The Brief

When Airbnb recently launched its campaign to drum up support for more short-term rentals in Los Angeles, it said the effort would produce taxes that would help solve the city's budget crisis and save city employees' jobs.

But labor organizations are split on the effort that's being pushed by the so-called "Save Our Services" coalition, which is touted as being community-based but whose spokesperson is an Airbnb representative. The coalition proposes loosening an L.A. law to allow a limited number of people to rent out second homes as vacation rentals. Currently, the city limits short-term rentals to primary residences.

The campaign first drew attention for what it didn't say: The effort was funded and organized by Airbnb. As first reported by the L.A. Times, the coalition's website advertised union endorsements and other business and community supporters even before Airbnb added its own name to the list.

Justin Wesson, Airbnb’s senior public policy manager, cited saving union jobs as a goal when explaining why the company launched the campaign.

“It’s pretty simple: New tax revenue from tourists can give Los Angeles much-needed funding for city services and union jobs that are at risk,” Wesson said in a statement earlier this month.

Kurt Petersen, co-president of hotel workers union Unite Here Local 11 and an opponent of the campaign, was quick to point out that Wesson used to work as chief of staff for the L.A. County Federation of Labor.

"Obviously he's going through his Rolodex and seeing who he can get to back this absurd measure," Petersen said.

"Save Our Services" canvassers have knocked on more than 300,000 doors across Los Angeles over the past month, according to an Airbnb spokesperson.

How city unions are responding

There's no consensus among unions that represent city workers about the campaign.

Endorsements for Airbnb's effort include IBEW Local 18, which represents workers at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. That union did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

But other prominent city unions say they're against the effort, citing high housing costs for their members.

"Our union sees this for what it is: just the latest attempt by Airbnb to further deregulate short-term rentals and exacerbate the ever-worsening affordable housing crisis in Los Angeles," said Mike Long, the communications director for SEIU 721, which represents around 11,000 city sanitation workers, mechanics, traffic officers, and other workers.

What about the union jobs claim?

The "Save Our Services" campaign launched as L.A. has been facing a budget crisis.

Mayor Karen Bass's 2025-2026 budget originally proposed more than 1,600 city staff layoffs, citing a nearly billion dollar shortfall. That number dropped to around 600 in budget revisions and is now down to 75 after negotiations with labor leaders and the city council, according to the mayor's office.

Roy Samaan, president of Engineers & Architects Association, the labor union for around 6,000 city planners, accountants, and other staff, said his union had managed to make an agreement with the city to take layoffs off the table. He claimed Airbnb had not reached out to ask for the union's support for its campaign, calling the coalition's language around the city's recent budget shortfall "opportunistic."

"They're taking up the fact that we almost had such disastrous layoffs as a cover for this," Samaan said. "It's a little bit frustrating, to be totally frank."

As of Thursday evening, the "Save Our Services" coalition website still said the city was planning to lay off more than 600 workers.

"The mayor is committed to protecting city services and is working urgently to continue momentum in decreasing layoffs to zero," Zach Seidl, the mayor's spokesperson, said in a written statement.

What are other unions saying?

Other labor supporters listed on the "Save Our Services" website and flyers include California IATSE Council, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and several Teamsters backers, including the international union, the Teamsters National Black Caucus, Teamsters Joint Council 42, and Teamsters Local 911 — a union local that no longer exists as an independent entity.

Before Airbnb's publicly campaign was announced, Teamsters 911 merged into another local — Teamsters Local 986 — in June, according to a press release from that union. That merged local is not listed on the coalition’s website and did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Airbnb also did not respond to questions about the Teamsters Local 911 endorsement

Representatives for IATSE, which represents entertainment workers, declined to comment. Teamsters Joint Council 42 and IUPAT did not respond to direct inquiries, but both groups provided brief written statements through an Airbnb spokesperson.

“Los Angeles cannot cut its way out of a $1 billion budget deficit at the expense of Angelenos,” said Eric Tate, executive secretary treasurer with Teamsters Joint Council 42 in the statement. “We strongly urge the Los Angeles leaders to pass the 'Save Our Services' proposal now.” Robert Smith, director of government affairs of IUPAT District Council 36 in Southern California also offered support for Airbnb’s plan.

“The [vacation rental revenue] plan is a practical solution that limits the number of new accommodations for travelers while creating millions in new annual revenue for L.A.’s long-term recovery,” he said in a statement.

One of Airbnb's biggest foes in this showdown is Unite Here Local 11, which last week launched its own campaign for a "New Deal" for the 2028 Olympic Games, calling for major investment in new housing units and a moratorium on Airbnb.

Petersen, that union's co-president, told LAist the Airbnb campaign was " a corrupt scheme of stupidity and greed."

Airbnb’s Justin Wesson fired back.

“Airbnb has brought together groups like the NAACP, Community Build, and the Teamsters as L.A. faces yet another crisis,” he said. “Referring to this coalition as ‘stupid’ or ‘greedy’ shows exactly how out of touch Unite Here leadership is. We’ll stay focused on helping to close the city’s budget gap.”

The Federation of Labor did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

When Chance the Rapper gave living in Los Angeles a go for six months back in 2014, it ended up being one of the most difficult times of his life.

Two years after moving back to Chicago and starting a family, he told GQ, “I was just f--king tweaking. I was a Xan-zombie, f--king not doing anything productive. [...] It wasn't where I was supposed to be.”

Ten years later, with the benefit of hindsight, the indie hip-hop artist said he’s realized that what made that time so challenging was less about L.A. and more about where he was mentally at the time.

He spoke with LAist host Julia Paskin about why he’s now “completely 180’d” his views of L.A., his upcoming Juneteenth show at the Hollywood Bowl, embarking on a tour celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the release of his mixtape Coloring Book — the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy — and his 2025 album STAR LINE’s L.A. ties.

From drugs and mansion parties to fatherhood and karaoke

Asked how he feels about L.A. today, Chance said, “I love L.A. now.”

“I completely 180'd on my views of L.A.,” he told LAist. “I was young and obviously having drugs in excess and just like not being like focused or myself, to be honest. I was just lit and I was young. I had just dropped Acid Rap. It was my first time not living with my parents.”

When he moved back to Chicago, he said, “I got to be more grounded.” He became a father and “the person that I am today, who I'm very happy to be.” Now that he’s in his 30s, he said, “It's way more chill, you know? I'm not a 20-year-old kid that's like throwing mansion parties every day and stuff.”

He’s also since spent extended amounts of time here for TV projects (he was a judge on the reality TV singing competition show The Voice for two seasons) and comes back frequently for performances, like the final stop of his STAR LINE tour last year.

His favorite thing to do in L.A. now is spend time with friends and do karaoke.

“I have a karaoke spot that I go to every Monday if I'm in town,” he told LAist — Monday Night Vibes at Station1640. “Everybody's welcome.”

Chance the Rapper attends the Apple Music 10th anniversary celebration and global live Apple Music Radio broadcast on June 30, 2025 at Apple Music’s new studio space in Culver City, California.

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’A retrospective on liberation, faith and love’

Chance’s show at the Hollywood Bowl this Friday, Juneteenth — with an opening set from D-Nice, a gospel performance by DC6 Singers Collective and a few special guests — marks his first return to the storied venue since performing there in 2017 during his first solo headlining tour, on the heels of winning best new artist and best rap album for his streaming-only mixtape Coloring Book.

The Juneteenth show, Chance explained, is “a retrospective on liberation, faith and love, and what those mean for Black folks” — both throughout history and “on June 19, 2026, on the 250th anniversary of this country.”

His latest album’s LA connection

The show is also closely tied in spirit to his latest album STAR LINE, which is connected to Los Angeles through Wattstax, the 1973 documentary that Chance sampled on the album and which he said also “guided and inspired” it.

The documentary takes its name from the massive 1972 concert at the Los Angeles Coliseum, sometimes referred to as the “Black Woodstock,” when the Watts Summer Festival — an annual commemoration of the 1965 Watts uprising — partnered with Stax Records for a community benefit concert featuring artists like the Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas and The Staple Singers.

“In the time that we're living in right now,” Chance said, “I think a lot of us can relate to the rage that was felt during those riots, and as musicians” to a desire “to bring the community together.  And even if that is our movement, like collectively empower that group and speak to them.”

Chance the Rapper plays at The Hollywood Bowl on Friday, 7 p.m. Click here for more information.

A plan to remove nearly 200 trees from Pasadena Unified School District campuses has angered some local residents.

School district officials say 193 trees across 11 campuses need to be removed to clean up soil contaminated by the Eaton Fire.

Residents say they were not properly notified about the project, and some are pushing for ways to remediate the soil without taking down so many trees.

Pasadena resident Paloma Muñiz Ochoa spent eight hours in an oak tree slated for removal at the district’s headquarters.

“There's been a lot of destruction, and there's no reason to destroy more,” said the 17-year-old as she sat at the base of the tree on Tuesday.

At another side of the district’s administrative building, certified arborist Sabine Höppner stood guard at the base of two huge sycamore trees, also on the chopping block. She estimated them to be more than 100 years old.

Paloma Muñiz Ochoa guards a native oak tree slated for removal at PUSD's headquarters.

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"These are so important to the whole neighborhood," she said. "They're a hub for birds. Raptors land in them, owls perch in them at night. You can find the owl droppings all throughout here.”

More than a dozen trees have been removed already, mostly at San Rafael and Washington elementary schools. Opponents of the plan say they want the soil cleaned without the removal of so many trees.

“We in Altadena lost so much of our tree canopy to the Eaton Fire that the idea of taking additional trees away, especially mature trees, is just so hard to think about,” said Ariane Vielmetter, who lost her home in the Eaton Fire.

Her son lost his school and now attends a PUSD elementary school, though not one of the ones affected by the tree removal plan.

Certified arborist Sabine Höppner guards two sycamores slated for removal at PUSD's headquarters.

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Officials, however, say they’ve exhausted all other options.

“After months of consultation with [the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control], PUSD determined that removing the selected trees is the safest and most appropriate course of action for schools to complete remediation and reopen as quickly as possible,” the district wrote in a statement.

PUSD’s superintendent and the Department of Toxic Substances Control declined to be interviewed for this story.

How we got here

Just a few weeks after the fires started, PUSD entered into a “voluntary cleanup agreement” with the Department of Toxic Substances Control, or DTSC, to address potential contamination at 15 campuses. The state agency oversees removal of such contaminants at places like schools.

Pasadena Unified then hired environmental consulting firm Verdantas to test soil at those campuses.

Last May, the school district released the results of those soil tests, which found elevated levels of toxic metals, primarily lead, at 13 campuses.

Multiple trees have already been removed at San Rafael Elementary.

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The district said in a statement Monday that over the last year, it has “met extensively with the DTSC” to address the contamination.

“These detailed discussions encompassed review of the types of toxins identified, and site-by-site and test by test assessments were performed to evaluate various soil removal approaches,” the district wrote.

At a Pasadena City Council meeting Monday, several councilmembers and Mayor Victor Gordo said they planned to look into what the city’s role may be in approving the removal of certain protected trees.

“As far as the trees go, if there's anything that the city can do to stop this process until we have a better understanding, if they need to come through us for approval,” Councilmember Tyron Hampton said.

Pasadena Unified’s goal is to clean up the remaining campuses before students return from summer break. The estimated cost is about $6.6 million.

What’s next 

Some residents and tree advocates are urging the school district to consider other ways to remediate their campuses, without cutting down so many trees. That can include phytoremediation, which uses plants to clean up toxins in the soil.

Chris Shogren, an environmental horticulture advisor with the University of California cooperative extension, said such natural remediation strategies can be effective, but are more complex to design and can take months to years to complete.

“Remediation is just a really tough task,” Shogren said. “If you want something immediate, you really do just have to come in, remove the soil and replace it. Everything else is going to take time for it to actually work.”

Tree advocates put up a banner in front of PUSD's headquarters Tuesday.

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Timing is short. The district said it’s required by the DTSC to carry out the bulk of the removal and remediation when students aren’t on campus “for safety reasons,” wrote the district’s Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco and facilities director Michael Dunning in a recent statement.

Shogren said that some trees currently slated for removal may be able to be saved — for example, there’s less risk of toxic exposure if they’re emerging from concrete rather than bare soil — but that ultimately it depends on testing.

“It really should be based on the soil reports, so you’re going highest exposure risk to lowest exposure risk,” he said.

The removal of so many trees would be “unfortunate,” Shogren said, but he hopes that what comes next can better serve future generations of children and wildlife.

“We’re going to have to rebuild and redo things at some point,” he said, “and the sooner we start, the sooner those trees are going to start maturing and providing all those benefits that we want from them.”

This story first appeared on The LA Local.

Property owners in Boyle Heights’ industrial corridor, near the Sixth Street Bridge, are proposing a plan to fund private security, street cleaning and landscaping, a move that could significantly change how the area is maintained.

The proposed plan would cover an area stretching from 1st to 7th streets and between Mission Road, Clarence and Anderson streets where sound stages, film studios and warehouses sit alongside the public housing complex of Pico Gardens and a residential neighborhood near Dolores Mission Church. Property owners say the city has failed to adequately provide services to keep the area clean and their employees safe. Meanwhile, some community advocates and nearby residents are wary of the area’s growing concentration of entertainment venues, just across the river from the Arts District, which have drawn crowds for electronic music festivals and special events like Olivia Rodrigo’s album release pop-up.

David DaCosta, of the 18-acre Ace*Mission Studios, is among those pushing for what’s known as a Business Improvement District, or BID, in the area that proponents refer to as the Boyle Heights Industrial Flats, which runs adjacent to the Los Angeles River. 

At a meeting at Dolores Mission Church in May, DaCosta touted the effort as a rare private-public partnership that should be cherished. “There’s a natural relationship between us all, a natural path for us all to want to work together,” he said.

Not everyone is convinced. The proposal comes as Boyle Heights continues to grapple with tensions over displacement and who benefits from development. Supporters see privately funded services as a solution to neglect and public safety. Opponents say it could eventually lead to gentrification and over-policing.

To Elizabeth Blaney, with Union De Vecinos, a local branch of the Los Angeles Tenants Union, the BID would “put control of public space in the hands of those businesses who are part of the BID.” 

Property owners in Boyle Heights’ industrial corridor, near the Sixth Street Bridge, are proposing a plan to fund private security, street cleaning and landscaping, a move that could significantly change how the area is maintained.

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What is a BID?

Business Improvement Districts are self-funded associations that collect revenue through property taxes within a geographically defined area. 

In this case, the proposed BID encompasses over 160 parcels that are owned by more than 70 property owners within the so-called “flats” area adjacent to a series of railroad tracks. The proposed tax would only apply to commercial property owners within the industrial district — not residents of nearby apartments and single-family homes.

Property taxes collected through the BID would fund landscaping services, including weed removal throughout the proposed district, as well as sanitation personnel who would sweep up trash and litter from sidewalks and gutters seven days a week.

Security services may also be provided “to ensure that petty crime and vandalism are reduced” within the district, according to the BID plan. Proponents say they will work toward “minimizing the impact of unhoused individuals” within the district by collaborating with social services. 

Funds would also support marketing efforts, website development and public relations campaigns to promote business and activities within the BID.

The Boyle Heights Industrial Flats BID would operate for five years, from January 2027 to December 2031, and is projected to generate $6.9 million over that period, with about $1.2 million in its first year. If approved, the BID would be managed by a nonprofit.

Property owners in Boyle Heights’ industrial corridor, near the Sixth Street Bridge, are proposing a plan to fund private security, street cleaning and landscaping, a move that could significantly change how the area is maintained.

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Residents express concerns

Residents and community members have mixed feelings about the proposal.

On one hand, Boyle Heights residents like Margarita Amador see it as a win “when someone in the community wants to invest to improve our quality of life.” 

Amador grew up in the area at a time when gang violence was at its peak. “No one would want to come into that side of town,” Amador said. Redevelopment and investments have changed the neighborhood for the better, she added. “We’re not in a position to turn away dollars,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ana Hernandez, a Pico Gardens resident, is wary of stakeholders behind the BID proposal. 

Businesses in the industrial area, she said, host late-night events, including raves, that disrupt their quality of life. Residents have complained of loud parties and music late into the night. Their dogs get scared, and they have to shut their windows, one neighbor said. 

“They don’t bring business for the community. What they want are earnings,” she said. “The ones who dominate the streets are people who are not from the community.”

Homeowners like Sylvia Sifuentes aren’t necessarily opposed to the BID. 

Instead, Sifuentes wants residents who live near the proposed district to receive clearer information about how the plan would operate and who it would affect. Sifuentes, 67, has lived near Dolores Mission since she was born and only recently found out about the proposed district.

The meeting in May was her formal introduction to the BID proposal. Initially, Sifuentes incorrectly heard homeowners like her would also be taxed. She also wondered why a tax was necessary. The city, she noted, already provides graffiti removal and trash pick-up services.

Union De Vecinos has organized a petition opposing the BID that organizers said has garnered more than 300 signatures. The petition argues the BID could contribute to rising rents and parking congestion.

Blaney, the organizer with the group, finds the BID problematic because property owners would “get to decide what goes on there” instead of the community as a whole.

“They get to decide the aesthetics of the neighborhood. They get to decide who can hang out and at what hours on the street. They can hire security on bikes and cars that patrol and enforce and harass.”

Property owners in Boyle Heights’ industrial corridor, near the Sixth Street Bridge, are proposing a plan to fund private security, street cleaning and landscaping, a move that could significantly change how the area is maintained.

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Andrew Lopez

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For Boyle Heights Beat

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Proponents respond

Alfred Fraijo, Jr., whose law firm Somos Group is helping with the BID formation process, said proponents are looking at “alternative modes” of creating public safety. Fraijo, who is from Boyle Heights, acknowledged at the May meeting that communities like Boyle Heights have suffered from over-policing.

He said providing better lighting could make the area more inviting and walkable. “Having eyes on the street is a way to do it,” he said. “We want to partner with organizations that are already doing the good work [in] Boyle Heights, creating intersection safety for children crossing the street.”

Proponents like Mark Borman of Bridge & Corner, which hosts film production in the area, said the BID could address environmental concerns impacting the well-being of their tenants.

“We suffer [from] illegal dumping, often of toxic materials,” Borman said at the May meeting. “There are zero actions, zero street services that we received. Our streets are not swept. Our buildings are tagged … on a daily basis. Our cars are broken into regularly.”

Borman said property owners call the city’s 311 system to no avail. “As a property business owner, I have tenants … who tell me that they do not feel safe going to their cars after work,” he said.

For DaCosta, the BID could make all the difference in retaining employees.

“As an employer, if you employ people and they are driving early in the morning or they are working late … and if the area is not safe and secure, it’s difficult to recruit people, and it’s difficult to keep people,” DaCosta said. “Why would anyone want to come and work in an area that’s not safe?”

Property owners in Boyle Heights’ industrial corridor, near the Sixth Street Bridge, are proposing a plan to fund private security, street cleaning and landscaping, a move that could significantly change how the area is maintained.

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Andrew Lopez

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Boyle Heights Beat

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What happens next?

The proposal’s next stop is the city’s Economic Development and Jobs Committee on Tuesday. 

Property owners in Boyle Heights’ industrial corridor, near the Sixth Street Bridge, are proposing a plan to fund private security, street cleaning and landscaping, a move that could significantly change how the area is maintained.

If approved, it would advance to the full City Council for consideration before ballots are sent to property owners within the district. After about 45 days, the city will tally those votes, and the City Council will decide whether to formally establish the district. 

Although Juneteenth has been established as a federal holiday for only five years now, L.A. has been putting on events and embracing the festivities long before. Between celebrations involving a friendly soccer tournament or even a paint and sip, communities continue to come together to acknowledge the historical prominence of June 19.

As we lay out an array of celebrations happening in Orange County and L.A. this weekend, consider how you’ll participate in this vibrant holiday.

Juneteenth (Friday)

Black Folk Juneteenth Freedom Ride

Start the festivities early by joining cyclists for a morning ride that ends in Leimert Park for their Juneteenth Celebration Festival. Participants should be over 18 years of age, although it’s encouraged to bring family, friends and even your own bike group (if you have one), according to their website.

This third annual bike ride is meant to welcome cyclists of all experience levels, with three different planned routes for beginners, intermediate riders and experts.

The City of Buena Park Juneteenth

If you find yourself in the Buena Park area, stop by at the city’s outdoor celebration that features food trucks, a guest speaker, community booths — and even a twilight swim. This community event is family friendly, with activities planned for the kids as well.

Kendrick Lamar Juneteenth Paint & Sip

If you’re looking for more of a laid back vibe and are a fan of Kendrick Lamar’s music, join The Compton Art & History Museum’s paint and sip. Attendees have to be over 21, but parking is free.

Ticket funds will go towards the creation of a new community museum, so if you’re itching to get creative on a Friday night, consider attending this unique Juneteenth event.

Afrobeats Takeover Juneteenth

People who are looking to let loose after a long week can find their way to the Melrose House for an Afrobeats celebration. Soccer fans attending are also encouraged to bring their flags, as the event is described as a “Rep your flag edition” on their website.

“In honor of Juneteenth and the FIFA World Cup season, we're bringing together music lovers from every corner of the world for a night of non-stop vibes, cultural pride and unforgettable energy,” the eventbrite post states.

There’s many more events that L.A. and Orange County residents can participate in on June 19, so be sure to scour your Instagram for flyers and keep note of your local organizations’ plans as you head into the weekend.

Continuing the Celebrations (Saturday and Sunday)

The celebrations don’t just stop there, though. People who want to continue the fun — or even those just getting started — still have plenty of options throughout the weekend.

Santa Ana Juneteenth Festival

Live music, food and family activities — these are all things you can look forward to at the city of Santa Ana’s Juneteenth celebration. The event is brought to attendees by the Orange County Heritage Council and is aimed at honoring “freedom, culture and community,” according to the event’s flyer.

34th Annual Santa Monica Juneteenth Celebration

This event is hosted by Tolliver, a funk singer, journalist and a part of the 2025 Cultural Trailblazer cohort. Visitors can expect to enjoy performances from several artists, including Eleganthippy & Butterfly, ADAAWE with support from Broadstage, the Gumbo Brothers and Kobie Dozier Quintet. Don’t forget to also try John Que’s Smokeout for a bite to eat.

Juneteenth Celebration and 5th Annual Roller Jam

Roll into the Juneteenth festivities at Pasadena’s annual Roller Jam, where attendees can appreciate a live DJ, arts and crafts and food for purchase as well.

The city of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is hosting the event, with hopes that people can use this day to reflect and celebrate African American culture and history, while “encouraging continuous self-development and honoring a bright future.”

Friendly: A Diaspora Soccer Experience

This “one-day cultural soccer experience” brings forth opportunities to eat, play soccer and mingle with others.

“Between matches, world-class DJs from each region command the stage, while a surrounding Culture Village immerses guests in iconic cuisine and art installations from these different communities,” according to their event website.

Black Rocks Juneteenth

At this Juneteenth event, visitors can immerse themselves in the festivities by receiving henna, tooth gems, flash tattoos and even massages by a curated array of vendors. Local small Black businesses will also be in attendance, as well as an opportunity for beginner-friendly climbing. An RSVP is recommended by clicking the link in their Instagram bio.

Manhattan Beach Juneteenth Celebration and Concert

Bring a blanket and enjoy a nice picnic on the grass while you listen to live performances at the park’s amphitheater. A variety of food vendors will be available, including Creamy Boys and Nay’s Tacos. Don’t forget to bring something to sit on if you plan on staying awhile.

No matter how you plan to celebrate Juneteenth this year, it’s important to remember the complex history of this celebration. For previous coverage on Juneteenth’s history, visit Aaricka Washington’s story on its importance in L.A.