Mariana Dale
explores and explains the forces that shape how and what kids learn from kindergarten to high school.
Published August 22, 2025 5:00 AM
Since 1996, Pokémon has reportedly produced more than 75 billion trading cards in 16 languages.
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Mariana Dale
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LAist
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Topline:
Nostalgia, curiosity or the desire for a screen-free hobby for your kid are all reasons people might want to learn how to play the Pokémon trading card game. But where to begin? We’ve rounded recommendations from local enthusiasts.
The backstory: Nearly 30 years ago, Pokémon released a trading card game that, along with the video games, evolved into one of the most-expansive media franchises ever.
Why you might want to go: “ Everyone feels that they are surrounded by friends,” said Scott Leslie, who coordinates Pokémon events for kids — and adults — at Burbank’s Geeky Teas and Games. “They can make mistakes. They don't have to be playing perfectly. They can just be learning the game.”
Read on: For places to play Pokémon across L.A.! We have recommendations for beginners and aspiring competitors alike.
Nearly 30 years ago, Pokémon released a trading card game that along with the video games, evolved into one of the most expansive media franchises ever.
Nostalgia, curiosity, or the desire for a screen-free hobby for your kid are all reasons people might want to learn how to play the Pokémon trading card game.
Some shops emphasize casual gameplay.
“ Everyone feels that they are surrounded by friends,” said Scott Leslie, who coordinates Pokémon events for kids — and adults — at Burbank’s Geeky Teas and Games. “They can make mistakes. They don't have to be playing perfectly. They can just be learning the game.”
While at others, you might find players with their sights set on the annual World Championships debating the nuances of the game.
“We don't all agree with each other, we bicker a little bit, but that makes us grow from it,” said Crossing Collectibles store manager Ben Nackman.
Want to suggest a place to play Pokémon?
Email reporter Mariana Dale at mdale@laist.com. Please include the name of the place, the vibe and why you like it.
Here are four places to learn how to play the game in Los Angeles and a few organizations focused on preparing the next generation of trainers.
A Pokédex of sorts
But first, here’s some lingo you might run into on your journey.
Locals: Casual play, often at local card or game stores. "You don't accrue anything besides bragging rights, maybe some store credit,” says Next-Gen Games Pokémon organizer Eddie Sagastume. Players may get promotional (promo) cards for playing or winning. Pokémon maintains a map of places that offer locals and more competitive play.
League Challenge and League Cup: Pokémon-sanctioned local tournaments where players can begin to earn points toward more advanced competitions.
Pokémon Professor: The Pokémon Company bestows this title on enthusiasts who complete an application, which includes passing a test on basic gameplay and a background check. Professors may help host events and judge competitions.
Pre-release party/tournament: An opportunity for players to play with and purchase new sets of cards in the two weeks before the official release. The professors LAist interviewed say the cost usually ranges from $30 to $40 and includes a deck and several booster packs of cards. The next set of cards, Mega Evolution, is scheduled for pre-release in mid-September.
The vibe: This is a store, but it’s also so much more — a tea shop, a cat rescue, and an 800-board-game library. There are themed gaming rooms with a “ nerdy, cozy feel” to reserve. The motifs include a ship at sea, a wooded faery glen, Hobbiton, and a Pokécenter decorated in the style of the Red and Blue video games.
Regular hours:
Monday-Friday: Noon to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
When to play Pokémon:
Monday at 6:30 p.m. Pokémon hangs and casual tournament play for players 17+.
Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Pokémon hangs for players 16 and under. A casual tournament starts at 4 p.m. All participants get a pack of promo cards and winners earn another. All youth card trading is overseen to ensure fairness and there’s a professor on staff to help kids learn to play.
There is an $8 entry fee ($5 before 5:00 p.m.) for both evenings.
Schedule varies: Pre-release events.
Good to know:
There are decks of cards that beginning players can borrow in-store to learn how to play.
The shop also features memorabilia from other beloved franchises. For example, a recently restored TARDIS, a replica from the long-running and beloved Doctor Who TV series.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday and Friday: 1 to 9 p.m.
The vibe: Tables and folding chairs occupy the majority of the open, warehouse-like space. A black-and-white mural of iconic characters from the anime One Piece and Pokémon covers one wall.
When to play Pokémon:
Local tournaments Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Store manager Benjamin Nackman said the Friday night event typically draws older and more experienced players, whereas weekends typically are more family friendly. “People are super competitive. They're super passionate about this game,” Nackman says. “I think once you get to know the people in the community, you start to realize that there is a place for you.”
Schedule varies: Pre-release events.
Good to know:
The shop is in the alley of a more industrial area, but there’s free parking past the gate on Playa Court.
The vibe: The shop hosts a variety of activities from board games to Magic and Warhammer. ”Our whole vibe is just come on in, play some games,” says Pokémon organizer Eddie Sagastume.
When to play Pokémon:
Thursdays 7 to 10 p.m. AKA “come in and hang out and talk about Pokémon night,” says Sagastume. There’s a local tournament and other people come to watch, trade cards, or play the Pokémon video game with community.
Sagastume says he’s happy to provide a tutorial to newer players. ”There’s no wrong way to enjoy Pokémon,” Sagastume says. “I always tell people, give the game a chance.”
Sharath Cherian and daughter Asha at the 2024 Pokémon World Championship in Honolulu.
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Courtesy Sharath Cherian
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Trainers Guild
What it is: An organization that offers Pokémon after-school programs, summer camps, coaching, and intensives. Sharath Cherian, a Hollywood father of a competitive player, founded the Trainers Guild with coach Ciaran Farah, who’s based in Toronto.
“[Pokémon is] a great way for kids to learn math, strategic thinking,” Cherian says. “This is a way for them to interact with each other that involves a little bit of negotiation skills.”
Fire department honored with 'Award of Excellence'
Makenna Sievertson
covers the daily drumbeat of Southern California — events, processes and nuances making it a unique place to call home.
Published December 12, 2025 4:30 PM
The "Award of Excellence Star" honoring the Los Angeles Fire Department on Friday.
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Matt Winkelmeyer
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Getty Images
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Topline:
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has a new neighbor — a star dedicated to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Why it matters: The Fire Department has been honored with an “Award of Excellence Star” for its public service during the Palisades and Sunset fires, which burned in the Pacific Palisades and Hollywood Hills neighborhoods of L.A. in January.
Why now: The star was unveiled on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday at a ceremony hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Hollywood Community Foundation.
Awards of Excellence celebrate organizations for their positive impacts on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, according to organizers. Fewer than 10 have been handed out so far, including to the LA Times, Dodgers and Disneyland.
The backstory: The idea of awarding a star to the Fire Department was prompted by an eighth-grade class essay from Eniola Taiwo, 14, from Connecticut. In an essay on personal heroes, Taiwo called for L.A. firefighters to be recognized. She sent the letter to the Chamber of Commerce.
“This star for first responders will reach the hearts of many first responders and let them know that what they do is recognized and appreciated,” Taiwo’s letter read. “It will also encourage young people like me to be a change in the world.”
LAFD Chief Jaime E. Moore, Eniola Taiwo and LAFD firefighters with the "Award of Excellence Star" Friday.
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Matt Winkelmeyer
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Getty Images North America
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The Award of Excellence Star is in front of the Ovation Entertainment Complex next to the Walk of Fame; however, it is separate from the official program.
What officials say: Steve Nissen, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement Taiwo’s letter was the inspiration for a monument that will “forever shine in Hollywood.”
“This recognition is not only about honoring the bravery of the Los Angeles Fire Department but also about celebrating the vision of a young student whose words reminded us all of the importance of gratitude and civic pride,” said Nissen, who’s also president and CEO of the Hollywood Community Foundation.
L.A. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto was accused of an ethics breach in a case the city settled for $18 million.
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Carlin Stiehl
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Topline:
Fallout from allegations of an ethics breach by Los Angeles’ elected city attorney has reached the City Council. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion Friday requesting a closed-session meeting about an allegation that City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto improperly contacted a witness days before her office entered into one of the city’s biggest settlements in recent years. The motion came a day after LAist reported about the allegation.
The case: In September, the city settled a lawsuit brought forward by two brothers in their 70s who said they suffered serious injuries after an LAPD officer crashed into their car. Days before the $18 million settlement was reached, lawyers for the brothers said Feldstein Soto called an expert witness testifying for the plaintiffs and “attempted to ingratiate herself with him and asked him to make a contribution to her political campaign,” according to a sworn declaration to the court by the plaintiffs’ attorney, Robert Glassman.
The response: Feldstein Soto did not respond to an interview request. Her spokesperson said the settlement “had nothing to do” with the expert witness. Her campaign manager told LAist the city attorney had been making a routine fundraising call and did not know the person had a role in the case, nor that there were pending requests for her office to pay him fees.
What Jurado says: In a statement to LAist, Jurado said she wants to “make sure that the city’s legal leadership is guided by integrity and accountability, especially when their choices affect public trust, civic rights and the city’s limited resources."
What’s next: The motion needs to go through a few committees before reaching the full City Council. If it passes, the motion calls for the city attorney to “report to council in closed session within 45 days regarding the ethics breach violation and give updates to the City Council."
Topline:
Fallout from allegations of an ethics breach by Los Angeles’ elected city attorney has reached the City Council. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion Friday requesting a closed-session meeting about an allegation that City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto improperly contacted a witness days before her office entered into one of the city’s biggest settlements in recent years. The motion came a day after LAist reported about the allegation.
The case: In September, the city settled a lawsuit brought forward by two brothers in their 70s who said they suffered serious injuries after an LAPD officer crashed into their car. Days before the $18 million settlement was reached, lawyers for the brothers said Feldstein Soto called an expert witness testifying for the plaintiffs and “attempted to ingratiate herself with him and asked him to make a contribution to her political campaign,” according to a sworn declaration to the court by the plaintiffs’ attorney, Robert Glassman.
The response: Feldstein Soto did not respond to an interview request. Her spokesperson said the settlement “had nothing to do” with the expert witness. Her campaign manager told LAist the city attorney had been making a routine fundraising call and did not know the person had a role in the case, nor that there were pending requests for her office to pay him fees.
What Jurado says: In a statement to LAist, Jurado said she wants to “make sure that the city’s legal leadership is guided by integrity and accountability, especially when their choices affect public trust, civic rights and the city’s limited resources."
What’s next: The motion needs to go through a few committees before reaching the full City Council. If it passes, the motion calls for the city attorney to “report to council in closed session within 45 days regarding the ethics breach violation and give updates to the City Council."
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Destiny Torres
is LAist's general assignment and digital equity reporter.
Published December 12, 2025 3:38 PM
Luis Cantabrana turns the front of his Santa Ana home into an elaborate altar in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe.
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Destiny Torres
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LAist
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Topline:
Today marks el Día de La Virgen de Guadalupe, or the day of the Virgen of Guadalupe, an important holiday for Catholics and those of Mexican descent. In Santa Ana, Luis Cantabrana builds an elaborate altar in her honor that draws hundreds of visitors.
What is the holiday celebrating? In 1513, the Virgin Mary appeared before St. Juan Diego, asking him to build a church in her honor. Her image — a brown-skinned woman, wearing a green veil with her hands clasped in prayer and an angel at her feet — miraculously appeared on his cloak. Every year on Dec. 12, worshippers of the saint celebrate the Guadalupita with prayer and song.
Read on … for how worshippers in Santa Ana celebrate.
Every year in Santa Ana, Luis Cantabrana turns the front of his home into an elaborate altar in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe that draws hundreds of visitors.
Along the front of the house, the multi-colored altar is filled with lights, flowers and a stained-glass tapestry behind a sculpture of the Lady of Guadalupe. Cantabrana’s roof also is lit up with the green, white and red lights that spell out “Virgen de Guadalupe” and a cross.
Visitors are welcomed with music and the smell of roses as they celebrate the saint, but this year’s gathering comes after a dark year for immigrant communities.
Luis Cantabrana stands in front of the stunning altar he built in front of his home in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe. Every year, his display draws hundreds of visitors.
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Destiny Torres
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LAist
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Why do they celebrate?
In 1513, the Virgin Mary appeared before St. Juan Diego between Dec. 9 and Dec. 12, asking him to build a church in her honor. Her image — a brown-skinned woman wearing a green veil with her hands together in prayer and an angel at her feet — miraculously appeared on his cloak.
To celebrate in Santa Ana, worshippers gathered late-night Wednesday and in the very early hours Dec. 12 to pray the rosary, sing hymns and celebrate the saint.
Cantabrana has hosted worshippers at his home for 27 years — 17 in Santa Ana.
The altar started out small, he said, and over the years, he added a fabric background, more lights and flowers (lots and lots of flowers).
“It started with me making a promise to la Virgen de Guadalupe that while I had life and a home to build an altar, that I would do it,” Cantabrana said. “Everything you see in photos and videos is pretty, but when you come and see it live, it's more than pretty. It's beautiful.”
The Santa Ana home's elaborate altar in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe draws hundreds of visitors each year.
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Destiny Torres
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LAist
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Gathering in a time of turmoil
Many also look to the Lady of Guadalupe for protection, especially at a time when federal enforcement has rattled immigrant communities.
“People don’t want to go to work, they don’t want to take their kids to school, but the love we have for our Virgen de Guadalupe,” Cantabrana said. “We see that la Virgen de Guadalupe has a lot of power, and so we know immigration [enforcement] won’t come here.”
Margarita Lopez of Garden Grove has been visiting the altar for three years with her husband. She’s been celebrating the Virgencita since she was a young girl. Honoring the saint is as important now as ever, she said.
“We ask, and she performs miracles,” Lopez said.
Claudia Tapia, a lifelong Santa Ana resident, said the VirginMary represents strength.
“Right now, with everything going on, a lot of our families [have] turned and prayed to the Virgen for strength during these times,” Tapia said. “She's a very strong symbol of Mexican culture, of unity, of faith and of resilience.”
See it for yourself
The shrine will stay up into the new year on the corner of Broadway and Camile Street.
The offices of the Employment Development Department in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2022.
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Miguel Gutierrez Jr.
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CalMatters
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Topline:
California’s unemployment agency kept paying cellphone bills for 4 1/2 years without checking whether its workers actually were using the devices. That’s how it racked up $4.6 million in fees for mobile devices its workers were not using, according to a new state audit detailing wasteful spending at several government agencies.
The investigation: The Employment Development Department acquired 7,224 cellphones and wireless hotspots by December 2020. State auditors analyzed 54 months of invoices since then and found half the devices were unused for at least two years, 25% were unused for three years and 99 of them were never used at all. The investigation, which auditors opened after receiving a tip, identified 6,285 devices that were unused for at least four consecutive months and said the department spent $4.6 million on monthly service fees for them.
Department response: Officials told auditors they were unaware of the spending, but auditors pointed to regular invoices from Verizon that showed which phones were not being used. The unemployment department began acting on the auditors’ findings in April, when it canceled service plans for 2,825 devices. It has since implemented a policy to terminate service plans for devices that go unused for 90 days.
California’s unemployment agency kept paying cellphone bills for 4 1/2 years without checking whether its workers actually were using the devices.
That’s how it racked up $4.6 million in fees for mobile devices its workers were not using, according to a new state audit detailing wasteful spending at several government agencies.
It acquired 7,224 cellphones and wireless hotspots by December 2020. State auditors analyzed 54 months of invoices since then and found half the devices were unused for at least two years, 25% were unused for three years and 99 of them were never used at all.
The investigation, which auditors opened after receiving a tip, identified 6,285 devices that were unused for at least four consecutive months, and said the department spent $4.6 million on monthly service fees for them.
From the beginning, the department had about 2,000 more cellphones than call center employees, according to the audit. The gap widened over time after the pandemic ended and the department’s staffing returned to its normal headcount.
As of April, the audit said the department had 1,787 unemployment call center employees, but was paying monthly service fees for 5,097 mobile devices.
“Although obtaining the mobile devices during COVID-19 may have been a good idea to serve the public, continuing to pay the monthly service fees for so many unused devices, especially post-COVID-19, was wasteful,” the audit said.
Department officials told auditors they were unaware of the spending, but auditors pointed to regular invoices from Verizon that showed which phones were not being used.
“We would have expected EDD management to have reconsidered the need to pay the monthly service fees for so many devices that had no voice, message, or data usage,” the audit said.
The unemployment department began acting on the auditors’ findings in April, when it canceled service plans for 2,825 devices. It has since implemented a policy to terminate service plans for devices that go unused for 90 days.
The California state auditor highlighted the mobile devices in its regular report on “improper activities by state agencies and employees.” The audit also showed that the California Air Resources Board overpaid an employee who was on extended leave as he prepared to retire by $171,000.
