Robert Garrova
explores the weird and secret bits of SoCal that would excite even the most jaded Angelenos. He also covers mental health.
Published March 12, 2026 1:38 PM
Aaron Lyons (L) and Jim Lyons (R) go over a piece from the Shakespeare canon
(
Courtesy Aaron Lyons
)
Topline:
A theater project bringing the world of William Shakespeare to local veterans is gearing up for its first public performance this Sunday.
The details: For the past year, a group of about a dozen veterans have met at the West Los Angeles VA campus to study the work of the Bard of Avon. The project is a partnership between the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles and The Veterans Collective. The group is led by trained theater artist — and fellow veteran — Aaron Lyons.
The impact: Lyons is a longtime staple of L.A.’s theater community and is a member of the Antaeus Theatre Company. He said seeing this group express themselves through these timeless works has been inspiring. “Helping them grasp Shakespeare, not only intellectually but emotionally, has been one of the most uplifting experiences of my life,” Lyons said.
Read on... for more on how to watch the performance.
A theater project bringing the world of William Shakespeare to local veterans is gearing up for its first public performance on Sunday.
For the past year, a group of about a dozen veterans have met at the West Los Angeles VA campus to study the work of the Bard of Avon.
The project is a partnership between the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles and The Veterans Collective. The group is led by trained theater artist — and fellow veteran — Aaron Lyons.
Lyons is a longtime staple of L.A.’s theater community and is a member of the Antaeus Theatre Company. He said seeing this group express themselves through these timeless works has been inspiring.
“Helping them grasp Shakespeare, not only intellectually but emotionally, has been one of the most uplifting experiences of my life,” Lyons said.
Ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s, the group includes veterans of the Vietnam War and most of its members live at the West LA VA Campus, Lyons said.
The actor, who’s performed in more than half of Shakespeare’s plays, said part of his goal with the project was to demystify Shakespeare’s canon for veterans who might not have studied it since grade school.
“Watching this group of men and women understand it and be able to connect with it in ways that they didn’t think possible was really, really inspiring,” Lyons said.
The group will perform an original work called “Shakespeare Night Live” at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at McCadden Place Theatre. The performance weaves through several Shakespearian monologues and scenes.
Mariana Dale
explores and explains the forces that shape how and what kids learn whether they’re at school or visiting the library.
Published July 10, 2026 5:15 PM
Matthew Reinhart, left, and Daniel González, right, created “Luceros y Penumbras,” a pop-up book seeking to break the world record for size.
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Mariana Dale
/
LAist
)
Topline:
A pop-up book that’s seeking to break the world record for size has unfolded at the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles.
The backstory: Luceros y Penumbras, which roughly translates to “starlight and shadows,” is part of the Central Library’s centennial celebration. The towering tome is rooted in L.A. artist Daniel González’s experience visiting the library and his family in Mexico as a child. “It's a knowledge tree that's been shaped by all these different things that I've learned at the library, about myself, about the city I grew up in [and] about the town where my family's from,” González said.
How it was made: González sketched the images, carved them into linoleum, printed them with ink and then digitized them to add color and other details. Matthew Reinhart, a paper engineer, author and illustrator, designed the three-dimensional build. “ My job is really making mistakes,” Reinhart said. “Making mistakes, figuring out where they are and solving them and— of course— making them look good.”
The stats: Luceros y Penumbras is four pages that open to create two scenes— one of the Central Library building and another of a sprawling tree. The book is 31 feet wide, more than 11 feet tall, and weighs 1,800 pounds.
How to visit: The pop-up book is on display in the rotunda from Saturday through mid-November during the Central Library’s regular hours.
Read on ... to learn more about what it took to create this 1,800-pound pop-up book.
A pop-up book that’s seeking to break the world record for size has unfolded at the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles.
The art piece is 31 feet wide, more than 11 feet tall, and weighs in at 1,800 pounds.
Luceros y Penumbras, which roughly translates to “starlight and shadows,” is rooted in L.A. artist Daniel González’s experience visiting the library and his family in Mexico as a child.
“It's a knowledge tree that's been shaped by all these different things that I've learned at the library, about myself, about the city I grew up in, [and] about the town where my family's from,” González said.
The nonprofit Library Foundation of Los Angeles collaborated with the library to commission the piece as part of the Central Library’s centennial celebration.
The project is inspired, in part, by the library’s Toy Movable collection, an archive of more than 2,000 pop-up books.
“Normal pop-up books … they seem so simple, but something amazing pops out when you open the page,” said Todd Lerew, the foundation’s director of special projects. “That sort of childlike wonder that you feel that's persistent, even as an adult, is something that was really important to capture and dial up to 11 with this project.”
The origin of 'Luceros'
The foundation asked González in June 2025 to create a book that told the story of his personal relationship with the library. As González pondered questions including ”What did the library do for me as a young person?" and "Why was I so attracted to it?" he thought about how knowledge was passed down in his family through the generations.
His grandmother told him stories about the stars above her farm near Teúl, Zacatecas, in Mexico. She said those that emerged at dawn — luceros — were among the most special because they signaled the start of a new day.
“ I looked at those stars … and the histories that my grandparents were sharing with me as these guiding lights,” González said. “Just like the library is a guiding light for many people.”
Daniel González's maternal grandmother, Isabel Gómez, told him stories about the creatures that lived near her farm, including owls, that could teach healing.
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Courtesy Daniel González
)
González grew up blocks away from the Benjamin Franklin Library in Boyle Heights.
“ I spent summers there because it was literally the coolest place to be,” González said. “It just gave me the opportunity to explore anything that I had an interest in.”
Daniel González, as a child, after an unsuccessful attempt to make a kite after a trip to the library. "My dad's like, 'I'm gonna take a picture of you so you can see what you look like when you get grumpy,'" he said.
(
Courtesy Daniel González
)
Later, he’d visit the Central Library during a middle school field trip and return on the bus to wander the stacks and ask the staff questions.
“ I'm really lucky that I met the people that nurtured that curiosity,” González said.
From sketches to ‘paper engineering’
First, González sketched the images, carved them into linoleum, printed them with ink and digitized them to add color and other details.
A few of Daniel González's tools. In the future, he plans to sell prints related to "Luceros y Penumbras."
(
Mariana Dale
/
LAist
)
Matthew Reinhart, children’s book author, illustrator and “paper engineer,” was tasked with translating the images into three dimensions.
“ My job is really making mistakes,” Reinhart said. “Making mistakes, figuring out where they are and solving them and — of course — making them look good.”
The construction and the fabrication of the book took the work of more than 30 people over a series of months. At least a dozen people using giant poles capped with cushions turn the pages.
Fast facts about Luceros y Penumbras
Dimensions: 31 feet wide, more than 11 feet tall, and Weight: More than 1,800 pounds Materials: paper, corrugated cardboard and fabric Artist:Daniel González Paper engineer:Matthew Reinhart Fabricated by:Goodnight & Co.
Luceros y Penumbras is four pages that open to create two scenes — one of the Central Library building and another of a sprawling tree with an I Spy-like collection of creatures and images throughout. The featured pages will change throughout the exhibition, which is open until mid-November.
There are at least a dozen different symbols throughout “Luceros y Penumbras."
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Mariana Dale
/
LAist
)
The sea turtle at the base of the tree is a reference both to the creatures that live in the San Gabriel River and to the original inhabitants of the L.A. basin. The Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe tells a story that connects the region’s earthquakes to the turtles.
“When we think of sea turtles, we think of these faraway places where they live, like tropical places,” González said. “But they exist here and they've had to adapt to a changing climate, a changing environment, and find places to call home, just as people do.”
Other images include:
A star resting in an outstretched hand in honor of Octavia E. Butler, the science fiction writer who also spent time in the library.
Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent Aztec deity and a frequent motif in East L.A.’s murals.
An owl, a symbol of knowledge associated with the Greek goddess Athena and the Roman goddess Minerva.
González said the goal is for viewers to create their own narrative about what they see.
“ I just hope that people carry with them a sense of curiosity to further explore the things that I present, but also maybe something within them,” González said.
Visit the pop-up book
Central Library Centennial Festival
See Luceros y Penumbras — and visit LAist — at the celebration of the library’s 100th birthday. When: Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost: Free Address:630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles More information, including parking, here.
On display
When: Saturday through mid-November Address: Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St. Los Angeles Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Parking: Validated rate available during library hours at 524 S. Flower St., more information
Lucas Brady Woods
covers the weather and disasters, among other climate and science topics.
Published July 10, 2026 4:33 PM
The Summit Fire is burning in a part of the Antelope Valley that is dotted with Joshua trees and other desert plants.
(
CalFire
)
Topline:
Multiple evacuation orders are in place for residents near a fast-growing fire in the Antelope Valley and the Angeles National Forest, near the L.A. County and San Bernardino County line.
What we know so far: The fire is burning in a remote area but appears to be moving southward, toward the foothills below Wrightwood.
Read on ... for more on evacuations.
This is a developing story. LAist staffers are monitoring the fire but are not regularly updating this page Friday evening. Expect an update Saturday. For the most up-to-date information about the fire, you can check:
Multiple evacuation orders were in place Friday for residents near a fast-growing fire in the Antelope Valley and the Angeles National Forest, near the L.A. County and San Bernardino County line.
As of Friday afternoon, the Summit Fire had burned more than 1,600 acres since it sparked earlier in the day and was moving south toward the foothills below Wrightwood. Smoke may be visible from around L.A.
The evacuation orders cover areas south of State Road 138 and north of Big Pines Highway between Largo Vista Road and the western border of Piñon Hills. Warnings are in effect for areas south of Big Pines Highway and north of Antelope Highway, including for popular ski destination Mountain High Resort.
An evacuation shelter has been opened at the Antelope Valley YMCA in Lancaster. Small pets are allowed in the evacuation shelter. Small animals can also be taken to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center in Palmdale.
An Aerial Quick Strike of military C-130 Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS) airtankers was activated yesterday in Southern California. Today, they’re supporting the #SummitFire in Los Angeles County, adding surge capacity to ongoing wildfire suppression efforts. pic.twitter.com/TVBoWRRpJh
— USFS Fire and Aviation-Southern California (@SoCalUSFS_Fire) July 10, 2026
L.A. County and Angeles National Forest fire crews are working to contain the blaze. Authorities said structures are threatened, but they have yet to specify the type of structures or how many. Several aircraft are involved in the firefight.
The L.A. County Fire Department responded to the reports of the brush fire at 12:49 p.m.
The basics
Acreage: 1,600 acres as of 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Containment: 0%
Structures destroyed: None reported (though authorities said structures are threatened).
Deaths: None reported.
Injuries: None reported.
Evacuation map and orders
Evacuation orders have been issued for the following areas:
South of State Road 138 and north of Big Pines Highway between Largo Vista Road and the western border of Piñon Hills.
The Summit Fire was first reported early Friday afternoon near Llano in the Antelope Valley. It is burning near the L.A. County and San Bernardino County line. It grew rapidly throughout the afternoon. Weather conditions are expected to stay warm with gusty winds for the rest of the day and into the night.
The area where the Summit Fire began is sparsely populated.
(
CalFire
)
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Manny Valladares
is always looking for the next tasty bite to feature on "AirTalk" Food Friday on LAist 89.3.
Published July 10, 2026 4:07 PM
Pawn Shop's pickle-brined fried chicken and a glass of beer.
(
Shelby Moore
)
Top line:
You won't find resale items at the Pawn Shop in Hollywood. You'll find TVs, menu items like pickle-brined fried chicken and caviar and a James Beard chef. The new sports bar opened at the end June.
Why the name Pawn Shop? The building was formerly home to Brothers Collateral Pawn Shop and was redeveloped into a sports bar/restaurant after it closed in 2019.
About the chef: Tony Messina is a James Beard award-winning chef who grew up in Boston and moved to Los Angeles in 2021.
You won't find resale items at the Pawn Shop in Hollywood. Instead you'll find TVs, menu items like pickle-brined fried chicken and caviar and a James Beard chef.
The new sports bar, which opened at the end of June, got its name from the long-running pawn shop which used to be at the location.
Chef Tony Messina, along with fellow Pawn Shop partner Diego Torres-Palma, sat down with Austin Cross, who hosts AirTalk every Friday, to explain what makes their new establishment stand out.
Chef Tony Messina (left) and business partner Diego Torres-Palma.
(
Shelby Moore
)
About the food
Tony Messina began his culinary journey in Boston, starting as a caterer and cook at age 14. Since then, he's received multiple James Beard award nominations, and the organization recognized him in 2019 as the best chef in the Northeast. He made his way to Los Angeles in 2021.
With the beer flowing and multiple flat-screen TVs, you could assume it to be a standard sports bar. However, Messina elevated the menu, blending his fine-dining experience with his New England roots.
"You can come to a fun night with the family or a date night even," Messina said. "Be all-encompassing with the restaurant aspect, as opposed to just being pub grub."
Messina says to have to ultimate experience in the space, you should sit at their bar or booths that have a good view of of the games on TV. If you want a more premium experience, you could reserve a private suite to watch games with friends and family.
As for food, he says to prioritize their small plates and shareables (like their New England-Polynesian Pu Pu Platter) and get a main dish if you're still hungry.
Restaurant details
Interior of Pawn Shop
(
Shelby Moore
)
The building was originally home to Brothers Collateral Pawn Shop, which closed in 2019 after 40 years.
One of its partners, Diego Torres-Palma, also helped develop Benny Boy Brewing through his real estate-investment firm, Ventana Ventures.
Investors include Dodgers executive Andrew Friedman and Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban.
Menu items we tried
Pawn shop's Pan con Tomate
(
Shelby Moore
)
Pan con Tomate (smoked tomato, boquerones, urfa, toasted bread)
Fried chicken (pickle-brined)
Italian sandwich (capicola, mortadella, prosciutto, salami, schiacciata bread)
How to visit
Address: 5901 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday–Friday 11 a.m. to midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Pan con Tomate costs $18; an 8-piece bucket of Fried Chicken costs $68, while a 16-piece bucket costs $110; an Italian sub costs $22.
What should we try next?
Have a question or comment about a segment? Want to pitch us a story?
Fill out the form below, and please include an email address so we're able to follow up if necessary! We're not able to respond to every inquiry, but all submissions are read and reviewed by our production team.
Lucas Brady Woods
covers the weather and disasters, among other climate and science topics.
Published July 10, 2026 3:51 PM
Watch for rip currents and big waves if you're headed to the beach this weekend.
(
Kevin Carter
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
There’s a high risk of rip currents at Southern California’s beaches this weekend, and thunderstorms are possible throughout L.A. County.
Tides: High surf and elevated tides are to blame for the chance of dangerous rip currents and big waves. Forecasters say the highest risk will be on south-facing beaches across L.A., Orange and Ventura counties. Waves will run farther up beaches during high tide and could cause minor coastal flooding, especially in low-lying areas such as boardwalks and parking lots.
Thunderstorms: L.A. County and areas to the north have a 10% to 20% chance of thunderstorms starting Sunday. That’s due to an increase of monsoonal moisture and humidity entering the region. The chance of thunderstorms comes with the potential for lightning and the risk of lighting-sparked fires. The risk will be highest Saturday night and Sunday before more moisture, and possible precipitation, materializes at the start of the week.
Stay safe: If you’re headed to the beach to escape the heat, watch for hazardous rip tides and waves. Stay near occupied lifeguard stands and follow their advice about ocean conditions. Also look for warning flags and signs. Forecasters say it’s a good idea to avoid turning your back to the ocean and to stay off rock jetties. As for thunderstorms, forecasters say to take shelter in a fully enclosed building or a car with a metal roof if you’re caught in a storm.
