Category: News

Electric Air Taxis to Transform Los Angeles Commutes by 2026

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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
Paris Playbook: Lessons Learned for a Stellar LA Olympics

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Setting the stage for a star-studded Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, networks are already gearing up to apply the lessons learned in Paris to future Olympic broadcasts, ensuring that the excitement only continues to build.

Revitalizing the Olympics Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic cast a shadow over the 2020 and 2022 Olympics, with empty arenas and subdued atmospheres, but Paris has turned the tide. NBC’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, where the network produced its coverage, was buzzing with energy throughout the Games, reflecting the rejuvenation of the Olympic spirit. A scale model of the Eiffel Tower and giant Olympic rings set the scene, but it was the impressive viewership that truly brought smiles to NBC executives’ faces.

The Paris Olympics consistently drew over 30 million viewers daily, a stark contrast to the muted response to the Tokyo Games in 2021. According to Nielsen and Adobe Analytics, ratings for Paris surged by more than 75% compared to Tokyo, marking a significant turnaround. Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal media group, sees these numbers as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Olympics, especially when backed by innovative coverage strategies.

Key Takeaways from Paris

NBC’s most significant realization from Paris was that allowing viewers to watch events live didn’t cannibalize the primetime audience. Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of production for NBC Olympics, noted that despite knowing the outcomes, viewers were still deeply invested in the athletes’ stories and the drama of the events. “It doesn’t matter if they know the results. They want to know the stories of the athletes and how it played out,” Solomon said.

This insight is especially exciting as NBC prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where the Pacific time zone will offer even more opportunities for live coverage. Rick Cordella, president of NBC Sports, pointed out that the fear of viewers tuning out if results were known has been largely unfounded. Instead, the combination of live events and enhanced entertainment value in primetime has drawn viewers back in droves.

Innovative Programming and Star Power

One of the standout features of NBC’s Paris coverage was the “Gold Zone,” a Peacock streaming show that whisked viewers from one event to another, offering a dynamic and fast-paced experience. This program resonated with audiences and is likely to become a staple of future Olympics, even as the network continues to innovate.

Another major success was the integration of star power into the broadcasts. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Tom Brady, and Ariana Grande were featured prominently, adding a layer of glamor and excitement to the coverage. NBC also brought its own celebrities into the fold, with Snoop Dogg serving as a correspondent and Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson co-hosting the opening ceremonies. The involvement of these stars not only drew in viewers but also created a sense of community and shared experience.

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics, NBC plans to double down on these strategies. With LA being a hub for celebrities, the 2028 Games are expected to bring even more star power, both in the stands and on the screen. And while nothing is set in stone, the possibility of Snoop Dogg returning as a correspondent in his hometown is something NBC executives are seriously considering.

The Future of Olympic Coverage

As NBC looks toward the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, one thing is clear: the network is committed to continuous innovation. “We’re going to change the times. Look at 2024, look at 2028, moving forward to 2032, we’ll change along with it,” Cordella said, emphasizing the network’s willingness to adapt and experiment.

The success of the Paris Olympics has given NBC a blueprint for the future, but it’s a blueprint that will be constantly evolving. With a focus on live events, star power, and dynamic programming, NBC is set to make the Los Angeles Olympics a spectacle that will captivate audiences around the world.

August 13, 2024
Miss USA Competitions Return to LA After Shocking Resignations

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51 contestants in both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants will participate in the competitions this year. Each of the 2023 title holders resigned, for the first time in the event’s history, and both are returning to Los Angeles this week to declare new winners.

There are three main rounds of competition, including swimsuit (Miss USA) or athletic wear (Miss Teen USA), evening gown, and an onstage interview, though the contestants also have a preliminary interview with the judges.

Relinquishing Crowns

Noelia Voigt, winner of the Miss USA pageant, and UmaSofia Srivastava, winner of the Miss Teen USA pageant, separately announced on their social media that they would relinquish their crowns. Neither has addressed specifics publicly, though rumors of non-disclosure agreements abound. Voigt cites mental health reasons while Srivastava claims a clash in personal values between herself and the Miss Teen USA organization.

While there were no public statements, CNN obtained Voigt’s resignation letter, which helped to explain things somewhat. Starting with frustrations over administrative issues that delayed her prizes from the competition, an apartment and a car, Voigt then proceeded into much more serious allegations. In the letter, Voigt claimed that pageant president Laylah Rose attacked her character by calling her “mentally ill.” She also noted a “toxic work environment” and claims of sexual harassment during a parade appearance due to the lack of an “effective handler”.

Rose and Miss USA declined to respond to CNN’s requests for comment, but she later released a statement reported by the Los Angeles Times which refuted the allegations.

Vacancies and Upsets

Following the resignations, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, last year’s runner-up to the Miss USA pageant, stepped into the role in place of Voigt. The runner-up to the Miss Teen USA pageant, Stephanie Skinner, declined the title, leaving the role vacant. Gankiewicz may also crown the new Miss Teen USA as a result, another first for the event. Overall, the two resignations have left the organizations in a mess.

Uncertain Prizing

This year, Miss USA’s website has no information about the prize package, but Instagram posts suggest that Garcelle Beauvais of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” will be one of the hosts. Traditionally, Miss USA pageant winners have received the following: a luxury car, an LA apartment, and a six-figure salary for one year so long as they make appearances and support the organization’s causes. Additional benefits have included designer clothes, guest spots on television shows, and five-star resort stays, though none of these appear listed on the current website.

Who Can Participate in Miss USA?

To participate in Miss USA, a participant must be a US citizen recognized as medically and legally female, while either being a permanent resident, full-time student, or full-time employee of their state for a given period. There are no longer age restrictions, and previous requirements that a competitor had to be single and without children have been done away with. Julia Morehouse was the first married woman to compete.

The History of Miss USA Competitions

Another frequent question concerns the difference between Miss America and Miss USA. Both are major national pageants with a shared history, but as brands they are distinct. Miss America began as a small competition in 1921, quickly rising in prominence. However, when the 1950 titleholder, Yolande Betbeze, refused to appear in swimwear, Catalina, a company that made swimwear, dropped their sponsorship of Miss America and founded Miss USA. Today, Miss America acts as a non-profit scholarship program, while Miss USA is a franchise part of the Miss Universe Organization, whose winners automatically represent the United States during its international pageant. Miss America got rid of the swimsuit portion altogether in 2018.

What’s Next

Miss Teen USA’s 42nd finals is on August 1st, and Miss USA’s 73rd edition is on August 4th at the Peacock Theater.

August 9, 2024
Permit Deadline Extended for the Sunset of LA’s Emergency Dining Program

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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

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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
Sneak Peek at History to Hit L.A. “Great Wall” Mural Expansion in 2027

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Los Angeles’ historic outdoor mural, The Great Wall, is a testament to California’s history—and just so happens to be one of the largest murals in the world. The colorful mural already stretches across more than a half-mile along the L.A. River network on the Tujunga Wash, but is being expanded in the artistic plans to highlight more history of The Golden State.

The expansion of the L.A. landmark was inspired by artist Judy Baca, who began work with a team of artists inside the L.A. County Museum of Art last October in what was, in essence, a live exhibit where visitors could watch the artists in action. In the Resnick Pavilions, painters placed thousands of acrylic brush strokes on a huge roll of unwoven fabric for viewers to witness. Yet, despite the studio-style process, Baca shared how the experience took her out of her element.

“I must say that I was very skeptical about painting in a white box,” Baca told the crowd at a recent press event. “I don’t paint in white boxes. I paint in rivers, and I paint on freeways. I paint in places where it’s dangerous.”

While the team’s time at LACMA was not the same dangerous atmosphere Baca is used to, the artist shared that the process was a different kind of artistic danger because viewers could directly question the artists about the scenes being painted. The LACMA artistic showcase ended on July 21, but the artists’ work included scenes from the Chicano movement, the Watts Renaissance, and LGBTQ+ rights protests, ultimately covering 190 feet of additions.

The team of artists will continue painting at the Bergamot Station Art Center starting August 2, with a view to adding historic moments from around the 1970s, including Jimi Hendrix scenes and Woodstock.

“That will prove to be as interesting, and maybe a little even more controversial,” Baca said.

California’s Great Wall had already depicted scenes from prehistoric times to the 1950s, but the team of artists will be adding an additional 200 feet of art, finishing in 2027 (just in time for the Olympics), that feature significant moments in California’s history—specifically history of marginalized communities.

The first section of the expansion covers significant moments in the Chicano Movement, beginning with a depiction of major labor leaders in the Central Valley, including Phillip Vera Cruz, César Chávez, Dolores Huerta with her megaphone and poet-boxer Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales—influential figures in the farmworker rights movement.

Other striking artwork includes the East L.A. Walkouts of 1968, as students come out of their classrooms to protest prejudice in the education system, urging for Chicano history to be taught in schools. Police are painted arresting people, including young girls with brown berets—a moniker of the Chicano group modeled after the Black Panthers—to reflect women’s contributions to the movement.

Black history in the Golden State is also included in the expansion, with the Watts Uprising of 1965 in the next scene, where you’re transported to a public outcry followed by the traffic stop of Marquette and Ronald Frye that turned violent. An alley is engulfed in flames as police fight with the brothers and their mother.

Opposite of paintings of the Watts Towers, a trio of ferocious black panthers signify the community’s power during this time. Two women are painted with groceries from the Black Panther Party’s free food program as children eat and read books about colonization.

Baca and her team used creative freedom throughout the paintings to create a resonance with people who remember how the rebellion felt.

The Great Wall’s expansion is meant to bring the mural’s historical scenes up to the 21st century.

August 1, 2024
Angelenos Call for More Housing in Single-Family Neighborhoods

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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
Dismantling Homeless Encampments: Newsom’s New Order Receives Pushback

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Last Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an order to state officials instructing them to dismantle homeless encampments, calling on officials across California to “do their part.”

“This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them—and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same. The state has been hard at work in addressing this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.”

Newsom’s order comes shortly after the Supreme Court ruling opened the doorway for cities to clear homeless encampments and ban outdoor sleeping without offering shelter. Despite Newsom’s official instructions, the Supreme Court ruling leaves many of the decisions under the jurisdiction of local cities—which means that the governor cannot force cities to act.

Newsom stated, “California remains committed to respecting the dignity and fundamental human needs of all people, and the state will continue to work with compassion to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to better their lives.” However, after the Supreme Court ruling, state officials had opposing viewpoints regarding the impact of Newsom’s new order.

L.A. County Supervisors’ Chair Lindsey Horvath called the Grants Pass decision “unconscionable” and ineffective, opting to call for continued efforts to add more shelter and affordable housing for the homeless community. At a news conference hours after the ruling, she said the solution “is not arrest. It is not pushing people from community to community.”

“I want to be crystal clear,” she added. “The criminalization of homelessness and poverty is dangerous. It does not work, and it will not stand in Los Angeles County.”

Horvath and Supervisor Hilda Solis have proposed a policy that would not allow L.A. County jails to hold people arrested for violating anti-camping ordinances, especially when many local cities have very small jails and rely largely on county jails.

Yet, Horvath and Solis were not the only voices raising the alarm on Newsom’s new order. At the same news conference where Horvath voiced her opinion, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass called the decision “unfortunate,” believing it “will usher in a new wave of criminalization” elsewhere. Bass slammed the court’s ruling, saying it should “not be used as an excuse for cities across the country to attempt to arrest their way out of this problem or hide the homelessness crisis in neighboring cities or in jail.”

“This is a rehash of the 1990s when we couldn’t figure out how to deal with a social problem, like addiction and gang violence, [and] we just decided we were going to lock everybody up,” Bass said at the news conference.

Despite the heavy opposition to Newsom’s new directive, advocates argue that the new order will encourage cities to “develop housing and shelter solutions in tandem with support services provided by County government. This formula, which is largely based on partnerships, is how we can deliver permanent results. No single entity can achieve that,” as Supervisor Kathryn Barger stated.

For Orange County homeless encampments, officials have stated they will do what is appropriate for their local communities while remaining compassionate to the homeless population.

July 30, 2024
Reality TV Filming Is on the Decline in Los Angeles

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The grim landscape of reality television in the Los Angeles area was highlighted by another significant drop in the second quarter of 2024 following a rough start to the year. Figures negated expectations that unscripted production would accelerate despite industry contraction and belt-tightening coming out of the strikes.

The latest production report is from the local film office, FilmLA, which found that on-location filming of the format from April to June this year fell nearly 57 percent to 868 total shoot days compared to the same period in 2023. In the previous quarter, reality television production was also behind its 2023 levels, down roughly 18 percent to 1,317 shoot days.

Reality television in 2024 has had some bright spots during the second quarter, with Selling Sunset, John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA, American Idol, 90 Day Fiance, The Golden Bachelorette, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and Accident, Suicide or Murder all being filmed in the City of Angels area during the quarter. Unfortunately, there was still a significant drop in production days for reality television that brought down the report’s entire television category, which has typically been an anchor of production in the area.

“Generally speaking, unscripted television is a location-heavy format that generates significant permit volume,” FilmLA’s VP of Integrated Communications, Philip Sokoloski, said in a statement. “The employment impact of reality production is lower than it is for scripted TV, and projects are not incentive-eligible through the State of California. It remains an important part of LA’s production economy.”

The FilmLA report is just one of the latest diagnostics showing the downward spiral of reality television production, which has also narrowed job availability, tightened budgets, and made executives even more cautious about taking risks on new project concepts.

A contributing factor in the decline of reality television in the area is that the category does not qualify for tax credits in California. This means that productions take on the full cost of the project without subsidies, unlike other major production hubs, like Georgia and New Mexico, which crafted their programs to make such content eligible.

General manager for nonfiction production companies’ trade association, NPACT, Michelle Van Kempen, added in a statement, “The unfortunate reality for unscripted production in California is that not only is the volume of business down across the industry, but because other states (and countries, for that matter) offer producer-friendly incentives in unscripted, business is increasingly going elsewhere.”

Producer Patrick Caligiuri (Naked and Afraid, American Idol) expressed little surprise over FilmLA’s data, stating it’s “not surprising because the numbers reflect what everybody in the industry has been feeling over the last year.” The producer rang the alarm on the state of reality television in a TikTok post that said, “Reality TV is dead.” He says that the struggle continues for many workers. “No one’s saying they’re making the same rate they were making before. Everybody’s saying at this point, ‘I’m lucky to get a job.’”

Currently, California is the only major production hub that doesn’t allow above-the-line costs to qualify for incentives; however, starting in 2025, credits will become refundable for the first time since the program’s creation in 2009.

July 25, 2024
L.A. County Gets New Raptor Rescue

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Ready to heal and support injured falcons, hawks, and owls is the new Los Angeles “raptor rescue,” located in San Dimas. The new Los Angeles County Raptor Rescue Center is the first county raptor rescue program in its history, and the center is setting big goals for L.A. wildlife.

A raptor is an all-inclusive term for birds that hunt and eat rodents, such as mice and rats, by using their sharp talons and beaks, and the new Los Angeles County Raptor Rescue Center has already set a goal to take in more than 200 injured raptors a year.

Inside the L.A. County Raptor Rescue Center’s large training cage are birds of prey, including owls, hawks, and falcons with broken wings and twisted legs that have been repaired, learning how to fly again and feed themselves without human assistance. Aiding the wildlife in returning to their homes in the rural foothills of L.A. County and nearby Angeles National Forest are trained technicians who understand the impacts of wildlife imprinting on humans, which is when a bird attaches itself to a human, erasing its in-bred instincts to hunt, eat, and look for a mate, making it unfit for the wild ever again.

“When we see them out in the wild again, it brings us joy. It is very rewarding,” said Noemi Navar, a Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation park superintendent who heads up the department’s new Raptor Rescue located within the San Dimas Canyon Nature Center. Navar further expressed, “We want to make sure they get placed back where they belong.”

Due to various factors, like climate change, trees are disappearing from neighborhoods and the surrounding natural areas. These trees support nests for red-tailed hawks, kestrels, barn owls, and other birds of prey. As a result, more birds are being injured from vehicle strikes.

Coming to the aid of these injured raptors, the county took over the birds of prey rescue center after the nonprofit Wild Wings folded, which had operated there since 1987. Supervisor Kathryn Barger stated, “We are starting to see many of the smaller nonprofits close their doors, which has left a significant void in the rescue and rehabilitation of these animals.”

Barger contributed $200,000, enough for the county to run the program for a year, said Norma E. García-González, director of the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation. The county has also trained its staff and four volunteers from Wild Wings and obtained permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife veterinarians will ultimately determine if a bird is releasable, and if not, the bird is kept and cared for as a program “ambassador,” shown during nature talks and education programs. However, the overarching goal of the Rapture Rescue Center is to restore some balance to the ecosystem.

“Birds of prey feed on mice, so they are very important to our ecosystem, yet we are seeing fewer of these raptors in our skies. We want to make sure we are bringing them back and helping support biodiversity,” said García-González.

Since its opening a few weeks ago, the rescue center has had 70 raptors on site and has released 30 into the wild.

July 24, 2024
Los Angeles Faces Inflection Point in Battle Against Homelessness

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Los Angeles stands at a pivotal moment in its fight against homelessness, with the coming months set to reveal whether the city will achieve significant progress or face growing frustration with its leadership.

Recently, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority released its annual count, revealing a slight dip in the number of people without housing. Conducted in late January, the count found 75,312 homeless individuals in Los Angeles County, a marginal decrease of less than 1%. In the city of Los Angeles, the count was 45,252, marking a 2.2% drop.

While these numbers aren’t exactly a reason to rejoice, they do represent the first decline since 2018, stirring cautious optimism. Mayor Karen Bass, at a press conference in MacArthur Park, highlighted the complexity of the situation. “It’s too soon to say we’ve reached a turning point,” she said. “I’m very encouraged and excited that the count is down and that shelter is up, but it’s going to take a while before we can say we’ve gone in a completely new direction.”

Mayor Bass has been more proactive in tackling homelessness than any of her predecessors in the last three decades. Since taking office nearly two years ago, she has concentrated on dismantling encampments and boosting shelter availability. This year’s count shows a 10% drop in street homelessness within the city and a 38% reduction in encampments, reflecting her targeted efforts.

However, challenges persist. The lifting of COVID-era eviction protections has put tens of thousands of Angelenos at risk of losing their homes. In response, Bass directed the Mayor’s Fund to launch a program to protect renters. Additionally, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s controversial policy of sending migrants to Los Angeles has added to the city’s housing burden, with volunteers stepping in to provide support and connect new arrivals with resources.

Recent legal developments have also introduced potential complications. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that Grants Pass, Oregon, did not violate constitutional protections against “cruel and unusual” punishment by arresting homeless individuals for camping on public property, even without adequate shelter options, may prompt similar measures in Southern California. Such policies could drive more homeless individuals to Los Angeles, straining the city’s resources further.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has put forward a November ballot measure to double an existing quarter-cent sales tax for housing and homeless services, aiming to rake in $1.2 billion yearly for housing, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. Yet, impatience is growing among some supporters. BizFed, a coalition of businesses and employers, has voiced doubts about the new measure. CEO Tracy Hernandez stated, “We backed Measure H in 2017 to provide 10 years of dedicated resources to take care of our unhoused neighbors. However, Los Angeles County’s homeless population grew 43% between 2018 and 2023. We call on our county’s elected leaders to show improvement before demanding more taxpayer dollars.”

Mayor Bass acknowledges the need for visible progress and has emphasized the strong accountability mechanisms included in the November ballot measure to ensure that funds are effectively utilized. “Success breeds confidence, but success can only be achieved with support, and support requires public confidence,” Bass noted.

As Los Angeles wrestles with the tangled mess of homelessness and public trust, the city’s actions in the next few months will be crucial. The tightrope walk of making real progress while keeping public backing will shape the future for tens of thousands of homeless folks in America’s second-biggest city.

July 18, 2024
LA28 Unveils 19 New Venues for 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
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Los Angeles, Carson, and Long Beach to Host Various Events

As the Los Angeles region gears up to welcome the world, the LA28 planning committee has unveiled 19 additional venues across Los Angeles, Carson, and Long Beach for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Los Angeles: The Heart of the Games

Los Angeles will be a central hub for many Olympic events. The USC Sports Center, a renowned facility for basketball and volleyball, will host badminton. The Convention Center, a significant site during the 1984 Games, will accommodate fencing, judo, table tennis, Taekwondo, and wrestling. These events were initially slated for Pauley Pavilion at UCLA, but have since been reassigned.

Weightlifting will take place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, and golf will return to the prestigious Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. The Riviera has hosted numerous major golf tournaments, including the annual PGA TOUR event.

Carson: A Hub for Multiple Disciplines

Numerous activities will take place at Carson’s Dignity Health Sports Park. The Velodrome, an official U.S. Olympic Training Site and home to USA Cycling’s national track and cycling program, will host cycling-track events. The adjacent Fields, typically used by the LA Galaxy for training, will transform into a hockey venue. Rugby Sevens will be played in the main stadium, and tennis competitions will take place at the Tennis Center.

Long Beach: Embracing Aquatic and Endurance Sports

Long Beach will focus on water-based and endurance events. Marine Stadium will host canoe-sprint and rowing competitions, which dates back to its role in the 1932 Games. Sailing will take place along the picturesque Belmont Shore. The Waterfront at Alamitos Beach will be the site for marathon swimming and triathlon events. Additionally, a temporary aquatics center at the Convention Center lot will stage water polo.

Bringing the Games to Life

Janet Evans, LA28’s Chief Athlete Officer, emphasized the significance of the venue selections, stating, “The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games will reflect all that the Los Angeles area has to offer. We’re very proud to bring the Games to many of our vibrant and diverse communities.” Evans highlighted that Los Angeles will host more Olympic sports than any other city, with Carson and Long Beach playing significant roles.

Looking Ahead

Additional venue announcements can be expected in the upcoming months. Among the most eagerly anticipated events are diving, gymnastics and track and field which will take place in venues along Figueroa Street between Exposition Park and downtown Los Angeles.

Below is a full list of the confirmed 2028 Olympic venues:

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Venues:
- Badminton: USC Sports Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Fencing: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Golf: The Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles, CA
- Judo: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA*
- Table Tennis: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Taekwondo: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Weightlifting: Peacock Theater, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Wrestling: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA*
Carson 2028 Olympic Venues:
- Cycling – Track: Velodrome, Carson, CA
- Hockey: The Fields, Carson, CA
- Rugby Sevens: Dignity Health Sports Park Stadium, Carson, CA
- Tennis: Tennis Center, Carson, CA
Long Beach 2028 Olympic Venues:
- Canoe – Sprint: Marine Stadium, Long Beach, CA*
- Handball: Arena, Long Beach, CA
- Marathon Swimming: Waterfront, Long Beach, CA
- Rowing: Marine Stadium, Long Beach, CA*
- Sailing: Belmont Shore, Long Beach, CA
- Triathlon: Waterfront, Long Beach, CA
- Water Polo: Convention Center Lot, Long Beach, CA
July 16, 2024