The Fourth Annual Leimert Park Jazz festival returns this weekend.
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Photography By Earl Gibson III
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Courtesy of the Leimert Park Jazz Festival
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This weekend
Listen to a day of live music at the Leimert Park Jazz Festival. Attend a silent film festival. Shop at RuPaul’s Drag Race Drag Sale pop-up.
Our picks:
4th Annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw -The festival has grown organically from a neighborhood block party to a grand celebration of music artists, visual artists, small businesses and nonprofits in South L.A. Performers include Poncho Sanchez, Keyon Harrold, Gerald Clayton and Carmen Lundy.
The Camera Is Ours Silent Film Festival, Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre -The silent film festival features films released before and after the passage of the 19th Amendment (1920).
World of Wonder Pop-Up Store - RuPaul’s Drag Race Drag Sale, World of Wonder Gallery 6650 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood - Shop a one-day sale that features merchandise from famed drag queens Pandora Boxx, Scarlet Envy, Scarlett Bobo, Ongina and Mariah Paris Balenciaga, who will all be in attendance to meet attendees.
Listen to a day of live music at the Leimert Park Jazz Festival. Attend a silent film festival. Shop at RuPaul’s Drag Race Drag Sale pop-up.
Events
Friday, Aug. 25; 7 - 9 p.m.
Friday Movie Nights | Detective Pikachu Japan House L.A. Ovation Hollywood, Center Courtyard 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood As part of Japan House Los Angeles’ fifth-anniversary celebration, they’re partnering with Ovation Hollywood to present a free movie night featuring snacks, prizes, and the hit film Detective Pikachu. The film was selected to complement the POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft exhibition. COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Saturday, Aug. 26; 12:30 - 9 p.m.
4th Annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw The festival has grown organically from a neighborhood block party to a grand celebration of music artists, visual artists, small businesses and nonprofits in South L.A. Performers include Poncho Sanchez, Keyon Harrold, Gerald Clayton and Carmen Lundy. Additional activities include the Visual Arts Pavilion, a Community Resource Zone, a Kids’ Zone, food trucks, and a wine and beer lounge. COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Saturday, Aug. 26; 6 p.m.
Off the 405: Alabaster DePlume Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood The Getty’s free concert series "Off the 405" ends its season this weekend with a performance from British poet and saxophonist Alabaster DePlume. “His songs are built on sonorous circular melodies and luminous tones that transmit calmness and generosity in warm waves—unless they’re raging against complacency and the everyday inhumanity of end-times capitalism.” COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
HIP-HOP SOUNDS & STORIES: A 50 & Forever Celebration Through the Decades is a free, two-day multimedia experience.
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Courtesy of NTWRK
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Saturday, Aug. 26; 11 a.m.
Hip-Hop Sounds & Stories: A 50 & Forever Celebration Through the Decades NTWRK LA 433 N. Fairfax Ave., Beverly Grove This weekend, NTWRK, Amazon Music and Audible present a multimedia experience that celebrates the various formats and methods of listening to hip-hop over the last five decades. On Saturday morning, attend a panel discussion exploring hip-hop's history. Panelists include visual artist Glen Infante, Amazon Music Artist Relations Manager Josh Peas, hip-hop DJ and multiplatinum artist DJ Drama, and music journalist, author and narrator of The Motherlode Clover Hope. The event also features performances from special guests. The exhibition space will be open all day on Sunday as well. COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Sierra Madre Playhouse presents 'The Camera Is Ours,' a silent film festival featuring films before and after the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment (1920).
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Courtesy of the Sierra Madre Playhouse
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Saturday, Aug. 26 - Sunday, Aug. 27
The Camera Is Ours Silent Film Festival Sierra Madre Playhouse 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre The silent film festival features films released before and after the passage of the 19th Amendment (1920). The films, including The Perils of Pauline and Sparrows, will be accompanied on the piano by the noted accompanist and film historian Frederick Hodges. The festival also includes workshops and discussions. COST: $25 - $75; MORE INFO
Saturday, Aug. 26 - Sunday, Aug. 27; 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
7th Annual Festival Chapín Los Angeles Lafayette Park 625 S. Lafayette Park Pl., Westlake The annual event is a celebration of Guatemalan culture and community through the country’s history, folklore, music, arts and crafts and “Chapín” gastronomy, which includes dishes such as garnachas (similar to a Mexican ‘sope’), shucos (Guatemalan-style hot dogs), chicken enchiladas and hilachas (stewed meat). Music artists include Marimba Orquesta Alegría Chapina, Raúl Acosta y Oro Solido and Los Miseria Cumbia Band. COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Saturday, Aug. 26; noon
VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Finals Day Kia Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 Esports fans should head to the Forum to watch the last two teams battle it out for the VALORANT Global Champion title. The finals culminate a yearlong VCT esports global circuit for this tactical shooter game. The opening ceremony for the finals also includes musical performances from Grabbitz, bbno$, ericdoa, Emei and Jazz Alonso. COST: Tickets start at $57; MORE INFO
Corey Helford Gallery opens 'Peering Through the Darkness,' featuring new works from Los Angeles art scene painter Luke Chueh.
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'Walking through the Valley,' Courtesy of the artist and Corey Helford Gallery
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Saturday, Aug. 26 - Saturday, Sept. 30
Luke Chueh: Peering Through the Darkness Corey Helford Gallery 571 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights The gallery presents its next major solo show, featuring new works from contemporary artist Luke Chueh, whose style blends elements of pop art, minimalism and surrealism. Also opening at the gallery is a solo show from Pop-Surrealist painter, illustrator and comic artist Camilla d'Errico. Also present is the annual Buy Art Save Kittens fundraiser (presented in partnership with Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats). The opening reception takes place on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 7 to 11 p.m. COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Saturday, Aug. 26; 12 - 4 p.m.
World of Wonder Pop-Up Store - RuPaul’s Drag Race Drag Sale World of Wonder Gallery 6650 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood Shop a one-day sale that features merchandise from famed drag queens Pandora Boxx, Scarlet Envy, Scarlett Bobo, Ongina and Mariah Paris Balenciaga, who will all be in attendance to meet attendees. Additional merchandise will be available for purchase from Gottmik and Honey Davenport. House of Love cocktails and mocktails will be available for purchase. COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Sunday, Aug. 27; 7 p.m.
Feel Good Comedy The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever 5970 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood This all-ages comedy show features a bold and sassy lineup of up-and-coming comics including Terra Ace, Joy Wolfe, Eric Owusu, Genesis Sol, Sayaka Miyatani, Rachel Scanlon and Adrian Colon Jr. COST: $20; MORE INFO
Happy Sundays Various venues Zaferia Neighborhood, Long Beach The music festival takes over various stages in the LBC. Check out over three dozen artists/bands, including Nectarines, L.A. Witch, Soft Palms, The Paranoyds, Julia Julia and others. The comedy stage returns this year to the Long Beach Playhouse with headliners Christopher Carmen and Shane Torres, plus more. COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Prosperity Market Hollywood Park (adjacent to SoFi Stadium) 1213 S. District Dr., Inglewood Prosperity Market — a mobile farmers market that supports and highlights Black-owned businesses — hosts a pop-up event to celebrate Black Business Month and to conclude its third annual Black Business Scavenger Hunt. Vendors include The Farmer Ken, Sienna Naturals, Ghost Town Oats, Gloria's Shito, Runway Boutique, The Plant Chica, California Coffee Company, Happi Jam, Tranquilitea, The Lazy Rose Cafe, The Heart Dept, Sherman Produce, Compton Vegan, Chef Brandi Biggles and others. The parking lot entrance is located on 97th St. & Prairie Ave. and costs $5 for the first two hours. COST: FREE - $60; MORE INFO
Hike the old Los Angeles Zoo trail in Griffith Park.
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Rosalind Chang
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via Unsplash
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Outdoor Pick
Hike the Old LA Zoo Though the animals are long gone, abandoned, enclosed structures remain at the old zoo in Griffith Park. The easy hike can be creepy to do alone (though it’s now a picnic area), so if you’d like to hike the 2.5 loop trail with people, the Outbound City Project’s L,A, Chapter is holding a group outing on Saturday, Aug. 26. Meet up at the Merry Go Round Lot in Griffith Park starting at 8 a.m. to traverse the Fern Canyon Trail and the Upper Old Zoo Trail. The hike is free regardless of whether you go solo or with the Outbound group (but register to let them know you’re coming).
NFMLA Monthly Film Festival - InFocus: International Animation NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA)’s monthly film festival returns on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 2:30 - 10:15 p.m. at South Park Center in downtown L.A. The August line-up celebrates emerging filmmakers from around the world. The first program features a number of short films made in California; the second block focuses on films from the city of L.A. and the third program showcases international animation. The day also includes drinks and mixers, filmmaker Q&As and networking. Tickets: $10 - $30.
The sushi spot Santō recently opened in Silver Lake.
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Jakob N. Layman
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Courtesy of Santō
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Dine and Drink Deals
Here are a few dine and drink options to indulge in this week.
The Victor in Santa Ynez holds an end-of-summer clambake al fresco on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. Tickets ($125) include a welcome glass of bubbly and a feast of crab claws, steamed clams, mussels, sausage, potatoes, and buttery corn, plus beer and wine.
Sayonara Summer is a fundraising block party in DTLA’s Art District benefiting the food security program at No Us Without You L.A. On Sunday, Aug. 27, from noon to 6 p.m. on Colyton Street (between 5th and Palmetto), guests can enjoy some of L.A.’s favorite foods, spirits and brews while listening to DJs and mariachis throughout the afternoon. Tickets: $20 - $100.
Rossoblu in downtown L.A. holds an ”End of Summer/Ferragosto" celebration on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. Tickets ($125) include an Italian spritz, pasta demonstration, an eight-course dinner and live music.
Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. holds a Night Market on Friday, Aug. 25 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Shop from the Bazaar, eat from diverse food vendors, sip on cocktails or get inked from the pop-up tattoo shop. Free admission; VIP package is $30.
On Friday, Aug. 25, 7 to 11 p.m., the L.A. Zoo’s popular Brew at the Zoo event returns for its 11th installment. The night features more than 40 breweries and cideries, with pub-style food options, live music, a DJ dance party, and, of course, wild things. Standard, early admission, VIP tickets and designated driver tickets are available. Food is only included in the VIP option. Ages 21+. Admission: $50 - $175.
Kevin Hart’s plant-based Hart House celebrates its first anniversary. On Aug. 25, all Hart House locations launch the limited time-offer “House Party” shake — vanilla mint cream swirled with dairy-free whipped topping and chocolate drizzle (available through Sept. 12). Customers also get a free cookie with the purchase of any meal. The Hart House Hollywood (6800 Sunset Blvd.) and University Park South (3726 S. Figueroa) locations are also hosting parties from 6 to 8 p.m. with swag giveaways, games and a DJ.
The sushi and hand roll bar Santō opened in Silver Lake on Sunset Blvd. last week. Much like its original location in Mexico City, the new location offers both sushi classics and signature items including a torched hamachi nigiri with Oaxacan chocolate and Colima salt; otoro sashimi seared with Binchōtan (a Japanese coal), and items featuring vegan tuna and salmon from Fysh (which is a tapioca based product) for a vegan spicy tuna hand roll and more. The dessert menu features flavors (ube, matcha, et al.) from Pazzo Gelato across the street.
By Christopher Weber and Amy Taxin | Associated Press
Published September 8, 2026 5:09 PM
Emergency vehicles repond to the chemical leak in LA Habra on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.
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Jae C. Hong
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Associated Press
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Topline:
A slow leak from a chemical tank smeared an orange cloud across the sky of a Southern California neighborhood on Tuesday, but authorities said they quickly got it under control.
Why it matters: Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Aaron Katon said authorities responded to a La Habra business that makes cleaning products after receiving a call shortly before noon about the cloud. Police evacuated a nearby middle school as a precaution, Katon said.
The chemical: They do not yet know what the chemical was, but all shelter-in-place orders have been lifted, Katon said.
What's next: The regional air quality management district has deployed staff to the area to investigate, said Connie Villanueva, a spokesperson for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
A slow leak from a chemical tank smeared an orange cloud across the sky of a Southern California neighborhood on Tuesday, but authorities said they quickly got it under control.
Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Aaron Katon said authorities responded to a business that makes cleaning products after receiving a call shortly before noon about the cloud. Police evacuated a nearby middle school as a precaution, Katon said.
They do not yet know what the chemical was, but all shelter-in-place orders have been lifted, he said. The regional air quality management district has deployed staff to the area to investigate, said Connie Villanueva, a spokesperson for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The company, Shepard Bros., could not immediately be reached for comment.
Three company employees reported minor respiratory irritation and declined further treatment, Katon said.
The leak occurred in the city of La Habra near a mix of residential neighborhoods and industrial warehouses about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Anaheim.
Keary Godinez, who works in a nearby restaurant, said she saw what appeared to be a dark yellow cloud spread across the sky. The 20-year-old said she watched students across the street board buses to evacuate, but police told her the eatery could remain open.
“It looked like pollen dust,” Godinez said, adding she didn’t detect a smell from the cloud. “It just kind of smeared in the sky and started going away.”
La Habra Mayor Jose Medrano had urged residents to shelter in place and said some streets were being evacuated.
Luis Gomez, who manages a nearby pickleball program, said earlier Tuesday he saw the cloud, called police and was told anyone within a mile radius of the location was under an evacuation order.
Lakers head coach Phil Jackson celebrates after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.
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Christian Petersen
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Getty Images North America
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Topline:
The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Phil Jackson outside their downtown arena next year. The Lakers announced the plan Tuesday to honor Jackson, who led the Lakers to five championships and seven NBA Finals appearances during two stints totaling 11 seasons as their head coach.
The backstory: After his famed tenure leading Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls to six championships, Jackson joined the Lakers in 1999 and immediately began another era of major success for the 17-time NBA champion franchise. His first three teams in Los Angeles won championships behind the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, and the Lakers added two more titles in 2009 and 2010 led by Bryant and Pau Gasol. His Lakers also made the NBA Finals in 2004 and 2008.
What's next: The statue will be unveiled April 9 before the Lakers’ home game against Minnesota.
The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Phil Jackson outside their downtown arena next year.
The Lakers announced the plan Tuesday to honor Jackson, who led the Lakers to five championships and seven NBA Finals appearances during two stints totaling 11 seasons as their head coach.
The statue will be unveiled April 9 before the Lakers’ home game against Minnesota.
After his famed tenure leading Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls to six championships, Jackson joined the Lakers in 1999 and immediately began another era of major success for the 17-time NBA champion franchise.
His first three teams in Los Angeles won championships behind the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, and the Lakers added two more titles in 2009 and 2010 led by Bryant and Pau Gasol. His Lakers also made the NBA Finals in 2004 and 2008.
Jackson set the Lakers franchise record for coaches with 610 victories while leading his teams to the playoffs in every year of his tenure, which ended in 2011.
“Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”
Jackson will be the ninth person associated with the Lakers to be honored with a statue in Star Plaza outside their arena. He joins Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Bryant, O’Neal, broadcaster Chick Hearn and former coach Pat Riley, whose statue was unveiled earlier this year.
Jackson’s 11 championships as a head coach are the most in NBA history. The North Dakota native and former New York Knicks forward is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
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Lucas Brady Woods
covers the weather and disasters, among other climate and science topics.
Published September 8, 2026 3:25 PM
Clouds form over Venice Beach in August. Tropical moisture from Hurricane Marie is currently causing extreme humidity in Southern California this week.
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Apu Gomes
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Getty Images North America
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Topline:
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for much of Southern California from Wednesday morning through Thursday.
The details: This week’s combination of heat and humidity could be worse than it has been all summer. Forecasters say temperatures will peak on Wednesday. Highs could get up to the triple digits. Overnight lows will also stay elevated. They may only get down to the 70s in places, offering little relief from the heat.
The humidity: Climate experts say the humidity this week could be some of the highest on record in Southern California, even after a summer marked by repeated humid heatwaves. The moisture in the air, combined with the extreme heat, makes it increasingly difficult for the human body to cool down, especially when outdoors. It’s also driving scattered rain and thunderstorms that will continue for the next few days.
The backstory: The tropical moisture is due in large part to the leftovers of Hurricane Marie hundreds of miles away in the Pacific Ocean. On top of that, record high ocean temperatures off the Southern California coast are adding to the humidity.
Destiny Torres
covers all things SoCal, from breaking news to local government, with a focus on Orange County.
Published September 8, 2026 2:22 PM
Mari Barke, photographed at the California Policy Center in Irvine in 2024.
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Courtesy of Mari Barke
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Topline:
An O.C. Superior Court judge increased the economic penalties for Orange County Board of Education member Marilyn “Mari” Barke for failing to report millions of dollars in economic disclosure filings. She will now have to pay more than $100,000 in penalties, according to court documents.
Why it matters: Barke was elected in 2018 to the Orange County Board of Education, which oversees and approves the county’s education budget that serves around 450,000 students.
Background: In 2024, the Fair Political Practices Commission found Barke liable for failing to correctly report income, resulting in a $3,200 penalty. But a judge in July said the FPPC’s settlement didn’t fully address Barke’s actions.
What are the penalties? Barke will have to pay $101,800 in penalties, as well as attorney fees, for incorrectly filling out economic disclosure statements and for failure to correct amended statements. She will be credited the $3,200 paid to the FPPC. Barke’s lawyer did not immediately respond to LAist’s request for comment.
What changed? Orange County Superior Court Judge H. Shaina Colover handed the decision on Sept. 3. Colover said in a final statement on the decision that “substantial civil damages are warranted” to enforce the Political Reform Act and prevent future violations.
Officials say: The complaint was filed by Lynne Riddle, a retired judge. Riddle’s lawyers said in a statement to LAist that the court’s ruling is a “landmark” outcome for public trust and that the high penalty fees show how serious the offenses were. “We hope this result reminds every public official in California that transparency is not optional, and that the public has both the right to know and the tools to hold them accountable when transparency is ignored,” Riddle’s legal team said.