Join us for the 1st Future of Education in DTLA Forum on Saturday, May 18th, from 1-3 pm at the Little Tokyo Library at 203 S. Los Angeles Street near W. 2nd Street hosted by DLANC (Downtown Los Angles Neighborhood Council)! The future of education in DTLA is crucial for our classrooms and communities, and this public discussion, moderated by Nolan Marshall, Executive Director of South Park BID, will delve into its complexities. 

For your calendar, plan on attending the Third Thursday event hosted each month by the Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association (DTLA RA) - a grassroots advocacy group for downtown residents by downtown residents.

A long vacant but recently remodeled early 1900’s building at 1042 S. Grand Ave. (between Olympic Blvd and 11th Ave) has recently been leased, according to Joe Bolognese, Saxum West, the leasing agent.

Oceanwide Holdings has tried for years to sell its Downtown L.A. property. However, potential acquisition sources claim the costs of finishing the project are too great. It is irrelevant what the costs incurred have been, with estimates being in the $1-$1.2B range. The three-tower structure has been open to the elements for four years. The current value of the Oceanwide project is now being questions, given that the units now have graffiti-tainted windows and interest rates are higher. I was always advised that a property’s value is “determined by what someone is willing to pay for it.”

Waking up most mornings is challenging. But help has arrived! Muffin Can Stop Usopened shop on the bottom floor of Hope + Flower (on 12th between Hope and Flower) and helps to motivate us to get out of bed and head out for any number of coffee choices and English muffin sandwiches.

I had the pleasure of sitting down at The Palm Restaurant (on Flower at 11th Street) with the charming Lydia Behrens, Sales and Events Manager, and the gregarious Jeff Kops, General Manager. Both have joined The Palm within the last six months. Jeff was previously the GM at The Palm in Beverly Hills, which closed in October 2023, and has been with The Palm chain for the past 11 years.

Treat yourself to a day just for you, your health, your well-being. Treat yourself by attending the free Heart of the City Wellness Festival on Saturday, April 6 from 10 am to 2 pm on Grand Avenue between Pico and Venice sponsored by Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center.

Why is 75% of the population not voting? That is not a rhetorical question. I really do not understand. I welcome your comments. Educate me.

Seventy women celebrated Women’s History Month with a complimentary workout class from bellaTech Fitness on Hope between 11th and 12 Streets and a social hour hosted by SPNA (South Park Neighborhood Association) on March 26.

Results of the March 5 Primary Election as of 3.19.24 are below. Mailed ballots are still being counted, and the election will not be certified until April 12 although no significant changes are expected.

In January, SPNA (South Park Neighborhood Association) asked each of the eight CD 14 March primary candidates questions related to South Park, downtown LA, and CD14.

The venerable DCBID, which has been at the forefront of Downtown LA’s renaissance for over 25 years, has rebranded itself the DTLA Alliance.  The move is to emphasize the importance of advocacy and community building partnerships in the rapidly changing landscape of Downtown Los Angeles and to offer a structure for the future. 

South Park Developments - a Win and a Loss

Helping the Neighborhood DLANC, Convention Center, Robo Cop

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.