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The Brief

The most important stories for you to know today
  • Officials warn of dangerous conditions
    A white SUV drives through a partially flood roadway, sending water splashing.
    Cars drive through a flooded Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.

    Topline:

    The historic atmospheric river that drenched Southern California this holiday week is on its way out, with sunnier, warmer and dryer weather ahead — at least for a few days.

    Dangers remain: Forecasters have warned that, with the ground already soaked, it will take less rain now to trigger significant damage in the form of debris flows, landslides and flash flooding — meaning that while the storm system is moving out, the region isn't out of the woods by a long shot.

    Evacuation information: One of the main concerns with the holiday storm is mud and debris flows, and properties near recent burn scar areas are especially of concern. To prepare, officials in Orange and L.A. counties have issued evacuation warnings orders for recent burn scar areas. If you're unsure of whether your home is in one of the evacuation warning zones, you can see this map on L.A. County's webpage for the current emergency. Go here for the latest orders in Orange County.

    Read on... for more on the current storm and what to expect in the coming days.

    The historic atmospheric river that drenched Southern California this holiday week moved out Friday night, clearing the way for sunnier, warmer and dryer weather — at least for a few days.

    Expect clear skies this weekend. And starting Monday, the National Weather Service is forecasting a "multi-day Santa Ana event," with winds expected to peak on Tuesday.

    But don't put away your gear just yet: Southern California could be ringing in the New Year with more rain. While it won't be as intense as this week's storm, the next round starting Wednesday night could bring an inch of rain to coastal and valley regions and as much as 3 inches to foothills and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

    Record rainfall

    Between the start of the rain season on Oct. 1 and Wednesday night, Sirard said downtown L.A. has received some 9.55 inches of rain. The NWS reported Friday that it made for the fourth wettest two-day holiday period since records began in 1877.

    Forecasters have warned that, with the ground already soaked, it will take less rain now to trigger significant damage in the form of debris flows, landslides and flash flooding — meaning that while the storm system is moving out, the region isn't out of the woods by a long shot with more rain on the horizon next week.

    Raging water flows next to a roadway and onlookers stand nearby.
    The flowing Santa Clara River draws passersby on Torrey Road in Fillmore.
    (
    Myung J. Chun
    /
    Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
    )

    Gov. Gavin Newsom this week declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Shasta counties to free up state resources. Supervisor Hilda L. Solis on Wednesday also issued an emergency proclamation for L.A. County. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass also declared a local emergency.

    Several cars are partially submerged at an intersection under dark cloudy skies.
    Several cars are partially submerged on Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock on Dec. 24, 2025.
    (
    Courtesy Olive Purnell
    )

    Authorities continue to repeat the same advice: minimize travel if at all possible. Never drive into standing water. And pay attention to warnings of imminent severe weather conditions.

    Rainfall totals

    As of Friday morning, this is how much rain has fallen within the last three days:

    • Downtown Los Angeles: 3.27 inches
    • Agoura Hills: 5.13 inches
    • East Pasadena: 3.36 inches
    • Crystal Lake: 10.71 inches

    More than 17 inches of rain fell on some areas in the Ventura County Mountains.

    The National Weather Service is keeping track of rainfall amounts in several places here.

    Evacuations and closures

    One of the main concerns with the holiday storm was mud and debris flows, with properties near recent burn scar areas of particular concern. That prompted officials in Orange and L.A. counties to issue evacuation warnings orders for recent burn scar areas.

    If you're unsure of whether your home is in one of the evacuation warning zones, you can see this map on L.A. County's webpage for the current emergency. Go here for the latest orders in Orange County.

    A tractor is seen next to a large pool of flooded water on one side of a freeway as a line of cars slowly pass by on the opposite of the lanes.
    Traffic is diverted off a flooded 5 Freeway that was closed for hours in Sun Valley on De. 24, 2025.
    (
    Genaro Molina
    /
    Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
    )

    Officials announced the reopening of some roads, but some are still affected by the storm. For an up-to-date list, go here.

    One of the worst hit communities from this week's storm was the mountain town of Wrightwood in San Bernardino County. On Wednesday night, more than 120 firefighters and personnel were deployed to help residents evacuate after major rainfall led to heavy debris flow and flooding, blocking a nearby highway.

    On Thursday night, San Bernardino County Fire said "there are no ongoing life safety threats" and confirmed one person was injured.

    (See latest road conditions in Southern California.)

    As of Thursday night, the L.A. Mayor's Office said Department of Water and Power crews were working to restore power to 4,000 reported outages.

    Updates on power outages can be tracked here.

    There were "more than 600 tree emergencies, including downed trees and fallen branches," the mayor's office said Thursday.

    Understanding National Weather Service warnings

    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.
    • A flood 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.

    Read more: Flash Flood Warnings? Watches? Here’s What You Need To Know

    Tips for driving in the rain

    Advice on driving in the rain:

    • Check weather and road conditions all along your planned route.
    • Slow down.
    • Keep a wider-than-usual distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
    • Don't drive through standing water — as little as 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and two feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.
    • Make sure tires are fully inflated.
    • Check windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.

    Read more: What you should do if you end up driving in a flooded area

    Downed tree, power line or flooded road?

    Dial 911 in an emergency.

    However, if you need to report a flooded road or a downed tree, you can call the following non-emergency numbers:

    • L.A. city: Dial 311 for a flooded road or downed tree. Call (800) DIAL-DWP if you see a downed power line.
    • L.A. County: (800) 675-HELP
    • Ventura County: (805) 384-1500
    • Orange County: (714) 955-0200 or visit here.

    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 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, exit away from downed power lines and jump from the vehicle, 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 indoors 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.
    • Use heat smartly to save money: Cranking 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. Since hot air floats up, your fan can help move it around. For warming, your fan should spin clockwise to create an updraft. Not all fans will have this option.

    Sign up for emergency alerts

    How we're reporting on this

    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 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.

  • Settlement reached over emergency insurance hikes
    The charred remains of homes where support beans and a staircase are left on a beach.
    The rubble of homes that burned down on Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu as a result of the Palisades Fire.

    Topline:

    State Farm reaches settlement over emergency insurance rate hikes after last year’s Los Angeles County fires.

    Why it matters: State Farm, the largest insurer in the state with about 20% market share, received approval for unprecedented emergency insurance rate increases in California last May. The company told the state that the billions of dollars it expected to pay out after the deadly fires placed it in financial peril.

    Why now: The proposed deal among the state Insurance Department, consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog and State Farm, disclosed late last week, comes after months of public hearings convened by the insurance department and settlement talks.

    Read on... for more from the proposed settlement.

    The Los Angeles County fires last year drove up insurance costs for many Californians. Now, a proposed settlement means some State Farm policyholders whose premiums rose won’t see additional increases, and others should even get refunds.

    State Farm, the largest insurer in the state with about 20% market share, received approval for unprecedented emergency insurance rate increases in California last May. The company told the state that the billions of dollars it expected to pay out after the deadly fires placed it in financial peril.

    The proposed deal among the state Insurance Department, consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog and State Farm, disclosed late last week, comes after months of public hearings convened by the insurance department and settlement talks.

    Consumer Watchdog, which questioned the rate increases State Farm asked for, says the settlement saves the company’s California policyholders a total of $530 million. From the proposed settlement:

    • Homeowners’ rate hikes will stay at the previously approved interim rate of 17% instead of the 30% the company sought.
    • Condo owners who saw interim rate hikes of 15% will see their rates drop to an increase of 5.8%, and get refunds with interest dating back to June 1, 2025.
    • Rental unit owners with interim rate hikes of 38% will see those increases drop to 32.8%, and receive refunds with interest. 
    • Renter policyholders will see an increase of 15.65% vs. the interim rate hike of 15%.

    In addition, State Farm has agreed not to cancel any new policies this year, and it won’t be canceling some policies it had planned not to renew in wildfire-affected areas. The insurance department characterized those provisions as important to the continued stability of the state’s insurance market, which has been beset with availability and affordability issues.

    “When consumer advocates are able to challenge the data and present their own analysis, excessive requests are reduced and consumers are protected,” said Harvey Rosenfield in a statement. Rosenfield founded Consumer Watchdog and wrote Proposition 103, the voter-approved law that governs insurance in California.

    State Farm has paid out more than $5 billion in claims from the L.A.-area fires so far, said spokesperson Tom Hartmann.

    After consumer complaints and lawsuits, the insurance department is investigating the company’s handling of claims from the fires and expects results from that examination later this spring.

    The agreement, which must be approved by an administrative law judge, also requires State Farm to undergo additional review of its rates in 2027. The company will be required to make a one time 2.5% premium discount available to renewing policyholders if its ratio of premiums to available cash reaches a certain level; Consumer Watchdog litigation director Will Pletcher said the deal will give the group more timely access to the company’s annual financial statements to help keep it accountable.

    The insurance department expects the judge to decide on the settlement by April 7. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara will then review the judge’s decision and have the final say.

    This article was originally published on CalMatters and was republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.

  • Sponsored message
  • Purported first statement from Supreme Leader

    Topline:

    Iran's state media issued what it said was a statement by Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, vowing to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and keep up attacks on U.S. bases in the region, as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran entered its 13th day.


    The Strait of Hormuz: The Iranian statement said the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for a fifth of the world's oil supply, should remain closed. It said Iran continues to believe in friendship with its neighbors but will continue targeting U.S. bases in the region. "The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must undoubtedly continue to be used.," the statement said, according to an English version published by Tasnim News Agency, run by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

    Unclear of statement's authenticity: It was purported to be the new leader's first statement since he succeeded his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli strike on the first day of the war. It's unclear if the statement was from Mojtaba Khamenei himself. There's been speculation about the leader's current condition and whereabouts. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly, told NPR that Khamenei was lightly injured early in the war.

    Iran's state media issued what it said was a statement by Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, vowing to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and keep up attacks on U.S. bases in the region, as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran entered its 13th day.

    It was purported to be the new leader's first statement since he succeeded his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli strike on the first day of the war.

    The statement said Iran will avenge the blood of its "martyrs," including the victims of a March 1 attack on a girls school in the city of Minab, which Iranian officials say killed at least 165 people, many of them children. NPR has confirmed the U.S. military is investigating how it could have targeted the school.

    The Iranian statement said the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for a fifth of the world's oil supply, should remain closed. It said Iran continues to believe in friendship with its neighbors but will continue targeting U.S. bases in the region.

    "The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must undoubtedly continue to be used.," the statement said, according to an English version published by Tasnim News Agency, run by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

    It's unclear if the statement was from Mojtaba Khamenei himself. Another person was heard reading out the remarks on Iranian state media, with a photo of Khamenei posted on the TV screen, as it was broadcast around the world.

    There's been speculation about the leader's current condition and whereabouts. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly, told NPR that Khamenei was lightly injured early in the war.

    This is a developing story that will be updated.


    Here are other major updates about the conflict.

    To jump to specific areas of coverage, use the links below:

    Attacks on vessels | Oil stockpiles | Strikes across the Gulf | Israel-Hezbollah escalation | Iranian school attack


    Two oil tankers hit in Iraqi waters

    Two oil tankers were hit in Iraqi territorial waters near the southern port area of Basra, Iraqi officials said Thursday. It is the first oil-related strike reported in Iraq's waters during more than a week of war, in another sign of the conflict's escalation.

    Iran, a critical ally of Iraq, took responsibility for attacking one of the tankers, which it said was owned by the U.S.

    A port official said the attack targeted vessels near Basra's port approaches, and Iraq's security spokesman described it as sabotage.

    Iraqi officials said one person was killed, and 38 crew members were rescued, with search operations continuing.

    Iran has stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure and commercial shipping in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes, warning that the world should brace for oil prices to double.

    — Jane Arraf


    U.S. and allies to release record oil stockpiles  

    The U.S. confirmed it will release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of a coordinated International Energy Agency (IEA) release of 400 million barrels from emergency stockpiles.

    The U.S. contribution amounts to roughly 40% of the total, to be released gradually over about four months.

    The IEA's executive director, Fatih Birol, said the goal is to keep the supply of oil flowing as the conflict disrupts shipping routes and energy infrastructure. But analysts warn stockpile releases can only partially offset prolonged disruption in the Gulf, where roughly a fifth of global oil consumption normally transits the Strait of Hormuz.

    On Wednesday, President Trump said the price spike is temporary and said the reserve release would push prices down.

    According to the popular app Gas Buddy, the current average cost of regular unleaded is now up to $3.61 a gallon.

    - Camila Domonoske


    Iran continues attacks on Gulf States

    Countries in the Gulf reported new incoming threats and interceptions Thursday, as Iran continued firing drones and missiles across the region – including at U.S. military bases.

    The UAE's defense ministry said air defenses were responding to Iranian missile and drone attacks, and that sounds heard in parts of the country were from intercepts.

    Kuwait's defense ministry said its air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles and drones that penetrated the northern and southern parts of the country's airspace.

    Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed drones headed toward the Shaybah oil field.

    The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday condemning Iran for recent attacks across the Persian Gulf region, calling them a "breach of international law" and "a serious threat to international peace and security."

    - Rebecca Rosman


    Israel launches large strikes on Hezbollah sites in Beirut after rocket fire into Israel

    People inspect homes damaged by a projectile launched from Lebanon, in Haniel central Israel, on Thursday.
    (
    Baz Ratner
    /
    AP
    )

    The militant group Hezbollah launched its biggest rocket attack against Israel since the start of the war with Iran. The Israeli military said the Iranian-backed group fired heavy volleys toward northern Israel overnight into Thursday, triggering interceptions and sending residents repeatedly into shelters.

    The Israeli military responded by launching more attacks against what it said were Hezbollah launch sites and command infrastructure.

    Huge booms were heard across the capital and large black smoke billowed from the Dahieh neighborhood in south Beirut, while an attack in central Beirut – where thousands of people are displaced – killed 8 people and injured 31, according to Lebanese officials.

    Wide evacuation orders for south Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs have displaced at least 800,000 people so far, according to the Lebanese government.

    Lebanon, which does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, has unusually called for direct talks with Israel to end the escalating fighting with Hezbollah. Israel has not officially responded.

    Israeli strikes on Iran have continued, with Iran firing missiles at Israel intermittently, including overnight.

    Israeli military officials say about half of the missiles Iran has launched at Israel have carried cluster warheads, which spread out into smaller bombs over a wider area – increasing the risk to civilians.

    - Daniel Estrin, Hadeel Al-Shalchi and Rebecca Rosman


    Pentagon: Preliminary assessment suggests U.S. likely responsible for strike on Iranian school

    The Pentagon has opened a formal investigation into the missile strike on an Iranian girls school that killed at least 165 civilians, many of them children, after a preliminary assessment suggested the U.S. was at fault, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly. The investigation is expected to take months and will include interviews with all those involved, from planners and commanders to those who carried out the strike.

    If a U.S. role in the attack is confirmed, it would rank among the military's most deadly incidents involving civilians in decades. Congress created a special Pentagon office to prevent the accidental targeting of civilians but it was dramatically scaled back by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth soon after he took office last year.

    "This investigation is ongoing. As we have said, unlike the terrorist Iranian regime, the United States does not target civilians," said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.

    The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment.

    NPR previously reported — based on commercial satellite imagery and independent expert analysis — that the strike was more extensive than initially reported and appeared consistent with a precision strike on a nearby military complex, raising questions about whether outdated targeting information contributed to the tragedy.

    - Tom Bowman, Kat Lonsdorf, Geoff Brumfiel

    Rebecca Rosman contributed to this report from Paris, Jane Arraf from Erbil, Iraq, Hadeel Al-Shalchi from Beirut, Daniel Estrin from Tel Aviv and Camila Domonoske, Tom Bowman, Kat Lonsdorf and Geoff Brumfiel from Washington.
    Copyright 2026 NPR

  • Mural hits a bump on its way to K-town
    LAFC forward Son Heung-min, a man with medium skin tone, wearing a black and gold-striped soccer jersey, smiles as he gives an "LA" sign with his hands.
    LAFC forward Son Heung-min during a MLS match between FC Dallas and the Los Angeles Football Club at Toyota Stadium.

    Topline:

    If you’re a soccer fan — or just a fan of South Korean phenom Son Heung-min — you may have heard that the Los Angeles Football Club planned to put up a larger-than-life mural of the footballer in Koreatown last month. But the mural has yet to appear.

    More details: LAFC planned to reveal the mural during the launch of their 2026/2027 jersey at The LINE Hotel. Now the reveal has been pushed back to sometime in June.

    Why now: The delay stems from issues with the city’s mural approval process, at least according to city officials.

    Read on... for more about the mural of Son Heung-min.

    The story first appeared on The LA Local.

    If you’re a soccer fan — or just a fan of South Korean phenom Son Heung-min — you may have heard that the Los Angeles Football Club planned to put up a larger-than-life mural of the footballer in Koreatown last month. But the mural has yet to appear. 

    LAFC planned to reveal the mural during the launch of their 2026/2027 jersey at The LINE Hotel. Now the reveal has been pushed back to sometime in June. 

    The delay stems from issues with the city’s mural approval process, at least according to city officials. 

    Gabriel Cifarelli, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, said they received a mural registration application for the site. But the department said it could not issue a notice to proceed because the application was “ineligible and incomplete” under the city’s mural ordinance and administrative rules.

    “DCA staff offered the applicant advice and further guidance, and remains available for questions,” Cifarelli said. 

    If a mural includes a team logo it is considered an advertisement and not original artwork, according to the city department. In that case, the permit must be issued through the city’s Building and Safety Department.

    A new application has not been submitted through the mural program, Cifarelli said, and it was not immediately clear whether LAFC applied for a permit through the Building and Safety Department. 

    LAFC spokesperson Danny Sanchez didn’t confirm if a new permit has been submitted.

    “The mural unveil was rescheduled to June to better align with World Cup festivities,” Sanchez said. 

    Dave Young Kim was commissioned to paint the mural and previously painted a Son mural on the side of the Crosby building in Koreatown in October, but that was only up for a few weeks.

    He still plans to paint the mural on The LINE Hotel in June.

    “I’m assuming at this point, LAFC is likely trying to line it up for a more opportune time,” said Kim. “The mural was originally supposed to line up with the launch of the new jersey so something similar.”

    Leo Hernandez, 35, said he hopes the mural goes up before the World Cup.

    “I didn’t know it was pushed back all the way to June,” he said. “I’ll be in Mexico for the World Cup.”

    Hernandez, who goes by “El Soccer Guy” on Instagram and has nearly 50,000 followers, has been attending LAFC games since 2018. He said Son’s arrival to L.A. has brought a new wave of fans to the club.

    “I’ve never seen so many Koreans,” he said. “He’s bringing a whole new community to LAFC. I don’t know if they love soccer or they love Son or both, but it’s amazing to see.”

    “Son is starting to be my favorite on the team,” he added. “He’s so good. He wants the team to shine. And I love his positivity and energy.” 

  • Real locations ground the MCU show
    A Black man (L) and an older white man (R) stand facing each other at what looks like a lookout point facing a downtown area. The tops of trees are in the foreground, behind a metal fence. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, with short black hair and a beard, is the man on the left, standing with one arm on the black metal railing and another on his hip. He is wearing jeans, socks, and a gray sweatshirt. He is talking to Ben Kingsley on the right, who is wearing a burgundy blazer with pocket square and navy blue pants and brown leather shoes. He has a gray goatee and shoulder length hair and has his right hand outstretched, facing down.
    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley in a scene from “Wonder Man.”

    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 close up on a Black man wearing a black turtleneck, a red blazer, and sunglasses with red colored lenses. The back of a the head of a woman with black wavy hair is visible to the right and he is looking at her. Behind him a neon sign reads "Bruin."
    A scene from 'Wonder Man' on Disney +.
    (
    Marvel Television
    )

    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+.

    Watch Julia Paskin's interview with actor/comedian X Mayo, who plays Simon Williams' agent in 'Wonder Man':