The South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID) Board of Directors voted at its December 10, 2025 meeting to begin the process to renew the BID’s charter early. The SPBID currently is set to expire in 2030, but Nolan Marshall, president of the SPBID, told the board he wanted to begin the process early to avoid trying to renew during the 2028 Olympics. The renewal process may take a year or longer. The last time the SPBID was renewed was 2023.

  New board member positions, plans for early renewal of the South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID), proposed 11th street pedestrianization plan, Social District Foundation funding, and presentation by The Gaia Box co-founder and CEO were on the agenda of the SPBID’s December board meeting.

December saw the closing of Pico between Figueroa and LA Live Way until April 2028, and the beginning of construction work mostly related to infrastructure of the LA Convention Center Expansion project. The project includes 200,000 square feet of new exhibit space, rooftop ballroom, new amenities, and modernizations. Highlights of the progress as of this date -

South Park is home to several significant murals on building walls throughout the neighborhood. Kobe Bryant murals are well known and visited often. But one mural in South Park is by a world-renowned artist whose work is in the permanent collections at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the  National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in NYC, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and others. In addition, this artist designed the “Hope”  poster for Barack Obama’s 2008 U.S.  presidential race. Shepard Fairey is the artist, and his mural Defend Dignity has graced a wall on Grand between 11th and Olympic since 2019.

The iconic and historic Mayan Theater on South Hill between 11th and Olympic in South Park closed “for good” recently when it’s operator for 35 years, Sammy Cho, decided to retire from the business. However, it was recently announced that the landmark venue is set to reopen under new management in January 2026. 

It has been worth the wait! I had a nice meeting recently with Jorge Teixeira, owner of South Park’s newest business, Awesome Coffee, on his delightful outside patio at the corner of 12th and Grand.  Locals know it has been a long time in the planning, execution, and opening of this upscale coffee shop. 

Neighbors, families, friends, and those wandering the neighborhood stopped in at the 2nd Annual South Park Winter Craft Market the evening of December 6, at Audio Graph patio (12th & Olive). A fun winter evening was had by all who attended.

While life 250 years ago in the colonies looked very different than life in 2026, there is one aspect I wish we had retained. Granted, I can only think of one. In 1776, 75% of the population was engaged in agriculture with 90% of the population living in rural villages, no electricity or running water, small houses and open-fire cooking, shorter life span, limited or no social mobility for women, minorities, slaves, and the focus was purely on survival.

Seriously, if asked (and I am asking), what advice would you give to a friend or a neighbor for 2026? Send to spnadtla@mail.com and we will include in the February newsletter.

Downtown, perhaps because of our density, is a neighborhood that thrives on community. We can never get enough  opportunities to come together and share.

Paul Krekorian, who has served the LA area from Burbank School Board member to California State Assemblymember to LA City Council and now is heading up Major Events for LA, was in conversation with South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID) Executive Director Nolan Marshall at the SPBID Social District’s Annual Meeting on November 20 at ASU’s campus at the Herald Examiner Building on Broadway at 11th Street.

Rick Caruso, founder and former CEO of Caruso Real Estate, runner up to Karen Bass in the last mayoral race, member of the Board of Trustees at USC, former president of the LA Police Commission, and former commissioner and president of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners was in conversation with South Park Business Improvement District’s (SPBID) Executive Director Nolan Marshall at the SPBID Social District’s Annual Meeting on November 20 at ASU’s campus at the Herald Examiner Building on Broadway at 11th Street.

‍ ‍Infrastructure work has begun on the $2.8 billion remodel and expansion to the Los Angeles Convention Center as can be seen by looking behind the Convention Center off LA Live Way.

Like me, I’m certain anyone reading this article and living in South Park has been rudely awakened from a deep sleep by a loudly mufflered vehicle showcasing the manliness of its driver.  This practice seems to be growing in popularity as the canyon-like aspects of high-rise architecture tend to amplify the noise and sensory stimulation of the perpetrators. 

‍ ‍There’s something new brewing at Audio Graph Brewery (at 12th and Olive)—and it’s not just the winter lineup of hazy IPAs and crisp lagers. The neighborhood favorite brewery recently welcomed Tyler Hubbard as its new brewmaster, bringing fresh energy to the taps. With the holiday season just around the corner—and SPNA’s Winter Market at Audio Graph—Tyler’s arrival is well-timed. He’s already crafting a seasonal mix that includes both familiar favorites and fresh brews, from hop-forward IPAs to smooth lagers perfect for gathering with friends and family.

‍ ‍Just Food for Dogs (JFFD) was created ten years ago by Sean Buckley who wanted to transform the lives of dogs through scientifically backed, fresh, “human-grade” nutrition.  A decade of university-led independent research has resulted in a menu offering for your dog that will promote healthy digestion, support skin and coat health, and immune function health. A healthy diet will ensure a longer, healthier, happier life for your dog.

  Oh, it was a long month of travel for me – flying and driving, lots of places and lodgings and experiences. I was thinking to myself it is time to recover and rejoin my normal life in LA when I looked up and saw the Luxe Luminary Spa sign lit up and the front door open. I walked in and walked out relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to re-engage.

  A winter-wonderland market with 14 vendors with unique crafts, along with food,  drink,  snow,  kids’ hands-on projects, and a toy drive will arrive in South Park on Saturday, December 6 from 5-10 pm at Audio Graph (Olive and 12th) on the patio. The event is hosted by Just Buy the Thing and South Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA).

‍ ‍If you’ve been in the neighborhood more than a few days you have no doubt noticed this month’s South Park Personalities – Gina and her loyal French Bulldog, Honey.

Anyone who has any regard for Mother Earth in the last few years is aware of the benefits of turning everyday garbage and food scraps into compost.  Everybody and everything benefit when these everyday products from our existence are returned to dirt.  The only problem is:  How do we get there?