Author: Tyler Shepherd

RV Crisis in Los Angeles Targeted by New Legislation

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For generations, California has been seen as the land of opportunity. From a time when California was simply a part of the Wild West to the California gold rush of the 1840s, the Golden State has proven to be a fixture within pop culture, regarded as a land of opportunity and promise. This almost mythic reputation carried over into the twentieth and twenty-first centuries through the rise of film as a medium and strategic positioning of Hollywood as the mecca of all things glitzy, glamorous, and star-studded.

As a result of this centuries-old storied legacy, the idea of traveling westward to California in search of fortune and fame is practically ingrained into the minds of most Americans. However, many who make this iconic pilgrimage get there only to realize that making it in California is a bit more difficult than they may have anticipated. This has led to a large homeless population and a plethora of RV encampments serving as people’s homes.

Addressing the RV Encampment Crisis

Now, Mayor Karen Bass is promising Angelenos will see more RV encampments cleared and people housed after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that opens up more than two dozen properties near L.A. freeways to store towed RVs, feed homeless individuals, and provide emergency shelter.

Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur, who represents Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, and other Westside communities, introduced legislation that gives Los Angeles access to 25 Caltrans parcels under or near freeways for $1 a month. The bill sponsored by Bass aims to solve the logistical problem that has vexed city officials for years—where to store towed R.V.s.

Angelenos will “see the difference in more R.V. encampments being cleared,” said Clara Karger, a spokeswoman for Bass, in an emailed statement.

But it might take a while to see that difference. Currently, only one of the California Department of Transportation’s 64 so-called airspace properties is available. “As other properties become available, Caltrans will contact the city,” Matt Rocco, the agency’s spokesperson, reassured the public.

Challenges and Solutions for Housing RV Dwellers

City officials have struggled for years with a shortage of vehicles that can tow the large RV campers that currently house communities from Van Nuys to South Los Angeles. Threatening to tow an RV is one thing, but following through on such a large scale has proven troublesome for LA officials. Even when tow trucks are available, there often isn’t a city yard where these recreational vehicles can be held. Some of these are legally required to be held for up to 120 days before being destroyed, claimed, or auctioned.

According to a legislative analysis, there are only 325 spaces for RVs in city lots, and as of early 2024, 95% were occupied. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who created a home placement program in her San Fernando Valley District for those living in RVs, said the legislation isn’t a panacea, but it addresses “one of our biggest obstructions to facilitating these RVs getting off the street in a more expedited fashion.”

As if making a living in California, with the comparatively high cost of living, wasn’t already difficult enough, COVID made things immeasurably harder for everyone. During the pandemic, an explosion of people lived in tattered recreational vehicles parked in neighborhoods and industrial stretches. The influx has raised the ire of many neighbors, who complain about unsightly tarps, trash, raw sewage, and crime, even as the camps are essential housing for thousands of people. While homeless tent camps can be cleared with relative ease, RVs have continued to pose serious problems and logistical issues in the past few years.

Looking Ahead: A New Approach to Homelessness in Los Angeles

Fortunately, instead of combating these residents, Los Angeles officials are now looking to help them with the passing of new legislation that can afford them a viable home beyond the walls of their RV. Bass pushed for the bill in hopes that it would help her as she expands her Inside Safe effort beyond tent encampments. In December, more than 50 R.V.s were cleared along Forest Lawn Drive, with roughly 31 dwellers accepting housing and 20 RVs turned over to the city.

“RV encampments pose a range of tactical and logistical challenges that require legislative and regulatory fixes,” Bass said, announcing its passage. “This bill will help us move RVs out of neighborhoods and bring more Angelenos into housing in a faster and cheaper way.”

October 8, 2024
Design Your Own Sofa to Complement Your Comfort and Creativity
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If decorated properly, a person’s living space can quietly highlight their principles and beliefs. Understandably, one’s sense of style and decorative presentation could change with time and experience. Whether you’re looking to repaint your walls or design your own sofa, it’s common to want to liven up your home with something new.

According to Architectural Digest, more than 70% of Americans took to redecorating and redesigning their homes following the pandemic. If you’ve been feeling the desire to update your furniture, it’s always good to have a step-by-step guide to help you in your journey.

5 Easy Steps to Design the Perfect Custom Sofa

Sofa design can seem cumbersome, but a plan often mitigates any worries during the process. With these five easy-to-follow steps, you can balance style and comfort while designing your perfect sofa.
1. Choose Your Aesthetic
Furniture stores offer a wide variety of styles and aesthetics, allowing you to make selections based on your unique taste. Whether modern themes pique your interest or classic backdrops suit your fancy, establishing your aesthetic is a great place to start.
1. Know The Dimensions of Your Space
Size matters in the grand scheme of furniture arrangement. Taking a moment to note the measurements and dimensions of your living space will better prepare you during the sofa selection process. Avoid buying a couch and trying to fit it in the tightest corner of your room.
1. Consider Custom Features
Custom components, such as fabric selection, color themes, and patterns, all factor into the selection and design process. Your choices will depend most on your living circumstances and preferences. For fabrics, a pet-loving home might consider a couch with fur-resistant, claw-proof material rather than a leather finish. On the contrary, a house with kids might need a waterproof, stain-resistant sofa.
1. Buy on a Budget
Often, homeowners hire interior designers to customize their spaces. These custom furniture pieces can be costly, making independent sofa designers all the more attractive. DreamSofa understands that the balance between professional design and do-it-yourself planning can offer customers a furniture-buying experience well within their price range.
1. Finalize Your Custom Design
Once you’ve considered design aspects and other partialities, such as cushion firmness, seat height and depth, and fabric selection, your custom sofa is ready to be manufactured. Upon receiving your piece, DreamSofa lets you spend the next 100 days making sure the couch you designed is what you desire.

Customizing Your Couch

Customization is one of the key components in designing a sofa. As you jot down your selections, you want to pick a couch that matches your preferences. For example, a couch that sits high with a rather firm and compact build wouldn’t suit someone looking to rest and relax. Subsequently, you might choose an extra-soft piece with deeper, cushier seats.

DreamSofa’s customization options can help potential buyers design sofas with their individualistic style and desire for comfort in mind.

Wrapping Up

Many people find furniture design to be overly complicated and complex. As a result, having the guidance and support of a professional consultant can transform the process from distressing to fun. There’s no need to feel like you must settle on pieces that don’t fit your vision. From contemporary to mid-century, open up your customization options to a whole new world of sofa design selections, taking your perfect match from your head to your homestead.

Written in partnership with Tom White.
October 1, 2024
Spicy Dance Fitness Studio Madhouse Dance Opens Second Location in San Diego County

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Madhouse Dance has launched a second location in Encinitas, spearheaded by founder Olivia Kingston. Madhouse has become a popular new fitness movement throughout San Diego County with its unique take on dance fitness. Increasingly, more people are looking to exercise in new, engaging ways that center around community. With the evident popularity of dance shows and TikTok dances, more people are looking for dance classes than ever before. Madhouse meets those demands by providing fun, empowering, and “spicy” dance classes for women, no matter their dance background.

“I wanted to provide a safe and exciting outlet for people to let loose and dance without going to a bar or a club,” founder Olivia Kingston says. “Madhouse is all the fun of the club, without the booze and unwanted attention.” While you might not be at the club, the studio emulates an electric nightclub environment by turning the lights down and the music up.

Madhouse grew a near-cult following and passionate support after launching their original Redroom Dance Cardio class in 2021. Redroom is a rated R, extra spicy version of their dance HIIT-style workout class featuring explicit music, booty shaking, floorwork, and unapologetic body love. Kingston wanted to give women, including herself, a safe and nonjudgmental outlet to tap into their sensual feminine energy while getting a great workout. While the content of the class might be shocking at first to some, it always ignites a source of self-love, self-acceptance, and empowerment that remains untapped in many women.

The strangest thing about Kingston as a dance studio owner? She’s actually not a trained dancer. She doesn’t have the decades of dance experience that normally decorate the resumes of studio owners. To her, that’s a distinct advantage. “I believe that one of the reasons that Madhouse resonates so deeply with the community is that it is specifically designed for people who don’t consider themselves dancers — people who like to dance, but are unlikely to attend studios focused on serious trained dancers. I know what it feels like to be intimidated, nervous, or left behind in a studio setting. I know that all I cared about 4 years ago was having a fun dance workout, not technique or performance.”

Photo Credits: Madhouse Dance Founder Olivia Kingston

This is indeed what makes her take on a dance studio particularly compelling and brings in people with little to no dance experience. She continues, “I’m hyper conscious of what my target demographic is looking for because I relate to them so heavily. I do everything I can to make the experience fun and welcoming for them.”

If you want to experience the Madhouse movement yourself, you can book a class at one of their two San Diego locations: Morena Blvd. or Encinitas. And don’t worry! If you’re not in San Diego but want to experience a class, they have an online class platform with new episodes added weekly.

Photo Credits: 2024 Madhouse Dance Instructors & Studio Team

Contact Name: Olivia Kingston

Company Name: Madhouse Dance LLC

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 858-208-9028

In Person Studios: www.madhousedance.com

Madhouse On Demand: www.madhousemovement.com

Instagram: @madhousedance

TikTok: @madhousedance

Morena Blvd Location: 1189 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110

Encinitas Location: 260 N El Camino Real, Suite E, Encinitas, CA 92024

Written in partnership with Tom White.

September 19, 2024
LA to Host Family Style Food Festival, Presented by Complex

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The Los Angeles State Historic Park will be hosting the Family Style Culinary Festival again on September 28th. This one-day event combines streetwear and gastronomy and promises to provide unique culinary, shopping, and cultural experiences. The event, which is organized by Complex in collaboration with The Pokemon Company International, features a wide range of chefs, eateries, companies, and performers.

The family-friendly event combines food and fashion for a one-of-a-kind event. Collaborative food and merchandise items will be available exclusively at the festival. Not only will there be a delicious array of food, but there will also be clothes from the hottest brands and designers, Family Style’s own “Next In Line” cooking competition, a kid’s area, and a select music lineup.

Selected Menu Items from Food Vendors

Celebrated chefs and well-known food sellers will provide a variety of gastronomic treats during the event. Among the well-known names are Katz’s Delicatessen, Regina’s Grocery, Kato, Kuya Lord, Bacanora, baroo, and Din Tai Fung. Other vendors bringing their flavors to the event include Burritos La Palma, Park’s BBQ, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Howlin’ Ray’s, and Broad Street Oyster Co.

Some of the highlights of this year’s list are unique ideas like Pikachu’s Electric Cafe, which will serve only bubble tea, and Alfredo, a collaboration between The Alchemist and Freddie Gibbs inspired by their 2020 album. A host of additional vendors, including Ggiata, Holy Basil, Wanderlust Creamery, Cobi’s, Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Mariscos Jalisco, Camphor, Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers, and many more, are scheduled to participate.

Only Available Items from Top Streetwear Brands

Apart from its varied cuisine selection, the event will showcase partnerships with leading streetwear labels, enabling guests to acquire rare items. Nike, Converse, Awake NY, Better Gift Shop, Billionaire Boys Club, Kids of Immigrants, The Hundreds, verdy, Diet Starts Monday, Compton Cowboys, New Era, Bricks & Woods, Tombogo, Tokyo Vitamin, DJ Javier, and Daydreamer LA are among the participating businesses.

These companies will work with food vendors to produce limited-edition goods that showcase the festival’s distinctive convergence of fashion and cuisine, combining aspects from both.

NEXT IN LINE Cooking Competition

The NEXT IN LINE cooking competition, which aims to promote diversity in the culinary industry, will undoubtedly be the event’s centerpiece. This year’s competition will include up-and-coming female chefs thanks to a partnership formed with RE, a nonprofit organization that is committed to expanding opportunities for women working in the food business. Five chefs will square off for a $10,000 prize that will help launch their culinary careers.

Intricate Plans for Acquisition and Growth

The Family Style Food Festival will make its debut in 2024 after being purchased by Complex, a well-known media outlet that specializes in convergence culture. Family Style is now Complex’s food-focused sector, and the company intends to grow into new markers as a result of this purchase.

Family Style will have its premiere in November at ComplexCon in Las Vegas, after the Los Angeles event. Family Style will become even more well-known in the cultural sphere when Travis Scott and Playboi Carti headline ComplexCon, an event renowned for its blend of fashion, music, and art.

Tickets and Additional Details

FamilyStyleFest.com is the website where you can buy tickets for the Family Style Food Festival. The event offers a rare chance for participants to discover the newest trends in the streetwear and culinary worlds and will be a day filled with unique item collaborations, live entertainment, and exclusive dining experiences.

Visit FamilyStyleFest.com or follow @FamilyStyleFest and @Complex on social media to learn more and to be informed about the most recent releases and news.

September 5, 2024
LA to Pay $38.2M in Settlement Over Disability Housing

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Los Angeles Settles Accessibility Lawsuit for $38.2 Million

The city of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $38.2 million to settle a lawsuit filed in 2017 alleging that it falsely claimed compliance with federal accessibility requirements for affordable housing units built with federal funds. The settlement, announced on Tuesday, resolves a complaint filed by the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of Mei Ling, a wheelchair user, and the Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley.

The lawsuit accused Los Angeles of failing to make its multifamily affordable housing options accessible to people with disabilities for at least six years. Specific issues cited included excessively steep slopes, counters that were too high, and entryways that did not permit wheelchair access. Additionally, the city was charged with failing to maintain a publicly available list of accessible units and their features.

Mei Ling, 57, has used a wheelchair since 2006 and has experienced homelessness or lived in housing without necessary accessibility features, according to the lawsuit. Her case highlights the real-world impact of the city’s alleged non-compliance on individuals with disabilities seeking affordable housing.

Federal Obligations and Misrepresentation

The legal action stemmed from the city’s obligations under federal law when receiving grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for building and rehabilitating affordable multifamily housing. These requirements mandate that 5% of units in certain types of federally assisted housing be accessible for people with mobility impairments and an additional 2% be accessible for those with visual and auditory impairments.

In the six years leading up to the 2017 lawsuit, Los Angeles received nearly $1 billion in various funds from HUD, which were used for at least 28 multifamily housing projects. The plaintiffs alleged that none of these projects contained the minimum number of accessible units required by law.

The lawsuit also accused the city of violating the False Claims Act by “knowingly and falsely” certifying to HUD that it complied with accessibility requirements. This misrepresentation allegedly caused HUD and the public to believe that Los Angeles was fulfilling all federal obligations related to the receipt of housing and community development funds.

Settlement and Future Implications

Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto stated in an email that while the city denies violating the False Claims Act, they are “pleased to have reached this $38.2 million settlement, particularly in light of the federal government’s initial claim that it was entitled to well over $1 billion in alleged damages.”

The settlement amount will be shared between Mei Ling and the Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley, though the exact distribution has not been determined.

This is not the first time Los Angeles has faced legal action over accessibility issues in federally funded housing. In 2016, the city settled a similar lawsuit, indicating a pattern of challenges in meeting federal accessibility standards.

The case underscores the ongoing struggle for adequate, accessible housing in major urban areas and the importance of strict adherence to federal accessibility laws. It also highlights the potential consequences for municipalities that fail to comply with these regulations or misrepresent their compliance status.

As cities across the nation grapple with affordable housing shortages, this settlement serves as a reminder of the critical need to ensure that such housing is accessible to all residents, including those with disabilities. The outcome of this lawsuit may prompt other municipalities to review and strengthen their compliance with federal accessibility requirements in federally funded housing projects.

Moving forward, it remains to be seen how Los Angeles will address these issues and improve its affordable housing accessibility to prevent similar legal challenges in the future. The settlement marks a significant step toward accountability, but the real measure of success will be in the tangible improvements made to the city’s affordable housing landscape for residents with disabilities.

September 3, 2024
Electric Air Taxis to Transform Los Angeles Commutes by 2026

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Los Angeles, infamous for its gridlocked traffic, could soon see a futuristic solution to its transportation woes. Archer Aviation, a California-based company specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has announced its ambitious plan to launch an air taxi network in the city by 2026. This initiative promises to transform the way Angelenos navigate the sprawling metropolis, offering a sustainable, fast, and noise-efficient alternative to the often frustrating freeway commute.

Archer’s air taxi service will deploy its cutting-edge Midnight aircraft, designed to carry four passengers and a pilot at speeds of up to 150 mph. The eVTOL aircraft can perform multiple short-distance flights, ranging from 20 to 50 miles, before requiring a recharge. Unlike traditional helicopters, these electric air taxis are touted as being 100 times quieter, significantly reducing noise pollution—a major concern in urban environments.

The proposed network will consist of several strategically placed “vertiports” across the city. These takeoff and landing sites will be located at key commercial airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Burbank, Long Beach, and Orange County. In addition to these, Archer is also planning to establish vertiports at public sites such as Santa Monica and Van Nuys airports. Notably, the company has earmarked locations near major sports venues, including the University of Southern California (USC) campus, SoFi Stadium, and the Los Angeles Rams’ practice facility in Woodland Hills. This move is particularly timely, as Los Angeles is set to host both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, events that will draw global attention to the city.

Archer’s vision extends beyond simply offering a new mode of transport. The company aims to integrate this service with existing transportation infrastructure, although many of the proposed vertiport locations currently lack direct connections to public transit systems like Metro or Metrolink. Nevertheless, Archer’s CEO, Adam Goldstein, emphasized the importance of providing Angelenos with a safer, faster, and more sustainable travel option, particularly in light of the upcoming international events.

Photo Credits: Archer

“Our goal is to establish this network well in advance of the global events heading to Los Angeles over the next few years,” said Goldstein in a recent statement. “L.A. is notorious for its traffic. We want to offer a viable alternative that is not only faster but also better for the environment.”

While the concept of flying taxis has been floated before—most notably by Uber, which failed to launch its service by the promised 2020 deadline—Archer’s approach appears more grounded in reality. The company has already begun the process of securing FAA certification, with piloted flight tests scheduled to commence later this year. Additionally, Archer is actively working on partnerships to secure vertiport locations and ramp up manufacturing. The company has existing relationships with major airlines like United and Southwest and is collaborating with USC and the Rams organization to evaluate and secure key sites.

If all goes according to plan, Archer’s air taxi service could be operational by 2026, just in time for the World Cup, with full deployment expected before the 2028 Olympics. However, the majority of L.A. residents will likely continue to rely on traditional public transit and other ground-based transportation methods, especially given the initial costs expected for this premium service.

As Los Angeles looks towards a future where the skies could become an integral part of the city’s transit landscape, Archer Aviation’s eVTOL network represents a bold step forward in urban mobility, blending cutting-edge technology with a vision for sustainable transportation. Whether Angelenos will embrace this high-flying commute remains to be seen, but the countdown to 2026 has certainly begun.

August 15, 2024
Dining at the Hollywood Bowl: A Culinary Experience

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The Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles’ most iconic outdoor performance venue, has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape for over a century. With a seating capacity of 17,500, it stands as the largest outdoor amphitheater in the United States, offering Angelenos a unique space to enjoy world-class musical, theatrical, and comedy performances under the stars. But beyond its stellar lineup of events, the Bowl has also become a destination for culinary delights, offering a diverse array of food and drink options that elevate the experience.

Since the 1920s, the Bowl has been home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, establishing a tradition of accessible and affordable entertainment. In line with this mission, the venue has offered a range of ticket prices, including numerous $1 tickets available throughout the summer, ensuring that the magic of the Bowl is within reach for the entire community. However, one of the challenges that persist is the notoriously difficult parking situation, which can be alleviated by taking advantage of the Bowl’s shuttle services.

In recent years, the culinary offerings at the Bowl have seen a significant upgrade. Eight years ago, Sodexo Live, the Bowl’s food and beverage partner, teamed up with celebrated chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne. This partnership has transformed the dining landscape at the venue, infusing it with the same attention to quality and detail that Goin and Styne bring to their other renowned Los Angeles establishments.

The Full-Service Dining Experience

For those looking for a more formal dining experience, the Bowl offers two full-service restaurants. The Backyard, inspired by Goin’s former Brentwood restaurant, Tavern, serves up a menu that showcases California’s seasonal produce and diverse culinary influences. Highlights include a charcuterie board, grilled diver scallops served over cornbread panade and wild mushrooms, and a cherry and apricot galette for dessert. Ann’s Wine Bar, named in honor of an LA Phil donor, provides a tapas-style menu with dishes like grilled hangar steak and prawns with sweet corn pudding, all complemented by a curated wine list from Styne. Both restaurants open at 6 p.m., and reservations are highly recommended, although limited walk-ins are accepted.

For those with premium tickets, the Pool Circle dining option offers an exclusive a la carte menu inspired by Goin and Styne’s former West Hollywood restaurant, Lucques. This dining experience is reserved for those seated at the tables closest to the stage, offering an intimate dining experience as the evening’s performance unfolds.

Casual Bites and Picnic Options

The Hollywood Bowl also caters to those who prefer a more casual dining experience. Various kiosks and stands around the venue offer quick bites, including Suzanne’s Fried Chicken, street tacos with standout birria, all-beef hot dogs, hand-stretched pizza, and burgers. For those with a sweet tooth, the Sweetshop offers soft-serve ice cream, cookies, and non-dairy ice cream pies from Magpie’s.

Picnic baskets can also be pre-ordered, allowing guests to enjoy a curated meal anywhere within the Bowl. Options range from fried chicken to vegan, steak, and charcuterie themes, making it easy to tailor your picnic to your tastes. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and beverages, including wine and beer, for most performances, further enhancing the personalized nature of the Bowl experience.

Convenient Marketplaces

For those who prefer to grab and go, the Bowl’s three marketplaces offer a variety of prepared foods, including sushi, sandwiches, salads, cheese plates, and more. While the Plaza and East marketplaces tend to get crowded before shows, Buzz McCoy’s marketplace, located on the western side near the Field Gate, often has shorter lines and a fully stocked selection of snacks and beverages.

As the Bowl’s season now extends from May to mid-November, there are ample opportunities to enjoy not only the performances but also the diverse culinary offerings that make the Hollywood Bowl a truly unique Los Angeles experience. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal or a quick bite, the Bowl’s dining options are sure to enhance your night under the stars.

August 14, 2024
Sneak Peek at History to Hit L.A. “Great Wall” Mural Expansion in 2027

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Los Angeles’ historic outdoor mural, The Great Wall, is a testament to California’s history—and just so happens to be one of the largest murals in the world. The colorful mural already stretches across more than a half-mile along the L.A. River network on the Tujunga Wash, but is being expanded in the artistic plans to highlight more history of The Golden State.

The expansion of the L.A. landmark was inspired by artist Judy Baca, who began work with a team of artists inside the L.A. County Museum of Art last October in what was, in essence, a live exhibit where visitors could watch the artists in action. In the Resnick Pavilions, painters placed thousands of acrylic brush strokes on a huge roll of unwoven fabric for viewers to witness. Yet, despite the studio-style process, Baca shared how the experience took her out of her element.

“I must say that I was very skeptical about painting in a white box,” Baca told the crowd at a recent press event. “I don’t paint in white boxes. I paint in rivers, and I paint on freeways. I paint in places where it’s dangerous.”

While the team’s time at LACMA was not the same dangerous atmosphere Baca is used to, the artist shared that the process was a different kind of artistic danger because viewers could directly question the artists about the scenes being painted. The LACMA artistic showcase ended on July 21, but the artists’ work included scenes from the Chicano movement, the Watts Renaissance, and LGBTQ+ rights protests, ultimately covering 190 feet of additions.

The team of artists will continue painting at the Bergamot Station Art Center starting August 2, with a view to adding historic moments from around the 1970s, including Jimi Hendrix scenes and Woodstock.

“That will prove to be as interesting, and maybe a little even more controversial,” Baca said.

California’s Great Wall had already depicted scenes from prehistoric times to the 1950s, but the team of artists will be adding an additional 200 feet of art, finishing in 2027 (just in time for the Olympics), that feature significant moments in California’s history—specifically history of marginalized communities.

The first section of the expansion covers significant moments in the Chicano Movement, beginning with a depiction of major labor leaders in the Central Valley, including Phillip Vera Cruz, César Chávez, Dolores Huerta with her megaphone and poet-boxer Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales—influential figures in the farmworker rights movement.

Other striking artwork includes the East L.A. Walkouts of 1968, as students come out of their classrooms to protest prejudice in the education system, urging for Chicano history to be taught in schools. Police are painted arresting people, including young girls with brown berets—a moniker of the Chicano group modeled after the Black Panthers—to reflect women’s contributions to the movement.

Black history in the Golden State is also included in the expansion, with the Watts Uprising of 1965 in the next scene, where you’re transported to a public outcry followed by the traffic stop of Marquette and Ronald Frye that turned violent. An alley is engulfed in flames as police fight with the brothers and their mother.

Opposite of paintings of the Watts Towers, a trio of ferocious black panthers signify the community’s power during this time. Two women are painted with groceries from the Black Panther Party’s free food program as children eat and read books about colonization.

Baca and her team used creative freedom throughout the paintings to create a resonance with people who remember how the rebellion felt.

The Great Wall’s expansion is meant to bring the mural’s historical scenes up to the 21st century.

August 1, 2024
Angelenos Call for More Housing in Single-Family Neighborhoods

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Los Angeles city planners held a virtual meeting last Thursday night to gather public feedback on their plans to meet ambitious housing production goals. While the meeting had a host of opposing viewpoints, dozens of Angelenos repeated the same argument throughout the evening: the city needs to allow new apartments to be built in single-family neighborhoods.

The already outlined blueprint by the L.A. Planning Department aims to achieve a state-mandated housing goal of nearly 457,000 new homes by 2029. Officials state that the city can get there by doubling down on development in already dense areas by offering builders incentives.

Yet, this blueprint leaves out the 72% of residential land in L.A. that is zoned exclusively for single-family homes. While the current plans have pleased homeowner groups, they have also spurred criticism from renter advocates, homeless service providers, and affordable housing developers who argue that apartment housing options should be developed in single-family neighborhoods.

“We live in the second largest city in the country, with so much economic opportunity, and yet we are landlocking 75% of our residentially zoned land for exclusively wealthy people,” said Kiersten Stanley of Studio City. “One wealthy family can come in and build a mini-mansion that’s 4,000 square feet. But God forbid four families move into four 1,000-square-foot places.”

Advocating for Change

Many other speakers mirrored Stanley’s argument, urging the city to reverse course and provide more opportunities to build up single-family neighborhoods. Many speakers opposing the current housing plans described the decision to exempt single-family neighborhoods as an issue of racial and economic justice. Some opponents pointed out that erecting barriers around areas that remain wealthy and exclusive today perpetuates the legacy of redlining and other zoning restrictions that had racist origins.

“Historically, it has been established to exclude people of color from predominantly white neighborhoods,” said Andres Perkins. “This drove a lot of unequal access to housing, education, and jobs. Continuing that will further that segregation we’re trying to move past.”

Despite opposing arguments, the virtual meeting also heard from advocates who wish to keep single-family neighborhoods left alone. They argue that new housing belongs on the city’s dense main throughways, as those apartments will be closer to transit lines and businesses.

“There’s simply no reason to wreck these neighborhoods with random density until we’ve built out our corridors closer to our commercial districts,” said Tracy Thrower Conyers with the group Concerned for Westchester/Playa Del Rey. Thrower further stated, “I often hear groups like the one I represent called NIMBYs… It’s unfortunate that local planning has been reduced to pejorative name-calling.”

Future Steps and Decision Making

City planning officials have made no immediate decisions on amending the plans, but the feedback during the meeting would help inform revised drafts, which will first go to the City Planning Commission before heading to the L.A. City Council for a final vote by February 2025.

“That said, we’re looking for your feedback today and we appreciate all the folks who’ve come out here today to share their perspective related to single-family,” Smith said. “We’re very much in a listening phase.”

July 31, 2024
Unearthing History: Meet Gnatalie, the World’s Only Green-Boned Dinosaur

The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles is preparing to unveil a unique addition to its dinosaur exhibit: Gnatalie, a green-boned dinosaur, the only one of its kind ever discovered. This extraordinary find has captivated paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike, promising to shed new light on the prehistoric era.

An Ancient Giant

Gnatalie, dubbed after the pesky gnats at the dig site, popped up in 2007 in Utah’s Badlands. What really makes this dinosaur stand out isn’t just its kind, but its uniquely green bones. These bones sport a dark mottled olive green hue, thanks to celadonite, a mineral that seeped in during fossilization.

Celadonite forms under volcanic or hydrothermal conditions, which typically destroy buried bones. But somewhere between 50 to 80 million years back, volcanic rumbles cooked up the perfect conditions for celadonite to swap in for an older mineral in the fossils, gifting them that odd green tint.

Gnatalie roamed the earth during the late Jurassic, about 150 million years ago, making her a cool 80 million years older than the famed T. rex. A plant-munching giant with a long neck and tail, Gnatalie is part of the sauropod gang, rubbing shoulders with big names like Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus. Stretching nearly 80 feet, Gnatalie will be the biggest dino to grace the museum’s halls.

Scientific Significance

Luis M. Chiappe, the director of the museum’s Dinosaur Institute, emphasized the educational value of Gnatalie. “Dinosaurs are a great vehicle for teaching our visitors about the nature of science,” he said. “What better than a green, almost 80-foot-long dinosaur to engage them in the process of scientific discovery and make them reflect on the wonders of the world we live in!”

The discovery of Gnatalie has already sparked excitement within the scientific community. Matt Wedel, an anatomist and paleontologist at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, recalled hearing “rumors of a green dinosaur” during his graduate studies. Seeing Gnatalie’s bones for the first time, he noted, “They were not like anything else that I’ve ever seen.”

John Whitlock, a sauropod researcher and professor at Mount Aloysius College in Pennsylvania, highlighted the significance of having such a complete skeleton. “It’s tremendously huge,” Whitlock said. “It really adds to our ability to understand both taxonomic diversity and anatomical diversity.”

Community Engagement and Upcoming Exhibit

The museum engaged the public in naming the dinosaur, offering five choices: Verdi, Olive, Esme, Sage, and Gnatalie. The name Gnatalie clinched the top spot in a public vote last month, showing off the community’s say-so and the museum’s push to make science something everyone can dig into and enjoy.

Gnatalie’s bones are currently being mounted and prepared for display. Visitors can gawk at this ancient behemoth in the museum’s shiny new welcome center this fall. Gnatalie’s big reveal is set to pull in crowds from all corners, eager to catch a glimpse of this unique spectacle.

Alongside the exhibit, a scientific paper laying out all the juicy details about Gnatalie will drop next year. This will provide the scientific community with valuable insights and further cement Gnatalie’s place in paleontological history.

As the only known green-boned dinosaur, Gnatalie represents a rare and remarkable chapter in the story of our planet’s ancient past. The upcoming exhibit at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles promises to be a landmark event, celebrating this unique discovery and the ongoing wonders of scientific exploration.

Gnatalie’s unveiling at the Natural History Museum marks a significant milestone in paleontology. As the only green-boned dinosaur, she not only fascinates visitors but also enriches our understanding of prehistoric life. This exhibit invites the community to engage with science and marvel at the mysteries of our planet’s ancient history.

July 17, 2024
Documentary ‘I Am Not a Princess’: Irina Meyer Challenges Norms

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Stereotypes often shape our perceptions, but Irina Meyer is determined to change that. The biographical documentary I Am Not a Princess highlights the unique life of the filmmaker, who challenges the conventional and advocates for diversity in film.

Produced by Meyer’s Mama Lion Productions, the documentary goes beyond mere portrayal; it serves as a call to action. Meyer explains, “It’s more than a documentary; it challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions and embrace the multifaceted realities of women.” In addition to her roles as a business entrepreneur and angel investor, Meyer is a dedicated mother who refuses to conform to societal norms.

Challenging Conventional Narratives

At its core, the documentary advocates for gender inclusion and representation in media. Meyer says, “In the digital age, interactive media can drive change and foster inclusivity in storytelling.” Despite women comprising half the global population, they receive only 35% of speaking roles in films worldwide. Meyer’s story inspires women to break barriers and demand respect in our male-dominated climate.

Through her eyes, viewers glimpse a world where adversity fuels determination. Her experiences confronting workplace challenges, including sexual harassment, resonate deeply and underscore the urgent need for societal change. Meyer reflects, “From enduring abuse to facing financial crises and personal loss, I encountered obstacles that could have derailed my path. Instead, I drew strength from adversity and found the resolve to persevere.”

The film documents Meyer’s journey and examines its more significant societal impact and her transition from a successful career in Fintech to establishing Mama Lion Productions. Meyer’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices continues with her production house, Mama Lion Productions, where she collaborates with marginalized communities to ensure their stories are told. Meyer emphasizes, “Transitioning from Fintech and interactive entertainment to founding Mama Lion Productions was driven by my passion to amplify diverse voices in media.”

A Call to Action for Inclusivity

Meyer is driven by her mission to diversify and inclusively create media by spotlighting overlooked stories and challenging dominant narratives. Meyer is in constant pursuit of promoting broader perspectives and inclusivity. She sees her documentary as a way to drive progress toward a future where media encourages inclusivity. With her film, Meyer empowers viewers to rewrite their own stories and challenge societal norms by experiencing diverse perspectives. She believes the media can drive social change and aims to utilize that power.

In a time when craving authentic voices and meaningful narratives is at the forefront, Meyer’s journey in I Am Not a Princess offers viewers a glimpse into a future defined not by societal norms but by diversity and equality. Meyer invites audiences to look beyond superficial labels and embrace the complexity of the human experience. Her work shows everyone has a story worth telling, essential to creating a bias-free world.

Ultimately, I Am Not a Princess transcends its role as a documentary; it starts a movement. Irina Meyer’s story inspires defiance, resilience, and hope; Meyer shares her journey and calls on everyone to join her in creating a world where every voice is heard and every story is valued.

July 11, 2024
Historic Father-Son NBA Duo at the Court as Bronny James Drafted by LA Lakers

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Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James, was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers for the second round of the NBA draft. Bronny was the 55th overall pick in New York on Thursday, June 27. His selection ended weeks of speculation about the future team.

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is potentially entering the final year of his illustrious career. The 39-year-old can become a free agent this summer by opting out of his $51.4 million player option. This scenario, however, seems unlikely considering LeBron’s declaration after the 2022 All-Star game that his “last year will be played with [his] son.”

This pairing will mark history in the NBA as the first-ever father-son duo. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka highlighted this potential historical significance, stating, “In the history of the NBA, there’s never been a father and a son that has shared an NBA basketball court, and that feels like something that could be magical.” He added, “NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”

Bronny James’ Selection and His Journey to the Lakers

Bronny expressed his gratitude on his Instagram handle with the post “Beyond Blessed.” LeBron James shared a similar sentiment with a series of photos on the same social media platform captioned “Legacy.” Bronny recently completed his first year of college basketball at the University of Southern California Trojans. He scored an average of 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game.

Unlike his 6-foot-9 father, Bronny stands at 6-foot-1. He is known for his defensive prowess. Despite being in the spotlight as the son of an iconic player, Bronny’s journey has not been easy in the sports industry. Last July, he suffered a cardiac arrest during training. He was only allowed to return to basketball last November after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

Challenges and Expectations for Bronny’s NBA Career

Considering it is Bronny’s rookie season, he is not expected to play a major role for the Lakers. However, the possibility of him appearing alongside his father on the court has already generated extensive interest in the industry. Lakers star Anthony Davis has praised Bronny, saying, “He’s very good defensively. He can read the floor very well. I think he’s a really good playmaker.”

Highlighting the historic possibility of witnessing the father-son duo on the same court, Sam Harris of BBC Sport noted that Bronny will aim to establish his own legacy in the NBA. According to Harris, playing alongside one of the league’s greatest players and its all-time leading scorer is a daunting challenge. When that player is his father, the expectations will be even higher.

Bronny’s college career was stalled by health issues, but he proved his defensive skills and agility at the 2024 draft combine. He excelled in the three-point shooting contest and agility drills. Although he may not be a significant offensive contributor in his first year, Bronny is likely to spend some time in the G-League to develop his skills further. Honing his behind-the-arc shooting skills will be crucial for his growth as a guard.

Being the 55th pick in a draft class where he will be counted among a few standout talents, Bronny might find some relief from the pressure. Considering LeBron James’ illustrious career and mindset, nothing less than reaching the pinnacle is considered a true success, and Bronny most likely shares a similar ambition.

The Lakers have recently appointed former NBA star JJ Redick as head coach and are searching for their 18th championship. This new Hollywood narrative will further intensify the excitement. Time will tell whether the father-son duo will make history, but this historic pairing certainly promises a compelling story for basketball fans.

July 5, 2024