MARCH 19TH, 2025

Good vibes presented by Your Startup Operations

WEDNESDAY’S VIBES

^SUBSCRIBE

HAPPY

HUMP DAY!

HI CUTIE! 🤙 HUMP DAY

• Happy Hump Day, CuratedLA Fam! 🏀 March Madness is almost here, dolphins are making waves as astronauts return from space, and the JFK Files dropped yesterday—no smoking gun, but hey, maybe some trust in the government for those who need it. Speaking of trust, trust us to bring you the best of LA today—whether it's new eats, exciting things to do, or just the good vibes you need to power through the week. Let’s dive in!

ON THIS DAY ⏪️ 

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HOV LANES

Monday’s poll question

Which SoCal women’s basketball team has made the most appearances in the NCAA tournament?

• UCLA Bruins: 20 (34% answered correctly)

• USC Trojans: 18

• Long Beach State 49ers: 12

• Cal State Fullerton Titans: 1

This includes updated 2025 stats from Sunday’s Selection Sunday.

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YOUR STARTUP OPERATIONS

Venture capital moves fast—don’t let admin tasks slow you down. Your Startup Operations provides experienced virtual assistants (VAs) to handle deal flow, communication, and operations, so you can focus on investing and scaling.

This service is for you if you experience:

⏳ Admin Overload: Endless emails, scheduling conflicts, and travel planning.
📊 Due Diligence Bottlenecks: Limited time for market research and analysis.
📉 Communication Gaps: Struggling to keep LPs + portfolio companies informed.
⚡ Inefficient Workflows: Slowed decision-making due to lack of delegation.
📈 Scaling Challenges: Growing your firm without commitment of full-time hires.

How VAs Help VC Firms:

🛠 Streamline Operations: Offload admin tasks and boost productivity.
🔍 Faster Research: Gain competitive insights and market analysis quickly.
📢 Stronger Communication: Draft investor updates and manage outreach.
📌 Process Optimization: Automate workflows and improve efficiency.
📊 Scalable Support: Expand your team without overhead costs.

Let a VA handle what’s slowing you down.

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EATS

HEADLINES

PEPSICO 🥤 $2BN FOR POPPI

• PepsiCo is acquiring prebiotic soda brand Poppi for nearly $2bn, solidifying its position in the growing functional beverage market. As traditional soda sales decline, brands like Poppi and Olipop have gained traction with health-conscious consumers. Pepsi had considered launching its own prebiotic drink under Soulboost but instead opted for this acquisition. Poppi, founded in 2018, has seen rapid growth, surpassing $100mn in sales by 2023 and securing Super Bowl ad placements.

OPENINGS

RANCHO CUCAMONGA 🐷 V WAGYU BBQ

• Fresh off its Lake Forest debut, V Wagyu BBQ is already planning a second location in Rancho Cucamonga on Foothill Blvd, taking over the former Boston Market space in Terra Vista Town Center. Known for its premium Japanese yakiniku, the restaurant serves high-quality cuts of wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., alongside seafood and curated sides. With its sleek black-and-red design and intimate lighting, the new spot is expected to mirror the Lake Forest flagship. While an opening date remains unclear, the expansion signals rapid growth for the brand.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

EAST HOLLYWOOD 🍅 KURRYPINCH

• After years in the Valley, Sri Lankan spot Kurrypinch has opened a more upscale location on Hollywood Blvd. Chef Shaheen Ghazaly’s menu blends tradition with innovation, featuring kottu roti (house-made roti stir-fried with veggies, curry spices, and eggs), kiribath-inspired coconut milk risotto, and lamprais—banana leaf-wrapped rice with assorted curries. The 1,800-square-foot space, designed by Jennifer Nielsen, fuses Sri Lankan and SoCal aesthetics, offering indoor and outdoor seating. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 4:00pm – 10:00pm.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

CULVER CITY 🍜 MENSHO TOKYO

• Mensho Tokyo, one of Japan’s most celebrated ramen bars, is bringing its signature toripaitan ramen to LA with a new location in Culver City. Founded by ramen master Tomoharu Shono, Mensho Tokyo has built a global following with its rich, creamy chicken-based broth and inventive ramen variations, including matcha-infused and spicy lamb miso bowls. The Culver City outpost, taking over the former Sweet Lily Bakery near Jameson’s Pub, marks the brand’s first Southern California expansion after making waves in San Francisco.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

THREE FUTURES

GUIDES

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ACTIVITIES

SANTA MONICA 🎡 LOCALS’ NIGHT

• THURSDAY: Santa Monica’s iconic pier hosts Locals’ Night tomorrow, offering a community-driven lineup of live performances, a photography exhibition, Books & Cookies musical storytime for kids, a classic car show, and sets from local DJs. Free and open to all, the event runs from 3:30pm to 10:00pm.

CULVER CITY 🤙 VIBES AFTER FIVE

• THURSDAY: Ditch the traffic and unwind at Vibes After Five, bringing live KCRW beats, free Curious Elixirs mocktails, and sunset vibes to The Culver Steps tomorrow from 5:00pm — 8:00pm. Enjoy lawn games, city views, and a laid-back atmosphere in Downtown Culver City. More dates follow in April and May at new locations. Free entry—just bring good energy.

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY 🔭 DR. GHEZ

• THURSDAY: Griffith Observatory’s All Space Considered welcomes Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Dr. Andrea Ghez tomorrow for an in-person discussion at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. Known for her groundbreaking research on supermassive black holes, Dr. Ghez will share insights into the mysteries of our galaxy. The event is free to attend, with priority seating for foundation members. Advance registration is encouraged but does not guarantee a seat. This month’s program will not be streamed online.

YOUTUBE 📺️ LA MEETUP

• APRIL 3RD: YouTube is hosting a special Creator mixer in Los Angeles on April 3rd, bringing together content creators of all levels for a night of networking and inspiration. This local gathering offers the chance to connect with fellow Creators, engage with the YouTube team, and explore new opportunities for growth. With a focus on fostering community and collaboration, the event provides a space to share insights, build relationships, and strengthen your presence on the platform. Spots are limited, and RSVPs are required—don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the YouTube Creator Collective. 💌 

  • 💌 In partnership with Curations and Grow with Google.

FILM FESTIVAL 🎞️ NON-FICTION

• APRIL 9TH - 17TH: American Cinematheque’s This Is Not a Fiction festival returns April 9th -17th, spotlighting documentary and non-fiction storytelling across the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz Theatres. This year’s lineup features over fifteen premieres and 35+ special guests, including Errol Morris, Kazuo Hara, Conan O’Brien, Bill Hader, and Fred Armisen. Highlights include a historic conversation between Morris and Hara, retrospectives, and the world premiere of Conan O’Brien Must Go Season 2. The festival closes with 100 Foot Wave Season 3 and a tribute to Survivor with Jeff Probst. Expect screenings, panels, and deep dives into reality TV, experimental cinema, and classic documentaries.

  • 💌 Submitted by Curators from American Cinematheque.

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COMMUNITY

FORECAST 😎 SPRING HEAT

• Southern California is in for a warm-up as high pressure builds, bringing gradually rising temperatures through early next week. Gusty northerly winds will impact usual hotspots like southern Santa Barbara County and the Santa Clarita Valley. By the weekend, expect a stronger ridge to push valley temperatures into the 80s, with a shot at the low 90s by Monday. Offshore flow will drive the heat inland, while coastal areas see some relief from onshore breezes. Confidence is high for well-above-normal temperatures lasting through at least Tuesday.

CULVER CITY 🚎 BUS LANE

• Culver CityBus is launching its Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) program, using on-board cameras to ticket drivers who block bus lanes, bus stops, and some bike lanes along the MOVE corridor. Following a sixty-day warning period starting Thursday, $293 citations will begin on May 19th. Similar to Metro’s BLE program, which has already expanded across L.A., ABLE aims to reduce congestion and improve transit efficiency on Culver and Washington Boulevards. Data from ABLE will also help pinpoint enforcement hotspots for Culver City Police. More details can be found on the Culver CityBus ABLE program webpage.

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DEVELOPMENT

KOREATOWN 🏡 MIXED-USE

• A revised eight-story mixed-use project on South Shatto Place in Koreatown has received approval, replacing a previously planned 40-story tower. Developed by Townline and Forme Development, with designs by KTGY and Omgivning handling the adaptive reuse of a 1930s church, the project will feature 318 apartments—ranging from studios to two-bedrooms—alongside 21,000 square feet of commercial space. A two-level garage will provide 194 parking spaces. Approved density bonus incentives allow for additional height in exchange for 35 units designated for very low-income households. Construction is expected to take eighteen months.

BOYLE HEIGHTS 🌳 EAST 6TH ST.

• The East 6th Street Green Corridor Project will revamp a stretch of Boyle Heights with trees, drought-resistant landscaping, bioswales, and curb extensions to enhance pedestrian safety and manage stormwater runoff. Stretching from S. St. Louis to S. Matthews streets, the improvements aim to cool the area, improve water quality entering the L.A. River, and beautify the route leading to Hollenbeck Park. Construction begins in late April or early May, with completion set for spring 2026. Expect lane closures and temporary parking restrictions. Led by L.A. Sanitation & Environment, the project is funded by the L.A. County Safe Clean Water Program.

HOLLYWOOD 🥃 WHISKY HOTEL

• The Whisky Hotel has officially opened on N. Wilcox Ave., just north of the Walk of Fame, offering a refined, adults-only experience. The seven-story, 132-room boutique hotel blends European-inspired luxury with a whiskey-centric theme, featuring walnut oakwood floors, antique Persian rugs, and marble-accented bathrooms. A rooftop terrace with olive trees overlooks Hollywood, while a curated whisky selection and upcoming bar add to its distinctive charm. With rates starting at $195 per night, the Whisky Hotel aims to be more than just a stay—it's an immersive experience designed with soul, according to founder Adolfo Suaya.

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BUSINESS

LANCASTER 🚎 BYD’S CHARGING LEAP

• BYD has unveiled a ‘super e-platform’ capable of charging electric vehicles at 1,000 kW—twice as fast as Tesla’s superchargers—allowing for a 249-mile range in just five minutes. The company also announced plans to build over 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China, marking its first foray into charging infrastructure. While BYD remains a dominant player in EV sales, relying heavily on plug-in hybrids, its presence extends beyond China, including operations in Lancaster, where it produces electric buses and expands its footprint in sustainable transit solutions.

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ENTERTAINMENT

HAPPY GILMORE 2 ⛳️ TRAILER DROP

• Netflix has confirmed that Happy Gilmore 2 will premiere on July 25, unveiling a teaser trailer featuring Adam Sandler reprising his iconic role alongside returning cast members Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, and Ben Stiller. The sequel also boasts surprise cameos from Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, Reggie Bush, and pro golfers like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.

YOUTUBE 📺️ CREATOR SHOWS

• YouTube is set to introduce ‘Shows,’ a new feature allowing creators to organize their content like traditional episodic TV series. Announced at the Made on YouTube event last year, the feature will streamline how viewers watch serialized content, automatically playing episodes in order and offering dedicated show pages with custom artwork. This builds on YouTube’s PrimeTime Channels approach, which aggregates major streaming services. While some speculate this signals a return to YouTube-funded Originals, the platform insists its focus remains on empowering creators rather than producing content itself.

CONAN 🏆️ 98TH OSCARS

• Conan O’Brien is set to return as host for the 98th Oscars next year. Emmy-winning producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will continue as executive producers, with Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney also returning as producers. O’Brien’s first Oscars hosting stint saw a five-year viewership high, making his comeback a strategic choice. 💌 

  • 💌 Submitted from PR Curators at The Academy Awards.

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SPORTS

UCLA 🏈 PRO DAY

• Twenty UCLA football alumni showcased their skills at Wasserman Football Center for NFL scouts. Linebacker Kain Medrano, who posted the fastest 40-yard dash among linebackers at the NFL Combine (4.46 seconds), met with all 32 teams. Carson Schwesinger, sidelined by a minor injury, attended in support after recording a 39.5-inch vertical and 20 bench reps at the Combine. Oluwafemi Oladejo impressed in drills at 262 pounds, earning praise from head coach DeShaun Foster. Joseph Vaughn stood out with a 41.5-inch vertical and 4.5 40-yard dash, while DB Brian Addison, OL Josh Carlin, and RB Keegan Jones added to UCLA’s strong showing.

DODGERS 🧢 TOKYO SERIES

• Shohei Ohtani’s return to Japan electrified the Tokyo Dome as the Dodgers secured a 4-1 victory over the Cubs in the 2025 season opener. Ohtani notched two hits, including a 107.4 mph line drive that sparked a crucial fifth-inning rally. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, in a historic matchup against fellow Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga, delivered five strong innings, backed by a Dodgers lineup missing Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

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GOODIES

NCAAM 🏀 SOCAL BALL (MEN’S EDITION)

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SEE YOU FRIDAY, LA!

🤙 Have an awesome finish to the week,
CuratedLA Fam!
See you all on Friday! 🚀

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