"Keep it Run Hundred" runners jog along Culver Boulevard as the traffic signal turns green in Culver City on July 23, 2024.
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Julie Leopo
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Topline:
Black, Latino and Asian runners in Los Angeles say the reason why their run clubs are growing is much deeper than what's on social media. It’s a safe space. It’s community-driven. It’s more than just a run club. Here are 24 run BIPOC-led, inclusive clubs you should know.
Why it matters: People are scouring this sprawling region to find community, representation and inclusivity, and running groups led by Black, Asian and Latino runners are leading the pack.
Why now: For decades, the list of runners of African descent who have dominated the track in both sprinting and long distance Olympic races has been long. Even right now, many Americans are crossing their fingers for track athletes like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson to take home the gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Black Americans, Jamaicans, Kenyans and others in the African diaspora maybe be prominent in the most competitive spaces, but that doesn’t mean that regular folks are represented fully in the general running industry. According to the 2023 Running USA’s Global Running survey, only 4.8% of long distance runners in the U.S. are Black, even though there is a long history of Black Americans like Ted Corbitt and Marilyn Bevans who have made an impact in the field.
The backstory: But while most run clubs do naturally present an open co-ed space for one to meet the love of their life or their next bestie, many Black, Latino and Asian runners in Los Angeles say the reason why their run clubs are growing is much deeper.
It’s a safe space. It’s community-driven. It’s more than just a run club.
It’s a place where all people, like Lauren Turner who describes herself as a “curvy runner” with a “mom-bod,” feel included in a sport, whose industry has long been predominantly white, thin and competitive, even in film, TV and magazines.
Open up TikTok or X, formerly known as Twitter, and you will find a steady stream of viral content makers declaring run clubs being the new dating apps or thirst-trap opportunities for singles. Others have touted run clubs as a way to make friends.
But while most run clubs do naturally present an open co-ed space for ones to meet the love of their life or their next bestie, many Black, Latino and Asian runners in Los Angeles say the reason why their run clubs are growing is much deeper.
It’s a safe space. It’s community-driven. It’s more than just a run club.
It’s a place where all people, like Lauren Turner who describes herself as a “curvy runner” with a “mom-bod,” feel included in a sport, whose industry has long been predominantly white, thin and competitive, even in film, TV and magazines.
Lauren Turner runs down Culver Boulevard in Culver City with the 'Keep it Run Hundred' running group.
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Julie Leopo
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LAist
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For decades, the list of runners of African descent who have dominated the track in both sprinting and long-distance Olympic races has been long. Even right now, many Americans are crossing their fingers for track athletes like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson to take home the gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Black Americans, Jamaicans, Kenyans and others in the African diaspora may be prominent in the most competitive spaces, but that doesn’t mean that regular folks are represented fully in the general running industry. According to the 2023 Running USA’s Global Running survey, only 4.8% of long distance runners in the U.S. are Black, even though there is a long history of Black Americans like Ted Corbitt and Marilyn Bevans who have made an impact in the field.
Things are changing, especially in L.A. where there's a distinct culture around fitness and appearance.
People are scouring this sprawling region to find community, representation and inclusivity, and running groups led by Black, Asian and Latino runners are leading the pack.
#302: Today we're talking about run clubs and how they foster community in L.A. Our associate editor (and our special resident marathon runner) Aaricka Washington looked into running clubs that were founded by Black, Asian and Latino people, the ways that they're offering inclusive, safe spaces for Angelenos, and why they've been growing more popular.
#302: Today we're talking about run clubs and how they foster community in L.A. Our associate editor (and our special resident marathon runner) Aaricka Washington looked into running clubs that were founded by Black, Asian and Latino people, the ways that they're offering inclusive, safe spaces for Angelenos, and why they've been growing more popular.
When Turner, a former competitive athlete in college, tried to jump back into running after having three sons, she hit a hard reality: she couldn’t run faster than a 16-minute mile (which is a slower pace for folks in athletics). She was hoping to get back into running and staying healthy, but found it difficult to do by herself, especially in postpartum and while working as a clinical social worker.
I was weighing the most I've ever weighed in my life. When you weigh more than you're used to, and you're carrying around all that extra weight, it's really hard to move your body the way that you used to move it.
— Lauren Turner
While her third son was still in a stroller and she was still breastfeeding, she decided to check out the Keep It Run Hundred club after a friend recommended the group. Keep It Run Hundred was founded in 2018 by a then-30-year-old from South Central named Alrick “Butta” Augustine who found motivation to lose his “dad weight.”
Turner is now one of the dozens of runners who consistently meet up in Inglewood on Thursdays as part of Keep It Run Hundred.
Keep It Run Hundred founder Alrick "Butta" Augustine gathers participants for a group photo after completing a run.
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The growing popularity of running clubs
When Turner, who is also from South Central, first visited the run club she was nervous, she says, but she yearned for a space to have community support while taking care of her body.
“I was super scared, because I was like, ‘Damn, I'm super slow,’” Turner says.
But when she finished her first run, her perspective started to shift.
“I was like, ‘Whoa,’” Turner says. “There are so many Black and brown people ready to run at night in my neighborhood. I feel so safe with all of them. It really helped me to be able to keep hope and have support during the pandemic, when I did feel really alone and didn't have as much social support, especially around parenting. Meeting some other moms that were in a similar life stage was also really dope.”
Lauren Turner stands for a portrait moments before the weekly "Keep it Run Hundred" run in Culver City.
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Racial disparities in the running community
There are still major racial issues in the running community.
White men killed a 25-year-old Black man named Ahmaud Arbery who was running in a Georgia neighborhood in 2020. After that hate crime, the Run with Maud movement started.
According to a recent survey from the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, an organization which aims to improve “inclusion, visibility and access” of racially/ethnically diverse people in the running industry, runners of color reported feeling significantly less safe at trail and road races than white runners. And while 93% of running industry organizations say they are committed to racial justice and DEI efforts, 59% don’t track progress and goals and only 14% publish their goals publicly, according to the RIDC.
From left: Komal Kumar, 26, and Dhriti Yandapally, 24, rest after completing their runs on July 23, 2024.
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Earlier this year, a Black-led running club filed a lawsuit against Boston Marathon organizers for discrimination during the 2023 race. Recently, Harlem Run founder and the author of Running While Black Alison Mariella Désir expressed her disappointment with a trail and ultrarunning equity working group that published an article that only included the progress of white women.
From left, Morgan C., 32, and Lia T., 27, pose for a photo after completing the "Keep it Run Hundred" run.
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Even though there have been run clubs, like L.A. Leggers, that have existed for decades, 13 of the most prominent Black, Asian and Latino-led run clubs in L.A. County have sprouted in the last 11 years, according to run club leaders’ survey responses. Seven of the run clubs surveyed were founded in the past seven years.
Chris Bordenave, who was born and raised in South Central, says the growth of BIPOC run clubs in L.A. has been in the last few years has been powerful and impactful to see.
Bordenave went from being the only Black kid who ran on his cross country team in high school to being on billboards across L.A. in Nike campaigns. He manages Santa Monica’s Blue Ribbon Sports, Nike’s first running specialty store, which he says serves as a “sanctuary for runners.” In his role as a part of Nike L.A., he works with six run clubs as partners — Keep It Run Hundred, Koreatown Run Club, Girl Gang Crazy, Good Vibes Track Club, Running Mamis and Her Sports.
Chris Bordenave works for the Nike L.A. running team as the Blue Ribbon Sports Community Manager. BRS has six run clubs as community partners.
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He said that he was introduced to the run club community with Keep It Run Hundred in 2018. Joining the club reignited a spark in him.
Running was just so transformative. It just changed my life.
— Chris Bordenave
He says that there was already a trend with run clubs pre-pandemic, but once the pandemic hit, it sparked a mass exodus from couches to the streets of L.A.
“Things were closed, things were shut down, and people just were stuck in their own little bubbles at home, and they needed something to get out, to take this anxiety, channel it in a positive and proper way,” Bordenave says. With running, you don’t need a track. All you need is some shoes and depending on what type of person you are, some music and your phone or watch to track you.”
He says that once COVID restrictions started lifting people started to realize how they’ve grown emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. He also saw another trend: corporate brands taking notice and hosting special events in collaboration with local run clubs.
Chris Bordenave says that running long distance as a part of run clubs has been transformative for him. "It changed my life."
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“We're L.A., one of the cultural capitals of the world,” Bordenave says. “So anything we do out here is always going to be bigger. It's going to be more expansive, you know, than other cities.”
Run clubs offer community too
Mariah Dyson is the founder of Girl Gang Crazy, a nonprofit organization that aims to offer an inclusive space for women through not only marathon training programs, but through a variety of events centered around mindfulness. Dyson, a former sprinter, started running long distance after living in New York for some time.
Mariah Dyson is the founder of the Girl Gang Crazy run club.
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GGC started in 2019, but then the pandemic shut everything down. But the group was still able to engage with each other virtually through challenges on the Nike Running Club app until they could safely meet together in person again.
Dyson says she created a marathon training program and has been training more and more women every season. Along with creating experiences in movement in sport through marathon training, she says another pillar of GGC is creating experiences in mindfulness.
GGC members, often called “gworls,” have learned how to surf with Intrsxtn Surf, have taken self-defense classes and have volunteered for local non-profits.
When asked how she feels about the space that she’s created, Dyson says it’s exciting because she’s made many new friends. And she’s learned not to take that for granted.
Mariah Dyson founded Girl Gang Crazy originally to run with other women who looked like her.
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Every time I have a conversation with anyone that comes to GGC, it feels divine. It feels like we were supposed to meet. If nothing else, you feel connected to the space. You feel connected to your own body and your own new power that you're finding. I just kind of feel like it's something I'm supposed to do.
— Mariah Dyson
Turner says that through the run club and the mom runners who supported her, Turner finished her first L.A. marathon in 2021 in six hours.
“It was really amazing to see the kids there at the end,” she says. “They saw me finish. And that was [the] big part of my motivation, to show them that your mom is a woman that can do anything she puts her mind to.”
24 BIPOC-led, inclusive run clubs in LA
Black, Latino and Asian run club leaders shared with LAist how their run clubs have grown and what makes them inclusive. All of these run clubs have been in existence for 11 years or less.
Meeting information: Tuesdays in Veteran’s Park in Culver City at 7 p.m., Thursdays at Sip & Sonder in Inglewood, Sundays at Playa Del Rey at 6 a.m.
Average weekly numbers: Tuesday 75-100; Thursdays 100+; Sundays 15-25
How it’s grown: “There has been a big push recently and I attribute that to social media.”
Why it’s inclusive: “We have all levels of walkers and runners that come out. It’s about community and being supported and motivated by people you don’t even know.”
Meeting information: Tuesdays at Santa Monica College’s Corsair Stadium at 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday are various locations and times.
Average weekly numbers: 200 to 300 people that come between Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
How it’s grown: GGC’s first in-person training season cohort had 30 women. “The numbers are growing organically. It's fun to see because there's so many girls that never thought they could do it.”
Why it’s inclusive: “There's always a pace and a space for everybody.” Before runs, the group is split into different pace levels ranging from a 7-minute pace to a 14-minute and above “sexy pace.”
Meeting information: Tuesdays at Loqui in Playa Vista at 7 pm
Average weekly numbers: Between 25-50
How it’s grown: “Running has changed so many of my runners' lives that they have started running 5Ks, full marathons and even Ultra marathons. When you complete a great and challenging race, your confidence boosts and you start to realize you are a lot more capable of many things you thought were NOT possible.”
Why it’s inclusive: “Since the beginning 10 years ago I have always told my crew we all start to finish and no man left behind. We don't worry about speed, it is NOT an individual thing but family-oriented, we all look out for one another as ONE.”
Mondays at 7 p.m. 3 or 5 Mile option — Meets Wilshire/Oxford
Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. Meets at LACC Rainbow Track, Parking Lot 3
Thursdays at 8 p.m. 3 or 5-mile option - Meets at Love Hour 532 S. Western Ave.
Saturday Long Runs: Locations, mileage, times vary, TBD every week via IG
Average weekly numbers: 800
How it’s grown: “We attract a lot of new runners. When people see us on the streets or on social media, they can see themselves running with us because we probably look like them.”
Why it’s inclusive: “I won't pretend that running with us is not intimidating. Going to something new, where everyone is seemingly more ‘experienced or faster’ is definitely difficult. But I think what we do a good job at is making it fun and welcoming. Once you're here, you realize how much we care for each other.”
Tuesdays (Summer only) at 6 p.m. at Patria Coffee Roasters- 108 N Alameda St., Compton
Saturdays at 7:45 a.m. at Patria Coffee Roasters
Average weekly numbers: 45 people on Tuesdays, 85 people on Saturdays
How it’s grown: “I believe just staying consistent and word-of-mouth has helped a lot. We also do collaborations and activations with different organizations in Compton and around Compton.”
Why it’s inclusive: “We do scholarship fundraisers, park cleanups, wellness, events, and more. We understand that running may be new to a lot of people in our community, so we also emphasize education and providing resources.”
Meeting information: The WalkGood Yard (4019 W Pico Blvd.)/Wednesdays/6 p.m.
Average weekly numbers: 90
How it’s grown: "WalkGood LA began as a 5K protest against racial violence in 2020, and so the evolution of RunGood has been incredible to witness. We run together, support each other, and make sure everyone finishes. In 2024, we began to offer two paces for the 5K run, to allow for both a competitive pace and the "sexy" pace. The energy and support has always been there, but now it's been amplified.”
Why it’s inclusive: “We are a Black and Brown-led organization that creates safe spaces for healing and wellness for underserved communities, anyone that has ever been othered. No matter what option people choose, they do not have to fear being left behind to complete the distance on their own. Everyone is celebrated.”
Meeting information: Monday art run @ 8 p.m. usually in DTLA. Wednesday Tracklist @ 7 p.m. at Crenshaw. Thursday LISTA @ 7 p.m. in Mid City. Saturday long run @ 7 a.m. usually at Griffith Park. You can find our run details at @blacklistla.runschedule or www.blacklistla.org
Average weekly numbers: 150
How it’s grown: “Over the years, we've introduced a total of seven community programs to keep Angelenos active and moving. We are also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that utilizes running to promote community, art discovery, and inspire healthy living in Los Angeles.”
Why it’s inclusive: “BlacklistLA is unique because we merged art with running in 2013. The art was intentional, not only to explore Los Angeles and show love to artists beautifying our streets, but also to motivate runners to lace up and run. All of our Board Members, Run Captains, and Community Ambassadors live in the places we serve, so we understand the lay of the land and how to motivate underrepresented communities in LA.”
Meeting information: 868 S Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 - Sundays - 9 a.m. (subject to change, check IG)
Average weekly numbers: 30
How it’s grown: “The first few months, the numbers could vary between 5-12 people. I regularly heard people come out because they saw us on Instagram. We did a few things such as collaborating with run clubs, choosing different start locations, and having some themed runs such as Sunday Runday in the Park, where we had a mobile coffee stand, games, and DJ after the run. I think the biggest exposure came when we entered a team in The Speed Project.”
Why it’s inclusive: “When running downtown, there are several stop lights for us to take a break and allow others to catch up if needed. At the start of the run, we go around and introduce ourselves to the group and ask a fun fact question. We all look out for each other to make sure everyone makes it through the run. Afterwards you can hang out/socialize at the coffee shop. And sometimes during the summer months, we add brunch options post-run for those interested.”
Meeting information: Thursdays @ 6:45 p.m. & Sundays @ 7 a.m. - meeting locations highlight gems in South Central and rotate
Average Weekly Numbers: 30 people
How it’s grown: It started from 5-10 members to over 50 active members with more participants joining special events and community runs like Hood Beer Run and Ghetto Running Day. They have local community engagement events and holistic wellness activities.
Meeting information: Edward Vincent Park 400 Warren Lane, Inglewood, CA 90301 7 a.m. every Saturday
Weekly attendance numbers: 20
How it’s grown: “Women have invited friends and family, which has also encouraged community building. The ladies show up every week and authentically release whatever they’ve gone through during the week. We also have been intentional with connecting with each other, especially during the post run/walk brunch.”
Why it’s inclusive: “Recovery Run is a special space because we really allow everyone to come as they are. No brand deals, promotions, or marketing.”
Meeting information: Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. from the Metaphor Club in Leimert Park or Playa Provisions in Playa Del Rey
Average weekly numbers: 10
How it’s grown: “In the beginning, there were just a couple of guys that met on various days of the week to get a run in. We saw an increase during the pandemic as people focused on fitness over other social activities.”
Why it’s inclusive: “Black Men Run champions a healthy lifestyle and brotherhood. We advocate for physical and mental fitness. We are a safe space for Black men to run/walk, fellowship and mentor. All paces and all levels of experience are welcome.”
Meeting information: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Crenshaw and Coliseum
Average weekly numbers: 15-30
How it’s grown: “In the beginning, my friends supported me and showed up to run. Maybe about 10 runners and some walkers arrived. Slowly more and more runners began to arrive. I’m a bit sure that the tacos post run may have a bit to do with it. It is all word of mouth. And fliers on IG helped as well. As I reposted other run clubs for support, they would do the same for me.”
Why it’s inclusive: “The 5K crew and walkers separate and then reunite a few times before we head back to finish. We have pacers and sweepers. We have seen amazing friendships grow. We don’t offer training. We don’t push people outside of their comfort zone. We give runners information on other clubs that they can join for training.”
Meeting information: Lululemon Studio City on Mondays at 7 p.m.
Average weekly numbers: 20
How it’s grown: “We started with 9 runners and we have 60 runners in our roster now. Taking on difficult races and sponsorships has really helped us grow and be recognized. There’s a running explosion happening and I think people see the benefit of running and training with like-minded people. This community is about so much more than fitness. It’s about inspiration, motivation, and teamwork.”
Why it’s inclusive: “We are a ‘no runners left behind’ club and open to all paces and abilities. We meet you where you are and make you feel accepted no matter what pace you walk/run. We also organize events that are specifically created to open the doors for BIPOC communities.”
Meeting information: The Brig-Venice, Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Average weekly numbers: 10-15
How it’s grown: “We are very new to this, so each week when new folks join us, it is very exciting to hear how they found us. Our growth has likely been driven by community engagement, social media outreach, and the welcoming atmosphere we have created. Since we are still growing, it feels less intimidating when you show up. People know each other's names, and we take pride in caring about folks not just at the run on Tuesday but also checking in with folks outside of the Tuesday run. There is a desire for community and socializing in a healthy, outdoor setting.”
Why it’s inclusive: “Our priority is to have fun while running and then enjoy snacks after. We offer a walk/jog/run option. The run is a little over a 5k, closer to 3.2 miles and for folks who wish to walk/jog, we have a 2-mile option. We make sure everyone knows where they are going and, most importantly, that you do not end up alone.”
Aaron Schrank
has been on the ground, reporting on homelessness and other issues in L.A. for more than a decade.
Published April 2, 2026 4:23 PM
Supervisor Holly Mitchell, L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, actor Danny Trejo and others gathered at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Wilmington.
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Topline:
A new private foundation called The Fund for Advancing Public Health LA launched Thursday, aiming to raise $2 million to shore up county health services this year. It comes after the Department of Public Health closed seven clinics following $50 million in funding cuts since early 2025.
Who's behind it: The foundation's board includes Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer, the CEOs of Blue Shield of California Foundation and LA Care Health Plan, actors Sean Penn and Danny Trejo and more. Board member Saree Kayne of the R&S Kayne Foundation pledged $150,000 at the launch. Ferrer acknowledged it's "a hard day" when a public agency has to turn to private donors to fund basic services.
Deeper cuts ahead: The federal "Big Beautiful Bill" slashes Medi-Cal funding, and the department anticipates losing up to $300 million over the next three years. Federal dollars account for nearly half the public health budget.
Some government funding streams for L.A. County’s public health system are drying up, and officials are turning to private philanthropy to fill the gap.
A new privately funded foundation launched Thursday to strengthen public health services after $50 million in federal, state and local funding cuts to the county’s Department of Public Health since early last year.
“It is really a hard day for our community when we have to ask for private donations to fund a public good, but unfortunately, we've lost too much money to not take this important step,” said Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.
In February, the county’s Public Health Department closed seven clinics, with six remaining open. About half of the patients seen in those clinics are uninsured, according to county officials. The department also cut hundreds of staff positions.
She said the fund will help the county maintain its basic public health infrastructure, including disease prevention, health promotion, environmental health, and emergency response efforts.
Other board members include several health insurance executives, as well as actors Sean Penn and Danny Trejo. Board member Saree Kayne of the R&S Kayne Foundation pledged $150,000 to the fund Thursday. Kayne said she hopes the donation encourages others to give.
The foundation aims to raise $2 million this year.
More cuts expected
L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said it’s crucial to have an alternative funding stream to protect services for the county's most vulnerable residents.
“We are saving public health,” Mitchell said. “This fund represents a new approach, one that brings together government philanthropy in the private sector to invest in community-based solutions, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen our public health infrastructure.”
Officials say more public health cuts are coming, through the federal budget law known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," which slashes funding for Medi-Cal.
The county Department of Public Health anticipates losing up to $300 million in revenue over the next three years because of the federal budget bill and other potential funding freezes. Federal funding accounts for almost 50% of the public health budget, according to county officials.
Mitchell also led an effort to put a half-percent county sales tax increase to fund public health on the June ballot.
If approved by voters, that proposal, known as Measure ER, is expected to raise about $1 billion a year for county safety net health services, including about $100 million for the public health department.
Adolfo Guzman-Lopez
is an arts and general assignment reporter on LAist's Explore LA team.
Published April 2, 2026 4:20 PM
Water infrastructure such as pipes that feed water to drinking fountains and toilets at the Rose Bowl Stadium are getting an infusion of $1 million for fixes.
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Topline:
Rep. Laura Friedman today announced that she secured $1 million for improvements to the water infrastructure at the aging Rose Bowl Stadium as it prepares for a global starring role in the LA28 Olympics.
Why it matters: The pipes may be working fine — for now — but the fear of backed-up toilets as the world watches is an ongoing worry at the venue.
Why now: Public officials have been pushing for spending to improve Olympic venues and surrounding areas as L.A. and other municipalities roll out the red carpet for the world to attend the Olympics. But they’ve hit road bumps and detours.
The backstory: The Rose Bowl is 103 years old and public officials have committed to spending $200 million to upgrade the Pasadena venue over the next two decades.
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena may be a centenarian, but it’s holding up pretty well as it continues to host events on its way to a starring role in the LA28 Olympics.
But before it can host the soccer final, it needs fixes, especially to the infrastructure serving the bathrooms and drinking fountains. Fears of a toilet backup while in the world’s spotlight led Rep. Laura Friedman to seek federal funds for upgrades. On Thursday she announced she secured just over $1 million.
“Two years from now, athletes around the world are going to compete for gold right where we are standing. This is not the time to find out whether or not these pipes are up to the task,” Friedman said.
The planned work, she added, will lead to improved water flow capacity and water drainage, eliminating the risk of backups and emergency maintenance.
The funds came from the House of Representatives Interior and Environment subcommittee. The fixes, an official said, will be completed by the LA28 Olympics.
The funds, however, are a drop in the bucket when it comes to what’s needed to make needed improvements to the Pasadena venue.
Officials, including (left to right) Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation President Dedan Brozino, Deputy Fire Chief of the City of Pasadena Tim Sell, Congresswoman Laura Friedman, and Rose Bowl Stadium CEO Jens Weiden announced infrastructure funding for the 103-year old Rose Bowl.
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“Over the next 20 years there's about $200 million that we need to put in and that's everything from updating light fixtures to updating gas, water, wastewater lines, etc.,” said Dedan Brozino, president of the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, the nonprofit that supports the Rose Bowl stadium's preservation and enhancement.
Getting venues ready will be expensive
The money is a much-needed win at a time when elected officials in city, county, state and federal offices have been struggling to find the funds to get L.A.-area venues ready for the global Olympic stage in two years.
The entrance to a men's bathroom at the Rose Bowl.
Additionally, to save money, LA28 organizers moved Olympic diving to the Rose Bowl complex last year because it has two Olympic-sized pools, while the Exposition Park complex doesn't and would need expensive upgrades.
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Kevin Tidmarsh
is a producer for LAist, covering news and culture. He’s been an audio/web journalist for about a decade.
Published April 2, 2026 3:39 PM
This Cape vulture chick hatched March 14 at the L.A. Zoo.
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Topline:
The zoo said it’s the first major breeding success in its Cape vulture habitat, which opened up last year. The chick now joins the zoo’s committee — that’s the name for a group of vultures.
About the chick: The chick hatched on March 14. The zoo opened its Cape vulture enclosure in February 2025 after years of planning to encourage the birds to roost and nest, welcoming a new breeding pair that year. When it grows to be an adult, it’ll have a wingspan of eight and a half feet.
About the enclosure: The L.A. Zoo said it spent years developing the vulture habitat, which was designed to mimic the vultures’ natural environment in South Africa. Dominick Dorsa II, the zoo’s director of animal care, said in a statement the successful hatching is “a testament to the design and construction” of the habitat.
How to see the chick: You can’t for the time being. Zoo officials are keeping it away from visitors until the chick matures, though you can still see adult Cape vultures at the zoo’s enclosure.
Though visitors will have to wait until the chick matures to see it in the enclosure, you can still take in the impressive eight and a half foot wingspan of the adult Cape vultures.
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What zoo officials are saying: “Welcoming a Cape vulture chick is a thrilling moment for our team and a beacon of hope for African vultures,” the L.A. Zoo’s curator of birds Rose Legato said in a statement. “Vultures are one of nature's most misunderstood marvels, and I cannot wait for our guests to eventually watch this chick grow and learn just how vital they are to our ecosystems.”
About the species: Cape vultures are listed as a vulnerable species due to human activities and encroachment. According to the L.A. Zoo, African vultures are more closely related to eagles and hawks than vultures native to the Americas, like the California condors that just hatched last year at the L.A. Zoo.
Topline:
The Los Angeles Zoo said it’s the first major breeding success in its Cape vulture habitat, which opened up last year. The chick now joins the zoo’s committee — that’s the name for a group of vultures.
About the chick: The chick hatched March 14. The zoo opened its Cape vulture enclosure in February 2025 after years of planning to encourage the birds to roost and nest, welcoming a new breeding pair that year. When it grows to be an adult, it’ll have a wingspan of 8 1/2 feet.
About the enclosure: The L.A. Zoo said it spent years developing the vulture habitat, which was designed to mimic the vultures’ natural environment in South Africa and nearby countries. Dominick Dorsa II, the zoo’s director of animal care, said in a statement the successful hatching is “a testament to the design and construction” of the habitat.
How to see the chick: You can’t for the time being. Zoo officials are keeping it away from visitors until the chick matures, though you can still see adult Cape vultures at the zoo’s enclosure.
Though visitors will have to wait until the chick matures to see it in the enclosure, you can still take in the impressive eight and a half foot wingspan of the adult Cape vultures.
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Courtesy Jamie Pham/L.A. Zoo
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What zoo officials are saying: “Welcoming a Cape vulture chick is a thrilling moment for our team and a beacon of hope for African vultures,” the L.A. Zoo’s curator of birds Rose Legato said in a statement. “Vultures are one of nature's most misunderstood marvels, and I cannot wait for our guests to eventually watch this chick grow and learn just how vital they are to our ecosystems.”
About the species: Cape vultures are listed as a vulnerable species due to human activities and encroachment. According to the L.A. Zoo, African vultures are more closely related to eagles and hawks than vultures native to the Americas, like the zoo's California condors that hatched last year.
What should have been a celebration for formerly incarcerated youth completing a reentry program at the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory (BHAC) last week instead ended with seven students and two staff members detained by the Los Angeles Police Department, according to witnesses.
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Screenshot courtesy of BHAC
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Topline:
Last week, seven students and two staff members from the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory (BHAC) were detained by the Los Angeles Police Department, according to witnesses. Now, BHAC staff and city officials are demanding answers from the LAPD, with some accusing officers of racial profiling.
What happened: According to the LAPD, officers observed a large group gathered on the corner of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Mott Street around 4:16 p.m. on March 26. The group, classified by police as an “aggressive gang group,” consisted of seven 18-year-old students from the BHAC’s Bridge Academy Movement (BAM) program and two BHAC staff members.
Allegations of racial profiling: In total, seven 18-year-old students and two staff members were detained. BHAC staff said one student and one staff member were taken to Hollenbeck Community Police Station and released less than two hours later after advocacy from community members and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. According to Rene Weber, a teaching artist at the BHAC, the students had gone to coffee across the street at Milpa Kitchen as they often did. After Weber told the officers that all of the students were 18, they said they would investigate whether the group had any gang affiliation.
What is BAM? The BAM program pays formerly incarcerated youth to complete 200-250 hours in media and visual arts training to prepare them for creative careers. That day, students were set to showcase their work at the BAM program graduation for families and community members.
What should have been a celebration for formerly incarcerated youth completing a reentry program at the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory (BHAC) last week instead ended with seven students and two staff members detained by the Los Angeles Police Department, according to witnesses.
Now, nearly a week later, BHAC staff and city officials are demanding answers from the LAPD, with some accusing officers of racial profiling.
According to the LAPD, officers observed a large group gathered on the corner of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Mott Street around 4:16 p.m. on March 26. Authorities then requested backup for what they described as “a large group surrounding officers,” LAPD Public Information Officer Tony Im said.
The group, classified by police as an “aggressive gang group,” consisted of seven 18-year-old students from the BHAC’s Bridge Academy Movement (BAM) program and two BHAC staff members.
The BAM program pays formerly incarcerated youth to complete 200-250 hours in media and visual arts training to prepare them for creative careers. That day, students were set to showcase their work at the BAM program graduation for families and community members.
Rene Weber, a teaching artist at the BHAC, had been with the students setting up for the ceremony minutes before the incident occurred.
According to Weber, the students had gone to coffee across the street at Milpa Kitchen as they often did, when staff were alerted that they were being detained.
Weber said he arrived to find students and a staff member pressed against the wall in handcuffs.
Video from the scene, taken by a staff member at the BHAC, shows multiple officers surrounding the group. At one point, an officer orders a person to “get on the wall” and displays a stun gun.
“No, none of that, these are kids right here,” the staff member replies.
Another staff member, Teotl Veliz, recorded a large police response.
“I counted 12 cop cars, that’s at least 25 cops, and they had a helicopter,” Veliz said. “It was just so comedic, tragically comedic, that it was on their graduation day too.”
Officers established a perimeter with yellow tape along the side of Ashley’s Beauty Salon as local business owners and witnesses gathered around the students.
“I was just incredibly disappointed in LAPD… because it became so apparent to everybody, all at the same time, that it was racial profiling and nothing else,” Veliz said.
Weber said officers gave shifting explanations for the stop at the scene, including blocking the sidewalk and possible underage vaping. After Weber told the officers that all of the students were 18, they said they would investigate whether the group had any gang affiliation.
Police have not responded to questions about what led officers to believe that the group was gang-affiliated.
Weber recalled pleading with the officers to let the group go and explaining to them that they worked across the street. Community members and local business owners also stepped in to vouch for the students.
“Our job is to help them gain a new perspective on life,” Weber said. “They’re coming out of juvenile detention and they’re turning their lives around. We can do our part in keeping them off the streets and keeping them doing better but what does it mean if they’re going to be profiled and treated exactly the same way?”
In total, seven 18-year-old students and two staff members were detained. BHAC staff said one student and one staff member were taken to Hollenbeck Community Police Station and released less than two hours later after advocacy from community members and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado.
The incident ultimately resulted in an infraction for smoking a cannabis e-vape on a public sidewalk, according to a photo of the infraction shared with the Beat. LAPD did not provide details about the people taken to Hollenbeck Station or the infraction.
The graduation ceremony was cancelled that night and is expected to be rescheduled in April.
“Graduation should be a moment of pride and possibility — not fear,” Jurado said in a statement. “I’m seeking answers about what occurred, and this underscores the need for stronger relationships between law enforcement and community organizations so moments like these are protected, not disrupted.”
Carmelita Ramirez‑Sanchez, the conservatory’s executive director, said she was grateful to the community and Jurado for advocating for the students’ release. Jurado met her at Hollenbeck Station within 20 minutes of being alerted to the incident, she said.
“They had store owners, señoras, barbers, that ran out and were trying to explain to the police who our kids were,” Ramirez‑Sanchez said.
Still, she said the incident tarnished what should have been a joyous celebration.
“I imagine that what this does is derail this entire idea that you can be an active participant in your own restorative growth,” she said.
