Oscar Sunday watch parties, the closing event for PST Art, L.A. Zine Fest, UCLA women’s basketball takes on USC, and more of the best things to do this weekend.
Some picks:
The UCLA women's basketball team is ranked No. 2 heading into March Madness and has sold out —- yes, that’s a SOLD-OUT women’s game — their upcoming match against crosstown rivals USC, who’ve also had a very strong year and have been on a winning streak these past few weeks. They are ranked No. 4.
LAist is a media sponsor of the closing event for PST Art, an extravaganza featuring a pop-up art book fair, a look back with many of the artists involved in PST shows across L.A. this year and an opportunity to see Lightscape at the Marciano Art Foundation. Plus, music performances, a live taping of a new Radiolab show, and food, coffee and wine from local vendors.
Who says print is dead? Certainly not the super creatives at the L.A. Zine Fest, whose work celebrates art, independent publishing and a punk rock spirit. The fest outside the Broad features workshops, discussions and an opportunity to see the Broad’s latest exhibit, Joseph Beuys: In Defense of Nature.
"The Camp" is an important new work about a wrongfully imprisoned American family held in the Japanese incarceration camps in the U.S. in 1942. This weekend’s performances also feature two special talk-back events
Sunday kicks off Orange County Restaurant Week, with a huge selection of lunch and dinner prix fixe menus, so you can try some new spots or revisit old favorites.
If last week was art week, this week is film week. I went over to the Felix Art Fair at the Roosevelt last weekend, and you can’t miss the city getting ready for the Academy Awards on Hollywood Boulevard (and the headache of trying to park amid the street closures). I have always loved the Oscars, and this year we cord-cutters can stream the show on Hulu — regular Hulu!
If you’re one of the fancy industry folks among us, have fun at the Dolby and please invite me as your plus-one next year. For the rest of us, there are viewing parties galore, plenty of alternative programming (I hear it’s a great time to get into tough restaurants!), and a women’s basketball crosstown showdown.
Saturday, March 1, 6 p.m. USC vs UCLA women’s basketball Pauley Pavilion at UCLA 301 Westwood Plaza Westwood COST: SOLD OUT, RESALE SEATS AVAILABLE; MORE INFO
It's a No. 2 vs. No. 4 matchup when the UCLA women and USC women meet this weekend.
(
Thearon W. Henderson
/
Getty Images
)
The UCLA women have had a phenomenal season. They are ranked No. 2 heading into March Madness and have sold out — yes, that’s a SOLD-OUT women’s game — their upcoming match against crosstown rivals USC, who’ve also had a very strong year and have been on a winning streak these past few weeks, ranked No. 4. Tickets were starting around $100 on SeatGeek at last check.
Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Pop Singalong Night: '90s Divas The Pop Hop Bookshop 5002 York Blvd. Highland Park COST: FROM $10 SUGGESTED DONATION; MORE INFO
I will always love ... singing along to '90s hits. Local musicians will play everything “from Britney to Whitney,” so warm up your pipes on the ride over and get ready to belt out your favorites at Highland Park’s quirky, neighborhood-y Pop Hop Book Shop.
Saturday, March 1, 1 to 11 p.m. PST Art Open House The Ebell of Los Angeles 743 S. Lucerne Blvd. Koreatown COST: FREE WITH RSVP; MORE INFO
(
Getty
)
LAist is a media sponsor of this free special event, the culmination of many art shows we’ve profiled in this column since the opening of PST last fall. This all-day extravaganza features a pop-up art book fair, a look back with many of the artists involved in PST shows across L.A. this year and an opportunity to see Lightscape at the Marciano Art Foundation just across the street. Plus, music performances, a live taping of a new Radiolab show, and food, coffee and wine from local vendors.
March 1-2 L.A. Zine Fest The Broad Plaza 221 S. Grand Ave. Downtown L.A. COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Who says print is dead? Certainly not this bunch of super creatives whose zines celebrate art, independent publishing and a punk rock spirit. The L.A. Zine Fest outside the Broad features workshops, discussions and an opportunity to see the Broad’s latest exhibit,Joseph Beuys: In Defense of Nature.
March 1-2 The Magic City Segerstrom Center for the Arts 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa COST: FROM $28.05; MORE INFO
(
Courtesy Manual Cinema
)
A fun opportunity to take the whole family to the theater,"The Magic City" is based on Edith Nesbit’s 1910 novel of the same name and adopted by Manual Cinema, which uses overhead projectors, paper shadow puppets, actors on camera and live music to bring stories to life."The Magic City" tells the story of nine-year-old Philomena, who must learn to build a new life alongside some unexpected characters.
March 1-2 The Camp: An Opera in Two Acts Aratani Theatre 244 S. San Pedro St. Little Tokyo COST: FROM $20, MORE INFO
(
Courtesy Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
)
Don’t let me lose you at opera. This important new work is about a wrongfully imprisoned American family held in the Japanese incarceration camps in the U.S. in 1942. Created by librettist Lionelle Hamanaka, a descendant of camp survivors, and composer Daniel Kessner, the show tells the story of the Shimono family, who were forcibly removed from their suburban home in Southern California.
This weekend’s performances also feature two special talk-back events, one on Saturday with Kiyomi Emi, granddaughter of Frank Emi, Kathy Masaoka, co-chair of the Nikkei for Civil Rights & Redress, and moderator Traci Kato-Kiriyama, focusing on resistance and social justice. And on Sunday, composer Kessner, associate director John Miyasaki, members of the cast, and moderator, Diana Wyenn (director of "The Camp") share their experiences working on the show.
Saturday, March 1, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Square Dance with L.A. Squares Mayflower Club 11110 Victory Blvd. North Hollywood COST: $20 PER PERSON IN ADVANCE, $25 AT THE DOOR; MORE INFO
Before the COVID-19 pandemic started, some of the organizers involved with this event used to put on a monthly square dance at the American Legion in Highland Park. Now, as the site says, "Square dancing is back and it’s fun!" Grab your favorite dance partner or head out alone. Plus, there's no experience necessary! They'll be teaching attendees live, so even if you're just square-curious, this is the time to get involved.
Outdoor Pick
Sunday, March 2, 9 a.m. Screenland 5K Ivy Station 8840 National Blvd. Culver City COST: $49 TO RUN, FREE TO CHEER; MORE INFO
(
Courtesy Screenland 5K
)
Before you sit and eat Oscar-themed snacks all afternoon, run the Screenland 5K in Culver City. Held every Oscar weekend, the 5K is run on Sunday, but there’s also a bike and health expo on Saturday. Sunday’s run starts at 9 a.m., so follow the Yellow Brick Road to downtown Culver City (but I can’t advise running in ruby slippers).
Viewing Pick
Saturday, March 1, 7 p.m. 10 Things I Hate About You Vidiots 4484 Eagle Rock Blvd. Eagle Rock COST: $11, MORE INFO
Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger and Larisa Oleynik in 1999's '10 Things I Hate About You.'
(
Courtesy Touchstone Pictures
)
Heath Ledger’s been gone for more than 15 years, but we still fall in love with him every single time we watch "10 Things I Hate About You." I know it’s not just me. Actress and comedian Jessica Williams hosts this screening of the 1999 spin on "The Taming of the Shrew"at Vidiots.
Dine & Drink Deals
Friday, Feb. 28, 9 p.m.-midnight Notte Italiana: That’s Amore Eataly Westfield Century City Century City COST: FROM $85, MORE INFO
(
Courtesy Eataly
)
Late-night Italian eats, photo booths, wine — what more could you want? Sneak in one more movie screening before the Oscars at the mall, then eat your heart out at Eataly’s after-hours experience, Notte Italiana: That’s Amore. The night features a live DJ and 20 food, wine and cocktail stations, all included with your ticket.
Sunday, March 2, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Oscars watch party at 33 Taps 33 Taps WeHo, 8941 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 33 Taps DTLA, 1240 S. Figueroa St., Downtown L.A. COST: FREE ENTRY; MORE INFO
(
Courtesy 33 Taps
)
Get red carpet-ready for this Oscars watch party in WeHo! Guests are encouraged to dress up for the occasion, with plenty of photo ops and a stylish backdrop on hand, plus food and drink and 360 views of the TVs. Their downtown location is hosting a joint party with Film Girlz Brunch, where you could win a $50 gift card if you get your ballot done early (and correctly!).
Sunday, March 2, 4 p.m. Truly L.A.'s Oscars watch party Truly L.A. 216 South Alameda St. Downtown L.A. COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Food and drink specials, plus of course TVs with the Oscars, take over Truly’s space downtown for the big day. Try a few Truly-based cocktails, plus nosh on tacos, carne asada fries and more.
March 2-8 Orange County Restaurant Week Various Locations in OC COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
Sunday kicks off Orange County Restaurant Week with a huge selection of lunch and dinner prix fixe menus around the area, so you can try some new spots or revisit old favorites. From Vietnamese in Tustin to Cuban in Irvine, Italian in Laguna Niguel or Spanish in Costa Mesa, you can travel the world through food right in Orange County this week.
Robert Garrova
explores the weird and secret bits of SoCal that would excite even the most jaded Angelenos. He also covers mental health.
Published December 13, 2025 5:00 AM
Interior of Healing Force of the Universe records in Pasadena, where a benefit concert is held on Sunday to help fire survivors build back their record collections.
(
Erin Grace Kim
/
LAist
)
Topline:
This Sunday, a special donation concert at Pasadena's Healing Force of the Universe record store helps fire survivors get their vinyl record collections back.
The backstory: The record donation effort is the brainchild of musician Brandon Jay, who founded the nonprofit Altadena Musicians after losing his home and almost all of his family’s musical instruments in the Eaton Fire. Now, he has turned his efforts on rebuilding people's lost record collections.
Read on ... to find details of the show happening Sunday.
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena and Pasadena’s music community have really shown up to support fire survivors, especially fellow musicians who lost instruments and record collections.
That effort continues this weekend with a special donation concert at a Pasadena record store, with the aim of getting vinyl records back in the hands of survivors who lost their collections.
“You know, our name is Healing Force of the Universe, and I think that gives me a pretty clear direction… especially after the fires,” said Austin Manuel, founder of Pasadena record store, where Sunday’s show will be held.
The record donation effort is the brainchild of musician Brandon Jay, who founded the nonprofit Altadena Musicians after losing his home and almost all of his family’s instruments in the Eaton Fire. Through Altadena Musicians’s donation and registry platform, Jay said he and his partners have helped some 1,200 fire survivors get their music instruments back.
Brandon Jay.
(
Robert Garrova
/
LAist
)
Now, that effort has fanned out to restoring vinyl record collections.
“All of that stuff evaporated for thousands of people,” Jay said. “Look at your own record collection and be like, ‘Wow, what if that whole thing disappeared?’”
You might know Jay from several bands over the years, including Lutefisk, a 1990s alt-rock band based in Los Angeles. He and his wife, Gwendolyn Sanford, composed music for TV shows, including Orange is the New Black and Weeds.
Jay plans to play some holiday tunes at Sunday's record donation show (which LAist is the media sponsor), along with fellow musician Daniel Brummel of Sanglorians. Brummel, who was also a founding member of Pasadena’s indie-rock sensation Ozma, said he was grateful to Jay for his fire recovery work and to Manuel for making Healing Force available for shows like this.
Brummel, who came close to losing his own home in the Eaton Fire, recalled a show he played at Healing Force back in March.
Ryen Slegr (left) and Daniel Brummel perform with their band, Ozma, on the 2014 Weezer Cruise.
(
Even Keel Imagery
)
“The trauma of the fires was still really fresh,” Brummel said. After playing a cover of Rufus Wainwright’s “Going to a Town,” that night — which includes the lyrics “I’m going to a town that has already been burnt down” — Brummel said his neighbors in the audience told him the rendition hit them hard. “It felt really powerful. And without that space, it just wouldn’t have occurred.”
Details
Healing Force of the Universe Record Donation Show Featuring: Quasar (aka Brandon Jay), Sanglorians (Daniel Brummel) and The Acrylic. Sunday, Dec. 14; 2 to 5 p.m. 1200 E. Walnut St., Pasadena Tickets are $15 or you can donate 5 or more records at the door. More info here.
Fire department honored with 'Award of Excellence'
Makenna Sievertson
covers the daily drumbeat of Southern California — events, processes and nuances making it a unique place to call home.
Published December 12, 2025 4:30 PM
The "Award of Excellence Star" honoring the Los Angeles Fire Department on Friday.
(
Matt Winkelmeyer
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has a new neighbor — a star dedicated to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Why it matters: The Fire Department has been honored with an “Award of Excellence Star” for its public service during the Palisades and Sunset fires, which burned in the Pacific Palisades and Hollywood Hills neighborhoods of L.A. in January.
Why now: The star was unveiled on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday at a ceremony hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Hollywood Community Foundation.
Awards of Excellence celebrate organizations for their positive impacts on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, according to organizers. Fewer than 10 have been handed out so far, including to the LA Times, Dodgers and Disneyland.
The backstory: The idea of awarding a star to the Fire Department was prompted by an eighth-grade class essay from Eniola Taiwo, 14, from Connecticut. In an essay on personal heroes, Taiwo called for L.A. firefighters to be recognized. She sent the letter to the Chamber of Commerce.
“This star for first responders will reach the hearts of many first responders and let them know that what they do is recognized and appreciated,” Taiwo’s letter read. “It will also encourage young people like me to be a change in the world.”
LAFD Chief Jaime E. Moore, Eniola Taiwo and LAFD firefighters with the "Award of Excellence Star" Friday.
(
Matt Winkelmeyer
/
Getty Images North America
)
The Award of Excellence Star is in front of the Ovation Entertainment Complex next to the Walk of Fame; however, it is separate from the official program.
What officials say: Steve Nissen, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement Taiwo’s letter was the inspiration for a monument that will “forever shine in Hollywood.”
“This recognition is not only about honoring the bravery of the Los Angeles Fire Department but also about celebrating the vision of a young student whose words reminded us all of the importance of gratitude and civic pride,” said Nissen, who’s also president and CEO of the Hollywood Community Foundation.
If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.
L.A. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto was accused of an ethics breach in a case the city settled for $18 million.
(
Carlin Stiehl
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
Topline:
Fallout from allegations of an ethics breach by Los Angeles’ elected city attorney has reached the City Council. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion Friday requesting a closed-session meeting about an allegation that City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto improperly contacted a witness days before her office entered into one of the city’s biggest settlements in recent years. The motion came a day after LAist reported about the allegation.
The case: In September, the city settled a lawsuit brought forward by two brothers in their 70s who said they suffered serious injuries after an LAPD officer crashed into their car. Days before the $18 million settlement was reached, lawyers for the brothers said Feldstein Soto called an expert witness testifying for the plaintiffs and “attempted to ingratiate herself with him and asked him to make a contribution to her political campaign,” according to a sworn declaration to the court by the plaintiffs’ attorney, Robert Glassman.
The response: Feldstein Soto did not respond to an interview request. Her spokesperson said the settlement “had nothing to do” with the expert witness. Her campaign manager told LAist the city attorney had been making a routine fundraising call and did not know the person had a role in the case, nor that there were pending requests for her office to pay him fees.
What Jurado says: In a statement to LAist, Jurado said she wants to “make sure that the city’s legal leadership is guided by integrity and accountability, especially when their choices affect public trust, civic rights and the city’s limited resources."
What’s next: The motion needs to go through a few committees before reaching the full City Council. If it passes, the motion calls for the city attorney to “report to council in closed session within 45 days regarding the ethics breach violation and give updates to the City Council."
Topline:
Fallout from allegations of an ethics breach by Los Angeles’ elected city attorney has reached the City Council. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion Friday requesting a closed-session meeting about an allegation that City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto improperly contacted a witness days before her office entered into one of the city’s biggest settlements in recent years. The motion came a day after LAist reported about the allegation.
The case: In September, the city settled a lawsuit brought forward by two brothers in their 70s who said they suffered serious injuries after an LAPD officer crashed into their car. Days before the $18 million settlement was reached, lawyers for the brothers said Feldstein Soto called an expert witness testifying for the plaintiffs and “attempted to ingratiate herself with him and asked him to make a contribution to her political campaign,” according to a sworn declaration to the court by the plaintiffs’ attorney, Robert Glassman.
The response: Feldstein Soto did not respond to an interview request. Her spokesperson said the settlement “had nothing to do” with the expert witness. Her campaign manager told LAist the city attorney had been making a routine fundraising call and did not know the person had a role in the case, nor that there were pending requests for her office to pay him fees.
What Jurado says: In a statement to LAist, Jurado said she wants to “make sure that the city’s legal leadership is guided by integrity and accountability, especially when their choices affect public trust, civic rights and the city’s limited resources."
What’s next: The motion needs to go through a few committees before reaching the full City Council. If it passes, the motion calls for the city attorney to “report to council in closed session within 45 days regarding the ethics breach violation and give updates to the City Council."
Destiny Torres
is LAist's general assignment and digital equity reporter.
Published December 12, 2025 3:38 PM
Luis Cantabrana turns the front of his Santa Ana home into an elaborate altar in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe.
(
Destiny Torres
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Today marks el Día de La Virgen de Guadalupe, or the day of the Virgen of Guadalupe, an important holiday for Catholics and those of Mexican descent. In Santa Ana, Luis Cantabrana builds an elaborate altar in her honor that draws hundreds of visitors.
What is the holiday celebrating? In 1513, the Virgin Mary appeared before St. Juan Diego, asking him to build a church in her honor. Her image — a brown-skinned woman, wearing a green veil with her hands clasped in prayer and an angel at her feet — miraculously appeared on his cloak. Every year on Dec. 12, worshippers of the saint celebrate the Guadalupita with prayer and song.
Read on … for how worshippers in Santa Ana celebrate.
Every year in Santa Ana, Luis Cantabrana turns the front of his home into an elaborate altar in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe that draws hundreds of visitors.
Along the front of the house, the multi-colored altar is filled with lights, flowers and a stained-glass tapestry behind a sculpture of the Lady of Guadalupe. Cantabrana’s roof also is lit up with the green, white and red lights that spell out “Virgen de Guadalupe” and a cross.
Visitors are welcomed with music and the smell of roses as they celebrate the saint, but this year’s gathering comes after a dark year for immigrant communities.
Luis Cantabrana stands in front of the stunning altar he built in front of his home in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe. Every year, his display draws hundreds of visitors.
(
Destiny Torres
/
LAist
)
Why do they celebrate?
In 1513, the Virgin Mary appeared before St. Juan Diego between Dec. 9 and Dec. 12, asking him to build a church in her honor. Her image — a brown-skinned woman wearing a green veil with her hands together in prayer and an angel at her feet — miraculously appeared on his cloak.
To celebrate in Santa Ana, worshippers gathered late-night Wednesday and in the very early hours Dec. 12 to pray the rosary, sing hymns and celebrate the saint.
Cantabrana has hosted worshippers at his home for 27 years — 17 in Santa Ana.
The altar started out small, he said, and over the years, he added a fabric background, more lights and flowers (lots and lots of flowers).
“It started with me making a promise to la Virgen de Guadalupe that while I had life and a home to build an altar, that I would do it,” Cantabrana said. “Everything you see in photos and videos is pretty, but when you come and see it live, it's more than pretty. It's beautiful.”
The Santa Ana home's elaborate altar in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe draws hundreds of visitors each year.
(
Destiny Torres
/
LAist
)
Gathering in a time of turmoil
Many also look to the Lady of Guadalupe for protection, especially at a time when federal enforcement has rattled immigrant communities.
“People don’t want to go to work, they don’t want to take their kids to school, but the love we have for our Virgen de Guadalupe,” Cantabrana said. “We see that la Virgen de Guadalupe has a lot of power, and so we know immigration [enforcement] won’t come here.”
Margarita Lopez of Garden Grove has been visiting the altar for three years with her husband. She’s been celebrating the Virgencita since she was a young girl. Honoring the saint is as important now as ever, she said.
“We ask, and she performs miracles,” Lopez said.
Claudia Tapia, a lifelong Santa Ana resident, said the VirginMary represents strength.
“Right now, with everything going on, a lot of our families [have] turned and prayed to the Virgen for strength during these times,” Tapia said. “She's a very strong symbol of Mexican culture, of unity, of faith and of resilience.”
See it for yourself
The shrine will stay up into the new year on the corner of Broadway and Camile Street.
