FEBRUARY 18TH, 2025

TUESDAY’S VIBES

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IT’S TIME FOR

DODGER BASEBALL

HI CUTIE! 👋 It’s Time for Dodger Baseball:

• The sun is back, the temps are rising, and baseball season is officially here. The Dodgers take on the Cubs today at 1:05 PM in their first Spring Training game at Dodger Stadium (correction, Spring Training Games are in Arizona, not here in Los Angeles. Go Sports! Thank you, Ethan L.T. for pointing this out!)—perfect timing as LA shakes off the chill and eases into ballpark season. Grab some tickets, soak in the energy, and enjoy the return of Dodger Blue. Let’s finish the week strong—because that’s just what we do. I’ll see everyone back here Friday morning! Wyatt

• Got a brand you want in front of our community? Check out our Q1 2025 Media Kit. Questions or ideas? Reach me at [email protected], or reply directly to this email (subscribers always welcome to drop a line).

ON THIS DAY ⏪️ Los Angeles History

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HOV LANES

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EATS

OPENINGS

BEVERLY HILLS 🥩 Matu Kai, Japanese Cuisine:

• From the team behind Beverly Hills' Matu, Matu Kai is set to open this Spring on San Vicente Blvd. The new concept offers a five-course tasting menu ($87 per person) inspired by Japanese omakase but entirely focused on New Zealand-raised wagyu from First Light Farms. Expect dishes like 24-hour bone broth, Japanese-style steak tartare, and a shareable twelve-ounce ribeye. With a commitment to ethical sourcing and regenerative farming, Matu Kai aims to blend precision, trust, and bold flavors in every course.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

SANTA MONICA 🍕 Cosetta, Italian Pizzeria:

• Acclaimed chef Zach Pollack, known for Alimento and Cosa Buona, is set to debut Cosetta, a Cal-Italian restaurant and pizzeria, at 3150 Ocean Park Blvd. in Santa Monica. Replacing the former Coffee Bean and Mrs. Winston’s locations, Cosetta will offer high-end pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and a full bar, all crafted with premium local ingredients. The restaurant is slated to open in early 2025.

PICO UNION 🇲🇽 Casa Gish Bac, Mexican Cuisine:

• Oaxacan staple Gish Bac is closing its original Arlington Heights location in six months to focus on Casa Gish Bac, now open in Pico-Union. The new space—once a banquet hall—offers a bigger dining room, a bar, and a beer and wine license, all while preserving chef Maria Ramos’s renowned barbacoa, moles, and antojitos. A family-run institution since 2010, Gish Bac remains a pillar of L.A.’s Oaxacan community, now with a new home to continue its legacy.

  • Instagram

BRENTWOOD 🍕 Flour Pizzeria & Cafe, Pizza-Italian:

• Flour Pizzeria & Cafe, a Pacific Palisades favorite, just opened in Brentwood on San Vicente Boulevard. Known for its Brooklyn-style pizza, salads, and pastries, the family-run spot previously served Brentwood via delivery, making this expansion a natural fit. Co-founder Robert Flutie announced an early opening Friday, with a special giveaway offering free pizza to Pacific Palisades residents impacted by the LA Wildfires and first responders. While demand may exceed supply, the pizzeria promises to accommodate as many as possible in the following days.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

GUIDES

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ACTIVITIES

VENICE BEACH 🌊 ART& 2025, Today - Friday:

• NeueHouse Venice Beach hosts ART& 2025, a four-day exploration of creativity, activism, and feminine leadership that starts today and runs until Friday. The series features thought-provoking panels, intimate gatherings, and a solo exhibition by Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow, all centering art as a force for regeneration and collective healing. Highlights include Penny Slinger on the feminine gaze, Lita Albuquerque and Lauren Bon on land art, and poet Yrsa Daley-Ward on creative power. Presented in collaboration with the Financial Times and LAELIA Tequila, the event is a convergence of artists, activists, and cultural leaders shaping the future. Tickets are available now.

DOWNTOWN 🖼️ The L.A. Art Show, Wednesday - Sunday:

• The L.A. Art Show returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center tomorrow through Sunday, transforming 180,000 square feet into a global art hub. Over one hundred galleries, museums, and nonprofits will showcase painting, sculpture, photography, and more. General admission is $35, while the opening night premiere runs $250.

HOLLYWOOD 🎞️ Slamdance Film Festival, Starts Thursday:

• The 31st Slamdance Film Festival enters a bold new chapter, moving from Park City to Los Angeles with screenings at the Director’s Guild of America, Quixote – West Hollywood, and a grand kickoff at The Egyptian Theatre Thursday. Showcasing 146 films—including 21 world premieres—the lineup amplifies fresh, fearless voices, with 38% of films by BIPOC creators and 55% by female filmmakers. New additions like 6xty (one-minute films) and Slamdance Utah expand the festival’s reach, while the Unstoppable program continues championing filmmakers with disabilities.

SANTA MONICA 🎨 Frieze LA, Thursday - Sunday:

• Frieze Los Angeles returns for its sixth edition this Thursday - Sunday, transforming Santa Monica Airport into a hub for contemporary art. Led by Christine Messineo, the fair will showcase global galleries, large-scale installations, and nonprofit collaborations, alongside pop-ups from top LA restaurants. The Focus section, curated again by Essence Harden, highlights emerging US galleries founded in or after 2013, offering a platform for fresh artistic voices.

SANTA MONICA 🎡 This Saturday, Greens Festival:

• Join the 10th Annual Black History Greens Festival this Saturday from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Virginia Avenue Park. This free event honors the park’s legacy and community leaders with greens cooking demos, live performances, family activities, and more. Special guests include radio host Arron ‘BOBO’ Arnell and local chefs.

DOWNTOWN 🧘 FitspoLA - Saturday, 10:00am 💌 

• Winter FitspoLA returns to The Bloc this Saturday, bringing free outdoor fitness classes and wellness pop-ups to energize your routine. Start your morning with Mat Pilates by @pilateswithashlee at 10:00am, followed by high-energy Zumba with LA Fitness at 11:15am. After class, explore health-focused product sampling from brands like Celsius, DryBar, Lifeway Kefir, and more. Presented by UCLA Health, this event runs rain or shine, with indoor options if needed. Free and open to the public, presented by UCLA Health —registration required. 💌 💸 🎈 

  • 💌 Submitted by PR Curators at DOG AND A DUCK.

LONG BEACH 🐬 2025 Scuba Show, May 31st - June 1st:

• The nation’s largest scuba expo returns to Long Beach May 31st –June 1st, featuring 260+ exhibitors, gear demos, dive seminars, and a 15,000-gallon dive pool. Attendees can explore marine films, win prizes, and join the Saturday night party at The Cove. Details at scubashow.com 💌 

  • 💌 Submitted by PR Curators at Ann Flower Communications.

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COMMUNITY

MALIBU 🏫 Malibu Schools Set to Reopen as Roads Clear:

• SMMUSD announced that all four Malibu schools—Webster Elementary, Malibu Elementary, Malibu Middle, and Malibu High—will reopen on Feb. 18 following the reopening of Malibu Canyon Road and improved weather. District buses and staff vanpools have been granted access to PCH, though some road closures and debris concerns remain. A revised bus schedule will also take effect on the reopening date.

HOLLYWOOD 🚨 Road Closures Begin for Oscars Prep 💌 

• With the Oscars set for March 2nd, street closures in Hollywood are already underway, escalating in the coming days. Johnny Grant Way has been shut down since last week and will remain closed until March 8th. Starting Sunday, lane closures on Hollywood Boulevard, Highland Avenue, and surrounding streets will disrupt traffic, culminating in full closures by next Thursday. On Oscar Sunday, major streets—including Highland, Hollywood Boulevard, and Orange Drive—will be blocked, with Metro Red Line trains skipping Hollywood/Highland. Expect rerouted bus lines and pedestrian restrictions throughout the area until March 3rd. View PDF of 2025 Oscars street and sidewalk closures. 💌 

  • 💌 Submitted by PR Curators at Oscars.

METRO 🚇️ Metro Cracks Down on Bus Lane Violations:

• Metro has begun issuing $293 citations to vehicles parked in bus lanes or at bus stops, aiming to improve bus speed and reliability. Initially enforced on Wilshire Blvd. and La Brea Ave., the program uses on-bus cameras to document violations. Warnings issued since November have already reduced illegal parking. A second enforcement phase is planned for early 2025, expanding to key streets across L.A. Metro urges drivers to stay clear of bus lanes to avoid fines.

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DEVELOPMENT

FOOTHILL A LINE 🚇️ Construction Completed for Foothill A Line:

• Construction on the 9.1-mile A Line extension from Glendora to Pomona is substantially completed, with new stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona. Metro has begun testing, expected to last six months, with passenger service set for this summer. A funded 3.2-mile extension to Claremont and Montclair is next, with construction starting this year.

HOLLYWOOD 🎬️ Vine Street Sees New Mixed-Use Proposal:

• Plans for a mixed-use development on Vine Street are advancing, with a draft environmental impact report now available. Designed by Hawkins\Brown Architects, the project envisions a six-story structure offering 115,680 square feet of office space, alongside 7,810 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and a 250-car subterranean parking garage. While primarily focused on offices, the proposal also considers alternatives such as a hotel or residential units, responding to market dynamics and the area's historical context with thoughtful architectural nods.

WESTCHESTER 🏡 Revamp Moves Forward:

• The Los Angeles City Planning Commission has greenlit Cityview’s plan to redevelop a key Westchester block on W. Manchester Avenue, replacing an auto shop and Del Taco with an eight-story, 489-unit mixed-use complex. Designed by AC Martin, the project includes 16,120 square feet of retail, 549 parking spaces, and 64 very low-income affordable units under density bonus incentives. Construction could begin in 2025, aligning with broader redevelopment trends along Sepulveda Boulevard.

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BUSINESS

LOCKHEED 🛫 Evolution of Air Combat:

• Monessa ‘Siren’ Balzhiser, a test pilot for Lockheed Martin’s F-35, compared the leap from the F-16 to the F-35 to upgrading from an old pickup to a Tesla—highlighting the stealth fighter’s advanced data integration and automation. The F-16, revolutionary in its time, now struggles against modern threats, while the F-35 continues evolving despite criticism over costs. Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, based in Palmdale, plays a key role in its development.

AI X HOLLYWOOD 👾 Writers & Studios: AI’s Next Big Battle:

• Hollywood writers are pushing studios to sue AI companies for allegedly training models on copyrighted scripts. A federal judge just weakened AI’s fair use defense, making lawsuits more likely. But studios are conflicted—protect their IP or keep cutting AI deals? With the WGA contract up in 2026, this fight is just beginning.

YOUTUBE TV X PARAMOUNT 🤝 Deal Reached:

• YouTube TV and Paramount Global have reached a last-minute deal to keep CBS, Nickelodeon, BET, and more on the platform, preventing a blackout for nearly eight million subscribers. The agreement ensures continued access to Paramount+ with Showtime and may introduce BET+ as an add-on.

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ENTERTAINMENT

NBC/PEACOCK 💼 Suits L.A. Premieres Sunday:

• NBC unveils Suits L.A. this Sunday, a dynamic new chapter in the acclaimed Suits franchise. Set against the glamorous backdrop of Los Angeles, the series stars Stephen Amell as Ted Black, a former Manhattan federal prosecutor who reinvents himself by founding Black Lane Law, a firm catering to Hollywood's elite. The ensemble cast includes Josh McDermitt, Lex Scott Davis, and Bryan Greenberg, portraying colleagues whose personal and professional lives intertwine in the high-stakes world of entertainment law. Fans can also anticipate the return of Gabriel Macht, reprising his iconic role as Harvey Specter in a special guest appearance.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK 🎤 SNL50: A Star-Studded Musical Reunion:

• SNL50: The Anniversary Special brought past and present cast members back to Studio 8H for a nostalgic and hilarious celebration of the show’s five-decade run. Beloved characters like Kristen Wiig’s Dooneese, Will Ferrell’s Robert Goulet, and Rachel Dratch’s Debbie Downer made triumphant returns, while Meryl Streep made her surprise SNL debut alongside Kate McKinnon. A talk-show crossover featuring Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Mike Myers delighted fans, while Adam Sandler delivered a heartfelt musical tribute. The night also acknowledged the show’s evolving comedy, with a montage of sketches that haven’t aged well. With legends like Steve Martin, Martin Short, and John Mulaney gracing the stage, the special was a fitting tribute to the show’s lasting impact.

OSCARS 🏆️ Oscars Go Streaming - TV’s Last Stand Ends:

• The Academy Awards will stream live on Hulu, marking the end of linear TV’s exclusivity. By 2026, every top broadcast will be on streaming as networks pivot to direct-to-consumer. With Netflix proving live events work and Tubi drawing 13.6M Super Bowl viewers, the shift is complete. Traditional TV isn’t dying—it’s funding the streaming future.

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SPORTS

DODGERS 🧢 2025 Key Dates for Upcoming Season:

• The Dodgers are making this season as much about culture as it is about baseball. Their 2025 promo lineup features must-have bobbleheads, from a Shohei Ohtani MVP edition (April 2nd) to an Ice Cube nod (June 21st) and a Kobe Bryant tribute (August 8th). Heritage Nights will spotlight LA’s diversity, with celebrations like Japanese and Mexican Heritage Nights. With only 40,000 bobbleheads per game, showing up early is key.

  • RELATED: Cubs vs. Dodgers, First day of Spring Training/Opening Day, this Thursday at Dodger Stadium, via Major League Baseball.

RAMS 🐏 Rams Weigh Future at Quarterback:

• The Rams are in talks with Matthew Stafford’s camp about a contract adjustment, but progress has been slow as the team faces a pivotal decision before the March 12th league year deadline. While Stafford remains difficult to replace, keeping him could delay addressing long-term quarterback needs. With no guaranteed money left on his deal, the Rams must act decisively—either restructuring Stafford’s contract, exploring free agency for options like Sam Darnold, or even considering a return for Jimmy Garoppolo. Balancing financial flexibility with roster competitiveness will define their next move.

LEBRON 👑 LeBron’s 21st All-Star Nod Comes with a Twist:

• LeBron James earns his 21st All-Star nod, becoming the third player to compete after forty. Averaging 24.3 points, he leads ‘Team Shaq’s OGs’ in the new mini-tournament format, facing Lakers teammate Dalton Knecht. James reflects on his All-Star journey while questioning the game’s three-point-heavy evolution.

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SEE YOU FRIDAY, LA!

🤙 Have a wonderful rest of the week, Fam! I’ll see
everyone back in your inbox Friday morning.

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