The Brief

This Sunday, Dec. 31, is your last chance to see the space shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center before it’s taken off public display indefinitely, while the museum finishes building its new permanent home at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in Exposition Park.

Once construction is complete in the next few years, the Endeavour will be displayed in its “ready to launch” position in what will be the world’s only authentic space shuttle stack.

"Go For Stack"

The California Science Center is recreating the Endeavour’s vertical launch position, including all of the equipment that took the orbiter from the surface of the Earth into space on 25 missions.

This has never been done outside of NASA before, according to Ken Phillips, the curator of aerospace science who develops all of the museum's programs and exhibits on space exploration.

“We're basically putting together a giant spaceship, just like NASA did, but not with any of their resources,” he said.

The California Science Center calls this Mission 26: The Big Endeavour.

The Endeavour is quite heavy, about 176,000 pounds, and Phillips said the assembly is unforgiving.

The museum installed the solid rocket booster aft skirts, the first major milestone, in July. These form the base of the solid rocket boosters.

Next, the museum stacked a pair of 116 foot high solid rocket motors directly above those aft skirts.

Earlier this month, crews finished assembling the twin solid rocket boosters. These 52 ton parts were secured to the base of the rockets inside the soon-to-be Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

The twin solid rocket boosters surrounded by construction for the soon-to-be Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Thursday, Dec. 28.

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Makenna Sievertson for LAist

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Phillips said each piece has to be assembled precisely, down to one-tenth of an inch, or else the Endeavour will end up looking like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Plus, some of the certified flight hardware they need is no longer being used by NASA, so getting those components was challenging.

Jeff Rudolph, the president and CEO of the California Science Center, told LAist each step has been more exciting than the last, and people can start to get a sense of the scale of this project now.

What’s next for the Endeavour?

In early January, crews will move the large orange external tank known as “ET-94” to the east end of the California Science Center and bolt it to the solid rocket motors in the new building.

This piece provided all the propellants for the main engines in the space shuttle, Rudolph said, and is the only flight-ready external tank left in the world.

“Then toward the end of the month, after a great deal of Hail Marys and prayers and whatever you believe, we’re going to take the space shuttle Endeavour and we’re going to very slowly back it out,” Phillips said.

Crews will remove the back wall of the Samuel Oschin Pavilion, where the Endeavour is currently temporarily displayed, and move the space shuttle east to its new location. However, it won’t be paraded through the streets of L.A. this time, it will stay on museum property.

Once it's in place, the Endeavour will be lifted about 350 feet into the air and settled down gently into position in its new, permanent home. It will then be bolted into that external tank, which will complete the rest of the space shuttle stack.

“After that, it will be protected while we build the rest of our new building, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, above and around it,” Rudolph said. “And then in a few years, we'll open it up to the public and make the whole experience available to everyone.”

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will double the amount of exhibit space at the California Science Center and feature more than 100 authentic artifacts.

Ken Phillips, the curator of aerospace science at the California Science Center, talks about his vision for the new Endeavour's new home on Thursday, Dec 28.

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Makenna Sievertson for LAist

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Phillips is also responsible for orchestrating the vision of this new addition, which he describes as an invitation to “get in the game.”

He said the exhibits will go over the exploration of the universe — from the rocketships humans ride, to the robots we send to the edge of the solar system, and the telescopes we use to study the stars and galaxies beyond our reach.

There will also be interactive exhibits around NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and an opportunity to go inside a 747 airplane on a simulated flight from L.A. to Korea.

“It's an opportunity for people to get in the game of thinking about how you make all of this stuff possible,” Phillips said. “Where do you get the ideas to create something that lets you see something that's otherwise invisible? Or go to a place that you can't visit yourself?”

Ultimately, as curator, Phillips hopes the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will be a gift to the city that inspires the next generation of engineers, astronauts, and explorers.

But, the California Science Center needs to secure the rest of the funding first.

They’re about $50 million short of their $400 million goal, and Rudolph said every gift makes a difference at this point.

If you want to help support the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, you can sponsor a tile on the Endeavour starting at $1,000, which can be paid in 10 monthly installments.

Some of the thermal protection tiles that people can sponsor to support the California Science Center and its projects.

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Makenna Sievertson for LAist

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“The space shuttle has thousands of thermal protection tiles that protected it when it came back through the earth's atmosphere on re-entry,” Rudolph said. “They’re all unique, and we thought it would be nice to let people associate their name with one.”

You can learn more about that program here.

How did the Endeavour end up at the California Science Center in the first place?

Phillips said he’s been imagining this project for more than 33 years — even before he was with the California Science Center and the Endeavour's maiden mission in 1992.

That was a crazy thing to do, he said, but Phillips figured if the museum could get one of the space shuttles, they would have an opportunity to really explain in detail how it works.

While the Endeavour is an extraordinarily complicated vehicle, Phillips noted that it’s only because people combined their individual talents for this project.

A few families visiting the space shuttle Endeavour on Thursday, Dec. 28, before it's taken off public display indefinitely.

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Makenna Sievertson for LAist

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“If you can demystify that, then people are not so afraid of it and they can say, well, maybe I can do this,” he said. “If I have an interest in this sort of stuff, I can build rocket ships. Maybe I can become an astronaut if I choose. So it's not just about preserving history, it's about inspiring the next generation for the future.”

Phillips credited Rudolph for supporting the idea, because “any sane person would probably have bet against this project.”

Once the California Science Center came up with a vision for the Endeavour, they had to convince NASA they could actually pull it off.

“We were not at all favored to win this,” Phillips noted. “I mean, people were telling me that we were out of the running even before the things were submitted.”

But one fateful morning in 2011, he got a call from a NASA administrator in Florida awarding the California Science Center the space shuttle Endeavour.

Phillips said he sat there, speechless. For three whole minutes, he was the only person to know Los Angeles was about to be this national asset’s new home.

“I think the bottom line is that all of this really is about inspiring people, and we'll do that in any way we can,” he said.

Eleven Los Angeles County workers have been charged with felony grand theft for claiming unemployment benefits, despite working full-time during the pandemic, according to L.A. County District Attorney's Office on Friday.

Similar charges were field against 13 other county employees in October.

The D.A.'s office said the 24 individuals allegedly submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance claims totaling more than $740,000 to the California Employment Development Department between 2020 and 2023 — even though each was working full time and earning at least $3,000 a month.

The D.A.'s office says it'll seek restitution from each person, and that county has reimbursed the state for the stolen money.

If convicted, 23 of the defendants face a maximum sentence of three years in state prison. One defendant faces a maximum sentence of seven years in state prison for additional charges.

The Auditor-Controller’s Office estimates that the county has lost more than $3.5 million from unemployment insurance fraud during the pandemic — either committed by county employees or by those faking the identities of county employees.

This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Friday.

All December, local pop-ups and community arts spaces are hosting holiday markets on the Eastside.

Whether you’re trying to find one-of-a-kind pieces, handmade jewelry, or simply looking to support small businesses during the holidays, we’ve got just the guide for you.

Holiday Mercadito — Tonalli Studio

Inside Tonalli Studio

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Alma Lucia

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Boyle Heights Beat

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Tonalli Studio opens the holiday season with Holiday Mercadito, where you can shop goods from local artists, creatives and printmakers. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping while you check out the opening reception of the studio’s newest exhibition, La Morenita. The showcase will feature over 20 artists, including the works of Chicana altarista Ofelia Esparza, the studio’s co-founder.

Holiday Market Sale — Plaza De La Raza

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Plaza de la Raza

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Plaza de La Raza’s Holiday Market Sale returns this year with its annual host, Los Angeles-based Chicano artist Frank Romero. Taking place in the Boathouse Gallery, the two-day sale will feature a “stop and shop” with artists and other vendors, where attendees can buy unique gifts this holiday season. Admission and parking are free on-site.

Holiday Artist Mercado — LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Visitors exploring the mercado at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

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Courtesy LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

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Local vendors, live screenprinting, holiday-themed workshops and even a Bad Bunny look-alike contest are what you’ll find at this year’s Holiday Artist Mercado. Explore booths featuring jewelry and clothing, and enjoy coffee from Acurrúcame Cafe, while listening to live DJs. Winners of the Bad Bunny look-alike contest will take home a $150 grand prize. Only the first 15 people who arrive in their Bad Bunny attire will be able to participate. A live screenprinting session with artist Mario Hernandez will allow guests to take home limited-edition shirts of Patrick Martinez’s neon art, “Tierra Y Libertad.” Guests also can visit the gift-wrapping station to experiment with a variety of different papers, ribbons and stamps to decorate gifts this holiday season. The event is free. You can let them know you’re attending by registering here.

Goddess & Queer Jingle Mingle — The East LA Goddess and Queer Mercado

A vendor at the 2024 Goddess and Queer Jingle Mingle event in East L.A.

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Courtesy Goddess Mercado

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Monthly East L.A. pop-ups Goddess Mercado and Queer Mercado are combining Latina and queer vendors for this special holiday collaboration event. The holiday fiesta encourages attendees to shop with intention and explore the unique arts and gifts for sale. Beyond shopping for the holidays, guests can check out the East LA Farmers Market, full of goods and community resources to explore. The event will feature live entertainment, a fashion show, an art walk, food and creative workshops. From clothing, apothecary, cosmetics, books and even handmade goods, the Goddess and Queer Jingle Mingle can be your next stop this gifting season.

Brigade Artisan Marketplace Solstice Holiday Sale — Brigade Artisan Marketplace

The 14th annual Solstice Holiday Sale returns to the Pico Aliso Recreation Center this year. This free family event will feature handmade gifts, fine art, self-care products and vintage upcycled fashion. The first 20 shoppers who purchase from a vendor will be entered into a raffle to win gifts and prizes. There also will be a raffle fundraiser with proceeds for IMPACTO Youth Programming. Grab some food and desserts while you catch live entertainment, including guest DJs and Danza Mexica performances. A solstice community altar will be on display for guests to leave an offering.

Mercado Del Pueblo Winter Marketplace

Eastside Cafe and Mercado Del Pueblo return this year to host the 24th annual Mercado Del Pueblo Holiday Market. This two-day event is open to all ages and will have a variety of activities to enjoy, from live DJ entertainment to food and drinks and raffles. Attendees also can shop around to support local artisan vendors and makers all weekend long.

Barrio Flea: Holiday Makers Market — Ray and Roy’s Market

The inaugural Barrio Flea Holiday Makers Market will take place at the new Ray and Roy’s Market, which opened earlier this year. Featuring over 20 vendors, makers and curators, you can find a selection of original handmade gifts, vintage clothing, art, jewelry and prints for sale, among many other goods. The event will have holiday Mexican wine specials and food pop-ups for folks looking to grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the sounds of DJs Linda Nuves and Ojos de Hojas while shopping locally. The Holiday Market is free and open to all ages.

Holiday Mercadito — Self Help Graphics & Art

Self Help Graphics & Art Marketplace.

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Eric Jaipal

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Self Help Graphics & Art

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This year, the Lincoln Heights Senior Center will transform into a Holiday Mercadito hosted by Self-Help Graphics and Art. Attendees can shop a variety of art, high-quality goods, crafts and decor from L.A.-based artists and artisans. Explore the booths, art and vendors — you might just find something for everyone on your list here.

By Our People For Our People: Community Night Market — InnerCity Struggle

InnerCity Struggle is hosting a community night market, By Our People For Our People. The organization encourages people to bring their loved ones and shop small this holiday season. Enjoy free food, giveaways and activities for all ages, including a DIY holiday gift-making activation. The evening also will feature local artists and vendors and a free community closet.

As the one year anniversary of the Palisades fire approaches, a group of volunteers and Scouts with Scouting America are headed back to a beloved camp for the first time since it was lost in the blaze.

An historic site

The 110-acre site nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains known as Camp Josepho has welcomed thousands of Scouts since the 1940s. But a change in the direction of the wind during the Palisades Fire meant it would never look the same again. Pretty much everything was lost in the blaze, save for a concrete pool house.

“It’s a bit of a gut check, it almost doesn’t feel real, 85 years of camp... was just decimated that fast and that suddenly,” Nathan Erlandson, chief operating officer of Scouting America’s Western Los Angeles County Council, told LAist.

An undated photo of Camp Josepho

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Courtesy Dr. John S. Dahlem

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Listed as a Los Angeles Historical Cultural Monument, the land was gifted to the organization by the Josepho family. Ganna Josepho was a silent film star. Her husband, Anatol Josepho is credited with inventing the photo booth, which was coined the ‘Photomaton.’

Anatol Josepho

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Courtesy Dr. John S. Dahlem

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For decades, Scouts young and old have made the pilgrimage back to the place.

“Some of the older generation, a lot of them are no longer with us, they absolutely loved their experiences down there. It was just such a beautiful location,” said Lee Harrison, Scout executive for Western Los Angeles County Council. He’s been involved with his local council since he was 15, nearly four decades ago.

Harrison remembered Camp Josepho before the fire, when it was complete with the towering Malibu Lodge, which was built with redwood by aircraft manufacturer Donald Douglas and resembled a hangar.

Harrison used to love throwing his sleeping bag down in front of the lodge’s towering stone fireplace.

“It is irreplaceable and had a tremendous amount of history in it. And that’s the saddest part is that you would walk into that cavernous space, you could look at all the names that were written on the walls... And all of that’s gone,” he said.

Many famous and notable people visited Camp Josepho over the years, at least one of them uninvited.

Camp Josepho post Palisades Fire

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Aaron Kupferman

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There was the time Adam Sandler buzzed onto the historic grounds.

“He drove his gold cart down into the camp one day, and the site manager who was there had no idea who he was and chased him out of the camp. And he [Sandler] said ‘I’ll never come back here again,’” Harrison recalled.

This weekend, Scouts and members of the community will start to bring the place back to life, weeding out non-native plants and invasive species that have sprung to life around the ruins.

What's left of a pool at Camp Josepho

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Aaron Kupferman

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Harrison said the hope is to build the camp back with a lighter footprint, blending it more with the surrounding nature.

“People were -- and are -- very passionate about this place. And I think primarily because we’re able to bring lots of kids who don’t necessarily get access to the outdoors... in a very easy and quick way,” he said.

Harris and Erlandson said they are looking for support from the community as they breathe new life into the camp. You can visit their website to learn how you can help.

It's the ultimate road for the ultimate driving machine, known for its coiling, hairpin turns that have lent a 2.4-mile stretch of Mulholland Highway the sobriquet of "The Snake."

On Tuesday, this famous squiggle etched through the Santa Monica Mountains finally reopened, seven years after it was shut down by the Woolsey Fire.

Here’s the catch: People who live in the area and enthusiasts who frequent the route wish you didn’t know. More about that later. But first, let’s take a short drive down memory lane.

Connecting L.A.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Mulholland Drive in 1923, called Mulholland Highway at the time.

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Keystone Photo Service

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Courtesy Security Pacific National Bank Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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Aerial view of Mulholland Drive taken in 1924, looking east over the Hollywood Hills from a point just east of Girard.

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Robert E. Spence

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Courtesy Security Pacific National Bank Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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The Mulholland corridor, all 50-some miles of it, has long lured motorists chasing speed against a scrolling backdrop of the city. In fact, when the thoroughfare carrying the name of the man who brought water to modern Los Angeles first opened in 1924, the prediction was that it'd become "one of the best known scenic roads in the United States."

The project, backed by landowners who wanted to bring development to the Hollywood Hills, was conceived to link the burgeoning city to the mountains and the sea.

The road has inspired art, film — and since its earliest days, movie stars. Before World War II, it was Gary Cooper and John Carradine taking their Duesenbergs there for a spin. In the 1950s, James Dean used its turns and switchbacks as a training course of sorts.

"All I've been doing is driving around Mulholland Drive," said the actor, according to lore, after placing second overall in the Palm Spring Road Races.

A winding Mulholland Drive in Hollywood Hills in 1933.

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Courtesy Security Pacific National Bank Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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View of the Hollywoodland sign from Mulholland

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Herman J Schultheis

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Herman J Schultheis Collection / Los Angeles Photographers Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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A decade later, it was Steve McQueen, taking The Snake on his Jaguar or Triumph, before making a pit stop at the Rock Store, the nearby biker hangout.

The bad stretch

As legends of the road grew, so too did the crowd, including thrill-seekers — locally and from all corners of the world — looking to strut their stuff.

For years, a YouTube channel documented these rides and wipeouts, with cameras set up at the unofficial end of The Snake, dubbed Edwards Corner.

Officer G. H. Yeaton gives Norman Norlander directions atop Mulholland Drive at Beverly Glen as children wave placards urging traffic safety in 1937.

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Gordon Dean

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Courtesy Valley Times Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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Those videos stopped in 2018 after the Woolsey Fire and mudslides a year later caused major damage to The Snake.

Keeping it low key

Now, those 2.4 miles finally have reopened. But instead of fanfare, it’s been met with controversy and a hope that outsiders don’t notice.

That’s because a debate was raging about whether the stretch should be reopened at all to the public.

On the one side, you have homeowners and residents who have long been turned off by the noise and the open exhaust pipes — not to mention the crashes — from a constant stream of motorists.

Skyline view of downtown Los Angeles from Mulholland Drive

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Jeff Thurlow

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COVID-19 Community Archive, Los Angeles Public Library

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On the other, you have the riding clubs and Mulholland regulars wary of the same thing: that overuse will bring the callous riders, complaints and crashes of the before times.

“Sadly, irresponsible riders will have it closed again before you know it,” a poster in a Facebook thread said of The Snake’s reopening.

The question was even addressed by L.A. County Public Works officials in an FAQ issued this year, where they said the roadway did not meet the criteria for a permanent closure and that closing it permanently would cut off a key access point for residents.

LAist reached out to a number of riders for the story, to no avail. Same with our request to the CHP division that oversees The Snake.

So there you have it. The famed route is now open. Just don’t expect any welcoming waves if you venture through.