Author: Tyler Shepherd

A Dystopian Experience Inside California’s Largest Cannabis Store

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Planet 13 has become a renowned cannabis store in California. Buying weed from Planet 13 often feels like a dream as the entire overwhelming process deviates from the old-school method of buying weed. Based solely on the square footage, a customer has to traverse just to get rung up at this sprawling cannabis superstore located in Orange County. It can be safely said that buying pot here is a time-consuming process.

Many years ago, buying weed meant walking from the car straight to the pot dealer’s car or maybe walking into their house. The scenario changed when California first legalized marijuana, as most consumers felt those simple transactions would easily be equivalent to direct exchanges of money for products at retail dispensaries. Planet 13, one of the largest cannabis dispensaries, chose to differ as buying weed here requires customers to navigate through long queues, similar to Disneyland.

The Planet 13 Experience: A Cannabis Superstore Adventure

The check-in at a front desk is like most legal weed stores in California, but at Planet 13, customers are required to show their ID to an employee who is sitting beneath a 50-foot wooden awning. Then, the customer is taken aboard a VW bus equipped with a smoke machine for unknown reasons. Customers enjoy space-themed displays, a Super Mario Kart video game station, a giant octopus statue sitting under dozens of umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, and 20 different glass cases of cannabis products. After navigating through all of that, they can finally walk up to a register and buy some pot.

The octopus statue or any other feature inside this building does not elevate any cannabis-buying experience. According to the Los Angeles Times 2021 review, these are clever marketing tricks. Pot shops are legally restricted from advertising on the internet, but Planet 13 came up with an idea to let customers do the marketing by taking selfies in front of the VW bus. After three years, the rules on cannabis advertising have been relaxed, but Planet 13’s megastore refuses to change its concept.

Lester Black’s visit to Planet 13’s Santa Ana superstore with his wife was a unique experience. He felt the staff were confused by some of the store’s amenities. The Volkswagen bus did not catch his attention for a selfie and just when he started playing at the Mario Kart game station, he was called by a sales associate and was asked to check out.

Challenges for Cannabis Consumers at Planet 13

Despite wasting his time on unnecessary activities, Lester Black feels Planet 13 lives up to its superstore concept, considering the sheer number of products it sells. For some unexplained reason, each product is displayed inside a glass retail case that also contains various props. The items for sale are spread out between an unending sequence of trinkets and baubles, requiring customers to walk nearly every row just to try to find out what is actually being sold.

Lester Black and his wife are both experienced stoners, and with age, they have started enjoying cannabis that has lower amounts of THC and contains at least some CBD. They prefer to buy outdoor-grown cannabis because it’s far better for the environment and comes loaded with flavor. After wasting 10 minutes walking from case to case, he failed to find a single strain of pot that had any CBD in it. Asking the salesperson for help was also disappointing as she did not know about outdoor pots.

Finding low-strength pot or sun-grown cannabis is hard at most of California’s retail stores, but it is expected that one of California’s most renowned and largest retail stores would have room for some lower-strength weed. Planet 13 has supersized the worst aspects of legal weed. The unspecified percentages at the store are like an unrealized admission that the company simply does not understand the cannabis plant it is trying to sell.

July 4, 2024
Kristen Bell and Christian Campbell Are Making A Cannabis “Community” on Hollywood Boulevard

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Although it has been almost 90 years since William Randolph Hearst created panic with the propaganda film “Reefer Madness,” the movie retains its mark on culture.

The Return of a Cult Classic

Actor and producer Christian Campbell attempted to promote his Los Angeles stage revival of Reefer Madness: The Musical for its 25th anniversary, however, Facebook and Instagram flagged the word “reefer” for reasons that were, perhaps, a little too meta.

Campbell made his debut as Jimmy Harper in Reefer Madness: The Musical in 1999, when it debuted in Los Angeles. The musical, created by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, is a parody of the 1936 propaganda film turned stoner-cult classic. Now, the musical returns home to The Victory Garden.

Campbell says, “The Victory Garden is the outdoor dining and drinking and other post-show experience. We’ve basically created an oasis on Hollywood Boulevard.” He adds, “It’s a beautiful green, lush space. Come on in, relax.”

Campbell is being joined by Kristen Bell and Alan Cumming as producers of the new adaptation, which will be choreographed and directed by Spencer Liff. Anthony Norman and Darcy Rose-Byrnes will play Jimmy Harper and Mary Lane respectively, and a new cast includes Thomas Dekker, Nicole Parker, J. Elaine Marcos, and Brian Daniel Porter.

“Coming back to this, for me, was a no-brainer,” says Bell. “I owe so much of my life to these people and this show.”

Reviving Community and Nostalgia

Moreover, 25 years after the initial musical ran, the crew has officially recreated “The Refer Den,” a cafe next to the musical’s original venue. This was the area of Los Angeles where the cast would congregate after every show, but this time around, it is a fully functioning lounge. The lounge will feature live performances for a whole new community to enjoy.

Bell and Campbell were asked about all aspects of the show including, their favorite memories of working with the others involved. In response, Bell stated, “When I joined the cast, I was asked to audition in New York, and I didn’t show up to my first audition. And some of the New York producers, the Nederlanders who were doing it at the time, said, ‘Well, hold on. She’s worked for us before. Let’s just have her at the callbacks.’ And I don’t think I showed up for my callback either. And then finally, the second call back I showed up, and I still can’t believe that they hired me.”

“My first memory is a very awkward audition for [director] Andy Fickman and Kevin and Dan because I wasn’t really a lover of musical theater,” said Campbell. “I kind of had a bad experience in college with an ex-nun vocal teacher, and that just turned me off from any kind of singing and musical theater… I read the script and heard some of the music, poorly sung by Dan and Kevin. And I just really loved it. I loved the lyrics. I loved what it was about and what it was saying. And so I said, if this is musical theater, I can do this. And so I went on in and apparently, I did a good job.”

As for long-term hopes for the show, Bell says “…What I love about starting in L.A., regardless of where it goes, we will go where the community wants us, the community will show up where this show Is needed. The show offers something so specific. I mean look, it’s 24 years later, I can’t and don’t want to get away from it. There is a lack of high-quality musical theater in L.A., outside of touring companies that come and go. And this is something that’s going to offer you an experience, but also a community to come back to, which I think people in L.A. have a desire for even if they don’t know it yet.”

June 28, 2024
LAFC Wins Prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2024 Award

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The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) was chosen by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) as the winner of the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year® 2024 Greater Los Angeles Award. LAFC, which has been recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and impact on the sports industry, was represented by Lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal, Owner Will Ferrell, and Co-President & CBO Larry Freedman.

An independent judging panel, which included previous award winners, leading CEOs, and other influential business leaders, determined that the LAFC deserved this recognition the most. The evaluation criteria included the club’s ability to create long-term value, commitment to its purpose, growth, and substantial impact, among other factors.

“We are honored and extremely grateful to be recognized as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Greater Los Angeles,” said Bennett Rosenthal, LAFC’s Lead Managing Owner. “I want to thank our Co-Managing Owners Larry Berg and Brandon Beck and Executive Chairman Peter Guber for their vision, expertise, and incredible friendship and partnership. I also must thank the rest of our ownership group for coming together to make our crazy dream of bringing a second soccer team to Los Angeles a success beyond what anyone thought was possible.”

The LAFC first launched in the competitive Los Angeles sports market in 2014. It quickly built a brand that has earned global respect. Since their first match in 2018, LAFC has reached the top of Major League Soccer (MLS), receiving praise both on and off the field for its innovation and a commitment to its core values – integrity, extreme ownership, and authenticity. The club also exudes talent, winning the 2022 MLS Cup. Since it began it has accumulated more wins and points than any other team in the league.

“This is a special award for our club,” said Will Ferrell, one of LAFC’s owners. “It has been inspiring to see the way the community and the supporters in the 3252 have embraced this team from the very first day, and we look forward to many more incredible nights with them at BMO Stadium.”

LAFC’s other noteworthy milestones include becoming the first MLS team to be valued at over $1 billion by Forbes, building the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium in the heart of Los Angeles (a stadium that has sold out every MLS regular-season and playoff game in the club’s history), and opening its doors to over 1 million fans for concerts in 2023.

“In just seven years since we first kicked a ball and opened our doors, it is incredible to see how LAFC and BMO Stadium have become industry leaders in the world of sports and entertainment,” said Larry Freedman, LAFC Co-President & CBO. “We are excited to be recognized with this award, and to continue our mission of uniting the World’s City through the World’s game, bringing joy and being a force for good in Los Angeles.”

As a Greater Los Angeles award winner, LAFC qualifies for consideration in the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 National Awards. The National Award winners will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award in June 2025.

June 21, 2024
May 17th Named “Shohei Othani Day” in Los Angeles

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As per a recent announcement, May 17th will now be known as Shohei Othani Day in Los Angeles. The Dodgers superstar has been given this award due to his gravitational pull as baseball’s biggest name and one of the most intriguing talents in MLB history.

Othani, 29, left the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last winter in free agency to sign with the premier Los Angeles team, the Dodgers, forming the final piece of an star-studded roster featuring an essential lineup of all stars with multiple different MVPs on the roster also.

In typical Othani fashion, he brought his A-game after celebrating his day. He crushed a home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Frankie Montas in a 7-3 win for the Dodgers, capping off an excellent day for them, and one Angels fans probably will find it bittersweet.

Othani had a ton of suitors this offseason as the man who most would view as the best player in the MLB due to his two-way style, being both a high-level starting pitcher and having one of the best bats in baseball. Even though Othani will not be pitching this season due to an elbow injury, he is still one of the most valuable assets in the league due to his insane power. Many figured that the most likely scenario would be that one that did happen: he would stay in Los Angeles with the twist of still leaving the Angels for the Dodgers. The city almost lost their second most gravitating star, though, only trailing LeBron James, to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Photo by MLB

It feels as though Othani was always meant to play for Los Angeles. His signing with the MLB sparked immense interest once the news broke, especially considering he began his career in his native Japan. He could be considered the most hyped-up overseas prospect in history. Many teams worked very hard for his services before he chose the Los Angeles Angels over many teams, specifically the New York Yankees, mainly due to his desire to be on the west coast of the USA. It was one of the reasons why expecting him to leave California for Canada always felt peculiar to many insiders.

Othani has done more than just helping his team win through his on-field services, however. He also enticed fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yammamoto to sign with the Dodgers despite his many suitors, once again mainly the New York Yankees.

Othani’s career with the Dodgers has not come without some controversy, though. Before the season even fully began, Othani’s interpreter and best friend Ippei Mizuhara was arrested and put on trial for allegedly stealing millions from Othani to pay off gambling losses by illegally wiring money from Othani’s bank account into his own. This became a major scandal, and people still believe that Mizuhara is taking the hit for Othani, who may have made the bets, though all signs point to this being on Mizuhara.

Othani is locked up with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the next ten years of his career, so he’ll need to sign a new deal to pull his career into his 40s.

May 22, 2024
LA County to Offer $25 Internet Plans to Low-Income Households

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Internet access has become integral to daily life functions, yet many low-income families struggle to afford high-speed broadband services. Acknowledging the pressing issue of internet access, Los Angeles County has initiated a program to offer cost-effective internet plans to residents in underserved neighborhoods.

Tailored to address the needs of low-income households in South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, and Boyle Heights, the county’s new high-speed broadband service aims to overcome the barriers of financial constraints. With plans commencing at a modest $25 per month, the initiative aspires to bridge the digital gap and ensure that all Angelenos are equipped to thrive online and off. Michael Owh, director of the county’s Internal Services Department, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. He states that providing affordable internet plans empowers residents to access vital services, pursue educational opportunities, and build stronger connections within their communities.

Facilitated through collaborative public-private partnerships known as Community Broadband Networks, the initiative will furnish a rapid, fixed wireless connection boasting speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second. Market rate plans span from $65 to $85 per month, offering speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 2 gigs. However, residents from low-income backgrounds may qualify for reduced rates, enabling them to secure basic internet access for as little as $25 per month.

Eligibility for the discounted plans hinges on household income, with applicants mandated to demonstrate an income below 200% of the federal poverty line or be recipients of government benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, or free/reduced lunch. All plans encompass unlimited data and entail no contractual obligations, prioritizing flexibility and affordability for families in need.

The initial deployment of the service will concentrate on two major areas: East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights and South Los Angeles. In East LA/Boyle Heights, the network will extend its reach to approximately 84,000 households across a 25-square-mile expanse, incorporating neighborhoods like Lincoln Heights, Montecito Heights, and El Sereno. Similarly, the South LA project will extend its coverage to roughly 182,000 households within a 44-square-mile precinct, including communities such as Florence, Watts, and Athens.

Construction of the networks will employ a fusion of landlines, radio links, and infrastructure mounted on public edifices and streetlights. This innovative method aims to curtail costs while amplifying coverage, making it so that even the most marginalized neighborhoods gain access to top-tier internet service.

The initiative is particularly timely, given that the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the necessity of internet access and exacerbated the digital divide. With millions of federal relief dollars earmarked to tackle this issue, Los Angeles County is proactively striving to bridge the gap and furnish equitable opportunities to all residents.

Los Angeles County remains focused on maintaining transparency and accountability as the initiative progresses. Partner companies are mandated to offer multilingual customer service, cost-effective plans, and complimentary professional installation and equipment. The county is also actively pursuing grants to expand the service to additional communities and address the diverse needs of its residents. Along with improving internet access for families from lower-income households, these initiatives and programs make significant strides toward crafting a more inclusive, equitable, and flourishing society.

May 14, 2024
Frustrated LA Boutique Owner Uses Social Media to Find Shoplifters

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The owner of a Los Angeles boutique says that he used Instagram to expose various people who he claims stole items from his store. In at least one instance, the taken items have been returned.

Tired of burglars and shoplifters, Fraser Ross, the owner of Pacific Palisades-based lifestyle boutique Kitson, has decided to expose thieves and publicly shame them via social media. The decision attempts to catch and discourage people from committing similar crimes.

Ross has reportedly been doing extensive detective work for quite some time by crafting online social media posts and utilizing store surveillance footage to gather information about different criminals. This week, he garnered extra attention after he exposed a social media influencer shoplifting at his boutique.

As can be viewed in the Instagram post, Ross shared a video of influencer Sofia Arevalo and her friend, Patrick Moogan, inside the store. In the video, Moogan hands Arevalo a hat, and the influencer fills her Lululemon bag with Free City items.

Ross wrote in the caption of his post, “We will expose the names of the people tomorrow. The female has 42K followers, and the mail is a ********* around town. They work on shoplifting together.” He added, “We have done extensive research on them with the help of a loyal follower.”

On the incident, Ross said, “I guess it’s public shaming, but I don’t know what to do.” He added, “We just came to a point that this is what we have to do.”

In a follow-up post, Ross exposed Arevalo’s name, place of employment, and frequented locations. The post was a long message that read in part, “Meet Sophia Arevalo a serial shoplifter and all-around piece of ****. Please pass this post around so this person is known throughout LA. Wherever she goes people will whisper that’s the woman that steals from small businesses…”

In the caption, Ross added, “If everyone passes this around, businesses around LA can keep her profile and ban her from their establishment if they want as she is a menace to society.” He continued, “Erewhon, be very aware. She loves Nobu and all the fancy restaurants.”

When Ross posted the initial video, he had not yet realized that Arevalo was a public figure with more than 50K followers on Instagram. Since the incident, Arevalo has seemingly made her account private.

Ross explains, “When you see all these smash-and-grabs, you aren’t seeing your usual suspects… They’re very wealthy people with expensive cars, expensive jewelry, expensive handbags, living the life of luxury.”

Ross noted in the caption on his follow-up post that Arevalo had yet to pay for the goods she had stolen. However, it has now been reported that the influencer eventually returned to Kitson, where she paid for the hat and also returned two shirts.

Another woman who had shoplifted at the exact location, Anisha Tedake, reportedly returned nearly $1,000 in stolen merchandise after being exposed online.

Ross, who contacted law enforcement on both occasions, is convinced that more should be done to prevent shoplifting. He says, “It’s not enough to say it’s gone… You need to arrest anyone that’s stealing and put that message out there.”

May 2, 2024
State Farm to Cancel Coverage for 72,000 Homes Across California

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State Farm, the leading insurer in California, has recently made a significant decision that will profoundly affect homeowners and renters statewide. The company intends to terminate insurance coverage for 72,000 homes and apartments. The move comes amidst mounting concerns over the heightened risks of natural disasters, particularly devastating wildfires. State Farm also aims to address what it perceives as outdated regulatory frameworks, which hinder its ability to adapt to evolving insurance challenges.

Set to take effect in the upcoming summer months, the decision represents a notable departure from State Farm’s previous position, following its earlier announcement to cease issuing new home policies in California. The insurance giant has attributed its latest action to a combination of factors, citing rising costs, increased risks of catastrophic events such as wildfires, and the likely limitations imposed by longstanding insurance regulations that fail to adequately address the current dynamics of the state’s insurance market.

Issuing a recent statement, State Farm emphasized the gravity of its decision, highlighting that it was made only after a thorough examination of the company’s financial health and dedication to maintaining sufficient claims-paying capacity for its customers. The insurer reaffirmed its commitment to complying with applicable financial solvency laws, asserting that discontinuing coverage for the 72,000 properties was deemed necessary to address the ongoing challenges it faces in ensuring the long-term viability of its operations in California.

The announcement coincides with ongoing efforts by California’s elected insurance commissioner to overhaul home insurance regulations in response to the state’s increasingly volatile insurance market. The commissioner’s proposed reforms aim to provide insurers with greater flexibility in adjusting premiums while securing commitments to extend coverage in high-risk fire areas. Employing the reform ultimately intends to strike a balance between consumer protection and market stability.

The California Department of Insurance has indicated its intention to closely scrutinize State Farm’s decision, urging the company to clarify and justify its rationale. Deputy Insurance Commissioner Michael Soller expressed the regulator’s duty to hold insurance firms accountable for their actions, stressing the importance of confidence in State Farm’s future strategy to fulfill its obligations to California customers and ensure the stability and integrity of the state’s insurance market.

While the possibility of a formal investigation remains uncertain, State Farm’s decision sheds light on the profound and unpredictable challenges facing insurers in California. Last June, the company garnered attention by announcing its decision to suspend the acceptance of applications for all business and personal lines of property and casualty insurance. Citing factors such as inflation, a challenging reinsurance market, and escalating exposure to catastrophic events, State Farm stood by the urgency of its actions and the imperative to adapt to the insurance market’s evolving risks and uncertainties.

State Farm has clarified that the affected policies represent slightly over 2% of its total policies in California. However, the company has refrained from divulging specific details regarding the locations or criteria used to determine which policies would not be renewed, citing confidentiality concerns and the need to protect sensitive business information. The insurance market continues to evolve, and State Farm’s decision looks to have ramifications for California coverage.

May 1, 2024
Los Angeles House Prices Continue to Rise

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Los Angeles’s real estate landscape isn’t just heating up as summer approaches—it’s sizzling. Reports from Zillow reveal a robust 9.3% climb in home prices this past March from the year prior, with the average single-family home in the sprawling Greater Los Angeles area now priced at an eye-watering $959,400.

The critical shortage of available homes is a significant factor propelling this increase. The market remains fiercely competitive despite a marginal 2% rise in new listings since 2023. Nearly half of the properties sold in Los Angeles recently fetched more than their list price, with homes flying off the market in an average of 13 days—shaving nearly a week off the time to sale compared to last year.

The surge comes amid steep mortgage rates, with 30-year loans hovering around 7.9%. Yet, industry insiders anticipate that even if these rates taper off, the hunger for Los Angeles homes will likely intensify, potentially driving higher prices. This expectation is grounded in the city’s ongoing allure, bolstered by its diverse job market and vibrant cultural scene.

Los Angeles, a global entertainment and innovation epicenter, offers many economic opportunities that attract individuals from various sectors, including technology, fashion, and manufacturing. The city’s economy is diverse, with a burgeoning tech scene in Silicon Beach where startups and significant tech companies converge. Also, Los Angeles’ position as a Pacific Rim trading hub enhances its appeal to business professionals seeking to engage with international markets.

Culturally, Los Angeles is without peer. It boasts an array of experiences, from world-class museums like the Getty and the Broad to iconic music venues such as the Hollywood Bowl. The city’s culinary scene is a mosaic of global flavors, attributed to its rich mix of cultures and the influx of innovative chefs making their mark on the local food landscape. Los Angeles is also known for its commitment to the arts. It hosts numerous festivals, including the famed LA Film Festival and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s film series, celebrating the creative spirit.

Moreover, the city’s commitment to sustainability adds to its allure. Initiatives like the Sustainable City Plan transform Los Angeles into a leader in green energy, waste reduction, and water conservation, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious residents. This green ethos is seen in expanding public transportation and developing green spaces throughout the city, enhancing the quality of urban life.

Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers are equally drawn to the city’s geography, which allows for beach days, hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, or skiing in nearby resorts, all within a day’s trip. The mild climate further enhances outdoor living and activities year-round, making it an ideal location for those seeking an active lifestyle.

With a robust 9% increase in property values and no signs of a market slowdown, the investment appeal of Los Angeles real estate is undeniable. The city’s ongoing housing shortage intensifies demand, sustaining high property values even amid fluctuations in the broader economy. Furthermore, with interest rates expected to decline, affordability could improve, potentially attracting more buyers and investors. This creates a fertile environment for real estate ventures, positioning Los Angeles as a prime target for seasoned and novice investors.

April 19, 2024
Los Angeles to Recreate the Infamous Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience

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Actor Zach Galifianakis is taking on a very different type of project—recreating the infamous Willy Wonka Experience that originated in Glasgow, Scotland. The event went viral online, sparking thousands of memes because of its lackluster planning.

The original event in Scotland was advertised as a “chocolate fantasy like never before,” but when families arrived, they were greeted by a near-empty warehouse with a few props, poorly dressed actors, and a bouncy castle. Parents were outraged and many demanded refunds for the £35 tickets. The police were even called after one of the actors in a creepy costume scared the children.

Galifianakis, who is well-known for his work in comedy films like The Hangover and his acclaimed series Baskets, was inspired to recreate the infamous event to raise money for charity in Los Angeles. The “tongue in cheek” one-off event will take place in a “nondescript warehouse” in Downtown LA on April 8th. Tickets are $44 each—the equivalent of £35—and all proceeds will be donated to a mental health charity. Attendees will also receive two free jelly beans per ticket.

“Step into a world of pure imagination at Willy’s Chocolate Experience Los Angeles as chocolate memes come to life,” is the official description of the event. Kristy Patterson, who became famous online after pictures of her dressed as a “sad oompa loompa” at the event in Scotland went viral, will be the star of the Los Angeles show. She will recreate her role and participate in a Q&A session hosted by Galifianakis and fellow comedian Nathan Fielder. Fielder is known for holding outlandish events in the name of comedy, many of which were featured on his show, Nathan For You, and the HBO series, The Rehearsal.

Patterson, an actress and yoga teacher from Glasgow, was surprised and excited by this opportunity, which she described as a modern-day fairytale. “I didn’t really expect to end up in the USA or to go as big as this because the USA is on a different level. I’ve not been to America before. As a trained actor it’s really exciting for me to go over there,” she told the Daily Record. “I’m doing a lot of meetings and a lot of networking out there. As a trained actress, it’s not an impossibility that I’ll be doing movies.” She hopes to become a presenter for children’s television one day.

Aside from the recreation of the original event and the Q&A, attendees will be treated to DJ sets and film screenings, as well as a meet and greet with Patterson. The event description also claims that “Hollywood heartthrob Timothee Chalamet has expressed interest in attending, further heightening the excitement surrounding this extraordinary event.” Whether this is a ruse is unclear, as both Galifianakis and Fielder are known for this type of humor. Chalamet starred in the recently released film Wonka, a prequel to the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which sparked renewed interest in the story and the original event in Glasgow.

Tickets to The Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA are available on Eventbrite.

April 9, 2024
HALA Welcomes New Leadership: Meet the Newly Appointed President and CEO

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The Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA) is stepping into a new chapter as Dr. Jackie Filla reins as President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA), effective March 25, 2024. Dr. Filla will be taking over from Heather Rozman, who is moving on after more than five impactful years to explore new entrepreneurial ventures.

Dr. Filla’s background encompasses influential roles spanning public policy, academia, and strategic consultancy. Her recent achievements include spearheading policy direction for a City Council office within the bustling environment of LA’s City Hall. Here, she led initiatives that cemented her status as a strategic thinker and a formidable advocate for legislative and policy advancements.

Before her tenure at City Hall, Dr. Filla made significant strides as a Research Director in the Office of Los Angeles County’s CEO. Here, she navigated complex intergovernmental relationships and set strategic policy directions. Her leadership prowess was further exemplified during her time as an LA. City Commission President under the mayoral leadership of Eric Garcetti and Karen Bass. Here, she championed Los Angeles’ national and international interests, including engagements with the United Nations.

Dr. Filla’s academic credentials are equally impressive, grounding her strategic and policy-driven approaches in solid research and analysis. As a tenured Associate Professor of Political Science at Mount Saint Mary’s University, she delved into public policy and research methodology, equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to drive change. Her educational journey, which began with a BA from California State University, Fullerton, culminated in earning an MA and a PhD from the University of California, Riverside, highlighting her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership.

Image credit: Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA)

Mark Davis, Chair of the Board of Directors at HALA, expressed his confidence in Dr. Filla’s capability to guide the association into the future. “Serving as CEO of HALA is no small feat. It requires a truly unique set of talents,” he noted. “We’re delighted to have Jackie join the team. Having played so many roles throughout her career—as policymaker, analyst, strategist, public servant, and academic—she brings a rare combination of skills to this critical position.”

HALA stands as a pivotal organization within Los Angeles’ vibrant hospitality sector. Since its inception in 1932, HALA has advocated for the interests of the hotel industry, representing a broad spectrum of members from internationally renowned hotel chains to charming family-owned boutiques. Its mission extends beyond mere advocacy, aiming to enhance the professional and personal lives of all individuals within the industry, from executive management to the dedicated hourly staff.

This leadership comes at a crucial time in the hospitality industry in LA. The sector is grappling with several pivotal challenges, including integrating advanced technologies to meet guests’ evolving demands, adhering to increasingly stringent environmental standards, and navigating the post-pandemic complexities.

Moreover, there’s a growing need to address workforce development and retention, ensuring that the industry remains a desirable and rewarding field for professionals at all levels.

Dr. Filla’s leadership is anticipated to harness these opportunities, guiding HALA and its members toward a future where the Los Angeles hotel industry adapts and thrives. Her diverse background and strategic vision are expected to invigorate HALA’s initiatives, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and advocacy. Under her leadership, HALA is set to navigate the evolving challenges of the hospitality industry, enhancing its contribution to Los Angeles’ economic and cultural landscape.

March 29, 2024
Fire Erupts at LA’s Natural History Museum

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Bright and early on March 1st, with not a cloud in sight, the Los Angeles Natural History Museum found itself in an unexpected predicament—a fire had sparked, calling for an all-hands-on-deck response from the city’s bravest. Firefighting teams zipped to the scene, squashing the flames with efficiency and speed.

The scoop from the Los Angeles Fire Department has it that the blaze kicked off just past high noon at the museum, right in the heart of Exposition Park Boulevard. About 40 firefighters leaped into action, taming the firestorm in a brisk twenty-something minutes. This hiccup led to a bit of a scare, leaving behind a smoky trace inside the museum. Nonetheless, a swift evacuation maneuver ensured everyone got out unscathed, without a single visitor or employee hurt. Now, the word is that the cause might be tied to some roofing work—a puzzle piece authorities are piecing together.

Nestled within Exposition Park’s embrace, the Los Angeles Natural History Museum isn’t just another stop on the map. It’s part of Los Angeles County’s trio of natural history jewels, along with the La Brea Tar Pits and the William S. Hart Museum. The park itself is a bustling nexus of learning and cultural vibrancy, playing host to the California Science Center, the California African American Museum, and the legendary Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, famed battleground of UCLA’s football warriors. Amidst this cluster of intellectual and historical heavyweights, the Rose Gardens stand out, offering a serene slice of nature’s art amidst the concrete jungle.

The inception of Exposition Park dates back to 1910, spurred by William Miller Bowen’s initiative to create a space that countered the city’s inclinations toward drinking and gambling. His vision paved the way for the park’s transformation into a vibrant cultural center, a role it proudly continues to fulfill. Opening its doors in 1913, the original Natural History Museum building still serves as a core part of the museum today. It once showcased prehistoric finds from the La Brea Tar Pits, drawing significant attention. Over time, these precious skeletons were relocated to the George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries in Hancock Park. Similarly, the museum’s initial art gallery eventually laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1963.

The Natural History Museum recently underwent extensive renovations designed to preserve the original architecture that took over two years to complete and reopened in 2009. Seismic retrofit was added to the building, and the colorful stained glass skylight that hangs above the Rotunda was expertly restored and strengthened. There has not been any major construction reported on the building since, but the roofing operation that caused last week’s fire seems to indicate that more work is being done on the building.

Although the root of the fire is still unknown, it does not appear to be unsafe to visit the museum. Among the main attractions are Dinosaur Hall featuring more than 300 fossils and 20 mounted skeletons, 3.5 acres of nature gardens, and an ongoing exhibition about the life of P-22, the recently deceased mountain lion that resided in Griffith Park. Special exhibitions, like L.A. Underwater, which explores what the city was like when it was covered by water in prehistoric times, and Scanning Electron Microscope Lab, which shows visitors gems and minerals under high-tech microscopes, are always exciting to experience.

March 15, 2024
IGN Live Prepares to Launch In Los Angeles, Uniting Gaming Enthusiasts From Around the World

Image credit: Unsplash

The IGN media brand has announced a new annual event focused on gaming and entertainment news, culture, and creators. The inaugural event is set to take place in downtown Los Angeles in the Summer of 2024. The event will be a three-day experience, with portions of its ticket sales going to charity through a partnership with Humble Bundle.

IGN Live will take place in early June, providing visitors with entertainment and insights from industry professionals and talent, as well as parties and various attractions set up by exhibitors specializing in gaming and entertainment. The event will also host gaming tournaments, which will stage announcements about new projects and upcoming releases, as well as panels featuring personalities and experts from games, television, and other kinds of media. True to the IGN Live name, several of IGN’s shows will be conducted live at the event.

The event grew naturally out of IGN’s Summer Of Gaming project, which began in 2020 as a response to the global pandemic and the lockdowns it caused. Virtual Summer Of Gaming events reached almost 200 million people worldwide during its fourth annual occurrence. For 2024, IGN Live will be the first time an in-person event has been featured in the Summer Of Gaming schedule.

“IGN Live is aligned with IGN’s mission and history. For nearly three decades, we have fueled fandoms that drive the most diverse and beloved games and entertainment into the zeitgeist,” said Yael Prough, President of IGN Entertainment. “Fans and partners have voiced their demand for a physical space where the community can come together in person to celebrate the industry’s most exciting innovations. L.A. was an obvious choice. It is home to some of the world’s top gaming and entertainment talent and creators. We are already experiencing the enthusiasm from publishers, partners, and leadership in Los Angeles who look forward to delivering a world-class experience to the IGN community in DTLA at IGN Live 2024.”

IGN is an LA-based internet media company and has been one of the top sources for news and information about video games and other entertainment since it was founded in 1996. With more than 360 million monthly users and more than 58 million followers across social media, IGN’s content is regularly featured in 20 languages across 110 countries. Its worldwide reach is extended by custom apps on mobile devices and gaming platforms.

The Chief Tourism Officer of the City of Los Angeles also voiced excitement about the upcoming event: “L.A. continues to offer world-leading experiences for businesses and consumers alike. We have played host to many unforgettable gaming and industry events for thousands of attendees in June throughout the years. We look forward to continuing this legacy with IGN in June of 2024 and for years to come.”

IGN Live will also be accessible to virtual attendees as part of the Summer Of Gaming, with much of its content streaming on its apps, its IGN digital network, and YouTube and other social platforms. IGN’s website for more information and registration has already gone live well ahead of the event. The site will host announcements about exhibitors, event schedules, and guests over the next several weeks.

February 21, 2024