MARCH 15TH, 2024

FRIDAY

FRIDAY’S VIBES

 NWSLA Forecast | Live Traffic and Conditions 

HAPPY FRIDAY, GOOD LOOKIN’

• 📥️ LATE START: Hellllllo, helllooo LA! We are off to a late start today. Why? Well, I waited for a presser to hit my inbox this morning about food. And then uncovered a lot of freebies and goodies because of St. Patrick’s Day weekend. I kind of went HAM in today’s eats section. I am sure that you + yours won’t mind. xx - Wyatt

• 🍃 STRONG WINDS: Our area is experiencing moderate to strong winds, with north-northeast winds expected today. A unique weather pattern is ongoing in both LA and Ventura Counties, with wind gusts as high as 63mph; many of us will see wind gusts hit upwards of 50mph. Strong winds will continue throughout the day and likely into our weekend. Please be cautious of tree limbs, trees, power lines and other debris falling. If this happens, Los Angeles County Public Works can be called at 1-800-675-HELP (4357). LAFD also handles various requests, and MyLA311 (311) is available for tree emergency service requests.

• 🙌 THE DODGERS: I want to highlight this L.A. Times story as a main headline: ‘Dodgers renew Andrew Toles’ contract to help him keep health insurance.’ Though the Dodgers have never commented publicly, Toles has been placed on the restricted list since 2018 and will not take up a roster spot for the Dodgers. Yet, the Dodgers do this annually for Toles in an apparent move to help him with his health of mind. This is community. I love this vibe. Oh, Happy Friday, LA.

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⚡️THE HOV LANE

EATS

 😋 HEADLINES

• 🍩 FREE KRISPY KREME: Krispy Kreme is spreading the St. Patrick's Day cheer by offering a free green O'riginal Glazed donut to those of us who visit a local Krispy Kreme store wearing green attire, today - Sunday. In addition to this special treat, Krispy Kreme is introducing a range of festive green donuts to keep the celebration going. The new flavors include the Luck of the Rainbow Doughnut, Shamrock Cookies 'N Kreme Made With OREO Cookies, Plaid Party Doughnut, and Shooting Shamrock Doughnut.

• 🍦FREE DAIRY QUEEN: Dairy Queen is giving away free ice cream this upcoming Tuesday, March 19th for their eighth annual Free Cone Day. This event allows us all to enjoy a free small vanilla-soft serve cone in celebration of the first day of spring. I need to read this: there is a limit to one free cone per person while supplies last. The offer is not valid on mobile or delivery orders. DQ Rewards members can earn double points on any food purchase made on Free Cone Day…thanks, DQ!

• 🧁 JACK IN THE BOX FREEBIE: Jack in the Box is celebrating St. Patrick's Day by offering a free Oreo Cookie Mint Shake with any $1 minimum purchase on the Jack app or website. This promotion is available to new and existing Jack Pack members on this Sunday, March 17th. The Oreo Cookie Mint Shake features real Oreo cookie pieces mixed into a cool and minty shake, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Additionally, a Jack in the Box location in Tustin, CA, will have a literal rainbow over it from 4:30pm to 5:00pm on Sunday…not to be confused with Oreo’s rainbow below.

• 🍪 NEW FROZEN OREO TREATS: Oreo is launching an all-new Oreo Mint Frozen Treats lineup that includes the introduction of new Oreo Mint bars, sandwiches, and a 14-oz scoopable tub. These frozen treats feature a sweet mint creme-flavored frozen dairy dessert base inspired by Mint Oreo Cookies with real pieces of Oreo cookies mixed in. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, fans are invited to go rainbow hunting for a chance to win a Pot-O-Frozen Treats which includes samples of the newest Oreo Mint Frozen Treats. These treats are available nationwide + more product info and available locations found online at oreofrozentreats.com.

• ☕️ STARBUCKS’ NEW SPRING MENU: Starbucks is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a new festive green drink called the Luck of the Matcha Crème Frappuccino. This special beverage blends sweet and creamy matcha with caramel syrup, milk, and ice, creating a delightful concoction topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a crunchy caramel-sugar topping. Starbucks' spring menu also features other seasonal sips like the Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte and Iced Lavender Oatmilk Matcha.

• 🍪 CRUMBL COOKIES: Crumbl is offering a limited special cookie called the Mallow Crème Cookie. The cookie features a St. Patrick’s Day theme with Lucky Charms cereal and includes white drops, vanilla marshmallow frosting, and Lucky Charms elements This special-edition cookie is available until tomorrow while supplies last.

• 🍔 SMASHBURGER: Smashburger has introduced the Mango Habanero Crispy Chicken Sandwich as a limited-time offering, blending the succulent taste of mango with the fiery kick of habanero. This new menu item is made with a crispy chicken breast coated in a sweet and spicy tropical-inspired sauce, topped with lettuce and mayonnaise, all served on a soft roll. The Mango Habanero Crispy Chicken Sandwich is available nationwide until April 23rd.

• 🍪 INSOMNIA COOKIES: Insomnia Cookies has introduced a new Irish Potato Classic Cookie and other St. Patrick's Day-inspired cookies for the 2024 holiday season. This special collection includes the Irish Potato Classic Cookie, available for a limited time until March 25 or while supplies last, along with other festive cookie options to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

• 🌮 NEW TACO BELL ITEMS: Taco Bell is launching a new Cantina Chicken Menu nationally to shake up daytime offerings. This menu includes five new items: Cantina Chicken Soft Taco, Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco, Cantina Chicken Burrito, Cantina Chicken Quesadilla, and Cantina Chicken Bowl. The menu features premium ingredients like purple cabbage, Avocado Verde Salsa, and slow-roasted chicken seasoned with Mexican spices. Taco Bell Rewards members have early access to select items, with the full menu available starting this upcoming Thursday, the 21st.

• 🍗 BUFFALO WILD WINGS BOGO: Buffalo Wild Wings is giving away free boneless wings during the first round of March Madness with a buy-one-get-one free deal this Thursday, March 21st. The eatery also announced that Blazin’ Rewards members will receive a digital coupon for six free boneless wings on their next visit during any men's or women's games that go into overtime. This promotion extends beyond the game day, giving fans 30 days after the NCAA championship game to redeem their free wings.

• 🥭 PINKBERRY: Pinkberry, which launched in LA in 2005, has introduced a new Mango Lemonade frozen yogurt just in time for spring. The promotional combination includes the Mango Lemonade frozen yogurt topped with fresh mango, mango puree, and a lemon wedge. Additionally, Pinkberry is also adding two new crushed teas to the menu this season: Passion Mango and Watermelon.📍HQ: WEST HOLLYWOOD

• ⚡️ MONSTER ENERGY: Monster Energy Ultra has unveiled its new Fantasy Ruby Red flavor, a zero-sugar addition to its lineup, through an innovative augmented reality experience in Los Angeles. This launch featured custom can art by artist Pinky Taylor, with a ten-foot-tall Monster Ultra can installation in Venice. Visitors engaged with digital and physical art through smartphones and tablets, experiencing a multi-sensory journey where taste meets technology. The AR experience, powered by Monster's partner AR/T HOUSE, showcased the Ruby Red flavor in a larger-than-life format, combining vibrant ruby red citrus with exhilarating energy. This immersive launch aims to bring the energy of the new flavor to life, introduce it nationwide for all of us to enjoy.
  📍HQ: CORONA

• ☕️ THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf just launched a new line of K-Cup Pods at the Natural Products Expo West Trade Show in Anaheim. This launch not only introduces new flavors but also features a fresh packaging design that embodies the brand's passion for single-origin coffee and commitment to quality.📍HQ: PARKLABREA

• 🥛 CALIFIA FARMS: Califia Farms has launched Organic Almond Creamers, the only plant-based creamers on the market that are USDA Certified Organic and made with simple ingredients and no gums or oils. These creamers come in three delicious flavors: Lavender, Brown Sugar, and Vanilla, all of which are now available at various retailers like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market.📍HQ: DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

 🚀 OPENINGS

• 🥪 LONG BEACH: A new European-style sandwich shop called La ‘Croque is set for a soft opening today at noon. The soft opening will take place in Long Beach at 371 Redondo Ave. The shop's signature sandwich is the Croque Monsieur, and it offers a menu with hearty sandwiches, sides, and more. La ‘Croque focuses on high-quality ingredients, including chewy bread, French butter, housemade marmalades, European cured meats, and cheeses. The sandwich shop will be closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays but will soon offer delivery services. 🖥️ View Website | 📸 @lacroquesandwiches

• 🍸️ MELROSE: The Moon Room will serve up their grand opening today. This new cocktail bar in the Melrose District brings the essence of '70s and '80s Paris and New York to LA. Led by renowned proprietor Jared Meisler and designer Tria Jensen Meisler, the Moon Room features a stylish ambiance with black lacquer banquettes, carved wood panels, and white marble tables. We as guests can enjoy live music early in the evening played on a baby grand piano followed by a party theme with with a disco ball sets the mood. The bar offers a menu of creative cocktails like the spicy Andromeda and classic Pegasus, along with non-alcoholic options, wine, beer, cider, and light bites. The Moon Room is located at the former Bathtub Gin space on Melrose and La Brea, with a regularly slated schedule from Tuesday - Sunday, 7:00pm to 2:00am. 🖥️ View Website | 📸 @themoonroomcocktails

• 🚴‍♂️ A BIKE ROUTE IN MALIBU: Tomorrow, March 16th, a pop-up event is set to take place at Hanjay Cafe in Malibu, offering a unique coffee experience from 9:00am - 12:00pm. The cafe is known for its specialty coffee and cozy atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. This pop-up event promises to bring a delightful twist to the usual cafe experience, providing attendees with a memorable and enjoyable time at Hanjay Cafe in Malibu. | 📸 @hanjaycafe

EVENTS

 🔮 TRENDING FUTURES

 📆 TODAY

 🔮 OUR WEEKEND

ACTIVITIES

• 🧌 WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: Opening April 18th at Skirball Cultural Center is Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak. This exclusive West Coast display is the largest and most complete exhibition of original paintings, drawings, videos, and objects of artist Maurice Sendak, creator of the acclaimed children’s books Where the Wild Things Are. Tickets can be both purchased and reserved now: $18 general admission, $13 seniors, full-time students with ID, children 2-17, free to all Skirball members and children under 2, and free to us all on Tuesdays.

• 🎻 LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is preparing for its 2024 Gala Celebration on Saturday, April 6th, at the Skirball Cultural Center's Ahmanson Ballroom. This event will honor music talent agents Michael Gorfaine and Sam Schwartz, co-founders of Gorfaine/Schwartz, as well as Shaheen and Anil Nanji, long-time LACO advocates and community leaders. The gala aims to support LACO's artistic and educational initiatives, featuring a concert with LACO artists led by Music Director Jaime Martín, showcasing works by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Bartók. Following the concert, there will be a celebratory dinner with a selection of Acre and Lumen wines. Tickets for the gala start at $2,500 and can be purchased at laco.org/gala or by calling (213)622-7001, ext. 214.

• 🌼 ANTELOPE VALLEY POPPIES: Our local NBC Los Angeles breaks down the best time to venture to Antelope Valley (Palmdale/Lancaster) for the upcoming poppy season of many blossoms. RELATED: Wildflower watchers have reason to believe a ‘superbloom’ is waiting to erupt in Southern California via NBC News (National).

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA: The Los Angeles Children’s Hospital is hosting the fourth annual Walk & Play L.A., an event that raises funds for the hospital’s young patients and their families. The event takes place on Saturday, May 18th at the Santa Monica Pier and includes community for a day of fun and philantrophy with a 3k path. Register now to receive free parking and a limited edition t-shirt. Use code ‘WALKPLAY24’ to receive $10 off registration.

COMMUNITY

• 🚕 WAYMO ON LOCAL STREETS: Waymo is set to launch its robotaxi service this week after being temporary sidelined. The service will initially cover a sixty-three square mile area in Los Angeles, including neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Koreatown, and Downtown L.A. The service will operate on city streets but will not include freeway driving at the beginning. Waymo One, the fully autonomous ride-hailing service, prioritizes safety and sustainability, offering convenience to riders. The Waymo Driver technology has over 20 million miles of real-world driving experience and follows a rigorous safety framework.

• 🤝 WE’VE SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH FINLAND: Los Angeles and Finland have signed a Letter of Intent to promote climate cooperation and economic development. This partnership aims to advance green initiatives, strengthen business, investment, and create green jobs in Southern California. The collaboration focuses on achieving carbon neutrality goals, with Los Angeles recognized for innovative solutions in renewable energy and Finland known for digital technology and clean energy solutions.

• 🏃‍♀️ L.A. MARATHON ROAD CLOSURES: A reminder that the L.A. Marathon will take place this weekend. Because of this exciting event, road closures are taking place with planned detours.

• 💪 SECOND CHANCES: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently passed the Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO), which adds compliance requirements to the California Fair Chance Act for employers in unincorporated areas of the county. This ordinance applies to employers with five or more employees and prohibits inquiries about criminal history before extending a conditional job offer. The FCO aims to provide individuals with criminal records a fair opportunity for employment and will be effective from March 28th with full operation starting on September 3rd.

• 👧 YOUTH CAREER FAIR: Crescenta Valley Park is hosting its first-ever Career Exploration Fair tomorrow, from 10:00am - 1:00pm, inviting local youth to explore a variety of career options beyond traditional paths. The event aims to showcase endless opportunities available to children, guiding them towards diverse career paths regardless of college attendance. Additionally, the fair will reintroduce families to the park's structured summer camps, focusing on ESTEAM (environmental, science, technology, engineering, art, and math) for children aged six to eleven. Mentors from various fields like industrial design, yoga instruction, art, and aviation will be present to inspire and educate attendees about different job titles and fields they may not have encountered before.

• 🏃‍♂️ MARATHON YOUTH: Nyla Evans, a thirteen-year-old student from Southern California, is one of the youngest runners participating in the Los Angeles Marathon. She has been training with Students Run LA, a nonprofit organization that supports at-risk middle and high school students in marathon training. Nyla's mother, Johanna Voutounou, highlighted how running has provided Nyla with an outlet and a sense of accomplishment. For Nyla, the experience of running the marathon is pure fun.

DEVELOPMENT

• 🚇️ GRAND AVE ARTS / BUNKER HILL STATION: A new high-rise development has been proposed above the Regional Connector's Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station in Downtown Los Angeles. The project, utilizing Metro-owned land and a neighboring site, aims to create a mixed-use development spanning approximately two acres. The plan includes a 428-unit residential building with 115 affordable housing units, along with about 20,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The proposal also mentions a total plan for 584 residences, with at least 25% designated as income-restricted housing. The project is set to feature a modern high-rise with a large plaza near the Metro stop, enhancing the urban landscape of the area.

• 🌳 BEVERLY GROVE: A new mixed-use project has been proposed for development on South San Vicente Boulevard in Beverly Grove. The project entails an eight-story mixed-use building with residential and commercial spaces, including onsite parking. The proposal involves demolishing the Beverly Plaza Shopping Center and a commercial building on the site. 400 S. San Vicente, LLC is the project applicant, with Steinberg Hart responsible for the designs and MJS as the landscape architect. The project will feature 126 residential units, 11,615 square feet of commercial space, and fourteen units reserved for Very Low Income Households.

• 🚲️ BIKE + BUS UPGRADES: Los Angeles is considering free bike and bus upgrades through new development initiatives and voters recently passing Measure HLA. Our local officials are determining what resources to allocate from for widening streets to enhancing sidewalks, bus stops, and bike lanes, especially when funded by new developments. This shift aligns with Measure HLA, which mandates sidewalk improvements and the construction of numerous bike and bus-only lanes in our city.

• 🎬️ HOLLYWOOD: A new hotel project has been proposed for development on North Whitley Avenue in Hollywood. The proposal includes the construction of a ten-story hotel building with 156 guest rooms and onsite parking. The project involves demolishing six existing structures on the site to make way for the hotel. The Whitley Hotel will feature amenities such as a gym, a roof deck with a pool, fire pit, and snack bar. Additionally, the hotel will have parking spaces for both automobiles and bicycles. The project is designed by Daryoush Safai AIA Architect and is being developed by Whitley Apartments LLC.

BUSINESS

• 📈 FORECASTS HAVE CALIFORNIA ECONOMY STRONG: UCLA Anderson Forecast predicts that California's economic growth will outpace the United States in 2024. The forecast anticipates strong economic performance for California, with income growth and employment on the rise. Despite expectations of restrained growth due to higher interest rates, California's GDP is projected to grow positively. Additionally, the state's housing market is expected to see growth supported by policies encouraging new home construction. The forecast indicates a positive outlook for California's economy in 2024, with no recession predicted.

• 👰 MEGHAN MARKLE: Meghan Markle has launched a new lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard, sparking curiosity among fans. The brand's Instagram presence features a logo embroidered on cloth and a video of Meghan arranging flowers and cooking. Speculations suggest it may be a lifestyle and wellness platform akin to Goop, offering items like cookbooks, stationery, jams, and nut butters. A trademark application hints at a range of homewares. The brand's website prompts fans to sign up for updates, creating anticipation for what Meghan's new venture will offer. | 📸 @americanrivieraorchard

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA: Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier has been sold to an investment firm called SC Holdings, marking a significant moment for our landmark attraction in Santa Monica. The sale will see SC Holdings investing over ten-million-dollars into the amusement park's food and entertainment programs and general operations. The current management team will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of Pacific Park under the new ownership. This acquisition marks a significant moment for Pacific Park, with plans to enhance its offerings and write a new chapter in its history.

• 🔗 NETFLIX STOCK: Can Netflix’s stock hit an all-time high in 2024? via The Motley Fool.

ENTERTAINMENT

 🎬️ HEADLINES

• 🍭 NICKELODEON KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS: The Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2024 has been announced and will be broadcasted live on July 13th from the Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA. This year's event is scheduled for the summer, a bit later than usual, providing an exciting opportunity for kids who will be off for the summer break. The anticipation is high to discover the host of the awards show, potential new categories, and of course, who will get slimed the best.

• 🧞 SETH ROGEN + EVAN GOLDBERG: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are set to produce Amazon's Eight Billion Genies, an adaptation of a comic series by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne. The movie will be produced under their Point Grey Pictures banner, with Rodney Rothman writing the script. Eight Billion Genies is an eight-issue limited series from Image Comics where everyone on Earth gets a genie and one wish, leading to chaos. Amazon acquired the rights to adapt this series into a feature film and potentially more media content, aiming to create a broad cross-media universe.

• 🎄 SCHWARZENEGGER CHRISTMAS COMEDY: Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to star in Amazon MGM Studios' Christmas comedy movie, The Man With the Bag, alongside Alan Ritchson. Directed by Adam Shankman, the film follows Santa Claus as he teams up with Vance, a reformed thief, to retrieve his stolen magic bag. The duo, along with Vance's daughter and a group of misfit elves, embark on a mission to save Christmas. This project marks Schwarzenegger's return to the holiday genre and Ritchson's venture into a comedic Christmas film, blending action and comedy genres to bring a fresh energy to the traditional Christmas movie landscape.

• 🎵 N*SYNC SURPRISE: Justin Timberlake's recent solo show in L.A. turned into a nostalgic reunion as he brought back his former boy band, N*SYNC, to perform together. The performance at the Wiltern included all the original members - Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick - joining Timberlake on stage. This reunion marked the first time the group had performed together since 2013, with their last full performance being at the 2013 VMAs. The event was a surprise for fans and industry insiders, creating an emotional moment as they sang some of their classic hits like 'Gone,' 'It's Gonna Be Me,' 'Girlfriend,' and 'Bye Bye Bye.' Timberlake's new solo single 'Paradise' also featured all his former bandmates, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere of the night

• 🎺 MAD CADDIES: California ska-punk band Mad Caddies have released a new record titled Arrows Room 117, marking their first album since 2018's Punk Rocksteady. The new album is described as a blend of pain, love, loss, and new beginnings, incorporating reggae, rock, ska, and a touch of country music. Following their performance at the Cali Vibes festival in Long Beach, the band is gearing up for a tour with fresh songs to share. The tour includes local shows in Los Angeles and San Diego in May, culminating in the 1st Annual Caddielina Wine Mixer at House of Blues Anaheim on May 19th. Additionally, Mad Caddies will be part of the Punk in Drublic Festival in San Pedro from October 4th to October 6th.

• 👾 STRANGER THINGS COMES TO BROADWAY: Stranger Things: The First Shadow, an onstage offshoot of the popular Netflix series, is making its way to Broadway as a play. The production, which premiered in London's West End, is now gearing up for a transatlantic transfer. The play's story was devised by playwright Kate Trefry in collaboration with series creators Matt and Ross Duffer and playwright Jack Thorne. While no official announcement has been made yet, the production is aiming for a launch in 2025, with plans for sequels to follow at two- or three-year intervals.

• 🧔‍♂️ CHRIS PRATT THRILLER: Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson are set to star in the sci-fi action-thriller, Mercy. The movie is scheduled for release in theaters nationwide on August 15th, 2025. The movie, directed by Timur Bekmambetov, follows Pratt's character, a detective in the near future who must prove his innocence after being accused of a violent crime in a society plagued by rising capital crime rates. Produced by Charles Roven, the film is expected to have a full global rollout and will start shooting this spring.

SPORTS

• 🏈 KEENAN ALLEN: The Chicago Bears have acquired Keenan Allen from the Chargers in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick. Allen, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, brings a wealth of experience and skill to Chicago, having consistently performed at a high level throughout his career with the Chargers.

…I wasn’t a big sports guy today….so ESPN.com

HAVE A GREAT WKND, LA!