Los Angeles has long been a city of dreams, but recent events have tested the resilience of its inhabitants. The devastating wildfires that have ravaged the area, coupled with a government that seems increasingly disconnected from the needs of its people, have left many Angelenos feeling lost and disheartened. Yet, in the face of these challenges, a beacon of hope has emerged, exemplified by the growing involvement in local neighborhood associations.

Questions must be asked after a spectacular fire in the unoccupied Morrison Hotel on Hope near Pico several weeks ago and a subsequent fire in adjacent buildings to the Morrison Hotel a week later.

Expanded next-generation health care and medical services arrived in South Park with the opening of the Grand Tower at Dignity Health California Medical Center in early January.

Caña Rum Bar is one of South Park’s most unique destinations since 2010. As the name suggests, they are primarily a rum bar but also a cigar bar and an optional membership club.

Community, home, social describe living at Elleven Lofts (1111 S. Grand). Elleven’s new General Manager, Kristen Saucedo, and Assistant GM, Leti Catalan talked about Elleven and its residents.

Listen to a cardiologist. Tuesday, February 11, from 6-7 pm at Ten50 (1050 S. Grand, corner of 11th and Grand), Dr. Marc Girsky, a cardiologist at Dignity Health California Medical Center and a South Park resident, will talk about heart health and answer all your questions.

Health was the focus – physical, mental, social, and community – of the second SPNA (South Park Neighborhood Association) January Fresh Start event for South Park residents. There were a number of healthy options  to start 2025 on a positive note.

Majestic Art Gallery is assembling art supplies for schools and shelters for children affected by the wildfires to help them through these difficult times.

"Why did you chose to live in South Park/downtown?"

The “dot” sticker survey, held at the SPNA booth at “A Taste of South Park” in September, shows that security and increased patrols are the number one priority of South Park residents. 

     The South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID) assessment for 2025 will increase five percent as approved by the SPBID Board. The assessment is the funding source for the SPBID. The assessment is a property-based assessment. All property owners pay the assessment including condo owners and businesses within the district.

Last month The SPNA Scene reported that the South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID) has embarked on a rebranding campaign which renames South Park to “The Social District.” There have been mixed reactions. My sense is that traditionalists want to preserve South Park’s history and not change its brand while progressives support change and its rebranding agenda.  

According to the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department (EMD) our city is subject to natural, man-made, and accidental incidents of “high consequence”.  While we in South Park are not expecting a major wildfire or flood, we will most likely anytime experience a major earthquake of sobering proportions.  Understanding and preparing for this likely event is a responsibility shared by all of us.

I have eaten at Sakana Sushi on 9th and Olive many times over the years and have always enjoyed the food and overall dining experience. A few weeks ago, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting with and getting to know the inciteful and always happy Brandon Lee.

Nick Villaneda of Villaneda HVAC is a highly recommended supplier of maintenance and repair of heating and cooling systems.  He has been active in DTLA for some time now and has helped hundreds of residents and commercial operations solve small and large HVAC problems throughout our area.  His business is licensed and bonded.  If a new system is warranted, he can supply the best application for your circumstances with the highest quality components.

The Second Annual SPNA community cleanse is right around the corner.  Are you joining us?

The First Annual Frost and Fir Holiday Market was held the evening of Friday, December 6 at Audio Graph Beer Company. 

Ysabel Jurado defeated incumbent Kevin de Leon for the (Council District 14 (CD 14) seat on the LA City Council in the November election with 57.17% of the votes. She was sworn in at a public ceremony on December 10. Ysabel is the first woman to hold the seat since CD 14 was established in 1925.

    South Park has five representatives on the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC)– three resident positions and two business positions. All positions are up for re-election in April 2025. BUT filing for these positions begins at the end of December. Are you interested in applying to represent South Park?

 Nolan Marshall, South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID) Executive Director, announced at their annual meeting on November 14 that South Park will be rebranded as The Social District.