The Brief

We lost a titan of the Los Angeles architecture world this week with Frank Gehry’s death, but fortunately, he left this city with several indelible marks. To honor his memory, I’d suggest heading to Walt Disney Concert Hall and taking the self-guided audio tour of the incredible space that he designed; the tour takes you through the gardens, the auditorium itself and all kinds of nooks that you wouldn’t find on your own. It’s free and available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

In music this week, Licorice Pizza recommends modern rock gods the Struts doing a special acoustic performance and Q&A at the Grammy Museum on Monday night. On Wednesday, Postmodern Jukebox plays the Grove of Anaheim, and Danity Kane are at the El Rey; Thursday, breakout UK pop star Luvcat is at the El Rey, while Ben Folds plays the Blue Note. And Tom Petty & Heartbreakers guitar legend Mike Campbell plays with his band, the Dirty Knobs, at the United Theater.

Elsewhere on LAist.com, you can get the skinny on Metro’s water taxi plan for the 2028 Olympics, learn the secrets behind Stranger Things' special effects and food and culture writer Gab Chabrán eats L.A.’s most expensive tamale so you don’t have to.

Events

Will Butler & the Stereophonic cast

Thursday, December 11, 4:30 p.m. 
Amoeba Music
6200 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

(

Julieta Cervantes

/

Courtesy Broadway in Hollywood

)

I recently saw the Tony-winning play for 2024, Stereophonic, in London and loved it. The story of the making of a record by a Fleetwood Mac-esque band in Northern California in the '70s is imaginative and transportive. Lucky for us, it’s coming to L.A. this week. To celebrate the opening, the show’s composer, Will Butler (Arcade Fire), and members of the cast will be performing a free in-store show at Amoeba in Hollywood. Don’t miss it — or the show, which is at the Pantages through Jan. 2.

Jonathan Richman

Monday, December 8, 7 p.m. 
Sid the Cat Auditorium
022 El Centro St., South Pasadena
COST: $39.25; MORE INFO

The Sid the Cat team said they long dreamed of a basketball court with their logo in the middle, but due to space issues they settled on a pickleball court.

(

Courtesy Sheva Kafai

)

Perhaps the most anticipated new venue amongst the indie music set, Sid the Cat Auditorium just opened in South Pasadena with a great lineup of artists headlining throughout the next few weeks. Check out singer-songwriter Jonathan Richman, cofounder of influential punk band Modern Lovers, with Tommy Larkins on the drums. Read more about the spot’s history — and future — here.

Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

Through Sunday, December 14
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach
COST: $54.59; MORE INFO

Debbie Allen dance academy EB RECITAL 2024

(

LEE TONKS PHOTOGRAPHY

)

There are so many Nutcrackers to choose from in the next few weeks, but it’s always a great time and a fun twist on the original to see Debbie Allen's version, Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, which is celebrating its 15th year on stage. Really want to splash out? There’s also a special star-studded performance and gala on Dec. 11.

PlutoTV: Holidays are Brutal Rage Room

Thursday, December 11, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rage Ground
120 E. 11th St., Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE WITH RSVP; MORE INFO

I am always hesitant to share marketing activations, but this one is too clever (and fun) not to include. If you’ve never been to a rage room, they are expensive but cathartic ways to get your pent-up frustration out via smashing glass, car windows, throwing hammers — you name it. The holidays can definitely spark anger, so put your holiday stress to bed before seeing your family by signing up for a free rage room session, thanks to PlutoTV’s “The Holidays are Brutal” collection of shows.

A Christmas Carol

Through Monday, December 22
Independent Shakespeare Company 
ISC Studio 
3191 Casitas Ave., #130, Atwater Village
COST: $33.50; MORE INFO

(

Grettel Cortes

/

Courtesy Independent Shakespeare Co.

)

Another Christmas Carol? Well, yes, but this one is told from the author’s perspective. Your dear narrator is Charles Dickens himself, played by Independent Shakespeare Company actor David Melville. It's the show's 20th time being performed at the Independent Shakespeare Company.

Robert Rauschenberg at Gemini G.E.L.: Celebrating Four Decades of Innovation and Collaboration

Through Friday, December 19 
Gemini G.E.L.
8365 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood
COST: FREE; MORE INFO 

(

Courtesy Gemini G.E.L.

)

As a titan of American art and precursor to the pop art movement, Robert Rauschenberg often collaborated with art publisher Gemini to create unique works and oversized prints. In this new show celebrating 40 years of projects, you can see prints like "Booster," a six-foot, scanned X-ray image of the artist himself.

Guest chef dinner with Chef Joe Hou

Monday, December 8 
Charcoal Venice 
425 Washington Blvd., Venice
COST: $125; MORE INFO

Chef Josiah Citrin’s Charcoal celebrates its 10th anniversary with a one-night-only guest chef dinner featuring Chef Joe Hou, Chef de Cuisine at the Michelin-starred Angler in San Francisco. The menu includes highlights from both chefs, including grilled meats and seafood that honor Charcoal’s adherence to cooking over a live fire.

8 Nights at Birdie G’s 

December 8 to 11
Birdie G's
2421 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica
COST: $125; MORE INFO 

Santa Monica favorite Birdie G’s has its final flutter on Dec. 20, but before then, you can get your fill of Hanukkah specials during their "8 Nights at Birdie G’s" promotion. This week features a variety of guest chefs, including Jordan Kahn (Destroyer) and Chris Cosentino (Koast Maui).

Happy hour at Broken Spanish Comedor

Every Tuesday through Saturday, 5 to 6 p.m. 
Broken Spanish Comedor
12565 Washington Blvd., Culver City
COST: VARIES, MORE INFO

(

Courtesy Peridot Photos

)

Just in time for post-work happy hours before the holidays, Ray Garcia’s Broken Spanish Comedor has launched a new happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, featuring a curated selection of food and drinks ranging from $5 to $15, including $10 craft draft margaritas, palomas and wine.

This story first appeared on The LA Local.

Since 1977, Richard Santillan has been to every Opening Day game at Dodger Stadium. 

“The tradition goes from my father, to me, to my children and grandchildren. Some of my best memories are with my father and children here at Dodger Stadium,” Santillan told The LA Local, smiling under the shade of palm trees near the entrance to the ballpark Wednesday morning. He was there to protest the team less than 24 hours before Opening Day.

Santillan, like countless other loyal Dodgers fans, is grappling with his fan identity over the team’s decision to accept an invitation to the White House and owner Mark Walter’s ties to ICE detention facilities.

More than 30 people joined Santillan on Wednesday morning for a press conference held near 1000 Vin Scully Drive to convey a message directly to the team. 

“We are demanding the Dodgers stop participating in funding of inhumane treatment of families and do not go to the White House to celebrate with the criminal in chief,” Evelyn Escatiola told the crowd. “Together, we have the power to make a change.”

Escatiola, a former dean of East Los Angeles College and longtime community organizer, urged fans to flex their economic power by “letting the Dodgers know that we do not support repression.”

Jorge “Coqui” Rodriguez, a lifelong Dodgers fan, spoke to the crowd and called on Dodgers ownership to divest from immigration detention centers owned and operated by GEO Group and CoreCivic.

Jorge Coqui H Rodriguez speaks at a press conference outside Dodger Stadium on March 25, 2026, to demand the Dodgers not to visit the White House following their 2025 World Series win.

(

J.W. Hendricks

/

The LA Local

)

In a phone interview a day before the protest, Rodriguez told The LA Local he did not want the Dodgers using his “cheve” or beer money to fund detention centers. 

“They can’t take our parking money, our cacahuate money, our cheve money, our Dodger Dog money and invest those funds into corporations that are imprisoning people. It’s wrong,” Rodriguez said. 

Rodriguez considers the Dodgers one of the most racially diverse teams and said the players need to support fans at a time when heightened immigration enforcement has become more common across L.A.

The team’s 2025’s visit to the White House drew ire from the largely Latino fan base, citing the Trump administration’s ongoing attacks on immigrants. 

In June, the team came under further scrutiny when rumors swirled online that federal immigration agents were using the stadium’s parking, which immigration authorities later denied in statements posted on social media accounts.

The team again came under fire after not releasing a statement on the impacts of ICE raids on its mostly Latino fan base at the height of immigration enforcement last summer. The team later agreed to invest $1 million to support families affected by immigration enforcement.

When he learned the Dodgers were pledging only $1 million to families in need, Rodriguez called the amount a  “slap in the face.” 

“These guys just bought the Lakers for billions of dollars and they give a million dollars to fight for legal services? That’s a joke,” Rodriguez said. “They need to have a moral backbone and not be investing in those companies.”

According to reporting from the Los Angeles Times, former Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershawsaid last week that he is looking forward to the trip.

“I went when President [Joe] Biden was in office. I’m going to go when President [Donald] Trump is in office,” Kershaw said. “To me, it’s just about getting to go to the White House. You don’t get that opportunity every day, so I’m excited to go.”

The Dodgers have yet to announce when their planned visit will take place. 

Santillan sometimes laments his decision to give up his season tickets in protest of the team. His connection to the stadium and the memories he has made there with family and friends will last a lifetime, he said. On Thursday, he will uphold his tradition and be there for the first pitch of the season, but with a heavy heart.

“It’s a family tradition, but the Dodgers have a lot of work to do,” he said.

A local favorite mom-and-pop bookshop in Eagle Rock is facing displacement due to a steep rent hike. The owners say theirs is just one of several small businesses along Eagle Rock Boulevard struggling to keep up with lease increases.

Over the past 19 years, many in the neighborhood have come to love READ Books for its eclectic collection of used titles and shop dog Florence.

Co-owner Jeremy Kaplan said it’s been a delight to grow with the community over the years.

“Like seeing kids come back in, who were in grade school and now they’re in college,” Kaplan said.

But the building where Kaplan and wife Debbie rent was recently sold, and the rent increased by more than 130% to $2,805 a month, Kaplan said. He told LAist it was an increase his small business simply could not absorb.

Kaplan said he originally was given 30 days notice of the rent increase. After some research, assistance from Councilmember Ysabel Jurado’s office and some pro-bono legal help, Kaplan said he pushed back and got the 90-day notice he’s afforded by state law.

California Senate Bill 1103 requires landlords to give businesses with five or less employees 90 days’ notice for rent increases exceeding 10%, among other protections.

Systems Real Estate, the property management company, did not immediately respond to LAist’s request for comment.

What can small businesses do? 

Nadia Segura, directing attorney of the Small Business Program at pro bono legal aid non-profit Bet Tzedek said California law does not currently allow for rent control for commercial tenancies.

Outside of the protections under SB 1103, Segura said small businesses like READ Books don’t have much other recourse. And even then, commercial landlords are not required to inform their tenants of their protections under the law.

“There’s still a lot of people that don’t know about SB 1103. And then it’s very sad that they tell them they have these rent increases and within a month they have to leave,” Segura said.

She said her group is seeing steep rent hikes like this for commercial tenants across the city.

“We are seeing this even more with the World Cup coming up, the Olympics coming up. And I will say it was very sad to see that also after the wildfires,” Segura said.

Part of Bet Tzedek’s ongoing work is to advocate for small businesses, working with landlords who are increasing rents to see if they are willing to give business owners longer leases that lock in rents.

What’s next 

After READ Books posted about their situation on social media, commenters chimed in to express their outrage and love for the little shop.

While he looks for a new spot, Kaplan says he’s forming a coalition of local businesses and activist groups to see what can be done to help other small businesses facing similar displacement. He wants to address the displacement issue for businesses like his, which have made Eagle Rock the distinctive neighborhood that it is today.

Owl Talk, a longtime Eagle Rock staple selling clothing and accessories in a unit in the same building as READ Books, is facing a “more than double” rent increase, according to a post on their Instagram account.

Kaplan said he’s been in touch with the office of state Assemblywoman Jessica Caloza and wants to explore the possibility of introducing legislation to set up protections for small businesses like his, including rent-control measures or a vacancy tax for landlords. Kaplan said he also reached out to the office of state Sen. Maria Durazo.

By his count, Kaplan said there are about a dozen businesses within surrounding blocks that are at risk of closing their doors or have shuttered due to rent increases or other struggles.

When READ Books was founded during the Great Recession, Kaplan said he knew it was a longshot to open a bookstore at the same time so many were struggling to stay in business.

“It was kind of interesting to be doing something that neighborhoods needed. That was important to me growing up, that was important to my children, that was important to my wife growing up,” Kaplan said.

“And then somebody comes in and says, ‘We’re gonna over double your rent.”

Topline:

Frozen budget: Most of the city’s Bureau of Street Lighting budget comes from an assessment that people who own property illuminated by lights pay on their county property tax bill. The amount people pay depends on the kind of property they own and how much they benefit from lighting. A typical single-family home currently pays $53 annually, and in total, the assessments bring in about $45 million annually for the city to repair and maintain streetlights. Changing the amount the Bureau of Street Lighting gets from the assessment requires a vote among property owners who benefit from the lights.

Ballots: L.A. City Council’s vote gives city staff the green light to prepare and send out those ballots. Miguel Sangalang, who oversees the bureau, said at a committee meeting earlier this month that he expects to send out ballots by April 17. Notices about the ballots will be sent out prior to the ballots themselves.

Near unanimous vote: L.A. City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez was the only “No” vote Tuesday, saying she wanted to see a more current strategic plan for the bureau. Sangalang said the bureau developed a plan in 2022 that lays out how money will be spent. Councilmember Imelda Padilla was absent for the vote.

Vote count: Votes will be weighted according to the assessment amount. Basically, the more you’re asked to pay yearly to maintain streetlights, the more your vote will count. Ballots received before June 2 will be tabulated by the L.A. City Clerk.

How much more money: According to a report, the amount needed in assessments from property owners to meet the repair and maintenance needs of the city’s streetlighting in the next fiscal year is nearly $112 million.

Use of the money: Sangalang said at a March 11 committee meeting that the extra funds would be used to double the number of staff to handle repairs and procure solar streetlights, which don’t face the threat of copper wire theft. That would all potentially reduce the time it takes to repair simple fixes down to a week. Currently, city residents wait for months to see broken streetlights repaired. The assessment would come with a three-year auditing mechanism.