DECEMBER 17TH, 2024

TUESDAY’S VIBES

FUN FACT:

CHRISTMAS IS

EIGHT DAYS AWAY

HELLO, TUESDAY 👋 Help Me, I’m Poor:

• Happy Tuesday, CuratedLA Family! I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend. Before we get to today’s vibes, I kindly ask (if you are able) to help us keep our Good Vibe platform alive by donating what you can to CuratedLA. This will help us greatly, as we are in need. Thank you for any considerations. Apple Pay is accepted for an easy checkout. And now, onto today’s good vibes!

ON THIS DAY ⏪️ Los Angeles History

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HOV LANES

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EATS

OPENINGS

HOLLYWOOD + VENICE 🍩 Voodoo Doughnut Expands Its Magic:

• Portland’s iconic Voodoo Doughnut is set to sweeten Los Angeles with two new locations. The first will open in Venice at 66 E Windward Avenue in 2025, steps from the famous Venice sign, bringing its signature pink aesthetic and 40+ handcrafted creations, including vegan options, to this artistic hub. A second site will replace Chipotle at 7101 Melrose Avenue, blending Voodoo’s quirky charm with the vibrant energy of Melrose and La Brea. Known for its bold flavors and unapologetic creativity, Voodoo continues to enchant doughnut lovers nationwide.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

LONG BEACH 🔥 Bushfire Kitchen Brings Comfort Food + Healthy Twist:

• Bushfire Kitchen, known for its fast and healthy take on American comfort food, is set to debut in Long Beach at Circle Marina Center on Pacific Coast Highway. This marks the ninth restaurant for the family-run chain, which launched in 2012 and already spans Southern California cities like Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, and Del Mar. The eatery offers scratch-made dishes inspired by global flavors, featuring vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options alongside beer, wine, and cocktails.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

SHERMAN OAKS 🧆 Didar Kitchen Brings Persian Comfort Food to LA:

• Located on Ventura Boulevard, Didar Kitchen is a casual Persian spot offering a cozy ambiance for sit-down dinners in the Valley. Known for its hearty menu, diners can enjoy kabob platters like the koobideh and chenjeh served with aromatic saffron rice, or traditional stews such as ghormeh sabzi and fesenjan. The restaurant’s interior, featuring old-school film projections, adds a nostalgic touch, making it ideal for intimate gatherings.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

WEST HOLLYWOOD 🐓 Roosterfish Brings Vibrant Nights to Rainbow District:

• Roosterfish WeHo, now open on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood's Rainbow District, has quickly become a nightlife hotspot. Launched with a packed grand opening, the venue offers a lively mix of themed events, including jazz nights and New Year’s Eve celebrations—all without a cover charge. Open from 5:00pm to 2:00am, the bar combines its Venice sister location’s signature cocktails with an Italian-American menu featuring pizzas, pastas, and tapas at affordable prices.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FIVE FUTURES

GUIDES

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ACTIVITIES

MUSCO CENTER 🎻 Tonight at 7:30pm:

• Celebrate the holidays with the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s Festival of Carols tonight at Musco Center. Renowned for their stunning performances and artistic precision, the Chorale presents a dynamic program of global carols, contemporary classics, and singalong favorites like ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town.’ Hailed as ‘the finest-by-far major chorus in America’ (LA Times), this family-friendly evening promises joy for all ages, uniting the community in a two-hour festive spectacle.

SANTA MONICA 🍷 Tomorrow night, starting at 6:30pm:

• The Viceroy Hotel Santa Monica invites you to a festive Holiday Wine Tasting tomorrow, starting at 6:30pm. Led by sommeliers Matheus Stroher and Silas Cook, the evening will showcase wines from Italy, France, Spain, Austria + California, paired with lively discussions and holiday cheer. Guests are encouraged to don their best ugly sweaters for a chance to win prizes, while exclusive discounts on featured wines add a touch of seasonal generosity. With limited tickets available, this is the perfect opportunity to toast the holidays in style.

DOWNTOWN LA 🍺 Today - Sunday:

• Step into the dark side of the season at Krampus’ Cove, a cocktail pop-up taking over Coles’ French Dip in Downtown LA through Sunday. Created by the team behind Black Lagoon, this 21+ experience blends holiday cheer with a sinister twist, featuring live music, themed nights, drag and burlesque shows, and run-ins with mischievous elves and Krampus himself. Tickets start at $23.18, including a welcome drink and a 1.5-hour immersive escape.

WESTWOOD 🎞️ Today - Thursday at 7:30pm:

• The Hammer hosts the final screenings of MoMA Contenders, spotlighting influential films shaping cinema. This week’s lineup includes Late Night with the Devil (Tuesday), The Substance (Wednesday), and Anora (Thursday), each starting at 7:30pm. General admission is $20, offering a chance to catch future cult classics and impactful dramas before the series concludes.

ARTS DISTRICT ♟️ Thursday night from 8:00pm to midnight:

• Rookie Chess and Please Be Nice Pool join forces for an exciting night of tournaments, games + music this Thursday night from 8:00pm –10:00pm. Featuring Armageddon Blitz Chess and Killer-Style Pool tournaments with cash prizes, this 21+ event also includes DJs spinning all night, arcade games, and a photo booth for some fun in between matches. Entry is free with RSVP or $5 at the door, with tournament buy-ins starting at $5.

  • 📝 Sign-up form, via Google Forms.

ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET ✡️ Thursday from 3:30pm - 5:30pm:

• Celebrate Chanukah at the Original Farmers Market on Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm with a lively lineup of activities. Enjoy youth performances by JLA, build a Lego menorah, and dive into festive crafts and sing-alongs at the Market Plaza. The celebration continues into the New Year with a special menorah lighting hosted by Miracle Mile Chabad on January 1st.

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COMMUNITY

PALMDALE/BURBANK 🚈 High-Speed Rail Vision for Palmdale:

• The California High-Speed Rail Authority unveiled a video detailing plans to link Palmdale to Burbank and extend connections into LA Union Station. This approved 38-mile ‘refined SR-14’ alignment navigates challenging terrain in the San Gabriel Mountains with four major tunnels—two exceeding twelve miles—and elevated viaducts through North LA County.

FIRE SAFETY 🔥 Santa Ana Winds Return with Red Flag Warning:

• Warmer, drier conditions mark the start of the week, with highs in the low to mid-70s across valleys and inland areas, while beaches stay cooler around 70 degrees. A red flag warning is in place for Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles, including the Santa Clarita Valley + Western San Fernando Valley, through 6:00pm Wednesday. Gusty Santa Ana winds of 40-60 mph and low humidity raise wildfire risks, with evacuation preparedness advised as crews continue battling the Franklin Fire.

BEVERLY HILLS 🎬️ Hollywood Memorabilia Shines at Record-Breaking Auction:

• A four-day auction at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills showcased over one thousand iconic Hollywood artifacts, generating $4.5m in sales. Olivia Newton-John’s black leather jacket from Grease fetched $476,000—nearly six times its estimate—while her turquoise Steinway piano sold for $158,750. Other highlights included Cher’s Bob Mackie-designed costumes, Judy Garland’s test pinafore from The Wizard of Oz ($65,000), and Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon shoes ($22,750). Julien's Auctions and Turner Classic Movies hailed the event as a landmark celebration of Hollywood's Golden Age and pop culture legacy.

SANTA MONICA 🚎 Big Blue Bus Ridership Increases:

• The Santa Monica Department of Transportation’s 2023-2024 Annual Report highlights transformative achievements in sustainable travel and community connection. Big Blue Bus carried 8.6m passengers, added nineteen electric buses, and completed 3.8 miles of upgraded bike lanes. Safety enhancements included Transit Safety Officers and refreshed crosswalks, while Open Streets events fostered vibrant community spaces. DOT secured $28.3m in grants, upgraded ADA curb ramps, and improved parking facilities, blending innovation with accessibility. Looking ahead, plans include expanded e-bike options, sidewalk improvements, and preparing for major regional events—all to keep Santa Monica connected, safe, and sustainable.

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DEVELOPMENT

HOLLYWOOD 🎬️ Sunset & Vine’s Next Chapter - Mixed-Use Development:

• A proposed mixed-use development by Sares-Regis Group at Sunset and Vine has cleared a key hurdle with approval from the Los Angeles City Planning Commission. The eight-story project will bring 170 apartments—34 designated as affordable housing—above 9,300 square feet of retail space. Designed by TCA Architects, the building wraps around an existing nineteen-story tower, offering modern amenities like a deck overlooking Vine Street. Part of a wave of mixed-use projects reshaping the iconic Hollywood intersection, it joins developments by Hanover Company, Essex Property Trust, and Tooley Interests.

ARTS DISTRICT 🏢 A Transformative Vision for LA’s Art District:

• The City Planning Commission has greenlit the ambitious 670 Mesquit project, a 34-story development by Bjarke Ingels Group and Vella Group that redefines the Arts District's skyline. Positioned by the L.A. River and the Sixth Street Bridge, the project features 894 residences (including affordable units), a hotel, office spaces, retail hubs, and a charter school, blending industrial-inspired design with modern amenities. With rooftop greenery, vibrant pedestrian spaces, and a focus on community-centered urban living, 670 Mesquit aims to bridge the gap between the river and the district’s creative roots, setting a new standard for L.A.'s evolving urban landscape.

GLENDALE 🏡 New Apartments Planned for Irving Avenue:

• A four-story residential complex with 33 apartments is proposed for 413-417 Irving Avenue, Glendale, replacing five existing homes. Developed by 413-Mar LLC and designed by Onyx Architects, the project includes one- and two-bedroom units, a 49-car garage, and features like a central courtyard and rooftop deck. Eight units will be set aside as very low-income affordable housing to qualify for density bonuses. The plan is currently under review by the Glendale Design Review Commission.

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BUSINESS

STUDIO CITY 📚️ Literary Haven - The Last Bookstore Expands:

• The Last Bookstore's newest outpost opened this past Saturday, transforming a former home decor emporium in Studio City into a sprawling ten thousand-square-foot literary hub with exposed brick walls and a Zen-like aesthetic. Owned by Josh and Jenna Spencer, the space integrates unique design elements like oversized furniture and pyramid candles from its predecessor while housing half a million books previously stored in their Northridge warehouse. With plans for a garden, events, and even a podcast studio, the space blends books, creativity, and community. Located at 4437 Lankershim Blvd, it's a new destination for book lovers in Los Angeles.

SANTA MONICA ⛳️ Holey Moley Brings Whimsical Fun to Santa Monica:

• Holey Moley Golf Club, a new hotspot for socializing and mini-golf by Australia's Funlab, has landed in Santa Monica. Spanning nearly ten-thousand square feet, the vibrant venue combines nostalgia-infused mini-golf across 27 themed holes, including exclusive designs like ‘Friendless Summer’ and ‘Beware The Drop Bears,’ with a playful menu of Instagram-ready cocktails and comfort food. Beyond mini-golf, guests can enjoy a karaoke lounge, moody indoor-outdoor spaces, and unique Santa Monica-only dishes like Zesty Cucumber Spears and It's All in the Hips cocktails. Positioned as a go-to for parties and team-building, Holey Moley is now open at 1315 Third St. Promenade, with daily hours and a welcoming, inclusive vibe for all.

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ENTERTAINMENT

APPLE TV+ 🎄 A Carpool Karaoke Christmas: Holiday Hits + Star Power: 

• Apple TV+ and Apple Music bring festive cheer with A Carpool Karaoke Christmas. Hosted by Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, this special edition of the Emmy-winning series features musical icons Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, and rising star Chappell Roan in a caroling adventure filled with Christmas classics like ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and their own hits, including Gaga’s ‘Die With A Smile’ and Dua Lipa’s ‘Houdini.’ With a global rollout on December 20th, the series promises holiday joy from the creators of the beloved Carpool Karaoke franchise. 💌 

REBOOTING A CLASSIC 👫 Malcolm in the Middle Returns:

• Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Malcolm in the Middle is making a limited comeback on Disney+ with four new episodes. Original cast members Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek reprise their iconic roles as Malcolm and his parents, Hal and Lois. The revival centers on a chaotic family gathering for Hal and Lois’ 40th wedding anniversary, now including Malcolm's own daughter. With creator Linwood Boomer and director Ken Kwapis back, fans can expect the signature humor, heartfelt moments, and surprises that made the show a TV landmark. Streaming details and additional cast updates remain under wraps.

ROLLING LOUD 📣 Owen Wilson + Matt Rife Team Up for R-Rated Comedy:

• Owen Wilson and comedian Matt Rife are set to star in Rolling Loud, a chaotic father-son comedy set at the iconic hip-hop festival. Written and directed by Jeremy Garelick (American High), the film follows an overprotective dad (Wilson) who sneaks his son into the festival, sparking a wild adventure through music, mayhem, and family dynamics. With production kicking off at Rolling Loud’s Miami festival, the project marks Live Nation Productions’ latest venture, supported by a team of heavy-hitting producers. Slated for release next year, the film adds to Wilson’s recent Marvel success in Loki and Rife’s global comedy tour and bestselling memoir.

MARGOT ROBBIE 💃 Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ set for 2026 Debut:

• Emerald Fennell’s modern take on Wuthering Heights is set to captivate audiences on February 13th, 2026, courtesy of Warner Bros. and MRC. The adaptation of Emily Brontë’s timeless novel stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, with a stellar supporting cast including Hong Chau and Alison Oliver. Produced by Robbie’s LuckyChap and directed by Fennell—known for her Oscar-winning Promising Young Woman—the film promises to blend the novel’s heartache with Fennell’s signature aesthetic. This marks another bold step for Warner Bros., fresh off its Barbie success, as it continues to back visionary storytellers.

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SEE YOU FRIDAY, LA!

🤙 Finish the rest of this week strong.

It’s your week, LA.

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