Tag: downtown los angeles

IGN Live Prepares to Launch In Los Angeles, Uniting Gaming Enthusiasts From Around the World

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The IGN media brand has announced a new annual event focused on gaming and entertainment news, culture, and creators. The inaugural event is set to take place in downtown Los Angeles in the Summer of 2024. The event will be a three-day experience, with portions of its ticket sales going to charity through a partnership with Humble Bundle.

IGN Live will take place in early June, providing visitors with entertainment and insights from industry professionals and talent, as well as parties and various attractions set up by exhibitors specializing in gaming and entertainment. The event will also host gaming tournaments, which will stage announcements about new projects and upcoming releases, as well as panels featuring personalities and experts from games, television, and other kinds of media. True to the IGN Live name, several of IGN’s shows will be conducted live at the event.

The event grew naturally out of IGN’s Summer Of Gaming project, which began in 2020 as a response to the global pandemic and the lockdowns it caused. Virtual Summer Of Gaming events reached almost 200 million people worldwide during its fourth annual occurrence. For 2024, IGN Live will be the first time an in-person event has been featured in the Summer Of Gaming schedule.

“IGN Live is aligned with IGN’s mission and history. For nearly three decades, we have fueled fandoms that drive the most diverse and beloved games and entertainment into the zeitgeist,” said Yael Prough, President of IGN Entertainment. “Fans and partners have voiced their demand for a physical space where the community can come together in person to celebrate the industry’s most exciting innovations. L.A. was an obvious choice. It is home to some of the world’s top gaming and entertainment talent and creators. We are already experiencing the enthusiasm from publishers, partners, and leadership in Los Angeles who look forward to delivering a world-class experience to the IGN community in DTLA at IGN Live 2024.”

IGN is an LA-based internet media company and has been one of the top sources for news and information about video games and other entertainment since it was founded in 1996. With more than 360 million monthly users and more than 58 million followers across social media, IGN’s content is regularly featured in 20 languages across 110 countries. Its worldwide reach is extended by custom apps on mobile devices and gaming platforms.

The Chief Tourism Officer of the City of Los Angeles also voiced excitement about the upcoming event: “L.A. continues to offer world-leading experiences for businesses and consumers alike. We have played host to many unforgettable gaming and industry events for thousands of attendees in June throughout the years. We look forward to continuing this legacy with IGN in June of 2024 and for years to come.”

IGN Live will also be accessible to virtual attendees as part of the Summer Of Gaming, with much of its content streaming on its apps, its IGN digital network, and YouTube and other social platforms. IGN’s website for more information and registration has already gone live well ahead of the event. The site will host announcements about exhibitors, event schedules, and guests over the next several weeks.

February 21, 2024
What Is Behind the Almost 300% Increase in Graffiti in Downtown LA?

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An alarming increase in graffiti vandalism in downtown Los Angeles is causing local government and business leaders more and more trouble. With its three skyscraper towers, the Oceanwide Plaza building was originally thought to be a symbol of urban rejuvenation. However, with over 30 floors covered in vibrant, illegal art, it has become a canvas for taggers. The damage continues despite increased security and a constant police presence, extending from Oceanwide Plaza to neighboring buildings and streets.

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have surrounded the Oceanwide Plaza location around the clock, every day of the week, in an attempt to ward off vandals. Nevertheless, their attempts have not been successful in deterring dedicated taggers from causing damage to the property. The LAPD Chief, Michel Moore, disclosed that more than 3,000 hours had been devoted to neighborhood patrols in recent weeks, resulting in a substantial cost burden projected to exceed $150,000.

One passionate tagger said “I’m going to get my art up no matter what it is,” illustrating the tenacity of those prepared to circumvent security protocols to make their imprint on the urban landscape.

Vandalism instances involving graffiti persist despite the LAPD’s constant watchfulness. The blatantness of the vandals was demonstrated in a recent incident that was caught on camera by NBCLA. One of the perpetrators admitted to rerouting their efforts to another building after being unable to gain entry to Oceanwide Plaza.

The impact of this vandalism goes beyond the immediate region of Oceanwide Plaza; business leaders in the downtown area have seen an alarming increase in graffiti. While Nick Griffin, Executive Vice President of the DTLA Alliance, reported a startling 500% rise in vandalism occurrences over the last week alone, Blair Besten, Executive Director of the Historic Core Business Improvement District, reported a tripling of graffiti-related service calls.

The frequency of destruction caused by graffiti has led local officials to demand immediate action. Mayor Karen Bass was pushed to declare a state of emergency by Earl Ofari Hutchinson, President of the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable, to allow the city to obtain extra state and federal resources to address the issue.

“It’s not only an eyesore. It’s an embarrassment for the city of LA,” Hutchinson emphasized, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Some taggers are unaffected by the LAPD’s efforts to enforce the ban because they believe there are legal loopholes. Despite the LAPD’s claim that trespassing and vandalism are punishable by arrest, the ongoing nature of the vandalism indicates that more extensive measures are required to deal with the underlying causes of the problem.

When the Chinese developer ran into financial difficulties in 2019, work on the Oceanwide Plaza development came to a halt, leaving the building unfinished and open to vandalism. The property’s incomplete nature has made matters worse by giving taggers lots of opportunities to express themselves at the expense of both public and private property.

As the downtown Los Angeles graffiti pandemic worsens, worries about the city’s image and public safety are growing. Although there is still work to be done, the issue of taggers’ tenacity highlights the necessity of a multimodal strategy that targets the enforcement of current laws as well as the underlying causes that motivate people to commit vandalism. Downtown Los Angeles’s streets cannot be freed from the grasp of graffiti vandalism unless law enforcement, community leaders, and stakeholders work together in unison.

February 20, 2024
Downtown LA New Year’s Celebration Leaves 2 Dead and 8 Injured

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In downtown Los Angeles, a shooting devastated a Monday morning New Year’s Eve celebration. The Los Angeles Police Department reports that soon after 12:50 a.m., a shooting event occurred at 2350 Porter Street that resulted in the deaths of two people and the injury of eight others.

Law officers arrived at the location soon after receiving reports of gunfire near Santa Fe Avenue and Porter Street. A sizable group of partygoers could be seen running from the scene when police arrived. According to the LAPD statement, other victims who had been shot in the head were discovered on Porter Street’s pavement and roadway.

Deven Whitaker, a 24-year-old man from Los Angeles, and Miah Banks, a 26-year-old woman from Azusa, were declared dead at the scene by paramedics. These fatalities have cast a shadow on the new year, leaving towns and families reeling from the unexpected losses.

During the incident, eight additional people were injured. Most were sent to a nearby hospital for emergency care. The injured individuals’ present conditions are unknown.

According to LAPD investigations, partygoers were attending an underground New Year’s Eve celebration. After a fight broke out among some of the guests, gunshots were heard. As police arrived, they witnessed many individuals running from the party in an attempt to find safety. This is the event which left several injured and two dead. Authorities have not yet released further details on possible suspects connected to the event.

In shock and grief at the senseless violence, the community is forced to come to terms with this event. Anyone with knowledge about the shooting at 2350 Porter Street is invited to come forward and help with the LAPD’s continuing investigation.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the continued difficulties for law enforcement in addressing and averting violent crimes. These efforts face additional struggles in settings where security protocols are harder to enforce, such as underground events. Community leaders and law enforcement officers are likely to review safety procedures and inquiry processes as a result of these events, hopefully allowing them to stop similar occurrences in the future.

In the wake of this tragedy, the city of Los Angeles and its citizens are still trying to find closure for the victims as well as information about what triggered the deadly event. This is a sobering reminder of the value of law enforcement collaboration, community watchfulness, and the implementation of practical violence prevention measures, particularly on festive occasions that attract sizable crowds.

Locals continue to follow the LAPD for updates as their investigation progresses, hoping for prompt justice and steps to stop such instances from happening. Ongoing discussions over the safety and security of public events in the city will continue as a result of the tragedy.

This event underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols at public gatherings as investigators look into the situation. As the city reels from this tragic and senseless violence, the need for a group effort to mitigate acts of violence is made even more clear.

January 10, 2024
Knightscope Security Robots Join Security Team Near Crypto.com Arena

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A 50-year-old real estate company purchased and installed two autonomous security robots from Knightscope near the Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles. Knightscope contributes to blue light emergency communications systems and automated security systems.

The area surrounding the Crypto.com Arena is a busy section of Downtown Los Angeles that houses several restaurants, bars, concert venues, convention centers, hotels, and more. The multi-use area sees enormous foot and vehicle traffic but has yet to be known for being a particularly secure area. The two new K1 towers will provide residents, visitors, and employees with a safer environment per Knightscope’s mission.

Knightscope’s long-term goal is to make the United States the safest country globally by providing top-of-the-line security and emergency response systems. In a recently released blog post, the company described its plan for securing commercial real estate like the Crypto.com Arena area. Knightscope outlines a four-step plan that uses K5 ASRs to monitor parking lots, K1 Hemispheres in building lobbies, and K5 and K3 ASRs to patrol interior areas. The company advocates using ASRs to lighten the workload on overnight security guards.

The K1 towers now in use in Downtown Los Angeles are positioned at the front of two buildings, which aligns with Knightscope’s recommendations. According to the blog post, the K1 Hemisphere towers record and stream eye-level HD video from 360 degrees 24/7. The technology can also recognize the faces of unwanted visitors and alert security teams that the person in question is on the property. People Detection helps eliminate threats like unnecessary liabilities and workplace violence.

The buyer of the Knightscope technology employs thousands of people across the country and is one of the largest and most established real estate developers in North America. The company has constructed over 15,000 homes, owns and manages more than 11,000 rental apartments, and built over 18 million square feet of office, retail, and industrial space. The company also currently has 28 million square feet of space in various stages of development, representing several opportunities for expansion and the installation of more Knightscope ASRs.

Besides commercial real estate, Knightscope security systems are active in airports, casinos, hospitals, hotels, schools, and public parks. Law enforcement has embraced Knightscope technology and uses its autonomous security robots as crime-fighting partners. ASRs aid in monitoring government offices and buildings, patrolling interiors, and providing security footage. ASRs can also help businesses like hospitals comply with security regulations.

While Knightscope’s smaller ASR models, like the K5 and K3, are designed with self-driving technology to patrol areas, the K1 towers installed in Los Angeles are stationary machines. The K1 towers weigh 150 pounds and are 69 inches in height, 28.8 inches in width, and 11.2 inches in length. Knightscope states these machines strongly affect crime rates in their monitored areas. Results include a 46% drop in crime reports, a 27% increase in arrests, and a 68% reduction in citations. The towers’ capabilities work to prevent incidents, but their physical presence is also designed to deter criminals. The intimidating-looking machines marked as security fend off people with bad intentions just by appearing imposing.

January 4, 2024
Badmaash Creators Set to Open a New Restaurant Featuring Indian Chinese Cuisine

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In Downtown Los Angeles, a culinary revolution is unfolding, spearheaded by the enthusiastic team of the Badmaash Restaurant: Chef Pawan Mahendro and his sons, Arjun and Nakul. Known affectionately as the “Badmaash boys,” they are introducing the city to the rich flavors of Indian Chinese cuisine through their latest venture, Hakka Hakka. This series of pop-up events, which started delighting the taste buds of food lovers on November 13, is set to make a grand return on Monday evenings starting at the end of January 2024.

The concept of Hakka Hakka is rooted in the rich history of the Hakka people, a subset of the Han Chinese who moved across the globe, including India. This migration led to a unique culinary fusion, where traditional Chinese recipes were infused with the flavors and ingredients of Indian cuisine. In Kolkata’s Tangra district, where many Hakka settled, this place became a melting pot of these flavors. This is where popular dishes like chili chicken, chow mein, and the famous chicken Manchurian were created. Chicken Manchurian is a mix of deep-fried chicken, cauliflower, prawns, and more, all seasoned with soy sauce.

After chef Pawan Mahendro graduated from culinary school, he perfected his skills in Hakka cuisine at Mumbai’s Golden Dragon restaurant at the Taj Hotel. His wife, Anu, recalls her father celebrating special occasions with Indian Chinese meals, a tradition that greatly influenced their sons Arjun and Nakul. Growing up in the Greater Toronto area, a place that is known for its Hakka food, the brothers came to love these dishes, seeing them as an essential part of their family celebrations.

While South Asian restaurants throughout the Southland offer glimpses into Hakka-style dishes, the Mahendros aspire to establish the first restaurant in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to this fusion cuisine. Their search for the perfect location is ongoing, with Nakul imagining a lively, festive environment similar to the Hakka dining spots in Toronto, like Federick’s or China Cottage. He envisions a busy place in an area like West Hollywood, featuring a full bar to match the bold flavors of their cuisine.

Nakul Mahendro passionately explains their vision, “LA is ready for Hakka food because Hakka restaurants in India resemble American Chinese restaurants here. It’s a mentality of giving them what they want, like orange chicken and sesame chicken. Imagine your favorite American Chinese food but with chiles, heavy garlic, heavy ginger, and Indian spices.”

The excitement surrounding Hakka Hakka is evident, especially with their $100 set menu announcement for the January 2024 comeback. Guests can look forward to a delicious adventure starting with hot and sour soup and corn cabbage Manchurian, followed by a variety of dishes such as chili chicken, hot and sweet garlic fish, crispy lamb, and Chinese greens. The meal will wrap up with Chowpatty beach kulfi, also known as mango malai, providing a sweet end to a diverse and flavorful feast.

This new culinary venture by the Badmaash boys is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of cultural fusion, a showcase of creative cooking, and a nod to Los Angeles’s varied tastes. As the city anticipates the full launch of Hakka Hakka, food lovers and those who enjoy culinary exploration eagerly wait for what’s sure to be an unforgettable dining experience.

December 8, 2023
27,000 Residential Units in Pipeline for Downtown Los Angeles

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The 2023 Downtown Los Angeles Residential Report by the Downtown Center Bid reveals a substantial expansion in urban development, with 27,000 residential units currently in the construction pipeline for downtown Los Angeles. This marks a significant turnaround since 1999, transforming an area once characterized by underdevelopment and lack of services into a burgeoning urban center.

The report asserts that the current market in downtown Los Angeles consists of 47,000 residential units, which include 31,000 market-rate rentals, 7,000 condos, and 7,500 units of affordable housing. Nearly all of the market-rate rentals have been constructed after 1999, but demand has been consistently high since then. Approximately 87% of the market-rate rentals constructed between 1999 and 2007 were renovations and rebuilds of existing commercial spaces. More recently, the focus has been on breaking ground on completely new buildings. High-rise buildings of over thirty stories have been cropping up across the district.

Current Residential Market and Recent Developments

Downtown Center Bid describes three such buildings that opened in 2023, the AVA Arts District, the Beaudry, and the Figueroa Eight. Developed by AvalonBay, the AVA Arts District is a mid-rise building with 457 rental units and over 61,000 square feet of retail space. The Arts District has been becoming increasingly gentrified over the past few years, with developers taking advantage of the large, unused warehouse spaces. The Beaudry is a sixty-four-story residential building situated in the FIGat7th retail complex. It includes 785 units and is the first project developed by Brookfield in the downtown Los Angeles area. The Figueroa Eight residential tower was renovated by Mitsui Fudosan who has owned the property since the 1980s. It now contains 438 brand-new residential units.

Future Projects and Neighborhood Growth

The report goes on to showcase three residential buildings currently under construction. The Weingart Tower 1A will become one of the largest permanent supportive housing projects in the area upon opening, with its nineteen stories and 278 units. The Onni Group’s Olympic & Hill tower will become the city’s tallest residential high-rise at over 760 feet. The building will contain 700 apartments and 15,000 square feet of retail space. In the Arts District, Carmel Partners is building the neighborhood’s first high-rise. The Alloy building will be home to 475 apartments and over 100,000 square feet of retail space.

The boom in development will not stop there. The report breaks down the specifics of projected construction and population growth in each of downtown LA’s eight neighborhoods. The bustling Financial District has over 1,600 apartments in the works, and that is one of the lowest pipeline numbers across the eight districts. South Park, home to the Crypto.com Arena and the LA Convention Center, comes in with the highest number of planned apartments with 6,685. It is followed closely by Historic Downtown with 4,610 residential units projected, and the fashionable Arts District, with 4,431 projected apartments. Chinatown, the Fashion District, and Bunker Hill will also see major upticks in residential developments in the coming years.

Affordable housing remains a pressing issue in Los Angeles, with downtown LA emerging as a key area for such development. According to the Downtown Center Bid, downtown LA, which comprises only 1% of the city’s total area, remarkably contains 10% of its affordable housing. This positioning as a central location for affordable living options indicates that downtown LA is poised to further expand its affordable housing projects in line with the ongoing construction boom.

November 28, 2023