Downtown is the winner of the densest development in the city. It's also the biggest hub for public transit, with nearly each street within the core connected by a bus. But LA is still a car-centric city. This dichotomy brings me to wonder, how do the people within LA's most transit-friendly neighborhood travel around?

  The battle of the bites among 14 South Park restaurants was won by Capital Grill (9th and Figueroa) based on the votes of A Taste of South Park attendees. And who does not love porcini-rubbed filet mignon finished with extra virgin olive oil and 15-year aged balsamic vinegar? Mouths are watering as readers relive that perfect taste.

  It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.  On Saturday, September 28 at 1pm, as the Farmers Market was winding down, South Park neighbors began gathering for the highly anticipated Fifth Annual, A Taste of South Park.

South Park dog owners know how to have a good time! With 80 dogs and 150 humans descending on First Draft Tap Room and Kitchen on Sunday, October 27, the place was a hubbub of activity, and all of it was good! Yes, 80 dogs and all loved the socialization with their new friends.

  Conjure up the image of a European Holiday Market – sights of vendors with crafts and homemade goods, smells of food and international award-winning beer, holiday spirits of Santa, trees, lights, maybe even a bit of snow (not the real kind), and lots of people strolling among the vendors buying gifts and decorations for the holidays. That sight is coming to South Park this December.

My final thought – we are all in this together. We are one nation. We need to participate in the governing of our neighborhood, city, country. It is time to vote – by mail or in person. Exercise your right – let your voice be heard.

November election mail ballots arrive soon. The most important race, in my opinion, for South Park residents is the LA City Council District 14 race between incumbent Kevin de León and tenant rights attorney Ysabel Jurado.

 Did you forget to register to vote in the November election? You still have an option. Proceed to the Vote Center nearest you, which is Hotel Figueroa for South Park residents. Bring your driver's license or California identification card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. And you can register and vote at the same time. It is not too late!      

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?

The Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association (DTLA RA) created a 2024 DTLA Residents Association Digital Voter Guide “focused on the issues and races that matter most for our neighborhood.” 

Halloween has come to South Park and is residing in the lobbies of several South Park residential building. Checkout the witches’ hats, bats, pumpkins, fall foliage and more at Evo (Grand and 12th), Luma (Hope at 11th), Ten50 on Grand at 11th.

Fall is in the air, and winter is approaching which means lots of holidays and lots of gift buying. Throw Clay is here to help you with your gift shopping needs.

Deadline to register to vote in the November election is October 21.

Register to vote, change your address, or change your political party preference at https://registertovote.ca.gov/. Easy and quick!

ATOSP is an event for the residents of South Park to come together and share “a taste” of the delicious tastes that our community has to offer. Sample food and drinks. Enjoy live music. Win valuable raffle prizes. Meet friends. 

AEG’s venerable parking lot at Grand Ave. and 11th Ave. (home of A Taste of South Park) may become a much-needed park space in the center of South Park according to a motion introduced on September 20 by 14th District Council Member Kevin de León.

One of our favorite street art exhibits is returning to South Park the evening of Saturday, October 5 from 7:00 to 11:30pm.   Noted as a “Pop-up Natural Wonder,” Luminex has presented its unique brand of visual video art using several blank walls of buildings in South Park as canvas twice in the last three years to the delight of residents and visitors of downtown Los Angeles.

I had a spa day for my hair, head, and scalp by Hannah Guerrero at Cut to the Feeling Hair Salon on Grand between 11th and Olympic. I was pampered, massaged, moisturized, and styled. I was relaxed to the point of entering nirvana. I HIGHLY recommend the Persian Deluxe Blowout.

One of DTLA’s most effective fitness studios opened their new flagship in June. Here’s what to expect when you book your first class at Lagree213.