Four candidates — two Republicans and two Democrats — are vying to replace former state Senator Janet Nguyen, who won a seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors in November. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the votes in the Feb. 25 primary election, the top two vote-getters will face off in a general election on April 29.
Why it matters: The winner will serve out the remainder of Nguyen’s term, which ends in December 2026.
Where is the district: The 36th California state Senate district stretches all along the Orange County coast, from Dana Point north to Seal Beach. It also encompasses the Little Saigon area of O.C., including the cities of Westminster and Garden Grove, and the Los Angeles County cities of Cerritos, Artesia and Hawaiian Gardens.
Read on ... to learn what state senators do, and how the candidates responded to an LAist questionnaire.
Four candidates — two Republicans and two Democrats — are vying to replace former state Senator Janet Nguyen, who won a seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors in November. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the votes in the Feb. 25 primary election, the top two vote-getters will face off in a general election on April 29.
The winner will serve out the remainder of Nguyen’s term, which ends in December 2026.
Read on to learn what state senators do, and how the candidates responded to an LAist questionnaire.
How to cast your ballot
All voters in the 36th state Senate district should have already received their ballot in the mail.
Voters have four ways to cast their ballots:
Drop your completed ballot in the mail, no postage required. Remember to sign and date the envelope.
Drop your completed ballot into a secure dropbox. Find locations here for Orange County and here for Los Angeles County.
Take your completed ballot to an official vote center starting Feb. 15. (Note that some vote centers don't open until Feb. 22). Find locations here for Orange County, and here for Los Angeles County.
Vote in person at an official vote center, starting Feb. 15.
Key deadlines:
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before Feb. 25
Vote centers and ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. on Feb. 25
You can request a ballot replacement from the OC Registrar of Voters and by clicking here for the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters.
You can also click here to track your ballot and make sure it gets counted by the O.C. Registrar of Voters and click here to make sure it gets counted in L.A.
Where is the district?
The 36th California state Senate district stretches all along the Orange County coast from Dana Point north to Seal Beach. It also encompasses the Little Saigon area of O.C., including the cities of Westminster and Garden Grove, and the Los Angeles County cities of Cerritos, Artesia and Hawaiian Gardens.
What do state senators do?
The California State Senate is one-half of our state legislature. Along with the Assembly, it essentially serves as California’s Congress.
State senators also:
Represent constituents, holding meetings in the district and keeping attuned to priorities. They also often work with local elected officials, such as city councils, to transmit their concerns to Sacramento.
Participate on some of 22 standing committees, six subcommittees or joint committees in the state legislature, each focused on areas such as labor, health and the environment.
Introduce as many as 40 bills per two-year session, as well as specific budget items.
They can impose rules that apply statewide, like restrictions on buying guns, or not allowing restaurants to provide single-use plastic straws unless a customer requests it.
State lawmakers also sometimes introduce and shepherd legislation specific to the community they represent and its problems or concerns.
In recent elections, the 36th District seat has been held by Republicans, which make up a small minority in the state Legislature.
Currently, Republicans hold just nine out of the Senate’s 40 seats, which means they have to work across party lines to get legislation passed.
During Nguyen’s last year in the 36th District seat, she authored around five dozen bills, including several to set additional standards for animal shelters, require reports on the state’s birth defect monitoring program, and to recognize South Vietnamese veterans of the Vietnam War. Fourteen of her bills ultimately passed.
What is the district’s party registration?
Currently, Republicans hold a slight advantage in registration in the 36th District. Here’s the breakdown:
Republicans, 37.1%
Democrats, 33.9%
No Party Preference, 22.6%
Other parties, 6.4%
What’s up next for the current legislative term?
There are lots of statewide problems to tackle — recovery from the recent wildfires and the threat of future wildfires, climate change, the high cost of housing and more.
Meet the candidates and read about their priorities
The candidates appear here in the same order they do on the ballot. We asked all four candidates the same series of questions about some of the key issues facing the district. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and context.
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Courtesy John Briscoe
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John Briscoe
Republican, business owner/broker Campaign website: JohnBriscoe.US
Briscoe was a long-time member of the Ocean View School District Board of Trustees until he lost reelection in November. He has run for the U.S. House of Representatives four times and lost. He owns a property management company with his wife.
What is the single biggest challenge facing the 36th District?
Inflation … Biden-Harris price increases have devastated and priced O.C. families out of groceries and housing.
Briefly, how would you use your office to address that challenge?
California has the highest taxes in the USA. Senators can cut and reduce spending, including the outrageous gas tax and high-speed rail boondoggle.
Specifically, how would you use the Senate office to help tackle the state’s housing deficit and rising unaffordability?
Twenty-two million illegal aliens invading across our border certainly does have an impact on our housing supply. We must deport all crime-connected aliens first, followed by all “getaways” and trafficked migrants. So-called sanctuary jurisdictions must obey federal immigration laws and cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
How do you plan to interact with your constituents and respond to their concerns?
I will be deeply engaged in the enormity that is CA36 through personal visits and interactions with all city councils, school boards, water boards, O.C. Supervisors, service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, Assistance League), town hall meetings, and constant Facebook and Instagram videos.
Think two years down the line, what do you hope will be three accomplishments that you’ll brag about in hopes of being re-elected?
1. Installation of standard private sector business purchasing practices, including 2% 10, Net 30. This normal and customary savings tool is totally omitted from school district, municipal, and county purchasing. The federal Robinson Patman Act clearly directs vendors to offer (a) fair, (b) equal and (c) proportionate pricing and terms to all customers. This is not current practice, costing the government millions of lost dollars every year.
2. Increase water storage capacity in the California water supply system by building the Auburn Dam. This project has been reviewed and approved for decades but has been stonewalled by state authorities. California's population has doubled with no concomitant increase in water storage. [Too much] Sierra water is flushed out to sea; there is plenty for smelt AND the doubled California population.
3. Reduce onerous over-regulation burdens on California businesses. Every single new reporting and regulating event costs businesses time and money, and worse, it inhibits business formation. This means fewer jobs and lower incomes in the district.
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Joe Pham
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VoteJulieDiep.com
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Julie Diep
Democrat, disability rights advocate Campaign website:VoteJulieDiep.com
Julie Diep is a speech pathologist and founder of the OC Autism Foundation. She won a seat on the Anaheim Elementary School District Board of Education in November.
What is the single biggest challenge facing the 36th District?
The 36th District, situated along the coast, faces a significant challenge posed by climate change.
The district's proximity to the ocean makes it particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and increased coastal erosion. This threatens coastal communities and infrastructure, including homes, businesses, and vital transportation routes.
We are also facing hotter and drier conditions, increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires. This poses a significant threat to both lives and property, particularly in inland areas of the district.
Briefly, how would you use your office to address that challenge?
Implementing shoreline restoration projects, constructing seawalls, and developing coastal adaptation plans to protect communities from rising sea levels and erosion, specifically:
Offering tax breaks or credits to businesses and homeowners who invest in solar panels and other renewable energy technologies.
Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining the permitting process for renewable energy projects to encourage faster development.
Introducing and supporting legislation that allocates state and federal funds for coastal protection projects, such as grants for local governments and non-profit organizations.
Specifically, how would you use the Senate office to help tackle the state’s housing deficit and rising unaffordability?
Streamline approvals for mixed-use developments near transit, prioritizing walkability and public transit, and minimizing traffic while respecting local control.
Encourage the conversion of underutilized commercial buildings into workforce housing, creating new units and revitalizing areas.
Champion legislation allowing resident ownership of mobile home parks, ensuring long-term affordability and community stability.
These strategies will increase housing supply, preserve affordability, and foster vibrant, sustainable communities.
How do you plan to interact with your constituents and respond to their concerns?
Monthly newsletters will keep residents informed about legislative updates and important community news.
In-person meetings will provide a dedicated space for constituents to discuss personal concerns and seek individual assistance.
Quarterly town hall meetings to address district-wide issues, foster open dialogue, and gather input from diverse perspectives.
This combination of communication channels will ensure that the voices of the 36th District are heard and that I am effectively representing their interests in the State Senate.
Think two years down the line, what do you hope will be three accomplishments that you’ll brag about in hopes of being re-elected?
Shoreline mitigation for community safety — addressing coastal erosion and sea-level rise by securing grants and collaborating with local agencies to implement sand replenishment, upgrading seawalls to meet the latest state guidelines, and maintaining property drainage to reduce landslide frequency to protect homes and businesses.
Fire prevention — Substantially reducing fire risk and increasing shared responsibility among residents, local and state governments to enhance vegetation management, modernize our emergency response infrastructure, and provide our firefighters with cutting-edge tools and training.
Workforce housing — Transforming vacant commercial spaces into affordable workforce housing, streamlining zoning processes to make it easier to repurpose underused properties, and ensuring that those who serve our community such as teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers can afford to live locally, contributing to reduced commuting times and enhanced public safety.
Jimmy Pham is an attorney specializing in immigration law. He ran for state Assembly in 2024 and lost to incumbent Tri Ta, a Republican. The list of endorsements on his website include Congressman Dave Min and California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
What is the single biggest challenge facing the 36th District?
Climate change and its impacts on the environment are affecting the lives of everyone in the 36th District. Sea level rise and erosion threaten the stability of our coastline, putting at risk our economy, transportation systems, and housing. Prolonged drought and inconsistent rain exacerbate the intensity of wildfires, as apparent from the Palisades, Eaton, and Airport Fires in recent months.
Briefly, how would you use your office to address that challenge?
As state senator, I would advocate for additional funding to make necessary improvements to harden infrastructure against climate change and provide financial incentives to people to move out of harm’s way. That could include burying power lines so they don’t spark fires during Santa Ana wind events; restoring coastal marshes and other barriers to act as a buffer for waves and protect our beachfront homes and businesses; and finding places to store excess runoff during rainstorms to replenish groundwater.
Specifically, how would you use the Senate office to help tackle the state’s housing deficit and rising unaffordability?
The state must do more to ensure cities plan for housing as required under state law. I will work with my colleagues to expand grants and tax credits for first-time homebuyers and bring millions of dollars in state funding back to our district to support construction of new housing. I am committed to cutting red tape and streamlining approval processes to ensure housing is built more quickly and cost-effectively. Incentives to build townhomes or apartments near existing and future transit stops, as well as convert struggling commercial properties to mixed-use developments will help concentrate development in areas that need it.
How do you plan to interact with your constituents and respond to their concerns?
I believe in showing up anywhere and everywhere so people can get to know their elected officials on a personal level. I will hold town hall meetings to share updates on my work in Sacramento, but constituents should also reach out to my office with events that they would like me to attend. I plan to have a robust social media presence on all major platforms to make information about the workings of the State Senate more accessible.
Think two years down the line, what do you hope will be three accomplishments that you’ll brag about in hopes of being re-elected?
I hope to make progress on my priorities of lowering costs, protecting the environment, and ensuring our civil liberties. I would love to brag about the growth of the cities of District 36, with new housing and public transit options to create more vibrant communities and lower rents. I also want to brag about investments in infrastructure to mitigate the impact of climate change, such as protections from coastal flooding, hardened utility equipment, and green energy projects. Lastly, I would tout the number of people California has helped to maintain access to reproductive health care.
Note: The candidate did not reply to LAist's questionnaire.
Tony Strickland is endorsed by the Republican party, among many others. He served multiple terms in the state Senate and Assembly before winning a seat on the Huntington Beach City Council in 2022. He ran for Congress and lost in 2012 and 2014.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason became one of Los Angeles’ first Black woman landowners, building wealth through real estate.
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LaMonica Peters
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The LA Local
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Topline:
From the city’s Black founders and their fight to be free from slavery to a Black architect who designed thousands of buildings throughout the city, L.A.'s first Black residents has had lasting influence.
Why it matters: Los Angeles is often celebrated for its warm weather, Hollywood glamour and championship sports teams, but the city’s foundation has a powerful Black history that is often overlooked.
Read on ... for a look at seven key Black history sites you can visit.
Los Angeles is often celebrated for its warm weather, Hollywood glamour and championship sports teams but the city’s foundation has a powerful Black history that is often overlooked.
From the city’s Black founders and their fight to be free from slavery, to a Black architect who designed thousands of buildings throughout the city, L.A.’s first Black residents have had lasting influence.
The LA Local traveled around the city to unearth some of the intriguing Black history facts. Here we highlight seven sites in Los Angeles that show the contributions of Black people in Los Angeles.
Bridget ‘Biddy’ Mason Memorial Park
Situated behind an office building on South Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles is a tribute to Bridget “Biddy” Mason. She was born enslaved in Mississippi and was brought to California by her owner Robert Marion Smith — even though slavery was illegal in California. After being enslaved in the state for five years, Mason won her freedom in 1856 by challenging her enslavement in court. Thirteen other family members were also freed, according to the National Park Service..
She became one of L.A.’s first Black woman landowners building wealth through real estate. Her net worth was said to be about $3 million in the 1860s, which would equate to nearly $60 million today. She also provided housing and food for the poor, acted as a midwife and helped establish the city’s first Black church, NPS noted.
The memorial park stands near property she once owned.
First African Methodist Episcopal Church
The First African Methodist Episcopal Church, also known as First AME or FAME, was co-founded in 1872 by Mason and other Black leaders. It was first located on Spring Street in Los Angeles, according to the National Park Service. The church was then moved to Harvard Boulevard, where it still stands today. It became a spiritual, political and organizing hub for Black Angelenos during segregation, according to the church’s website.
Most recently, the church was pastored by the Rev. Cecil Murray from 1977 to 2004. Under his leadership the church grew from 250 members to 18,000 at the time of his retirement, according to the Los Angeles Sentinel.
The first home built by architect Paul R. Williams
Though he faced racial discrimination, Paul Revere Williams became one of the most celebrated architects in L.A., whose legacy reshaped the city’s skyline and luxury design culture.
He was the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects. He designed thousands of buildings during his career, including The Beverly Hills Hotel and homes for Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Williams was also part of the team that designed the iconic Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport, as reported by LAist.
His first home sits in South Central and is designated as a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument, according to the Los Angeles Conservancy. He lived in this home for about 30 years until racial covenants were outlawed in the 1950s.
African American Firefighter Museum
On Central Avenue in South Central sits the historic fire station and museum that honors the Black firefighters who broke racial barriers in the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The museum “resides inside Fire Station No. 30, one of two segregated firehouses in Los Angeles between 1924 and 1955,” according to the museum’s website. The museum also notes that Sam Haskins was the first Black man to join the L.A. Fire Department in 1892 and died three years later fighting a fire.
The museum was founded in 1997 and is a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument. It is also registered with the National Register of Historic Places.
Before taking office, he worked as a janitor for the city’s Department of Water and Power, according to LA City Parks.
Elected in 1963, Lindsay represented District 9 for nearly 30 years. He supported civil rights and fought for economic investment, infrastructure improvements and services in historically underserved Black neighborhoods. He also served on the board of directors of the NAACP.
28th Street YMCA
The 28th Street YMCA building was designed by Williams, the renowned architect.
It was originally constructed to serve Black residents in L.A. who were banned from other facilities during segregation, according to the LA Conservancy. It won a Conservancy Preservation Award in 2013.
It became a hub for housing, community programs and social gatherings. Today, it serves as affordable housing for low-income adults and is listed with the National Register of Historic Places.
The Ralph J. Bunche House
The former home of Ralph J. Bunche, the first Black person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, is located in South Central on East 40th Place. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bunche played a key role in negotiating the 1949 Arab-Israeli armistice agreements through the United Nations. He also helped organize the civil rights march in Montgomery, Ala., in 1965, the Nobel Peace Prize organization said.
Born in Detroit, he moved to L.A. with his family and later became valedictorian at Jefferson High School. He attended UCLA on an athletic scholarship and “graduated in 1927 summa cum laude, valedictorian of his class, with a major in international relations,” the Nobel Peace Prize organization said. He also received a master’s degree in political science from Harvard in 1928. The Ralph J. Bunche Center was established in 1969 at UCLA in his honor.
Soccer Shots, a kids soccer program, is hosting a Game Day at the Americana.
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Courtesy Discover Los Angeles
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Topline:
There are plenty of World Cup-related things to do with kids and a list of activities around L.A. to help you get in on the tournament action. Here's a guide to help you plan without spending a fortune on tickets.
Why it matters: The World Cup already is a massive undertaking for organizers. So imagine what it would take for families to brave the traffic, parking and crowds for one of the eight tournament matches at SoFi Stadium this summer.
What to expect: There's plenty to do at the California Science Center and at parks across Los Angeles for kids. Programming is available around the tournament and most events are free.
Read on ... to find out what to do with the kids this summer.
The World Cup already is a massive undertaking for organizers. So imagine what it would take for families to brave the traffic, parking and crowds for one of the eight tournament matches at SoFi Stadium this summer.
But don’t worry: There are plenty of World Cup-related things to do with kids and a bunch of activities around L.A. to help you get in on the tournament action.
L.A. County Library's Summer of Soccer starts now
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Courtesy LA County Library
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LA County Library Summer of Soccer
LA County Library is celebrating the World Cup being in town with a “Summer of Soccer” at its branches. Activities include storytimes, movie nights and craft-making activities for kids of varying ages.
California Science Center's new exhibition celebrates the transformative power of play and the joy of the human body in motion.
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Courtesy California Science Center
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California Science Center ‘GAME ON!’ exhibit
The California Science Center has a new 17,000-square-foot exhibit, “GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play,” full of interactive activities to explore the science behind sports. The exhibit includes a practice batting area and a mini-field to practice soccer kicks.
When: Now, through the LA 2028 Olympics
Cost: Admission is free, but groups of 15 or more require a timed reservation.
The city is hosting a series of family-friendly watch parties across the city during the World Cup. The parties will have youth soccer clinics and “family fun zones” with interactive activities and arts. Other cities, like West Hollywood and Pasadena, are also hosting local family-friendly watch parties.
Soccer Shots, a kids soccer program, is hosting a Game Day at the Americana.
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Courtesy Discover Los Angeles
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Soccer Shots Game Day
Soccer Shots, a kids soccer program, is hosting a Game Day at the Americana on June 27 for children 5-8 years old. Players will be split into teams to play round-robin style games.
Did you know that the American Youth Soccer Organization, or more commonly known as AYSO, was founded in Torrance? Well, the museum there is hosting a curated collection of soccer memorabilia to celebrate the World Cup.
If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.
Gab Chabrán
covers what's happening in food and culture for LAist.
Published June 7, 2026 5:00 AM
A selection of wings and fries at Wings 2 Go in Inglewood.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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Topline:
Tens of thousands of international soccer fans are about to descend on Inglewood for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SoFi Stadium is one of the tournament's premier venues — but the best reason to spend time in the neighborhood has nothing to do with what's happening on the pitch.
Why it matters: Inglewood's food scene reflects a city where Black and Latino residents make up nearly 90% of the population. These aren't tourist traps — they're the spots locals have been eating at for years, from a James Beard-recognized soul food diner open since 1983 to a carnitas truck with roots in Michoacán.
Why now: The World Cup runs through July. Matches at SoFi mean game-day crowds and long waits elsewhere. These eight spots — spanning BBQ, Jamaican, Mexican, Italian-American, and more — are worth knowing before you go.
Thousands of international soccer fans are about to descend on Inglewood for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SoFi Stadium is the tournament's premier venues — but the best reason to spend time in the neighborhood has nothing to do with what's happening on the pitch.
Inglewood's food scene reflects a city where Black and Latino residents make up nearly 90% of the population. These aren't tourist traps — they're the spots locals have been eating at for years, from a James Beard-recognized soul food diner open since 1983 to a carnitas truck with roots in Michoacán.
Here's where to eat before the whistle blows.
Wings 2 Go
Lemon pepper chicken wings from Wings 2 Go in Inglewood.
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Cesar Hernandez
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LAist
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Wings 2 Go is a small but mighty wing shop that sits in a tiny strip mall along Crenshaw Boulevard, attracting wing fanatics from far and wide looking to get a fiery bite. The menu at Wings isn't huge by most standards but it still manages to pack a punch when it comes to offering a variety of tastes and flavors.
Opt for the six-piece ATL Special with hot lemon pepper seasoning, $10.91. Upon the first transformative bite of a wing, suddenly you're Jordan after clinching his first NBA finals win in 1991, celebrating in ecstasy. The sticky, crunch-fried wing is drenched in the perfect amount of sauce, then sprinkled with galactic bits of salty, citrusy lemon pepper seasoning that will leave your lips tingling.
If you're looking to broaden your flavor horizons, there are also jerk BBQ, aji verde, and Cajun rub as sauce options. Whichever fiery selections you choose, wash them down with lemonade or sweet tea, or go for a hole-in-one with an Arnold Palmer to quench your thirst.
Location: 10925 Crenshaw Blvd. #101, Inglewood Hours: Open Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Country Style Jamaican Restaurant
The exterior of Country Style Jamaican Restaurant.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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Our love for Jamaican-style take-out restaurants knows no bounds, and the city of Inglewood has some of the best Jamaican food in Los Angeles.
This particular casual walk-up counter establishment has a particular place in our heart. The welcoming, joyous atmosphere is infectious as soon as you enter. The walls are painted the same dark green as the Jamaican flag. Images of Black luminaries are featured next to maxims extolling a virtue-filled life.
To get the most for your buck, we recommend choosing any of the mini plate options. Our personal favorite is the curried goat ($14.50). Stewed bone-in pieces of goat have been cooked in a dark yellow curry full of aromatic spices. The chunks of meat are spicy, juicy, and fatty, and fall off the bone onto a bed of rice and beans that's also saturated with maximum curry flavors.
Location: 630 N. La Brea Ave., Suite 111, Inglewood Hours: Open Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.
Carnitas El Artista
Plates of tacos at Carnitas El Artista.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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While it might be easy to pledge one's allegiance to the culinary wonder that is carnitas, how often do you take it upon yourself to dive deep into the different parts of the pig? Each has its own unique textures that delight with every helping. Carnitas El Artista is where such dreams can come true, thanks to the hard work of owner Gustavo Chavez and his family, who are from Michoacán, the Mexican state known as the birthplace of carnitas.
With Mexico entering the World Cup as one of the tournament's most celebrated footballing nations, this is where to eat in their honor. Their tacos de carnitas ($4.95 each) are the best option: choose the mix that includes all the different cuts of pork.
The sizable taco manages to pack all the flavor and texture of each aspect of the protein, providing an extremely nuanced bite that combines sticky, fatty, and chewy elements. Serve the meat on a fresh tortilla with crisp-tasting salsa, topped with thin shards of red onion, for the right amount of acidity to cut the richness of the pork.
It's a showtime taco for the masses, if ever there was one. Pro tip: they offer a 2-for-1 deal on tacos Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to close.
Location: 510 N. La Brea Ave., Inglewood Hours: Open Mon 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Tue, Thu–Fri 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.
Woody's Bar-B-Que
The inflation fighter (3x) lunch special at Woody’s Bar-B-Que.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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If you've spent any time in Inglewood, there's a good chance you've seen Woody's Bar-B-Queon Market Street. If not, you've definitely smelled it. The unmistakable aroma of delicious grilled and smoked meat is the unofficial scent of that part of town. It's not uncommon for lines to wrap around the small business, spilling into the moderately sized parking lot.
It's never not a joyous occasion at Woody's as you wait in line to place your order at the walk-up window, where overhead speakers play booming deep cuts from the '80s and '90s R&B or Madlib's Shades of Blue, helping set the mood.
Our favorite aspect of Woody's is the lunch special menu, which feels like a trip back to when the restaurant opened in 1975. Names like Inflation Fighter, Business Man's Lunch, and Lady's Lunch all add to its charm and cost $10.95.
All plates come in a brown paper bag, giving the vibe of the school lunch that your mom used to pack, along with two slices of white bread and a small container of a side of your choice.
Location: 475 S. Market St., Inglewood Hours: Open daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
El Capitalino
Quesadilla fritas from El Capitalino MX food truck.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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What if the quesadillas from your youth were, in fact, a gateway into a large quesadilla universe that's actually larger than what you might have originally considered? El Capitalino achieves just that. Owner Ivan Gomez was inspired by the quesadillas he saw prepared during a trip to Mexico City and by his mother and grandmother, who grew up making the meal. For $5, each thick corn tortilla is made by hand, usually by Ivan's mom, Norma Ramirez. She takes the raw masa and forms it into a flat disk, then stuffs it with cheese.
The tortilla is then folded and fried in oil. After it's done cooking, the quesadilla is removed, pulled apart, and packed with a filling of your choice — chicken tinga, hongos, rajas con queso, carne asada, or chicharrón prensado — then fried with guajillo salsa and stuffed with lettuce and cream. No matter what the filling is, you'll get a unique griddled cheesiness, accented by expertly flavored fillings, that makes for one of the best-tasting quesadillas we've ever had.
The Serving Spoon has been an Inglewood cornerstone for four decades, dishing up grilled corn bread and fried turkey chops.
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Isaiah Murtaugh
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The LA Local
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Founded in 1983 by Harold E. Sparks — a young man from Hamilton, Ohio who traded a steady foreman job at General Motors for his dream of opening a soul food restaurant in Inglewood — The Serving Spoon is now in its third generation of family ownership and a recent recipient of the James Beard Foundation's America's Classics award.
The Foundation called it a "vital social and cultural anchor," which feels right the moment you slide into one of the red leather booths or take a seat at the wooden counter.
Go for breakfast: the catfish and waffle, the salmon croquettes, the grits. Plates run $15–25, depending on your protein. Come early on weekends or expect a wait.
If you're visiting from out of town and want to understand Inglewood's cultural legacy in a single meal, this is the place to start.
Cheesy garlic bread at Sunday Gravy, the Italian-American spot on Centinela Avenue in Inglewood.
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Courtesy Sunday Gravy
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In the early 1970s, the Bashirian family opened their first restaurant, Jino's, in this very same Centinela Avenue location — aiming to give the people of Inglewood something different from the big chains.
Their children Sol and Ghazi have continued building on that foundation with Sunday Gravy, a modern red-sauce Italian-American spot serving fresh pasta from Florentyna's and artisan breads from Cadoro Bakery, both made in Inglewood.
Italy is one of the world's great football nations, and this is about as close as the neighborhood gets to a proper Italian-American Sunday table: meatballs with whipped ricotta, short rib ragù, Caesar salad with Calabrian pepper aioli.
South L.A. hasn't traditionally been known for its vibrant restaurant scene, but that's slowly changing — and Somerville, opened by actor and entrepreneur Issa Rae along with partners Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan of GVO Hospitality, is one of the reasons why.
Technically a short drive from SoFi, the name refers to Hotel Somerville, a focal point for the Black jazz scene on Central Avenue in the 1930s and '40s that regularly hosted Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Billie Holiday. "I just wanted to be able to dress up, hang out, and eat well in my neighborhood," Rae has said.
The menu honors the spirit of the original hotel: start with Parker House rolls with truffle butter ($19) or the fried chicken and caviar sliders ($29), then move on to the collard green lasagna ($36) or paccheri pasta with short rib ragù ($36). It's a dressed-up night out in a neighborhood that's long deserved exactly that.
Location: 4437 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles. Hours: Open Wed–Sat 6–11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (brunch) and 6–11 p.m.
Tiffany Ujiiye
is an editor on LAist's mighty and nimble daily news desk, leading coverage from bald eagles to local government.
Published June 7, 2026 5:00 AM
Griffith Observatory at night (Photo by m3th0s via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr. Tag #LAist on Instagram if you want to see your photo featured here)
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images
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Topline:
When the sun goes down it’s easy to spot the bars and clubs where the parties happen in Los Angeles. But summertime is (possibly) the best time to explore the region’s not-so-obvious nightlife offerings.
What to expect: Want to explore the cemetery through music or take a night ride with thousands of bicyclists? What about joining citizen scientists to study urban bats or stare at the stars (not the ones in Hollywood)?
Read on... for LAist's handy guide to help visitors and locals alike.
When the sun goes down it’s easy to spot the bars and clubs where the parties happen in Los Angeles. But summertime is (possibly) the best time to explore the region’s not-so-obvious nightlife offerings.
Want to explore the cemetery through music or take a night ride with thousands of bicyclists? What about joining citizen scientists to study urban bats or stare at the stars (not the ones in Hollywood)?
LAist prepared a handy guide to help visitors and locals alike make the most of our summer nightlife.
Gear up with citizen scientists
Yuma myotis is another possible bat candidate and one of the bats recorded in the Backyard Bat Survey.
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Courtesy of L.A. County Natural History Museum
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The Natural History Museum of L.A. County conducts its annual Bat Roost Count, a community led science project where teams study bat roosts and give biologists, policymakers and activists information about bat populations and activity in the region.
Registration is open for those 14 and older. You need to RSVP to join the June 13 survey or the June 14 survey. If you miss out on June, you can register for the July survey in August.
For families, the museum plans to offer separate bat roost events sometime in August or September. People of all ages will be able to learn about bats, roosting behavior, watch a bat and learn how scientists are studying them. Those interested should fill out a form for details.
Concerts in the cemetery
The sun sets at the Hollywood Forever cemetery on Dec. 4, 2025.
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Ronaldo Bolaños
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Getty Images
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Hollywood Forever is one of the most iconic cemeteries in the world and it’s more than just a resting place for the famous. The sprawling 60-acre grounds also host cultural events, film screenings and evening concerts. Big names such as Olivia Rodrigo, Tame Impala and Lana Del Rey have performed at the cemetery.
Grab a flashlight and go on a night hike in Griffith Park.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images
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The Griffith Observatory is considered one of the most visited public observatories on the planet and offers plenty of things to do for night owls.
Once a month, the Observatory partners with local telescope groups and hosts a Star Party. Dozens of telescopes set-up on the lawn and the observatory says there’s always something to see. Check out the dates here.
If you can’t make a Star Party, the observatory is open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The observatory is closed on Mondays.
Cyclists gather for the monthly Critical Mass rides in Koreatown on Nov 8th, 2025.
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Steve Saldivar
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The LA Local
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Join thousands of bikers in one of the largest community bicycle rides in the U.S. The evening ride happens on the last Friday of every month on the corner of Western and Wilshire. Check the routes, they change each month.
Aboard the Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is lit at night on Nov. 2, 2025 in Long Beach.
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Getty Images
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Los Angeles Times
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At sunset the Queen Mary in Long Beach provides a host of spooky experiences. The ship is rumored to be haunted and there are tours and ship walks to investigate the claim.
The cheapest ticket is the Haunted Encounters Tour with general admission costs around $58 with Graveyard Tours starting at $89.
VIP Tours are also available starting at around $200.
