Greater LA

Fifty-two years ago, the Chicano Moratorium sought to underscore the costs of the Vietnam War among Latinos. California could soon have a law that protects rap lyrics and other creative expressions from being used against defendants in court cases. Owner Arte Moreno has announced his search for someone to buy the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. What are the scandals and legacy of his longtime ownership?

Ventura’s Petty Ranch has cultivated about 185,000 pounds of avocados so far this year. Mission Produce sorts, packs, and distributes the fruit to retail chains statewide. Yeastie Boys Bagels uses 175-225 avocados during a typical five-day period. Two hospitality veterans at Santa Monica-based Crudo e Nudo are changing the restaurant game through their sustainable practices and unconventional staffing.

The U.S. Forest Service knows it needs to set prescribed burns on thousands of acres in Big Bear every year. This year, it's only burned 20. The musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is about a queer East German rock star. It came out in the 1990s, but new generations are relating to it today.

The Los Angeles City Council could vote this Wednesday on an initiative that’d make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The late Kaari Upson’s drawings, looping videos, and castings of household items are on view at the Sprüth Magers Gallery. Her work always dealt with struggle and trauma.

“A Forest for the Trees” is an immersive exhibit that raises questions about nature. How is it different from art designed for taking selfies in a pool of sprinkles? By the end of the year, more than 750,000 LA residents will be required to participate in the City of LA’s food waste reclamation program, which produces compost that can help farmers grow crops. State regulators last month hit Orange County Supervisor Andrew Doh with a $12,000 fine for violating pay-to-play laws involving CalOptima.

Mel’s Drive-in Restaurant in Santa Monica is an example of Googie architecture: a retro futuristic style featuring stretched roofs, large glass windows, and neon signs. LA’s sex workers are at a higher risk for monekypox, and they’re working with local agencies to gain access to vaccines.

Workers at the Buena Park Medieval Times want to unionize. They’re part of a growing labor movement sweeping smaller workplaces and unexpected industries. Burbank Congressman Adam Schiff talks about the January 6 hearings, the November midterm elections, and what the Inflation Reduction Act means for Californians. 

Governor Gavin Newsom has rolled out an ambitious, multi-billion dollar plan to fight the historic drought facing the American West. What needs to happen? Las Vegas is a diverse place to eat. Try an unconventional French steakhouse, plant-based fine dining, a modern spin on traditional Chinese noodles, and more.

Mayoral candidates Rick Caruso and Karen Bass defend their plans of quickly moving tens of thousands of unhoused people indoors if elected. To cover new shelter beds and rental vouchers, they plan to turn to the feds. Museums, a library, botanical gardens, and maybe even a veterans’ cemetery are part of a redevelopment plan for the Great Park. It all might face challenges from former Irvine Mayor Larry Agran. On this first day of LAUSD’s new academic term, Heidi Kalin is excited about her eighth grade son having more structure back in his life, and more campus events to choose from.

Guelaguetza means offering or gift in Zapotec, an indigenous language of Mexico. It’s also the name of the biggest celebration for Oaxacans in LA, which is set for August 14. LAUSD begins its new term on August 15. Superintendent Carvalho talks about pandemic-induced building upgrades, more digital and tutorial resources, and teachers’ union contract negotiations.