Category: Business

LA Is Known for Its Food Scene and Hormel Foods Was Inspired

Image credit: Unsplash

Los Angeles is known for its vibrant food scene and new takes on traditional dishes. When the Hormel Foods team visited the Anaheim Packing District during its 10th anniversary World Tastes event celebration for the team’s Originate Summit, they were inspired by the opportunity to think beyond their products’ boundaries. Visiting Los Angeles, it became clear that there are unlimited possibilities for creating new dishes with the countless ingredients and traditions available, to learn from the cultures and cuisines that thrive in the city.

“Sampling so many different cuisines and seeing all the combinations of cultures, you can’t help but be inspired,” said Scott Aakre, group vice president and chief marketing officer. “This is the sort of experience that gives you a chance to turn on your imagination.”

LA’s Impact on the Summit

Carrying this inspiration into the heart of the Hormel Foods brands summit was essential, where they aimed to understand the process and improve communication between the people who were making it happen. During the event, the important connection between creativity and thoughtful execution was a recurring theme.

The Potential of AI

Surprisingly, AI was a major topic of exploration during the summit as a tool to stay ahead of the innovation process. Mattson Technology’s chief artificial intelligence officer, Steve Gundrum, demonstrated where AI might apply to Hormel’s processes.

It was observed that AI could be used to brainstorm new recipes and products, while AI agents trained on food-related social media could report on valuable consumer insights. Specific agents could focus on the wants and needs of particular demographics, helping other AI tools design new products fitting those descriptions.

There was concern of course, as pointed out by Hormel Foods’ in-house cultural anthropologist Tanya Rodriguez. Human innovators have a deep understanding of the relationship between food and culture, and a consumer will recognize whether a food offering is authentic or an attempt at creating the perfect food option. Despite the sophistication of analytical tools, companies like Hormel Foods cannot ignore the human experience behind food.

Innovating at the Summit

Without the help of AI, Hormel Foods is still finding ways to innovate. At the summit, Hormel Foods chefs prepared a buffet of Hormel Foods products inspired by LA’s cross-cultural experience, demonstrating new avenues for products.

Creating New Connections

Of course, this could not have been done without an effort toward in-person connections. There were only a few strangers among Hormel Foods’ innovators, but many had not yet met in person. Teams took this opportunity to strengthen personal connections while absorbing the culture all around them in LA.

“It is encouraging to see the method that Hormel Foods innovators follow,” said Kady Mahaffey, associate senior scientist for the Planters® brand. “It’s not just about what idea sounds great; we’re using tools and data and leveraging new technologies. I’m already feeling very inspired.”

During their in-person summit, Hormel Foods observed the vital importance of coming together to share food and the kind of experience their product is meant to offer. The comfort and connection of a discussion between individuals are bettered by a common plate, serving to increase collaboration in the future and foster understanding between brands. Lunches, dinners, and breaks became opportunities to build relationships that would extend beyond the office space and work environments.

A Push Toward Progress

Aakre left his team with a call to action on the final day of the summit, hoping to inspire them to feel more personally invested in the roles they have to play.

“If this is a three-day session, and then we go home and do the same thing we did before, it probably wasn’t worth our time,” he said. “If we go back and say, ‘I learned these things, I’m going to make sure I take advantage of them,’ then we’re doing it right. Personally, I’ll carry back with me a sense of urgency…I’ll be thinking about my personal accountability to drive results.”

September 19, 2024
LA Philanthropists Push for Community-Focused Journalism

Image credit: Unsplash

A collective of Los Angeles media leaders and philanthropists have partnered with the American Journalism Project to bolster community-focused journalism in the city. This new organization, the Los Angeles Local News initiative, successfully raised nearly $15 million for their foundation.

A Response to the Decline in the Media Industry

Within the broader media industry, the local news ecosystem in Los Angeles was hit especially hard, resulting in cuts and layoffs. Even the Los Angeles Times cut 115 staffers in January, having laid off 74 newsroom staffers last year. The cuts affected largely Latino staffers and led much of the senior staff to resign.

Community Before Profit

This new initiative is intended to support a community-first network of media outlets, partnering with nonprofit newsroom CalMatters to emphasize regional accountability.

“L.A. County is far too complicated and diverse a place for any one outlet to serve all local news needs of all residents,” said Michael Ouimette, the chief investment officer at the American Journalism Project.

News Deserts and Media Needs

As of 2022, the American Journalism Project interviewed 845 LA County residents in 244 zip codes and found that many residents felt their needs were not met by local news. They don’t have access to outlets that voice their particular concerns, let alone meet basic needs.

News deserts are on the rise in the United States, and outlets are often stretched too thin to address comparatively minor, but still essential, local matters. Everyone in every zip code needs access to reliable, nonpartisan insight to help make informed decisions about their lives.

“When people think about news deserts,” said Monica Lozano, board chair of the LA Local News Initiative and former CEO of La Opinión, “they’re thinking about rural America, or communities that are off-grid, but we have those same sorts of deserts in the region.”

An Experiment in Hyperlocal News

This kind of “hyperlocal” news model as an interconnected media web is a promising idea, but similar California startups have had mixed success. The Long Beach Post was one such hyperlocal initiative, receiving praise before going through similar layoffs to other news outlets. Earlier this year, however, Look Out Santa Cruz was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News reporting.

Fortunately, the LA Local News Initiative has found the model they want to replicate: Boyle Heights Beat. A bilingual, nonprofit newsroom serving the Latino community since 2010, the Boyle Heights Beat has become a digital news outlet serving East LA, but reporting on the communities they live in.

Boyle Heights Beat has integrated itself with the community, holding quarterly meetings to speak with locals and give voice to their concerns. Their reporters, editors, and coordinators hand deliver print editions to local establishments, including libraries and community centers—all 30,000 of them.

While it is not certain how far their model can spread, the success and community response have been remarkable. To increase accountability journalism and local news coverage in LA, they will use this basis to launch and operate community publications in areas needing greater coverage.

Further Initiatives and Responses in Media

They also plan to launch the LA Documenters initiative, which will act as a local affiliate to the existing Documenters Network. The network has its origins with the Chicago civic media outlet City Bureau, which both trains and pays local residents to attend and cover public meetings, such as school board meetings.

Another hope for LA journalism comes in the form of the California Journalism Preservation Act, a bill proposing that tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta pay to link to a news outlet’s work. This would give many struggling news outlets a boost in online spaces and a new stream of income to build better journalism.

September 18, 2024
Skyduster Beer Finds Great Success in Los Angeles

Image credit: Unsplash

Despite many small-batch beer companies disappearing across Southern California, one emerging craft beer brand has found great success. Skyduster has become one of Los Angeles’s coolest beer brands almost overnight.

But how?

Skyduster’s success can be attributed to the founders’ willingness to hit the pavement, ultimately generating quite a buzz with chefs in the area.

While the craft beer brand’s website does not reveal too much detail beyond a short blurb about its name, which comes from the lanky palm trees that can be seen across the Los Angeles skyline, Skyduster’s origins, founders, and brewing location remained a bit of mystery until Jonny Marler and Nick Smith showed up to answer Eater’s questions about the company.

Marler and Smith met during the pandemic as part of a chef’s cycling group, despite neither of the founders being chefs. Toronto-born Marler has spent his time bouncing around in jobs that range from fixing boats to working in television, and eventually working in sales and marketing for Batloe, a hard cider brand in Australia. Smith is a Harvard graduate and former Goldman Sachs analyst who started an app to help individuals book private dining spaces in restaurants—which became rather obsolete when the pandemic led to shutdowns. Between Marler’s entrepreneurial talents and Smith’s business knowledge, the two launched Skyduster.

“Beer was getting boring and stale, it was all about the hops they use, the machinery. We got into beer because it was fun,” stated Marler.

“We’re also passionate about people, and we wanted to find a vehicle to stay connected in an industry that Nick and I loved,” adds Smith.

The founders helped expand the business by hitting the pavement—but with a twist. “A lot of people have forgotten the art of making friends. We focused on amazing customer service and getting in with chefs,” said Marler.

Marler further stated, “We want to follow what natural wine or Casamigos did, brands that were hyper-focused on cool restaurants for building their brand… Our customers are the chefs, back-of-house, and front-of-house. We want to be known as the beer that people in the restaurant industry drink.”

And chefs have welcomed Skyduster into their spaces with open arms. Chef Ori Menashe of Bavel, Bestia, and Saffy’s discovered the brand through his beverage director Garret Sprague. “It’s a very drinkable beer—you can pound multiple ones, and it’s not too hoppy. They work well with our grilled meats and even some of the seafood,” says Menashe. “The beer is very food-friendly, and it’s not like they’re trying to show off.”

Appreciating their old-school approach to marketing their product, Marler and Smith have also found success with chef and owner of Pizzeria Bianco Chris Bianco in Downtown L.A. Bianco stated that his approach has always been to work with local, small producers who have to compete in a competitive market.

Skyduster’s bold colors, clear typeface, and relaxed style create a relatable vibe, which also appeals to Bianco. “I’m a sucker for great packaging, and it’s great,” says Bianco. “It’s clean, it’s all business, there’s something pretty groovy about it.”

For chef Melissa Lopex of the tiny Portuguese restaurant, Barra Santos in Cypress Park, Skyduster is the only craft beer on tap. The James Beard Award finalist who has some of the most coveted tables in the area said, “We only serve things we love to drink ourselves. It’s just cold, crisp, and super-easy to drink. It’s a perfect complement to our food.”

Currently, the craft beer is produced in Oceanside, California, with a flavor profile that is crisp and refreshing and pairs well with food. Skyduster’s lager incorporates rice for something reminiscent of an easy-going Japanese beer, and their West Coast IPA, Italian pilsner, and Citrus wit are brewed to maintain a restrained approach.

Smith and Marler stated a brewing facility in L.A. is a possibility in the future, but the two plan to open a taproom and restaurant in Silver Lake next year in the former Malo and Bar Restaurant space on Sunset Boulevard.

“Our goal is to have a home where consumers can come and experience our brand,” says Smith.

September 12, 2024
High Heat Expected for Highly Populated California Cities

Image credit: Unsplash

While many Californians are moving inland in search of affordable housing and more space, they may find life isn’t greener on the other side. Some California cities with the biggest recent population booms are at risk for dangerously hot days driven by climate change and sky-high electric bills, according to a CalMatter analysis. This combination of rising populations and alarming extreme heat puts more Californians at risk of illness, posing a serious challenge for unprepared local officials.

As greenhouse gasses continue to warm the planet, many individuals across the globe are experiencing higher temperatures and intense heat waves, and an international panel of climate scientists recently stated that it is “virtually certain” that “there has been increases in the intensity and duration of heatwaves and in the number of heatwave days at the global scale.”

The CalMatters analysis identified which California communities are most at risk, with the top 1% of the state’s more than 8,000 census tracts being communities that have grown by more than 500 people in recent years and are also expected to experience the most intensifying heat due to climate change.

Identified California communities by CalMatters include Lancaster and Palmdale in Los Angeles County; Apple Valley, Victorville, and Hesperia in San Bernardino County; Lake Elsinore and Murrieta in Riverside County; and the Central Valley cities of Visalia, Fresno, Clovis, and Tulare.

Risks of Relocating Inland in California

According to data from researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of Colorado Boulder, and UC Berkeley, it is expected that by 2050 neighborhoods in these 11 inland cities will experience 25 or more high heat days every year. A high heat day is defined as when an area’s maximum temperature surpasses the top 2% of its historic high—essentially when temperatures skyrocket above the highest temperatures recorded there this century.

“We are seeing much more rapid warming of inland areas that were already hotter to begin with,” said UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain.

“There’s an extreme contrast between the people who live within 5 to 10 miles of the beach and people who live as little as 20 miles inland,” he said. “It’s these inland areas where we see people who…are killed by this extreme heat or whose lives are at least made miserable.”

Despite inland California communities expected to experience higher temperatures, neighborhoods along the coast will remain much more temperate. Areas such as San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Long Beach are not expected to experience significantly more high heat days, with San Francisco expected to average six days a year in the 2050s exceeding 87 degrees, compared to four days in the 2020s. On the other hand, Visalia in the San Joaquin Valley of California will jump from 17 days surpassing 103 degrees to 32.

Eric McGhee, a policy director who researches California demographic changes at the Public Policy Institute of California, stated that many people moving inland are low and middle-income Californians looking to expand their families, find more affordable housing, and live comfortably, making them more willing to sacrifice other privileges, like cooler weather.

California is “becoming more expensive, more exclusive in the places that are least likely to experience extreme heat,” Swain said. As a result, he said, “the people who are most at risk of extreme heat”—those with limited financial resources—“are precisely the people experiencing extreme heat.”

Impact of Extreme Heat on California’s Population

The effects of extreme heat on the body can happen quickly and can be deadly, triggering heat strokes and heart attacks, as well as exacerbating asthma, diabetes, kidney failure, and other illnesses in people of all ages.

In The Golden State, extreme heat contributed to more than 5,000 hospitalizations and almost 10,600 emergency department visits over the past decade, with the health effects falling “disproportionately on already overburdened” Black people, Latinos and Native Americans, according to a recent state report.

With hotter days forecasted, city and county officials must grapple with how to protect their residents who are already struggling to stay cool and pay their electric bills, but despite warnings, many local officials are failing to respond adequately.

September 11, 2024
How to Protect Yourself From Being Fooled by AI

Image credit: Unsplash

The “Swifties for Trump” AI images shared by Former President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account may have done more than upset Swifties around the country. With technology evolving at a rapid rate, quantifying the harmful effects AI may have on humans is challenging, but protecting yourself from being fooled by this new technology is still important.

AI has the potential to transform your daily life and advance humankind on a scale not seen since the Industrial Revolution. Yet, it can also create numerous ethical and legal problems. With the advancing technology now intersecting with both politics and popular culture, as highlighted by Trump’s AI-Swift images that falsely suggested the global popstar endorsed him, AI’s growing influence on shaping public perceptions and political discourse cannot be denied.

While AI arguably cannot beat your interpersonal skills, it is still possible to get “beaten” regardless of how strong your interpersonal skills are. One of the easiest pathways where AI can do this is on social media.

Social media, and anything else you could possibly click on the internet, has the potential to influence you—and is often trying to. The goal may not always be to get you to sign up for something or buy a product; sometimes AI is trying to influence you in other ways (like Trump’s AI images of Swift aimed to do). When social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram rely on paid ads, AI is used to target you with algorithms that tailor ads to your interests, using your data to elicit emotions and influence you.

AI’s influence raises critical questions on what the potential risks are for democratic societies, potentially challenging one’s understanding of truth, representation, and the role of technology in politics. Such consequences make it necessary for you to protect yourself from the harmful impacts of AI.

Ultimately, protecting yourself from AI harm primarily falls on you, requiring you to exercise more caution and be able to decipher the truth from falsehoods, especially during political campaigns. You will want to look for confirming information from multiple sources, critically evaluating information and checking sources.

Generative AI amps up the risk of disinformation that requires you to use proven practices for evaluating content, such as seeking out authoritative context from credible independent fact-checkers for images, video, and audio, as well as unfamiliar websites.

With generative AI already being used in the 2024 presidential campaign to mislead and deceive voters, it is critical to avoid getting election information from AI chatbots and search engines that consistently integrate generative AI. To protect yourself, go to authoritative sources like election office websites, as well as experts in the area.

Dr. Lance Y. Hunter, a Professor of International Relations at Augusta University, is an expert in security studies and the democratization effects of emerging technologies like AI. With his research focused on the complex relationships between technology, democracy, and terrorism, Dr. Hunter is an ideal expert to discuss the implications of AI’s influence on the political landscape and its potential effects on global democratic processes.

Social media plays a key role in transmitting disinformation that can impact democracy. Dr. Hunter reported that social media disinformation can manifest in online political polarization, as well as the use of social media to organize offline violence, which reduces the overall levels of democracy.

Disinformation circulating on social media platforms is something you can help limit by maintaining vigilance, staying critical about the information you are taking in, and exercising responsibility when sharing political content that may have been generated by AI, especially during periods of heightened sensitivity like the election.

By staying informed, critical, engaged in civil discourse, and advocating for transparency and accountability, you can help shape the virtual ecosystem to ensure safety and trust are in place.

September 10, 2024
2 Chainz Lost $1.5M After Investment in LA Cannabis Company

Image credit: Unsplash

Tauheed K. Epps, who is better known by his stage name 2 Chainz, is claiming that he invested $1.5 million into a Los Angeles cannabis company in a deal that quickly went south, which has left the famous rapper out of nearly his entire investment. The situation has brought to light a few of the ongoing legal battles surrounding the cannabis industry in California.

According to a report made by Law360.com, an investment company called Antimatter Holdings filed a lawsuit in early August claiming that the rapper had been scammed by the Pineapple Express dispensary in Hollywood. The lawsuit has stated that the Atlanta native was introduced to the company by Damien Roderick, who is Shoop Dog’s tour manager, and that 2 Chainz later arranged to invest $1.5 million in the dispensary.

2 Chainz is a Grammy-award-winning rapper who won his first award in 2017 as a featured artist on Chance the Rapper’s single “No Problem.” 2 Chainz has also been nominated for other Grammy awards and is one of the most well-known rappers in the trap style—a genre that originated in Atlanta and is known for slower deep bass beats. 2 Chainz is a noted fan of marijuana and has appeared in a Vice series that follows him as he samples weed products.

The Pineapple Express dispensary’s owners reportedly told 2 Chainz that the shop would be running by April 2021. However, the opening did not happen until March 2022 due to several issues. The lawsuit has also stated that 2 Chainz’s investment had a monthly dividend and that he could reclaim 110% of his money back whenever he liked as long as he gave a 30-day notice.

Antimatter Holdings tried to recoup the money in May 2022, but Pineapple Express made no payments. In December 2022, 2 Chainz reached out to the co-founder of the dispensary, Vincent Zadeh, about the repayment, but according to the lawsuit, he was told that the company would not honor the terms of their deal.

In a statement made to SFGATE, Matthew Feinstein, a co-founder of Pineapple Express, said that the lawsuit is filed with false claims and that arbitration will be filed where the matter can be settled outside of court.

This isn’t the first time that Pineapple Express has been hit by a lawsuit, as they’ve previously been sold by several investors, and allegedly never filed income taxes while owing almost $1.69 million in back taxes.

The store Pineapple Express has since been closed, but Feinstein claims he will try to reopen the location in September.

2 Chainz has managed several other business deals that are currently going strong. A previous report by AFROTECH™ notes that 2 Chainz and Mychel “Snoop” Dillard co-own the Atlanta, GA-based Esco Restaurant and Tapas, which established its first location in Columbus, OH in 2022.

“It’s more lounge with great food and great atmosphere. Of course, we have the best drinks in town,” 2 Chainz told Franchise Times.

2 Chainz’s portfolio also includes Smoothie King. He is now a franchisee along with his friend Philip Jones, and they have a location in the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA.

“As we continue to expand, we’re thrilled to welcome 2 Chainz to our franchisee family—not to mention in collaboration with one of our great partners in the Atlanta Hawks,” said Wan Kim, Smoothie King CEO, in a news release. “2 Chainz’s passion for health and wellness aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire a healthy and active lifestyle; that coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, embodies the essence of our brand and makes this a perfect match.”

August 29, 2024
LA Churches Respond to Housing Crisis with Affordable Projects
Image credit: Unsplash

Los Angeles is facing a severe shortage of housing for low-income renters. Making matters even more difficult is that buying land in such an expensive part of the state is often challenging for affordable housing developers. Together, these two issues create a self-perpetuating cycle, making affordable living a struggle across the city.

Fortunately, California lawmakers offered one possible answer for where to build when they passed SB 4, a statewide law that took affect earlier this year. It allows religious groups to fast-track new housing on properties they already own, effectively making it so that churches are legally allowed to build housing properties for sale or rental purposes.

The Catholic Church’s Response to L.A.’s Housing Crisis

Now, the Catholic church in L.A. plans to do just that. The Archdiocese of L.A. announced Wednesday it will partner with a newly formed nonprofit called Our Lady Queen of Angels Housing Alliance to develop affordable housing in Southern California.

The church, known for assisting immigrants and feeding unhoused people, aims to use its extensive land holdings to help address the region’s housing crisis. Their first project will be located on Archdiocese land currently used by Catholic Charities. They plan to use the property to construct affordable apartments next to L.A. City College. The goal is for these apartments to be utilized by community college students and youth transitioning out of foster care.

Amy Anderson, the executive director for Queen of Angels Housing, said the mission is to confront one of the region’s biggest moral dilemmas head-on. “We’re losing a generation of people to housing insecurity,” said Anderson, who served as L.A.’s Chief Housing Officer under former Mayor Eric Garcetti. “It’s very difficult for people to live in health — mental health, physical health — and for them to get ahead when there’s no physical foundation, no home for which to do that.”

As school enrollment declines and membership in religious orders dwindles, Queen of Angels Housing could also develop former Catholic schools or convents into housing developments.

“The properties are in transition because our communities are constantly changing,” Anderson said. “It does create this opportunity to re-evaluate what can be done with that land.”

According to figures provided by the church, the Archdiocese of L.A. has:
- 288 parishes
- 265 elementary and high schools
- 4.35 million Catholic attendees
Last year, Muhammad Alameldin, a researcher with UC Berkeley’s Terner Center, and his colleagues published a study that found faith-based organizations and nonprofit colleges across California own enough land suitable for housing development to equal nearly five times the city of Oakland.

However, Alameldin said it’s one thing for churches to support the idea of new housing on their property — it’s another to construct it.

At this early stage, it is unclear precisely how much land the Archdiocese intends to put toward housing development. However, local Catholic leaders are signaling that housing will be a growing part of the church’s charitable mission.

Collaborating with Communities to Build Affordable Housing

L.A. Archbishop José Gomez will chair the board for Queen of Angels Housing. In a statement, he said, “Through Catholic Charities and our ministries on Skid Row and elsewhere, we have been working for many years to provide shelter and services for our homeless brothers and sisters. With this new initiative, we see exciting possibilities for making more affordable housing available, especially for families and young people.”

The Catholic church isn’t the only religious organization in L.A. pursuing affordable housing development. The Jewish congregation Ikar is working on a 60-unit project on the site of its offices in L.A.’s Pico-Robertson neighborhood, and the multi-faith organization L.A. Voice has been helping local churches develop early plans for their projects.
August 20, 2024
Electric Air Taxis to Transform Los Angeles Commutes by 2026

Image credit: Unsplash

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

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

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

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

Photo Credits: Archer

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

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

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

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

August 15, 2024
Permit Deadline Extended for the Sunset of LA’s Emergency Dining Program

Image credit: Pexels

Once the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, businesses rushed to find solutions to prevent themselves from failing. Restaurants were hit especially hard, but chef Jenee Kim saw a solution in LA’s emergency al fresco dining program. Allowed to skirt the permitting requirements during the pandemic, Kim invested $80,000 in building an outdoor patio in the parking lot.

The Impact of Park’s BBQ Patio

Her restaurant, Park’s BBQ, has brought quality Korean meats and banchan for over 20 years, and she was determined to keep it that way. The patio succeeded in bringing her customers back. Today, with the pandemic largely weathered, the patio experience has become just another part of the restaurant. Customers love the light and the seating, providing an outdoor alternative to the main restaurant. Despite this, Kim plans to tear it down.

Temporary Measures

The emergency dining program was a temporary one, and after a meeting with the building and safety department, she found out that she would need to get a permanent permit for her patio. While the city expressed that they would make it easy to get a permit, Kim felt that the rules and restrictions would prove too much and remained resigned to tearing it down.

LA’s 2020 dining program required little more than an online form, but its sunset is reinstating the requirements that were ignored during the pandemic. Business owners who wanted to keep their additions rushed to get the paperwork in order, but fortunately Mayor Karen Bass announced an extension just before the final deadline. Six more months was a relief for business owners.

The Start of an Optimistic Future

While the permitting process remains complicated, Park BBQ’s Operations Director, Ryan Kim, feels optimistic about the current situation. The patio will remain open for the foreseeable future.

Why the Old Process?

So, what exactly is the problem with the old process? As overseer of the Independent Hospitality Coalition, Eddie Navarrette, explained on LAist 89.3’s AirTalk: “It’s essentially a building permit for private property…four engineers were assigned to your project…a green engineer for environmental standards, one for disabled access, one for zoning, and one for your building. That’s four people to look at your project.”

Businesses also need several approvals. Rather than one department, business owners can expect to communicate with the Health Department, the Transportation Department, and the Building and Safety Department to get their hands on a permit. Often, they need to hire a professional just to keep everything in order.

Progress for the LA Restaurant Industry

Navarette is working on proposals for streamlining the approval process. Resources available for training and the application process seem limited to English, leaving many restaurant owners without guidance, since they may not speak English. Accessibility will be key for these individuals to keep their COVID-19-era extensions around. Navarette also suggests that a self-certification process for restaurants could be a solution, which could permit them to have tables and chairs in their parking lots as an outdoor alternative.

“It’s progress,” said Navarette, “but we have a long way to go. I’m proud of the Mayor and her staff doing the right thing, but the only way we’re going to get there is to do the work. This is a step in the right direction, but it’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon, and we gotta stay in the race.”

While progress is being made, the future of these restaurants remains unclear. Progress has to keep moving or it will come to a halt and leave restaurant owners like Kim without options going forward. As Navarette expresses, the marathon is ongoing for every restaurant owner who wants to stay in the race.

August 8, 2024
After Their Basic Income Program’s Success, LA Might Bring It Back

Image credit: Unsplash

Over a year after the “Basic Income Guaranteed: Los Angeles Economic Assistance Pilot program” concluded, the results are finally in. During BIG:LEAP’s Run, 3,202 low-income persons received $1,000 a month with no strings attached over the course of a year, totaling $12,000, to use however they saw fit.

The Benefits Are Clear

The data speaks for itself. Researchers and council members observed increased financial well-being among participants, food security rose, parents spent more time with children, levels of abuse lowered, and an overall sense of community was established. With these promising results, some officials have expressed interest in expanding the program.

Participants were almost all in deep poverty, struggling to meet their basic needs and pay the bills. The average income for the households in the program was about $14,200, the average applicant was 37 years old, most households had children, and 80% of applicants were women.

How Participants Used This Resource

Researchers at UCLA, USC, and the Center for Guaranteed Income Research found several areas in which the participants used their newfound income to improve their lives.

Most people in the program prioritized savings, but they also expressed comfort in being able to pay off emergency expenses, which would have been a devastating hit without this added resource. Only 10% of participants were confident that they could cover an emergency expense before joining the program, growing to 15% when the program ended.

Escaping Abuse

A majority of participants reported psychological abuse from partners before joining the program, while 30% reported physical abuse. Stalking, aggression, and violence were able to be avoided with a boost in income, providing previously inaccessible avenues for escaping unsafe relationships they may have otherwise been reliant upon, and they were able to begin healing.

Becoming Better Parents

People were becoming better parents in the program. They could afford to take a few days off to be with their children and had extra spending money to celebrate birthdays. Parents were more willing to put their kids into enrichment programs, extracurriculars, and sports programs which would have otherwise been prohibitively expensive. This small investment helps parents provide better lives for their children, and they seem eager to do so.

Improving Health

Some participants reported taking walks and being able to afford healthier food options for their children. Many children in low-income families have health issues that require better quality food which their families may not be able to afford in their position. This program helped them improve their children’s lives.

Housing Costs and Food Security

Half of the participants spent more than 70% on housing expenses, but the added funding helped them to more easily meet payments and avoid homelessness, something which Los Angeles has been struggling to find a real answer to. By alleviating these payments, those who received guaranteed income had an easier time finding food, while 44% of low-income persons in LA County struggled to put dinner on the table.

Next Steps

Councilmember Curren Price, who spearheaded the effort, believes they cannot stop now. The program has momentum, and the benefits are having an impact. If approved, his motion to launch a $4-5 million guaranteed basic income program would target those experiencing intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and young people aging out of foster care. Price himself will provide $1 million of his own district’s discretionary funds to the effort to help those experiencing homelessness.

“We will move forward, we will guarantee income,” Price said. “That’s been proven to break cycles of poverty and housing insecurity, and these are issues that have plagued our region for decades, and now we have research to show that it can be alleviated.”

August 7, 2024
The Best Nail Polish Shades for Summer 2024: A Londontown Guide

Image credit: Unsplash

Summer is calling, and it’s time to dress your nails in the hottest shades of the season. Imagine yourself lounging poolside, sipping on a cool drink, with your nails gleaming in the sun. Well, Londontown promises that when it comes to nail polish, yours won’t only look fabulous, but will last a long time too. With their carefully curated collection of lakur nail colors, you’ll find the perfect shade to complement your summer vibe. We do love ourselves a color guide, so that’s exactly what we’re going to give you!

Bright & Bold: The Statement Makers

Paloma – Vibrant California Peach

Inspired by the Golden State, this vibrant coral shade screams summer. Perfect for a beach day or a summer bash, Paloma is for those who want their nails to steal the spotlight. This bold hue is eye-catching and kind, crafted with Londontown’s signature 21+ Free Formula—free from formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates (including DBP), formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, TPHP, or bisphenol A.

Reverse the Charges – The Perfect Blend of Aqua and Turquoise

Transport yourself to the shores with Reverse the Charges, a stunning aqua blue that captures the essence of clear summer skies and tranquil waters. (We also like to call this pretty shade the Tiffany Blue 2.0!) This shade is totally perfect for those who love a pop of color that still feels fresh and airy.

Soft & Subtle: The Everyday Elegance

Waterloo Sunset – Rose Petal Pink

For those who prefer a more subdued look, Waterloo Sunset offers a beautiful blend of peach and pink tones, kind of like the sky at dusk. This shade is ideal for daily wear, adding a gentle, romantic flair to your summer look. It’s versatile, pairing well with anything from casual denim to breezy summer dresses. The formula blends high-impact color with Londontown’s unique kur® care, merging clean ingredients with professional-grade tech for a mindful, effective approach.

Pea rl – Soft Shimmering Champagne

A chic nude with a touch of shimmer, Pearl is the go-to shade for effortless elegance. This polish is perfect for a polished, put-together look that stays light and summery. It’s ideal for those seeking a classic manicure with a modern twist. The luxurious feel and texture of this shade will make you feel like a star every time you catch a glimpse of your nails.

Playful & Fun: The Trendsetters

Summer Fling – Shocking Pink

Bright, playful, and utterly captivating, Summer Fling is a vibrant fuchsia that demands attention. This shade is for the trendsetters, the ones who love to experiment with bold, fun colors. It’s perfect for festivals, parties, or simply when you want to add a splash of excitement to your day. The rich, creamy formula ensures a smooth application and a long-lasting finish.

Opal – A Shimmering Lilac

A super pretty mix of pastel purple and glitter, Opal is the shade for those who love to stand out. It’s playful, fun, and just a little bit magical. This polish is perfect for summer nights out, where you want your nails to sparkle under the moonlight. The innovative formula, infused with Londontown’s Florium Complex, ensures that your nails not only look fabulous but are also nourished and protected.

The Londontown Promise

Londontown believes in beauty without compromise. Their lakur nail colors give you more than just pretty shades, but also a boost in your nail health. The experience you get is luxurious nail polishes that deliver gel-like wear and shine with effortless application.

Formulated to provide nails with the perfect balance of strength and moisturization, lakurs are a breakthrough combination of high-impact color and our proprietary kur® care—the result of a mindful approach that fuses the best of clean ingredients and effective, professional-level technology. Free of harmful toxins and full of botanicals, our polishes are designed to provide exceptional performance, luxurious feel, and unparalleled results.

As a women-owned, family-run business, Londontown strives to create products that highlight the best in natural, good-for-you ingredients. So this summer, let your nails shine with the best shades from Londontown. Whether you’re drawn to bold and bright colors or prefer soft and subtle tones, Londontown’s got you covered.

August 3, 2024
Angelenos Call for More Housing in Single-Family Neighborhoods

Image credit: Unsplash

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

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

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

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

Advocating for Change

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

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

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

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

Future Steps and Decision Making

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

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

July 31, 2024