JUNE 20TH, 2024

THURSDAY

THURSDAY’S VIBES

SUMMER IS HERE…SUMMER IS HERE…AND YOU GET A GOOD TAN. AND….YOU
OK, I’LL STOP.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER, LA 😎 

👋 HELLO, THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Good afternoon, CuratedLA Fam! Happy First Day of Summer to us all. Today is also the longest day of the year with sunlight, with the sun to set tonight at 8:09p.

Today’s release on both a Thursday, and during the afternoon, is for nerd purposes. CuratedLA had a spike in new visitors and subscribers when original articles were published a couple of weeks ago. As such, I want understand today’s viewership statistics to identify best times to post more original content.

Note: Monday, Wednesday and Friday newsletters still publish early at 5:30am until August 31st, and then will change to our traditional 6:00am publication come September.

Another note: for some emails, crosswords can only be viewed online. This also goes for those that wish to view our event calendars. Just hit ‘Read online’ now to be taken today’s newsletter if you fancy crosswords + events!

Onto today’s good vibes (and new crossword!)

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.

EATS

HEADLINES

🥪 SUBWAY: Subway has announced Footlong Dippers, available now at all restaurants nationwide. Footlong Dippers are served hot and swirled with melting cheese + meat, all rolled into Subway’s lavash-style flatbread. Footlong Dippers come in three flavors: Pepperoni & Cheese, Chicken & Cheese and Double Cheese. Each flavor is served with the option to one of Subway’s eleven signature sauces. Footlong fans can also choose their own flavor adventure and try all thirty-three sauce and dipper combinations to find their sweet spot. Footlong Dippers are only three dollars and can be placed for pickup or delivery using Subway’s website or the Subway App. | 💌 

☕️ MALIBU BRUNCH: While surveys on popular eateries can be dubious, one recent study by Jackpot City Casino caught the attention of TimeOut: Los Angeles by confirming what we’ve always believed: Los Angeles is home to some of the best brunch spots in the country. Malibu Farm, located on Malibu Pier and renowned for its ocean views and organic produce, topped their list with 55,866 Instagram posts. This makes it the most popular brunch spot in the U.S. The survey also analyzed Google searches, ranking California third in brunch obsession, behind Texas and New York.

☕️ COFFEE VIBES: Coffee drinkers have a 24% reduced risk of mortality compared to those sitting over six hours without drinking coffee, per a recent BMC Public Health study. Lead author Huimin Zhou from the Medical College of Soochow University shared this finding with The Washington Post. The study revealed non-coffee drinkers who sit for six hours or more daily have a 58% higher mortality risk than coffee drinkers sitting less than six hours. Using NHANES data from 10,639 subjects (2007-2018), researchers found sitting over eight hours daily increases all-cause mortality risk by 46% and cardiovascular disease mortality by 79%. Conversely, drinking over two cups of coffee daily cuts all-cause mortality risk by 33% and cardiovascular disease mortality by 54%.

OPENINGS

🍣 SANTA MONICA: After months of anticipation, Maru Sushi (which means circle) has officially opened at 331 Wilshire Blvd, bringing reasonably-priced sushi to Santa Monica. Owner and head chef Nick Choi, originally from Seoul and trained in Japan, aims to offer high-quality sushi without the high prices typical of the area. Choi, who also owns Otto Sushi in Van Nuys, selects fish from global sources like Canada and New Zealand, depending on seasonality. Despite facing numerous permitting challenges, Choi is committed to creating a local dining experience rather than catering to tourists.

☕️ EAST HOLLYWOOD: Ondo Coffee Co., the latest gem in East Hollywood, has softly opened its doors at 710 N Heliotrope Drive, offering a haven for craft beverage lovers amidst one of LA's most vibrant neighborhoods. Founded by Bryan Choi, Ondo Coffee Co. prides itself on ethically sourced and expertly roasted coffee from global roasters, served alongside a curated music selection. Choi emphasizes their mission to foster community and relaxation: "Intentions matter to us," he notes, aiming to create a welcoming space where patrons can unwind and connect. The coffeehouse features cozy seating, vibrant artwork, and plans a grand opening weekend in early July, post-Independence Day, complete with food vendors and giveaways to mark the occasion.

🐷 VENICE: After a devastating fire in 2022, Baby Blues BBQ has triumphantly returned to Venice, reopening its location at 444 Lincoln Blvd. Known for its Southern-inspired BBQ, the eatery celebrates its SoCal roots with a menu featuring signature platters like the Memphis Queen and Smoked Chicken, alongside ribs, brisket, and more. Featured on shows like Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Baby Blues BBQ offers a laidback, authentic dining experience beloved by locals and visitors alike.

🍡 ROWLAND HEIGHTS: Gui Gui 9292, a popular all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ spot from La Habra, is expanding to Rowland Heights. Recently applying for a liquor license at the former Buga Korean BBQ site, owner Mi Na Chang confirmed the upcoming opening to What Now Los Angeles. Gui Gui’s menu boasts a wide array of meats like beef brisket, pork belly, and octopus, all for patrons to barbecue themselves. They also offer Korean entrees, bento boxes, and beverages including soju and beer. Known for its cozy atmosphere and attentive service, Gui Gui keeps prices affordable, with their all-you-can-eat menu starting at $29.99. An exact opening date for the Rowland Heights location has yet to be announced.

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EVENTS

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

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ACTIVITIES

🛝 LONG BEACH: The City Long Beach has unveiled two free, family-friendly inflatable water parks at Alamitos Beach and Bayshore Beach, available daily through September 4th. These aquatic playgrounds feature monkey bars, bouncers, and springboards, offering endless fun in the sun. However, the city cautions that aquatic-based recreation carries inherent risks and disclaims responsibility for any injuries incurred. Notably, lifeguards may not always be on duty. Participants must pass a swim test, children under nine must be accompanied by an adult, and life jackets and personal flotation devices are prohibited on the play structures.

🐘 BURBANK: Elephant Parade Burbank 2024, the world’s largest traveling elephant art exhibition, arrives in Burbank on July 1st and spans until August 31st. The exhibition features twenty-five hand-painted elephant statues displayed across prominent Burbank landmarks, businesses, and hotels. Each statue, conceptualized by celebrities and artists, celebrates elephant conservation through unique designs and vibrant colors. To kick off the event, a preview at IKEA on June 26th offers visitors a first look at the elephants before they disperse throughout the city.

🎠 THOUSAND OAKS: Get ready for the 68th annual Conejo Valley Days, featuring the return of the Whiskeroo Contest and a host of exciting activities! From June 26th-30th at Conejo Creek Park South, enjoy over a dozen carnival rides, live entertainment, and food vendors like Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge No. 2477 serving up tri-tip sandwiches. The Whiskeroo Contest, celebrating facial hair in categories like longest beard and best mustache, is set for 3:00pm this Sunday. Expect live music from bands like Colette Lovejoy and Toxic Sushi. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for kids aged 5-9, with free entry for children under five and active-duty military. Visit conejovalleydays.us for more details.

🍉 WATERMELON FESTIVAL: The 22nd annual California Watermelon Festival returns to Los Angeles this weekend, offering a vibrant celebration of the season’s start with a plethora of activities. Set at the Hansen Dam Recreation Area on June 22nd and 23rd from 10:00am to 10:00pm, the festival promises unique experiences including live graffiti art, inventive watermelon dishes by experimental chefs, rides, games, arts, crafts, and more. Attendees can enjoy over 100,000 pounds of all-you-can-eat watermelon, themed contests, live music, a kids zone with a petting zoo, and a carnival. The event will also feature watermelon-flavored cocktails and a diverse array of vendors. For tickets and further details, visit the festival’s website.

🎸 SANTA MONICA: Santa Monica will celebrate the joy of music-making tomorrow with three free outdoor concerts as part of Make Music Los Angeles. Originating from France’s Fête de la Musique and observed in 800 cities globally, this event encourages community participation with instruments. Scheduled events include a concert in Palisades Park by North of Montana Association from 5:00pm–8:00pm, a Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors' concert in Colorado Center Park from 4:00pm–8:00pm, and an Ocean Park Association concert in Beach Park 1 from 2:00pm–6:00pm. Make Music Los Angeles also invites everyone to join in the celebration by playing an instrument, offering online lessons, national projects, and a global livestream tomorrow.

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COMMUNITY

🔥 GORMAN (POST) FIRE: Firefighters are gaining control over the massive Post Fire in Gorman, north of Los Angeles, with 47% containment as of Thursday morning. The fire, holding at 15,690 acres, is being aided by favorable weather, with temperatures in the low 70s and diminished winds. Crews have extended containment lines and the red flag warning expired as winds subsided. Evacuation orders remain for Hungry Valley, Pyramid Lake, and Oak Flats, with road closures on northbound I-5 and other key routes. One commercial property has been destroyed, with ten buildings threatened and fifty residences at risk. Authorities report one injury and are investigating the cause. The unified command includes multiple fire departments and agencies, with 1,747 personnel involved.

🏖️ BEACH ADVISORIES: Los Angeles County officials are urging the public to steer clear of several beaches due to high bacteria levels detected on Tuesday. The advisory, effective from June 18, affects areas prone to contamination from city streets, mountain runoff, and storm drains. Beaches under warning include Santa Monica Canyon Creek, Topanga Canyon Beach, Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain, Mothers Beach, Malibu Lagoon, Santa Monica Pier, Trancas Creek, and Malibu Pier. Swimming, surfing, and playing in these waters pose health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Stay updated on closures and advisories through the L.A. County Department of Health’s website or hotline at 1-800-525-5662. | 💌 

🍓 STRAWBERRY MOON FRIDAY: We will all be treated to a celestial delight as the Strawberry Moon, the sixth full Moon for 2024, will be seen tomorrow night. This lunar spectacle, which is also referred to as the ‘Hot Moon’ and the ‘Planting Moon,’ will grace the early evening skies, rising in the east just as the sun dips below the wester horizon. Occurring just a day after the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, the Strawberry Moon promises to be a low-hanging, vibrant orange orb, appearing larger than usual as it hovers near the horizon.

🍎 FOOD BANK: Every month, hundreds of low-income residents line up outside United University Church for nutritious, plant-based food from the Vegans of LA Food Bank, the brainchild of Gwenna Hunter. Founded in 2022, the food bank aims to provide healthy meals and promote planetary unity. Supported by donations and groups like Food Forward and Just Egg, the bank serves about 1,400 people monthly, double its initial reach. Hunter, inspired by a transformative dream, advocates for accessible vegan options to combat food insecurity and health issues in low-income communities. The food bank also offers educational programs and collaborates with local organizations to meet growing demand. Donations are welcome at givebutter.com/0GytVQ.

👮 MALIBU: Senate Bill 1297, introduced by California Sen. Ben Allen, has advanced from the State Assembly’s Transportation Committee, paving the way for speed camera systems in high-risk areas of Malibu. Supported by community and safety advocates, the bill aims to reduce speeding and enhance public safety. Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring lauded the bill's progress, emphasizing the importance of speed cameras in protecting residents and visitors. Data from other regions show a 41% reduction in serious injuries with such systems. The bill now moves to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.

🏘️ DTLA: The grand opening of the Downtown’s Weingart Tower marks a milestone in housing solutions for the homeless community. This nineteen-story high-rise offers 278 units, making it L.A.'s largest permanent supportive housing project aimed at helping those on Skid Row. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the importance of community and dignified housing, highlighting the building's amenities like offices for case workers, a gym, art and music rooms, a computer room, library, six common balconies, and a café. Funded by Proposition HHH and state resources totaling $165 million, each unit costing nearly $600,000. The tower is said to provide crucial stability and support to its residents.

🏡 HOMES FOR SALE: Caltrans is selling several homes it seized in the 1960s for a never-built 710 Freeway extension through El Sereno, Pasadena, and South Pasadena. Four single-family homes and a multifamily lot in South Pasadena are now in escrow, expected to close this summer. These historic homes, unoccupied for decades, have no listed prices yet but are in areas where similar homes go for over two million. Caltrans had seized 400 homes by eminent domain, displacing many families for a project that was canceled in 2018. Activists have long pushed for these homes to house families, with homeless families briefly occupying some in 2020. The sale comes as Caltrans is mandated by law to dispose of these properties.

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DEVELOPMENT

🏢 SOUTH CRENSHAW BLVD: A new seven-story mixed-use development is underway on South Crenshaw Boulevard. Developed by SoLa Impact and designed by KFA Architecture, Crenshaw Lofts include 195 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, along with subterranean parking. The ground floor will feature a 9,000-square-foot tech and entertainment center in partnership with Live Nation, providing internships in production and entertainment. Approved under Transit Oriented Communities incentives, the project will include twenty-two affordable apartments. Completion is expected by late 2025 and is strategically located near the K Line’s Leimert Park Station.

🏗️ ONE BEVERLY HILLS: Cain International and OKO Group have launched construction on One Beverly Hills, which is set to become the tallest towers in Beverly Hills' famed 90210 zip code. This five billion dollar project features twenty-six and thirty-two-story skyscrapers housing approximately two-hundred ultra-luxury condominiums branded by Switzerland's Aman Group, renowned for hosting celebrities like George Clooney and Mark Zuckerberg. With residences estimated to fetch tens of millions, the development secured two billion dollars in financing earlier this year, including a five-hundred million dollar loan from JP Morgan. Led by Turner Construction, the project aims to create over 2,700 jobs and includes a ten-story Aman Hotel, 100,000-square-foot Aman Club, and extensive botanical gardens across 17.5 acres.

🏡 NORTHRIDGE FASHION CENTER: Trammell Crow Company has acquired a nearly five-acre property at 9450 N. Shirley Avenue, next to Northridge Fashion Center, where its subsidiary High Street Residential plans to build a five-story complex with 350 apartments. The project is set to start construction in 2025 and complete by 2027. The complex will include studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, and over 460 parking spaces. Besides housing, the complex will feature 40,000 square feet of amenities like a fitness center, clubhouse, central courtyard, and rooftop deck. Designed by TCA Architects, the development aims to provide much-needed housing in a prime location, steps from the vibrant Northridge Fashion Center.

🎞️ BOYLE HEIGHTS: East End Capital is making major moves in Los Angeles with $130m secured for a new 250,000-square-foot film studio near Downtown. The East End Studios Mission Campus, on Jesse Street in Boyle Heights, will feature five soundstages and 150,000 square feet of post-production facilities, offices, and more. Funded by Centennial Bank and Monroe Capital, alongside East End Capital’s investment, the $230m project aims for completion next year. This adds to East End’s Hollywood plans, including a one billion dollar ADLA Campus with sixteen soundstages and a Glendale project featuring ten soundstages on nine acres.

BUSINESS

⛵️ UNDERWATER DRONE: An animal-like uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV), dubbed Manta Ray was spotted maneuvering off the California coast in new footage from LA’s Northrop Grumman. The Manta Ray’s almond-shaped body, rounded nose, and fins are visible in the 360-degree video. Launched by DARPA in 2020 and developed by Northrop and PacMar, it showed no issues in recent tests. The U.S. Navy plans to use uncrewed systems (UUVs) to reduce logistics, enhance surveillance, and boost firepower. Next steps include more trials and discussions between the Navy and DARPA.

🍿 NETFLIX AND SHOP: LA’s own Netflix has announced the first two cities for its new in-person experience venues, set to open in 2025. These Netflix Houses, located in King of Prussia, PA, and Dallas, will feature over 100,000 square feet of shopping, dining, and immersive activities tied to major franchises like Bridgerton, Stranger Things, and Squid Games. Positioned in former department store locations, the venues aim to engage fans and support Netflix’s core subscription service rather than become a major business segment. Visitors can expect regularly updated experiences, unique food offerings, and themed merchandise, creating an unforgettable venue to explore their favorite Netflix stories year-round.

💪 HARD WORKING: California boasts a highly productive workforce, ranking third nationwide behind only Washington and North Dakota. California's consistently showcases the ability to create high-value goods and services efficiently, particularly in the technology sector.

👻 SNAP EARNINGS: Snap Inc.'s stock has been on the rise since late April following a positive first-quarter earnings report. The Santa Monica-based tech company's shares jumped nearly 28% from $11.40 on April 25th to $14.55 the next day, closing at $15.61 on June 13th. Despite this 51% increase from a year ago, Snap’s stock still trails behind highs of $50 to $70 in 2021. The Q1 earnings report revealed a 21% revenue boost to $1.2bn and adjusted net income of $49m. CEO Evan Spiegel emphasized Snap's focus on diversifying revenue, growing its community, and leading in augmented reality, with 422 million daily active users and significant engagement in AR features.

💰️ PROMENADE BUYERS: Tech founder Daniel Negari dropped $84.5m on seven prime parcels along Santa Monica's iconic Third Street Promenade, while gas station operator-turned-developer United El Segundo scooped up the remaining $19.5m parcel housing Wally's Wine. The 24,600 sq. ft 301 Arizona Ave building at over $900/sq ft is one of Santa Monica's most expensive commercial deals this year. Negari is no stranger to the area, having acquired 310 Wilshire Blvd in 2018 for $9.4m. The developer United is also making waves with plans for a Sunset Blvd office tower wrapped in digital billboards.

👟 ASRV APPAREL: Abbot Kinney Blvd. is about to welcome ASRV's fourth retail location, joining other Southern California spots in Glendale, San Diego, and Beverly Hills. ASRV’s fourth location is set to open in Venice at 1410 Abbot Kinney Blvd. The store will showcase ASRV's premium training apparel, including popular items like the Aerosilver Established Tee and Tetra-Lite Cargo High Rib Jogger. Founded in 2014 by San Diego entrepreneur Jay Barton, ASRV initially gained attention for its slim-fit jogging pants and has since expanded to offer a high-tech collection featuring Polygiene antibacterial fabrics like Tetra Lite and Silver Lite, all crafted in South Korea. Following recent success at Caruso’s Americana at Brand, ASRV looks to further expand internationally and increase wholesale distribution after reaching over eighty Equinox gym clubs nationwide last year. The Venice store's grand opening is scheduled for June 29, with a soft opening slated for tomorrow, June 12st.

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ENTERTAINMENT

📈 STREAMING VIEWERSHIP: Streaming platforms dominated viewership in May, surpassing traditional cable and broadcast channels by double digits, according to Nielsen data. While overall TV usage saw a slight decline month-over-month, streaming captured 38% of viewership, with cable at 28% and broadcast at 22%. YouTube led with 9.7% of the total audience, edging out Netflix at 7.6%, which expanded its live events coverage recently. Nielsen attributed cable’s viewership drop partly to fewer televised sports events, despite NBA playoffs topping cable telecasts. This underscores challenges for legacy media in competing for advertising and audience share, especially in live sports and entertainment. Broadcasters are pinning hopes on upcoming major events like presidential debates and the Olympics to counter cord-cutting trends and boost streaming subscriptions.

 👋 BRAUN RETIRES: Scooter Braun, renowned for managing stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, officially announced his departure from artist management to focus on leading HYBE America, the company he sold his Ithaca Holdings to in 2021. In a heartfelt statement, Braun reflected on his 23-year journey in music management, highlighting achievements like organizing the charity concert "One Love Manchester" and navigating controversies, including the acquisition of Taylor Swift’s catalog. As he steps back from day-to-day management, Braun expressed gratitude for his clients and looks forward to supporting them in new capacities while leading HYBE into its next chapter alongside Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk.

🎬️ DAMON + AFFLECK: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are set to star in the crime thriller RIP, written and directed by Joe Carnahan. Produced by their company Artists Equity, filming begins this fall. The storyline remains under wraps, but with Carnahan’s track record (think Narc and Smokin’ Aces) and Affleck-Damon’s star power, expect fireworks. The duo's recent hits include Air and the Berlinale opener Small Things Like These. RIP has already attracted strong interest from both theatrical and streaming distributors.

CROSSWORD

✏️ CROSSWORD 002: Close to 700 of you fine looking Curators played our first inaugural crossword with many only missing one: large art museum in LA…answer…LACMA. See previous crossword.

Our second crossword today should be a bit easier as it involves TV shows and movies filmed in/about Los Angeles. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts!

Also: I am slowly but surely making traction to include Curator Rewards for high scores (other opportunities for rewards) with vendors + brands that have a Los Angeles aura + presence. LMK if you have a brand that might be interested! [email protected]

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SPORTS

🧢 UNIFORM UNVEIL: The Dodgers have unveiled the second edition of their Nike MLB City Connect Series uniforms, set to debut this Saturday against the Angels at Dodger Stadium. These uniforms celebrate the Dodgers' connection to Los Angeles as a city of dreams. Inspired by the historic LA Memorial Coliseum signage, the design features the iconic interlocking L.A. logo with a swooping "D" and a contrail symbolizing the city's aspirations. The uniforms, in Cobalt and Electric Blue with a hint of Chili Red, also pay tribute to Vin Scully with #ITFDB. To launch the jerseys, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation will host a community event at Belvedere Park, including health screenings, education programs, and a showcase game featuring Dodgers Dreamteam players. The free community event takes place this Saturday at 10:00am. The new jerseys are now available at Dodger Stadium, Dodger Stadium retail locations, MLBShop.com, Nike.com, Nike Retail Stores, and the MLB Flagship Store in NYC. Read further via MLB.com.

🏀 CLIPPERS: Jeff Van Gundy, renowned for his NBA coaching tenure and recent role with the Boston Celtics, will return to the sidelines as the lead assistant for the Los Angeles Clippers under Ty Lue, reports ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Van Gundy, pivotal in guiding the Celtics to their 18th NBA Championship this season as a Senior Consultant, previously spent 16 years as an ESPN analyst after coaching the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets for a combined 11 seasons, achieving a notable 430-318 record. His strategic acumen and playoff experience, including a memorable 1999 Finals appearance with the Knicks, make him a valuable addition to the Clippers' coaching staff.

🇺🇸 TEAM USA: Since 2008, Ralph Lauren has designed uniforms for Team USA at nine consecutive Olympics, blending Americana and preppy athleisure. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the new collection draws from the vibrant host city and embraces a patriotic red, white, and blue palette. Athletes will wear classic navy blazers, striped Oxford shirts, and light denim jeans for the opening ceremony. Closing ceremony outfits include racecar-style jackets and white jeans. Ralph Lauren's ‘Villagewear’ collection, featuring commemorative pieces like jackets and joggers, will also be available.

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CU TOMORROW, LA!

🤙 Enjoy our longest day of the year, LA!

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