YOU, DOC: Sad news on this end by reporting that my grandfather passed away Wednesday in South Carolina. B.G. (Doc, as we grandchildren called him) had quirky humor + introduced me to the internet: both he and my grandmother had a first-generation WebTV.

  
  Doc was an educator, cryptanalyst with the NSA, served as a president at a college in Illinois, and an academic dean at a school in South Carolina. I am lead to believe that I have much of his nerdiness + interests as Doc pioneered advanced technologies at that time into both communities + classrooms.

So with that nerdiness, today’s digital good vibes below are in honor of you, Doc ⬇️ 

PS - I am aware of some outstanding emails from Curators that I will be following up on starting today. I do apologize.

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.

• ℹ️ indicates information only, no linked content

EATS

HEADLINES

🍕 A WORLD’S BEST: Pizzeria Sei has been making waves with its Tokyo-style pizza omakase, a unique three-hour dining experience that has captivated Los Angeles food enthusiasts. Recently, the husband-and-wife team, William Joo and Jennifer So, behind this culinary gem added another accolade to their repertoire: Pizzeria Sei ranked eighth on 50 Top Pizza’s 2024 list of the best pizza restaurants in the U.S., and it’s the only L.A. entry. This recognition is well-deserved as the eatery, known for its delicate, mochi-like Neapolitan crusts, has already topped local lists for its exceptional quality. Located in Pico-Robertson, Pizzeria Sei's pies are a must-try, often selling out quickly. Book a reservation to experience why it’s hailed as the best pizza in Los Angeles. | 🖥️ Website | 📜 Menu | 📸 Instagram

🪧 DRUG TESTS: California's Type 48 license holders, including bars and similar establishments, must offer drug testing kits to combat drink spiking starting today. Under AB 1013, these venues are required to provide kits capable of detecting substances like flunitrazepam, ketamine, and gamma hydroxybutyric acid. The kits can be sold or given to customers, and bars must display a sign stating, “Don’t get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.” This initiative, mandated by the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, aims to raise awareness and prevent drink tampering, with non-compliance potentially resulting in administrative citations. These regulations are set to remain in effect until January 1st, 2027.

OPENINGS

🥃 HOLLYWOOD: The Benjamin Hollywood opened June 25th at the corner of Melrose + Formosa Avenues. Housed in a stunning 1920s Art Deco building, the restaurant boasts a dining room with frosted glass chandeliers, dark wood-paneled walls, an L-shaped oak bar, and olive green mohair booths. Chef Johnny Cirelle, known for his work at Spago, Bavel, and Bestia, curated a menu inspired by Shenassafar’s life memories, featuring starters like deviled eggs and crab beignets, along with dishes such as Australian wagyu with cognac cream sauce and roasted heirloom chicken. Bartender Nathan Oliver crafted the cocktail menu, which includes unique curations like Ben’s Martini, served with a sidecar and chips. | Website | Instagram

🌕️ MELROSE AVENUE: Located on Melrose Avenue's second floor, Moon Room offers a dynamic nightlife experience where each visit promises something new. This hidden gem, identifiable by its neon yellow sign, serves as a versatile cocktail bar known for its ever-changing ambiance. Guests might encounter evenings filled with French DJ sets and lively patio scenes one night, followed by musical theater sing-alongs or impromptu performances by comedians the next. Notable past events include Craig Robinson's surprise Madonna piano serenade and various celebrities testing material for upcoming projects. Despite the unpredictable entertainment, Moon Room maintains a consistent draw with its impressive cocktail menu. Highlights include the cilantro margarita, vanilla-infused mezcal negroni, and the acclaimed Lynx Martini, featuring pistachio and za'atar oil for a unique twist. | Website | Instagram

🍷 SILVER LAKE: The team behind Silverlake Wine and Everson Royce Bar has introduced two new spots: West Altadena Wine and Spirits. West Altadena Wine and Spirits has been opened since June 17th, while the upcoming Good Neighbor Bar is set to debut later this summer. Randy Clement, also behind Highland Park Wine and Triple Beam Pizza, initiated these openings with community support for conditional-use permits. West Altadena Wine and Spirits, like its sister stores, specializes in small-batch wine, beer, and spirits, prioritizing biodynamic and organic selections with bottles priced from $12 to around $25. Local artist Eric Junker has adorned the store with murals. Meanwhile, Good Neighbor Bar will feature classic cocktails and bar snacks, aiming to enhance Altadena’s culinary scene alongside recent additions like Miya and Ferrazzani’s Pasta & Market.

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EVENTS

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

[CLICK FOR FULL AGENDA VIEW]

TRENDING

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ACTIVITIES

🇺🇸 FOURTH OF JULY: A friendly reminder that we have big events going on in our area for Fourth of July:

• Monterey Park: July 2nd: Independence Day Fireworks Show on July 2, Barnes Park, 350 S McPherrin Ave. Live entertainment and fireworks. Contact: 626-307-1388

• Duarte: July 3rd: Independence Day Celebration, Duarte Sports Park, 1401 Central Ave. Live music, food trucks, family play, and fireworks. VIP tickets available. Contact: 626-357-7931

• Cerritos: July 4th: Let Freedom Ring celebration, 4:00pm-10:00pm, Cerritos Civic Center, 18125 Bloomfield Ave. Activities, food trucks, free entertainment, and fireworks. Contact: 562-916-1254

• El Segundo: July 4th: Independence Day Fun, El Segundo residents get four free wristbands per adult with a current rec card. Non-residents pay $5. Fireworks at 9:00pm. El Segundo Rec Parks

• Huntington Beach: July 4th: Annual Fireworks over the ocean on with free beach viewing. Paid seating available on the pier. Parade at 10 a.m. HB 4th of July

• Laguna Beach: July 4th: Drone show with synchronized music from Monument Point at Heisler Park. Road closures around Heisler Park. Live audio simulcast on Voice of Laguna and KXFM Radio. Visit Laguna Beach

• Long Beach: July 4th: Annual fireworks show over the Queen Mary from Ocean Blvd and downtown shoreline. Queen Mary Events

• Marina del Rey: July 4th: Fireworks synchronized with music over Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village. Visible in Marina, Venice, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach. Visit Marina del Rey

• Rosemead: July 4th: Parade, family fun, and fireworks. Parade at 10:00am, free swim at Aquatic Center at 1:00pm, dog patriotic costume contest at 4:00pm, music at 6:00pm, and fireworks. City of Rosemead

• Santa Ana: July 4th: Celebration at Centennial Park, 3:00pm - 9:00pm. Free live music, kid zone, trivia, food for sale, and patriotic dog contest at 7:00pm. Fireworks at 8:45pm. 3000 W Edinger Ave, Santa Ana. Santa Ana Events

• Santa Clarita: July 4th: Fireworks over Valencia Town Center at 9:15pm. 24201 W Valencia Blvd, Valencia.

• Walnut: July 4th: Music, games, pooch parade, food trucks, and fireworks from 5:00pm-9:30pm. Suzanne Park, 625 Suzanne Rd. Contact: 909-598-6200

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COMMUNITY

🔥 FORECAST: California is bracing for a major heat wave over the Fourth of July week, with forecasts predicting triple-digit temperatures and little overnight relief. Inland areas are expected to endure dangerously hot conditions from Tuesday through at least Friday, and UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain warns that even coastal regions could see record-breaking heat. Elevated fire risks, particularly in the Sacramento Valley, are also a concern, as gusty winds and low humidity increase the potential for wildfires. Currently, the San Joaquin Valley is already battling several large fires sparked by extreme lightning activity. As temperatures rise, residents are urged to use fireworks safely and to be cautious around waterways. This heat wave is a stark reminder of the intensifying impacts of climate change, which is making these extreme weather events more frequent and severe. For those planning outdoor activities for the Fourth of July, it's crucial to stay updated on the evolving forecast and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

🚇️ METRO POLICE FORCE: In response to rising crime and spiraling costs of contracting three law enforcement agencies, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority took a decisive step to establish its own transit police force. The board voted 10-0 to create the Transit Community Public Safety Department, which promises more visibility and accountability. Under a $193 million annual plan, Metro will deploy 386 sworn officers and 34 transit officers, supported by 673 ambassadors and outreach teams. This move aims to address safety concerns, particularly as crime and homelessness have surged on the transit system since the pandemic. The plan, expected to be fully implemented within six years, hopes to reduce reliance on the LAPD, Long Beach Police, and the LA County Sheriff’s Department, and is seen as a significant shift in how Metro ensures public safety.

🔎  LANCASTER: When considering Southern California vacations, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs often come to mind. Surprisingly, none of these made Airbnb's top ten trending destinations for the Fourth of July weekend. Instead, Lancaster took a spot among scenic locales like Cle Elum, Washington, and Saratoga Springs, New York, as well as Fourth of July hotspots like Marshfield, Massachusetts, and Sanibel Island, Florida. Topping California's most wishlisted homes is the Invisible House in Joshua Tree National Park, with a one-night stay priced at $2,934 before taxes.

🇺🇸 JULY 4TH CLOSINGS: Many government offices and services in Los Angeles will be closed or have altered schedules on July 4th. Here’s a quick rundown of what we can expect:

• 🏦 BANKS: Closed, including the New York Stock Exchange.

  • NYSE holiday schedule

• 🧑‍⚖️ COURTS: Los Angeles County Superior Courts will be closed.

  • LA County Courts holiday schedule

• 📚️ LIBRARIES: Both Los Angeles Public Library and Los Angeles County Library locations will be closed.

  • LA Public Library

  • LA County Library

  • Library holiday closures

• 📬️ MAIL: No regular mail delivery; post offices will be closed.

  • USPS holiday schedule

• 🚇️ TRANSIT:

  • Metro: Buses and subways run on a Saturday, Sunday & Holidays schedule.

    • Metro schedule

    • G (Orange) Line schedule

  • Metrolink: Trains run on a weekend schedule; no service on the Riverside Line.

    • Metrolink Independence Day schedule

    • Metrolink holiday schedule 2024

• ♻️ TRASH PICKUP:

  • Los Angeles: Postponed by one day starting Thursday, July 4th. Thursday collections will be picked up on Friday, July 5th, and Friday collections on Saturday, July 6th.

    • LA Sanitation holiday collection

    • LA Sanitation service calendar 2024

  • Burbank: Regular schedule.

    • Burbank trash FAQs

Plan ahead for these changes and enjoy a smooth holiday! And friendly reminder: a ride is only a touch away if needed.

Driving buzzed is never worth it. I’ve never met anybody that had a pleasant DUI experience.

💸 $1K OFFER: Traffic got you down? Uber has a challenge for you: lock away your car keys and embrace alternate transportation. The rideshare giant's One Less Car trial offers 175 participants in the US and Canada, including 30 in Los Angeles, $1,000 to ditch their cars for five weeks starting July 22. Modeled after a successful Australian experiment, this trial aims to reveal the hidden costs of car ownership and its impact on health and urban life. Participants will receive $500 in Uber credits, $200 for car rentals, and $300 for public transit, bikes, and scooters. Eligible Angelenos can sign up online, and selected participants will document their experiences. Uber hopes this trial will inspire a shift towards car-light lifestyles, saving money and reducing emissions, while addressing its own role in urban traffic congestion.

🎒 YOUTH FINANCES: California high school students will soon be required to complete a standalone personal finance course to graduate, teaching essential skills like balancing checkbooks and managing credit cards. This new mandate, signed into law on Thursday, aims to prepare students for financial independence before starting their careers. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, the course will be a prerequisite for the class of 2031.

🏡 MARILYN MONROE: Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood home has been saved from demolition after the L.A. City Council voted unanimously to designate it as a historic cultural monument. Councilmember Traci Park, representing the district, emphasized the home's significance, calling it an iconic piece of history as Monroe’s only owned residence. The Spanish Colonial-style home, purchased by Monroe in 1962, became the center of a heated preservation battle after its current owners, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, planned to demolish it to expand their estate. Despite claims that the home had lost its historical integrity due to numerous remodels, the council's decision protects it from being razed, preserving a key piece of Hollywood history.

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DEVELOPMENT

🚗 FORD X LONG BEACH: Ford is returning to Long Beach, marking a significant milestone as the company’s cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) R&D team relocates to Douglas Park near Long Beach Airport. This Long Beach development was announced by Mayor Rex Richardson and Ford this week. The new Ford EV facility is set to open in early 2025. The campus will host up to 450 employees focused on designing a cost-effective, flexible EV platform. Led by ex-Tesla exec Alan Clarke, the team, previously in Irvine, has attracted top talent from rivals like Rivian. Ford’s new Long Beach presence, their first major one since the 1930s, aligns with Mayor Richardson’s Grow Long Beach initiative, enhancing the city’s reputation as an innovation hub alongside companies like SpaceX and Mercedes-Benz.

🚈 PALMDALE X BURBANK: California's high-speed rail project reached a crucial milestone last week with the approval of the final environmental impact report for the 38-mile segment between Palmdale and Burbank. This section, largely underground with four tunnels, bridges the gap between San Francisco and Los Angeles, promising a 17-minute travel time between Palmdale and Burbank. Trains will exceed speeds of 200 mph. The California High-Speed Rail Authority celebrated this progress, noting continued efforts to secure approvals for the Los Angeles to Anaheim stretch, part of Phase 1, which ultimately aims to connect San Francisco to San Diego. Most construction is currently focused in the Central Valley.

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BUSINESS

⛺️ FILSON: Filson, the American heritage clothing brand founded in 1897 and renowned for its durable outdoor gear, is opening its first Southern California store in Silver Lake today. The first fifty customers to stop-by receive an exclusive Filson Tote Bag. Initially outfitting Klondike Gold Rush prospectors, Filson's offerings range from robust jackets and shirts to caps and luggage, using signature materials like Mackinaw wool and tin cloth.

🎞️ A24 SECURES $3.5BN: Indie studio A24, renowned for art house films, Oscar contenders, and prestige horror flicks, has secured new funding led by venture capital firm Thrive Capital, raising its valuation to approximately $3.5 billion, a 40% increase from its previous round. Although the exact amount of the latest investment wasn't disclosed, the previous 2022 round brought in $225 million, valuing the studio at $2.5 billion. Thrive Capital, known for backing tech giants like Instagram and Spotify, will have founder Josh Kushner join A24's board. The studio, praised for films like Uncut Gems and Lady Bird, recently had success with its $50 million political thriller Civil War, grossing over $120 million globally. A24's TV ventures include HBO's Euphoria and Showtime's The Curse.

🍿 NETFLIX X NEW MEXICO: Netflix has expanded its New Mexico production facility, adding four new soundstages, three mills, a production office, and two stage support buildings, spanning 108 acres near Albuquerque. Acquired in 2018, the studio has hosted productions like ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘The Harder They Fall.’ The expansion is part of Netflix's larger plan to grow its New Mexico campus, leveraging the state's generous tax incentives that range from 25% to 40%. Since 2018, Netflix has invested nearly $575 million in New Mexico, hiring over 4,000 local cast and crew members. Upcoming projects include ‘Ransom Canyon,’ ‘Pulse,’ and ‘The Boroughs.’ The revamped facility also features sustainable technologies like solar power and electric vehicle chargers.

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ENTERTAINMENT

🇲🇽 JENNI RIVERA: The late Mexican singing star Jenni Rivera was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last Thursday, ahead of what would have been her 55th birthday. At the ceremony held in front of the Capitol Records building, fellow star Gloria Trevi spoke, and Rivera’s children Jacqie, Johnny, Chiquis, Jenicka, and Michael accepted the star. This marks the 2,783rd star since the Walk of Fame's inception in 1961. Other notable artists with stars at this location include the Beatles, Selena, and Neil Diamond. Ana Martinez, the producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, highlighted Rivera's legacy of resilience and inspiration. Known as ‘La Diva de la Banda,’ Rivera's career was decorated with eighteen Premio lo Nuestro awards, twenty-two Billboard Latin Music Awards, and two Billboard Music Awards. Her albums, such as ‘Jenni’ and ‘Joyas Prestadas,’ topped the Billboard Latin music charts. Rivera, born in Long Beach, began her music career in 1992 and tragically died in a plane crash in 2012.

🎵 BET AWARDS: The 2024 BET Awards lit up Los Angeles' Peacock Theatre with a star-studded night of performances and honors last night. Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, the event celebrated icons like Usher, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award amid heartfelt tributes from artists including Childish Gambino and Victoria Monét. Lauryn Hill closed the night with a powerful set, while Megan Thee Stallion made a triumphant return, opening the show with tracks from her latest album. Standout winners included Killer Mike for Album of the Year, Victoria Monét for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Tyla for Best New Artist. The show was filled with memorable moments, from Usher's emotional speech to dynamic performances by Megan, GloRilla, and Ice Spice.

CROSSWORD

🏅 HOMETOWN HEROES: Test your sports knowledge with today’s crossword, featuring ten famous athletes born right here in Southern California. Note: only those who truly call SoCal their birthplace made the cut, so while we love legends like Kobe Bryant, you won’t find him here (he’s a Philly native).

We’ve received some feedback about issues with the embedded crossword, so to make sure you can enjoy it without any glitches, here’s a direct link to today’s puzzle. Happy solving!

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SPORTS

🥅 LA KINGS: The Kings have unveiled their new permanent home and away uniforms, featuring the club’s latest primary mark. Debuting in Las Vegas at the 2024 NHL Draft, the uniforms will be seen on the ice during the 2024 Rookie Faceoff tournament in September. The black-silver-and-white jerseys highlight the team's brand evolution with new logos and a nod to their 90s era, including an updated crown from 1967. The black home uniform introduces a matte black helmet, a first in the NHL, while the white away uniform retains the previous season’s white helmet. Notably, the shiny “chrome dome” helmet is absent from this season’s collection, and there will be no alternate uniform. Last week, the Kings retired their primary logo from 2008, used during their Stanley Cup victories. Further details about the Rookie Faceoff event are forthcoming. The Kings hold four selections in the 2024 NHL Draft, including the 21st overall pick.

🏀 SPARKS: The Los Angeles Sparks, reeling from a 92-78 defeat against the Phoenix Mercury where Kahleah Copper and Diana Taurasi shone brightly, are looking to bounce back in their next home game. The Sparks will face the Washington Mystics at Crypto Arena tomorrow at 7:00pm. Despite Dearica Hamby's stellar performance with a career-high 29 points and Rickea Jackson's fourteen points, the Sparks struggled to secure a win in their recent seven-game road trip. As they return home, the Sparks aim to turn their fortunes around and delight their fans with a much-needed victory​.

🤝 LAKERS X BRONNY: The Lakers made headlines by selecting Bronny James in the second round of the NBA Draft, paving the way for a potential historic father-son duo with LeBron James. LeBron, who can become a free agent this summer, will start his 22nd NBA season this fall. If he remains with the Lakers and Bronny joins the team, they would be the first father-son pair to play simultaneously in the NBA. Bronny, a USC alum, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season despite health challenges. Cleared for NBA play last month, the 19-year-old declared for the draft in April, fulfilling his father's dream of playing together in the league.

👑 LAKERS X LEBRON: LeBron James is not opting into his $51.4 million contract for the upcoming season and will instead seek a new deal with the Lakers, as reported by sources on Saturday. The new terms could be finalized quickly, though details remain under wraps. This decision aligns with the NBA’s free agency period starting Sunday, with over $1.2 billion in contracts already agreed upon. LeBron, approaching his 40th birthday, remains a powerhouse on the court, with last season’s averages of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists.

🤝 CLIPPERS X HARDEN: James Harden is staying with the Clippers, agreeing to a two-year, $70 million deal, with a player option for the second year. Despite seeking a max contract from the 76ers last fall, friction with Sixers president Daryl Morey led to his trade to the Clippers. After a shaky start, Harden found his groove alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, helping the team finish fourth in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, he averaged 21.1 points per game, stepping up notably when Leonard was benched. The Clippers, aiming to build around Harden and Leonard, are now looking to potentially trade Russell Westbrook to the Nuggets and have signed Kevin Porter Jr. to a two-year minimum contract. Porter's controversial past includes a plea deal for domestic assault, but he hopes to start anew after playing briefly in Greece.

🏀  LAKERS DRAFT: Who the Lakers landed during the firs two rounds of the NBA draft:

• No. 17th Pick - Dalton Knecht: Dalton Knecht is known for his size and shooting power. Knecht excels with deep-range threes off the catch or dribble, posing a constant threat. Despite lacking top-tier speed or athleticism, Knecht’s ability to convert from anywhere on the court demands defensive attention. Last season, Knecht hit four or more threes in eleven games, including a standout 6-for-12 performance in a critical Elite 8 matchup against Purdue. Standing at 6-foot-6, Knecht's scoring can fluctuate but reaches formidable heights when he finds his rhythm, making him a challenging adversary on any given night.

• No. 55th Pick - Bronny James: Bronny James is the eldest son of Lakers’ LeBron James. Bronny showcased his talent in high school at Sierra Canyon, averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 steals as a senior, earning honors as a McDonald’s All-American. Bronny played in major game matchups like the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit in 2023. Despite a health scare with cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart issue during USC's preseason, Bronny recovered and contributed to the Trojans' season, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game across twenty-five appearances. James impressed scouts with his shooting at the combine, excelling in catch-and-shoot situations and displaying high energy on defense despite his 6-foot-2 frame.

Dive further into all of the Lakers’ draft picks via NBA.

🪽 CLIPPERS DRAFT: Who the Clippers landed during the firs two rounds of the NBA draft:

• No. 46th Pick - Cam Christie: Cam Christie is the younger brother of Los Angeles Lakers' Max Christie. Cam made his mark as a one-and-done talent at Minnesota's Big Ten, starting 26 games with averages of 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and shooting 39.1% from three. Cam was named to the 2023-24 Big Ten All-Freshman team, the 6'6" shooting guard boasts athleticism and a sharp shooting stroke, suggesting NBA potential. With versatility on both ends, Christie aims to excel across roles in pro basketball.

Dive further into all of the Clippers’ draft picks via NBA.

🎫 SUNDAY TICKET: A federal jury in Los Angeles ruled against the NFL in a landmark antitrust lawsuit, awarding over $4.7 billion in damages to fans and sports bars for overcharging on DirecTV’s Sunday Ticket package. The NFL must pay $96 million to bars and $4.7 billion to fans, following accusations of collusion with DirecTV, CBS, and Fox to inflate prices. Despite the NFL's intent to appeal, the jury's decision, reached after five hours of deliberation, marks a significant blow to the league's media distribution strategy. The case, originally filed in 2015, was reinstated by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and gained class action status in 2023, affecting millions of subscribers.

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HAVE A GREAT 4TH, LA!

🎆 You’re a firework, LA. CU next week!

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