Author: David Stubblefield

LA28 Unveils 19 New Venues for 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
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Los Angeles, Carson, and Long Beach to Host Various Events

As the Los Angeles region gears up to welcome the world, the LA28 planning committee has unveiled 19 additional venues across Los Angeles, Carson, and Long Beach for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Los Angeles: The Heart of the Games

Los Angeles will be a central hub for many Olympic events. The USC Sports Center, a renowned facility for basketball and volleyball, will host badminton. The Convention Center, a significant site during the 1984 Games, will accommodate fencing, judo, table tennis, Taekwondo, and wrestling. These events were initially slated for Pauley Pavilion at UCLA, but have since been reassigned.

Weightlifting will take place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, and golf will return to the prestigious Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. The Riviera has hosted numerous major golf tournaments, including the annual PGA TOUR event.

Carson: A Hub for Multiple Disciplines

Numerous activities will take place at Carson’s Dignity Health Sports Park. The Velodrome, an official U.S. Olympic Training Site and home to USA Cycling’s national track and cycling program, will host cycling-track events. The adjacent Fields, typically used by the LA Galaxy for training, will transform into a hockey venue. Rugby Sevens will be played in the main stadium, and tennis competitions will take place at the Tennis Center.

Long Beach: Embracing Aquatic and Endurance Sports

Long Beach will focus on water-based and endurance events. Marine Stadium will host canoe-sprint and rowing competitions, which dates back to its role in the 1932 Games. Sailing will take place along the picturesque Belmont Shore. The Waterfront at Alamitos Beach will be the site for marathon swimming and triathlon events. Additionally, a temporary aquatics center at the Convention Center lot will stage water polo.

Bringing the Games to Life

Janet Evans, LA28’s Chief Athlete Officer, emphasized the significance of the venue selections, stating, “The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games will reflect all that the Los Angeles area has to offer. We’re very proud to bring the Games to many of our vibrant and diverse communities.” Evans highlighted that Los Angeles will host more Olympic sports than any other city, with Carson and Long Beach playing significant roles.

Looking Ahead

Additional venue announcements can be expected in the upcoming months. Among the most eagerly anticipated events are diving, gymnastics and track and field which will take place in venues along Figueroa Street between Exposition Park and downtown Los Angeles.

Below is a full list of the confirmed 2028 Olympic venues:

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Venues:
- Badminton: USC Sports Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Fencing: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Golf: The Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles, CA
- Judo: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA*
- Table Tennis: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Taekwondo: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Weightlifting: Peacock Theater, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Wrestling: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA*
Carson 2028 Olympic Venues:
- Cycling – Track: Velodrome, Carson, CA
- Hockey: The Fields, Carson, CA
- Rugby Sevens: Dignity Health Sports Park Stadium, Carson, CA
- Tennis: Tennis Center, Carson, CA
Long Beach 2028 Olympic Venues:
- Canoe – Sprint: Marine Stadium, Long Beach, CA*
- Handball: Arena, Long Beach, CA
- Marathon Swimming: Waterfront, Long Beach, CA
- Rowing: Marine Stadium, Long Beach, CA*
- Sailing: Belmont Shore, Long Beach, CA
- Triathlon: Waterfront, Long Beach, CA
- Water Polo: Convention Center Lot, Long Beach, CA
July 16, 2024
Popular Irish Bar in Los Angeles Burns Down

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One of the liveliest and most iconic Irish pubs in all of Los Angeles, Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, was forced to temporarily close after a fire scorched the building. The bar, known as a social hub throughout the city, thanks to its extensive collection of Irish memorabilia, always on-tap Guinness, and frequent live musical acts, is looking to recover quickly.

Having been open since 1969, Molly Malone’s has become an institution within the city of angels. Built within a now ninety-five-year-old building, the fire seems to have predominantly damaged the exterior side of the building, leaving the inside of the bar, the taps, and all of the memorabilia largely unfazed. As a result of the exterior damage, the bar will be forced to close its doors for several months while repairs are made. This marks the only time in the history of Molly Malone’s that the pub will close its doors, outside of COVID-related lockdowns a few years back, said owner Damian Hanlon.

Taking to Instagram to speak to fans and patrons of the pub far and wide, Hanlon said, “It was a scary day for our little pub on Fairfax, but we are blessed. Our doors will be shut (for now), but we plan to be back better than ever before you know it!”

The Los Angeles Fire Department received a report at 1:17 p.m. on Thursday afternoon that 575 S. Fairfax Ave. was on fire, the address of the pub, was on fire. Nineteen minutes after receiving the 911 call, at 1:36 pm, the flames were fully extinguished, according to LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey. As Humphrey detailed, “There was heat and smoke inside the structure, but the flames were largely kept to the facade and the exterior of the structure.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Owner Damian Hanlon told the press that the firefighters he spoke with believed the blaze could have been started outside by the bar’s front door, but that was just conjecture.

Molly Malone’s is famous for its dark walls, which are in keeping with Irish tradition. They are covered with various pieces of memorabilia and art relating to its culture, including very rare paintings by Irish portrait painter Neil Boyle. Boyle’s paintings depict notable Irish figures and the bar’s longtime staff members and customers, often side by side, making the message clear: in Boyle’s view, Molly Malone’s itself is significant to Irish culture.

Fortunately, according to Hanlon, no valuable pieces of memorabilia or art were damaged in the fire. “The firefighters did an incredible, great job,” he said. “It’s all very sentimental to us. To have lost anything would have been a shame.”

To call Molly Malone’s an institution within the community and culture is an understatement. The Celtic punk band Flogging Molly got its start playing there in the 1990s and went on to take their namesake from the bar. For Hanlon’s part, he took over the business from his mother, Angela. She was a native of Dublin, and she started the pub after her family moved to Los Angeles in the ‘60s.

Now, Hanlon’s daughter works as a bartender several nights a week, and the pub has never been more successful. In Hanlon’s words, the story of Molly Malone’s pub is far from over. “My mom put her heart and soul into this place,” he said. “I want to see things continue on.”

June 26, 2024
LA County to Address Increased Number of Bear Sightings

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While the knowledge of bears surrounding the Los Angeles area may not be entirely new, given the terrain of the City of Angels, the sight of a large bear’s snout peering around your kitchen door in search of food or rummaging in the garbage can in your driveway can be quite startling. Los Angeles bears are known to waltz into residential areas, grazing and displaying the comfort they have among the city’s residents; however, LA officials are experiencing another uptick in reports of bear sightings that have propelled officials to develop a plan on how to keep everybody (and bear) safe.

While much of LA’s surrounding areas are protected from development due to their steep terrains, the wilderness living throughout the region does not find itself battling the same issue of expansion. In recent years, the number of LA bear sightings has continued to rise, as well as reports of sightings of mountain lions, deer, and coyotes. Yet, it is the bears that feel most comfortable sharing the area with humans.

In Sierra Madre, Mary’s Market Café Co-Owner Jenny Kay stated that bears are, “Incredibly comfortable around people, they’ve been born here now at this point this is their neighborhood too and they don’t feel threatened by us, and we’re pretty reliable food source and water,” further sharing that the wildlife is known to visit her restaurant several times a week, sometimes snatching an unattended sandwich for a snack.

As just one of the towns that have seen a big upswing in bear sightings within the last month, Sierra Madre has had nearly 100 reports of bear sightings recently. A town resident, Debbie Taylor, who has lived in the area for 13 years, shared, “This week I saw them three times and it was late at night.” Taylor commented that she is not afraid of the bears but still practices caution since they are wild animals.

Last week, Sierra Madre homeowner, Jason Wightman, was washing dishes in the evening when he caught sight of a curious black bear in his home. Both frightened at the other’s sight, Wightman and the bear each retreated from one another before Wightman returned for his phone and began videoing the event. While immediately backing away at the sight of the homeowner, the bear stuck around and poked its head back inside in search of food.

While most of the area’s bears will leave the neighborhood on their own if they are unable to find food, these animals can still cause serious damage to homes and cars on their quest—leading city officials to develop a plan to address the increase in bear sightings.

“This is not healthy for them to eat here, they need to learn to use their own natural resources and not using us as their feeding sources and that takes a whole neighborhood,” said Sierra Madre City Council Member Kris Lowe.

Hoping to help keep all parties safe, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a plan last Tuesday to provide funding for specialists with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a management plan that will help wildlife and humans coexist safely.

June 12, 2024
LA Restaurant Wins Resy One to Watch Award of World’s 50 Best Restaurants

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The food industry can be rather difficult to break into, and for California restaurant hopefuls, the Golden State proves even more challenging than other areas across the nation. With the pressures of launching a restaurant including long hours, financial strain, marketing, and more, many foodie dreamers may find themselves hesitant. This isn’t the case for San Gabriel Valley’s Jon Yao, a Taiwanese-American chef and owner of Los Angeles-based Kato, which was recently named as the recipient of the Resy One To Watch Award 2024 from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Originally established in a nondescript strip mall on the west side of L.A., Kato opened in 2016, with Yao serving up a tasty menu selection of Asian-American cuisine. This natural-born cook is taking the flavors from his childhood with his Taiwanese immigrant parents and interpreting them into fragrant, modern dishes. When describing Kato’s mission, Yao expressed, “The food we do at Kato is our way of speaking up for young Asian-Americans. There’s a cultural reference behind every dish, but we try to make sense of it in a modern context.”

Since founding Kato, Yao has worked with sommelier Ryan Bailey, who is the Director of Operations. In 2022, the team relocated Kato to a newly expanded, fully licensed location at the ROW DTLA in the Arts District of Los Angeles, where long-time general manager Nikki Reginaldo was promoted to managing partner. This move also saw Kato bring aboard a seasoned bar director, Austin Hennelly, who is already serving up stunning cocktails like Mandarin Garibaldi and The Paloma that look almost too good to drink.

Kato’s new industrial-luxe home is reimaging the fine dining experience, with Yao’s dishes creating the perfect harmony between classic Taiwanese cuisine and the contemporary edge trending throughout the food industry. Already making a name for himself in the food world, Yao channels childhood favorites, like his mother’s fish fragrant sauce that is commonly used in Yao’s meat and vegetable stir-fries, filling the senses with its garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang (Sichuan chile bean paste).

Kato customers can enjoy a tasting menu of 12 standout courses, served from a custom wood-fired hearth and grill that anchors the kitchen and helps Yao curate dishes such as caramelized sablefish with abalone and basil, grilled lobster with lobster toast and a sauce of roasted shells, and Dungeness crab custard with fish maw and crab vinegar.

For those desiring something sweeter to tickle their taste buds, Kato’s desserts include dishes such as a boniato yam boba with fresh cheese and sable, as well as roasted Taiwanese pineapple mille feuille.

Recently, this restaurant was named the recipient of the Resy One To Watch Award 2024 from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, an award that recognizes rising-star restaurants that are serving up some serious international waves in the gastronomic scene. Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, William Drew, stated, “Kato is blowing diners away with its blend of original flavours and old-school hospitality and this award will bring Yao’s cooking to a wider international audience. We are delighted to reward the team’s dedication, passion, skill, and originality with this hugely deserved accolade.”

Thriving in their Southern Californian scene, Kato, despite the upgrades and beverage debuts, remains a poetic expression of bringing the past and present together, creating a dining experience that is worthy of the splurge.

May 17, 2024
Slamdance Film Festival Is Coming to Los Angeles in 2025

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Beginning in 2025, Slamdance Film Festival will be relocating to Los Angeles from Park City, Utah.

Set to run from February 20-26, 2025, the next restatement will take place at venues located in and surrounding the Hollywood area including The DGA Theater Complex and the Landmark Theaters Sunset—both on Sunset Boulevard. More locations will be announced in the future.

Festivalgoers and enthusiasts spoke on the move saying that it “will allow for the continued growth of Slamdance’s year-round mission to provide an accessible and dynamic community for truly independent, visionary filmmakers and creators.”

With in-person passes beginning as low as $50 and several of their programs being made free to the public, the festival has said that it ultimately hopes to be financially accessible to a broad demographic.

Festival heads will enjoy multiple new and existing programs at the 2025 edition, which will include Slamdance’s free education initiative, Polytechnic. There will also be a series of one-minute short films made in any format called “6ixty,” as well as Next Wave LA, which is a program of new media work by LA-based artists, and the cutting-edge, experiential DIG (digital, interactive, gaming) section.

The news of Slamdance’s move from Utah to California comes during a year that has seen multiple changes for American festivals and markets already. American Film Market is actively transitioning from Santa Monica to Las Vegas later this year while Sundance is reportedly scouting for a potential new location away from Park City.

Cofounders of AGBO Anthony and Joe Russo, who started in 1997 with the Slamdance premiere of their comedy feature Pieces spoke about their dedication to the festival, stating that it will remain “unwavering.” As partners with Slamdance on a fellowship program and other initiatives, AGBO added, “We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of Slamdance in its new home.”

As for how the city of Los Angeles is set to embrace the move, LA Mayor Karen Bass has stated that the city “has always been a home and a source of inspiration for artists, as the creative capital of the world.” Mayor Bass continued to further showcase her appreciation for the arts, noting that Slamdance has the unlimited potential to serve as a “dynamic hub for creativity, connection, and job opportunities for Angelinos.”

The Slamdance Film Festival was founded in 1995 by current Slamdance president Peter Baxter who has also recently spoken on the transition from Park City to Los Angeles. Baxter said, “Building upon our success in Utah, we will grow the festival with greater accessibility in Los Angeles and continue our work in launching new films, new careers, and new ideas in filmmaking. With new and existing collaborators, our mission is to increase the global value of independent film and digital media and serve the Los Angeles arts community.”

Besides the Russo brothers, other standout Slamdance alumni and supporters include Christopher and Emma Nolan, Sean Baker, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Bong Joon Ho, Marie Jamora, Steven Soderbergh, Rian Johnson, and Merawi Gerima.

A total of 113 films, including 17 eventual world premieres, were screened at the 2024 festival. Panasonic LUMIX will be the official sponsor of the 2025 festival.

May 9, 2024
Popular Los Angeles Vegan Restaurant to Start Serving Animal Products

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A well-known Los Angeles vegan restaurant announced that it would begin to incorporate animal products into its menu this past April.

Sage Plant Based Bistro, the restaurant in question, has stated that it will add dishes with animal products that have been raised through regenerative farming practices starting on May 29. Regenerative farming is a method that aims to reduce the dependency on chemicals, as well as promote biodiversity in crop and livestock raising. The restaurant will also rebrand its name to Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery.

Sage chef-owner Mollie Engelhart stated in an open letter, “I no longer feel that a vegan lifestyle for all is a viable solution for the planet and its soil which is one of our most precious resources.”

Engelhart has also stated that the restaurant has not been profitable since 2020. The restaurant has already closed one location in Agoura Hills and converted its Culver City location into a take-out-only space.

“People are not going to stop eating meat, so why not offer an option where it is done right,” Englehart said.

Engelhart sold the Sow a Heart farm in Fillmore, California this past December. The farm—which provided up to 25% of the restaurant’s produce—continues to receive orders from Sage.

However, the announcement of the change sparked backlash on Instagram, upon which multiple commenters shared they would no longer support the business.

Amber Canavan, a vegan campaigns project manager for PETA, said that Sage Bistro “is trying to rebrand itself as a champion of the environment while serving meat, and it’s like a firefighter spraying fuel on the flames and saying they’re doing something to help.”

Engelhart defended the changes in an open letter as part of her shift in thinking about how to protect the planet. She pointed toward the changes after the pandemic and the proliferation of vegan-based options as reasons for the change.

“It’s vulnerable to publicly say, ‘I believed one thing, and maybe I was wrong and now I believe something else,’” Engelhart said. “I hope that it inspires people in their own lives to be willing to be open-minded when something else makes more sense to you.”

The restaurant, according to Engelhart, will still offer vegan operations, and she added that regenerative farming could provide a common meeting point for people with different dietary preferences. “All of these people should be able to come together for foods with less chemicals,” Engelhart said.

According to the website of Regenerative Farmers of America, regenerative farming is an approach to agriculture that not only prioritizes soil health and biodiversity but also the natural processes that go along with it.

While traditionally farmed fields tend to rely on chemicals and focus only on single crops at a time, regenerative farmers “use a variety of practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and the integration of livestock to improve soil health, conserve water, and promote biodiversity.”

The association claims that the practices involve creating greater, more nutrient-dense produce, and improve not just the yield of the crops but also create drought-resistant soil.

May 8, 2024
Little Tokyo in Los Angeles Has Been Declared an Endangered Historic Site

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America is certainly not without history. Across the country, citizens and visitors can tour a land filled with a rich past that highlights where the U.S. came from and how it has become the nation it is today. With cultural and historical landmarks throughout the country providing valuable reminders and lessons, protecting these places has become crucial in preserving America’s diverse history. Raising awareness of endangered historical places is the National Trust for Historic Preservation, whose annual list features Los Angeles’ very own Little Tokyo.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is shedding light on historical places that highlight where lives, memories, and stories began. Leading the movement of preserving the connections that guide and anchor the U.S. to its present and future, this nonprofit organization has spent over 70 years dedicated to saving America’s historic places. Every year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation releases a report that directs a powerful gaze on historic places in danger of being lost.

This year’s 37th annual America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places report “shines a long-overdue spotlight on generations of trailblazers by saving the places where they raised their voices, took their stands, and found the courage to change the world,” states the nonprofit’s website, who has built the 2024 list around the theme of communities uniting to protect their cultural landmarks, local businesses, and their customs and traditions. This year, Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, one of only four surviving “Japantowns” in the U.S., is on the list.

Established in 1884, Little Tokyo is a landmark in American history, enduring more than a century of adversities that include the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, large-scale demolition for the construction of municipal building construction, and urban renewal. Yet, despite the challenges Little Tokyo has endured, “The neighborhood has remained central to the Japanese American community… Little Tokyo is now home to over 400 small businesses, including approximately 50 long-time legacy businesses,” states the nonprofit in an annual report.

Unfortunately, despite fighting for just one block to be designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1990s, Los Angeles’ development is encroaching on Little Tokyo’s modest area. Authentic restaurants and shops, including ones that have been in business for decades, are facing gentrification and displacement, with rents rising to the point that Little Tokyo is in danger of losing its unique, historical character.

President and CEO of the historic nonprofit, Carol Quillen, stated that “Little Tokyo and its multigenerational restaurants, businesses, and cultural institutions are a

distinctive part of Los Angeles’s history and character… We hope that by bringing attention to displacement and gentrification occurring in the neighborhood, Los Angeles’s Little Tokyo can get the support and policy protections needed so that the community can thrive long into the future.”

Several organizations like the Little Tokyo Community Council, the Little Tokyo Service Center, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center have been advocating for this landmark’s preservation for decades. These organizations have come together to form the Sustainable Little Tokyo coalition to help protect Little Tokyo residents, businesses, and culture. Yet, Little Tokyo is still marked as an endangered landmark, proving that Americans need to unite to help preserve the history that has helped make this nation what it is today.

May 7, 2024
WisdoMania Fest: Free Event Brings Self-Care and Mental Wellness to LA

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Two nonprofits are teaming up for a two-day event dedicated to mental well-being, self-care, creativity, and fun. WisdoMania Foundation and Tangible Movement have planned this new event, WisdoMania Fest, to take place on the evenings of May 17 and May 19, with two very different nights in two different locations. Headlined by queer artist/songwriter X. ARI as well as Torri Shack, an advocate for mental health, suicide prevention, and trans issues, the two evenings of WisdoMania Fest are intended to lead attendees toward a sense of constructive peace and transformational self-awareness.

“WisdoMania Fest aspires to become the Coachella of Wellness,” says X. ARI, “Where thousands of people can unite to heal and celebrate the arts, the LGBT+ community and allies, and heal collectively.” Potential attendees should know what to expect from Coachella-like events in California.

May 17: Music and Movement in the Park

The first night of WisdoMania Fest is May 17, beginning at 5 pm in the Crystal Springs Picnic Area Pad A, B, C at Griffith Park. It starts with The Liber8Xperience, which invites attendees to bring a yoga mat and blanket to participate in “flow yoga, ecstatic dance, and sound bath.” The physical component of this evening is, to organizer Torri Shack, reflective of his own strategy for handling life’s challenges. For him, the path to overcoming problems like mental illness, addiction, and identity issues has “been deeply holistic,” focusing as much on physical activity as mental health management techniques and gratitude.

The evening’s next event, a performance by pop-punk/hip-hop artist Chloe Star, begins the event’s emphasis on music. This mainly comes from X. ARI’s WisdoMania Foundation, which emphasizes creativity as a tool for transforming pain into power.

May 19: Creativity, Performance, and Power at the Club

The second night of WisdoMania Fest takes on a different tone, starting at 4:30 pm on May 19 at the Catch One nightclub on Pico Boulevard. This evening begins with a “Songwriting for Wellness” workshop. “We would like to create a full-length album with the songs we write at our Songwriting for Wellness workshop,” says X. ARI. “At WisdoMania Fest we write a song that will be recorded and released, and everyone in the room is credited as a songwriter. This means when we release the songs on DSPs—digital streaming platforms like Spotify—the attendees can all see their names under song credits!”

The rest of the night at Catch One will be spent on a 45-minute mental health panel and performances by queer comics, artists, and allies Mav Viola and Bri Giger, and finally, musical performances by Noah Davis, Diarra Sylla, DJ Naté, and X. ARI herself.

Free Attendance and Liberating Aspirations

WisdoMania Fest is a free event for those looking for self-validation and liberation and who have a passion for mental health and the arts. Tangible Movement is a nonprofit focused on mental health and LGBTQIA2S+ issues. The WisdoMania Foundation is dedicated to using the arts to turn “pain into power” and bring mental health awareness to communities throughout Los Angeles. WisdoMania Fest is a capstone event for these two nonprofits to bring together their resources and goals to create a transformational experience for LA communities. Those interested in attending can register for WisdoMania for free.

Written in partnership with Tom White.

April 20, 2024
LA County Is Home to Some of the Top Ramen Spots in America

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If there’s one thing Los Angeles does better than almost anywhere else, it’s ramen. This Japanese soul food has taken Southern California by storm, with ramen-yas (ramen shops) firing up their burners from Downtown to the Valley. A recent Yelp survey solidifies LA County’s ramen reign, ranking over a dozen local spots among the top ramen restaurants in the entire state.

LA’s deep Japanese roots and insatiable appetite for culinary innovation set the stage for this ramen renaissance. From traditional tonkotsu broths simmered for days to imaginative fusion spins, the repertoire is vast. The ramen scene reflects the city’s incredible diversity, allowing ramen lovers to enjoy an authentic Tokyo-style bowl one night and a vegan mazemen the next. Ramenists can hopscotch from classic pork-based tonkotsu to unconventional chicken or seafood renditions without leaving their zip code.

Leading the pack at #1 is Susuru Ramen Bar, a “hidden gem” drawing rave reviews for its pork-bone tonkotsu adorned with pork belly chashu, perfectly seasoned wood ears, and a velvety ajitsuke tamago. Over in Highland, the #4 spot belongs to RamenKoko, where the chefs labor over their tonkotsu for over 28 hours to achieve a depth of flavor that can’t be rushed. Customization is king here, with veggie and vegan options alongside premium add-ons like chashu pork belly.

Santa Clarita’s Sen Noodle House (#6) earns kudos not just for its ramen, but also for its exceptional service guiding diners through the dizzying menu. First-timers can explore regional ramen varieties from around Japan with the staff’s friendly expertise. Culver City’s Moto Ramen (#8) is a standout for starters like the crispy chicken karaage and addictive pan-fried gyoza. And in Sherman Oaks, Umigame Japanese Kitchen (#10) is a destination for the unusually lush, deeply savory black tonkotsu ramen made with an intense triple-garlic oil.

Beyond exemplary broths, LA ramen-yas excel at the total ramen experience. At Pisces Poke & Ramen (#11), stylish diners slurp amidst tropical-themed decor and nosh on signature poke bowls. And Iki Ramen (#13) channels a hip, underground izakaya vibe with inventive offerings like its decadent A5 Wagyu mazemen and indulgent uni mazemen starring fresh sea urchins.

From mom-and-pop shops to ramen empires, the county’s top artisans are drawing global accolades—and hungry slurpers willing to endure long waits for their coveted bowls. Ramen hunters flock to Kaiba Japanese Ramen Sushi & Grill (#14) in Pasadena for the spicy miso ramen and fresh sushi made with a deft hand. In West LA, Mogu Mogu (#15) has achieved cult status for its broth-less “mixing” mazemen that diners prepare tableside per the chef’s instructions. And Suban Sushi & Ramen (#16) in Canoga Park garners praise for its creamy signature suban ramen and crispy rice appetizers.

With new ramen concepts constantly emerging alongside longstanding favorites, LA’s love affair with ramen shows no signs of fading. Case in point: the highly anticipated Hokkaido Ramen Festival coming to LA April 19-21, 2024. This three-day celebration will feature ramen makers from the ramen capital of Hokkaido, Japan showcasing their regional styles and specialties. Upcoming ramen festivals and pop-ups like these will undoubtedly continue to stoke the flames. This enduring love affair is a delicious reminder that in the ramen capital of America, there’s always room for one more slurp.

April 2, 2024
Temeko Richardson Builds A Catalog of Inspirational Content for Diverse Audiences

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Rewards come to those who work diligently and keep their faith. That’s what Temeko Richardson believes, and it’s a conviction that comes from experience. Having worked in multiple industries through the years, Richardson has gained wisdom on stalwart faith reinforced by life’s challenges. As the CEO of RLC Group Productions and the executive producer of its films, Richardson has achieved incredible outcomes by turning these experiences into creative energy.

Richardson’s work has led to award-winning filmmaking for RLC Group Productions. Richardson provides a trifecta contribution as producer, director, and writer to portray the lived human experience authentically while displaying a unique set of technical skills and creative talents. Richardson brings all of this to the table, as well as a wealth of cross-industry experience that cannot be imitated or replaced but can resonate with diverse audiences. And Richardson has also turned challenges into assets.

As a professional in the corporate space across different industries, Richardson’s greatest challenge was climbing the corporate ladder while holding fast to her Christian values. These values, at once motivation and calling, place extra constraints on the problems of office politics. While Richardson’s commitment to these values was often challenged, she turned the experiences into filmmaking assets.

Capitalizing on the success of the first short film, Fourth Down, which focused on the untold struggles of women who pioneered in male sports industries, the RLC Group launched the most recent feature, At The Cross. This feature is a story of a troubled church congregation struggling with many of the same societal pressures women, youth, and disparaged individuals feel. Richardson’s multi-faceted experiences, including living in a household of religious leaders, provide a unique asset that infuses the script, the characters, and the scenes with authentic honesty. Richardson’s creed, “You can be in the world, but not of the world,” shows through as the film’s characters learn how to influence the world around them positively. It flows from Richardson’s belief that true success comes from personal integrity and faith.

The film has brought acclaim to RLC Group and Richardson’s production skills. At The Cross was celebrated as the “Best Feature Script” at the San Diego Film Awards and the “Best Feature Film” at the Oakland Film Festival. The film was also an official Green Mountain Christian Film Festival selection.

Richardson is growing the catalog with both series and standalone projects with content concerning male mental health, athletes’ mindsets, and unchartered hiring practices. Both the series based on the short, I Am Him, and the documentary, The Tryout, are expected to launch in 2024 on the RLC Inspire Network on Roku and Amazon Fire. Richardson hopes that this multifaceted work and these creative projects will provide meaningful, positive productions that can inspire women, budding professional athletes, and professionals and educate just as much as they can entertain.

True success requires a long story; true faith is frequently tested numerous times as the story is lived. Richardson stayed faithful in a world that continues to challenge that faith, turning obstacles into opportunities to provide hope and inspiration to a diverse audience. As the executive producer of RLC Group Productions, Richardson’s faith is essential to the creativity that makes her filmmaking so successful.

Written in partnership with Tom White.

February 29, 2024
Rapper, Killer Mike detained at 2024 Grammy Awards: Here’s what happened

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Rapper, Killer Mike was arrested following an incident at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 4. The arrest came after Mike won three awards at the ceremony, his first Grammy win in over two decades.

Officer Mike Lopez, speaking for the police, mentioned that Mike got into a bit of a scuffle inside the Crypto.com Arena at about 4 p.m., an incident that’s been logged as a minor offense. The Hollywood Reporter shared footage showing Mike being led away in cuffs by Los Angeles cops. He got to walk free at 8:37 p.m. the same evening, with a court date set for February 29.

The details of the incident are still unclear, but reports have indicated that Mike knocked down a security guard who was in his way outside of the arena. Los Angeles has been experiencing unprecedented rain storms, which could be to blame for the confusion. Killer Mike, born Mike Render, has refused to comment on the altercation besides reportedly calling security at the event, “overzealous.” In interviews since, he has been adamant that it was a minor blip in an otherwise fruitful night. A source told People Magazine that Mike believes he will be exonerated when the case is reviewed at the end of the month.

Mike’s Grammy wins have, for the most part, overshadowed the incident. His comments since the awards have been overwhelmingly positive. He has expressed his gratitude for the Grammy wins and announced that his son, who has been on the kidney transplant list for some time, is finally set to receive a kidney.

At 48, Mike won three awards at the 66th Annual Grammys in some of the biggest categories of the night: Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Album. His first solo album in more than a decade, titled “Michael,” made waves by beating out other popular nominees like Drake, Travis Scott, Doja Cat, and Nicki Minaj – some of the biggest names in the business.

“The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age or what you’re doing,” he said backstage. “At 20 years old, I thought it was cool to be a drug dealer. At 40, I started to live with the regrets and the things I’ve done. At 45, I started to rap about it. At 48, I stand here as a man full of empathy and sympathy for the things I’ve done.”

Prior to Sunday night, Mike’s last Grammy win was in 2003 for his collaboration with Outkast on the song, “The Whole World.” He is known for his solo works, being one half of the duo Run the Jewels alongside rapper EI-P, and frequent collaborations with prominent rappers like T.I. and Jay-Z.

The Atlanta native is also an outspoken advocate for racial equality and highly critical of police brutality. He hosted Netflix’s 2019 documentary series “Trigger Warning with Killer Mike” about issues that affect the Black community and was a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign.

February 15, 2024
L.A. Small Business Owner Receives $10,000 Grant from Verizon and Rams

Image credit: Unsplash

In a remarkable display of community support and collaboration, Lupe Tlatenchi, owner of Los Angeles small business GTLA Apparel, experienced an unexpected moment of generosity. The Los Angeles Rams, a professional American football team, in partnership with telecommunications giant Verizon, organized a networking event and panel discussion with a surprise for Tlatenchi. The event was aimed at enlightening representatives from over 35 Certified #RamsHouses on the advantages of the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and the abundant resources that are available to bolster their enterprises.

Amidst the gathering, Lupe Tlatenchi was met with a delightful shock. She was granted an impressive $10,000 to fuel her small business, courtesy of the Verizon Digital Ready program. This grant stands as a reflection of her commitment to advancing sustainability and equity within the fabric of Los Angeles manufacturing through her innovative apparel brand. It is a significant step to bring a sustainable change in the fashion industry.

Justin Watson, a Super Bowl XXXIV Champion with the Rams and an accomplished entrepreneur, was present at the event. He lent his expertise to moderate a panel discussion and Q&A session. Here, Tlatenchi, alongside representatives from other local Certified #RamsHouse small businesses, shared insights and experiences of their entrepreneurial journey. Shanita Nicholas, co-owner of Sip & Sonder, and Gustavo Chavez, proprietor of Carnitas El Artista, also offered valuable perspectives at the event. Their voices served to highlight the transformative impact of Verizon’s Digital Ready program on their respective ventures.

Daniel Butler, senior manager of Verizon’s corporate social responsibility strategy, emphasized the significance of empowering small businesses, particularly those lacking in advantages and opportunities. Expressing his happiness about the partnership between Verizon and the Rams, Butler’s words at the event reflected a shared commitment to reaching and supporting one million small businesses by 2030.

For Tlatenchi, the journey toward sustainable and ethical business practices began in 2017 when she established her fashion factory. She recounted feeling isolated initially until she joined Verizon’s program. According to her, the program provided her with a supportive network of like-minded individuals and invaluable resources to grow her venture.

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready has emerged as a guiding light for small businesses navigating the digital landscape. This program offers a comprehensive suite of online courses, mentorship opportunities, peer networking, and expert coaching to help local businesses thrive. Notably, engaged users who complete at least two courses on the platform become eligible to apply for the coveted $10,000 grant. The grant provides a lifeline for selected small businesses annually.

Simultaneously, the Rams’ Certified #RamsHouse program, launched in 2020, has galvanized support for local businesses across the Los Angeles region. With a focus on Season Ticket Member businesses, enterprises in Inglewood, and Black-owned and Latino-owned establishments citywide, the program has transformed into an initiative for fostering a sense of community pride and solidarity. Since its inception, over 75 local businesses and 40 small enterprises in Inglewood have benefited from the program’s unwavering support.

As the small business landscape in Los Angeles continues to evolve, initiatives like the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and the Rams’ Certified #RamsHouse programs are becoming small businesses’ fuel for growth. This empowers them to thrive amidst challenges and build a roadmap to sustainable prosperity.

February 13, 2024