Greater LA

Dying is a complicated process. Death doulas want to make it better. That can mean helping with your will, spiritual issues, or just a great going-away party. California might make human composting legal. It’s a process by which recently deceased bodies are transformed into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow things. Police officers shot and killed two young men, Manuel Diaz and Joel Acevedo, in Anaheim 10 years ago, which led to big protests in Orange County.

The redevelopment of the Jordan Downs housing project in Watts will more than double its size and is expected to show what decent public housing could be. Six Starbucks stores across LA are set to shut down by the end of July, and more closures are expected. Some union organizers say it’s an intimidation tactic so employees don’t unionize. Avant Garde composer Julias Eastman is known for his provocative minimalist compositions. On July 23, LA-based ensemble Wild Up will perform his “Femenine” at the Broad Museum.

Satellite imagery can show whether households are complying with watering rules during the drought. One Ventura County science teacher is ready to hold people accountable. The language of the Serrano tribe native to the San Bernardino Mountains almost went extinct. Now historians and a new generation of Indigenous Californians are working to keep it alive. Hundreds of millions of birds die annually from colliding with buildings. In LA, some animal advocates want to see architectural designs that are safer for avian inhabitants.

Rates of domestic violence have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Nations declared the rise as a “shadow pandemic.” One young woman’s experience of being unhoused and pregnant in Hollywood is the focus of a new series from the Los Angeles Times.

Faustino Benites has worked at The Huntington Gardens for over 30 years. Now he’s sharing plant tips in Spanish on the organization’s TikTok account to thousands of fans. Hundreds of animators, colorists, background painters, and more walked out of Disney during summer 1941. They demanded fair wages and overtime. A new book chronicles the five-week strike. Anaheim may impose a 2% ticket tax on Disneyland and The Honda Center. The move could bring tens of millions of dollars to help the city boost revenue and pay off bonds. 

Supporters of a new Santa Ana streetcar say it will bring more people downtown, but business owners say they don’t know if they will last to see the benefit. This week marks the start of the 40th annual Outfest in LA, which includes more than 200 films and comedy programming featuring Margaret Cho and Kathy Griffin. Go There Wines is trying to help more winemakers access the marketplace. It’s highlighting grape varieties, growing regions, uncommon wine blends, and stories of winemakers.

As the ultra-contagious BA.5 Omicron subvariant sweeps through LA, the county is poised to issue a new universal mask mandate for indoor spaces by the end of July.

Mayoral candidates Karen Bass and Rick Caruso are making big promises on homelessness, but can they deliver? Outgoing Mayor Eric Garcetti says good luck. Starting next year, loitering for the purposes of prostitution will be decriminalized. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 357 into law on July 1.  As recycling centers shut down statewide, it’s tougher for OC residents to trade in cans and bottles for extra bucks. Now there’s a push to make it easier to obtain California Redemption Value fees.

Two November ballot initiatives would legalize sports betting in California. It could provide a windfall for the state, but gambling addicts are worried.

Seeing her neighbors struggle during COVID inspired Eunisses Hernandez to run for LA City Council. Her progressive messaging helped her oust incumbent Gil Cedillo. 

Bars might be able to stay open for longer hours — if a new California bill is signed into law. Plus, a new state program means people must be certified to pour those drinks behind the bar. 

There are two ways to survive California’s drought: Conserve water or innovate to create more usable water. Santa Monica and Avalon are trying to do both. Marta Segura will create new early warning systems for heat waves throughout LA’s microclimates, and long-term strategies to reduce heat exposure, particularly for unhoused Angelenos. Sister Simone Campbell will receive the nation’s highest civilian honor this week. She’s an activist, lawyer, poet, and co-founder of the “Nuns on the Bus” movement.