The iconic video store Vidiots has been up and running in its new location since last summer … and by all accounts, movie fans are delighted with the space: the vintage Eagle Theatre in Eagle Rock.
Why it matters: The success brings joy to executive director Maggie Mackay who says she felt enormous pressure when reviving both Vidiots and the Eagle last year.
“ I knew, leading a project like this in a very male centric industry, that if it wasn't perfect, I would always think, they don't think a girl can run a movie theater,” she said.
Why now: How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro explores the yesterday and today of Vidiots and the Eagle Theatre. It’s part of a How to LA series called Revival House — a love letter to L.A.’s independent movie houses.
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Revival House: Vidiots Brings 60,000 DVDs and a New Theater to a Historic Space
The story of Vidiots is really the revival of not one iconic movie spot, but two. Yes, the beloved Santa Monica video store has been reborn in Eagle Rock, but that rebirth included a massive makeover of the nearly 100-year-old Eagle Theater, which had been left derelict before Vidiots bought it in 2019.
These days, Vidiots is screening movies most nights in the theater while renting titles in its collection of 60,000 DVDs and Blu-ray discs on site. Not to mention selling swag, snacks and libations to the movie-going public.
The beginnings
Vidiots first opened on the corner of 3rd Street and Pico Boulevard in 1985, and it was an immediate fan favorite. You could find anything there, from popular hits to the classics, and titles that were just impossible to find elsewhere.
People wait in line outside of Vidiots for an event with David O. Russell.
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Courtesy Vidiots via Facebook
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Courtesy Vidiots via Facebook
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Longtime Vidiots devotee, actor and director Noah Segan, credits the founders, Patty Polinger and Cathy Tauber, with carefully curating its inventory and being creative with what they made available.
“From its earliest inception, they put so much care and effort into ensuring that they were stewards for queer and female and punk rock and outsider cinema,” Segan said, adding that Vidiots took advantage of the VHS format of the time, which could be dubbed and shared easily.
“You could have people donate bootlegs and student films and stuff that did not get traditional distribution,” Segan said.
“Vidiots was so famous, and it was on everybody's list of places to visit if you really want to be an Angeleno,” added Vidiots executive director Maggie Mackay. “I was blown away by it as a film lover and just a citizen of the city.”
Technology eventually surpassed the store, and it struggled. The VHS tapes that once helped Vidiots stay hip became obsolete and DVDs were dying as streaming services took off.
The shop still had a devoted following, and patrons worked hard, donating money to keep it afloat. But it became clear the business model was no longer sustainable and in 2017, the Santa Monica store closed.
A second life
It was during this time that Mackay joined the team. The founders were already hatching a new plan, trying to figure how they could reopen … somewhere … in Los Angeles, and brought in Mackay, a former film festival programmer who self-describes as “the crazy video store lady,” to help.
“The first time I met Patty and Cathy, we talked about access … about how important places like Vidiots are for children and for inspiring new generations,” Mackay recalled. “When I walked out, I knew there was absolutely no way I could walk away from it … even if I was jumping on with gusto to the deck of the Titanic.”
To try and stay afloat, Vidiots had switched to a nonprofit model in the mid-2010s. But to reopen in a new space, they’d need a new plan, and a lot of help.
“When I found out I had to write a business plan, let me tell you, it was not the best day of my life,” Mackay said. “I was like, 'I'm a film programmer. I don't know how to write business plans.' But I knew enough people who I could surround myself with who would get me where we needed to be.”
Mackay had some basic criteria when looking for a new home for Vidiots, and she had a sense that the northeast side of L.A. might be the best place to look, as it was known as a “movie theater desert.”
Still, it was a stroke of luck that led her to the Eagle Theatre.
Vidiots in Eagle Rock.
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Julie Leopo
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In 2019, Mackay drove by a building in her neighborhood and noticed a “for lease” sign. The landlords turned out to be former Vidiots customers.
“That was luck,” said Mackay.
“When we found the movie theater was when everything kind of changed,” she added. “Because now we were bringing back two very important film hubs to the city of Los Angeles.”
The Eagle
The Eagle Theatre has been a fixture on the corner of Yosemite and Eagle Rock Boulevard since 1929. It opened as the Yosemite Theatre, and was dubbed the New Eagle Theatre in 1937.
Like many cinemas during the Depression, seeing a movie at the New Eagle came with games of chance, door prizes, and even dish nights — evenings where your movie ticket came with a dish, or plate, you could take home.
The Eagle Theatre, circa 1972
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Courtesy Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation
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Decades later, in the 70s, the incentives to get people in the door of a movie theater looked a little different.
Vincent Miranda, the owner of the Pussycat Theater, a famous west coast adult film house chain, purchased the Eagle in the mid-70s.
But according to theater historian Ross Melnick,a group called STOP: Stamp Out Pornography, pledged to shut down the theater, sending daily groups of picketers.
The theater changed hands again not long after, and stopped showing adult films. It ran as a cinema until the beginning of the 21st century, becoming a church in the early 2000s and remaining as such until 2019.
The stress of reopening
When Vidiots decided to move forward on renovating the Eagle, they needed money. A lot of money. The pandemic hit four months after signing the lease, prolonging renovations. Mackay said Vidiots had already launched a campaign for capital that then “increased pretty exponentially because of all of the things that you can imagine.”
Maggie Mackay, Vidiots executive director, looks through a collection of over 11,000 VHS tapes, including some rare titles, on Feb. 27, 2024.
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Donations came pouring in from founding members (that’s folks donating $5,000 or more) like Noah Segan, the Duplass Brothers and director Rian Johnson. There were also and corporate sponsors like MUBI, Alamo Drafthouse, and GKIDS, which meant Vidiots raised more than $2 million to reopen. Still, that monetary support didn’t relieve some of the pressure Mackay was feeling.
“I knew leading a project like this in a very male-centric industry, that if it wasn't perfect … I would always think, they don't think a girl can run a movie theater,” she said.
Mackay added that she surrounded herself with experts, and “almost in tears,” called up Jules McLean, the theater manager at the New Beverly Cinema. She said McLean’s recommendations became an invaluable resource in shaping the theater.
Paying it forward
Vidiots has been up and running in its new location since last summer and by all accounts, movie fans are delighted with the space. The people keep coming and Vidiots will be one of the theaters hosting screenings as part of the new Los Angeles Festival of Movies this coming April.
In thinking about this project as she was building it, Mackay said, “I was very certain that people would come to the movies. I was pretty certain that they would come back to the video store. I did not anticipate that we would just be sellouts multiple times a week on the movie theater and that we would have, by now, rented over 30, 000 titles on DVD and Blu-ray.”
Over the course of the reopening process, Vidiots found some support in small grant organizations, and the Golden Globe Foundation and the National Association of Theater Operators. But they didn’t have the bandwidth — or the connections — to tap into resources at larger organizations.
That challenge is informing what Mackay called “the next phase” of Vidiots.
“The dream is that we can be a generator for places like this, and in every city, state, and town, there is someone like me who sees the gap, wants to fill it, and has the blind faith to do it,” Mackay said of the impact project Vidiots hopes to launch. “I would like to support those people, and I would like to give them whatever resources we have available.”
Matt Dangelantonio
has always been fascinated by sports teams' jersey and logo designs, and loves a good alternate jersey.
Published April 3, 2026 10:54 AM
Shohei Ohtani wearing the Dodgers new blue road jerseys, which the team debuted Friday, April 3 against the Washington Nationals.
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Scott Taetsch
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Getty Images North America
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Topline:
The Dodgers debuted a brand new blue road jersey for its game against the Washington Nationals. The new blues will now be part of the team's regular season jersey rotation for away games.
Why it matters: The team says it's a first for the Dodgers, who have traditionally only worn their gray jerseys for away games. The Dodgers now have three road options — two gray jerseys, one that says "Los Angeles" across the front and another that says "Dodgers," along with the new blues.
Dodger Blue.
For the first time in history, the Dodgers will be wearing a blue jersey as part of their regular uniform rotation on the road. pic.twitter.com/ce3EVFVJTd
The backstory: You've probably seen the Dodgers wearing similar blue jerseys during spring training, but up until now they've not been an everyday option for regular season games. It won't be the first time the team wears a blue jersey during the regular season, though. In 2021, the Dodgers debuted blue "City Connect" jerseys, seen below, for that season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wearing the team's 2021 City Connect uniform.
Elly Yu
reports on early childhood. From housing to health, she covers issues facing the youngest Angelenos and their families.
Published April 3, 2026 5:00 AM
Under a new law that went into effect this year, childcare providers are barred from asking about a child's or family member’s immigration status.
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Maria Gutierrez
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Topline:
Under a new law that went into effect this year, childcare providers are barred from asking about a child's or family member’s immigration status.
What’s new: California Attorney General Rob Bonta provided guidance this week to childcare providers on new legal requirements to protect children and their families from immigration enforcement activities.
The backstory: Lawmakers passed AB 495 last year aimed at helping and protecting families in light of immigration enforcement, including allowing a broader definition of relatives to step in as a caregiver if a parent is detained.
The details: Under the new requirements, childcare centers have to regularly update a child’s emergency contact to make sure someone can be reached in the case of a parent being detained.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta provided guidance this week to childcare providers on new legal requirements to protect children and their families from immigration enforcement activities.
Under a new law that went into effect this year, childcare providers are not allowed to collect information about a child's or family member’s immigration status, unless necessary under state or federal law. Bonta’s office says there currently is no such requirement, though that could change with federal programs like Head Start.
“Childcare and preschool facilities should be safe and secure spaces so children can grow, learn and simply be children,” Bonta said in a statement.
His office says daycare centers also should not keep information about a formerly enrolled child longer than is required by state law.
The new law also requires facilities to inform the attorney general’s office and the state’s licensing agency if they get any requests for information from law enforcement related to immigration enforcement.
Facilities also must ask families to regularly update a child’s emergency contact information to make sure someone can be reached in case a parent is detained by federal immigration officials.
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Warnings and advisories: Wind advisory, High Wind Advisory
What to expect: Partly cloudy skies, warmer weather and strong winds courtesy of the Santa Ana winds.
Read on ... for more details.
QUICK FACTS
Today’s weather: Partly cloudy
Beaches: Mid-70s
Mountains: Mid-60s to around 70 degrees
Inland: 75 to 81 degrees
Warnings and advisories: Wind advisory, High Wind Advisory
The Santa Ana winds are here to welcome us into the weekend, bringing warmer temperatures.
The winds will reach Point Mugu to the Santa Clarita Valley, down to Orange County and parts of the Inland Empire valleys and foothills east of the 5 Freeway.
Peak gusts are expected to reach 35 to 55 mph. The western San Gabriel Mountains, Highway 14 corridor, Santa Susana Mountains and the western Santa Monica Mountains are under a high wind warning until 6 p.m., when gusts could reach 65 mph.
As for temperatures, highs for L.A. County beaches will reach the upper 70s and up to the low 80s for inland areas.
Parts of Orange County and Coachella Valley will see temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s, with the warmest areas expected to reach 88 degrees.
Jill Replogle
covers public corruption, debates over our voting system, culture war battles — and more.
Published April 3, 2026 5:00 AM
Green Cheek Beer Company in Costa Mesa is one of many local breweries that welcomes small humans and furry friends.
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Jill Replogle
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Topline:
Getting together with friends at a bar or pub tends to get a lot harder when children and needy pets enter the mix. But Orange County has a solution — dog- and kid-friendly breweries.
Key ingredients: Spacious patios, a water bowl for the pooch, and food — either made onsite or, at the least, easy and quick to order and get delivered from somewhere else. Plus, of course, great beer from small, independent, local breweries.
Where to go: We have recommendations in Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and Fountain Valley.
Getting together with friends at a bar or pub tends to get a lot harder when children and needy pets enter the mix. One solution — Breweries! Beer gardens! Brewpubs!
Because parents (of kids and pets) want to go out, too — and not necessarily to a fast food restaurant with an indoor playground and no beer.
Thankfully, the Orange County suburbs where I live have gotten on board with my family- and pet-friendly craft brewery dreams. The key ingredients for me are spacious patios, a water bowl for the pooch, and food — either made onsite or, at the least, easy and quick to order and get delivered from somewhere else. Board and pub games are an added bonus.
Plus, of course, great beer from small, independent, local breweries. On the beer front, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of beer I encountered on my self-arranged tour of breweries in the Costa Mesa-Huntington Beach area.
Gone are the dark, dank days of nothing but IPA (IYKYK); now, you can find everything from pickle-tinged blondes, to mild sours, to rich and creamy stouts. If you’re not a big beer fan, every place I visited also had their own craft-made hard seltzers on the menu, as well as some non-alcoholic beverages.
Here are some of my favorites:
Riip (Huntington Beach)
Riip in Huntington Beach has two spots with full kitchens specializing in pizza and a wide variety of IPAs and other beer styles.
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Riip has been a family favorite since the company opened its first tasting room in Sunset Beach in 2015, with board games and tables the kids could write on. They have since expanded a lot, with a pizzeria next door and another location near Fountain Valley, which also serves excellent pizza, and has a small arcade to keep the kiddos busy.
One thing they do especially well: For serious IPA drinkers, Riip is your place. They usually have at least half a dozen different IPAs on tap, along with a decent variety of other beers, lighter and darker.
This place is great for … dinner after the kids’ [insert sport] game. Also for date night.
Locations: 17236 Pacific Coast Highway; 19171 Magnolia Street #12, Huntington Beach Hours: Monday through Thurs, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
At Flashpoint Brewing Company in Huntington Beach, you can check out the brewing vats and other machinery up close while enjoying the results.
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Flashpoint Brewing Co. (Huntington Beach)
I only recently discovered Flashpoint, which opened in 2020 on an industrial street near Huntington Beach Central Park. I actually love this aspect of craft brewery taprooms: they’re often located outside of trendy food and retail areas because they need to be able to actually brew beer there as well as serve it.
Flashpoint has a big patio lit with fairy lights. The tall doors of their brewing area, and an adjacent room with the taps and more tables are rolled up during opening hours, giving it a spacious, indoor-outdoor feel.
One thing they do especially well: All the beers I tried were highly drinkable. In other words, not crazy hoppy or overly heavy on flavors. The nectarine sour was especially good, refreshing with just the right amount of tartness.
This place is great for … An early evening toast, watching the clouds turn pink.
Location: 7302 Autopark Drive, Huntington Beach Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Green Cheek Beer Co. in Costa Mesa serves great beer and food, including shareable, snackable items like pad thai cauliflower.
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Green Cheek Beer Co. (Costa Mesa)
Green Cheek Beer Co. now has three locations in Orange County and one in Oceanside. Their Costa Mesa spot is conveniently located not far from the city’s Bark Park. So, naturally, after my pooch has fun, I deserve a cold one.
Green Cheek has a huge covered patio filled with long picnic tables. My dog, Ace, was very happy to find a bowl of water set out for their canine visitors, and lots of pets from the humans.
One thing they do especially well: Green Cheek makes great beer. But what I love most about their Costa Mesa spot is that you can soak up the alcohol with food, including smash burgers, tots, and pad thai cauliflower, from their good and reliably fast kitchen.
This place is great for … reading a book, or making a new friend! Their long picnic tables make it easy to opt in or out of the surrounding social scene.
Location: 2957 Randolph Avenue, Unit B, Costa Mesa Hours: Sunday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Bootlegger's Brewery outside the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa has a quiet patio for day drinking, and a lively trivia night scene.
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Bootlegger’s Brewery (Costa Mesa)
Within walking distance of Green Cheek is Bootlegger’s Brewery. Bootlegger’s started in Fullerton, and now also has tasting rooms in Costa Mesa and Redlands.
Their Costa Mesa spot is on the outskirts of the LAB Anti-Mall, a collection of small businesses and restaurants, at least one of which will deliver food to your table. A section of the parking lot has been turned into a nice outdoor patio with sun shades for daytime and heat lamps for chillier evening hours.
One thing they do especially well: Their Kosher Crusher pickle blonde ale. They debuted it last fall and it is seriously good — light, refreshing, and just a little bit zesty.
This place is great for … “working” on a Friday afternoon (I was not the only one there typing one-handed on my laptop with a beer in the other), and then inviting friends to join you for happy hour.
Location: 696 Randolph Avenue, Suite B, Costa Mesa Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
There's an ambiance for everyone at Salty Bear Brewing Co. in Costa Mesa.
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Salty Bear Brewing Company
Salty Bear is part of The Camp, an uber-cool retail and restaurant complex also within walking distance of Green Cheek and Bootlegger’s (you can do a tasting tour!).
Salty Bear is worth a visit for the aesthetics alone. It has a great bar with midcentury tiling and dimpled red leather. The sprawling, leafy outdoor patio provides plenty of room for the kids to wander.
One thing they do especially well: Their Coastline Strawberry Blonde made me nostalgic for the fruity beers that got me hooked on craft beer in my 20s — but so much better.
This place is great for … Kickin’ it on the patio with friends, either listening to live music, or letting your kids practice performing on the teepee-themed outdoor stage.
Location: 2948 Randolph Avenue, C, Costa Mesa Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
