The Brief

I live in Venice, and this past weekend I slept in too late to see the actual half marathon, but not too late to see the exuberant runners hanging out in the neighborhood, strolling the boardwalk and checking out the party on Windward Avenue afterwards. I then learned the run was more than just a great community event; it’s a test of the new course for the Olympic Marathon that will start and end in Venice in 2028. So cool! L.A. 2028 is really starting to feel like it’s in sight.

This Memorial Day weekend, there are festivals up and down the coast and many ways to honor our military, including the Redondo Beach Memorial Day Ceremony and the annual L.A. National Cemetery ceremony.

For more to explore, visit LAist.com, where you can learn about the reopening plans for the Getty Villa, the end of one lilac fanatic’s landmark garden in Idyllwild, and — phew! — Sesame Street heads back to PBS Kids and strikes a deal with Netflix. Looking for the public media wins where I can, folks.

Events

Friday, May 23, 7 p.m.
Suppa Club: Office Hours
OffTop Design 
2712 54th. St., Crenshaw 
COST: $25; MORE INFO

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Jazz from the Don Brown Collective and food from Little Los Angeles are the draw for this Suppa Club event at OffTop Design’s space in Crenshaw. Drummer Don Brown was born and raised in South Central and puts together a great night of music with his talented friends.

Through Sunday, June 8 
A Doll’s House Part 2 
Pasadena Playhouse 
39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena
COST: FROM $40; MORE INFO 

Don’t worry, you haven’t missed Part 1. A Doll’s House Part 2 isn’t actually a part two. It’s Lucas Hnath’s modern answer to Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play, A Doll’s House. And you don’t need to be intimately familiar with the original to "get" this version, written in 2017. It all takes place following the “slam heard round the world” — when the main character, housewife and mother Nora, leaves her domestic life behind. Elizabeth Reaser (Twilight) and Jason Butler Harner (Ozark) star as Nora and Torvald.

Sunday, May 25, 1 to 4 p.m. 
Lucky Bead: Beginner beading workshop
The Chapter House L.A. 
1770 Glendale Blvd., Glendale 
COST: RECOMMENDED DONATION $10; MORE INFO

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The Chapter House, an Indigenous community space, is hosting an intro beading workshop taught by Gigi Modrich (Jicarilla Apache). Make a pair of bright “auntie” earrings and participate in an ancient craft that turns out beautiful, wearable things. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite beads from home, too.

May 24-26
Topanga Days
Multiple parking locations (then a shuttle brings you to the event)
Topanga Canyon 
COST: FROM $31; MORE INFO

The Allah-las, The English Beat and many more musical acts welcome the Topanga community back to Topanga Days after the fires, the biggest celebration of the year in the canyon. There’s music, games, a parade and lots of local food vendors at this little trip back in time. It’s a festival that has stayed true to its 1970s roots and marks 50 years this year.

Shuttle buses will run to the site in Topanga all day long, so leave the car at a convenient lot and don’t worry about battling the still-closed PCH overflow. Plus, on Memorial Day, local indie favorite Inara George sings "America the Beautiful" at the annual flag raising.

Through Monday, May 26 
L.A. Fleet Week
L.A. Harbor 
250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

A Los Angeles Fire Boat performs a water salute by spraying water from its fire extinguishers in the air for LA Fleet Week in San Pedro in 2024.

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Allen J. Schaben

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L.A. Times via Getty Images

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Take a tall ship tour, check out the maritime expo and attend a Memorial Day tribute to military heroes at the USS Iowa during L.A.’s annual Fleet Week. The view of all those sailors in uniform isn’t bad either.

May 24-26
Fiesta Hermosa 
Hermosa and Pier Aves., Hermosa Beach
COST: GARDEN PASS $10; MORE INFO 

The party is in Hermosa Beach with an oceanside beer garden, tons of live performances, carnival games, food and much more. There’s a free bike valet, and the Marvin Braude bike path goes all the way from the Palisades to Hermosa, so there’s really no excuse not to go enjoy yourself!

May 23-26
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival 
Village Green Park
12732 Main St., Garden Grove
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Literally everything is strawberry at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, which celebrates its 65th year this summer. From strawberry shortcake to a strawberry-themed costume contest, the day is full of berry treats of all kinds. The annual parade's Grand Marshalls are actress Kate Linder and civil rights icon Sylvia Mendez, plus there’s music from a range of performers, from country bands to School of Rock grads.

Outdoor Pick

Saturday, May 24, 11 a.m.
Soundbath, Sea and Sails 
Burton Chace Park 
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey 
COST: SUGGESTED $30 DONATION; MORE INFO

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Epic Media Events & Spiritual Gangster Productions

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All you need to bring to this sound ceremony by the sea is your yoga mat. Led by the founders of BodhiBLISS and Well and Whole, the morning features gongs, singing bowls and chimes to create a peaceful meditation environment. Start off your holiday weekend calmly overlooking the Marina.

Viewing Pick

Sunday, May 25, 8:30 p.m. 
Cinespia: Clueless 30th Anniversary 
Hollywood Forever Cemetery 
6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood 
COST: FROM $24.11; MORE INFO

Stacey Dash and Alicia Silverstone in the 1995 movie "Clueless."

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30 years?! As if! Amy Heckerling’s iconic 90s high school comedy Clueless is the Memorial Day pick for Cinespia as the summer favorite outdoor film series gets going. It’s aged like a fine Paul Rudd. So, don your best yellow tartan skirt suit, make sure you don’t get gas in the Valley on your way, and grab your Dionne for movie night in the cemetery.

Dine & Drink Deals

Sunday, May 25, 1 to 5 p.m.
MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street
Main Street, between Strand Ave. and Pier Ave., Santa Monica 
COST: FROM $30, FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 5; MORE INFO

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Spin Public Relations

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Each year, Main Street turns into a real-life Monopoly board, but instead of a Get Out of Jail Free card, you get MAINopoly dollars. They're good for tastings at local restaurants including Ashland Hill, JuneShine, Triple Beam Pizza, Sunny Blue and more. You can also take a pedicab, grab a drink in the beer garden, swing by the "Just Visiting" photo booth, and complete the game board to win prizes.

May 24-26, 12 to 9 p.m. 
Valley Greek Festival
9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge 
COST: $5; MORE INFO

If you’re as sad as I am about Papa Cristo’s closing, get your next fill of Greek specialties at the Valley Greek Festival. Gyros, baklava, spanakopita, dolmades — it’s all here. Plus, enjoy live Greek dance performances, cooking demos and more.

Ongoing 
Table 31 Experience 
Tam O’Shanter 
2980 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Feliz
COST: $69 (LUNCH), $89 (DINNER); MORE INFO 

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Ever wanted to sit where Walt sat? Step into a piece of Hollywood and animation history at the Table 31 Experience at Tam O’Shanter in Los Feliz. Reserve Walt Disney’s favorite table and enjoy a curated, story-rich evening featuring one of Walt’s favorite dishes. Plus, get a personalized history session with Tam’s dedicated Table 31 Ambassador, who shares captivating stories and lesser-known details of Walt’s time at the restaurant, and take home a souvenir to commemorate your night.

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.

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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.