Author: Tyler Shepherd

Musical Geniuses Behind ‘Dante’ Earn Grammy Nominations

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In a remarkable achievement for classical music, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the baton of celebrated conductor Gustavo Dudamel, has garnered significant attention in the 2024 Grammy Award nominations. Their masterful performance of “Adès: Dante” has put them in the spotlight, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to the arts.

Gustavo Dudamel, a renowned figure in the world of classical music, has been nominated alongside the L.A. Philharmonic in the Orchestral Performance category for their rendition of “Adès: Dante.” This nomination comes during a pivotal moment in Dudamel’s career as he prepares to transition from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the New York Philharmonic in 2026 after a remarkable 17-year tenure.

The competition in this category is formidable, with nominees including Karina Canellakis and the Netherlands Radio, Yannick Nézet-Séguin with the Philadelphia Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta leading the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the San Francisco Symphony. This diverse group of talented conductors and orchestras highlights the vibrant and dynamic nature of the contemporary classical music scene.

Dudamel, at 42, is no stranger to Grammy acclaim, already holding four Grammy Awards. Last year, he and the L.A. Phil were nominated for “Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 7–9,” though they did not secure the win. This year, the possibility of Dudamel earning his fifth Grammy among six nominations adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming awards.

His previous Grammy victories include Best Choral Performance for “Mahler: Symphony No. 8” and “Symphony of a Thousand” at the 64th Grammy Awards, and Best Orchestral Performance for “Ives: Complete Symphonies” the preceding year. He also claimed the same category at the 62nd Grammy Awards for “Norman: Sustain” and his first Grammy win during the 54th Grammy Awards for “Brahms: Symphony No. 4.”

British composer Thomas Adès, the creative force behind “Adès: Dante,” has been nominated for Contemporary Classical Composition. Adès’ composition, which Times critic Mark Swed described as “wondrously anarchic and entertaining,” premiered in May 2022 at the L.A. Phil’s Gen X festival. Adès faces competition from Andy Akiho, William Brittelle, Missy Mazzoli, and Jessie Montgomery for this prestigious award, which honors contemporary compositions written within the last 25 years.

Additionally, “Adès: Dante” producer Dmitriy Lipay has been nominated for Producer of the Year, Classical. This nomination recognizes his work on several productions with the L.A. Phil, including “Fandango” and “Rachmaninoff: The Piano Concertos & Paganini Rhapsody.”

The album Fandango, featuring Dudamel, violist Anne Akiko Meyers, opera baritone Gustavo Castillo, and the L.A. Phil, has been recognized in the Engineered Album, Classical, category. Engineers Alexander Lipay and Dmitriy Lipay are in contention for this award, which honors technical excellence in recording. The album also received a nomination for Classical Compendium.

The 66th Grammy Awards, set to air live on CBS and Paramount+ on February 4th, promise to be a spectacular event celebrating the very best in music. The ceremony, taking place in the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, will not only be a testament to the enduring legacy of classical music but also a platform to honor the modern-day maestros and their contributions to the rich tapestry of the musical arts.

November 1, 2023
Foot Locker Has Signed 2023’s Largest Industrial Pre-Lease

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Foot Locker’s newly announced pre-lease represents Los Angeles’s largest 2023 pre-lease. The agreement will see the athletic retailer develop 361,000 square feet of warehouse space in Los Angeles County. The land was acquired by Ares Management and the Black Creek Group for $46.1 million, which is being leased to them by Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL). The El Monte Logistics Center will be a “Class A Cross Dock Logistics Facility” currently under construction. According to an announcement by Ares Management, it is expected to be ready by the end of 2024. Foot Locker’s lease of the facility should extend through the second quarter of 2031.

Foot Locker is one of the United States’ most prolific commercial retailers. Specializing in athletic clothing and footwear, it gained an international reach and opened over three thousand locations worldwide. Foot Locker’s website currently lists nine retail sites inside of Los Angeles. There is no statement whether this new warehouse acquisition represents the beginning of further regional investment.

Ares Management is a global investment manager in credit, private equity, and real estate. Black Creek Group is a US-specialized real estate management company previously based in Denver, which was acquired by LA-based Ares Management in 2021. Since then, many of Black Creek’s executives have been moved to Ares Management, and bot headquarters are expected to relocate to a new location inside Los Angeles before the end of 2024. The successful development and the lease of the El Monte Logistics Center represent a significant joint investment of the unified brands and a particular commitment to the Los Angeles area.

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated is a Chicago-based global real estate firm founded in the United Kingdom. It invests heavily in real estate, including office space, single-family homes, and extensive facilities like the El Monte Logistics Center. In May 2023, JLL reported a $9.2 million quarterly loss, including a 15% drop in revenue from the Market Advisory wing that handles property and real estate leases. At the time, JLL executives labeled this a temporary decline, and the agreement with Ares Management and Foot Locker could represent this. Pre-leases of this size are uncommon in the current market.

Such sizable acquisitions were more common during the high-stakes competition that defined the first years of the 2020s. The current industrial environment has largely trended toward occupiers lowering costs rather than securing competitive spaces. It is also true of other top markets, where trends show vacancies and sub-leases becoming more common over time.

Foot Locker’s move resembles strategies from a time of higher consumer spending. Other leases of similar size recently took place, including a renewal of 400,000 square feet by OnTrac in Commerce and a new lease of 443,000 square feet by National Road Logistics in Torrance. JLL’s executives had told investors in May that they expected investment activity to increase by the end of the year. This prediction has now been supported by Ares Management and Footlocker’s significant acquisition.

October 27, 2023
Boost in Homeownership: Understanding California’s ADU-to-Condo Bill, AB 1033
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In a shift from the norm, California homeowners can now transition from renting out Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – commonly known as “granny flats” – to selling them in the style of condominiums, thanks to the newly passed Assembly Bill 1033.

Spanning a range of styles from converted garages to tiny standalone homes in backyards or even unused sections of a primary house, ADUs have been a significant part of California’s housing landscape. This legislative move, introduced by Assemblyman Phil Ting from San Francisco, aims to foster homeownership opportunities.

For this system to come into play, however, local governments must actively choose to adopt the ADU-as-condominium model.

Here’s a breakdown of how it operates in cities that embrace this initiative:
1. Utility Notification: As with any new condo establishment, those constructing ADUs must inform local utility providers, which includes services such as water, gas, electricity, and sewerage.
2. Formation of a Homeowners Association (HOA): A necessary step to assess dues covering communal areas like shared driveways, pools, or rooftops.
3. Separate Property Taxation: The primary residence and the ADU will each have distinct property taxes.
Ting anticipates that, at least initially, these ADUs will predominantly be sold to close acquaintances or family of the property owners. However, as this trend gains traction, the scope of selling ADUs could soon mirror standard real estate practices.

Meredith Stowers, an ADU-focused loan officer at CrossCountry Mortgage in San Diego, perceives this as a win-win situation for existing homeowners and potential new buyers. She notes that many homeowners, especially retirees on limited incomes, can utilize this to bolster their financial status. Not only does it provide retirees an avenue to maximize the equity of their property, but it also presents younger families with a feasible entry point into the housing market.

Highlighting a prevalent dilemma, Stowers explained that many retirees find it economically unsound to relocate to a smaller residence after years of accruing high-rate loan modifications. But this legislation offers them a novel solution: construct an ADU, move into it, and potentially put their primary house up for sale.

Such an approach to ADUs isn’t unprecedented. In 2019, after deregulating ADU construction constraints, Seattle saw a fourfold surge in ADU permits from the previous year. A March report revealed that Seattle granted permits for both attached and detached ADUs, with a noteworthy portion being multi-ADU sites or new single-family property developments.

In Seattle, for example, detached ADUs or “backyard cottages” spanning over 1,000 square feet were reportedly sold for figures ranging from $500,000 to $800,000.

This progression, mirrored in other states like Oregon and Texas, signifies a promising direction for California’s housing landscape, potentially revolutionizing how homeowners and buyers perceive and deal with ADUs.
October 19, 2023
John Carpenter’s Suburban Chronicles

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In the heart of Los Angeles, behind a picturesque white picket fence, lies the sanctuary of the legendary John Carpenter. The iconic director is known for evoking terror from the most mundane settings. Imagine, for instance, a masked villain terrorizing a quiet suburb. At the age of 75, Carpenter’s mischievous wit remains sharp. Greeting visitors to his office is a life-size cardboard cut-out of Justin Bieber from his “Believe” era, strategically placed to spook an unsuspecting friend playfully.

Carpenter’s office is adorned with memorabilia from his classic films, Big Trouble in Little China to Vampires. However, his recent endeavors, graphic novels published through Storm King Comics, and his music albums dominate his workspace. As he gears up for New York Comic-Con, the air is thick with anticipation for his latest album, Anthology II (Movie Themes 1976–1988).

The journey Carpenter began with 1974’s Dark Star has earned him a seat in the pantheon of genre greats. Although he occasionally steps into the composer or executive producer role, as seen with the recent Halloween reboots, he seldom rewatches his movies. To him, they’re chapters closed. Yet, amidst the critical acclaim lurk shadows of commercial failures and career lows. Carpenter feels the weight of those setbacks deeply.

John Carpenter’s Current Interests

Music, video games, and women’s basketball now occupy his interests more than the retrospection of his film career. As he chats animatedly about the WNBA and its stars like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, it’s evident that Carpenter’s passion extends beyond the cinematic world.

After 13 years since directing his last feature, The Ward, a new venture beckoned Carpenter. The advent of streaming saw him helm Peacock’s horror anthology, John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams. In this series, Carpenter digs into his horror roots to narrate a woman’s harrowing experience with a phone stalker.

Forty-five years after the release of Halloween, Carpenter remains grounded. While the world celebrates the film’s legacy, it’s simply work to him. But he acknowledges the fortune of having lived his childhood dream. He recalls the profound impact of his films on fans, noting the unusual devotion of some who even get Halloween tattoos. His journey had its low moments, too, like the initial failure of The Thing and missing out on directing Firestarter.

His recent involvement in scoring the Firestarter reboot and David Gordon Green’s Halloween series showcases Carpenter’s enduring touch. When asked about watching movies, Carpenter chuckles, admitting he prefers viewing them from the comfort of his home. His humorous take on Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, reveals his ability to find fun in unexpected places.

Carpenter’s Latest Project and Reflections

Suburban Screams, Carpenter’s latest series, is rooted in reality, with each episode exploring true horror stories. Creating tension and suspense around a woman’s account of being stalked was a challenge he relished. Carpenter’s method? Finding the perfect actress, Julie Stevens, to bring the harrowing tale to life.

Intriguing narratives fueled the transition from a decade-long hiatus to directing again. And while Carpenter remains open to running features, he believes music is the purest form of art. It transcends words and boundaries, connecting souls across time and space.

Reflecting on his career, Carpenter acknowledges the immense stress it brought. Chain-smoking and deteriorating health forced him to step back. As he ponders life’s ephemeral nature, he remains grateful for his journey.

In the end, for this master of horror, it’s the affirmation of life that remains the ultimate message of the genre.

October 17, 2023
San Pedro Soccer Field Scene of Small Plane Crash

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This Monday afternoon was unlike any other at the San Pedro soccer field. Usually filled with the sounds of kids’ laughter and the sight of soccer balls being kicked across the green, the area was filled with the roars of a struggling airplane engine. A small plane crashed into a soccer field.

The people inside the plane, a man roughly in his 40s and a woman in her early 30s, were in serious condition. They were quickly rushed to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. And while the damage was done and the shock lingered heavy in the air, there was a collective sigh of relief, too. No one on the ground was injured, and the crash didn’t become an enormous catastrophe.

Witness J.R. Romero, who was among the crowd, shared the surreal experience, “When I looked up —it was a plane coming down, and it was about a 30-degree angle.”

Minutes before the sudden descent, the pilot’s voice broke through the radio silence, thick with panic. “We have an engine failure. We’re coming into land,” he reported. Another pilot, flying nearby, chimed in on the conversation. He clearly viewed the unexpected landing, confirming the location, “I see them. They’re on the field, right next to the Carson refinery.”

At 12:59 p.m., the scene at 401 W. Westmont Dr. was a flurry of flashing lights and the rush of first responders. Margaret Stewart, Public Information Officer at the Los Angeles Fire Department, detailed the rescue, “The pilot was still inside the plane when we arrived. We had to act quickly to get him out.”

The plane journey began in Torrance. Its intended destination is unknown, but its unexpected and dramatic pause in San Pedro has left an unforgettable mark on the community’s memory. As the news rippled outwards, Supervisor Janice Hahn shared her thoughts and concerns on X (previously known as Twitter). “We have heard that the pilot and a passenger have been transported to the hospital in critical condition. Praying they both survive and grateful that no one on the ground was injured.”

As the shock of the incident begins to fade, life in the communities of San Pedro will gradually return to normal. The familiar and joyous sounds of laughter, cheers, and friendly rivalry will once again fill the air of the soccer field. Children will eagerly run after soccer balls. The everyday hustle will resume, brushing away the remains of the unexpected event that briefly paused the clock of routine activities.

However, the memory of the unexpected plane crash will not quickly fade away. It will silently reside in the back of everyone’s mind. The incident will be a gentle reminder of life’s delicate nature, the unpredictability of each new day, and the invaluable worth of every goal scored on that field. The field will hold stories of games won or lost and a day when life’s unexpectedness was demonstrated, reinforcing the value of cherishing each moment.

October 4, 2023
Lawsuit Targets Los Angeles Over Bass’ Emergency Authority and Homeless Situation

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A lawsuit was filed Monday, September 25th, against the City of Los Angeles over Mayor Karen Bass’ emergency authority over the homelessness crisis. Fix The City, a non-profit organization advocating for responsible urban planning and governance, filed the lawsuit.

Bass declared a state of emergency on homelessness in December 2022, just after being elected. Homelessness has long been a problem in Los Angeles, with rates rising even higher over the past few years. Bass reworked her declaration in July 2023 to authorize her to confiscate property and use it for temporary housing. The statement also allows the suspension of competitive bidding on contracts that last less than a year and issues orders and directives to end the homelessness crisis.

Fix the City’s lawsuit challenges the mayor’s use of emergency powers. The organization claimed the mayor’s declaration allowed her to “overstep her authority by wielding emergency powers that stretch beyond their intended scope.” Their information continued, “The mayor can unilaterally execute contracts, suspect competitive bidding laws, issue new rules, orders, and regulations that take effect immediately, and commandeer property — all without any due process, any requirement of public hearings or public involvement of any kind including the city’s neighborhood councils.”

Fix the City acknowledged that homelessness is a problem in Los Angeles but asserted that it should be addressed through legal and transparent channels. They cited the 2015 declared shelter crisis as an example of using proper channels to address homelessness. Their statement read, “We take no issue with the declaration of a crisis of homelessness provided that such a declaration does not deprive the public of its rights.”

This is not the first time Fix the City has been involved in lawsuits against the City of Los Angeles. The organization has a history of filing suits for laws and developments surrounding creating affordable housing and public transportation. Los Angeles has attempted to solve the lack of affordable housing and limited access to public transportation over the past decade. Fix the City has previously filed lawsuits against L.A. City’s mobility plan, L.A.’s Transit Oriented Communities Affordable Housing Incentives, housing developments in Hollywood and Koreatown, and attempted to block updates to L.A.’s Hollywood Community Plan. These developments aim to solve the homelessness emergency and ease traffic congestion in Los Angeles.

Public transportation and homelessness in Los Angeles go hand-in-hand. The City is currently nearly impossible to navigate without a car, making it almost impossible to keep a job without owning a car. Housing prices have skyrocketed within the past few years, and many Los Angeles residents struggle to pay rent and keep up with car payments and maintenance. Access to better and more reliable public transportation would be transformative for the City and its residents.

Bass’ office has not yet commented on the filing of the lawsuit. According to the Los Angeles Times, Clara Kruger, a mayoral spokesperson, said, “The complaint was just filed, and we will take time to review it.”

October 3, 2023
Get Ready, LA: Lucas Museum Gears Up for a Stellar 2025 Debut

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After years of anticipation, Los Angeles is finally gearing up for the grand opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in 2025. Founded by Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas, the museum is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. It will become a major attraction in the city’s thriving art scene.

Initially considering locations in Chicago and San Francisco, Lucas ultimately chose Los Angeles as the home for his billion-dollar project. The city’s officials were more assertive in pursuing the project, recognizing the prestige and job opportunities it would bring. The futuristic building, designed by prominent Chinese architect Ma Yansong, is situated in Exposition Park, across from the University of Southern California, Lucas’s alma mater. The museum’s construction contributes to a recent surge in LA’s development, including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Hammer Museum, and the ongoing overhaul of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The Lucas Museum is poised to make its mark on LA’s vibrant and cutting-edge art world, not only due to its unique architecture but also because of its expansive and diverse collection. Far from being a shrine to Lucas himself, the museum houses over 10,000 paintings, book and magazine illustrations, and other works by artists like Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, and Judy Baca. The museum aims to explore the art of storytelling, highlighting how narratives can help build connections and inspire change in society.

While “narrative art” may not offer a precise definition, the Lucas Museum’s focus on storytelling through images sets it apart. The museum will feature a wide range of visual art, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, and the arts of filmmaking. By showcasing narrative art from various cultures, periods, and mediums, the Lucas Museum will promote a deeper understanding of the impact of images on our world and foster conversations about the power of visual storytelling.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum is led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont. The museum’s 11-acre campus, situated within a vast, landscaped park designed by Studio-MLA, houses the 300,000-square-foot building that will surely become an iconic part of LA’s architectural landscape. In addition to extensive gallery spaces, the museum will feature two state-of-the-art theaters and dedicated spaces for learning, engagement, dining, retail, and events.

One of the key challenges the Lucas Museum faces is attracting tourists more familiar with Hollywood, Venice, and Santa Monica. However, the museum’s potential as a significant addition to LA’s thriving art scene is expected to draw in local and international visitors. Its success ultimately depends on its ability to offer a truly unique and engaging experience, setting itself apart from other institutions in the city.

As the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art draws near, art enthusiasts and the general public alike eagerly await the chance to explore its innovative approach to visual storytelling. With its groundbreaking architecture, eclectic collection, and focus on the power of narrative art, the museum is sure to make a lasting impact on Los Angeles and the global art community. Prepare yourself, Los Angeles, for a stellar debut that promises to captivate and inspire through the power of visual storytelling.

September 12, 2023
Pioneering the Next Wave of Financial Innovation with Open Banking and Biometric Tech

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In the realm of finance, change is not just inevitable; it’s the driving force that fuels evolution. One company making notable strides in this transformation is Gordeon, leveraging the potent combination of Open Banking APIs and biometric verification to redefine the future of financial transactions.

Open Banking APIs have emerged as a game-changer in the contemporary financial landscape. These advanced interfaces, operating as the conduit between varied software platforms, have allowed banks to share pivotal data through third-party applications. This may sound technical, but the practical implications are groundbreaking. It signifies that the once distinct lines between different financial service providers are blurring, enabling a holistic, interconnected ecosystem where data flows seamlessly, optimizing transaction experiences.

However, Gordeon’s utilization of Open Banking goes beyond mere integration. Recognizing the constraints smaller businesses face, especially startups without the financial muscle to construct intricate payment systems, Gordeon presents a pragmatic solution. By harnessing the power of APIs, these enterprises can now provide a broad spectrum of payment solutions – from digital wallets to traditional credit and debit options – without the hefty price tag traditionally associated with such technology. It’s a move that is not only commendable for its innovation but also for its inclusivity, bringing state-of-the-art payment options to a broader range of businesses.

Yet, for Gordeon, innovation isn’t just about facilitating transactions; it’s also about ensuring they are secure. This is where their expertise in biometric verification comes to the fore. In an era where digital security threats loom large, the promise of biometric identification — relying on unique physical or behavioral attributes like retina scans or fingerprints — offers a beacon of hope. Not only are these biological markers incredibly challenging to replicate, but they also present a user-friendly approach to authentication. No more remembering complicated passwords or PINs; with Gordeon’s tech, your identity is literally at your fingertips.

Moreover, in their quest for optimal user convenience, Gordeon is delving into the realm of AI-based voice assistants. Imagine executing a transaction or checking your balance with just a voice command. This isn’t science fiction but a reality Gordeon is actively shaping, integrating cutting-edge voice recognition systems into their payment platforms.

Gordeon stands at the intersection of innovation and utility. Their profound understanding of Open Banking APIs is democratically revolutionizing the payment ecosystem, bringing cutting-edge solutions to businesses irrespective of their size. Paired with their strides in biometric verification and AI voice technology, Gordeon isn’t just setting the gold standard for financial transactions; they are actively redefining it. As they continue to push the boundaries of what’s achievable, the broader industry watches, learns, and invariably, follows.

Written in partnership with Tom White.

March 30, 2023