One LA Theater’s ‘Silver Lining' (And Other Headlines)

Though the first meeting in months between the Writers Guild of America and the major studios and streaming companies did not go well last Friday, there’s still some joy to be had for actors and writers on strike. Their contract doesn’t prevent them from performing live.

Solidarity and community in live performances

The Lyric Hyperion Theater and Cafe in Silverlake is a classic cabaret style theater that has been around for decades. Sean Casey took it over with his wife at the beginning of the year and they are able to provide not only a gathering space — and a latte — for those in creative industries that are struggling right now, they are also able to provide opportunities for people to write and perform live.

“Having lived through the last strike, the smallest, thinnest silver lining is that there was a flourishing of creativity in live shows while everybody was frustrated not being able to be part of TV and, and movies,” Casey said. “So please keep an eye open for some of the shows and lineups that you see happening.”

While this space gives actors and writers the ability to practice and hone their craft, there are still so many businesses that are struggling to make ends meet. One of those businesses provided two major atomic weapon props for the recent blockbuster Oppenheimer, which recently hit $550 million globally in the box office. Pam and Jim Elyea, who own the prophouse History For Hire, said they’ve had to cut staff because of the “financially debilitating” strike.

“Just because there's a strike doesn't mean I don't have to pay the city for the water, for the power, for the gas, for the taxes,” said Pam Elyea.

My colleagues Brian De Los Santos and Victoria Alejandro spoke with Casey, Elyea and other people who've been impacted by the strike. You can listen on the latest How To LA podcast episode.

ICYMI: At LAist, we’ve been speaking to people in various industries who have been financially impacted by the strike.

• Caitlin Hernández spoke with LAist readers who responded to our call-out about how the strike has impacted their lives. 
• Robert Garrova spoke with industry businesses about how the strike has halted their work and caused them to make changes.
• Victoria Alejandro spoke in-depth with the History For Hire owners about how they’re being affected by the Hollywood strike. 

Stay safe and cool, L.A. There’s more news below — just keep reading.

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(After you stop hitting snooze)

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• Figuring out how many California State University employees have been accused of sexual harassment and abuse is not an easy task. Why not? CSU lacks sufficient data, according to multiple reports. 

Wait! One more thing...

"Hank the Tank" Captured

A large black bear known as 64F was captured by state authorities in the area around Lake Tahoe, Calif., on Friday after being responsible for at least 21 home break-ins.

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California Department of Fish and Wildlife

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Northern California bears may be trying to get some justice after the Goldilocks incident.

On Friday, wildlife biologists captured “Hank the Tank”, a large black bear who had been breaking into people’s homes in the town of South Lake Tahoe. NPR’s Emily Olson has more details on the capture and a surprise development. It turns out that the main culprit was actually female and there were more than one bear involved — she had three cubs in tow that helped her trespass human homes.

But not all residents blame the bears. Make sure you secure your garbage, folks!