Author: Tyler Shepherd

Illicit Marijuana Operations Continue to Fuel the Black Market, Causing Difficulties for Legal Dispensaries

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Legal marijuana dispensaries in California remain fraught with challenges, accentuated by the influence of illicit black market operations. Despite the legalization of recreational marijuana use in the state, licensed dispensaries continue to grapple with the repercussions of an illegal market, casting a shadow over the industry. The issue creates formidable obstacles for compliant businesses.

iLyfted, a dispensary in Studio City, is significantly impacted by this struggle. The dispensary’s owner articulates the profound negative impact of illicit operations on their business. The plight faced by legal dispensaries gained national attention when a dispute over marijuana allegedly resulted in the tragic deaths of six individuals in the Mojave Desert, illustrating the severity of the issue.

While the passage of Proposition 64 in 2016 legalized the recreational use of small amounts of marijuana in California, the cultivation process remains subject to stringent regulations. This paradoxical situation has fueled the persistence of the black market. Peter Hanink, Assistant Professor of Criminology at Cal Poly Pomona, explains that the inability to meet the demand for legal marijuana has provided fertile ground for the black market to thrive, sometimes culminating in violent incidents.

In response to the escalating issue, San Bernardino County authorities initiated Operation Hammer Strike last year, specifically targeting illegal growers. The operation yielded substantial results, with the seizure of nearly 190,000 pounds of illegal cannabis and the eradication of almost 318,000 plants. This amounted to an estimated value of $313 million.

Defense Attorney Allison Margolin, specializing in cannabis law, sheds light on the challenges legal dispensaries face, driving some individuals toward illegal operations. The arduous process of obtaining permits from the city or county and the state acts as a significant barrier for those seeking to establish legal dispensaries.

Margolin dismisses the claims of SBCSD Sheriff Shannon Dicus, attributing violence surrounding illegal grow operations to Proposition 64, as outdated rhetoric reminiscent of the old playbook in the war against drugs. She suggests that such takes serve as a means for law enforcement agencies to secure additional funding for marijuana interdiction.

The owner of iLyfted points out a critical aspect of the enforcement dilemma, that prosecutors possess the tools to crack down on illegal operations but frequently fail to do so. He emphasizes the availability of penalties, such as charging $30,000 per day for every instance of illegal activity on a property, which is not consistently enforced.

Financial challenges further compound the struggles of legal dispensaries, as they are compelled to charge prices that are 30% above their costs to cover the taxes and fees associated with the sale of marijuana. The pricing hurdle places them at a distinct disadvantage compared to illicit operations, which can undercut prices without facing the same regulatory burdens.

The marijuana industry remains riddled with complexities as legal dispensaries find themselves confronting regulatory challenges, violent incidents linked to the black market, and an unrelenting need to compete with illegal operations. The delicate balance between meeting the demand for legal marijuana and curbing the influence of the black market remains a significant concern in the ongoing battle for compliance and legitimacy.

February 7, 2024
Shooting on 10 Freeway Shuts Down Morning Commute in East LA

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Early Tuesday morning, a terrifying incident took place on the 10 Freeway in East Los Angeles. An unexpected car-to-car shooting left two individuals grievously injured. This triggered a shutdown that heavily affected morning commuters. The incident, reported just after 5 a.m., quickly escalated into a major crisis. Authorities rushed to respond to the chaos.

As local law enforcement and California Highway Patrol arrived on the scene, they discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were in critical condition and rushed to the hospital. Usually a bustling area for residents, the freeway became a crime scene. Locals and police were faced with intense investigation and concern.

Having fled the scene, the suspect remained at large. This cast an understandable unease over the city with the potential of another attack. Authorities faced an uphill battle in their pursuit with no description of the gunman or vehicle used in the morning’s shooting. With such little information, anxiety grew among the public, left with concern about the safety of their own daily routes.

In response to the incident, many of the freeway’s eastbound lanes were closed. A major area of concern arose at the crucial I-710 interchange. This closure lasted nearly three hours and significantly disrupted the morning routine of countless commuters. Cars were slowly escorted off the roadway at South Soto Street starting around 8 a.m. Commuters were faced with heavy city traffic while attempting to find alternate routes.

This freeway shutdown was not just a logistical challenge; it shined a light on how quickly normalcy can be turned upside down. Those stuck in traffic were faced with the fear of an unknown danger. Parents, afraid for their children’s safety, had to say a frightened goodbye at school drop-off. With a violent criminal at large, it became difficult to feel safe.

Behind the scenes, law enforcement officers are working hard to find clues at the scene and beyond. They’ve worked to analyze every piece of evidence and mark on the road, knowing these could help explain why the shooting happened. Their detailed search showed how serious they were about bringing the perpetrator to justice and restoring a sense of security to the community.

As the day dragged on, the freeway slowly reopened and the physical traces of the incident cleared away. But for those who were there, the memory of that morning will stay with them. The injured men remain in the hospital, fighting to recover from this horrifying tragedy. Witnesses to the shooting and commuters affected by delays are unlikely to forget this incident.

The shooting on the 10 Freeway is yet another reminder that violence can happen suddenly and affect our communities. It highlights law enforcement’s importance in dealing with emergencies and keeping us safe, and the strength and bravery shown when people face tough times.

As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant, determined to apprehend the suspect and provide answers to the public. The community is working to heal and stay safe together, proving the resilience of LA residents in the face of tragedy.

December 29, 2023
Hawaii’s Royal Lobster Brings Buttery Lobster Rolls to Koreatown

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Koreatown in Los Angeles is now home to a unique culinary gem–Hawaii’s Royal Lobster, known for its Maine-caught lobster rolls and salads. The brainchild of husband-and-wife team Justin Sok and Ashley Cho, this establishment originally launched in Waikiki and has now expanded to the mainland, spurred by the demands of enthusiastic vacationing customers.

Justin Sok said of the vision behind Royal Lobster, “We wanted to start something new,” highlighting their approach to crafting a purer, simpler lobster roll, distinct from overly seasoned rolls. Emphasizing quality, Sok and Cho have established a direct supply line from Maine. This ensures daily shipments of fresh lobster to their restaurants.

The menu features lobster rolls served in a classic style. Each roll is lightly drizzled with melted butter and presented on a toasted brioche roll accompanied by Old Bay seasoning, a slice of lemon, garlic aioli, chips, and slaw. The lobster salad option is equally tempting, featuring fresh greens, house-made balsamic vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and a generous portion of lobster.

Royal Lobster’s location only enhances its charm, situated in a restored 1940s Texaco gas station once occupied by Full Service Coffee Co. The transformation is marked by a striking change in signage from “COFFEE” to “LOBSTER.” Patrons can currently enjoy patio seating and parking, and plans are in the works for indoor seating and expansion into other areas of L.A., including Beverly Hills. This new location will also serve as a commercial kitchen, paving the way for menu additions like lobster bisque and lobster ramen.

“Simply the best lobster roll,” Royal Lobster’s slogan, illustrates its commitment to quality. They proudly proclaim their use of full tails, claws, and knuckles in every roll, eschewing fillers for pure lobster on brioche, lightly seasoned and finished with warm butter. The lobster salad is equally noteworthy, served chilled over mixed greens with a signature balsamic vinaigrette.

Royal Lobster’s popularity and customer satisfaction are evident in testimonials. Graham from Georgia expressed, “Literally the best lobster roll I’ve ever had. No close seconds. They only have 2 things on the menu: roll or salad.” Similarly, Shireen from Honolulu, who lived in New England for years, found Royal Lobster’s offering to be “the best lobster roll ever!”

Koreatown, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, is known for its eclectic dining scene which blends traditional Korean cuisines with international flavors. Royal Lobster’s entry into this bustling area adds a new dimension to the culinary landscape, introducing coastal flair to a region celebrated for its urban palate.

Behind the scenes, Sok and Cho bring a wealth of experience from running Topped, a Korean restaurant in Waikiki. Their expertise in managing a dining establishment and understanding customer preferences have been instrumental in Royal Lobster’s success and expansion plans.

Royal Lobster is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sok and Cho invite locals and tourists to indulge in a taste of Maine in the heart of Koreatown. As it continues to expand and innovate, Royal Lobster stands as a testament to the simplicity of good food, made with the finest ingredients and a commitment to culinary authenticity. This new venture not only enriches the food scene in Koreatown but also bridges the culinary traditions of Hawaii and Los Angeles, creating a unique and memorable dining experience for all.

December 22, 2023
Study Finds That 17% of L.A. Entertainment Workers Lost Their Jobs During Strikes

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Recent findings from Otis College of Art and Design throw a stark light on the Hollywood landscape, revealing a troubling aftermath of the industry’s labor disputes. The study, a comprehensive analysis of the ripple effects caused by the strikes in Los Angeles’ entertainment sector, unveils a startling statistic: 17% of showbiz workers in the city have lost their jobs.

This revelation is part of the first report released under the Otis College Report on the Creative Economy. It uncovers the profound impacts of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes. These strikes, spanning from May to November 2023, led to the layoff of 24,799 industry professionals, highlighting the vulnerability of the workforce in this glamorous but unstable field.

The impact of these layoffs has been widespread, affecting various roles within the sector. While actors and writers faced the brunt of job losses, the study notes that camera operators, editors, and a broad category encompassing broadcast, sound, and lighting technicians also suffered significantly. This sheds light on the often-overlooked segments of the industry whose livelihoods are equally impacted by big changes like these strikes.

Otis College’s study further explains that these strikes are part of a bigger problem. Jobs in Hollywood have been decreasing, with a 26% drop since the highest point after the pandemic in August 2022. Therefore, the strikes are not isolated incidents but markers of an accelerating contraction in the industry, driven by various factors, including the decline of Peak TV.

Hollywood’s current problems are complicated. According to the report, too many T.V. shows and movies are being made, insufficient money is being invested, new technology is causing disruptions, and there is added competition foreign competition. These factors are making things tough for Hollywood. It’s a time of significant changes, and the industry needs to adapt and use caution.

Citing a comprehensive methodology, the study combined data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD). The analysis includes over 11,000 job listings and insights from interviews with industry officials. This approach provides a holistic view of the industry’s health and the effects of the strikes on the people who make movies and TV shows happen.

This study is the first of two reports regarding the entertainment industry, with the next one coming in early 2024. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding Hollywood’s current state and prospects. The data could become a vital tool for industry professionals, students, and aspiring artists.

Charles Hirschhorn, president of Otis College, talked about the importance of this study. He said, “Analyzing the health of that industry is important for both our state and our students at Otis College of Art and Design, a diverse community of artists and designers planning careers across creative sectors. We’ve developed the Otis College Report on the Creative Economy as an essential resource to give our creative students and citizens the information they need to best plan for their futures.”

The findings of this study are more than just numbers; they represent real lives and careers impacted by the industry’s fluctuations. They underscore the need for resilience and adaptability in a sector known for its glamor and volatility. As Hollywood continues to navigate these challenging times, the insights provided by Otis College’s study will be invaluable in shaping the future of this iconic industry.

December 19, 2023
Artsy Amusement Park Coming to Los Angeles Thanks to Drake

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Dynamic rapper and Toronto native Drake is known for his music and unique interests above all else. Regarding the latter, the creator has announced that he is reviving the now-defunct 1980s art amusement park once known as Luna Luna. According to Drake, the star is working with his arts and entertainment company, DreamCrew, to recreate the park and transform it into an immersive art exhibition that will be featured in downtown Los Angeles. The reimagining of the park will be called Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy.

According to Los Angeles, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy will open to the public in December. As of the most recent reporting, the exhibition will run until spring 2024. Due to the immense nature of the project, it will inevitably require sizable funding, as evidenced by Hyperallergic, the news outlet that last year reported that more than $100 million has already been invested into the transformative development.

Last week, DreamCrew posted a video on Instagram with a call to action for ticket purchasing. The post said, “Tickets to @LunaLuna: Forgotten Fantasy coming soon!” It continued, “Opening in Los Angeles this December, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is a spectacular showcase of the world’s first amusement park—lost since 1987. Sign up today to be the first to know when tickets go on sale—lunaluna.com” The brainchild of Austrian artist André Heller, the original Luna Luna was mounted during the summer of 1987 in Hamburg. Heller appointed 32 additional artists to craft various works for the exorbitant park.

The project will stay true to the original park, including creations by some of history’s most prominent and noble contemporary artists. Among the most highly-regarded attractions featured at Luna Luna are Salvador Dali’s mirrored dome, Roy Lichtenstein’s glass labyrinth, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s ferris wheel, and David Hockney’s enchanted forest. Each of these rides and attractions, plus many others, will be on display at the new exhibition in Los Angeles. The massive development will be held inside an enormous 60,000-square-foot warehouse to showcase each attraction properly. Please note that neither the ferris wheel nor the carousel will be operational. Both attractions will be presented for viewing purposes only.

The last time that any of the pieces at the original Luna Luna were made available for public viewing was almost four decades ago. Before Drake and DreamCrew decided to purchase these pieces, all of the work showcased at the original Luna Luna had broken down for years. Amazingly, each one of the pieces that will be restored and displayed at the Los Angeles exhibition sat inside multiple shipping containers in Texas for years. People are already thanking the artist for his venture, which many believe will be well-received in downtown Los Angeles.

DreamCrew provided a statement on the project, saying, “Not only was this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rediscover a lost history and the share the story with the world, but it also gave us the ability to work with the most talented partners re-creating the original vision, which still held so much untapped potential.”

December 15, 2023
Biden Administration Announces $6.1 Billion for High-Speed Rails in The Western US

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On Tuesday the Biden Administration announced that it will increase funding for a pair of high -speed electric rail routes in the U.S. West. The plan gave $6.1 billion to these long-stalled projects that promise to usher in the future of transportation but have been criticized for their high cost and extended construction times.

3 billion of the 6.1 billion will go to a planned privately-owned route that is going to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The other 3.1 billion will go to California’s public-funded effort to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Tuesday’s increase in funding is only a fraction of the overall cost of these projects. But it does show that the Biden Administration remains committed to the projects.

High-speed rails are a large part of the transportation systems of Europe and Asia, but not of America, where everyone drives cars. By building these high-speed rails, the government hopes to change this.

Tuesday’s announcement was a big deal for some who are eager to pump some life into these projects. One such person is Brian Kelley, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Kelly commented “The federal government is back on building high speed rail in America. This award is just a great leap forward.”

The 500 miles of high-speed rails that will connect Los Angeles and San Francisco was approved by California voters in 2008. Once these rails were built, electric trains traveling at speeds up to 220 mph would allow the trip to be made in under three hours, which would make it America’s fastest train service by a wide margin.

This project was supposed to cost around 30 billion and be finished by 2020. But the project is still not finished in 2023, and the projected cost has ballooned to 100 billion.

Now officials are focusing on a 171-mile stretch of the route that will connect Merced, Fresno, and Bakersfield, three of the cities with the worst air quality, and the stretch of rails is now projected to be finished by 2033. The 3.1 billion dollars that the Biden Administration approved on Tuesday went exclusively to this portion of the project.

The route between Las Vegas and Los Angeles has been on the radar for decades, but only recently obtained all the required right-of-way and environmental approvals, along with labor agreements, for work to start on some 218 miles (351 kilometers) along the Interstate 15 corridor.

There is no start date for the construction of these rails, but Nevada Senator, Jacky Rosen, said the trains could be up and running by the time Los Angeles hosts the Olympics in 2023.

“Connecting Las Vegas and Southern California by high-speed rail will create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs, boost our Southern Nevada tourism economy, and finally help us cut down on I-15 traffic,” Nevada Senator Cortez Masto said Tuesday in a statement.

No start date has been announced for this project, but Rosen said electric-powered trains could be carrying passengers by the time Los Angeles hosts the Summer Olympics in 2028.

December 12, 2023
Berkshire Hathaway’s Charlie Munger Passes Away at 99, Leaving a Legacy in Business

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The financial world lost one of its luminaries this Tuesday. Charles Thomas Munger, Warren Buffett’s right-hand man and longtime business partner passed away at 99. His passing just shy of the New Year, when he would have turned 100, marks the close of a remarkable chapter in finance. Munger wasn’t just a figure in the industry; he was an icon, whose influence and legacy are deeply felt.

Charlie Munger’s story starts on New Year’s Day back in 1924, in the heart of Omaha, Nebraska. Quite the true patriot, he served in the Army during the second World War. Post-war, Munger’s ambitions led him to the halls of Harvard Law School, where he earned his legal degree. In 1948, with a sense of adventure, he headed out to California, a move that would define much of his later life. It was in the sunny state that he took a deep dive into real estate law. His career took a major leap in 1962 with the establishment of the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, laying the groundwork for an extraordinary professional journey.

1962 was also the year when Munger really started to flex his financial muscles. He founded Wheeler, Munger & Co., a hedge fund that became a testament to his savvy in investments. But the real game-changer came in 1975. That’s when Munger decided to close his hedge fund and take up the mantle of vice chairman at Berkshire Hathaway. This bold move wasn’t just a career shift; it cemented his place as a heavyweight in the finance world.

For decades, Charles Munger was more than just a colleague to Warren Buffett; he was a key figure in transforming Berkshire Hathaway into the financial juggernaut it is today, boasting a staggering value of $780 billion. The secret sauce to Berkshire Hathaway’s astronomical success? It was the duo’s enduring partnership, characterized by a steadfast commitment to long-term growth, insightful strategies, and a set of shared core values. Together, Munger and Buffett turned the company into a beacon of financial achievement.

Warren Buffett himself has often spoken of Munger with immense respect and gratitude. He’s been quoted saying, “Without Charlie’s inspiration, wisdom, and participation, Berkshire Hathaway wouldn’t have reached the heights it has.” That’s a testament to Munger’s integral role in the company’s journey to becoming a titan in the business world.

But Munger’s reach extended far beyond the confines of Berkshire Hathaway’s boardrooms. From 1977 right up to 2022, he served as the chairman of the Daily Journal, a notable newspaper publisher based in Los Angeles. His tenure there left an indelible mark on the media industry. Munger wasn’t just a financial wizard; his sharp intellect and diverse contributions cut across various professional realms, showcasing his versatile genius.

Charlie Munger wasn’t just a titan in the world of finance; he was also a giant in the realm of philanthropy. His generosity knew no bounds, as seen in his substantial donations to academia. Stanford University benefited greatly from his largesse, receiving a hefty $43.5 million for the Munger Graduate Residence. Not stopping there, he also gifted a whopping $200 million to the University of Southern California. Overall, Munger’s charitable contributions amounted to over $550 million, a figure that speaks volumes about his dedication to making a meaningful difference beyond the financial sector.

As the financial community mourns Munger’s loss, his legacy continues to stand as a testament to the power of wisdom, ethical judgment, and kindness. At the time of his passing, Munger’s net worth was an impressive $2.2 billion. But his wealth was more than just a measure of financial success; it was a reflection of a life spent enriching society in innumerable ways.

The void left by Munger’s departure is palpable in the financial world, yet his influence remains indelible. Future philanthropists, business leaders, and investors will undoubtedly draw inspiration from his life story. Munger’s role in shaping modern finance and his unwavering commitment to bettering the world are his lasting legacies. Although he may no longer be with us, his impact and ideals will continue to resonate far into the future.

December 7, 2023
Blue Shield Data Breach Potentially Exposes Sensitive Customer Information

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Blue Shield of California is currently navigating a significant data breach that may expose confidential information belonging to its vision benefits customers. In the aftermath of this breach, Blue Shield released a statement indicating that the sensitive information of individuals with Blue Shield of California vision benefits might be compromised. The incident occurred when hackers successfully breached a software program employed by one of Blue Shield’s vendors.

The compromised information encompasses a range of sensitive details, including customer names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and specifics related to treatment and diagnosis. Blue Shield, a prominent health insurer based in Oakland with approximately 4.8 million members, primarily in California, has yet to disclose the exact number of customers impacted or whether all affected customers have been notified.

The breach occurred on May 28 and May 31 when hackers gained unauthorized access to MOVEit, a file-transferring software tool used by a third-party provider managing Blue Shield’s vision benefits. While Blue Shield has refrained from disclosing the identity of this third-party vendor, it’s noteworthy that this incident was part of a more extensive global data security breach impacting numerous organizations relying on MOVEit.

The vendor responsible for managing Blue Shield’s vision benefits detected the breach in August. The vendor took immediate action by shutting down the server and initiating an internal investigation into the incident. They then promptly reported the matter to the FBI. Blue Shield was subsequently alerted in September, marking the initiation of their response to this security incident.

In response to the breach, Blue Shield has established a dedicated call center to address customer inquiries related to the incident. The call center operates from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, excluding major U.S. holidays. Additionally, in a proactive measure to assist affected individuals, Blue Shield has offered free credit monitoring coupled with identity restoration services.

Healthcare providers and Blue Shield recommend that individuals affected by the breach take specific precautions. These include a close review of credit reports and account statements, and prompt notification of any fraudulent activities or suspected identity theft to relevant authorities, such as law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Attorney General’s Office in their home state.

Blue Shield recommends placing a fraud alert on credit files, with an initial free alert that remains active for at least 90 days. An extended alert, lasting seven years, may be placed on the credit files of those who have been victims of identity theft through the breach. Another precautionary step suggested by Blue Shield is considering a security freeze on credit files, preventing new credit from being opened without needing a personal identification number.

Recognizing the potential indicators of identity theft, Blue Shield emphasizes vigilance, urging affected individuals to remain attentive to any unexplained withdrawals from their bank accounts, missing bills or mail, refused checks by merchants, debt collection calls for unrecognized debts, unfamiliar accounts or charges on credit reports, and unexpected notices related to compromised information in data breaches.

As the investigation unfolds, Blue Shield of California and the FBI have been contacted for comment, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the collaborative effort to address the breach and its implications for those affected.

December 6, 2023
Cannabis and Culinary Haven Opens in West Hollywood

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Located on the first floor at 7715 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, the unique establishment PleasureMed is set to redefine sensory experiences for its customers. The multi-layered two-story space combines a farm-to-table Californian-inspired restaurant named Irie, a state-of-the-art cannabis dispensary, and an intimate outdoor lounge called Hind for distinct craft cocktails. The establishment spans 6,500 square feet of botanical ecstasy in West Hollywood.

Taking inspiration from Havana’s apothecaries, PleasureMed’s majestic space — designed by Studio UNLTD — features elaborate checkered marble flooring, 13-foot coffered ceilings, and histrionic ivory beaded chandeliers. The exterior showcases a 67’ x 30’ 3D video art experience called “The Jaguar’s Eye.” Created by Optical Animal and Brian Robinson, the immersive piece enlightens the PleasureMed building, offering an attention-grabbing canvas on the iconic Route 66 Highway. Inside, the dispensary maintains a focus on local and family-owned producers, effectively showcasing a broad range of cannabis products and strains. Highlights include Apocalypze (woman-owned), which offers flower strains from Space Dust to Zombaeland, and Artet (family-owned), offering THC- and CBD-infused mixers and spritzes. Wyld — the first carbon-neutral cannabis edibles company — which uses natural flavors and real fruit.

On the second floor, the destination restaurant Irie provides a highly curated farm-to-table menu. The restaurant, which takes its name from the Jamaican word for “everything is alright,” features tailored essentials such as a marble-topped bar and custom-carved dining booths. Irie welcomes diners with gracious experts ready to guide them through their cannabis menu as relaxed Afro-Latino beats provide an ideal atmosphere. Among some of the most desirable menu options are the Barramundi rapini with preserved lemon fume, the dandelion and frisee Caesar bottarga with croutons parmesan, and the venison burger with aioli on a sesame bun with tomato, sweet and sours, arugula, and cheddar. Hidden Peal Lion’s Mane Cakes are the perfect vegan option with aioli, basil, cilantro, and lime. Irie is open from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday, and reservations can be made at RESY.

Hind, the outdoor bar and lounge, sits adjacent to the dispensary and can comfortably accommodate as many as 45 people at a time. The space features deeply veined leathered marble and custom white oak table tops. Both zero-proof and alcoholic craft cocktails are served here alongside your chosen dishes from Irie. Included on the list of exquisitely curated drinks available at Hind include The Green Fairy, which combines St. Germain, apple, cucumber, sparkling wine, and anise aromatics, and the Wake N’ Bake, taking Reposado, 43, and espresso, and adding banana, cereal whip, and popcorn salt. Another eye-popping beverage on the favorites list is the Pornstar Slush. The provocative cocktail combines Oaxacan rum, Bacardi, Aquavit, Pamplemousse, mango, passionfruit, vanilla bean, coconut, and lime. Hind is open Monday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m, and reservations can also be made at RESY.

No reservations are required to visit PleasureMed Dispensary, which is open Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. PleasureMed is deeply committed to community involvement, as evidenced by its mission-driven endeavors. These initiatives include donating 4% of profits to Social Just Reform nonprofits across Los Angeles and the LGBTQ community. Additionally, PleasureMed will distribute another 1% of profits to patron/employee-nominated nonprofits. As an all-inclusive space redefining the perception of cannabis lounges, PleasureMed looks forward to welcoming the people of Los Angeles and beyond into its near-otherworldly universe.

December 1, 2023
Billie Eilish and Finneas Teaming Up to Open New Vegan Restaurant in Los Angeles

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Acclaimed siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas have joined forces with vegan restaurateur Nic Adler to introduce Argento, an upcoming vegan Italian restaurant. Located in Los Angeles, Argento marks a noteworthy culinary development for the two music stars.

The talented duo, widely recognized for their collaborative work in producing and composing most of Eilish’s songs, is stepping into the restaurant business with a vision to offer a unique vegan dining experience. Nic Adler, co-founder of the well-regarded Monty’s Good Burger, a vegan fast-food chain with multiple locations across California, and the creative mind behind the popular plant-based eatery Nic’s On Beverley, joins the siblings in this exciting venture.

Set to open soon in the former space of Little Pine, a vegan restaurant in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood, Argento is poised to influence the city’s culinary scene. The restaurant’s menu will showcase a vibrant celebration of fresh, plant-based Italian cuisine. Distinguishing itself from Monty’s Good Burger, which offers vegan meat options, Argento will focus on a vegetable-forward approach, steering clear of processed plant-based meat alternatives. Nic Adler emphasizes the importance of highlighting the versatility of vegetables and allowing them to take center stage in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary space.

For Billie Eilish, the allure of Argento lies in its accessibility to everyone, irrespective of their dietary preferences. Eilish envisions Argento transcending the typical “vegan” branding. She advocates that vegan food is for everyone, emphasizing the positive shift in the culinary arena over the past decade.

The surge in the popularity of vegan food is not limited to dedicated vegans but extends to flexitarians, a significant driving force behind the increased accessibility of vegan options. Billie Eilish invites individuals to consider the environmental impact of their dietary decisions, highlighting the water-intensive process of meat production. Research indicates that over half of young people aged between 24 and 39 in the US identify as flexitarians. This shift is not only a testament to changing dietary preferences but also emphasizes the expanding accessibility of vegan alternatives.

Eilish’s commitment to environmental causes goes beyond her dietary choices. In 2022, she founded Overheated, a London-based plant-based event to raise awareness of environmental issues. Her recognition on the TIME100 Climate list further solidifies her influence in advocating for climate-conscious choices. During an interview, Eilish emphasized the significant role of animal agriculture in climate change and the urgent need for individuals to adopt a plant-based diet for the well-being of the planet.

Eilish’s mother, Maggie Baird, plays a pivotal role in the family’s advocacy for plant-based living. Co-founding the nonprofit Support And Feed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Baird aims to address both the climate crisis and food insecurity. Inspired by her family’s dedication to veganism, Eilish fully embraced the lifestyle, along with Finneas and her father, actor Patrick O’Connell.

Anticipation surrounds the opening of Argento, scheduled for December after ongoing renovations. Adler, Finneas, and Eilish envision the restaurant as a welcoming space, fostering a relaxed ambiance for patrons to enjoy Italian cuisine. Adler expresses his enthusiasm for extended Sunday dinners and hopes Argento will become an inviting gathering place that adds to the city’s diverse culinary offerings.

November 30, 2023
SoCal Locals Flee the Conflict in Gaza, Return to Safety

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After becoming stuck in the middle of the recent conflict in Gaza, two residents of Southern California were able to flee the area and are currently safe in neighboring countries. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass worked hard alongside many government officials to secure their safety.

One of the fortunate individuals is a Los Angeles City employee who was visiting his elderly mother in northern Gaza as the unrest led to violence and war, finding himself in an impossible situation. Faced with the escalating conflict, he received orders to evacuate and subsequently journeyed south to Rafah, where he found himself stranded at the border.

Mayor Karen Bass made it her mission to make sure the Los Angeles City employee was safe, exhibiting remarkable empathy and dedication. Throughout this terrifying ordeal, her office kept in constant contact with the employee’s son, providing updates on his condition. Mayor Bass announced that “it has been a source of tremendous turmoil and pain speaking with his son. I am relieved to announce today (Thursday) that the employee is now safe in a neighboring country, Egypt, and out of the war zone. We look forward to welcoming our colleague home.” She was clearly quite relieved to inform the public of the individual’s safety.

The Mayor expressed her gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this rescue possible. She personally thanked Senior Advisor to the President, Tom Perez, the Biden administration, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Rep. Julia Brownley for their continuous support to ensure the safe return of a fellow Californian.

When the attacks started, the second resident, a mother originally from Camarillo, was visiting family in Gaza and was also witness to the mayhem and devastation. Nabil Alshurafa, her son, told of his mother’s difficult journey to safety. She bravely attempted five times to cross into Egypt, exhibiting incredible fortitude in the face of difficulty. Relief welled up in the family when, at last, the phone call arrived to tell them she had made it out alive.

When reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster that the family endured, Alshurafa said, “She was crying when I spoke to her, and there was a sense of relief knowing she was able to escape. But at the same time, the excitement slowly went away when we started realizing that we still have a lot of family still in Gaza.”

While these two California residents are now safely out of Gaza, there remains uncertainty surrounding their travel plans to return to their homes. To ensure their safe return to their families and loved ones, the community and officials are actively working to facilitate their journey back.

The collaborative initiatives of Mayor Karen Bass, government representatives, and the tenacity of the families involved serve as a shining example of the devotion and commitment of people coming together to guarantee the security and welfare of those impacted by the turbulent events in Gaza. These inspiring tales serve as a reminder of the value of compassion and unity during difficult times as the world observes the region’s ongoing difficulties.

November 9, 2023
Liftoff, LA! Space Shuttle Endeavour’s Rockets Sees Debut

Image credit: Unsplash

Space shuttle Endeavour’s rockets showcased a successful liftoff, being delicately elevated into the California Science Center. The first large components, giant rockets, were installed at the site where the future space shuttle Endeavour is set to sit.

Solid rocket motors, each the whopping size of a Boeing 757 fuselage, were relocated from a horizontal to a vertical position with the use of a carefully conducted crane. The sensitive instruments weigh 104,000 pounds each, making the matter relatively monumental. They were lowered into place in the new exhibit hosted at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. One motor found its place on Tuesday, and the other was implemented on Wednesday.

One hundred seventy-seven pins were used to attach each solid rocket motor to the base of the rocket booster, aka the aft skirt. Each pin holding it together is one inch in diameter and 2 inches in length.

California Science Center President Jeffrey Rudolph stated, “It felt great… We’ve got two solid rocket motors standing tall in the new building now.”

The tops of the rockets are visible from the establishment’s exterior, inviting guests to come and take a look. During the lift, the solid rocket motors could even be seen from the 110 Freeway, making the event more exciting and shouting an unignorable message to the surrounding community.

What transpired this week was the result of six long months of work and a dedicated team dedicated. The permanent exhibit is in the process of being assembled, set to look like a stack configuration as if it were ready for launch. It will be shown as the only surviving U.S. orbiter displayed in this position and the last space shuttle orbiter ever built.

While procedures of this kind are typically performed at NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida—one of the largest buildings by volume in the world, spanning over 50 stories—it is equipped with plenty of cranes and platforms to handle the job. However, as the project was completed at the California Science Center itself, unique techniques were required for the installation. With a careful hand and close precision, the workers put together scaffolding along the aft skirts and got to work inserting the exquisite sequence of connecting pins that will be available for display soon.

Without exceptional alignment, the aft skirt and solid rocket motors could have easily posed an obstacle in terms of pin insertion. However, the craftsmanship of those on the job solidified the quick timeframe expected from those looking forward to seeing the exhibit. Work commenced around 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, ending before 1:00 p.m. After they had completed the process, work was done at an even faster pace on Wednesday. The day spanned from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., making a quick project out of the mission at hand. According to Rudolph, “The crew worked really well, did an excellent job, and things came together effectively and quite quickly.”

Next will come another 30 vertical feet of scaffolding and the subsequent installation of external tank attach rings. Those rings will serve as a connection between the solid rocket motors and the huge orange external tank. After that, more scaffolding will be put up on top of the 116-foot solid rocket motors to assist the workers in the installation of the tips of the rockets—the forward assembly, including the nose cone and forward skirt.

The forward skirt will act as the foremost weight-bearing connection between the solid rocket boosters and the external tank, making it an essential component to success. This part should be ready for potentially permanent implementation in early December.

The solid rocket motors make up most of the boosters, stretching 149 feet in length. At liftoff, the white boosters were placed under the Endeavour’s wings, producing over 80% of the lift.

The most dramatic ideas are coming to life in the form of this exhibit, set to occur after the festive holiday season. That’s when we’ll see the external tank go up. After the last week of January, the Endeavour orbiter will be installed. Cranes almost as tall as Los Angeles City Hall will rise from the horizontal position from where it lies, pointing vertically toward the stars for its final pose. The rest of the museum will be built around the feature in a $400M, 20-story venue entitled the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center—something locals are looking forward to.

Currently, the Endeavour sits at a temporary display center where it will be shown until December 31st. Soon after, guests are expecting to be able to see the exhibit at its permanent location.

November 3, 2023