People view the Los Angeles River swollen by storm runoff as a powerful long-duration atmospheric river storm, the second in less than a week, continues to impact Southern California on February 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images North America
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Topline:
Los Angeles officials on Tuesday reported some progress in responding to the two atmospheric storms that have left the Southland saturated and still at risk of debris flows.
What's next: While the worst of the storm system has passed, officials warn the region has a ways to go in terms of clean up and recovery.
Expect more flooding, downed trees, debris flows and other hazards, particularly on roadways. That's because another period of heavy rain is expected from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday.
The danger of mudslides remains due to how saturated the ground.
Keep reading... for more details and the latest conditions.
This story is no longer updating. Get the latest on the storm:
Los Angeles officials on Tuesday reported some progress in responding to the two atmospheric storms that have left the Southland saturated and still at risk of debris flows.
The pair of record-breaking storms have shut down roads, forced mandatory evacuations and severely damaged property in landslides and debris flows.
Firefighters responded to bystander reports that a man jumped in the flowing water in pursuit of his dog. Crews responded to several bridges and access points down river and located the canine, who had managed to swim safely to the edge and escape the rapids. LAFD Air Ops lowered… pic.twitter.com/AnhhXIqE1H
And while the worst of the storm system had passed, they warned the region has a ways to go in terms of clean up and recovery.
"The road to recovery may be long and it requires an all hands approach," L.A. City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said at a news conference Tuesday evening. "We will rebuild, we will recover, and we will emerge stronger."
Mayor Karen Bass said she was preparing official requests for assistance from state and federal officials.
Power has been reported to 59,000 L.A. customers, with just over 6,600 customers remaining with lights out, mainly because of a downed tree in Brentwood.
As of Tuesday evening, Crowley said the following had been recorded in L.A.:
475 mudslides
390 fallen trees
Multiple successful water rescues
12 structure fires
919 catch basin and storm water systems cleared
441 reports of potholes recorded
From around 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, forecasters said they were expecting another burst of rain, which could prove perilous for already saturated ground.
Expect more flooding, downed trees, debris flows and other hazards as the storm system slowly makes it way southeast.
Rain and thunderstorms will be sticking around a bit longer.
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National Weather Service in Oxnard
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Mud and rock slides were especially prevalent along mountain areas that got hit by the historically heavy rain.
At around 9 p.m. Sunday, 16 residents were evacuated from nine Studio City homes after a mudslide damaged two structures on Lockridge Road. And L.A. firefighters evacuated people from at least three homes affected by debris flows on West Boris Drive in Tarzana. A landslide on Beverly Crest damaged at least six homes, forcing the evacuation of 15 people.
Culver City issued an evacuation warning for residents in Culver Crest as mudflows were reported on Cranks road and Flaxton street. At noon on Tuesday, Hacienda Road in La Habra heights was closed due to an active debris flow moving through the town.
In Santa Barbara, officials evacuated an estimated 40 people from apartment buildings due to cliff erosion.
A view of mudslide damage in Los Angeles, California.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images
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There should be a lull in the rain Wednesday morning before the region has to deal with a bit more storm activity through Thursday.
A flash flood warning will likely remain in effect until Wednesday afternoon from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park, as well as the adjacent foothills, the cities of Malibu and and Beverly Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains in southeastern Ventura County.
Some resources to make sure you have the most up-to-date information:
"This has truly been a historic storm for Los Angeles," said Ariel Cohen, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Oxnard, who pointed out that this has been the third wettest two-day stretch for the city since they started keeping records back in the 1870s.
People view the Los Angeles River swollen by storm runoff as a powerful long-duration atmospheric river storm, the second in less than a week, continues to impact Southern California on February 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images North America
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While on Monday, downtown L.A. saw 4.1 inches of rain — breaking the previous daily rainfall record of 2.55 inches set in 1927 — stations across the Santa Monica Mountains are where the real intense rainfall was centered.
Three-day rainfall totals as of noon Tuesday:
Bel Air: 12.32 inches
Sepulveda Canyon at Mulholland: 12.01
Topanga: 11.95 inches
Woodland Hills: 11.70 inches
Mt. Baldy: 9.37 inches
Santa Fe Dam: 8.61
Downtown L.A.: 8.13 inches
Hollywood Reservoir: 7.47 inches
Santa Monica: 6.79 inches
Santa Barbara: 5.42 inches
Saticoy: 5.08 inches
To put those rainfall totals in perspective, the average annual rainfall for L.A. is usually around 14 inches or so.
Don't be surprised if more records fall.
Flood watches and warnings are in place from Santa Barbara to San Diego counties through Tuesday as hazards remain.
Long, sustained periods of rain are characteristic of El Niño storms. Warmer than normal waters off the coast — often associated with the climate phenomenon — are juicing our recent storms by sending more heat and water into the atmosphere.
UCLA has recorded nearly 12 inches of rain in the last 24 hours, a 1 in 1000-year rainfall rainfall event for Westwood.
A truly unprecedented storm in modern history for the region as an atmospheric river stalls over the region. pic.twitter.com/KA7mnDAloP
Mud inundates parts of the Hollywood Hills on Monday. Another day of steady rain is forecast Tuesday.
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David McNew
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AFP via Getty Images
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It's not uncommon for rocks and mud to flow off steep hillsides and onto roads during heavy rains. And debris flows were reported across the region over the past several days. Additional incidents are possible.
Overview of notable incidents as of Tuesday morning:
Studio City: Two homes damaged by mudflow, with a total of 16 residents evacuated from nine homes.
Tarzana: Three homes damaged by a mudflow and two people evacuated from a home.
Beverly Crest: Seven homes have been damaged by debris flow and 15 people were evacuated.
Palos Verdes: Eastbound Palos Verdes Drive south is closed due to mud.
Culver City: An evacuation warning has been issued for residents of the Culver Crest area after mudflows were seen behind multiple homes.
La Habra Heights: Hazardous levels of mud were reported along Hacienda Road at noon on Tuesday.
Coastal erosion
On Tuesday morning, Santa Barbara County officials evacuated approximately 40 people from four apartment buildings in the beachside college town of Isla Vista. Residents were later allowed to return with some of the property cordoned off.
Evacuation efforts underway on 6700 Blk of Del Playa, Isla Vista. 4 apt. Units displaced with approx. 45+ people displaced due to cliff / bluff erosion. More to come. CT9:51am pic.twitter.com/6lcYO8Z4ie
County public information officer Jackie Ruiz said officials were concerned that the columns holding up the structures could give way because of cliff erosion below the buildings.
She said no other evacuations had been issued in the area, and that safety and planning officials were assessing damages to the buildings to determine needed repairs.
Up in the mountains
So far, snow levels have been relatively high, mostly above 5,500 feet.
Winter storm warnings are in effect in both the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests until late Tuesday night.
It continues to #snow in the mountains with a snow level 5500 to 6000 feet now - Mt Baldy region has received 12 to 24 inches of snow above 6500 feet, here is an webcamera provided by Mountain High #cawx chain control in effect through Big Bear city pic.twitter.com/1BfcbKTg7l
Higher mountain peaks like San Jacinto (10,834 feet) could get around 1 to 3 feet of snow, while Mt. San Antonio (10,064 feet) could see 4 to 6 feet.
The eastern San Gabriel mountains and the San Bernardino County mountains are under a winter storm warning until 10 p.m. Tuesday for areas above 6,000 feet.
Travel is expected to be difficult, if not impossible. Higher mountains could see winds up to 70 mph, which can damage trees and knock them onto roadways. If you must head in or around these areas, pack emergency supplies in your car just in case.
The Mount Wilson observatory closed Saturday until further notice because of the weather. Mountain High Resort will reopen today starting at 9 a.m.
The Angeles National Forest is urging people to stay away from the area at least for the next few days. Very hazardous conditions are expected, including heavy rain, fast-moving landslides, snow, and flooding.
What's up with the L.A. River?
Social media has been inundated with videos of the Los Angeles River gushing with water as historic rains pummel Southern California.
Jon Sweeten, a reservoir regulation engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, said videos of the river seemingly on the verge of overflowing shouldn't necessarily be cause for alarm.
“People see a lot of water in a channel that they see that's normally dry and they go, ‘Oh my goodness, there's a lot of water,’” he said. “That's just the channel operating in the way it was designed.”
The system, Sweeten added, “is designed to hold some of the water behind the dams and release it into concrete line channels that will convey the flow very effectively to the ocean.”
Since the 51 miles of river pass through different cities, at the time the infrastructure was built, municipalities were responsible for building bridges within their respective boundaries. At the time, local officials pushed for a narrower river, so that it would be cheaper to build the bridges while also preserving more land for development.
“In order to make the system work well, they designed it so that it flowed very fast so — the system flows much faster than a natural stream would flow,” Sweeten said. “Which is why it's dangerous for people to stand on the concrete in the L.A. River, because water up to your ankle is capable of knocking you off your feet.”
Sewage spills
Avoid fecal coliform bacteria and all sorts of nasty chemicals by not going into the ocean during or right after it rains.
It's a notion that holds doubly true for Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, and every swimming area in Long Beach, as an estimated 8 million gallons of sewage have flowed down into the water.
A sanitation department spokesperson said sewer systems were so overwhelmed by rain that they backed up and spilled out into the Dominguez Channel, which leads to the Port of Long Beach, and into Compton Creek, which flows into the L.A. River.
An additional 40,000 gallons of sewage are also estimated to have spilled into the L.A. River following a backup in Commerce.
Public health officials advise people to wait at least 72 hours after significant rainfall to go into the ocean water.
Multiple evacuation orders and warnings for L.A., Ventura and Santa Barbara counties have been canceled, though it's possible as the storm progresses that additional alerts will be issued.
Los Angeles County
Topanga Canyon: Evacuation order and warning issued for the area around Santa Maria Road in the Owen Fire burn scar.
Soledad Canyon: Evacuation warning issued for the Agua Fire Burn scar east of Acton.
Juniper Hills: Evacuation warning issued for Juniper Hills and Valyermo area.
San Gabriel Mountains: Evacuation warnings are in effect for areas near the Bobcat Fire (north end) and Lake Fire burn scars.
Duarte: Evacuation warningis in effect for the area in the Fish Fire burn scar.
Culver City: Evacuation warning in effect through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday for areas of Culver City’s Upper Crest area due to potential mud or debris flows. The city is asking people who live above, below, or adjacent to a hillside in or below the Upper Crest neighborhood to take extra precautions.
Warnings and orders will likely remain in place until 6 p.m. Tuesday. More info about above incidents is here.
Orange County
A voluntary evacuation warning was issued for Irvine Lake, Black Star and Baker Canyon, Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon, Modjeska Canyon, Live Oak and North Traduce Canyon, and Traduce, Rose, and Holy Jim Canyons.
Canyon residents were strongly encouraged to prepare and voluntarily evacuate on Sunday, especially those with disabilities, access and/or functional needs, and canyon residents with large animals.
Evacuation warning issued due to potential mud and debris flow in the El Dorado and Apple fire burn scars.
Schools
Los Angeles Unified School District announced that all schools will be open on Tuesday with the exception of Topanga Elementary Charter and Vinedale College Preparatory Academy. Topanga students may report to Woodland Hills Academy while Vinedale students may report to Glenwood Elementary School.
Santa Monica schools are open Tuesday; Malibu schools are closed.
Long Beach Unified schools are open Tuesday.
Santa Barbara Unified school district reopened on Tuesday.
About 62% of LAUSD students attended school on Monday. In a statement issued later that evening, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said close to 90% of teachers made it in as well.
The superintendent also noted some bus delays but said more than 90% of bus drivers reported to work and all routes were eventually completed. One bus had a breakdown that delayed students for an hour and a half.
LAist has asked the district for more details on that incident and how it's accommodating Vineland and Topanga elementary school students.
Road closures
In short, it's a mess.
Rockslides, mudslides, flooding and snow have inundated roads from Ventura to San Bernardino.
Check in with your local department of transportation for the latest updates:
Caltrans (best for highway and mountain conditions)
UCLA- Normal operations. Classes will occur as usual
USC- Normal operations. Classes will occur as usual
In person classes have resumed at Cal State Fullerton.
UC Santa Barbara campuses are set to reopen Tuesday.
Cal State Long Beach said it expects normal operations and classes to resume on Tuesday.
Cal Poly Pomona returns to normal campus operations Tuesday.
Cal State Northridge also resumes campus operations Tuesday.
Emergency proclamations and preparation
L.A. County issued an emergency proclamation Sunday night. Supervisors said that move aligned the county with the state's emergency order and would make it easier to act quickly to deploy resources.
In, L.A., Mayor Bass declared a local state of emergency on Monday.
San Bernardino County also declared a state of emergency Sunday night in anticipation of extreme rain and snow expected through Wednesday.
A man and his dog were rescued from the Pacoima Wash near Foothill Boulevard via helicopter after he jumped into the water after his pet. LAFD Fire Chief Kristen Crowley said both the man and the dog are safe.
Bass said more than 100 unhoused people had to be evacuated from a tiny home complex. She added that they’re being moved into a nearby shelter that wasn’t being used, but now will be “instantly” filled.
Bass also answered a call from President Joe Biden toward the end of Monday’s news conference and held the phone up to the microphone so he could speak to the people of Los Angeles.
“We’ll get any help on the way as soon as you guys request it, so just let me know,” Biden said.
More ahead
Residents in mountain, canyon and coastal areas should prepare for the risk of debris flows and flooding to remain at least through Tuesday.
Those in landslide prone areas like the Palos Verdes Peninsula should be on the lookout for indications of land movement, including the formation of new cracks, the fracturing of underground utilities, doors and windows falling out of plumb and sounds of creaks and groans coming from the ground.
Los Angeles County Fire Department locations also have sandbags and sand.
Sand and sandbags are available at these locations in Orange County.
Significant snowfall expected for #SoCal thru Tue.
- 2 to 4 feet above 7000 ft - 10-20 inches between 6000 and 7000 ft - Up to 10 inches between 5000 and 6000 ft - Wind gusts up to around 90 MPH -WINTER STORM WARNINGS in effect thru Tue#CAwxpic.twitter.com/iKjqJPN7Ss
Here’s an excerpt from our guide to understanding flood warnings, if any are issued:
Flood advisories are how the NWS begins to raise the alarm. The goal is to give people enough time to take action.
Flood watches are your indicators to get prepared to move.
Aflood warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. When one is issued for your area, you need to get to higher ground immediately.
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is coming or in progress. Flash floods are sudden and violent floods that can start within minutes.
If you're in L.A. County and need sand bags you can find some at local fire houses.
Staying safe when the winds are high
Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and flashlights. Check the batteries to make sure they are fresh. Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they may pose a significant fire hazard.
If you’re in a vehicle with a fallen power line on it, stay in the vehicle and remain calm until help arrives. It is OK to use your cellphone to call 911. If you must leave the vehicle, remember to exit away from downed power lines and exit by jumping from the vehicle and landing with both feet together. You must not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Then proceed away from the vehicle by shuffling and not picking up your feet until you are several yards away.
Water and electricity don’t mix. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Do not step in or enter any water that a downed power line may be touching.
Do not use any equipment inside that is designed for outdoor heating or cooking. Such equipment can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
If you use a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into it, using a heavy-duty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to household circuits creates “backfeed,” which is dangerous to repair crews.
Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep food as fresh as possible. Place blocks of ice inside to help keep food cold. Check food carefully for signs of spoilage.
Check on your neighbors to make sure everyone is safe.
Tips on staying warm
State law requires residential units to have heating systems that can keep indoor temperatures at a minimum of 70 degrees. That means every dwelling unit and guest room offered for rent or lease should offer heating equipment, usually central air conditioning (A/C) or a wall heater. — Caitlin Hernández
Use heat smartly to save money: Cranking things like the A/C and wall heaters can be expensive. If money is tight, be judicious about how and when you use your utilities. For example, only use heaters at night or only set the thermostat to around 70 degrees.
Open and close those vents: If you have central A/C, look at where the vents are around your home. Are any open in places where you don’t stay long? Practice opening and closing those so warm air only goes where you need it (most vents should have a small toggle lever). Humidifiers can also help you warm things up — and it’s useful to add moisture into our dry air.
Adjust your wall heaters: If you have a wall heater, you can change the output by adjusting the knob (usually at the bottom). Since wall heaters can only warm the areas where they’re placed, it’s essential to close doors to rooms you won’t be in so hot air doesn’t get wasted.
Turn on your ceiling fan (really): If you have a ceiling fan, try turning it on. This sounds counterintuitive, but there’s science behind it. The direction a fan turns can push air in different directions, and since hot air floats up, you’ll want to move that around. Your fan should spin clockwise to create an updraft to circulate. Not all fans will have this option, though.
George Kiriyama, a senior editor, is tracking the storm and adding updates along with Kevin Tidmarsh, a producer, and Fiona Ng, LAist's weekend editor. Other LAist staff members, including host Sharon McNary and associate producer Gillian Morán Pérez also kept a close eye, while other members of the newsroom have been keeping watch during the week.
This is a developing story. We fact check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think fire, police, government officials and reporters on the ground). Sometimes, however, we make mistakes and/or initial reports turn out to be wrong. In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.
Julia Paskin
is the local host of All Things Considered and the L.A. Report Evening Edition.
Published March 12, 2026 5:00 AM
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley in a scene from “Wonder Man.”
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Disney+ / Marvel Television
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Topline:
There’s a lot of real Los Angeles mixed into the recent MCU series “Wonder Man,” now on Disney+, which makes for a version of the MCU that feels a little more grounded in reality, especially for Angelenos.
The context:Wonder Man is an action-comedy about two struggling actors also dealing with superhuman forces and secret government agencies — think The Studio meets Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. It's part of the Marvel Universe, but also feels accessible to viewers not that familiar with the MCU. Showrunner Andrew Guest told LAist that was by design, and was helped by grounding the show in an realistic portrayal of life in Los Angeles.
Read on ... for more about the real L.A. locations featured in Season 1, and why a Season 2 (if it does happen) might film elsewhere.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is all about people with superpowers living in a world very much like our own.
And there’s a lot of real Los Angeles mixed into the recent MCU series “Wonder Man,” now on Disney+, which makes for a version of the MCU that feels a little more grounded in reality, especially for Angelenos.
It's an action-comedy about two struggling actors also dealing with superhuman forces and secret government agencies. Think The Studio meets Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Sir Ben Kingsley reprises his Iron Man 3 character Trevor Slattery, the messy British actor hired to play a bad guy called The Mandarin. And Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man.
Through their adventures trying to book the gig-of-a-lifetime while surviving the perils of the MCU, L.A. landmarks and cultural references abound, and ground the series in a relatability for many Angelenos, including lots of inside jokes for those working in the entertainment industry.
3 cultural references that make Wonder Man feel like real Los Angeles
Historic places, some we’ve had to part with
There’s a series of roughly 100-year-old small, independent movie houses used as locations in Wonder Man — the Eagle Theatre now home to Vidiots, Westwood's Village Theater now operated by American Cinematheque (with views of The Bruin Theater across the street), and the Highland Theatre which closed in 2024.
A scene from 'Wonder Man' on Disney +.
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Marvel Television
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Speaking of iconic L.A. spots breaking local hearts, the vintage bar within Echo Park’s Taix French Restaurant was used as an interior location for the series. Taix is closing at the end of the month to make way for new development.
“Taix, the Highland Park Theatre — these places that it was only three years ago were there,” Wonder Man showrunner Andrew Guest told LAist, “a lot of these establishments sadly, are not surviving. And this town is in a rough, rough place.”
(Though actor/director Kristen Stewart recently said in an interview with Architectural Digest that she bought The Highland Theatre and is restoring the building.)
L.A. traffic (especially around the Hollywood Bowl on a performance night)
Traffic is part of life in Los Angeles and with so many scenes shot in Hollywood, even the main characters of Wonder Man must experience that bumper-to-bumper frustration.
Though, because it is a TV show, they were able to indulge in the fantasy of beating that traffic in a way that in reality would be highly dangerous (and illegal).
“We got to shut down Sunset Boulevard for a little while to shoot a car going onto the sidewalk in front of the Palladium,” said Guest. And surprisingly, he explained, they didn’t have to shoot in the middle of the night to make the shot happen: “That was Friday night…. We didn't close all lanes of traffic. The street was open. We were shooting while Los Angeles was still going strong.”
The scene also references the frequent traffic back up during big shows at the Hollywood Bowl, even earning the show a social media repost of the scene from Chaka Khan.
Having family and friends 45 minutes away, who you rarely visit
Wonder Man includes an episode titled Pacoima where the main character visits his family and childhood home.
“My wife grew up in Chatsworth, and one of the things I found fascinating about her experience growing up there was that many of her friends and their families never went to Los Angeles,” said Guest.
“The idea that Simon grew up close to, but far enough away that Hollywood and Los Angeles did not feel like they were part of his life…so when he moved to the city, Pacoima is not a place he goes to a lot. And I feel like that's a part of L.A. that is true to this city. That doesn't get explored a lot and felt like it was another detail that we got to sort of throw into the show.”
There’s lots of other Southern California. references to enjoy from the Talmadge Apartments, an historic renaissance revival building on Wilshire Blvd., a mural of Danny Trejo, and even a cameo from Gisellle Fernandes, real-life L.A. broadcaster for Spectrum 1 News.
Should you get lost in the multi-verse, at least this L.A will be pretty familiar.
BONUS: Could there be a Season 2 of Wonder Man? And would it still be set in L.A.?
Guest couldn’t confirm anything about a possible Season 2, but told LAist, “It’s still on the table as an option, potentially."
As for whether a potential Season 2 would also film in Los Angeles and continue to highlight the city in new ways, Guest said it’s occurred to him that one of the best ways to write about Hollywood could be “ to send our show somewhere else because everybody in this town who's working has to move — whether it be Budapest or London or Ireland or Vancouver — very little is actually happening in this town. And that’s a story that I don’t think is being told right now about L.A.”
Season 1 of ‘Wonder Man’ is now streaming on Disney+.
Jun Endo and Angel City FC kick off their season this weekend.
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Liza Rosales
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ISI Photos via Getty Images
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In this edition:
Oscar-watching, birdwatching, soccer-watching, pie-eating and more of the best things to do this weekend.
Highlights:
Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives) is getting rave reviews for her performance in Honour, Joanna Murray-Smith’s examination of marriage and betrayal. Directed by Max Mayer, it’s the first show in the newly renovated Kaplan Stage at Ruskin Group Theatre and Broadway World called it “a meaningful return to the material and a powerful way to inaugurate the Kaplan Stage.”
Saturday is 3.14, so that means it must bePi Day. With it comes the annual PieFest & Contest from KCRW. There’s pie, of course, but there’s also baking demos, food trucks, music and more.
Birdwatchers of all experience levels, get ready for some next-level spotting with a freefield trip from the Santa Monica Bay Audubon. Join guides for a walk that ensures a peek at many different waterfowl.
No need to wait for the World Cup; we already have first-class women’s soccer happening starting this weekend, with theAngel City FC season opener against the Chicago Stars.
It’s almost time for the Oscars, my favorite Sunday of the year. Whether you’re prepping for your watch party with Ham-net and cheese sandwiches, a Sinners-ful dessert display, Blue Moon pies or If I Had (Crab) Legs I’d Kick You, settle in for several hours of yelling at the screen and obsessing over dresses. If you’re not of the Oscars persuasion and are heading out to one of the many fun events on this list (or can score me an invite to the Vanity Fair party), be aware of street closures and diversions if you’re anywhere near Hollywood.
That’s doubly true if you’re catching any of the great music on tap this weekend. Our friends at Licorice Pizza suggest Miguel at the Forum, Black Label Society featuring Zakk Wyde at the YouTube Theater, Band of Skulls at the Teragram, the California Honeydrops at the Bellwether, Chicago indie rockers Whitney at the Lodge Room and Jon Brion going back to his roots at Largo — all on Friday. On Saturday, Indonesian rapper and singer Rich Brian is at the Palladium, London techno duo Bassvictim is at the Fonda (they’ll also be there Sunday) and ex-Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes plays the Troubadour (also playing on Sunday). Or, if you’re really in a truly madly deeply romantic mood, you can ride your pony over to the Peacock Theater for “The R&B Lovers Tour” with Ginuwine, Keith Sweat, Joe and Dru Hill.
Sunday, March 15, 3 p.m. Dusty Vinyl 11326 W Pico Blvd., West L.A. COST: $50; MORE INFO
Wagner Moura poses at the "The Secret Agent" green carpet during the 21st Zurich Film Festival.
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Andreas Rentz
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Getty Images
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There are many, many places to watch the Oscars with other movie fans this Sunday. But why not celebrate with the Brazilians and their nomination for (the excellent film) The Secret Agent? Dusty Vinyl is being turned into a 1977 secret-agent-themed hideout for the occasion, with a bespoke menu (food is included) and live music before the show starts; '70s costumes encouraged.
Honour
Through Sunday, March 22 Ruskin Group Theatre 2800 Airport Ave., Santa Monica COST: $45; MORE INFO
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Courtesy The Ruskin Theatre
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Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives) is getting rave reviews for her performance in Honour, Joanna Murray-Smith’s examination of marriage and betrayal. Directed by Max Mayer, it’s the first show in the newly renovated Kaplan Stage at Ruskin Group Theatre, and Broadway World called it “a meaningful return to the material and a powerful way to inaugurate the Kaplan Stage.”
KCRW PieFest & Contest
Saturday, March 14, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Autry Museum 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy KCRW
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It’s 3.14, so that means it must be Pi Day. With it comes the annual Pie Contest from KCRW. I entered once, and while my apple-pomegranate pie was delish, it sadly did not win. Perhaps I will try again someday, but in the meantime, I can eat and admire everyone else’s creations at the Autry. There’s pie, of course, but there’s also baking demos, food trucks, music and more.
Los Angeles Vintage Paperback Show
Sunday, March 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Glendale Civic Auditorium 1401 Verdugo Road, Glendale COST: $10; MORE INFO
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Courtesy LA Vintage Paperback Show
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Pulp fiction is alive and well at the L.A. Vintage Paperback Show in Glendale, where over 100 dealers will show their wares. From sci-fi to mysteries and everything in between, the annual event features free author signings and hours of fun poring over books of the past.
East L.A. Women’s Day Fest
Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. East L.A. Civic Center 4801 E. Third Street, East L.A. COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Celebrate Eastside women’s organizations like Mujeres de Maiz and The Goddess Mercado at the longest running women’s day celebration in East L.A. The event features art and advocacy workshops, music, poetry, local vendors and more.
Free pitas at Miznon opening
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 8370 W 3rd Street, Beverly Grove COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Miznon
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Popular Israeli dining spot Miznon’s new West 3rd St. location is opening this weekend and celebrating with free pitas — Lavan, Broken Chicken or Candy Steak — for the first 100 guests. The new location expands on their Grand Central Market stall, with a full bar and indoor and outdoor seating. Get there early!
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Field Trip
Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m. Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve 6350 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Birdwatchers of all experience levels, get ready for some next-level spotting — there are more than 200 bird species in the Sepulveda Basin — with a free field trip from the Santa Monica Bay Audubon. Join guides for a walk that ensures a peek at many different waterfowl, like pied-billed grebes, great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, American coots, Anna’s hummingbirds, cliff swallows and blue grosbeaks.
ArtNight Pasadena
Friday, March 13, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Various Pasadena locations COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy ArtNight Pasadena
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ArtNight Pasadena is back! Free shuttles take you around to all kinds of art and theater experiences for a special night out along Colorado Boulevard and beyond. Head out and see all that Pasadena has to offer, from dance performances to art and photography workshops to gallery and museum installations to free classical music.
Angel City FC Opener vs. Chicago Stars
Sunday, March 15, 4 p.m. BMO Stadium 3939 S Figueroa Street, Expo Park COST: FROM $38; MORE INFO
Sarah Gorden of Angel City FC prepares to kick the ball during a game between Portland Thorns and Angel City.
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No need to wait for the World Cup — we already have first-class women’s soccer happening this weekend, with the Angel City FC season kicking off against the Chicago Stars. Star forward Casey Phair is back from a stint in Sweden, and the team is ready for the new season. (Plus, they have the cutest gear.)
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Nick Gerda
is an accountability reporter who has covered local government in Southern California for more than a decade.
Published March 11, 2026 5:41 PM
Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do at the county Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.
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Nick Gerda / LAist
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Topline:
Former O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do was ordered to pay the county $250,000 by mid-September as the first round of restitution for his crime in a corruption scheme that diverted millions of dollars in meal money from needy seniors. The judge said Do had the ability to pay, listing his net worth at about $1.5 million. But six months later, authorities say he hasn’t paid.
The order: At an Aug. 11 restitution hearing, the judge ordered Do to pay the first installment of $250,000 within 30 days.
A property transfer: The next day, Do transferred all of his ownership of his family home — estimated by Zillow to be worth $2.2 million — over to his wife, OC Superior Court Judge Cheri Pham, according to a real estate record.
Six months later: That Sept. 10 due date for the first restitution payment has long since passed, but federal and county officials say Do has yet to pay it. Do’s attorney, Paul Meyer, declined to comment, saying it would be “inappropriate” to do so.
‘No money left’: A spokesperson for the prosecutors’ office said they understand “there was no money left in assets” that could be seized.
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As part of his sentence for a corruption scheme that diverted millions of tax dollars from feeding needy seniors, a federal judge ordered former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do to pay the county $878,230 as restitution for his crime.
“He has the ability to pay a fine,” U.S. District Court Judge James V. Selna wrote last June, listing Do’s net worth at about $1.5 million, with a negative monthly cash flow of $8,400.
At an Aug. 11 restitution hearing, the judge ordered Do to pay the first installment of $250,000 within 30 days.
The next day, Do transferred all of his ownership of his family home — estimated by Zillow to be worth $2.2 million — over to his wife, OC Superior Court Judge Cheri Pham, according to a real estate record.
That Sept. 10 due date for the first restitution payment has long since passed, but federal and county officials say Do has yet to pay it.
“He did not make that payment,” said Ciaran McEvoy, a spokesperson for the federal prosecutors’ office that oversaw the case, when asked by LAist about it on Monday. McEvoy said the prosecutors’ office understands “there was no money left in assets” that could be seized.
Leon Page, Orange County’s top lawyer, said county officials are “not aware of any such payment from Andrew Do.”
Do’s attorney, Paul Meyer, declined to comment, saying it would be “inappropriate” to do so.
“It’s hard to believe that so much time has gone by without the restitution being paid,” said Laurie Levenson, a Loyola Law School professor who served decades ago as a senior federal prosecutor at the office that later prosecuted Do.
“It certainly raises questions — if not eyebrows — as to what happened here. Because ordinarily the U.S. Attorney's Office would take victim restitution orders quite seriously.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office can file a court motion if they discover a significant change in the defendant’s economic circumstances that affect their to pay restitution, according to a federal Justice Department guide. The prosecutors’ office also “is required to certify to the Court that victims who are owed restitution are notified about such material changes,” the guide states.
The court’s official online records show no filings regarding any changes in Do’s financial circumstances, or his apparent failure to pay the court-ordered restitution that was due six months ago.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s spokesperson has not responded to a follow up request for comment. They previously declined to answer any further questions about the situation.
Do turned himself into federal prison on Aug. 15, three days after transferring ownership of his family home to his wife. Meanwhile, he continues to collect about $7,300 per month from his county pension, according to the pension system. In addition, this January he received a $12,771 refund from the pension system of all the contributions he made as a supervisor, from when his crime began in June 2020 until he resigned in October 2024.
What happened?
Federal authorities say their understanding is no money was available for them to seize.
“When a defendant fails to pay a restitution order, our office’s financial litigation unit gets involved and completes a thorough financial investigation to find … any assets that could satisfy the outstanding restitution balance,” McEvoy wrote in an emailed response to LAist.
“We cannot comment on what that investigation found, but our understanding is there was no money left in assets that the government could levy to satisfy that order.”
McEvoy declined to answer follow-up questions.
In response to LAist’s questions, county officials say they’re looking into their options if Do refuses to pay restitution as required.
“We do not believe that he has complied with this order, but we’re verifying that is the case at this time,” said the spokesperson, Molly Nichelson.
Property ownership transferred just after restitution order
Do signed a deed on Aug. 12 transferring to his wife all of his ownership in the North Tustin family home they purchased in 2002, according to an official copy of the document LAist obtained from the county clerk-recorder.
Do's attorney declined to comment on the transfer.
An FBI officer at Andrew Do's house in North Tustin.
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Adolfo Guzman-Lopez
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LAist
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LAist obtained permit records showing substantial renovation work on the house was managed in 2021 by the leader of the same nonprofit from whom Do admitted to receiving kickbacks. The work included a bathroom addition and remodel of the master bathroom and kitchen.
Do also was investigated multiple times by the O.C. District Attorney’s Office, going back to 2015, over allegations he was living at the home illegally outside of the district he was representing as supervisor. No criminal charges were filed.
Pham was the court’s second highest-ranking judge when her husband’s corruption scheme came to light. Their two adult daughters received bribe money for their father as part of the scheme, according to Do’s plea deal.
The corruption scheme
After an LAist investigation prompted a criminal investigation, Do admitted to taking bribes as part of a scheme to divert nearly $8 million from feeding needy seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. He is now serving a five-year sentence in federal prison.
The county alleges its losses from the scheme were much higher — more than $13 million — and is trying to recover it through a lawsuit that is expected to take a long time to work its way through the court.
The restitution Do was ordered to pay is separate from the $3.7 million authorities obtained from properties and bank account money held by others accused of involvement in the scheme. That did not come from Do’s assets. Instead, it came from assets owned by his daughter, as well as a business and nonprofit Do had no formal role at.
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When Do entered prison in August, his release date was listed in November 2029 — about 85% of his five-year sentence. Seven months in, his expected time in prison has been shortened by two months, with a new release date in September 2029.
A spokesperson for the federal prison system said they cannot comment on specific people’s confinement conditions but that incarcerated people can earn additional time off of their sentence by completing specific classes and programs.
After leaving prison, the restitution order requires Do to pay $1,000 per month or 10% of his income — whichever is more.
At $1,000 per month, the last of the restitution payments would be in late 2081, when Do would be 118 years old.
Makenna Sievertson
covers the daily drumbeat of Southern California — events, processes and nuances making it a unique place to call home.
Published March 11, 2026 4:17 PM
A pickleball in the rain.
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The APP
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Getty Images
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Topline:
A group of Los Angeles County high school students is trying to set a world record by collecting thousands of tennis balls and pickleballs for recycling — and they want your help.
Why it matters: The teens are working to keep the recreational equipment out of landfills through a youth-led recycling initiative called “Another Bounce.”
Why now: “There's so much waste, and nobody really pays as much attention to it as they should,” said Max Ehrman, a 15-year-old Brentwood School freshman and junior board member.
The backstory: An estimated 500 million tennis and pickleballs are thrown away each year worldwide, according to the organization. In the U.S. alone, 125 million tennis balls end up in landfills annually, according to Stanford University.
Read on ... for how to get involved.
A group of Los Angeles County high school students is trying to set a world record by collecting thousands of tennis balls and pickleballs for recycling — and they want your help.
The teens are working to keep the recreational equipment out of landfills through a youth-led recycling initiative called “Another Bounce.”
An estimated 500 million tennis and pickleballs are thrown away each year worldwide, according to the organization. In the U.S. alone, 125 million tennis balls end up in landfills annually, according to Stanford University.
A dozen students are leading the charge as part of their roles in the Junior Board of Habits of Waste, a Brentwood-based nonprofit focused on changing people’s habits and systems to help combat climate change.
“There's so much waste, and nobody really pays as much attention to it as they should,” said Max Ehrman, a 15-year-old Brentwood School freshman and junior board member.
Sheila Morovati, the organization’s founder and president, told LAist the initiative aims to get the sports world involved in sustainability. Pickleball, for example, remains the fastest growing sport in America, with tens of thousands of courts across the country.
“Tennis and pickleballs are one of those things where we are just constantly engaging in wastefulness without thinking twice about it,” Morovati said. “How can we think differently? How can we look at what we're doing every day to this planet and say, ‘Hey, can I do any better?’”
The students are collecting used balls within a 30-mile radius of Pacific Palisades and accepting mailed donations to a Santa Monica warehouse. They’re also advocating for recycling improvements with ball manufacturers and elected officials in Southern California.
The campaign will host a community collection event on April 19. The goal is to gather the donations by Earth Day on April 22.
Morovati said the idea started when some students at her son’s school realized how many balls were getting tossed in the trash after only a few hours of use.
The tennis and pickleballs are not biodegradable and can take more than 400 years to decompose, according to Another Bounce.
The initiative is being led by teens and athletes from several L.A.-area high schools, including Crossroads, Brentwood, Loyola, Harvard Westlake and Windward.
Among the participants are Ford and Boone Casady, 16-year-old twin brothers who attend Crossroads School in Santa Monica and who are among the top ranked junior pickleball players in the country.
“There's been nowhere for these balls to go,” Ford told LAist. “It's generally such a waste, and it's terrible to see that happen in our environment.”
“It's just very sad because I've grown up in the Palisades and in the ocean my entire life, and I've noticed the trash in the ocean,” Boone told LAist. “And I'm worried about the animals that are living in that biome that are having to ingest that plastic and those toxic things that are killing them.”
Morovati, who previously set a world record for the most crayons donated to charity in eight hours, said the ultimate goal is to set a recycling record that can’t be beaten easily. However, one of the challenges is storing the balls until they can be counted.
It was easier, in terms of volume, to get up to the million mark with crayons, she said.
“I think in this instance, even if they get into the 50,000, 100,000 range, I would be thrilled,” she added.
Another Bounce is using a three-pronged approach to collect as many balls for recycling as possible:
Working with clubs and coaches in the area for a local donation drive and accepting donations from other parts of the country with a warehouse in Santa Monica
Speaking at city council meetings, including in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, to advocate for ordinances that would require parks, schools and clubs to recycle tennis and pickleballs
Campaigning for major ball manufacturers to roll out nationwide take-back and recycling programs
“We’re trying to, like, change this narrative and we would like you guys to help us by supporting our mission,” said Max, the Brentwood School student. “Talking to your coaches, talking to your schools, talking to your clubs and trying to get as much involvement as possible.”
All the balls collected by Another Bounce throughout the initiative will be counted for their world record attempt before being recycled.
A Guinness World Records spokesperson told LAist it doesn’t currently monitor the title for the most tennis and pickleballs collected for recycling.
The organization is keeping an eye on the most tennis balls collected for recycling in one week, but no one currently holds it. Anyone attempting the record must collect at least 579 pounds, according to Guinness World Records.
How you can help
There are a few ways you can help the teens reach their recycling goal and set a new world record:
You can also send ball donations via snail mail to: C. Wiebe (HoW Donation) 3000 31st St., Suite C Santa Monica, CA 90405
You can send an email to major ball manufacturers, including Wilson and Penn, urging the companies to provide take-back and recycling programs online here
Learn more about Another Bounce and keep up with the students’ progress on its website and on Instagram.
