Author: William Mullane

Jack Flaherty Comes Home to the Los Angeles Dodgers

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have been aggressive at the trade deadline, as many anticipated, and have not come home empty-handed. Rather, they have acquired arguably one of the best options on the market: Detroit Tigers ace Jack Flaherty. A longtime Dodgers fan, Flaherty is coming home to Hollywood, and his presence is sure to bolster the Dodgers pitching staff, which has been damaged by numerous injuries all season long.

Even with Clayton Kershaw back in the mix, Los Angeles has struggled to field a healthy five-man rotation for weeks. But with Flaherty, all of that could be about to change. The 28-year-old is experiencing possibly his best season to date, posting a 9-5 record through 20 starts with a 2.97 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. His 150 strikeouts through 118.1 innings is one of the best ratios in the league.

Jack Flaherty’s Long-Awaited Move to the Dodgers

Flaherty has long loved pitching in Los Angeles, as he was born and raised in California. As a toddler, Flaherty even wore a Dodger uniform, dreaming of playing for the team one day. Now, in many ways, his dreams have all come full circle, bringing him back to the Dodgers as a pro.

How Flaherty Strengthens the Dodgers’ Pitching Roster

But beyond just achieving his own childhood dreams, Flaherty is also stepping into an ideal team set-up. Flaherty isn’t just pitching for the Dodgers. He’s pitching for what some would argue is the National League’s most talented team, possibly the best team in the league right now. But despite its talent, the team has been in desperate need of a reliable, uninjured pitching roster. With Flaherty on the mound, everything could very well go the team’s way.

Once the playoffs arrive, there’s a good chance Los Angeles can field a dominant starting rotation despite the onslaught of injuries. That is especially true of Flaherty. After struggling post-deadline last season, when traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Baltimore Orioles, Flaherty is looking to avoid a repeat of history.

Flaherty has long been effusive in his adoration for the Dodgers and his new fandom. Based on his love of the team, fans can assume this was the move Flaherty had been dreaming of for decades, and one he was almost certainly hoping for at the trade deadline, whether he’ll admit it or not. Speaking with Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, the hard-throwing righty called playing in Dodger Stadium as a kid “an unforgettable experience.” Now, he gets to play there regularly.

It seems only natural then, that the St. Louis fandom became jealous. There was a lot of semi-justified outrage when Flaherty waxed poetic about the Orioles fanbase and the Camden Yards experience after the 2023 trade deadline. “I haven’t had to turn my PitchCom up at home in a while,” he said.

To some, that statement read as a blatant shot at St. Louis. Few would ever call the Cardinals’ fanbase disengaged, but last season was a disappointment for many, and the fanbase struggled with many of the outcomes. The Orioles were doing well for the first time in ages, and the Cardinals were struggling. Of course, there was more fan engagement in Baltimore down the stretch.

One can assume that Flaherty didn’t mean to insult the St. Louis crowd, nor does he intend to now. The breakup may not have gone over smoothly, but Flaherty has expressed no ill will toward the Cardinals organization.

Flaherty’s results have been mixed through several Dodgers starts, but he has been at the top of his game for the majority of this season. Los Angeles is counting on a monster finish to the campaign, and Flaherty is on track to deliver.

August 21, 2024
Yamashiro Stands Out as a Unique Hollywood Landmark

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Tourists come to Hollywood for various reasons, but visiting Yamashiro is not typically one of them. Hidden on a hilltop on North Sycamore Avenue, the historic Japanese-inspired mansion is a secret haven in the bustling city.

Yamashiro is an estate originally built in 1911 to house German-American brothers Adolph Leopold and Eugene Elija Bernheimer. The ten-bedroom mansion now includes a 300-seat Asian-inspired restaurant, screening rooms, and a tiered ornamental garden featuring waterfalls and pools. Part of the building comes from a 600-year-old pagoda dating back to 14th century Japan, making it the oldest structure in California.

“There’s nothing else like this in California,” said Carina Quintero, the complex’s marketing manager. “Sometimes I forget how much history around me – it’s certainly crazy enough for Hollywood.”

The estate was built to look like a recreation of a mountain palace in Yamashiro, Japan. Yamashiro is near Kyoto and home to more than 1,600 Buddhist temples. Construction took years, with hundreds of craftsmen traveling from Japan and China to ensure the detailed architecture matched the original. Aside from being home to Leopold and Bernheimer, Yamashiro also used to house an enormous collection of Japanese antiquities that included ukiyo-e woodblock prints, silk paintings, rare jades, cloisonné chandeliers, and more artwork from the historic Satsuma province. Today, nearly all of the collection is gone, auctioned off in the mid-1920s after the death of one of the brothers.

After the brothers’ passing, the estate was transformed into an exclusive 400-club, catering to Hollywood stars. “The story circulating from the Roaring Twenties is that underpaid actresses came to act as escorts for the leading men of the time,” explained Quintero. In the 1940s, the purpose of Yamashiro changed again. Amid anti-Japanese hysteria following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the mansion was vandalized, prompting it to be repurposed as a boy’s school for the U.S. military. Thankfully, the building has since been restored and is protected by the National Register of Historic Places.

Yamashiro has once again become a hot spot for the Hollywood elite. Aside from its acclaimed restaurant, the estate has served as a set for some of the most popular films and television shows in the past fifty years. Key scenes from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill used Yamashiro as a backdrop, and Memoirs of a Geisha used Yamashiro as a stand-in for the Gion district of Kyoto. Scenes from Gone in 60 Seconds, Blind Date, and Perry Mason occurred at Yamashiro. Stories about stars like Marlon Brando, Amy Adams, Charles Bronson, and more all take place with Yamashiro as the setting.

Current owners Freddy Braidi and Boulevard Hospitality Group keep the compound lively while paying homage to its history. It has more visitors than ever, hosting over 1,000 diners on any weekend night. Even though it may seem like a hidden gem to many visitors, Yamashiro is hardly a well-kept secret in Hollywood. If you are sightseeing in Los Angeles, move the Walk of Fame down your list and drive to Yamashiro instead.

May 28, 2024
Owners of Marilyn Monroe’s LA Homes Sue Over Historical Designation

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The husband and wife who currently own Marilyn Monroe’s former Brentwood home are reportedly filing a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles in an attempt to block any further effort to have the structure deemed an official historic-culture landmark. If the home is declared a landmark, that would ultimately prevent its demolition.

The husband and wife who own the home, Roy Bank and Brinah Milstein, purchased the property back in July 2023. The plaintiffs have since been granted a demolition permit from the city as they are reportedly seeking to demolish the home.

The Los Angeles City Council already temporarily halted the demolition of the Brentwood home once before in September 2023. The temporary prevention brought much relief to many historians as well as fans of the home’s former owner. The sentiment surrounding the preservation of the home was in line with the idea that the property should be maintained since it is a crucial piece of Los Angeles and Hollywood history.

The historical landmark application is currently still working its way through the city process. In January, the application received approval from the Cultural Heritage Commission and was later approved by the council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee. However, the issue still needs to be presented to the full City Council, a meeting which must be completed by mid-June.

On Monday, Mr. Bank and Mrs. Milstein took measures in an effort to halt the process by filing a Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit. According to reports, the lawsuit alleges that the move to have the structure deemed an official historic-culture landmark is “illegal and unconstitutional conduct” by the city “with respect to the house where Marilyn Monroe occasionally lived for a mere 6 months before she tragically committed suicide 61 years ago.”

Overall, the lawsuit alleges that by pushing for the monument designation for the property, the city of Los Angeles was effectively in violation of its own codes and procedures.

The lawsuit states, “All of these backroom machinations were in the name of preserving a house which in no way meets any of the criteria foreign historical cultural monument.” The lawsuit continues, “That much is bolstered by the fact, among others, that for 60 years through 14 owners and numerous remodels and building permits issued by the city, the city has taken no action regarding the now alleged historic or cultural status of the house.”

The lawsuit continues to allege that the city’s actions have resulted in “irreparable” harm to the building’s current owners and have effectively robbed them of their “vested rights as owners of real property.”

The general aim of the lawsuit is a request for a court order to block the monument designation. If the lawsuit is successful, the plaintiffs will be allowed to move forward with their planned demolition of the home.

At this time, no further details have been released to the public. As the situation unfolds and more information becomes available, updates will be promptly provided to keep the public informed.

May 16, 2024
LeBron James May Be Planning for Possible Franchise

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There’s buzzing speculation that Lebron James is eyeing ownership of his basketball team in the future. During a candid chat on J.J. Redick’s “Mind The Game” podcast, James dropped some hints about his approach to team management.

The renowned 20-time All-Star of the Los Angeles Lakers has been associated with rumors about taking charge of a new men’s pro basketball team, potentially named the Las Vegas Aces. While James remained coy about confirming these rumors, he offered Redick a glimpse into his possible management style.

“I tell you, when I get my team, the teams that draft well, those guys will be working for me for sure,” James said. “OKC does an unbelievable job with that.” This is not the first time he has praised the Oklahoma City Thunders’ management team and front office president, Sam Presti. He is often at odds with Lakers’ general manager and president, Rob Pelinka, indicating that he has strong opinions about how a team should be run.

James could afford to purchase an NBA team if he is so inclined. His contract for the next season alone is worth $51.4 million, and according to Newsweek, he made a whopping $479.4 million last year. With his NBA earnings and sponsorship deals, Chase Peterson-Withorn of Forbes estimated that his worth was $1 billion–and that was two years ago.

While James appears to be approaching the end of his playing career, there are no guarantees in the world of pro sports. He will become a free agent this summer and could go wherever he wants; as one of the most prolific basketball players, any team would be lucky to have him. However, his comments have led many to believe he wishes to finish his career with the Lakers. His son, Bronny James, is currently attending the University of Southern California, meaning that Los Angeles would be the ideal choice to remain close to his family.

However, after his tenure with the Lakers was up, James was rumored to be considering a few options for owning a team. There is a lot of buzz around a new team coming to Las Vegas. The city has welcomed NHL and NFL teams in recent years and is hungry for more. Discussions regarding a new stadium in Vegas are also underway, with the project currently set to cost $1.8 billion. If James did decide to invest in making the Las Vegas Aces a reality, he would be entering a thriving market. Aside from the chatter about the Las Vegas Aces, James has reportedly been considering a franchise in Seattle. Other rumors indicate he could be interested in a stake in the Lakers or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Only time will tell when he decides to put his managing skills to the test.

As the first active basketball player to reach billionaire status, James represents a unique position in the sport. He already owns a stake in Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and an English soccer team based in Liverpool. James’ apparent interest in sports team ownership is an intriguing turn in his career and one that not many players can execute. Fans eagerly await this new way to watch their favorite player flourish.

April 30, 2024
Waymo Is Launching a Paid Robotaxi Service in Los Angeles

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The idea of being able to ride in a vehicle you don’t have to worry about driving may become a reality sooner than you might think. With tech startup Waymo, who stated they began offering robotaxi rides in Los Angeles on April 10, the nation’s experiment with self-driving technology has begun to pick up steam.

A spinoff of Google, Waymo announced details for its service in Los Angeles this past January as it sought regulatory approval from the state and local support from the city. This past year, the company has offered free “tour” rides throughout Los Angeles, and in March, received regulatory approval to expand to a paid service.

Waymo stated that more than 50,000 people were on its waitlist to use its service. The company did not specify how many individuals would be allowed to fully use the app starting this week. However, the company said last month that it was starting with a Los Angeles fleet of less than 50 cars covering the 63-square-mile section between Santa Monica and downtown L.A. Los Angeles County boasts a population of nearly 10 million people.

Waymo’s service works similarly to other ride-hailing smartphone apps such as Flywheel, Lyft, and Uber. Waymo’s primary difference is that the vehicles possess no drivers. Riders follow instructions on the mobile app, and through the vehicle’s sound system, Waymo workers can assist remotely.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that Tesla would reveal a robotaxi product in August, but gave no details about the project. Cruise, a General Motors subsidiary that halted its service after one of its vehicles failed to detect a pedestrian underneath it, said it would reintroduce human-driven vehicles in select cities, including Phoenix. Various China-based startups are also testing self-driving cars on California roads, but for now, Waymo’s only competition is the traditional, human-driven car services.

Waymo’s expansion to Los Angeles will bring autonomous for-profit taxis to the country’s second-largest city—a city long synonymous with car travel. Waymo already features commercial robotaxi services in San Francisco and Phoenix.

Chad Ludwick, Waymo’s product management director, said: “The reception from Angelenos so far has been exceptional, and we look forward to welcoming more riders into our service over time.” He also informed its test riders about the change in an email, which someone posted to Reddit.

However, even with the buzz, robotaxis have faced criticism—not only from the threat they pose to drivers’ jobs, but also to the mistakes they’ve made blocking city buses or emergency vehicles. California law states that driverless cars can’t be given traffic tickets, and could make traffic congestion even worse.

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation said that the Waymo expansion is occurring too soon, without enough local foresight of the autonomous vehicle operations. State officials said in an order last month that those concerns were unfounded, however.

Supporters of robotaxis have countered that human drivers have terrible safety records, with traffic deaths reaching 40,000 a year in the United States. Waymo has not reported any deaths or serious injuries from its technology and appears to be generally more observant of traffic laws than human drivers are, based on testimonies from journalists who have ridden in them.

Opponents of the autonomous taxi expansions have vowed to slow down the growth of companies such as Waymo. A bill that is pending in the California Senate would give both cities and counties authority over these types of services—a power that currently only resides within state government agencies. A hearing on that bill is expected next week.

April 12, 2024
LA Strives to Expand Cooling Centers During Hot Days

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On April 3, the Los Angeles City Council took a decisive step in addressing the escalating threat of extreme heat by endorsing a motion aimed at fortifying the city’s cooling infrastructure. Spearheaded by Council President Paul Krekorian and Councilwoman Katy Yarsolavsky, the motion was passed by a unanimous 14-0 vote, reflecting the urgency of the matter at hand.

This motion is a proactive response to the pressing need to expand cooling facilities across Los Angeles, particularly in a period where city dwellers are expected to experience increasingly severe heat waves. The motion mandates city departments to present recommendations on optimizing existing publication buildings, such as libraries, recreation centers, and senior facilities, as official cooling centers. Notably, these recommendations will also define the associated costs while providing a clear roadmap for effective implementation.

The timing of this initiative is strategic, as it comes in the wake of a motion introduced in December 2023 which highlighted the burgeoning health risks posed by extreme heat in Los Angeles. While libraries, recreation centers, and senior facilities are already serving as shelters from the scorching temperatures, they lack the official designation as “cooling centers.”

Acknowledging the critical role these facilities have been playing for the city, the motion emphasized the need to overcome the hurdles that limit their efficacy in safeguarding the public from excessive heat. Los Angeles has devised a unified cooling strategy encompassing various facilities within the city to enhance its resilience against heat-related challenges. With this motion, the city has also positioned itself favorably for state and federal grants aimed at supporting such initiatives.

The City’s Climate Emergency Management previously applied for a state Community Resilience Center Grant which could potentially bring up to $10 million in funding. This financial injection could be utilized to conduct vital research into heat-risk mitigation strategies and to facilitate the transformation of three libraries into “heat resilience” centers, poised to offer a sanctuary during heat waves.

Endorsement by the Council’s Energy and Environment Committee earlier this month reflects the widespread recognition of the situation, making it imperative to act swiftly and decisively. As temperatures continue to soar, the expansion of cooling centers has assumed heightened significance. This is not a measure of convenience but a vital lifeline to vulnerable communities.

Going forward, the motion will seek comprehensive data on areas facing the greatest heat risk and also potential partnerships to fortify the city’s efforts. The motion will also work on planning apt strategies to boost public awareness about the accessibility and utility of these official cooling centers. By harnessing a multifaceted approach, Los Angeles is looking forward to cultivating a culture of resilience that will proactively mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

This motion by the Los Angeles City Council is a pivotal step in fortifying against the mounting threats posed by climate change. By increasing the accessibility and functionality of official cooling centers, the city is not only preparing to shield its residents from the ravages of extreme heat but also setting an example of proactive climate adaptation measures. As the motion continues to implement strategies, it will position Los Angeles as one of the cities in the U.S. that is redefining public health and safety in an era defined by climatic uncertainties.

April 5, 2024
Orange County Family Opens Up About How Safe Surrender Changed Their Lives

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A mother’s decision to give up her newborn just hours after she gave birth would change a Tustin, California, family’s life forever.

Just hours after he was born in December 2017, baby Noah was surrendered at Fire Station 21 in Tustin. Firefighter Linda Brown, who was on scene at the time, ensured Noah’s safe surrender when he arrived with his umbilical cord tied with a Christmas ribbon.

The baby’s arrival would be nothing short of miraculous for Javier and Tim Salazar, who both became certified to foster in Orange County two short months before. It was only three days after Noah’s surrender that the Salazars would find themselves presented with the baby boy they would eventually come to call their own.

California’s Safe Surrender Baby Law, which allows parents to legally and safely surrender their baby within 72 hours of birth without questions asked, led to Noah’s arrival with the Salazars. He is one of the 1,341 children who have been surrendered in California since 2001.

Noah’s journey was not an easy one, however. During his first year, he struggled with jaundice, had difficulty eating from a bottle, and experienced other health symptoms. The family states that they had to learn how to do certain things, such as how to hold Noah, and because he couldn’t grasp a bottle well, he needed to be stimulated during feeding time.

However, despite these challenges, the Salazars are grateful to the woman who made Noah’s life possible, who they claim did the “ultimate mother kind of thing” even though she was not ready to be one.

Noah, who is now six, is a big brother to his sister, Kaia, whom the Salazar family adopted in 2018.

The firefighter who facilitated Noah’s arrival has reunited with the child since their first encounter at the fire station. The couple claimed that Brown would forever be ‘Godmother Linda’ and hoped that the mother, wherever she may now be, would feel that she had made the right decision. While they understand that there might not be a day that goes by where she questions if she did or didn’t do the right thing, the Salazar family wants her to know that Noah is okay and that everything she wished for in this situation is coming true.

March 22, 2024
James Beard Award 2024 Announces 18 Semifinalists from L.A.

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A notable line-up of 18 exceptional Los Angeles chefs and restaurants have earned the esteemed distinction of being named semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards. Hollywood’s own Luv2Eat Thai Bistro has secured its semifinalist nod from the James Beard Foundation, marking a significant milestone. As the anticipation builds, the unveiling of finalists for these coveted awards is slated for April, leading up to the grand awards ceremony scheduled for June 10 in the culinary hub of Chicago.

This year’s array of semifinalists showcases the diversity and excellence that characterize the Los Angeles culinary scene. Among the prominent figures is Greg Dulan of South L.A.’s iconic Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, Dulan’s on Crenshaw, and Dulanville. His continued recognition, having been a contender in the outstanding restaurateur category in both 2023 and 2022, highlights his enduring impact on the culinary space.

Rashida Holmes, recognized for her Caribbean pop-up Bridgetown Roti, has transitioned from last year’s emerging chef nominee to this year’s semifinalist for outstanding chef. Joining her in this prestigious category is Jeremy Fox of Santa Monica’s Birdie G’s and the Rustic Canyon Family restaurant group. The group also includes Esters Wine Shop & Bar, nominated for outstanding bar for the second consecutive year.

The emergence of new contenders injects a fresh dimension into this year’s awards. Danielle Duran-Zecca and Alessandro Zecca of Highland Park’s Amiga Amore have secured their place in the emerging chefs category, ushering in a new wave of talent. Meanwhile, Cypress Park’s Barra Santos, associated with the restaurant group behind Found Oysters and Queen St., stands as the sole Southern California representative in the running for best new restaurant. Luv2Eat Thai Bistro, a Hollywood mainstay, has earned its first James Beard Foundation commendation, specifically in the outstanding hospitality division.

The spotlight also falls on some familiar names making their debut as semifinalists. Gusto Bread in Long Beach, with its emphasis on heritage grains, secures its first Beard Foundation nod as the only California semifinalist in the outstanding bakery category. Meanwhile, Nicole Rucker of Fat & Flour, known for her stall in Grand Central Market and a new cafe in Culver City, is acknowledged as a semifinalist in the category of outstanding pastry chef or baker.

In the category of best chef, the competition is fierce, featuring standout chefs from various culinary establishments. Diego Argoti of Poltergeist in Echo Park is among the contenders, alongside culinary talents like Alex Garcia and Elvia Huerta of Evil Cooks, Dima Habibeh of Ammatoli in Long Beach, Jihee Kim of Perilla in Victor Heights, and several others. The announcement of the winner of this coveted title, previously held by Justin Pichetrungsi, chef of L.A. Times restaurant of 2022 Anajak Thai, will be eagerly awaited at the awards ceremony.

Los Angeles continues to stand as a beacon of innovation in diverse cuisines. The culinary world now eagerly awaits the unveiling of the 2024 James Beard Foundation Award nominees in April. The final revelation of winners will take place at the awards ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, celebrating the exceptional contributions of these culinary trailblazers.

January 30, 2024
Iconic Ace Hotel in Downtown LA to close in early 2024

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The iconic Ace Hotel, at the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, has symbolized urban renewal since its inauguration in 2014. Nestled at the historic landmark, the hotel fueled a decade-long wave of redevelopment. Their presence has helped transform a once-neglected neighborhood into a vibrant cultural hub.

Unfortunately, this famed hotel prepares to close its doors on January 31, 2024. The impending closure was announced by the hotel chain on December 12 on social media. More than the end of a hospitality era, the closure of Ace Hotel marks a major shift for the downtown landscape.

With stark black and white tiles, a Spanish Gothic-style rooftop crown, and an overall hip ambiance, Ace Hotel mirrored the renaissance of Downtown LA. Artists, influencers, and trendsetters were once regular guests. Offering panoramic views of the burgeoning borough, the rooftop of the hotel evolved into one of the city’s most vibrant nightlife spots. Sadly, after the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic, the scenario changed drastically as both the hotel and the district it helped revitalize gradually lost their pre-pandemic grandeur.

Amid struggles of post-pandemic revival, the once bustling Downtown LA witnessed the closure of several restaurants that failed to bounce back after the economic setback. Ace Hotel, in particular, faced stiff competition from emerging rivals such as the Hoxton, the Freehand, and Proper Hotels. The ground-floor restaurant of Ace Hotel, Loam, also battled to regain its momentum after taking over from Best Girl in 2021. This was a venture by Providence chef Michael Cimarusti that has been operational since 2017. The initial restaurant, L.A. Chapter, embraced the spotlight when the hotel first opened its doors in 2014.

The announcement of Ace Hotel’s closure was made through a somber statement posted on their Instagram account. Expressing deep gratitude for the support received over the past decade, the hotel bid farewell to its congenial home at 929 S. Broadway. The owners are now aiming to reflag the property into a tech-driven, rooms-only setup, without Ace’s renowned food and beverage offerings. Additionally, Ace DTLA, the cherished Theater for screenings, shows, and performances, will undergo a renovation in management, marking a shift in the cultural landscape.

Ceasing operations at the Ace Hotel is not just a response to the challenging times post-pandemic but also an acknowledgment of the evolving hospitality industry. As the once-bustling hotspot is now facing change, it is boldly navigating through the challenges still present from the global health crisis. According to the official announcement, the closure is not the end but a transformation. The owners expressed hope for a return, leaving the community with an emotional message, “The future is yet in your power.”

As Ace Hotel’s legacy comes to an unexpected end, the downtown community is bracing to welcome a new era. The Spanish Gothic-style rooftop crown, once a place of mavericks and mystics, will now undergo a transformation. This hotel’s closure marks the end of an era in hospitality and a prelude to the next chapter in the evolving landscape of Downtown Los Angeles.

December 20, 2023
Washington D.C.’s Two-Michelin-Starred Restaurant Jônt is Coming to Los Angeles

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In 2024, the Washington D.C. area will be pressing a major culinary stamp on Los Angeles. Operators of the Michelin-starred Bresca and two-Michelin-starred Jônt, Hive Hospitality, is reportedly set to open two new bistros inside the SLC Hotel in Beverly Hills. The project will take over a portion of the formerly impressive tasting counter, Somni, as well as the erstwhile Bazar space. Where Somni previously flourished, Hive Hospitality will open a West Coast outlet of Jônt featuring a 20-plus course tasting menu similar to its D.C. counterpart. The menu looks to infuse the group’s trademark hospitality with delectable Japanese seafood and California’s extraordinary produce. The restaurant to inhabit the former Bazaar space is yet to be named but will be the first of the two to open in spring 2024.

The unnamed restaurant will foster the atmosphere of a country farmhouse and accommodate up to 50 patrons at a time. The two restaurants will showcase a high level of cooking while crafting an amicable, everyday supper space that encapsulates L.A.’s easy-going sensibility. Shareable larger dishes such as turbot farci vin jaune (fish stuffed with yellow wine sauce) and roasted stuffed chickens will be featured on an a la carte menu, which will hold some similarities to D.C.’s Bresca when it first opened in 2017. Regarding Jônt, which will open in the summer of 2024, Hive Hospitality looks to see its flagship tasting menu adorned with only the highest accolades.

According to the culinary director and managing partner of Hive Hospitality, Brendan Mahon, the group would love to mirror the accomplishments of such eateries as Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York City and French Laundry in California by achieving a three-Michelin-starred restaurant on each coast of the United States. The bold statement is perhaps not so outlandish, however, when taking the thoughtful resourcing of Jônt at the SLS into account and adding his vision, ambition, and L.A.’s current lack of three-Michelin-starred restaurants.

Jônt looks to create its own uniquely choreographed dining experience. It begins with welcoming cocktails in a separate area before diners are led to the main dining room to enjoy between 22 and 25 dishes. The main dining starts with snacks, taking diners through their meal before desserts are served in a separate parlor. There will also be a patio designated for optional drinks and cigars.

Co-founder and executive chef Ryan Ratino spoke on what drew him to California, saying the state is “the bounty, the growing seasons, the quality of produce, the citrus,” he continued, “It’s just endless with amazing ingredients.” Ratino added that he met various chefs and peers in the community who helped foster a comfortable feeling and a mutual approach to state-of-the-art, high-end cooking. Additionally, the executive chef spoke on Michael Cimarusti’s two-Michelin-starred Providence. He said, “It’s an institution. It’s something that’s weathered it all, and the new renovation looks incredible.” Regarding the SLS, they cut ties with José Andrés Group (JAG), which operated Somni and Bazaar in 2021. According to a statement by JAG last year, Somni looks forward to reopening as a standalone restaurant in West Hollywood, but no further details are available at this time.

December 14, 2023
Artist Transforms Descanso Gardens Into Enchanted Forest of Light

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Artists have transformed Descanso Gardens into an enchanted forest of light for the holiday season. Descanso’s annual event, Enchanted, is running from November 19, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

Enchanted features a nighttime stroll through the botanical gardens, glowing with fantastical, festive light sculptures. The mile-long path takes visitors through popular areas of the gardens decorated with special light features. Returning favorites include the town of magical stained glass houses on the main lawn by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin and the thousands of lighted tulips that make up the “Flower Power” display on the Promenade. The oak trees in the garden’s Ancient Forest create the Symphony of Oaks, where visitors can create their own music by stepping across lit platforms around the trees to trigger different sounds. Red lanterns illuminate the Japanese Garden, turning it into Enchanted’s Garden of Good Fortune.

Those who frequent Descanso Gardens will be excited to learn that a new attraction has been added to Enchanted this year. The Rose Garden is now open during the event, with beautiful, twirling sculptures created by Los Angeles artist HYBYCOZO. The ornate, geometric shapes cast spirals of pink light across the garden. The arbor has been transformed into an entryway to the “Starlight Garden,” with large, sparkling stars hanging from above. Strings of moving lights that appear to follow those on the pathway complete the Rose Garden’s decor.

Jennifer Errico, marketing manager for Descanso Gardens, explained to Los Angeles Daily News that the decision to open the Rose Garden during Enchanted hinged on construction planned for the garden’s lake in the upcoming year. “Enchanted is all about us showing off the gardens at night, and we’ve never really been in the Rose Garden, and that is one of our most beloved places,” Errico commented.

Enchanted also offers food and drinks that can be brought into the walking path. Descanso recommends that visitors bundle up, as temperatures can drop into the 40s at night. Advance tickets are required for entry and are timed for every half-hour between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. seven days a week until January 7, 2024, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Member tickets are $30-$40 each and non-member tickets are $35-$45.

Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden with a living museum located in La Canada Flintridge, approximately twenty minutes away from downtown Los Angeles. The 150-acre property is nestled between mountains, allowing visitors to escape the urban landscape and enjoy an oasis in nature. Their Rose Garden and Camellia Forest are famous for their beautiful blooms that showcase years of history. The Stuart Haaga Gallery is an onsite museum that rotates exhibitions and is free to explore with admission to the gardens. The Boddy House, home of Descanso’s founder, is also on the property. The estate was designed by prominent Los Angeles architect James E. Dolena in the 1930s.

Aside from the Enchanted Forest of Lights, Descanso also puts on an annual event for the month of October called Carved, featuring spooky lights and jack-o-lanterns on the garden path.

November 29, 2023
Hollywood Strike Ends: Major Industry Shifts and Future Impacts

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One of the longest and broadest labor walkouts in the history of the U.S. entertainment industry has drawn to an amicable close after months of uncertainty. The 148-day strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) was settled in September, followed by the suspension of the 118-day strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). After the dust settles, Hollywood will have to contend with a changed environment that is influenced by changing audience dynamics, moral questions about technology, and a reevaluation of the value of entertainment.

There were many delays in production schedules and the postponement of a slew of feature films and scripted television programs, halting the industry. However, it managed to salvage its fall TV seasons on schedule, largely relying on reality shows and non-scripted programming. Notable shows like Abbott Elementary, Euphoria, and Stranger Things faced production halts, disrupting marketing plans and upending festival circuit appearances. Experts in the industry believe that the strike ending before the new year was incredibly important.

Post-Strikes Impact on Production and Programming

Hollywood had been cutting back on spending on streaming projects for years, even before this year’s strikes. There will likely be more content consolidation, which means fewer television programs. Screenwriter Michael Jamin, known for Just Shoot Me and King of the Hill, anticipates a contraction in the industry, asserting that the strikes may lead to fewer jobs but with better pay for those still working.

Concerns exist, nevertheless, regarding the financial strain on the sector. The founder and chief analyst of W Media Research, Karsten Weide, projects that Hollywood content will decline by 5 to 10% in the near future and that new content rates may drop by 50% over the next five years.

The recent agreements for authors and actors, which amount to profits of over $1 billion, have drawbacks for customers. The McDonough School of Business Adjunct Professor Steve Schiffman predicts movie ticket prices will rise as studios pass on post-strike costs to the public. Some streaming services, caught in a “death loop” wherein declining projects and growing costs could result in more subscription hikes, have already started to raise subscription prices.

Future Industry Trends and Technological Concerns

Fears of job displacement due to technology were central to the strikes, leading to protections for workers against the use of artificial intelligence. The agreements include limits on AI use in TV writers’ rooms and broad protections on how companies can utilize digital reproductions.

Nonetheless, disagreements over “synthetic” performances made with generative AI continue to raise concerns. Ben Grossmann, the Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor, questions whether producers still need to negotiate with the union for such performances, which could indirectly impact union actors.

The new agreements include clauses for continuing talks about the effects of artificial intelligence between major studios and actors’ unions, a sign of the industry’s seismic shift. With at-home streaming transforming tech companies like Apple and Amazon into entertainment giants, the entertainment landscape is rapidly shifting.

Industry observers predict that significant changes will occur over the next three years, surpassing those of previous Hollywood strikes. With concerns over the relative financial sustainability of theatrical vs. streaming releases, the entire industry is in flux.

In the years to come, the ripple effects of Hollywood’s reboot following the strikes could completely reshape how entertainment is created, enjoyed, and valued.

November 24, 2023