Makenna Cramer
covers the daily drumbeat of Southern California — events, processes and nuances making it a unique place to call home.
Published October 10, 2024 2:35 PM
The space shuttle Endeavour, covered in a protective shrink wrap, turning onto State Drive in Exposition Park.
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Makenna Sievertson
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LAist
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Topline:
The Endeavour space shuttle’s new home reached another major construction milestone Thursday with a ceremonial “topping out.”
Why it matters: Garrett Reisman, a former astronaut who flew the Endeavour for his first ride into space and a current professor at the University of Southern California, told LAist that seeing the shuttle is going to inspire millions of kids, just like he was once.
Why now: The “topping out” is a tradition for major projects and a way to celebrate all of the architects, engineers, and curators who’ve poured their time and energy into the building.
The backstory: Each of the final beams were covered in signatures from people who’ve helped support the project, including Lynda Oschin, whose late husband Samuel Oschin is the namesake of the air and space center.
The Endeavour space shuttle’s new home reached another major construction milestone Thursday with a ceremonial “topping out.”
A few of the final steel beams were lifted into place for the complex diagrid structure in the soon-to-be Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
The 200,000-square-foot expansion of the California Science Center still has a few years to go until it’s ready to welcome visitors. But the self-supporting set-up promises to provide unobstructed views of the Endeavour in the new building’s 20-story shuttle gallery.
Garrett Reisman, a former astronaut who flew the Endeavour for his first ride into space and a current professor at the University of Southern California, told LAist that seeing the shuttle is going to inspire millions of kids, just like he was once.
“The great thing about this is that everybody will be able to come and have that same [launchpad] view, have that same experience of standing there gazing up and just really soaking in the scale of it,” he said. “And I just can't wait till everybody has that opportunity.”
Garrett Reisman, former astronaut and current USC professor, signs a beam that'll be lifted into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Makenna Sievertson
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LAist
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Where the shuttle stands
You can still spot part of the Endeavour sticking out in the sky over Exposition Park, but the new building is coming up quickly around it.
The diagrid, which sits on top of the expansion, is a unique triangulated support system made of intersecting steel beams. It can be seen in buildings like the Swiss Re in London, the Seattle Public Library, and the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing.
Amie Nulman, a structural engineer and principal at Arup who led the team that designed the structure and support system, told LAist it’s also a bit of a personal project — her grandfather was a mechanical engineer on the space shuttle program.
“I feel like my role as a structural engineer of the permanent home for space shuttle Endeavour, in launch ready vertical stack, is really like an homage to his life's work, and then the influence he was on my life,” Nulman said.
About the ceremony
The “topping out” is a tradition for major projects and a way to celebrate all of the architects, engineers, and curators who’ve poured their time and energy into the building.
Sean Brunton, president of Plas-Tal Manufacturing Company, told LAist that thousands of people have worked on the massive structure over the past two-and-a-half years — including iron workers, painting subcontractors, and equipment operators.
Some of the thousands of people who've worked on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center pose with a beam.
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Makenna Sievertson
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LAist
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“Part of why I went into construction in general is, you know, you build something and you kind of leave it behind for future generations,” he said. “But this, it's just a huge landmark that'll be here for a long time … it’s special.”
Brunton added that Endeavour has an “aura” about it, kind of like hanging out with a world-famous celebrity.
Each of the final beams were covered in signatures from people who’ve helped support the project, including Lynda Oschin, whose late husband Samuel Oschin is the namesake of the air and space center.
She said the Endeavour exemplifies so many of his passions, including helping others achieve their dreams.
“This major expansion of the science center will inspire generations of children to pursue lives of adventure, innovation, and discovery, and to explore careers in science, math, and engineering,” she said during the ceremony.
Lynda Oschin poses with a steel beam, with a picture of her late husband, Samuel Oschin, around her neck.
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Makenna Sievertson
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LAist
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What’s next
Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price said the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is elevating District 9 into a “galactic map.”
But Price noted it’s also going to be an economic boost, bringing employment opportunities and tourism to Exposition Park in one fell swoop. It’s expected to attract 1 million more visitors to the California Science Center each year, he said.
“The overall impact projected by the L.A. Tourism and Convention Board is to exceed three billion dollars in spending by visitors during the first 5 years alone,” he said during the ceremony. “That's simply incredible.”
One of the final steel beams is lifted into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
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Makenna Sievertson
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LAist
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The construction itself is expected to be completed around the middle of next year, which is on track with the science center’s target.
But it’ll take another couple of years to actually install the 100 artifacts and 100 exhibits, including a real Boeing 747 jumbo jet, a wind tunnel lab that will help explain how planes fly, and a Gemini 11 space capsule.
Two pedestrians walk near the Lineage fire site in Boyle Heights on June 22, 2026.
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Isaac Ceja
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Boyle Heights Beat
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Topline:
Neighbors near the Lineage warehouse in Boyle Heights continue to report concerns about air quality more than a month after the June fire, according to a new survey by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released Monday.
Why now: The department conducted door-to-door outreach on July 15 and 16 to assess community needs, identify health concerns and connect residents with resources, including air purifiers, masks and health information.
The backstory: The warehouse fire began on June 17 and burned for a week, but residents say its impacts have continued. Many residents and small business owners have complained of foul odors and pests after tons of food was left rotting inside the cold storage facility.
Read on... for more on the results from the new survey.
Neighbors near the Lineage warehouse in Boyle Heights continue to report concerns about air quality more than a month after the June fire, according to a new survey by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released Monday.
The department conducted door-to-door outreach on July 15 and 16 to assess community needs, identify health concerns and connect residents with resources, including air purifiers, masks and health information.
The warehouse fire began on June 17 and burned for a week, but residents say its impacts have continued. Many residents and small business owners have complained of foul odors and pests after tons of food was left rotting inside the cold storage facility.
Among 240 households that completed the survey, 90% reported a constant odor, 82% said they noticed very strong odors, and 85% said they were concerned about air quality.
Public health teams visited 650 households within the area bordered by Calzona Street to the west, the 5 Freeway to the north, South Herbert Avenue to the east, and Noakes Street to the south. Residents were invited to participate in the voluntary survey and 633 households received resource packets, the agency said in a news release.
The survey also found that 84% of respondents reported an increase in pests, while 74% were concerned about health symptoms. In addition, 79% of public health field staff reported a strong odor during the home visits.
The L.A. County Public Health Department has cited Lineage Logistics for unsanitary and nuisance conditions related to rodent and pest control violations following a complaint investigation on July 15. The department said it will continue to monitor corrective actions and conduct regular reinspections to verify compliance.
Resources and information
Find nearby clinics or doctors:
Call the L.A. County Public Health Department at (833) 540-0473, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How to report odors:
Call South Coast AQMD
Dial (800) CUT-SMOG / (1-800-288-7664)
Submit a complaint online
File a report through South Coast AQMD’s complaint form at aqmd.gov/complaints.
The U.S. Open of Surfing is happening this week and weekend, with special concerts two nights in a row.
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Robert Gauthier
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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In this edition:
This weekend and beyond, check out line dancing at the zoo, a burger-eating contest, the U.S. Open of Surfing and more of the best things to do.
Highlights:
Head south to Huntington Beach for the annual U.S. Open of Surfing. Watch the world’s best surfers take to the waves or grab a ticket for the music stage where the Allah-las and Local Natives will play this weekend.
Burgers Never Say Die is hosting six contestants to see who can devour 20 burgers in just 10 minutes. The winner will be crowned the “Shmasters Champion” and be escorted in a limo to Dodger Stadium for the Red Sox vs. Dodgers game that same night. If one burger is plenty for you, a spectator ticket ($15) gets you a burger, fries and unlimited Skyduster Beer during the two-hour competition — pretty good deal!
Put on your cowboy boots for a line dancing night amongst the animals at the L.A. Zoo. The Zoo’s regular after-dark events this week feature music from Pulp Vixen, food trucks, lawn games, and a silent disco.
This is not a drill. The Cinerama Dome is reopening. I repeat, the Cinerama Dome is reopening! Could 2028 get more exciting for this town? I don’t think so.
Thanks for bearing with us this week as we transition Best Things to Do to once a week, which we hope will give you more time to plan your weekend and the week ahead. Let us know if you have feedback or event suggestions at bestthingstodo@laist.com
In music this week, we are spoiled for choice. Licorice Pizza’s picks include the Violent Femmes’ residency at the Bellwether every night through Friday. Let me go on!
On Wednesday, Tower of Power and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band get horny at the Hollywood Bowl, while Cypress Hill is with Ozomatli at the Pacific Amphitheatre.
Thursday, the Fixx is at the Belasco, Sublime plays the Grammy Museum roof and Flyleaf begins their three-night run at House of Blues Anaheim. Friday, Motionless In White plays the Forum, the Pretty Reckless with special guest Paris Jackson play the Wiltern, and Black Moth gets their freak on at the Pacific Amphitheatre.
Saturday, K-pop girl group Ive is at the Forum, Of Montreal is at the Regent, John Legend is at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and Lil Wayne with 2 Chainz and The Game play Long Beach F&M Bank Amphitheater.
Rock Goddess Kim Gordon plays two nights at Pacific Electric this weekend, and another rock goddess, St. Vincent, takes on the Hollywood Bowl with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Anoushka Shankar on Saturday. Plus, Death Cab for Cutie and Nation of Language are at the Greek. Looking ahead to next week, Sarah McLaughlin will take the Greek stage on Tuesday.
Below are the rest of the events you should know about this weekend and beyond.
Events
The People of Pompeii
Through Sunday, Oct. 4 Theatricum Botanicum 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga COST: FROM $40; MORE INFO
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Ian Flanders
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Lucy PR
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A new (and timely!) comedy by award-winning playwright Bernardo Cubría, The People of Pompeii opens this weekend at Theatricum Botanicum and runs through the fall.Set in a far-far-away land — ok not really, it’s Topanga — the play takes place in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire as evacuated residents return home and try to regain a sense of normalcy. Cubría, who moved to Topanga five years ago, addresses issues of “performative progressivism, gentrification, race, class and the uneasy social dynamics between longtime canyon residents and wealthy newcomers” in the show, which features characters based on his real life (Cubría co-stars alongside his wife, Lauren Saffa). Plus, Saturday — opening night — is also taco night!
Surf Guitar 101 Festival
Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2 Garden Grove Elks Lodge 11551 Trask Ave., Garden Grove COST: FROM $44; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Surf Guitar 101 Fest
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Grab yourself a tiki drink and groove on down to the Surf Guitar 101 Festival in Garden Grove. Southern California’s own invention, surf guitar bands like the Bomboras, Los Straitjackets and Slacktone will play the annual event; plus, you can stick around for a vintage swimsuit contest, guitar seminars and more.
Burger-Eating Competition
Saturday, August 1, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Burgers Never Say Die 2388 Glendale Blvd., Silver Lake COST: FROM $15; MORE INFO
Why should Joey Chestnut have all the fun? Watch or eat (or both) at the first-ever Burgers Never Say Die Burger-Eating Competition. The local spot is hosting six contestants to see who can devour 20 burgers in just 10 minutes. The winner will be crowned the “Shmasters Champion” and be escorted in a limo to Dodger Stadium for the Red Sox vs. Dodgers game that same night. If one burger is plenty for you, a spectator ticket ($15) gets you a burger, fries and unlimited Skyduster Beer during the two-hour competition — pretty good deal!
MVMTFest LA
Through Sunday, August 9 2245 E. Washington Blvd., West Adams COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
If you've been hesitant to get involved in the dance community in LA, MVMT Fest is your chance to take a drop-in class, catch a performance, check out a dance party or watch a screening. With events going almost a full two weeks, there is something for everyone
U.S. Open of Surfing
Through Sunday, Aug. 2 Huntington Beach COST: VARIES, CONCERTS START AT $73.20; MORE INFO
Sawyer Lindblad jumps from her board after finishing a ride during last year's US Open of Surfing.
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Robert Gauthier
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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If you didn’t get enough surf at the Surf Guitar fest, keep heading south for the annual U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. Watch the world’s best surfers take to the waves, or grab a ticket for the music stage where the Allah-las and Local Natives will play this weekend.
L.A. Stone Fruit Festival
Sunday, August 2 through Saturday, 8 Various local farmers market locations COST: FREE; MORE INFO
I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox. And now I have to go to the L.A. Stone Fruit Festival to buy more. Going all week at many farmers markets around the area, Food Access LA is hosting special events featuring all the plums, peaches and nectarines the area is famous for this time of year.
Movies at the Steps: Wicked
Friday, July 31, 8:30 p.m. Culver Steps 9300 Culver Blvd.,Culver City COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy The Culver Steps
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What better place to watch Wicked than at the doorstep of where The Wizard of Oz was filmed? Sunset movies on the Culver Steps happen every Friday in the Summer. This week’s pick is sure to be a popular one.
Madonna: The Rise of the Material Girl (1980-1985)
Opening Saturday, August 1, 6 p.m. Musichead Gallery 7420 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Musichead Gallery
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Eventbrite
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It’s always been Madonna’s world; we’re just living in it. The Queen of Pop is back with Confessions II on the charts, but you can relive her early days at a new photography exhibit, Madonna: The Rise of the Material Girl at the Musichead Gallery.
Country Line Dancing
Friday, July 31, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. L.A. Zoo After Dark 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, Los Feliz COST: $30; MORE INFO
Howdy! Put on your cowboy boots for a line dancing night amongst the animals at the L.A. Zoo. The zoo’s regular after-dark event this week features music from Pulp Vixen, food trucks, lawn games and a silent disco.
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Frank Stoltze
is a veteran reporter who covers local politics and examines how democracy is and, at times, is not working.
Published July 28, 2026 5:35 PM
The Jail complex in downtown Los Angeles
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Robert Garrova / LAist
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Topline:
A proposed charter change aims to ensure that a portion of the Los Angeles County budget be set aside for programs that fund alternatives to jail. The measure, approved Tuesday by the county Board of Supervisors, would restore funds accidentally removed under a previous charter measure. The measure is headed to the ballot in November.
The backstory: In 2020, voters approved Measure J, which required dedicating at least 10% of locally generated, unrestricted general funds to alternatives to incarceration, including job training, mental health treatment and youth development. It explicitly banned the use of those specific funds for prisons, jails or law enforcement agencies.
What happened: A clerical error in 2024 at the county led to the inadvertent repeal of Measure J. It happened when voters approved Measure G. That measure included language that had the unintended effect of making Measure J null and void starting in December 2028.
The details: The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Tuesday to put on the November ballot a measure that would “continue uninterrupted the County's commitment to community investment and alternatives to incarceration.” Supervisor Holly Mitchell was absent from the meeting.
Weather patterns are funneling moisture into SoCal
Lucas Brady Woods
covers the weather and disasters, among other climate and science topics.
Published July 28, 2026 5:30 PM
A hygrometer, which measures humidity.
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phattaraphum
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Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Topline:
Tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean and rising ocean temperatures are driving up and sustaining the humidity.
The details: The dew point in Southern California is normally around 60 degrees at this time of year, forecasters say. But in downtown Los Angeles yesterday, the dew point hit almost 70 degrees. Scientists say humidity generally becomes uncomfortable when the dew point is higher than 65.
Pacific storms: Tropical Storm Fausto formed earlier this month off Central America and is now moving past Hawaii. Hurricane Genevieve is traveling parallel to Mexico about 500 miles offshore. Weather patterns closer to home are siphoning the tropical moisture from the storms into Southern California.
Warming oceans: Higher than normal ocean temperatures mean seawater evaporates faster, releasing more moisture into the air above it. That moisture is then carried inland by the wind.
Read on … to learn more about the atmospheric forces behind the humidity.
Southern California summers aren’t exactly known for mugginess.
But uncharacteristic humidity has been clinging to the region for almost a month, and it looks like there’s little relief coming our way.
It’s not enough moisture to create much, if any, rain, but it is abnormal for this time of year
The dew point in Southern California is normally around 60 degrees at this time of year, forecasters say. But in downtown Los Angeles yesterday, the dew point hit almost 70 degrees.
“We do get these prolonged periods of heat, but what is unusual is the humidity,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Lewis.
So, what’s causing this mugginess?
A confluence of atmospheric forces, some hundreds or even thousands of miles away, is collecting and trapping moisture in Southern California.
“It's basically the combination of the warm ocean temperatures, as well as we've just been in the right pattern for some tropical moisture" to be sent our way, Lewis said.
Storms in the Pacific
Storms are to blame, at least in part, for the uncharacteristic humidity in the region this summer.
Two in particular have contributed to moisture levels in Southern California as they traveled across the Pacific Ocean in recent weeks.
Tropical Storm Fausto formed off of Central America earlier this month before moving off into the open ocean and moving toward Hawaii. It briefly was elevated to a Category 2 hurricane over the weekend before weakening again into a tropical storm.
Fausto is expected to continue weakening as it passes to the north of the Hawaiian Islands over the next few days.
The other, stronger storm, Hurricane Genevieve, also formed off the coast of Central America and has been moving relatively parallel to the Mexican coast, several hundred miles offshore.
Genevieve was elevated to a Category 5 hurricane on Monday.
The storms aren’t solely responsible for sending moisture hundreds of miles across the ocean.
Other weather patterns closer to home, including the system of high pressure air currently settled over the Western U.S. and the North American monsoon, siphon the tropical moisture from the storms into our region.
Thankfully, forecasters say, Hurricane Genevieve is not expected to create as much moisture as Fausto and other recent tropical storms.
When the ocean is warmer than usual, the wind blowing inland off the water is also warmer. The warm seawater also evaporates faster, releasing more moisture into the air above it. That moisture is then carried inland by the wind.
Ocean warming is not new in Southern California, but it’s getting worse.
The region has been hit with a series of marine heatwaves over the last decade. They generally recede during the winter, but the current one has lasted for over a year. Scientists say these ocean heatwaves are likely being worsened by human-caused climate change.
But there is some short-term hope on the horizon for humidity-haters.
One, Hurricane Genevieve is not expected to pull as much moisture into our region as other recent weather patterns. And two, forecasters expect drier air to flow in from the northwest, cutting down the humidity a bit, especially inland.
That may not reach people who live along the coast, however, where the higher ocean temperatures will help keep the coastal humidity elevated, especially at night.
