The UCLA women's basketball team in the Final Four, a Homeboy Industries musical, a White Lotus finale party, Shakespeare at a bar and more.
Our picks:
Watch Me! in Long Beach is the place to watch women’s sports in the area, so it’s no surprise they will be hosting a big party for the UCLA game against the UConn Huskies in the NCAA Women's Final Four. Go Bruins!
Not sure you can get more L.A. than this. Homeboy Industries, the iconic L.A. nonprofit founded by Father Greg Boyle, is now the subject of a new musical. Workshop performances of Homeboys are on this weekend through Sunday. The show celebrates the organization that began serving former gang members and at-risk youth in 1988.
Head to the West Hollywood Edition for a free drink and a screening of the season finale of The White Lotus. Wear your best tropical caftan and gasp as we all find out (finally, it’s been dragging, hasn’t it?) who fired the shots in the episode 1 opener.
I went to an inspiring lecture with Jane Goodall — who turns 91 this week — at Pasadena High School last Sunday. She shared stories from her life and the lives of the animals she’s spent her career studying. It was the perfect kickoff to Earth Month (and L.A.’s own upcoming Climate Week) and a reminder that, like nature, we are resilient.
One way to flex your green this month is by participating in CicLAvia — this weekend, it’s “Koreatown meets Hollywood” for the open streets event.
Friday, April 4, 6 p.m. NCAA Women’s Final Four: UCLA vs. UConn ESPN, Watch Me! Sports Bar and multiple other bars around the area COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
UCLA forward Timea Gardiner, #30, celebrates her basket with teammates UCLA forward Kendall Dudley, #22, and UCLA forward Angela Dugali, #32.
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Allen J. Schaben
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L.A. Times via Getty Images
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Watch Me! in Long Beach is the place for watching women’s sports in the area (we wrote this piece featuring them last year), so it’s no surprise they will be hosting a big party for the UCLA game against the UConn Huskies in the NCAA Women's Final Four. Of course, bars closer to campus will be rocking, and it’s on ESPN as well. Go Bruins!
Through Saturday, May 3 'Superradiance' CTRL Gallery 945 Chung King Road Chinatown COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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superradiance.net
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It’s hard to explain, but this very cool installation that first premiered at Tribeca Film Festival is a must-see while it’s here. “Superradiance” is a multiscreen video and sound installation that blends dance, poetry, music, generative visuals and artificial intelligence. Created by L.A.-based artists @memo_akten and @katiepeytonhofstadter, the piece explores the relationship between ourselves and AI using the concept of “embodied simulation — our brain's tendency to unconsciously mirror the movements and experiences of others.”
Saturday, April 5, 9:30 p.m. La Roux El Cid 4212 Sunset Blvd. Silver Lake COST: $34.25; MORE INFO
Grammy-winning British synthpop favorite La Roux (Elly Jackson) plays El Cid for the last night of a month-long L.A. residency that’s taken her to several L.A. venues since March. These shows are the first for La Roux in L.A. in a decade; the El Cid show is sold out, but there is a waiting list.
Through Sunday, April 6 Homeboys: A Musical Casa 0101 2102 1st St. Downtown L.A. COST: FREE; MORE INFO
I’m not sure you can get more L.A. than this. Homeboy Industries, the iconic L.A. nonprofit founded by Father Greg Boyle, is now the subject of a new musical. Workshop performances of Homeboys are on this weekend through Sunday, celebrating the organization that began serving former gang members and at-risk youth in 1988. The show “follows six homeboys and homegirls as they try to leave la vida, recounting the founding of Homeboy Industries by Father Greg Boyle and featuring pan-Latin musical styles from 1990s rap to reggaeton and cumbia.”
Following Sunday’s performance, a conversation featuring the creators of Homeboys and members of Homeboy Industries will be moderated by USC professor Robert Hernandez.
Friday, April 4, 8 p.m. Bardfly Theatre Co.presents Twelfth Night Boomtown Brewery 700 Jackson St. Arts District COST: $15; MORE INFO
A little Shakespeare with your pint? Don’t mind if I do. Bardfly Theatre Company only does site-specific shows, so this time they’ve adapted Shakepeare’s tale of love and mistaken identity to the brewery’s picnic tables. Tickets for the 90-minute retelling of Twelfth Night are general admission; seating is available on a first-come first-serve basis.
Saturday, April 5, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. DTLB Art + Design Walk: Celebrate Downtown Edition Multiple locations Long Beach COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Mike Zampelli
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Courtesy Downtown Long Beach Alliance
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Celebrate downtown Long Beach’s art scene during this free, walkable afternoon with open galleries, live bands and public art. There’s also a free shuttle and the presentation of the annual Spirit of Downtown Awards.
April 4-6 U.S. Hip Hop Dance Championship Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel 2500 N. Hollywood Way Burbank COST: FROM $45; MORE INFO
Dance crews from around the country face off at the Hip Hop Dance Championship. Who will rep the USA this summer at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix? The creators of America’s Best Dance Crew host the championships, plus there are dance workshops and competitions for all ages going on throughout the weekend. Check it out with the whole family!
Outdoor Pick
Sunday, April 6, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Composting Workshop Dirt Girls Ojai Address made available with RSVP COST: $75, FREE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS/DISPLACED FOLKS; MORE INFO
A compost pile.
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Jessica Langlois for LAist
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Kick off Earth Month with a drive up to Ojai for this unique composting workshop with the environmental collective Dirt Girls. You’ll learn to build usable, nutrient-dense compost using the “hot compost” method with Connor Jones, the founder of the Ojai permaculture site East End Eden. Plus, stick around after for a backyard grill at 5 p.m.
Viewing Pick
Saturday, April 5, 11 a.m. The Garage and The Battle of the Century Sierra Madre Playhouse 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre COST: $12; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Sierra Madre Playhouse
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Sierra Madre Playhouse has teamed up with Retroformat Silent Films for a real treat. A double feature of silent film comedies – The Garage (1920) starring Buster Keaton and Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, and The Battle of the Century (1927) starring Laurel and Hardy. It’s a rare opportunity to see films like this on the big screen.
Dine & Drink Deals
Friday, April 4, 8 a.m. Levain opening in Venice Levain 1661 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice
Everyone in Venice has been walking by the Levain storefront for weeks now waiting for those cookies to be ready. I was walking down Abbot Kinney Boulevard yesterday and heard a woman stop a worker wearing a Levain apron to ask when it would be open. Friends, it’s here and if you’re one of the first 100 in line, score a free Levain swag bag. Those cookies the size of your head are baked daily in Venice from this Friday onward. Yum.
Saturday, April 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Yama Sushi x domi Yama Sushi Marketplace 911 W. Las Tunas Dr. San Gabriel COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Domi
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Beautiful little matcha cakes from dōmi are popping up at Yama’s San Gabriel location in all kinds of delightful flavors this weekend. Flavors include: Matcha Red Bean Cake, Blueberry Matcha Cake, a Mini Matcha Strawberry Tart, Yuzu Matcha-Misu, and Chocolate Salted Caramel Black Sesame Cake
Sunday, April 6, 5 p.m. The White Lotus Grand finale screening party EDITION 9040 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Morgana O'Reilly, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Dom Hetrakul and Lalisa Manobal play resort workers in Season 3 of 'The White Lotus.'
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Fabio Lovino
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HBO
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Don’t mix lorazepam with your martini, but do head to the West Hollywood Edition for a free drink and a screening of the season finale of White Lotus. Wear your best tropical caftan and gasp as we all find out (finally, it’s been dragging, hasn’t it?) who fired the shots in the episode 1 opener and what will become of the guests at Thailand’s most luxe resort.
Matt Dangelantonio
has always been fascinated by sports teams' jersey and logo designs, and loves a good alternate jersey.
Published April 3, 2026 10:54 AM
The Los Angeles Dodgers logo is seen on a jersey. The Dodgers debuted new blue jerseys today, which will now be part of their regular season away game jersey rotation.
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Winslow Townson
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Getty Images North America
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Topline:
The Dodgers debuted a brand new blue road jersey for its game against the Washington Nationals. The new blues will now be part of the team's regular season jersey rotation for away games.
Why it matters: The team says it's a first for the Dodgers, who have traditionally only worn their gray jerseys for away games. The Dodgers now have three road options — two gray jerseys, one that says "Los Angeles" across the front and another that says "Dodgers," along with the new blues.
Dodger Blue.
For the first time in history, the Dodgers will be wearing a blue jersey as part of their regular uniform rotation on the road. pic.twitter.com/ce3EVFVJTd
The backstory: You've probably seen the Dodgers wearing similar blue jerseys during spring training, but up until now they've not been an everyday option for regular season games. It won't be the first time the team wears a blue jersey during the regular season, though. In 2021, the Dodgers debuted blue "City Connect" jerseys, seen below, for that season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wearing the team's 2021 City Connect uniform.
Elly Yu
reports on early childhood. From housing to health, she covers issues facing the youngest Angelenos and their families.
Published April 3, 2026 5:00 AM
Under a new law that went into effect this year, childcare providers are barred from asking about a child's or family member’s immigration status.
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Maria Gutierrez
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LAist
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Topline:
Under a new law that went into effect this year, childcare providers are barred from asking about a child's or family member’s immigration status.
What’s new: California Attorney General Rob Bonta provided guidance this week to childcare providers on new legal requirements to protect children and their families from immigration enforcement activities.
The backstory: Lawmakers passed AB 495 last year aimed at helping and protecting families in light of immigration enforcement, including allowing a broader definition of relatives to step in as a caregiver if a parent is detained.
The details: Under the new requirements, childcare centers have to regularly update a child’s emergency contact to make sure someone can be reached in the case of a parent being detained.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta provided guidance this week to childcare providers on new legal requirements to protect children and their families from immigration enforcement activities.
Under a new law that went into effect this year, childcare providers are not allowed to collect information about a child's or family member’s immigration status, unless necessary under state or federal law. Bonta’s office says there currently is no such requirement, though that could change with federal programs like Head Start.
“Childcare and preschool facilities should be safe and secure spaces so children can grow, learn and simply be children,” Bonta said in a statement.
His office says daycare centers also should not keep information about a formerly enrolled child longer than is required by state law.
The new law also requires facilities to inform the attorney general’s office and the state’s licensing agency if they get any requests for information from law enforcement related to immigration enforcement.
Facilities also must ask families to regularly update a child’s emergency contact information to make sure someone can be reached in case a parent is detained by federal immigration officials.
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Warnings and advisories: Wind advisory, High Wind Advisory
What to expect: Partly cloudy skies, warmer weather and strong winds courtesy of the Santa Ana winds.
Read on ... for more details.
QUICK FACTS
Today’s weather: Partly cloudy
Beaches: Mid-70s
Mountains: Mid-60s to around 70 degrees
Inland: 75 to 81 degrees
Warnings and advisories: Wind advisory, High Wind Advisory
The Santa Ana winds are here to welcome us into the weekend, bringing warmer temperatures.
The winds will reach Point Mugu to the Santa Clarita Valley, down to Orange County and parts of the Inland Empire valleys and foothills east of the 5 Freeway.
Peak gusts are expected to reach 35 to 55 mph. The western San Gabriel Mountains, Highway 14 corridor, Santa Susana Mountains and the western Santa Monica Mountains are under a high wind warning until 6 p.m., when gusts could reach 65 mph.
As for temperatures, highs for L.A. County beaches will reach the upper 70s and up to the low 80s for inland areas.
Parts of Orange County and Coachella Valley will see temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s, with the warmest areas expected to reach 88 degrees.
Jill Replogle
covers public corruption, debates over our voting system, culture war battles — and more.
Published April 3, 2026 5:00 AM
Green Cheek Beer Company in Costa Mesa is one of many local breweries that welcomes small humans and furry friends.
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Jill Replogle
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LAist
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Topline:
Getting together with friends at a bar or pub tends to get a lot harder when children and needy pets enter the mix. But Orange County has a solution — dog- and kid-friendly breweries.
Key ingredients: Spacious patios, a water bowl for the pooch, and food — either made onsite or, at the least, easy and quick to order and get delivered from somewhere else. Plus, of course, great beer from small, independent, local breweries.
Where to go: We have recommendations in Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and Fountain Valley.
Getting together with friends at a bar or pub tends to get a lot harder when children and needy pets enter the mix. One solution — Breweries! Beer gardens! Brewpubs!
Because parents (of kids and pets) want to go out, too — and not necessarily to a fast food restaurant with an indoor playground and no beer.
Thankfully, the Orange County suburbs where I live have gotten on board with my family- and pet-friendly craft brewery dreams. The key ingredients for me are spacious patios, a water bowl for the pooch, and food — either made onsite or, at the least, easy and quick to order and get delivered from somewhere else. Board and pub games are an added bonus.
Plus, of course, great beer from small, independent, local breweries. On the beer front, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of beer I encountered on my self-arranged tour of breweries in the Costa Mesa-Huntington Beach area.
Gone are the dark, dank days of nothing but IPA (IYKYK); now, you can find everything from pickle-tinged blondes, to mild sours, to rich and creamy stouts. If you’re not a big beer fan, every place I visited also had their own craft-made hard seltzers on the menu, as well as some non-alcoholic beverages.
Here are some of my favorites:
Riip (Huntington Beach)
Riip in Huntington Beach has two spots with full kitchens specializing in pizza and a wide variety of IPAs and other beer styles.
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Jill Replogle
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Riip has been a family favorite since the company opened its first tasting room in Sunset Beach in 2015, with board games and tables the kids could write on. They have since expanded a lot, with a pizzeria next door and another location near Fountain Valley, which also serves excellent pizza, and has a small arcade to keep the kiddos busy.
One thing they do especially well: For serious IPA drinkers, Riip is your place. They usually have at least half a dozen different IPAs on tap, along with a decent variety of other beers, lighter and darker.
This place is great for … dinner after the kids’ [insert sport] game. Also for date night.
Locations: 17236 Pacific Coast Highway; 19171 Magnolia Street #12, Huntington Beach Hours: Monday through Thurs, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
At Flashpoint Brewing Company in Huntington Beach, you can check out the brewing vats and other machinery up close while enjoying the results.
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Jill Replogle
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LAist
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Flashpoint Brewing Co. (Huntington Beach)
I only recently discovered Flashpoint, which opened in 2020 on an industrial street near Huntington Beach Central Park. I actually love this aspect of craft brewery taprooms: they’re often located outside of trendy food and retail areas because they need to be able to actually brew beer there as well as serve it.
Flashpoint has a big patio lit with fairy lights. The tall doors of their brewing area, and an adjacent room with the taps and more tables are rolled up during opening hours, giving it a spacious, indoor-outdoor feel.
One thing they do especially well: All the beers I tried were highly drinkable. In other words, not crazy hoppy or overly heavy on flavors. The nectarine sour was especially good, refreshing with just the right amount of tartness.
This place is great for … An early evening toast, watching the clouds turn pink.
Location: 7302 Autopark Drive, Huntington Beach Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Green Cheek Beer Co. in Costa Mesa serves great beer and food, including shareable, snackable items like pad thai cauliflower.
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Jill Replogle
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LAist
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Green Cheek Beer Co. (Costa Mesa)
Green Cheek Beer Co. now has three locations in Orange County and one in Oceanside. Their Costa Mesa spot is conveniently located not far from the city’s Bark Park. So, naturally, after my pooch has fun, I deserve a cold one.
Green Cheek has a huge covered patio filled with long picnic tables. My dog, Ace, was very happy to find a bowl of water set out for their canine visitors, and lots of pets from the humans.
One thing they do especially well: Green Cheek makes great beer. But what I love most about their Costa Mesa spot is that you can soak up the alcohol with food, including smash burgers, tots, and pad thai cauliflower, from their good and reliably fast kitchen.
This place is great for … reading a book, or making a new friend! Their long picnic tables make it easy to opt in or out of the surrounding social scene.
Location: 2957 Randolph Avenue, Unit B, Costa Mesa Hours: Sunday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Bootlegger's Brewery outside the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa has a quiet patio for day drinking, and a lively trivia night scene.
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Bootlegger’s Brewery (Costa Mesa)
Within walking distance of Green Cheek is Bootlegger’s Brewery. Bootlegger’s started in Fullerton, and now also has tasting rooms in Costa Mesa and Redlands.
Their Costa Mesa spot is on the outskirts of the LAB Anti-Mall, a collection of small businesses and restaurants, at least one of which will deliver food to your table. A section of the parking lot has been turned into a nice outdoor patio with sun shades for daytime and heat lamps for chillier evening hours.
One thing they do especially well: Their Kosher Crusher pickle blonde ale. They debuted it last fall and it is seriously good — light, refreshing, and just a little bit zesty.
This place is great for … “working” on a Friday afternoon (I was not the only one there typing one-handed on my laptop with a beer in the other), and then inviting friends to join you for happy hour.
Location: 696 Randolph Avenue, Suite B, Costa Mesa Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
There's an ambiance for everyone at Salty Bear Brewing Co. in Costa Mesa.
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Jill Replogle
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Salty Bear Brewing Company
Salty Bear is part of The Camp, an uber-cool retail and restaurant complex also within walking distance of Green Cheek and Bootlegger’s (you can do a tasting tour!).
Salty Bear is worth a visit for the aesthetics alone. It has a great bar with midcentury tiling and dimpled red leather. The sprawling, leafy outdoor patio provides plenty of room for the kids to wander.
One thing they do especially well: Their Coastline Strawberry Blonde made me nostalgic for the fruity beers that got me hooked on craft beer in my 20s — but so much better.
This place is great for … Kickin’ it on the patio with friends, either listening to live music, or letting your kids practice performing on the teepee-themed outdoor stage.
Location: 2948 Randolph Avenue, C, Costa Mesa Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
