The Brief

After years of construction, the California Science Center’s expansion in Exposition Park will be open to the public on Nov. 13, officials announced Wednesday.

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is a 200,000-square-foot addition to the museum and space shuttle Endeavour’s new, permanent home.

According to officials, it’ll be the only place in the world where guests can see a complete, authentic space shuttle system displayed in launch position — just like it would look before it blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Endeavour spans about 20 stories tall in the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, one of three main galleries that will be filled with hands-on exhibits and authentic aerospace artifacts. The center will be free to visit.

Jeff Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center, told LAist the upcoming opening is a dream that’s been decades in the making.

“The sense of wonder and inspiration is exactly what we dreamed could happen, and so far, everyone that comes in we see that … the tears, the exclamations, it's just amazing.”

The California Science Center’s expansion in Exposition Park will be open to the public on Nov. 13, officials announced Wednesday.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

Endeavour spans about 20 stories tall.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

Preparing for the public

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center finished construction around Endeavour earlier this year, after each of the space shuttle components were lifted into place in the construction zone.

The roughly six-month process of attaching the flown orbiter — Endeavour — to twin solid rocket boosters and the last remaining flight-qualified external tank was called “Go For Stack.” Museum officials said the complex process had never been done outside of a NASA facility.

The space shuttle has been hidden from public view for more than two years since Endeavour reached for the stars one last time in the “Go For Stack” mission — at least until now.

The space shuttle Endeavour "soft-mated" in its permanent ready-to-launch position in the construction zone for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

People watch as Endeavour orbiter is being lowered into its ready-to-launch from the construction zone for the new building.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

A close-up of the orbiter as its slowly but surely lowered into its "Go For Stack" position next to the external tank and twin solid rocket boosters.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

Before walking into the shuttle gallery, guests will be shown a short film about Endeavour’s history made in conjunction with J.J. Abrams’ production company Bad Robot. As the space shuttle starts launching in the film, mist fills the room and the screen rises to reveal the real star of the show — Endeavour.

As its name suggests, Endeavour is the centerpiece of the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery. It was the last gallery to be unveiled by the California Science Center, months after offering sneak peeks of the Korean Air Aviation Gallery and Kent Kresa Space Gallery.

The shuttle gallery shows how the first reusable spacecraft helped humans live and work beyond Earth’s surface in low orbit, according to the museum. Officials said it preserves a critical part of space exploration — Endeavour was the last orbiter to join the shuttle fleet, traveling more than 122 million miles on over two dozen missions.

Guests can see the space shuttle stack from several levels and angles, including the thermal tiles on Endeavour’s underbelly, the NASA logo on the side and looking up underneath the engines.

With Endeavour in vertical launch position, guests can see all the intricate details of the space shuttle, including the engines and thermal tiles that protected it when it came back through Earth's atmosphere.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

John “Danny” Olivas, a former NASA astronaut who flew on Atlantis and Discovery, told LAist the shuttle program ushered in an era of space exploration that America had never seen before. He said it was an era of inclusion and diversity that brought the first Black astronaut, the first Hispanic astronaut and the first women in space, to name a few.

“It opened up the eyes of the American public that all of us can participate in this, you know, this wonderful endeavor of space exploration for the betterment of all humanity,” Olivas said.

Beyond the historical significance, it’s designed to inspire the next generation of explorers, scientists and engineers by offering "unparalleled" views of the space shuttle, according to the museum. In fact, Rudolph said guests get an even better view of Endeavour in the gallery than when it was on the launchpad surrounded by platforms and equipment.

Olivas said it’s also a homecoming for Endeavour — the space shuttle was assembled in Palmdale with the "hard work and effort of Southern Californians."

John "Danny" Olivas, a former NASA astronaut who flew on two shuttles Atlantis and Discovery, encouraged future visitors to pay attention to all of Endeavour's details, from the nuts to insulation and everything in between.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

“We remain to be active in space exploration,” he said. “It's not just about seven astronauts climbing aboard and going off into low Earth orbit or to the moon, but in fact, all the hundreds of thousands people that it takes to actually make that happen.”

The finishing touches

The California Science Center still has a lot of work to do before the first guests walk into the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in around five months.

With Endeavour and many major pieces in place, including the front of a Boeing 747 and jets suspended from the ceiling, attention turns to adding all the interactive exhibits that will make the space come to life.

The first of many artifacts have been installed in the Kent Kresa Space Gallery, including a space shuttle main engine (right) and a solid rocket booster segment.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

Walter Cho, chairman of Korean Air, celebrated the first aircraft installed in the Korean Air Aviation Gallery, including the front of a real Boeing 747-400 that was built for the airline in 1993.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

The roughly 20 aircraft that’ll be displayed — some already suspended from the ceiling — were selected by the California Science Center for the engineering principles they can teach.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

The exterior of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in November 2025.

(

Makenna Cramer

/

LAist

)

The California Science Center is still looking to raise about $40 million more toward its $450 million fundraising goal. You can learn more about the EndeavourLA campaign here.

It may be entering a new era, but walking into the Original Pantry Cafe still feels like stepping back in time. The caged cash register is still there, with a worn spot on the floor in front of it, and the wood-board menus listing the day’s specials in chalk.

The iconic diner, which had served downtown L.A. from the corner of Ninth and Figueroa streets for over 100 years, closed in March 2025 amid a labor dispute, after the trust that owned it decided to sell the property. Now, under new ownership, it reopens Thursday, Nov. 19.

Leo Pustilnikov, a developer, bought the building in September 2025, and Hope the Mission, a San Fernando Valley nonprofit, will now run it, with all profits going to shelters for L.A.’s unhoused community.

Longtime staff are returning under a new contract with UNITE HERE Local 11. Rowan Vansleve, president of Hope the Mission, called bringing them back “incredibly emotional.”

What’s back and what’s not

Fans of the Pantry will find familiar names on the menu, including the famous coleslaw and sourdough toast from Frisco Baking Co. And of course, the beloved pancakes make their triumphant return, now made from scratch.

“We’ve got the same sourdough that we were using prior to Hope the Mission coming in,” Vansleve said.

The Pantry’s dining room and long counter keep their classic diner look, with a new bakery case near the front windows.

(

Courtesy The Original Pantry Cafe

)

Other dishes got a 2026 makeover. The Denver omelet now uses poblano peppers, the fried chicken sandwich comes with a spicy chile glaze and pickled radish, and a new bakery case is stocked with cookies, pies, chocolate malt crunch cake and peach cobbler.

“There are a few alterations on the menu,” Vansleve said. “Tastes have changed, and this needs to be successful.”

Two new sandwiches are named after donors who helped fund the reopening. The Betty Burger comes with Cooper sharp cheese, grilled onions, house pickles and Pantry Gold sauce on a sesame bun. Grant’s Sky High Deli piles half a pound of warm corned beef with Gruyère, horseradish slaw and mustard on toasted rye.

“I’m really excited for people to try our burger,” said executive chef Daniel Hur.

A stack of buttermilk pancakes made from scratch costs $16.

(

Courtesy

/

Courtesy The Original Pantry Cafe

)

Buttermilk pancakes are $16, and the classic breakfast platter — eggs, meat, Pantry potatoes and toast — is $21.

“We did a lot of research to make sure that we’re just under pretty much everyone else in the local area,” Vansleve said. “We’re not gonna gouge you.”

The Pantry no longer runs around the clock, and it now takes cards.

But Vansleve hopes the shortened hours will be temporary. “The Pantry’s not truly back until it’s 24 hours,” he acknowledged, adding that hours will expand as demand allows. He also hopes to reopen Riordan’s Tavern, the adjoining bar, “in some renewed format sometime late next year.”

Not everyone is sold

As soon as the new menu was posted online, commenters flooded the restaurant’s Instagram page and Reddit, pleading for nothing to change.

Hur, who grew up in Culver City, said he understands. “I love Tito’s Tacos. It’s been around since the ’50s. If someone came in there and changed the Tito’s Taco, I’d be like, ‘Why?’” he said. “So I get it.”

The specials board greets Angelenos ahead of the Nov. 19 reopening.

(

Courtesy The Original Pantry Cafe

)

Hur said he’s had to weigh purists against diners looking for something new, aiming to welcome back regulars while drawing in a new crowd. He’s open to feedback. “I know even if I’m not open to it, I’m gonna get it,” he said. “So I might as well be open to it.”

Vansleve’s pitch is simpler: “Give it a go, come in.”

Every meal helps, he said. “100% of the profits is gonna go back to the charity.” Hope the Mission runs 35 shelters housing about 3,500 people on any given night, according to Vansleve

To reach its 24-hour goal, he said, “We need to see those lines around the corner like they used to be.”

One of Broadway’s most popular shows in years, Oh, Mary! is now at the Ahmanson Theatre through Dec. 6. It stars drag performer extraordinaire Alaska Thunderf*ck 5000, known mononymously as Alaska.

Alaska caught up with LAist host Julia Paskin to talk about taking the Tony Award-winning dark comedy on the road, how competing on RuPaul's Drag Race has changed over the years, and where to see a great drag show in Los Angeles.

A role she was made for

The list of actors who have played the titular role of Mary ranges from seasoned comedians, like show creator Cole Escola, to Jane Krakowski and Bowen Yang, the latter of whom is currently on an extended Broadway run.

Jane Krakowski during her broadway run in "Oh, Mary!"

(

Emilio Madrid

/

Center Theater Group

)

“It's going on my tombstone,” Alaska said. “Like, it's the biggest deal ever.”

The role not only has big proverbial shoes to fill, but also requires donning a large, heavy hoopskirt for a costume. That was not a problem.

“If you ever just wanna, like, change your entire personality, just put on a hoopskirt,” she said. “It really changes the way you move and the way you kinda act and the way you stand. That's drag, I guess, because drag is sort of transforming based on what you're putting on your body, and it really does change everything.”

The higher cost to compete on Drag Race 

Speaking of drag, Alaska initially rose to fame appearing on Season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013 and the second season of the All Stars spinoff in 2016, which she won. Longtime fans of the reality show can confirm a lot has changed over the years with the competition becoming more expensive and queens investing in pricey, commissioned costume pieces and drag accessories.

Alaska said she’s grateful she competed when she did.

“I got in under the wire,” Alaska said. “I got onto that show back when you could show up with a bag of dirty laundry and you could do pretty well. When I went on that show the first time, I was borrowing stuff from other girls. I really just went to the thrift store and got some stuff. I had my friends make some stuff with me as well.”

She says the pressure is also more intense with the audience expecting a high production quality.

“The viewership is so knowledgeable about fabrics, and designers, and fashion, and polish and wig lines,” Alaska added. “That's good. I mean, I think that it's a pendulum, and it swings back and forth. Yes, we love to see exquisite, fabulous costumery on Drag Race. But, we also like to see some, stupid, silly drag as well.”

Where to catch great drag in LA 

Alaska recommends Meatball’s Phat Slut show at Precinct in downtown L.A., and added "anything happening at Precinct is going to be unique, fierce, fun, and just like an excellent vibe.”

Another top recommendation is “The Golden Girls Live” from drag queens Jackie Beat and Sherry Vine.

“It happens in a very small room,” Alaska said. “So you're literally sitting onstage with the Golden Girls. There's really nothing like it.”

You can see Alaska in Oh, Mary! at the Ahmanson Theatre and when her Revolution Tour stops in at Pacific Electric May 8, 2027.

Rhea Borja and her husband, Eric Wee, bought their home in Altadena in 2022. After the January 2025 Eaton Fire, it still stood, in a pocket of other homes that also survived.

At first, that was a relief. As many fire survivors have found, though, remediating smoke damage has been nearly as daunting as rebuilding a home that burned.

That has been true for Borja and Wee too. They’ve been living in Northern California since the fire, while they work to get their home cleared of the toxic remnants of the smoke.

The Eaton Fire destroyed 9,414 structures, including homes and businesses. For the thousands of structures were left standing, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed laws in September setting new rules for smoke damage cleanup.

What has that looked like in practice? Three Eaton Fire survivors spoke with LAist recently about the challenges they’ve faced.

Remediation challenges

Rhea Borja stands in her driveway just a month or so before the January 2025 fire. All of the houses behind her across the street burned down, including all the trees and greenery.

(

Rhea Borja

)

On the blocks around Borja’s home, the frames of homes being rebuilt are taking shape. But her home has stood empty for 22 months.

“It has been an enormous test of patience,” she said.

Her home has gone through four remediations. The lead test results after the most recent remediation cleared EPA standards. Since then, Borja has had a new HVAC system installed.

Next up, re-insulating the attic.

She’s hoping to be back in Altadena early next year but recognizes there’s still a lot to do, including remediating the front and back yards. She’ll have to pay for those projects out of pocket.

“I miss Altadena. I miss Los Angeles. I miss being by the San Gabriel Mountains,” Borja said. “So I just feel kind of removed from the area, and sometimes it almost just seems like a dream.”

A hallway in Rhea Borja’s home after it was remediated for a third time in June 2026.

(

Rhea Borja

)

Rhea Borja removed the remediator’s tape and plastic covering over a living room window of her Altadena home in mid October.

(

Courtesy of Rhea Borja

)

Simon Perry and his partner have two properties in Altadena that still require remediation.

One is their home right outside of the fire zone, and the other is a rental property right in the middle of it.

At Perry’s home of 15 years, the contamination was off the charts.

“To give you an indication of how badly contaminated it is, the attic crawl space tested at 3,391 units of lead,” Perry said. “So there's 50 times the safe level of lead in the crawl space of the attic.”

Perry had intended to retire the week of the Eaton Fire. He postponed that while he dealt with the fire’s aftermath — spending hours itemizing personal items, then throwing them away.

By the end of September, he and his partner moved for the fourth time since the fire.

Before that move, their temporary home was “full of cardboard boxes and boxes full of stuff, you know, because everything is in transition and has been in transition for 20 months,” he said.

A return home

After 19 months of being displaced, Susan Mohini Kane, husband Bernard Kane and their cat returned to Altadena.

Being displaced was unsettling, but Kane said she learned a lot.

Susan Mohini Kane shared this photo with LAist from March 2026 after most of her home’s contents were removed. The walls were cut up for rewiring.

(

Susan Mohini Kane

)

Susan Mohini Kane and her husband Bernard Kane began moving in over the summer. A friend gifted her hand-sewn quilt to replace one they lost to smoke damage.

(

Susan Mohini Kane

)

“More things happened every day that I didn't expect,” Kane said. “They ended up, basically, having to tear our house down.”

The walls of the Kane home were removed and then replaced. They filled and hauled bags of fire-damaged goods out of their home.

Now that she’s back, Kane is excited to return to her work as a voice teacher, singer and songwriter.

Susan Mohini Kane and her husband Bernard Kane are happy to be back in their home after 19 months of remediation and repairs after the Eaton Fire.

(

David Rodriguez/LAist

)

She wants people who didn’t experience the wildfire to know what people are still going through nearly two years later.

“We're still here. We're still suffering. We're still needing so much help,” she said.