Category: Sports

Historic Father-Son NBA Duo at the Court as Bronny James Drafted by LA Lakers

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Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James, was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers for the second round of the NBA draft. Bronny was the 55th overall pick in New York on Thursday, June 27. His selection ended weeks of speculation about the future team.

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is potentially entering the final year of his illustrious career. The 39-year-old can become a free agent this summer by opting out of his $51.4 million player option. This scenario, however, seems unlikely considering LeBron’s declaration after the 2022 All-Star game that his “last year will be played with [his] son.”

This pairing will mark history in the NBA as the first-ever father-son duo. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka highlighted this potential historical significance, stating, “In the history of the NBA, there’s never been a father and a son that has shared an NBA basketball court, and that feels like something that could be magical.” He added, “NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”

Bronny James’ Selection and His Journey to the Lakers

Bronny expressed his gratitude on his Instagram handle with the post “Beyond Blessed.” LeBron James shared a similar sentiment with a series of photos on the same social media platform captioned “Legacy.” Bronny recently completed his first year of college basketball at the University of Southern California Trojans. He scored an average of 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game.

Unlike his 6-foot-9 father, Bronny stands at 6-foot-1. He is known for his defensive prowess. Despite being in the spotlight as the son of an iconic player, Bronny’s journey has not been easy in the sports industry. Last July, he suffered a cardiac arrest during training. He was only allowed to return to basketball last November after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

Challenges and Expectations for Bronny’s NBA Career

Considering it is Bronny’s rookie season, he is not expected to play a major role for the Lakers. However, the possibility of him appearing alongside his father on the court has already generated extensive interest in the industry. Lakers star Anthony Davis has praised Bronny, saying, “He’s very good defensively. He can read the floor very well. I think he’s a really good playmaker.”

Highlighting the historic possibility of witnessing the father-son duo on the same court, Sam Harris of BBC Sport noted that Bronny will aim to establish his own legacy in the NBA. According to Harris, playing alongside one of the league’s greatest players and its all-time leading scorer is a daunting challenge. When that player is his father, the expectations will be even higher.

Bronny’s college career was stalled by health issues, but he proved his defensive skills and agility at the 2024 draft combine. He excelled in the three-point shooting contest and agility drills. Although he may not be a significant offensive contributor in his first year, Bronny is likely to spend some time in the G-League to develop his skills further. Honing his behind-the-arc shooting skills will be crucial for his growth as a guard.

Being the 55th pick in a draft class where he will be counted among a few standout talents, Bronny might find some relief from the pressure. Considering LeBron James’ illustrious career and mindset, nothing less than reaching the pinnacle is considered a true success, and Bronny most likely shares a similar ambition.

The Lakers have recently appointed former NBA star JJ Redick as head coach and are searching for their 18th championship. This new Hollywood narrative will further intensify the excitement. Time will tell whether the father-son duo will make history, but this historic pairing certainly promises a compelling story for basketball fans.

July 5, 2024
LAFC Wins Prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2024 Award

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The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) was chosen by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) as the winner of the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year® 2024 Greater Los Angeles Award. LAFC, which has been recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and impact on the sports industry, was represented by Lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal, Owner Will Ferrell, and Co-President & CBO Larry Freedman.

An independent judging panel, which included previous award winners, leading CEOs, and other influential business leaders, determined that the LAFC deserved this recognition the most. The evaluation criteria included the club’s ability to create long-term value, commitment to its purpose, growth, and substantial impact, among other factors.

“We are honored and extremely grateful to be recognized as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Greater Los Angeles,” said Bennett Rosenthal, LAFC’s Lead Managing Owner. “I want to thank our Co-Managing Owners Larry Berg and Brandon Beck and Executive Chairman Peter Guber for their vision, expertise, and incredible friendship and partnership. I also must thank the rest of our ownership group for coming together to make our crazy dream of bringing a second soccer team to Los Angeles a success beyond what anyone thought was possible.”

The LAFC first launched in the competitive Los Angeles sports market in 2014. It quickly built a brand that has earned global respect. Since their first match in 2018, LAFC has reached the top of Major League Soccer (MLS), receiving praise both on and off the field for its innovation and a commitment to its core values – integrity, extreme ownership, and authenticity. The club also exudes talent, winning the 2022 MLS Cup. Since it began it has accumulated more wins and points than any other team in the league.

“This is a special award for our club,” said Will Ferrell, one of LAFC’s owners. “It has been inspiring to see the way the community and the supporters in the 3252 have embraced this team from the very first day, and we look forward to many more incredible nights with them at BMO Stadium.”

LAFC’s other noteworthy milestones include becoming the first MLS team to be valued at over $1 billion by Forbes, building the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium in the heart of Los Angeles (a stadium that has sold out every MLS regular-season and playoff game in the club’s history), and opening its doors to over 1 million fans for concerts in 2023.

“In just seven years since we first kicked a ball and opened our doors, it is incredible to see how LAFC and BMO Stadium have become industry leaders in the world of sports and entertainment,” said Larry Freedman, LAFC Co-President & CBO. “We are excited to be recognized with this award, and to continue our mission of uniting the World’s City through the World’s game, bringing joy and being a force for good in Los Angeles.”

As a Greater Los Angeles award winner, LAFC qualifies for consideration in the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 National Awards. The National Award winners will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award in June 2025.

June 21, 2024
The LA Kings’ New Coach, Jim Hiller, Remains Loyal to Defense-First Strategy

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The Los Angeles Kings have decided definitively on their coaching staff following another early playoff elimination. General Manager Rob Blake has formally designated Jim Hiller as the new head coach. Hiller replaced Todd McLellan as temporary head coach in February after his dismissal. This decision was made in spite of the team’s recent history of failing to get past the first round of the playoffs.

The Kings have stuck to their tough, defense-first philosophy under Hiller’s direction, which has been a defining feature of their style of play. The Kings have realized they need to increase their offensive output even if their defense has made them one of the NHL’s best defensive teams. Hiller and General Manager Rob Blake stressed the significance of striking a balance between attacking inventiveness and defensive resiliency.

The 1-3-1 neutral zone trap, which tries to limit opponents’ scoring possibilities, is the cornerstone of the Kings’ defensive approach. Though this strategy is good at preventing goals from being scored, it has occasionally made it more difficult for the Kings to create scoring opportunities. Hiller and his coaching staff are dedicated to resolving this problem and maintaining the team’s defensive identity.

The Kings’ failure to make it far into the playoffs despite having a team full of elite players is one of their biggest problems. In spite of large expenditures on high-scoring forwards like Kevin Fiala and Pierre-Luc Dubois, the Kings have had difficulty converting their success in the regular season into postseason triumphs. GM Rob Blake stressed the necessity for players and staff to accept discomfort in order to achieve success, and he voiced a feeling of urgency about instilling a greater passion to win inside the squad.

Since he was selected by the Kings in the 1989 NBA Draft, Jim Hiller has been associated with the franchise since his playing days. He is in a good position to guide the squad ahead because of his love for coaching and his background as an NHL player. Hiller said that Stanley Cup-winning coach Jacques Lemaire, who served as his mentor, had influenced his coaching style and mindset.

The Kings have declared that assistant coach D.J. Smith will stay on the coaching staff in addition to keeping Hiller as head coach. Smith, who joined the team in February, will keep assisting Hiller in carrying out the plans the team has developed. The Kings will also bring on a new assistant coach who will specialize on the power play, replacing Hiller, who had this position under McLellan.

It has now been 10 years since the Kings raised the Stanley Cup in Los Angeles after defeating the New York Rangers in five games. They had also won in 2012, being the first team in the NHL’s salary cap era to win two Stanley Cups in three years.

The Kings are committed to strengthening their defensive base and making the required changes to increase their offensive production. The Kings want to escape their postseason rut and compete at a better level in the upcoming seasons, and they plan to do it with Hiller leading the team and a dedication to consistency among the coaching staff.

May 31, 2024
May 17th Named “Shohei Othani Day” in Los Angeles

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As per a recent announcement, May 17th will now be known as Shohei Othani Day in Los Angeles. The Dodgers superstar has been given this award due to his gravitational pull as baseball’s biggest name and one of the most intriguing talents in MLB history.

Othani, 29, left the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last winter in free agency to sign with the premier Los Angeles team, the Dodgers, forming the final piece of an star-studded roster featuring an essential lineup of all stars with multiple different MVPs on the roster also.

In typical Othani fashion, he brought his A-game after celebrating his day. He crushed a home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Frankie Montas in a 7-3 win for the Dodgers, capping off an excellent day for them, and one Angels fans probably will find it bittersweet.

Othani had a ton of suitors this offseason as the man who most would view as the best player in the MLB due to his two-way style, being both a high-level starting pitcher and having one of the best bats in baseball. Even though Othani will not be pitching this season due to an elbow injury, he is still one of the most valuable assets in the league due to his insane power. Many figured that the most likely scenario would be that one that did happen: he would stay in Los Angeles with the twist of still leaving the Angels for the Dodgers. The city almost lost their second most gravitating star, though, only trailing LeBron James, to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Photo by MLB

It feels as though Othani was always meant to play for Los Angeles. His signing with the MLB sparked immense interest once the news broke, especially considering he began his career in his native Japan. He could be considered the most hyped-up overseas prospect in history. Many teams worked very hard for his services before he chose the Los Angeles Angels over many teams, specifically the New York Yankees, mainly due to his desire to be on the west coast of the USA. It was one of the reasons why expecting him to leave California for Canada always felt peculiar to many insiders.

Othani has done more than just helping his team win through his on-field services, however. He also enticed fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yammamoto to sign with the Dodgers despite his many suitors, once again mainly the New York Yankees.

Othani’s career with the Dodgers has not come without some controversy, though. Before the season even fully began, Othani’s interpreter and best friend Ippei Mizuhara was arrested and put on trial for allegedly stealing millions from Othani to pay off gambling losses by illegally wiring money from Othani’s bank account into his own. This became a major scandal, and people still believe that Mizuhara is taking the hit for Othani, who may have made the bets, though all signs point to this being on Mizuhara.

Othani is locked up with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the next ten years of his career, so he’ll need to sign a new deal to pull his career into his 40s.

May 22, 2024
LeBron James May Be Planning for Possible Franchise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 30, 2024
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz Eyes Strategic Advantage in Upcoming NFL Draft

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As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, Joe Hortiz, in his first year as the general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers, is carefully weighing the potential of the team’s No. 5 overall pick. With the draft set to commence in Detroit in just a week, Hortiz is focused not just on selecting top talent but also on maximizing the strategic value of their high draft position.

During a recent pre-draft press conference, Hortiz emphasized that the Chargers are not interested in simply making a “fair trade” for their No. 5 pick. Instead, they are looking for an offer that is too compelling to refuse—an offer that significantly benefits the Chargers. “The whole, ‘It’s a fair trade, it’s a wash,’ I don’t think that’s a trade that we’re interested in,” Hortiz explained. “If we’re going to trade away from great players, there has to be a reason, in terms of value, for us.”

The value of the Chargers’ fifth pick could potentially increase depending on how the initial four picks of the draft unfold. Hortiz hinted at the possibility that if these picks are used on quarterbacks—a common expectation—the fifth pick could become even more valuable. This scenario would position the Chargers to either select the best non-quarterback player in the draft or negotiate a trade with teams eager to secure top-tier talent. “We believe we have the first pick in the draft… If four quarterbacks go, we believe, strongly, that we have the first pick in the draft,” said Hortiz.

Hortiz’s strategy reflects his background and the philosophies of his mentors, Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta, from the Baltimore Ravens. His approach prioritizes selecting the best player available rather than focusing solely on filling positional needs. This method ensures that the team remains adaptable and prepared, recognizing that injuries or unexpected changes can swiftly alter a team’s needs. “You’re never just one player away, ever,” Hortiz remarked, underlining the importance of depth and flexibility in team planning.

The Chargers face several roster challenges following the departures of wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, which have created gaps in the team’s lineup. According to NFL Network’s Chad Reuter, the Chargers have needs at wide receiver, cornerback, offensive line, and running back. Although the recent signing of running back J.K. Dobbins may address one of these needs, the team’s strategy in the draft will be crucial for rebuilding and strengthening the squad.

As the draft day nears, all eyes will be on the Chargers’ management to see how they leverage their No. 5 pick—whether they choose to use it directly or trade it for a more advantageous position. The decisions made by Hortiz and his team could significantly impact the Chargers’ roster and their performance in the upcoming NFL season. With strategic acumen and a clear focus on value, the Chargers are poised to make critical decisions that will define their direction and success in the league.

April 26, 2024
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Enjoy Quiet Date Night in LA

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The California sun, notorious for its unforgiving glare on blemishes and bad decisions, cast a softer light on a peculiar pairing in Los Angeles. Taylor Swift, the queen of pop anthems and heartbreak chronicles, and Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs star tight end with hands of gold, have been weaving a quiet narrative amidst the relentless hum of their extraordinary lives.

Their latest chapter unfolded at The Bird Streets Club, a discreet Hollywood haven frequented by celebrities seeking refuge from the ever-present flashbulbs. Page Six became the first to crack the code of their rendezvous, revealing a cozy dinner alongside another couple. While the specifics of the evening remain a delicious secret – no incriminating photographs surfaced, and the culinary delights they savored remain a mystery – one thing was crystal clear: Taylor and Travis were carving out precious time for each other.

This stolen date night comes as a well-deserved reward for both. Taylor, having just wrapped the Asian leg of her history-making Eras Tour in Singapore, can finally breathe before conquering European audiences with her electrifying live show, kicking off in Paris on May 9th. On the other hand, Travis is still basking in the afterglow of leading the Kansas City Chiefs to Super Bowl victory, a champion enjoying the spoils of victory during the off-season.

Us Weekly, ever the keen observer of celebrity coupledom, shed some light on how they spend their downtime. Gone are the roars of screaming fans and the blinding spotlights of sold-out stadiums. Instead, picture this: a cozy night at Taylor’s luxurious home theater, a haven from the whirlwind. Imagine them curled up on plush couches, catching up on movies and shows they’ve missed, a testament to the preciousness of stolen moments in their jam-packed schedules.

This newfound downtime isn’t just about unwinding; it’s about reconnecting with loved ones. The insider revealed that Taylor, known for her fiercely loyal circle of friends, enjoys hosting intimate gatherings at her Los Angeles residence. These evenings provide a platform for genuine connection, starkly contrasting the often superficial world they navigate professionally. Laughter spills into the California night, a symphony of shared stories and inside jokes, a reminder of the normalcy they crave.

Looking ahead, whispers of a romantic escape add another layer of intrigue to their blossoming connection. With the highly anticipated release of Taylor’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, looming on April 19th, the couple reportedly contemplates a private getaway before the promotional machine kicks into high gear. Shrouded in mystery, this secret vacation would offer a precious opportunity to disappear before the album drops, a chance to be Taylor and Travis, not the megastar and the champion athlete.

Their recent sightings, from the bustling streets of Singapore to the discreet havens of Los Angeles, paint a picture of a budding romance blossoming amid stolen moments. Whether a quiet dinner at a members-only club or catching up on movies in a private home theater, Taylor and Travis prioritize intimacy and connection. As Taylor embarks on her European tour and Travis prepares for the upcoming NFL season, one can only wonder if these stolen moments in L.A. signify the beginning of a beautiful love story, a melody yet to be entirely composed but potentially a chart-topping hit.

March 28, 2024
Student’s LA Marathon at 13 Years Old

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Nyla Evans, a student who attends Irving Magnet School in the Glassell Park area, was preparing for her first 26.2-mile L.A. Marathon at just thirteen this last week.

Evans—who started running during the pandemic to help manage her anxiety—is still new to the activity, which she began when schools resorted to using online education to help minimize risk for students.

The thirteen-year-old stated that running is a stress reliever and that she made new friends while doing it. Some of these friends joined Evans during the L.A. Marathon, and they all participated in an organization called Students Run L.A., which began in 1986 when a schoolteacher challenged his students at a continuation school in Boyle Heights to help him train for a marathon.

Evans credited her coaches and friends for helping to keep her motivated while she worked on improving her skills and stamina. She claimed she “couldn’t have done it” without her team.

Evans’ mother, Johanna Voutounou, stated that her daughter started to walk at just seven months and has noted significant, positive changes that running has made in her daughter’s overall mental health. “It was a struggle,” she said.

Thankfully, Nyla Evans found friends and “came alive” because of their companionship.

The thirteen-year-old runner hopes she can inspire others to take up the activity as a way to deal with their anxieties and other mental health issues. She also had personal goals for finishing her first marathon, which she said she wanted to complete in about five-and-a-half to six hours. As it was her first run, she wanted to “take in the whole city.”

Regardless of whatever time she made in the marathon, her mom is overjoyed with the discipline Nyla has shown over the past several years. William, Nyla’s father, says that the dedication she’s shown is “remarkable and that he is “just so proud.”

Students Run L.A., the program that has helped encourage Nyla and her friends to run in the marathon, serves more than 3,200 underserved middle and high school students at 185 public schools and community programs across the Greater Los Angeles area. The program, which inspires children to train alongside their adult mentors, helps organize, transport, and pay for participants to enter six community races of longer distances, building up from a 5K to a 30K race.

Each Spring, SRLA makes a limited number of $500 scholarships payable directly to a school of enrollment for post-secondary education, two or four-year colleges, trade schools, or exemplary art programs. In 2019, SRLA partnered with American Honda to introduce the Honda Power of Dreams Scholarship Program. Receipts of this scholarship receive a $1000 payable over two years for their education and commit to participating in SRLA events to help mentor the next generation of student runners.

For children like Nyla Evans, running and sports have always been ways to reduce stress while maintaining an active lifestyle. Combined with a partnership with the Students Run L.A. program, students can make great strides in their personal and athletic lives while helping prepare themselves for the future.

March 27, 2024
L.A. Small Business Owner Receives $10,000 Grant from Verizon and Rams

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In a remarkable display of community support and collaboration, Lupe Tlatenchi, owner of Los Angeles small business GTLA Apparel, experienced an unexpected moment of generosity. The Los Angeles Rams, a professional American football team, in partnership with telecommunications giant Verizon, organized a networking event and panel discussion with a surprise for Tlatenchi. The event was aimed at enlightening representatives from over 35 Certified #RamsHouses on the advantages of the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and the abundant resources that are available to bolster their enterprises.

Amidst the gathering, Lupe Tlatenchi was met with a delightful shock. She was granted an impressive $10,000 to fuel her small business, courtesy of the Verizon Digital Ready program. This grant stands as a reflection of her commitment to advancing sustainability and equity within the fabric of Los Angeles manufacturing through her innovative apparel brand. It is a significant step to bring a sustainable change in the fashion industry.

Justin Watson, a Super Bowl XXXIV Champion with the Rams and an accomplished entrepreneur, was present at the event. He lent his expertise to moderate a panel discussion and Q&A session. Here, Tlatenchi, alongside representatives from other local Certified #RamsHouse small businesses, shared insights and experiences of their entrepreneurial journey. Shanita Nicholas, co-owner of Sip & Sonder, and Gustavo Chavez, proprietor of Carnitas El Artista, also offered valuable perspectives at the event. Their voices served to highlight the transformative impact of Verizon’s Digital Ready program on their respective ventures.

Daniel Butler, senior manager of Verizon’s corporate social responsibility strategy, emphasized the significance of empowering small businesses, particularly those lacking in advantages and opportunities. Expressing his happiness about the partnership between Verizon and the Rams, Butler’s words at the event reflected a shared commitment to reaching and supporting one million small businesses by 2030.

For Tlatenchi, the journey toward sustainable and ethical business practices began in 2017 when she established her fashion factory. She recounted feeling isolated initially until she joined Verizon’s program. According to her, the program provided her with a supportive network of like-minded individuals and invaluable resources to grow her venture.

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready has emerged as a guiding light for small businesses navigating the digital landscape. This program offers a comprehensive suite of online courses, mentorship opportunities, peer networking, and expert coaching to help local businesses thrive. Notably, engaged users who complete at least two courses on the platform become eligible to apply for the coveted $10,000 grant. The grant provides a lifeline for selected small businesses annually.

Simultaneously, the Rams’ Certified #RamsHouse program, launched in 2020, has galvanized support for local businesses across the Los Angeles region. With a focus on Season Ticket Member businesses, enterprises in Inglewood, and Black-owned and Latino-owned establishments citywide, the program has transformed into an initiative for fostering a sense of community pride and solidarity. Since its inception, over 75 local businesses and 40 small enterprises in Inglewood have benefited from the program’s unwavering support.

As the small business landscape in Los Angeles continues to evolve, initiatives like the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and the Rams’ Certified #RamsHouse programs are becoming small businesses’ fuel for growth. This empowers them to thrive amidst challenges and build a roadmap to sustainable prosperity.

February 13, 2024
Babes of Wellness Gym in Compton is Redefining the Way Women Experience Fitness

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When we think about fitness, the image that often comes to mind is intense workouts, competitive environments, and an overwhelming focus on physical appearance. This traditional view can be daunting and unwelcoming for many. But what if there was a place that turned this concept on its head? Welcome to Babes of Wellness in Compton, a gym that’s not just challenging these norms but completely rewriting them.

In 2018, Katalina Novoa, the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, saw a gap in the fitness industry. She observed how conventional gyms often felt unsafe and unwelcoming, especially for women and queer people. Driven by the question, “How can I create a safe space for women and queer people to feel safe again?” she founded Babes of Wellness. This gym isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s a sanctuary where every member is encouraged to connect with their body in a positive, nurturing way.

One of the unique features of Babes of Wellness is the 12-week Senoras program, tailored specifically for women aged 50 and above. This program embodies the gym’s ethos perfectly. It’s not about pushing limits to the extreme but about understanding and embracing where each individual is in their fitness journey. Here, exercise feels like a celebration of the body’s capabilities rather than a punishment for its limitations.

“We’re really helping in mobilizing and teaching them what it feels like to connect with their bodies in a way that feels good, that feels like a celebration of what their bodies can do, not a punishment for what they can’t do,” Katalina shares. To that end, she endeavors to meet the Senoras where they are in their fitness journey. That’s why at Babes of Wellness, communication isn’t a barrier; it’s a bridge. Whether it’s through language choice or the nature of the exercises, everyone can find a welcoming space.

This approach resonates deeply with clients. Anna Perez, one of the program’s members, shares, “I feel good about myself. I’ve found a place that encourages me, not just telling me, ‘You have to do it this way.’ I feel great when I come here and I feel great when I leave.”

Other members echo the sentiments, expressing how Babes of Wellness is more than a gym; it’s a movement. As Katalina envisioned, it now stands as a beacon in the community, especially important in spaces where traditional gym environments have felt alienating. Katalina’s vision goes beyond physical fitness. It’s about nurturing self-care and self-love. This ethos is the heartbeat of Babes of Wellness, where the focus is on emotional well-being as much as it is on physical strength.

Most importantly, the impact of Babes of Wellness extends into the broader community. By creating a space where women and queer folks can feel safe and celebrated, the gym has become more than a place to work out. It’s a community hub, a source of empowerment, and a testament to the power of redefining conventional fitness narratives.

As Babes of Wellness continues to grow and impact lives, it stands as a shining example of what happens when fitness meets compassion, understanding, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. It’s a reminder that fitness is not just about the physical; it’s a holistic journey of the mind, body, and spirit.

January 25, 2024
Dodgers All-Star Mookie Betts Attends Golden Globes As Aspiring Producer

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Famed Los Angeles Dodger Mookie Betts attended the 81st Golden Globes on Sunday, January 7, as part of his bid to become a Hollywood producer. As a founder of One Marketing Group, Betts walked the red carpet alongside cofounders Cam Lewis and Jeff Mason.

“This is our first time being out and being able to attend something like this,” Betts told The Associated Press. “We watched it on TV so much.” The appearance could also be considered a networking attempt for Betts, who was looking to make connections with some of the Hollywood stars in attendance. He had similarly been spotted spending time with actor Will Ferrell at a Los Angeles Kings game. “That’s the plan, right?” Betts told AP. “Just put yourself in the surroundings and see what happens.”

Appearing on the red carpet in a black suit with a bow tie, black brimmed hat, and a silver lapel pin, Betts struggled when reporters asked who he was wearing. His eventual response was, “I’m wearing confidence.”

Betts is no stranger to working in the media, having shown a deft hand as he tries out many different kinds of productions. He’s a reliable sports correspondent when given the chance, most recently for MLB platforms during the 2023 World Series in Arizona. He also hosts a podcast, On Base with Mookie Betts, as part of the Bleacher Report.

More importantly, Betts was the executive producer for Jackie Robinson: Get to the Bag, a film about Robinson’s impact on baseball. The film was produced as a Fox Sports Films documentary and focuses more on Robinson’s life and impact than on “all the baseball stuff,” according to a statement by Betts. It first aired on Fox Sports 1 on October 12, 2022, and can now be watched in its entirety at any time on the Fox Sports YouTube channel.

One Marketing Group’s website states that its mission is “to inspire people to see the truth within themselves through the lens of entertainment, including film, television, and sports.” There, pictured sitting in a fine gray suit with a serious business expression, Betts is described as “a community activist” who “uses his platforms and businesses to shed light on what is possible if you work hard and believe.”

Betts and his cofounders set up One Media Group in 2020 for his part as a potential post-baseball career. For now, however, his baseball career is going strong. A celebrated Gold Glove outfielder, Betts has been a part of two World Series victories, most recently in 2020, and had his seventh All-Star appearance following the 2023 MLB season. During the recent season, Betts spent a significant amount of time playing the infield. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has announced that Betts will be the team’s regular second baseman for the 2024 season. Mookie Betts is also at the top of his batting game, having hit a career-high of 39 home runs in the 2023 season.

January 17, 2024