What’s happening in the neighborhood over the coming month?

On Thursday, February 7th, there was a buzz of noise as a crowd of Lakers fans and vendors alike formed on Figueroa near Crypto.com Arena to celebrate the highly anticipated unveiling of Kobe Bryant’s statue in Star Plaza at LA Live.

Some say, “how could they do that?” I question, “what took them so long?” The graffiti on Oceanwide is now a glaring wakeup call for our elected officials, who in my opinion had their heads beneath City Hall during the past 5 years as this project stood as a behemoth eyesore and blight to our city.  

Everyone is talking about it. Everyone has seen it. Seen the news. Read the print. Heard the copters. Everyone has strong opinions. The graffiti is an eyesore! It's art! Where's the security? Who is responsible?  Who will pay for it? What will prevent it from happening again? What about the Oceanwide project itself? Why did it take a graffiti bombing for the City of LA to act?

A gorgeous new gym that helps women build strength and confidence in a safe environment is close by in South Park on Hope between 11th and 12th Streets.

After nearly 15 amazing years’ operating their doggie play-care oasis just south of Pico Blvd. on Grand Ave., South Park Doggie Playland is moving out of their original South Park flagship where all the magic began. But fear not! The magic will live on. As of February 12th, Playland is consolidating with their Doggieland location at 147 W. 24th St. - just under a mile away. We caught up with business owner MJ Silva about their change of venue and exciting future plans.

As of January 1, 2024, SB1383, concerning recycling of all organic waste (commonly known as compostables) is fully in effect. The law was passed in 2014 and has been “phasing in” over the last ten years. Now, as of 2024, the law is mandatory. To be in compliance with SB1383, all Los Angeles businesses and multifamily complexes must now separate compostable waste from their general trash, place it in a “Green Bin,” and arrange for pickup.

You MUST attend the Heart of the City Wellness Festival on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm on Grand Avenue between Pico and Venice sponsored by Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center. The festival is packed with all things related to wellness and offered to you in a fun-filled package. All for free!

Ballots for the March 5 Primary Election have arrived in the mail. Now, it is time to vote. If you want to check out CD14 candidate answers to our questions regarding South Park ….

It’s great to have a dog! Many of us in South Park do (I have two!) As a dog owner you have the responsibility to protect, shelter, feed, and love your dog and (one of the most important responsibilities to your neighbors and the environment) to pick up after it. I’ve been noticing lately that more and more of us are ignoring this responsibility.

Clinically-proven, data-backed aesthetic treatments in a serene spa-like setting. “We specialize in medical-grade facial treatments and skin care ‘bootcamps’ performed by our highly experienced staff,” says Dr. Lori Aliksanian, the ultimate professional and vivacious owner of MedBeautyLA, located at 1100 S. Hope St. in the Luma Lofts.

Happenings in South Park (not on Valentine’s Day)

Sonoritas Prime Tacos located at 1050 S. Flower St. quietly opened in June 2021, during the height of the pandemic fears. Fortunately for the residents of South Park, Sonoritas survived a tough start, and now we are reaping the rewards of this wonderful Mexican cuisine.

Top 5 Happenings (in/near) South Park on Valentine’s Day

“Being a hotel restaurant lends itself to many different time zones. That is why we offer a range of distinct beverages and the same all-day menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” said Brett Luevanos-Elms, Service Director for Cabra LA and also Moonlark’s Dinette located on the first floor of the Hoxton hotel on Broadway north of 11th St. It is open daily from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm.

  Ballots for the March 5 Primary Election will be mailed February 5. Are you registered to vote? If not, click Here and register before February 20. Is your mailing address up-to-date? if not click Here and re-register ASAP to receive your ballot in the mail.

Are you curious about the city you live in? Paul Haddad’s book 10,000 Steps a Day in LA is the ticket for you! He has 57 walking adventures throughout LA’s fascinating boroughs with information, descriptions, and maps of each walk - all approximately 10,000 steps (or about five miles).