The Brief

The federal government hasn't yet awarded hundreds of millions of dollars that it promised for security for the World Cup, less than four months before the tournament kicks off in cities across the U.S. including Los Angeles.

Officials in some host cities warned at a Congressional hearing last week that if those funds aren't released soon it could lead them to massively scale back or cancel their events for fans this summer – but what the delay means for L.A. is less clear.

Los Angeles is hosting eight matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, a five-day "fan festival" at L.A. Memorial Coliseum and official "fan zones" across the county during the 39-day tournament.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee – the group responsible for putting on the fan programs here – declined to comment on concerns over federal funds, despite requests via email, text and phone last week.

LAist asked the Los Angeles host committee how much federal funding it was expecting to receive for security, but did not receive a response. Homeland Security Committee chair Rep. Andrew Garbarino said that Miami, which is hosting seven matches and a 23-day fan festival, is expecting around $70 million in federal funding.

"Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination," Raymond Martinez, the Chief Operating Officer of Miami's host committee, told a Congressional Homeland Security committee last week.

Why is $625 million for World Cup security delayed?

President Donald Trump allocated $625 million dollars to World Cup security in his “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” last year. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is responsible for allocating that money to the 11 host city committees in the U.S., and those funds were supposed to be awarded by the end of January, according to details provided by FEMA's for grant applicants. But they're now more than a month late.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blamed the ongoing government shutdown of her department.

“FEMA was in the final stages of reviewing applications to ensure proper oversight when Democrats shut down the government putting significant portions of the FEMA staff on administrative leave," she said in a statement. "The longer DHS goes without funding, the less prepared our nation will be for threats at the FIFA World Cup."

Democrat Nellie Pou of New Jersey shot back at Secretary Noem on X, pointing out that FEMA's website says it planned to award the funds by the end of January.

"World Cup security funding was enacted into law last summer and these matches have been scheduled for years," Pou wrote. "It’s time for DHS to do its job."

Beyond the federal dollars for security surrounding the tournament, the state of California has also approved $10 million for security costs for the World Cup in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

How the World Cup works in L.A.

Los Angeles is the host city of the World Cup matches and celebrations coming to the region this summer, but the city of L.A. is not paying for or planning the mega-event. That planning is up to the non-profit Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, which is leading the local host committee and coordinating with FIFA and other local entities.

Federal security funds will be awarded to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, and then the host committee will disburse those funds to local agencies that provide security for the World Cup and fan celebrations.

Most of the federal funding for the 11 host cities will go toward overtime costs, according to FEMA, and that money will be paid out as reimbursements.

The city of L.A. is currently negotiating an agreement with that committee on what city services, such as police, it might provide, according to multiple city officials.

The City Administrative Officer is negotiating that deal. An official in the CAO’s office told LAist that the host committee expects that federal funds will cover all those costs.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department did not respond to questions from LAist on how LAPD is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies ahead of the World Cup.

LA and Inglewood officials say they're not concerned

Local officials told LAist last week that they were not concerned that the delay in federal funds would derail World Cup plans in Los Angeles.

Inglewood Mayor James Butts said that the city was expecting to receive payments from FIFA directly for services, as well as some of the federal security money awarded by FEMA.

" We're not concerned at all," he said in an interview. "The federal government has always come through on FEMA related allocations."

Paul Krekorian, who leads the City of Los Angeles's Office of Major Events, said he did not think that delayed federal funds would cause organizers to cancel the planned Fan Festival.

"We have events at the Coliseum all the time, and this is a few days of ticketed events at the Coliseum," he told LAist. "I expect that if we have to provide extra services that we will be reimbursed for those, but it's not a big enough aberration from things that we do all the time that would cause me to be concerned that if we don't have federal support, we have to cancel."

Team U.S.A.'s opening match will take place in Los Angeles on June 12. The fan festival will kick off the same day as the tournament, June 11.

My eyes hurt from all the art I saw this past week! Highlights for me from Frieze week include discovering new-to-me artists at the fair, like South Korean artist Haengue Yang and her mesmerizing jingle bell installation, local photographer Christina Fernandez (whose images about immigration are a stark reminder that what’s happening now is not new for many in our community) and Frieze Impact winner Napoles Marty’s drawings that reflect his Cuban heritage. I was also blown away by the use of old buildings across the city — from the abandoned 99 Cent Store project, to the old post office on Fifth Street in Santa Monica for the Post Fair, to a gathering outside Taix (RIP) in Silverlake, to an opening at the old Spago space.

Looking ahead, Licorice Pizza’s music picks for the week include a Monday show from Sun Ra Arkestra at the Lodge Room; on Tuesday, Southern rock/punk duo Black Pistol Fire are at the Teragram, and English singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro is at the Troubadour. Plus, the long-running It’s A School Night! Residency, now at its new location at the Airliner, is free with RSVP. Wednesday, Swedish sensation Zara Larsson plays the first of her two nights at the Wiltern, or if you feel like getting some much-needed laughs and doing some good, there's the Saban Theatre’s “Stand Up for Equality” event, featuring Margaret Cho, Tig Notaro and more. On Thursday, Dutch DJ Afrojack takes over the decks at Hollywood’s Sound Nightclub, and Orange County hosts some old-school punk — the Descendents with Frank Turner will be at House of Blues Anaheim on Thursday and Friday.

Elsewhere on LAist, you can get the latest on the opening of Metro’s new D Line, cast your pick for the worst intersection in L.A. and visit a South Bay ice cream shop where the kids design the flavors.

Events

Maker Night: Build, Bend, and Snap!

Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Craft Contemporary 
5814 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile
COST: $12; MORE INFO

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Courtesy Craft Contemporary

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Put down your phone and pick up clay and wire to make your own unique sculptural creation at Craft Contemporary’s Maker Night. Join artists Andres Payan Estrada and Greg Nasca to learn hand-building clay techniques that incorporate nichrome wire, a “hi-fire” wire that can be fired into clay. A perfect Thursday night grown-up play date!

Gorillaz: House of Kong 

Through Thursday, March 19
Rolling Greens 
1005 Mateo Street, Arts District 
COST: FROM $39.50; MORE INFO 

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Ben Bentley

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Gorillaz, the innovative animated band launched by Damon Albarn (Blur) and artist Jamie Hewlett in 1998, get the historical-slash-immersive treatment in this new downtown walk-through experience. Fans and newcomers alike will get a deeper look at the creative process behind Hewlett’s now-iconic characters, and can follow a mystery through the band’s “backstage” journey. Following the immersive experience, there’s a screening room and exhibit space where you can check out the band’s latest short music film (The Mountain), installations and more.

Tomorrow Begins Today: The Creative Legacy of Bonnie Cashin

Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m. 
UCLA
Charles E. Young Research Library, Main Conference Room 11360 
280 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

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Bonnie Cashin

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Courtesy Charles E. Young Research Library

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If you’ve ever found yourself relieved to find pockets in that dress you’re trying on (pretty sure that’s everyone who’s ever worn a dress), you have Bonnie Cashin at least in part to thank. The innovative 20th-century designer made clothes for women that prioritized function, and her designs were embraced by the likes of Coach, Hermès, Calvin Klein and more. Mellissa Huber, Associate Curator in The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and a fashion historian specializing in 20th-century dress, will speak about Cashin’s legacy as a designer and philanthropist.

Foursome 

Through Monday, March 23 
IAMA
3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village 
COST: $45 (“pay what you can” on March 2 and 9);  MORE INFO 

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Jill Petracek

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IAMA

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A queer millennial rom-com has taken over at IAMA, the intimate space in Atwater Village. Building off its success at last year’s IAMA New Works Festival, Foursome is now a fully staged production that follows four friends on a wine-fueled weekend getaway. Monday, March 2 is a “pay what you can” night, with a post-show talkback hosted by the L.A. LGBTQ+ Arts & Culture Coalition.

What a Wonderful World: An Audiovisual Poem 

Through March 20 
Variety Arts Theater
940 S. Figueroa Street, Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

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Marina Abramovic

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Courtesy Julia Stoschek Foundation

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Don’t miss this multistory art and poetry installation! It’s free, there’s popcorn, there’s art, there’s spontaneous performances, and it’s all in a very cool old L.A. theater that doesn't open its full space to exploration very often. It marks the first major presentation of works from the Julia Stoschek Foundation in the U.S., and it uses a combination of silent film and cinematic history to bring the space to life.

Laguna Beach First Thursdays Art Walk

Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
Various Galleries
Laguna Beach
COST: FREE; MORE INFO 

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Courtesy Visit Laguna Beach

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If you’re not over-arted from all the gallery openings in L.A. last week, head south for a chill gallery walk in Laguna Beach. The long-standing tradition of Thursday art walk continues, with more than 30 art galleries opening their doors for special exhibitions and artist meet-and-greets. There’s also a free trolley service that runs along Coast Highway for easy access, plus the Laguna Art Museum offers free admission.

Women Wednesday: Night of Shorts 

Wednesday, March 4, 9:30 p.m. 
Los Feliz Theatre
1822 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz
COST: $15; MORE INFO 

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Courtesy American Cinematheque

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Check out a selection of short films from local up-and-coming women directors with American Cinematheque at the Los Feliz Theatre. The shorts are followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.

Soko sushi-making class

Tuesday to Thursday weekly
Fairmont Santa Monica 
101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
COST: $100.75; MORE INFO 

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Courtesy Bucket Listers

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Learn from the best as Chef Masa Shimakawa takes you behind his eight-person sushi bar at the Fairmont in Santa Monica for a masterclass. Learn to make a selection of classic rolls under Chef Masa’s supervision, and when you're finished, of course, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Angelenos took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles and Westwood on Saturday in response to the U.S.-Israeli military strikes in Iran.

• Read: What you should know about local protests, reaction and law enforcement actions

A coalition of organizations, including the National Iranian American Council, the ANSWER coalition and 50501, held protests nationwide to oppose U.S. intervention.

Local demonstrations took place outside City Hall in downtown Los Angeles, as well as in Ventura and Orange counties.

In Westwood, Iranian Americans gathered to celebrate the strikes. More demonstrations are planned for today and tomorrow.

Here are photos from Saturday.

Westwood

Hundreds rally seeking regime change in Iran in Westwood on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Los Angeles. The rally was organized after word spread that the U.S. and Israel had bombed Iran overnight, Pacific time, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, among others.

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Genaro Molina

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/Los Angeles Times via Getty Image

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Hundreds rally waving the historical Iranian Lion and Sun and American flags in Westwood on Saturday.

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Genaro Molina

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Los Angeles Times

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Hundreds rally in Westwood seeking regime change in Iran.

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Genaro Molina

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Los Angeles Times via Getty Image

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A man walks under the colors if Iran while joining hundreds in a rally seeking regime change in Iran in Westwood on Saturday.

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Genaro Molina

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Los Angeles Times via Getty Image

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Downtown Los Angeles

A protester holds a poster reading "drop the files not the bombs" during a demonstration against the war in Iran in front of City Hall in Los Angeles on Feb. 28, 2026.

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Etienne Laurent

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AFP via Getty Images

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A crowd gathered at Los Angeles City Hall to protest against United States and Israel bombing Iran on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

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Myung J. Chun

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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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A protester holds a portrait of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a flag of Iran during a demonstration against the war in Iran in front of City Hall.

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Etienne Laurent

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AFP via Getty Images

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Protesters hold placards reading "no new US war in the Middle East" during a demonstration against the war in Iran in front of City Hall.

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Etienne Laurent

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AFP via Getty Images

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A man holds a sign at Los Angeles City Hall to protest against United States and Israel bombing Iran.

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Myung J. Chun

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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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Walk through cities around the world and it's easy to spot the trend: utility boxes painted and transformed into public art to spiff up neighborhoods.

In downtown Los Angeles, street artist S.C. Mero has taken the idea of the utility box as art in a different direction with one she’s installed in the Arts District.

“Would you like me to open it up and you can see?” she asked on a recent morning.

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary electrical cabinet — gray, about the size of a refrigerator, with slotted vents. But instead of the usual fire-resistant metal, this one is made of wood with a faux concrete base.

The box theater incognito.

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Courtesy of S.C. Mero

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Mero spins two combination locks and pulls open the door.

A hidden theater

Inside, instead of a tangle of cables and cords, red crushed velvet covers the walls from top to bottom.

A gilded clock and gold-framed pictures of two other electrical boxes (“possibly its mother, and its great-grandfather”) adorn the tiny interior, inspired by one of downtown’s oldest and grandest movie palaces, the Los Angeles Theatre.

“The first time I went into that theater, the feeling that I had, I wanted people to have a similar feeling when they opened this up,” she said.

Like the theater, the box is meant to bring audiences together. Mero invites performers to step inside, and since its installation a few weeks ago, some 30 poets, magicians, puppeteers and clowns have reached out about using the space.

Many are female artists.

“Maybe it's because of the scale of it, they feel like they can actually have a chance to get inside,” Mero said.

A tradition of unexpected art

The box theater sits on the 800 block of Traction Avenue, across the street from the historic American Hotel, an early hub for artists in the neighborhood.

Jesse Easter, the hotel’s night manager, has a front-row seat to the box theater performances.

“The Arts District is still alive,” he proclaims.

Easter first arrived in the neighborhood in the 1980s, a blues and rock musician who also professionally installed art.

He said the Arts District has long been known for unconventional public art. Famously, in 1982, artist Dustin Shuler pinned a Cessna airplane to the side of the American Hotel with a 20-foot-long nail.

“I was one of the people that was in the hotel that saw the room that the nail came down into, went through the brick wall, into the floor and stopped,” Easter recalls.

Easter says Mero’s installations boldly continue that tradition of guerrilla street art in the neighborhood.

After graduating from USC in 2011, she started to make sculptural works with overlooked street fixtures, exploring issues such as addiction and homelessness.

Before the box theater, there was a giant mailbox.

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Courtesy of S.C. Mero

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Before the theater box, Mero installed an oversized mailbox at the same corner, towering over passersby, symbolizing a housing market that remains out of reach for many Angelenos.

Elsewhere in the Arts District on Rose Street, she has installed a 13-foot-tall parking meter sculpture, commentary on the overwhelming nature of parking in the city.

Realizing a dream 

The box theater is perhaps the piece that has invited the most participation.

Jesse Easter, a musician and night manager at the American Hotel, prepares to perform at the box theater.

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Courtesy of S.C. Mero

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Last week, Mero asked Easter and other local artists to perform there. He played a blues song he wrote more than 40 years ago when he first moved to the Arts District.

“It was sunset, and I was thinking, this kind of is the bookend,” he said.

Other participants performed spoken word poetry and played saxophone.

One performer, Mike Cuevas, discovered the theater by accident.

An Uber driver, Cuevas was waiting for his next delivery order by the box theater as it was being prepped ahead of the night’s performance.

Mero recalls him getting out of his car to look at what she was doing.

“He's like, what's going on here? This looks so cool,” Mero said. “He said as he's driving throughout the city, in between his rides, he writes poetry.”

Cuevas, who goes by the pen name Octane 543(12), left to make a delivery in East L.A., but he said “something in his heart” told him to return that evening.

After watching others perform, he stepped up to the box and read his poetry in public for the first time, a piece about Latino pride.

Mike Cuevas, aka Mike Octane 543-12, publicly reads his poetry for the first time.

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Courtesy of S.C. Mero

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“Another generation will pass through,” he recited. “And they'll understand why we honor with proud delight, the continuous fight for the history of our brothers and sisters.”

Cuevas didn’t know Mero by name or anything about her work, but thanked her for giving him a venue.

“I just felt something beautiful with her art,” Cuevas said. “It's time for me to start expressing myself. She inspired me to do exactly what she's doing, but through poetry.”

He now plans to read again at an open mic in downtown L.A. next week.

An overture to look inside

Mero says the project has spoken to her personally, too. Growing up in Minnesota, she loved art as a child but later focused on playing lacrosse and hockey. At USC, she studied public relations.

“Once I started getting so into art, everyone was kind of shocked,” Mero said. “That's why I really want to encourage people to go inside themselves and see what's there, because you never know.”

Mero is hoping for a long run for the box theater. Its predecessor, the supersize mailbox, stayed up for five years, only toppled, she heard, after skateboarders accidentally ran into it.

In the meantime, the small theater sits unassumingly on the sidewalk waiting for its next performer, its exterior starting to collect graffiti like any other utility box.