TORRANCE — A Fin whale roughly 35 to 40 feet in length was found inside the surf line near Torrance Beach on Saturday night and died before rescuers arrived.
Lifeguards discovered the whale around 6 p.m. inside the surf line near the beach between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove, according to a Los Angeles County Lifeguards post on X.
A Fin whale roughly 35 to 40 feet in length was found inside the surf line near Torrance Beach on Saturday night and died before rescuers arrived. (Photo by OnScene.TV)
The Marine Mammal Care Center and National Marine Fisheries Service responded and the experts determined the whale had died, lifeguards said.
“Due to its size & location it is expected that the whale will remain on the beach while responders create a plan to remove it,” the statement said. “If you are in the area please give the animal & responders plenty of space to work!”
The Getty Center’s “On Thin Ice – Dutch Depictions of Extreme Weather” includes “A Winter Scene with Two Gentlemen Playing Colf; Hendrick Avercamp (Dutch, 1585–1634); Pen and brown ink and translucent and opaque watercolor; Getty Museum; 2008.13” on exhibit through Sept. 1. (The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles)
Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles area.
EVENTS
Ventura County Fair: The fair — celebrating its 150th anniversary — runs today-Aug. 11. Fair hours: noon-12 a.m. daily. Commercial and exhibit buildings and the barn close earlier. Check the website for “early bird” online fair admission and season passes; regular admission is $20; $15 ages 65 and older and ages 6-12 (venturacountyfair.org/fair/hours-and-days/). Carnival wristband are an extra fee. Check the website for PRCA Rodeo show times, $8 or $10 (rodeo tickets are additional and are good only for a specific time and date). Concerts are free with fair admission, but there is a VIP ticket option for purchase (venturacountyfair.org/fair/entertainment/). Parking is limited onsite. Check parking and shuttles here: venturacountyfair.org/fair/parking-shuttles. Ventura County Fair Grounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd, Ventura. venturacountyfair.org
Prosperity Market’s Black Business Scavenger Hunt: Take part in the 4th annual event to discover Black-owned businesses included restaurants, services and stores, Aug. 1-25. More than 100 Black-owned businesses in the Los Angeles area are taking part. Text #BBSH24 to 323-417-0465 to participate and earn points by texting the unique code for each business you visit. A pop-up finale market and block party and winners of the scavenger hunt will be revealed, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 1 (parking lot of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, 4427 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles). www.instagram.com/prosperity.market. www.prosperitymarketla.com/. Details on the event: www.prosperitymarketla.com/pages/events
Music Center’s Dance DTLA: Have fun learning new dance steps when expert dance instructors provide lessons and DJs spin the tunes, 7-11 p.m. on Fridays Aug. 16. Schedule: Samba, Aug. 2; Hip-Hop, Aug. 9; Disco, Aug. 16. Lessons are free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Check the website for instructors and DJs. Dances are subject to change. Check the website for parking or taking the Metro. Jerry Moss Plaza at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. www.musiccenter.org/dancedtla
National Night Out Against Crime and Drugs – Mission Hills: Neighbors in the Los Angeles Police Department Mission Community Police Station area gather together at a block party to meet-and-greet the senior lead police officers, learn about crime prevention and safety tips, and enjoy music by DJ Bobby Arias, raffle prizes and free food, 5-7 p.m. Aug. 6. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Bring a picnic dinner. No pets allowed. Brand Park, 15121 Brand Blvd. Betty Ley, 818-401-3272. Details on the flyer: www.mhnconline.org/event/national-night-out-6/
National Night Out with Burbank Police Department: Meet Burbank police officers, view police vehicles, community exhibitors, refreshments and giveaways, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6. Johnny Carson Park, 400 Bob Hope Drive. Burbank Police Department, Community Resource Officers, 818-238-3235. www.facebook.com/BurbankCA/
National Night Out – Northridge: Event includes community resources booths, a police vehicle display, a children’s bouncy house, popcorn and a screening of “Sing 2” (2021), 6 p.m. Aug. 6. Event is cosponsored by Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee’s office and Los Angeles Police Department Devonshire Community Police Station. Northridge Recreation Center, 18300 Lemarsh Ave. (at Reseda Boulevard). See the flyer: www.facebook.com/LAPDDevonshire/
National Night Out – Valley Village: Neighborhood Council Valley Village holds an event with music, food, raffles and a “Glow Stick” walk, 6 p.m. Aug. 6. Bring your own glow stick. Also, nonperishable food to be collected, and then donated to the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry (no glass bottles). Valley Village Park, 5000 Westpark Drive. Maribel Ulloa-Garcia, 818-759-8204 or email: maribelugncvv@gmail.com. www.myvalleyvillage.com.
Nisei Week Japanese Festival: The 82nd Nisei Week events include special cultural activities, entertainment and exhibits throughout Little Tokyo, Aug. 10-18. The Grand Parade, 4 p.m. Aug. 11. Festival map: https://niseiweek.org/festival/#map. 213-687-7183. Email: info@niseiweek.org. niseiweek.org
The “Natsumatsuri Family Festival” — at the Japanese American National Museum — includes cultural performances, activities and crafts, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 10. Free. Location, 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. Details: www.janm.org/events/2024-08-10/2024-natsumatsuri-family-festival
Also, the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center (244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles) has a schedule of activities, Aug. 10-18. The JACCC presents the “Plaza Festival” — Aug. 17-18 — that includes entertainment, food and shopping, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 17; and on the second day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 18, a “Taiko Gathering,” with local Japanese drum groups. Details on the Aug. 10-18 schedule at the JACCC: jaccc.org/events/82nd-annual-nisei-week-jaccc/
Nisei Week Japanese Festival winds up with a closing ceremony and “Ondo Street Dance Party,” 3:45-7 p.m. Aug. 18 (First Street between Central Avenue and San Pedro Street). niseiweek.org
Grand Parade – Nisei Week Japanese Festival Grand Parade: The parade includes traditional Japanese taiko drum performers, local community groups, high schools, elected officials and representatives, and the newly crowned 2024 Nisei Week queen and court, 4 p.m. Aug. 11. Grand marshal is David Ono, KABC-7 news anchor, and the parade marshal is actress Amy Hill. The route begins at Central Avenue; on Central and heading west on Second Street; turning north on San Pedro Street; turning east on First Street; turning south and ending on Central Avenue. 213-687-7183. Email: info@niseiweek.org. niseiWeek.org. niseiweek.org/events/grand-parade/
The Big ‘I Do’ Wedding Experience – City of Santa Clarita: If you’re engaged to be married (or planning to propose), register by Aug. 16 to be a part of the City of Santa Clarita’s event in which multiple couple exchange their wedding vows, at the same time, and followed by a group wedding reception on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2025. Couples who register will automatically be entered in a raffle to win a custom wedding dress or suit. 661-651-0823. Read the details and register: santaclarita.gov/weddings
Wings Over Camarillo Air Show: The event includes aerial performances, a classic car and motorcycle show, vintage and present-day military aircraft display, a STEM pavilion and a “Veterans Hangar,” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 17-18. Air show performances begin at noon. All ticketing is online. Admission, for one day and plus fee $30; $20 for active military with ID; $10 ages 6-16 (details and to purchase general admission here: tinyurl.com/mshrb8my). General admission ticket holders need to bring a blanket or chairs for seating (no personal umbrellas or tents; also, the viewing area is at the “East Ramp” only). VIP Chalet tickets (seats and VIP parking) $170 for Aug. 17 or $160 for Aug. 18; $90 for ages 3-12 for VIP Chalet tickets (see details and to purchase: tinyurl.com/4es28r25). No dogs or pets are allowed. Details on attending here: https://wingsovercamarillo.com/public-notice). Camarillo Airport, 555 Airport Way. Updates: www.facebook.com/WingsOverCamarillo. www.wingsovercamarillo.com
ART
ReflectSpace Gallery: New: “(Be)Longing: Asian Diasporic Crossing.” Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Exhibit runs through Sept. 22. The gallery is inside the Glendale Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St. 818-548-2021. reflectspace.org. www.reflectspace.org/post/be-longing
ONGOING ART
Babst Gallery: “Athena LaTocha” and “Sarah M. Rodriguez.” Gallery hours: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibits run through Aug. 3. Location, 413 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. 424-600-2544. babstgallery.com/
Brand 52 – Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper: The 52nd annual show includes 102 artworks — 1,574 artworks were entered for this year’s show, the largest number submitted, and also the largest number to be chosen to be exhibited. The art was submitted by artists from across the United States and curated by art critic and curator Shana Nys Dambrot. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Aug. 9. Exhibit catalogs for sale: www.associatesofbrand.org. Brand Library and Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. 818-548-2051. www.brandlibrary.org
Michael Kohn Gallery: “Chiffon Thomas: Progeny.” Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Exhibit runs through Aug. 17. Location, 1227 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. 323-461-3311. www.kohngallery.com
David Kordansky Gallery: Three new exhibits at the gallery: “Curated by Rashid Johnson: Bruts,” a group show (tinyurl.com/3fdvp2wu); “William E. Jones: Saturn Comes Again (tinyurl.com/bzmfkbf2); “Simphiwe Mbunyuza: Intlombe” (tinyurl.com/338wj6d7). Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Aug. 24. Location, 5130 W. Edgewood Place, Los Angeles. 323-935-3030. davidkordanskygallery.com
Artist Co-Op 7: “Touch of H’art,” interpretations of the natural world by local artists — Susan Ahdoot, Selina Cheng, Beverly Engelberg, Cheryl Mann, Debbi Saunders, Joi T. Wilson. Show is curated by artist Helen Kim. Gallery Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sunday and holidays. Exhibit runs through Sept. 27. Encino Terrace, lobby gallery, 15821 Ventura Blvd. (between Densmore and Gloria avenues), Encino. Artist Co-op 7 contact, Jeanne Hahn, 818-885-8306 or jeannehahn@aol.com. www.co-op7.org
Visual Journey – Artist Co-Op 7: A virtual exhibit from 12 members of the group, through Sept. 30. The exhibit is held in conjunction with the San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center. https://www.co-op7.org. View the exhibit here: www.sfvacc.org/
BOOKS
Book Soup: Chris Nashawaty discusses and signs “The Future Was Now – Madmen, Mavericks, and the Epic Sci-Fi Summer of 1982, 7 p.m. Aug. 1. David Alexander discusses his photography book “Pictures of Time,” 7 p.m. Aug. 2. Moon Unit Zappa discusses “Earth to Moon: A Memoir,” 7 p.m. Aug. 22 (ticketed event, $37.73, for admission and book; event is at the Beverly Hills Public Library, 444 N. Rexford Drive; www.booksoup.com/event/moon-unit-zappa). Location, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 310-659-3110. www.booksoup.com
Diesel, A Bookstore: Jessica Knoll (“Bright Young Women”) and Sarah Pekkanen (“House of Glass”) discuss and sign their books, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6. Free seating is limited at the outdoor events. Purchase a book in advance to reserve a seat (click on the website’s tab for the author’s date). Location, 225 26th St., Santa Monica. 310-576-9960. www.dieselbookstore.com
Jay Ellis in Conversation with Issa Rae: Malik Books presents a book release event for Ellis’ “Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)? Adventures in Boyhood,” 7 p.m. Aug. 13. Reservations required. Admission $60.52 (includes second-level seating and a sign book); VIP admission $92.52 (includes floor seating, signed book and backstage after-party). Also, an add-on option for the backstage after-party, $28.52 (must also purchase a general admission ticket). Location, The Miracle Theatre, 226 S. Market St., Inglewood. malikbooks.com. Details and to purchase admission on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/yu58xcch
An Evening with Nancy Pelosi: The former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives discusses her new book “The Art of Power,” 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15. Tickets $44.52 for admission-only; $68 for admission and book. Books must be picked up at the program. Books will not be held or mailed. No refunds. Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. Eighth St., Los Angeles. ebellofla.org/event/the-ebell-of-la-writers-bloc-speaker-emerita-nancy-pelosi-08-15-24/
CHARITY/FUNDRAISER/VOLUNTEER
Brody Stevens Festival of Friendship Walk and Softball Game: A fundraiser for Comedy Gives Back, an organization that provides help for comedians who need mental health or addiction services/treatment, Aug. 17. The Friendship Walk – 1.5 miles around Reseda Recreation Center (between the pond and the baseball field) – begins with check-in or day-of-event registration, 1-2 p.m.; walk takes place, 2 p.m. A post-walk rally includes guest speakers, comedians, music and food trucks. The “star-studded” comedians vs comedians softball game, 5 p.m. (at the Dodgers Dreamfield Little League field behind Brody’s bench. The late stand-up comedian, who died in 2019, attended Reseda High School. Walk entry fee $40 in advance; $50 on Aug. 17. Location, 18411 Victory Blvd., Reseda. Information about Comedy Gives Back, www.comedygivesback.com. Details and to register for the walk (or give a donation): https://givebutter.com/BrodyStevensWalk
Community Bingo Night: American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614 in La Crescenta host the 12th annual Bingo Night fundraiser for veterans’ programs in the local area, 6 p.m. Aug. 18. Doors open, 4:30 p.m. Admission $25 (food available for purchase and the event includes raffles). Purchase tickets in advance from members of the AL Post 288 or VFW Post 1614. Also, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Crescenta Valley Weekly Newspaper, 3800 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta. Location, Healy Hall at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish, 2361 Del Mar Road, Montrose (enter Healy Hall from Briggs and Mayfield avenues). Dick Clubb, 818-384-5761.
Brody Stevens 818 Festival of Friendship Comedy Show: The late comedian is remembered with humor and love, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18. Minimum age: 21. Tickets $35.05 and up (Tickets: https://www.showclix.com/event/818-2024) . Two-drink minimum. Proceeds go to Comedy Gives Back mental health programs. Comedy Store, Main Room, 8433 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. https://thecomedystore.com/calendar/the-main-room/
DINING
Brew at the L.A. Zoo: The Los Angeles Zoo holds the event with samples of beers, DJs (Tyler Boudreaux, Raul Campos, Johnny Hawks), the band Arena, and food for purchase, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3. Minimum age to attend: 21 (must show a valid ID). Tickets $75; VIP $175 (includes early entry at 6 p.m.; a lounge area with drinks and food; animal keeper talks; other perks when choosing a VIP ticket). Purchase standard tickets in advance to avoid lines; also, no VIP tickets available at the door. Details on beers and other beverages: tinyurl.com/yc47phtw. Facts about the event: tinyurl.com/49kkse87. Location, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. www.lazoo.org. https://lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/brew2024/
Smorgasburg Los Angeles: The outdoor food and drink market has an “Ice Cream Alley” vendor area, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 4 (and all other Sundays through Sept. 1). Check the website or Facebook for vendors. Free admission. No pets allowed at this venue. Row DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles. la.smorgasburg.com and www.facebook.com/SmorgasburgLA/
Charles Phoenix – Southern California in Kodachrome: The pop culture author and entertaining lecturer presents a retro slideshow of 1950-1960s cultural scene through Kodachrome slides, 7 p.m. Aug. 7. The Getty Center offers this mid-century lecture for free (an advance ticket is required) or watch online on Zoom (register in advance for the link). Details and to register for in-person or the Zoom link: tinyurl.com/3xrc2ree. About Charles Phoenix: https://charlesphoenix.com/. Getty parking: www.getty.edu/visit/center/parking-and-transportation. The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive (at North Sepulveda Boulevard), Los Angeles. 310-440-7300. www.getty.edu.
Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California: The 2024-25 season of speakers: Trevor Noah, Oct. 15; Malcolm Gladwell, Nov. 19; Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Jan. 14; Pete McBride and Kevin Fedarko, Feb. 11; Zanny Minton Beddoes, April 22; Emily Chang, May 6. Subscription packages on sale for the series, $210 and up (no single tickets are sold). Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. and there will be a question and answer session. Details and information for the Long Beach, Pasadena and Redondo Beach location talks: www.speakersla.com/faq/. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com. www.speakersla.com/locations/thousand-oaks/
Canoga Park Farmers Market: A certified market, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Rain or shine. Location, 7248 Owensmouth Avenue, between Sherman Way and Wyandotte Avenue. www.instagram.com/mainst.canogaparkfarmersmarket
El Nido Farmers Market – Pacoima: El Nido Family Centers and the City of Los Angeles present the market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Location, Pacoima Family Source Center, 11243 Glenoaks Blvd. www.elnidofamilycenters.org/farmers-market
Encino Farmers Market: ONEgeneration presents the market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Location, 17400 Victory Blvd. (between Balboa Boulevard and White Oak Avenue). Farmers market manager, 818-708-6611 or email: farmersmarket@onegeneration.org. www.onegeneration.org/farmers-market/
Good Times Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Los Angeles Valley College, parking lot A, 5800 Fulton Ave. (at Burbank Boulevard), Valley Glen. Email: goodtimesfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Instagram: tinyurl.com/mrxcaxrn
NoHo Summer Nights Movie – Valley Cultural Foundation: “Barbie” (2023, 8 p.m. Aug. 10 (valleycultural.org/event/2024-noho-movie-barbie/). Free. Bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair for seating. Upcoming: “Coco” (2017), Aug. 24. North Hollywood Recreation Center (behind the North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Public Library), 11455 Magnolia Blvd. Check upcoming movies and concerts here: https://valleycultural.org/concerts-events/noho-summer-nights/.
MUSEUM
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Ongoing special exhibits: “Outside the Mainstream,” through Aug. 4. “Shifting Perspectives: Vertical Cinema,” through Aug. 4. “John Waters: Pope of Trash,” through Aug. 4. “Significant Movies and Movie Makers,” three exhibits through Jan. 4, 2026: “Casablanca,” “Boyz n the Hood,” and Lourdes Portillo.” Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and Monday. Admission $25; $19 ages 62 and older; $15 students, age 18 and older with ID; free for ages 17 and younger. Location, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. (corner of Fairfax Avenue), Los Angeles. 323-930-3000. academymuseum.org
African American Firefighter Museum: Artifacts, fire apparatus, pictures and stories about African American Los Angeles firefighters. Hours: timed entry admission, 1, 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday (make a reservation on Eventbrite here: tinyurl.com/4dx5xxhk). Donation. Location, 1401 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-744-1730. https://www.aaffmuseum.org/
Autry Museum of the American West: Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older, and ages 13-18 and also students older than 18 with ID; $8 ages 3-12 (theautry.org/visit). Location, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
Bolton Hall Museum: Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission; $5 donation is appreciated. Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. 818-352-3420. Email: llhs@boltonhall.org. www.facebook.com/boltonhallmuseum and www.boltonhall.org
California African American Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Tatyana Fazlalizadeh: Speaking to Falling Seeds,” through Aug. 3. “Paula Wilson: Toward the Sky’s Back Door,” through Aug. 18 (caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2024/paula-wilson-toward-the-sky-s-back-door). Also, “Simone Leigh,” a traveling exhibit, co-presented with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (artwork to be presented at both museums), through Jan. 20, 2025 (caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2024/simone-leigh). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Parking $20 before 5 p.m.; $24 after 5 p.m. (in Exposition Park). Location, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles (in Exposition Park). 213-744-7432. www.caamuseum.org and www.facebook.com/CAAMinLA/
California Science Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “Leonardo Da Vinci: Inventor. Artist. Dreamer.,” through Sept. 2 (californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/leonardo-da-vinci-inventor-artist-dreamer). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is free to the center’s permanent galleries, but there is a charge for special exhibits. Admission to the “Leonardo Da Vinci” exhibit: $22.95 ages 18-64; $20.95 ages 65 and older and students ages 13-17 with ID; $15.95 ages 3-12; (timed tickets are required for special exhibits, and also the Imax Theater; californiasciencecenter.org/visit). Location, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. californiasciencecenter.org
Craft Contemporary: Ongoing special exhibits: “Kyungmi Shin: Origin Stories” (www.craftcontemporary.org/exhibitions/kyungmi-shin-origin-stories) and “3B Collective: Highway Hypnosis,” with artwork from members of the Los Angeles-based 3B Collective — Adrian Alfaro, Aaron Douglas Estrada, Alfredo D. Diaz, Alexa Ramírez Posada, Oscar Magallanes, Rubén Ortiz-Torres — (www.craftcontemporary.org/exhibitions/highway-hypnosis). Both exhibits run through Sept. 8. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission $9; $7 ages 65 and older and students; free for ages 12 and younger. Location, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. www.craftcontemporary.org
Discovery Cube Los Angeles – Sylmar: Ongoing special exhibit: “Expedition: Dinosaur!” through Sept. 2. The Discovery Cube has ongoing exhibits that aim to make science fun for children. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $18 ages 15-61; $17 ages 62 and older; $16 ages 3-14. Location, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. www.facebook.com/TheDiscoveryCube and www.discoverycube.org
The Getty Center: Ongoing special exhibits: “The Book of Marvels – Wonder and Fear in the Middle Ages,” through Aug. 25. “On Thin Ice – Dutch Depictions of Extreme Weather,” through Sept. 1. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Free admission but a timed-ticket admission is required (tinyurl.com/yu6fsv3s). Parking $25 (www.getty.edu/visit/center/parking-and-transportation). Location, 1200 Getty Center Drive (at North Sepulveda Boulevard), Los Angeles. 310-440-7300. www.getty.edu
The Getty Villa: Ongoing special exhibits: “Picture Worlds: Greek, Maya, and Moche Pottery,” through July 29 (www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/picture_worlds). “Sculpted Portraits from Ancient Egypt,” through Jan. 25, 2027. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. Free admission, but a timed-entry reservation is required. Parking $25. Location, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. www.getty.edu/visit/villa/
Grammy Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Roxy: 50 and Still Rockin’,” through Sept. 2 (grammymuseum.org/event/50andstillrockin). “Hip-Hop America: The Mix Tape Exhibit,” through Sept. 4 (grammymuseum.org/exhibit/hip-hop-america-the-mixtape-exhibit). Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Admission $18; $15 ages 65 and older; $12 ages 5-17 and college students with ID. Location, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-725-5700. grammymuseum.org
Italian American Museum Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon,” through Oct. 13 (tinyurl.com/mrrb4pbh). Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission free; donations requested. Location, 644 N. Main St., Los Angeles. 213-485-8432. www.iamla.org
Japanese American National Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Giant Robot Biennale 5,” an exhibit of art by Sean Chao, Felicia Chiao, Luke Chueh, Giorgiko, James Jean, Taylor Lee, Mike Shinoda, Rain Szeto, Yoskay Yamamoto (co-presented by Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot), through Sept. 1. “J.T. Sata: Immigrant Modernist,” photography exhibit by the late James Tadanao Sata (1896-1975), through Sept. 1. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday; noon-8 p.m. Thursday; closed on national holidays (www.janm.org/visit). Admission: $16; $9 ages 62 and older and children; free for ages 5 and younger (timed advance tickets are recommended). Location, 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414. Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamuseum and janm.org
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: Museum hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except closed on the first Tuesday of the month and national holidays. Admission $15; $12 ages 62 and older and students ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required (tarpits.org/plan-your-visit/la-brea-tar-pits-buy-tickets). Parking $18. Location, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-763-3499. tarpits.org/
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: Permanent exhibits: “LA Starts Here!” “Calle Principal: Mi México en Los Ángeles.” Hours: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Free admission. Location, 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles. www.lapca.org
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Ongoing special exhibits: “Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting,” through Aug. 4. “Vincent Valdez and Ry Cooder: El Chavez Ravine,” through Aug. 11. “Ed Ruscha/Now Then,” through Oct. 6. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Plan your visit information here: bit.ly/2P3c7iR. Admission $23; $19 ages 65 and older and students ages 18 and older with a valid ID; free for ages 17 and younger (reserving/purchasing an advance, timed-entry online is recommended; these prices are for residents of Los Angeles County with an ID). Location, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-857-6010. www.lacma.org
Martial Arts History Museum: Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission $12; $5 ages 6-17. Location, 201 N. Brand Blvd. (corner of North Brand and Wilson Street; use entrance at 111 Wilson St.), Glendale. 818-245-6051. www.facebook.com/martialartshistorymuseum. martialartsmuseum.com/
Museum of Contemporary Art: Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission is free but an advance online timed-entry ticket is required. Special exhibits are $18; $10 seniors and students; free for ages 11 and younger. Locations: the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles; MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-633-5351. www.moca.org/visit
Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission; donations appreciated. Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 18904 Nordhoff St. (southwest corner of Nordhoff and Wilbur Avenue), Northridge. 818-347-9665. themuseumsfvnow.org/
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: Ongoing special exhibit: “Butterfly Pavilion,” through Aug. 25. Admission to this special exhibit is $8 by a timed ticket (30-minute time slot) and also, a general museum admission is required (nhm.org/plan-your-visit/nhm-buy-tickets). Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday (closed on Tuesday). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required. Location, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhmlac.org
Petersen Automotive Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Eyes on the Road: Art of the Automotive Landscape,” through Nov. 2024. “Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show,” through April 2025. “GM’s Marvelous Motorama: Dream Cars from the Joe Bortz Collection,” 6 concept cars from the 1950s, through March 2026 (www.petersen.org/gms-marvelous-motorama-exhibit). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $21; $19 ages 62 and older; $13 ages 12-17; $12 ages 4-11. Location, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-930-2277. www.petersen.org
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Star Wars and SDI: Defending America and the Galaxy,” through Sept. 8. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and Jan. 1). Admission: $25; $22 ages 62 and older; $18 ages 11-17; $15 ages 3-10 (purchase online here: tinyurl.com/mry5ne9h). Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. www.reaganfoundation.org
Skirball Cultural Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak,” through Sept. 1 (www.skirball.org/museum/wild-things-are-happening-art-maurice-sendak). Hours: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Closed for Jewish and national holidays (www.skirball.org/visit). Admission $18; $13 seniors, full time students with ID and ages 2-17 www.skirball.org/visit). Admission for the “Noah’s Ark at the Skirball” is an extra charge and by a timed-entry (purchase online). Location, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org
Valley Relics Museum: Take a trip down San Fernando Valley memory lane, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 3-4 (see website for other dates). Admission $15 and up. The museum is located at 7900 Balboa Blvd., Hangar C3 and C4, entrance is on Stagg Street, Van Nuys. Purchase tickets at the door or online. 818-616-4083. www.facebook.com/valleyrelics and valleyrelicsmuseum.org
Wende Museum of the Cold War: Ongoing special exhibits: “Undercurrents I: Stories, Symbols and Sounds,” through Sept. 15. (wendemuseum.org/exhibition/undercurrents-i/). “Visions of Transcendence: Creating Space in East and West,” through Sept. 15 (tinyurl.com/2ef586nh). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday (wendemuseum.org/about-us/visit). Free admission. Location, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 310-216-1600. 310-216-1600. Email: visit@wendemuseum.org. wendemuseum.org
MUSIC
Waahli – Sunset Concerts at Skirball Cultural Center: 8 p.m. Aug. 1. Doors open, 6:30 p.m., for exploring museum exhibits, and for purchasing food and beverages. Free walk-up tickets; first-come, first-served. Parking $20 (no street parking). Upcoming: Vagabon, Aug. 8; DJs Jauretsi and TossTones, Aug. 16. Location, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org. www.skirball.org/programs/sunset-concerts-el-laberinto-del-coco
Anna Kovaleva and Elena Kovaleva: The pianist and violinist, respectively, perform a recital, 1 p.m. Aug. 3. Platt Branch Library, 23600 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-340-9386. Details: tinyurl.com/yj64u5v2
Concerts at Warner Park – Valley Cultural Foundation: Wanted, a tribute to the band Bon Jovi, with emerging artist Saticöy, Aug. 4 (valleycultural.org/event/2024-wanted-bon-jovi-tribute/). Emerging artists perform, 5:30 p.m., followed by the headliner (concerts end at 8:30 p.m.). Upcoming: ABBA-LA, a tribute to ABBA, with emerging artist Tomorrow’s Tigers, Aug. 11 (valleycultural.org/event/2024-abba-la/). Free admission (bring your own blanket or low-back chair for seating). Or: $20 VIP seat; $35 VIP seat and paid parking (purchase in advance). Parking: event parking begins at 4 p.m. (see the website for address and more information). See more concerts at Warner Park on the website. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-888-0822. www.valleycultural.org
Concerts in the Park – Chumash Park: Blank Space, music of Taylor Swift, 6 p.m. Aug. 4. Upcoming: The Yacht Groove, Aug. 18. Free admission ($2 suggested donation). Bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair for seating. Food available for purchase or bring a picnic. Location, 5550 Medea Valley Drive, Agoura Hills. Click on Events: www.agourahillscity.org/department/community-services-parks-recreation
Reggae on the Mountain XII – The Homecoming: The line up includes Steel Pulse, Don Carlos, Marlon Asher, Empress Akura, Quinto Sol, Neighborhood Orchestra, Mestizo Beat, Irie Nature and Jah Faith, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 17. There will be a children’s area, beverage, food and non-food vendors. Bring a low-back chair for seating. No animals allowed. Purchase tickets in advance: $90.74; VIP $272.60. Topanga Community Club, 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Information on attending, parking, shuttles and map: www.reggaeonthemountain.com/info. Updates: www.facebook.com/reggaeonthemountainfestival. www.reggaeonthemountain.com
THEATER
The Grown-Ups: Baby Teeth present the Los Angeles premiere of a play by Skylar Fox and Simon Henriques about a group of summer camp counselors who have decisions to make when an emergency occurs, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 and 8. Minimum age: 13. The play is performed outdoors around a campfire. Tickets $25. Location, Hollywood Lutheran Church, 1733 N. New Hampshire Ave., Los Angeles. Details and to purchase tickets on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/h2enj7uj
ONGOING THEATER
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The play by William Shakespeare, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8, 15 and 29; 7 p.m. Sept. 2; 3:30 p.m. Sept. 8; 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23. Tickets: upper tier (general seating), $32; $20 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; lower tier, assigned seats $48; $35 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; also, $60 premium seating. Parking $10 in the lot; or, for free along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-3723. theatricum.com/a-midsummer-nights-dream/. www.theatricum.com
The Winter’s Tale: The play by William Shakespeare, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 and 16; 3:30 p.m. Aug. 24; 3:30 p.m. Sept. 7 and 15; 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30. Tickets: upper tier (general seating), $32; $20 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; lower tier, assigned seats $48; $35 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; also, $60 premium seating. Parking $10 in the lot; or, for free along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-3723. theatricum.com/the-winters-tale. www.theatricum.com
Wendy’s Peter Pan: A retelling of J.M. Barrie’s play “Peter Pan,” by Ellen Geer, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 and 25; 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1, 8, 14, 21, 28; 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. Tickets: upper tier (general seating), $32; $20 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; lower tier, assigned seats $48; $35 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; also, $60 premium seating. Parking $10 in the lot; or, for free along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-3723. theatricum.com/wendys-peter-pan/. www.theatricum.com
Tartuffe – Born Again: The play by Molière, translated from the original French and adapted by Freyda Thomas, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11; 3:30 p.m. Aug. 18 and 25; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30; and other dates through Oct. 13. Tickets: upper tier (general seating), $32; $20 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; lower tier, assigned seats $48; $35 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; also, $60 premium seating. Parking $10 in the lot; or, for free along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-3723. theatricum.com/tartuffe-born-again/. www.theatricum.com
Submit calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” barreled through the $200 million benchmark, cementing the blockbuster as the record holder for the highest-grossing opening weekend for an R-rated movie.
According to studio estimates, “Deadpool & Wolverine” — the 34th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe lineup — has grossed $205 million dollars in domestic sales and $438.3 million globally in its debut.
The first Deadpool movie set the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for an R-rated film when it was released in 2016 to roughly $132 million, and “Deadpool 2” cinched the second-place spot with $125 million in domestic sales in 2018. But even adjusted for inflation, both films pale in comparison with the third installation’s debut.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is now also among the top opening weekends ever, ranking at No. 8 — a hair’s breadth below 2012’s “The Avengers” ($207 million) and just above 2018’s “Black Panther” ($202 million).
Of the 10 biggest debuts, six are Marvel properties. With “Deadpool & Wolverine” joining the ranks, Marvel movies are now worth more than $30 billion combined, Disney announced Sunday, making Marvel the highest-grossing film franchise of all time.
Still, MCU has been trying to find its footing after its wildly popular “Infinity Saga” culminated with 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” a movie that still holds the record for biggest opening weekend by a margin of nearly $100 million. Since then, several of Marvel’s offerings in recent years have left fans and critics alike unmoved.
Could “Deadpool & Wolverine” reinvigorate the franchise?
“We should continue taking each film on its own terms with varying thresholds of success, especially as the MCU rebuilds with several films next year before the anticipated return of Avengers films,” Shawn Robbins, founder and owner of Box Office Theory, told CNN.
The fifth and sixth “Avengers” movies are slated for 2026 and 2027, giving Marvel a runway of four new movies through which to build momentum.
“Still, there’s no denying ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is a massive win in its own right, with a unique hook that’s attracting die-hard Marvel fans and casual audiences alike,” Robbins added. “This release is the breath of fresh air Marvel has been working toward and it sets the stage for a new era in the overall brand. It’s a win all around for Disney, Marvel, theater owners, and moviegoers.”
According to Box Office Pro data, the excitement surrounding “Deadpool & Wolverine” has propelled demand for theater showings, increasing the number of times the movie is being screened at movie theaters across the country. It currently holds 43% of the showtime market share across the United States.
“We are thrilled to see ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ bringing people to theatres for the biggest opening weekend ever for an R-rated movie,” said Michael O’Leary, president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “This is the kind of movie you want to experience on the big screen and the historic level of enthusiasm this weekend reminds us yet again that audiences know there is no experience like theatrical. We also know that when people go to the movies, they want to come back — so we are excited to capitalize on this weekend’s energy with a robust theatrical slate in months to come.”
The return of the over-performing box office
While the summer box office had a lackluster start after a lukewarm spring, there have been several blockbusters pumping new life into the industry.
“Since June, there has been a nonstop parade of over-performing blockbusters starting with ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,’ and continuing with ‘Inside Out 2,’ ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Twisters,’ and now ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ making for one of the most notable string of hits in summer movie history,” Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, told CNN on Saturday.
Last week, Disney announced “Inside Out 2” had become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, raking in $1.46 billion at the global box office and dethroning former record holder, 2019’s “Frozen 2.”
Until the film’s release on June 16, domestic sales had been lagging more than 25% behind 2023’s performance, according to Comscore data. But less than three weeks after its release, the year-over-year domestic box office revenue deficit shrunk from 27% to 19%.
Now, the deficit stands at 16.9% and it could keep shrinking depending on how “Deadpool & Wolverine” finishes its run in theaters. This time last year, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” was the top film with a domestic gross of more than $574 million. Meanwhile, the enduring success of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” — both released on July 21 — helped to push the cumulative 2023 domestic box office revenue past $9 billion, the highest it’s been since the pandemic.
Although analysts have forecast a dip in revenue for 2024, the better-than-expected summer movie slate has narrowed the the gap.
“This weekend’s performance certainly makes us more optimistic for the box office prospects for 2024, but we have a long way to go before the end of the year and year-over-year comparisons will keep us on a seesaw of ups and downs,” said Dergarabedian, estimating the full-year box office will land between $8.2 and $8.7 billion. “The fact that we will likely wind up at $8 billion plus, considering how weak first quarter and April were in terms of revenue, is quite impressive.”
ARLINGTON, Texas — Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez won the Home Run Derby when he edged local star Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, 14-13, in the final round on Monday night.
The 31-year-old Hernández hit 49 homers over three rounds that totaled 3.98 miles and became the first Dodgers player to win the derby. Kansas City has never had a winner.
Witt, needing one to tie with one out remaining, drove a ball to one of the deepest parts of the park in left-center, where it hit halfway up the wall.
Both finished their two-minute final round with 11 homers, before bonus swings were added. Witt came up short of his first two bonus swings, then hit two homers in a row – one a 457-foot drive that got him one more swing.
Witt was the No. 2 overall pick by the Royals in 2019 out of Colleyville Heritage High School, about 15 miles north of Globe Life Field. It was his first time in the derby, but he was the high school home run champion in Washington in 2018 – and is the only player to compete in both contests.
Hernández beat Philadelphia’s Alec Bohm 16-15 after a tiebreaker when both got three swings – Hernández hit two out, and Bohm one. They were tied at 14 after the three-minute segment and their bonus rounds, and Bohm came close to avoiding that, but the last ball he hit then landed on the warning track in left-center field.
Witt had knocked out Cleveland switch-hitter José Ramírez 17-12 in the semifinals.
Ramírez and Bohm both hit 21 homers to pace the first round. Witt started with 20 homers and Hernández had 19.
The New York Mets’ Pete Alonso fell short in his bid to join Ken Griffey Jr. as a three-time derby champion when he hit only 12 homers in the first round.
Instead of a single-elimination bracket like last year, the four hitters with the most homers in the first round advanced to the semifinal round. It then became a bracket-style competition.
Alonso hit a 428-foot homer to left-center field on his first swing, but couldn’t get into a rhythm. The others knocked out after the first round were hometown favorite Adolis García of Texas, Atlanta’s Marcell Ozuna and Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson.
“It’s disappointing, but for me, I think it’s really just a blessing and it’s just of fun being out there,” Alonso said. “At the end of the day, it wasn’t my day.”
Ozuna did have the longest homer of the night at 473 feet. Angels star Mike Trout in 2022, and Oakland’s Seth Brown in 2021 have both hit 472 feet homers in games at the stadium that is now in its fifth season.
Bohm, one of a franchise-record eight Phillies named All-Stars, has only 11 homers this season – the fewest among the eight derby competitors. He said he was going to try to hit as many balls as he could to left field and did – pulling all 21 of his homers that way in the first round.
“Who would have thought?” Bohm said after the first round about advancing.
Ramirez hit left-handed, a change from what he has done when hitting in past home run contests, and what he had planned until a round of batting practice Monday.
It still felt like 100 degrees outside the ballpark when the derby began, but the retractable roof was closed on the stadium that opened in 2020. When the Rangers hosted the 1995 All-Star Game across the street in their old stadium without a roof, the derby wasn’t yet a prime-time event and was held in the sweltering mid-afternoon heat.
Frank Thomas won in 1995 with 15 homers over three rounds in a different format. Albert Belle finished with a total of 16, then a Home Run Derby record, but Thomas beat him 3-2 in the final round.
With García knocked out, there remain only three players who have won the title in their home ballpark. The last was Bryce Harper when he was still with the Washington Nationals in 2018, after Cincinnati’s Todd Frazier in 2015 and Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs in 1990.
More to come on this story.
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, right, celebrates with third base coach Dino Ebel, who pitched to him, after winning the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Q: We have an avocado tree that is more than 20 years old and over 20 feet tall. It gets sun mid-afternoon to sundown. The tree is located in between a grass lawn & an in-ground swimming pool. We have hundreds of medium to large (very delicious) avocados every year. The leaves are dry at the tip and have always been that way. However, this year the leaves have a strange color & weird “pattern.” I have attached pictures. What could this be? Is it possible the roots have created a crack in the pool & the chlorine is leaking?
One of your photos shows brown leaf tips, which indicates possible salt exposure. This could be due to our naturally dreadful soil, irrigation with hard water, or possibly exposure to water from the swimming pool.
The second photo shows leaves that are blotchy with yellowing between the leaf veins. The veins also appear to be reddish-brown in color. This may be due to soil or water conditions but could also be caused by mites or thrips. Look at the undersides of the affected leaves. Is there any webbing or dull residue? Use a magnifying glass and look for any tiny critters. Avocados are susceptible to several species of mites and thrips, but these are difficult to see without magnification. If there are mites or thrips present, they can be controlled by removing any stressors (irregular watering during hot weather) and washing any dust off the leaves. Don’t use broad-spectrum insecticides or miticides since this will kill off any predatory insects that can control the mite population naturally. If your tree is still producing good fruit, this may be caused by a minor mite infestation.
Q: A couple of years ago, you gave a remedy for getting rid of skunk smell. Could you reprint that since my dog has had a couple of close calls and I want to be prepared.
Healthy skunks are mellow creatures. I once approached one, thinking it was a neighborhood cat, and almost touched it before realizing it was a skunk (it was dark, and I was really tired). They will only spray if threatened, and will give ample warning by stamping its feet, turning its back to you, hissing and raising its tail. Most dogs, being social doofuses, will ignore all of these warnings and proceed to either try to play with or chase this interesting striped creature.
Of course, this is most likely to happen at night well after the pet supply stores have closed. Here’s the recipe for skunk scent neutralizer that can be made with common household ingredients.
1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
¼ cup baking soda
1 teaspoon (or more) liquid soap
Once the hydrogen peroxide is mixed with baking soda, it will fizz quite vigorously. Apply immediately to the dog and massage it into the fur. Take care to avoid eye contact. Rinse thoroughly and hope that your dog will remember not to mess with skunks again. Don’t save any leftover solution since it loses effectiveness quickly.
Gabbi Beauvais, as Peter Pan, and Quinnlyn Scheppner, as Wendy, in “Wendy’s Peter Pan” at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum on various dates through Oct. 4 in Topanga. (Photo by Ian Flanders/Courtesy of Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum)
Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles area.
EVENTS
Wizard of Oz – 85th anniversary celebration: The Museum of the San Fernando Valley presents an outdoor screening of the 1939 movie, 8:15 p.m. July 11. The museum’s event begins with a program by Elaine Horn, a Judy Garland-as Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz” impersonator, 6:15 p.m., plus a raffle and silent auction of “Wizard of Oz” movie memorabilia. Prepaid tickets $10 ages 12 and older; free for ages 11 and younger. Bring a blanket for lawn seating. The event is a fundraiser for the museum. Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 9015 Wilbur Ave. (at the corner of Nordhoff Street), Northridge. 818-754-4400. Email: themuseumsfv@gamil.com. Details and to purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/5ewtctbf
Music Center’s Dance DTLA: Have fun learning new dance steps when expert dance instructors provide dance lessons and DJs spin the tunes, 7-11 p.m. on Fridays through Aug. 16. Schedule: Reggaeton, July 12; Colombian Cumbia, July 19; Line Dance, July 26; Samba, Aug. 2; Hip-Hop, Aug. 9; Disco, Aug. 16. Lessons are free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Check the website for instructors and DJs. Dances are subject to change. Check the website for parking or taking the Metro. Jerry Moss Plaza at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. www.musiccenter.org/dancedtla
Lotus Festival in Echo Park – People and Culture of the Philippines: The 43rd festival, celebrating the cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands, focuses this year on the Philippines, noon-9 p.m. July 13 and noon-8 p.m. July 14. Event includes artisan and boutique booths, art demonstrations, community booths, the host country’s pavilion, dragon boat races and food. Free admission. The “Lights of Dreams Water Lantern Festival” requires a ticket in advance; information and cost on Eventbrite here: tinyurl.com/38xjvenw. Echo Park Lake, 751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles. 213-485-5027. https://culture.lacity.gov/event/43rd-lotus-festival/2024-07-13/. www.laparks.org/lotusfestival
Valley Vibes Market – Autry Museum of the American West: The outdoor event includes handcrafted items marketplace, music, a bar and food trucks, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 14. Free admission and parking. Location: Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. https://theautry.org/events/family-activities/valley-vibes-market
The Gentle Barn: Visit rescued farm animals while supporting the organization’s ongoing mission to care for these animals, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 14 (and other Sundays). Reservations, by a timed-entry, are required in advance. Also, check the website’s calendar for special tour options and programs. Admission $26.50 ages 13 and older; $16 ages 2-12. Location, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita. https://www.gentlebarn.org/california/
Oxnard Salsa Festival: A celebration of the condiment, the music and the dance — the festival returns after 5 years — plus a marketplace of beverage, food and retail vendors, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 27-28. See the website for bands and their schedule. Admission $9.98 ages 13 and older; free admission for ages 12 and younger. General admission price includes live entertainment, access to beverage, food and vendor market (does not include salsa tasting). The “Salsa Tasting Lounge” ($28.98, includes festival entry, salsa tasting and additional perks). See the website for a VIP admission option. Plaza Park, 500 S. C St., Oxnard. oxnardsalsafestival.com
ART
Brand 52 – Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper: The 52nd annual show includes 102 artworks — 1,574 artworks were entered for this year’s show, the largest number submitted, and also the largest number to be chosen to be exhibited. The art was submitted by artists from across the United States and curated by art critic and curator Shana Nys Dambrot. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Aug. 9. Exhibit catalogs for sale: www.associatesofbrand.org. Brand Library and Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. 818-548-2051. www.brandlibrary.org
Visual Journey – Artist Co-Op 7: A virtual exhibit from 12 members of the group, through Sept. 30. The exhibit is held in conjunction with the San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center. https://www.co-op7.org. View the exhibit here: www.sfvacc.org/
ReflectSpace Gallery: “(Be)Longing: Asian Diasporic Crossing.” Opening reception, 6:30 p.m. July 27. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Exhibit runs through Sept. 22. The gallery is inside the Glendale Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St. 818-548-2021. reflectspace.org. www.reflectspace.org/post/be-longing
Babst Gallery: “Athena LaTocha” and “Sarah M. Rodriguez.” Gallery hours: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibits run through Aug. 3. Location, 413 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. 424-600-2544. babstgallery.com/
Michael Kohn Gallery: “Chiffon Thomas: Progeny.” Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Exhibit runs through Aug. 17. Location, 1227 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. 323-461-3311. www.kohngallery.com
Artist Co-Op 7: “Touch of H’art,” interpretations of the natural world by local artists — Susan Ahdoot, Selina Cheng, Beverly Engelberg, Cheryl Mann, Debbi Saunders, Joi T. Wilson. Show is curated by artist Helen Kim. Gallery Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sunday and holidays. Exhibit runs through Sept. 27. Encino Terrace, lobby gallery, 15821 Ventura Blvd. (between Densmore and Gloria avenues), Encino. Artist Co-op 7 contact, Jeanne Hahn, 818-885-8306 or jeannehahn@aol.com. www.co-op7.org
BOOKS
Book Soup: Carol Mitchell discusses “What Start Bad a Mornin,’” 7 p.m. July 11. Mateo Askaripour discusses his novel “This Great Hemisphere,” 7 p.m. July 12. Carol Conners, with Steve Bergsman, discuss and sign “Elvis, Rocky & Me,” 7 p.m. July 15. Adam Sass discusses “Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts,” 7 p.m. July 16. Ruth Madievsky discusses “All-Night Pharmacy,” 7 p.m. July 17. Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 310-659-3110. www.booksoup.com
Diesel, A Bookstore: Deborah Stoll discusses and signs “Drop in: The Gender Rebels Who Changed the Face of Skateboarding,” 6:30 p.m. July 18. Sarah Manguso discusses and signs “Liars,” 6:30 p.m. July 23. Andrea Freeman discusses and signs “Ruin Their Crops on the Ground: The Politics of Food in the United States, from the Trail of Tears to School Lunch,” 6:30 p.m. July 24. Free seating is limited at the outdoor events. Purchase a book in advance to reserve a seat (click on the website’s tab for the author’s date). Location, 225 26th St., Santa Monica. 310-576-9960. www.dieselbookstore.com
Markar Melkonian: Discusses and signs “The Wrong Train: Notes on Armenia Since the Counterrevolution,” 7 p.m. July 19. Presented by Abril Bookstore. Location, Center for Armenian Arts, 250 N. Orange St., Glendale. 818-243-4112. www.abrilbooks.com
Autobooks-Aerobooks: Dave Wolin discusses and signs Ascot Chronicles — The People Who Made it Happen,” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 20. Location, 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 818-845-0707. www.autobooks-aerobooks.com
Friends of the North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library used book sale: The group holds the sale, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 20. Members of the Friends of the North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Library get a members-only preview sale, 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (join at the door to become a member; yearly membership $10; $5 seniors). Cash or check only. Location, 5211 Tujunga Ave. 818-766-7185. www.lapl.org/branches/north-hollywood
Ken Khachigian: California attorney, political consultant and speechwriter discusses his book “Behind Closed Doors – In the Room with Reagan & Nixon,” 6 p.m., followed by a booksigning, 7 p.m. July 30. Register in advance to attend and pre-purchase the book online (only books bought at the Ronald Reagan Library Museum store will be eligible for the booksigning). Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. www.reaganfoundation.org. Details, register and pre-purchase the book: tinyurl.com/bd6jm65n
COMEDY
Fritz Coleman: The “Unassisted Residency” show, 3 p.m. July 21. Tickets $35; $45 for cocktail table seating (must purchase two tickets for this option). Upcoming show: Aug. 18. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-508-4200. www.fritzcolemancomedy.com. elportaltheatre.com/fritzcoleman.html
Dance at the Odyssey: A dance mini-fest by choreographers whose dances confront personal and social concerns and issues. “You Live in My Spine” by choreographer Leah Zeiger, 8 p.m. July 11. “Bounded By Intervals” by Kaia Makihara and hasten dance, 8 p.m. July 12. “Rupture” by TORRENT and Caitlin Javech, and “As If Everything Was Perfect” by Gianna Burright, 2 and 8 p.m. July 13. “Degagez, il n’y a riena voir” by Hélène Bouboulis, and “Calling from the Void” by Genna Moroni and G.U.M., 2 p.m. July 14. Tickets $25. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-477-2055, Ext. 2. odysseytheatre.com. Details: tinyurl.com/2b6u2h7u
Louise Reichlin & Dancers: Performances of “Heart, Part I,” Metro Transformation, Gotta Get Up!” and “Reboot! Reboot!” and “Urban and Tribal Dances” (all six dances in the latter set — Batida, Wedding, Alone, War, Remembrance, Together — have been re-imagined), preview 7 p.m. July 12; 2 p.m. July 13-14. Tickets $25. Location, The Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. 213-458-3066. lachoreographersanddancers.org/news
Joan Jonas, Mirror Piece I and II (1969/2024) – The Getty: Fifteen dancers use synchronized choreography while holding mirrors, 4 p.m. July 13-14. The dance is part of the Getty’s “Ever Present” performance series. The dance is free, but a timed-entry reservation to the Getty Center is required. The dance is staged outdoors at the Getty Center’s Arrival Plaza. Parking $25 (www.getty.edu/visit/center/parking-and-transportation). Location, 1200 Getty Center Drive (at North Sepulveda Boulevard), Los Angeles. 310-440-7300. www.getty.edu. Details: tinyurl.com/5rn4pwhk
DINING
DineLA Restaurant Week Summer 2024: Participating restaurants offer a special lunch/dinner menu, July 12-26. Reservations are recommended. Meal times and prices vary by restaurant (restaurants offer set prices for lunch/dinner; $15, $25, $35, $45, $55, $65+). Beverages, tax and tip are extra charge. Facts: www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela/FAQ. Find list of restaurants by cuisine, neighborhood, price and dining option (indoor or outdoor): www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela
Canoga Park Farmers Market: A certified market, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Rain or shine. Location, 7248 Owensmouth Avenue, between Sherman Way and Wyandotte Avenue. www.instagram.com/mainst.canogaparkfarmersmarket
El Nido Farmers Market – Pacoima: El Nido Family Centers and the City of Los Angeles present the market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Location, Pacoima Family Source Center, 11243 Glenoaks Blvd. www.elnidofamilycenters.org/farmers-market
Encino Farmers Market: ONEgeneration presents the market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Location, 17400 Victory Blvd. (between Balboa Boulevard and White Oak Avenue). Farmers market manager, 818-708-6611 or email: farmersmarket@onegeneration.org. www.onegeneration.org/farmers-market/
Good Times Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Los Angeles Valley College, parking lot A, 5800 Fulton Ave. (at Burbank Boulevard), Valley Glen. Email: goodtimesfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Instagram: tinyurl.com/mrxcaxrn
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Ongoing special exhibits: “Outside the Mainstream,” through Aug. 4. “Shifting Perspectives: Vertical Cinema,” through Aug. 4. “John Waters: Pope of Trash,” through Aug. 4. “Significant Movies and Movie Makers,” three exhibits through Jan. 4, 2026: “Casablanca,” “Boyz n the Hood,” and Lourdes Portillo.” Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and Monday. Admission $25; $19 ages 62 and older; $15 students, age 18 and older with ID; free for ages 17 and younger. Location, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. (corner of Fairfax Avenue), Los Angeles. 323-930-3000. academymuseum.org
African American Firefighter Museum: Artifacts, fire apparatus, pictures and stories about African American Los Angeles firefighters. Hours: timed entry admission, 1, 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday (make a reservation on Eventbrite here: tinyurl.com/4dx5xxhk). Donation. Location, 1401 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-744-1730. https://www.aaffmuseum.org/
Autry Museum of the American West: Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older, and ages 13-18 and also students older than 18 with ID; $8 ages 3-12 (theautry.org/visit). Location, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
Bolton Hall Museum: Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission; $5 donation is appreciated. Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. 818-352-3420. Email: llhs@boltonhall.org. www.facebook.com/boltonhallmuseum and www.boltonhall.org
California African American Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Tatyana Fazlalizadeh: Speaking to Falling Seeds,” through Aug. 3. “Paula Wilson: Toward the Sky’s Back Door,” through Aug. 18 (caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2024/paula-wilson-toward-the-sky-s-back-door). Also, “Simone Leigh,” a traveling exhibit, co-presented with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (artwork to be presented at both museums), through Jan. 20, 2025 (caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2024/simone-leigh). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Parking $20 before 5 p.m.; $24 after 5 p.m. (in Exposition Park). Location, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles (in Exposition Park). 213-744-7432. www.caamuseum.org and www.facebook.com/CAAMinLA/
California Science Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “Leonardo Da Vinci: Inventor. Artist. Dreamer.,” through Sept. 2 (californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/leonardo-da-vinci-inventor-artist-dreamer). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is free to the center’s permanent galleries, but there is a charge for special exhibits. Admission to the “Leonardo Da Vinci” exhibit: $22.95 ages 18-64; $20.95 ages 65 and older and students ages 13-17 with ID; $15.95 ages 3-12; (timed tickets are required for special exhibits, and also the Imax Theater; californiasciencecenter.org/visit). Location, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. californiasciencecenter.org
Craft Contemporary: Ongoing special exhibits: “Kyungmi Shin: Origin Stories” (www.craftcontemporary.org/exhibitions/kyungmi-shin-origin-stories) and “3B Collective: Highway Hypnosis,” with artwork from members of the Los Angeles-based 3B Collective — Adrian Alfaro, Aaron Douglas Estrada, Alfredo D. Diaz, Alexa Ramírez Posada, Oscar Magallanes, Rubén Ortiz-Torres — (www.craftcontemporary.org/exhibitions/highway-hypnosis). Both exhibits run through Sept. 8. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission $9; $7 ages 65 and older and students; free for ages 12 and younger. Location, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. www.craftcontemporary.org
Discovery Cube Los Angeles – Sylmar: Ongoing special exhibit: “Expedition: Dinosaur!” through Sept. 2. The Discovery Cube has ongoing exhibits that aim to make science fun for children. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $18 ages 15-61; $17 ages 62 and older; $16 ages 3-14. Location, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. www.facebook.com/TheDiscoveryCube and www.discoverycube.org
The Getty Villa: Ongoing special exhibits: “Picture Worlds: Greek, Maya, and Moche Pottery,” through July 29 (www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/picture_worlds). “Sculpted Portraits from Ancient Egypt,” through Jan. 25, 2027. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. Free admission, but a timed-entry reservation is required. Parking $25. Location, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. www.getty.edu/visit/villa/
Grammy Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Roxy: 50 and Still Rockin’,” through summer 2024 (grammymuseum.org/event/50andstillrockin).”Shakira, Shakira: The Grammy Museum Experience,” through summer 2024. “Hip-Hop America: The Mix Tape Exhibit,” through Sept. 4. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Admission $18; $15 ages 65 and older; $12 ages 5-17 and college students with ID. Location, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-725-5700. grammymuseum.org
Italian American Museum Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon,” through Oct. 13 (tinyurl.com/mrrb4pbh). Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission free; donations requested. Location, 644 N. Main St., Los Angeles. 213-485-8432. www.iamla.org
Japanese American National Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Giant Robot Biennale 5,” an exhibit of art by Sean Chao, Felicia Chiao, Luke Chueh, Giorgiko, James Jean, Taylor Lee, Mike Shinoda, Rain Szeto, Yoskay Yamamoto (co-presented by Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot), through Sept. 1. “J.T. Sata: Immigrant Modernist,” photography exhibit by the late James Tadanao Sata (1896-1975), through Sept. 1. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday; noon-8 p.m. Thursday; closed on national holidays (www.janm.org/visit). Admission: $16; $9 ages 62 and older and children; free for ages 5 and younger (timed advance tickets are recommended). Location, 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414. Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamuseum and janm.org
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: Museum hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except closed on the first Tuesday of the month and national holidays. Admission $15; $12 ages 62 and older and students ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required (tarpits.org/plan-your-visit/la-brea-tar-pits-buy-tickets). Parking $18. Location, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-763-3499. tarpits.org/
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: Permanent exhibits: “LA Starts Here!” “Calle Principal: Mi México en Los Ángeles.” Hours: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Free admission. Location, 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles. www.lapca.org
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Ongoing special exhibits: “Painting in the River of Angels: Judy Baca,” through July 21. “Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting,” through Aug. 4. “Vincent Valdez and Ry Cooder: El Chavez Ravine,” through Aug. 11. “Ed Ruscha/Now Then,” through Oct. 6. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Plan your visit information here: bit.ly/2P3c7iR. Admission $23; $19 ages 65 and older and students ages 18 and older with a valid ID; free for ages 17 and younger (reserving/purchasing an advance, timed-entry online is recommended; these prices are for residents of Los Angeles County with an ID). Location, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-857-6010. www.lacma.org
Martial Arts History Museum: Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission $12; $5 ages 6-17. Location, 201 N. Brand Blvd. (corner of North Brand and Wilson Street; use entrance at 111 Wilson St.), Glendale. 818-245-6051. www.facebook.com/martialartshistorymuseum. martialartsmuseum.com/
Museum of Contemporary Art: Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission is free but an advance online timed-entry ticket is required. Special exhibits are $18; $10 seniors and students; free for ages 11 and younger. Locations: the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles; MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-633-5351. www.moca.org/visit
Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission; donations appreciated. Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 18904 Nordhoff St. (southwest corner of Nordhoff and Wilbur Avenue), Northridge. 818-347-9665. themuseumsfvnow.org/
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: Ongoing special exhibit: “Butterfly Pavilion,” through Aug. 25. Admission to this special exhibit is $8 by a timed ticket (30-minute time slot) and also, a general museum admission is required (nhm.org/plan-your-visit/nhm-buy-tickets). Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday (closed on Tuesday). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required. Location, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhmlac.org
Petersen Automotive Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Eyes on the Road: Art of the Automotive Landscape,” through Nov. 2024. “Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show,” through April 2025, see details on the exhibit (www.petersen.org/best-in-low-exhibit). “GM’s Marvelous Motorama: Dream Cars from the Joe Bortz Collection,” 6 concept cars from the 1950s, through March 2026 (www.petersen.org/gms-marvelous-motorama-exhibit). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $21; $19 ages 62 and older; $13 ages 12-17; $12 ages 4-11. Location, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-930-2277. www.petersen.org
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Star Wars and SDI: Defending America and the Galaxy,” through Sept. 8. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and Jan. 1). Admission: $25; $22 ages 62 and older; $18 ages 11-17; $15 ages 3-10 (purchase online here: tinyurl.com/mry5ne9h). Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. www.reaganfoundation.org
Skirball Cultural Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak,” through Sept. 1 (www.skirball.org/museum/wild-things-are-happening-art-maurice-sendak). Hours: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Closed for Jewish and national holidays (www.skirball.org/visit). Admission $18; $13 seniors, full time students with ID and ages 2-17 www.skirball.org/visit). Admission for the “Noah’s Ark at the Skirball” is an extra charge and by a timed-entry (purchase online). Location, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org
Valley Relics Museum: Take a trip down San Fernando Valley memory lane, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 13-14 (see website for other dates). Admission $15 and up. The museum is located at 7900 Balboa Blvd., Hangar C3 and C4, entrance is on Stagg Street, Van Nuys. Purchase tickets at the door or online. www.facebook.com/valleyrelics and valleyrelicsmuseum.org
Wende Museum of the Cold War: Ongoing special exhibit: “Undercurrents I: Stories, Symbols and Sounds,” through Sept. 15. (wendemuseum.org/exhibition/undercurrents-i/) Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday (wendemuseum.org/about-us/visit). Free admission. Location, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 310-216-1600. 310-216-1600. Email: visit@wendemuseum.org. wendemuseum.org
MUSIC
The American Music of Joplin and Copland: Violinist Paul Stein discusses the musicians and performs, 3:30 p.m. July 13. Granada Hills Branch Library, 10640 Petit Ave., Granada Hills. 818-368-5687. www.lapl.org/whats-on/events/american-music-joplin-and-copland
Concerts at Warner Park – Valley Cultural Foundation: Foreigner Unauthorized, a tribute to the band Foreigner, with emerging artist Abby Berman, July 14 (valleycultural.org/event/2024-foreigner-unauthorized). Emerging artists perform, 5:30 p.m., followed by the headliner (concerts end at 8:30 p.m.). Upcoming: Twisted Gypsy – Fleetwood Mac Reimagined, with emerging artist Paper Citizen, July 21 (valleycultural.org/event/2024-twisted-gypsy-fleetwood-mac); Red Corvette, a tribute to Prince, with emerging artist Timothy J. Wilson; Wanted, a tribute to the band Bon Jovi, with emerging artist Saticöy, Aug. 4. Free admission (bring your own blanket or low-back chair for seating). Or: $20 VIP seat; $35 VIP seat and paid parking (purchase in advance). Parking: event parking begins at 4 p.m. (see the website for address and more information). See more concerts at Warner Park on the website. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-888-0822. www.valleycultural.org
El Laberinto del Coco – Sunset Concerts at Skirball Cultural Center: The group, founded in 2017 by percussionist Hector “Coco” Barez, brings the sound of bomba from Puerto Rico, 8 p.m. July 18. Doors open, 6:30 p.m., for exploring museum exhibits, and for purchasing food and beverages. Free walk-up tickets; first-come, first-served. Parking $20 (no street parking). Upcoming: Bab L’ Bluz, July 25; Waahli, Aug. 1; entertainer to be announced, Aug. 8. Location, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org. www.skirball.org/programs/sunset-concerts-el-laberinto-del-coco
NoHo Summer Nights – Valley Cultural Foundation: The Roaries, the band’s repertoire of 7 decades of music, and emerging artist, the band Smitten, 7-9:30 p.m. July 20 (valleycultural.org/event/2024-noho-concert-the-roaries). Upcoming: Element Band, Aug. 3; Blank Space, Aug. 17. Free admission. Bring a blanket of low-back lawn chair for seating. North Hollywood Recreation Center, 11455 Magnolia Blvd. (behind the North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library). valleycultural.org. valleycultural.org/concerts-events/noho-summer-nights/
THEATER
Tartuffe – Born Again: The play by Molière, translated from the original French and adapted by Freyda Thomas, opens 7:30 p.m. July 13. Show runs 7:30 p.m. July 20 and 27; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4 and 11; and other dates through Oct. 13. Tickets: upper tier (general seating), $32; $20 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; lower tier, assigned seats $48; $35 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; also, $60 premium seating. Parking $10 in the lot; or, for free along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-3723. theatricum.com/tartuffe-born-again/. www.theatricum.com
Wendy’s Peter Pan: A retelling of J.M. Barrie’s play “Peter Pan,” by Ellen Geer, 7:30 p.m. July 14. Show runs 7:30 p.m. July 21 and 26; and other dates through Oct. 4. Tickets: upper tier (general seating), $32; $20 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; lower tier, assigned seats $48; $35 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; also, $60 premium seating. Parking $10 in the lot; or, for free along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-3723. theatricum.com/wendys-peter-pan/. www.theatricum.com
ONGOING THEATER
The Ghee Ghee Pik: The Group Rep presents the world premiere of a play by Suzy London about what may happen when artificial technology is implanted in a human’s brain, 7 p.m. July 11; 4 p.m. July 13; 7 p.m. July 14. Tickets $30; $25 seniors and students. The play is performed on the second floor stage (not wheelchair accessible due to no elevator). Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-763-5990. www.thegrouprep.com
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The play by William Shakespeare, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8, 15 and 29; 7 p.m. Sept. 2; 3:30 p.m. Sept. 8; 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23. Tickets: upper tier (general seating), $32; $20 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; lower tier, assigned seats $48; $35 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; also, $60 premium seating. Parking $10 in the lot; or, for free along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-3723. theatricum.com/a-midsummer-nights-dream/. www.theatricum.com
The Winter’s Tale: The play by William Shakespeare, 3:30 p.m. July 13. Show runs ////// other dates through Sept. 30. Tickets: upper tier (general seating), $32; $20 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; lower tier, assigned seats $48; $35 ages 62 and older and students; $15 ages 5-15; also, $60 premium seating. Parking $10 in the lot; or, for free along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-3723. www.facebook.com/Theatricum. www.theatricum.com
Submit calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.
For the 75 new American citizens who participated in U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ naturalization ceremony at the Skirball Cultural Center on Wednesday, July 3, this year’s Independence Day marked a moment of joy and pride.
The new citizens, whose 32 countries of origin range from Peru to the Philippines and Armenia to Mexico, were joined by family and friends as they celebrated a milestone years in the making.
“They come from every corner of the globe and really represent the rich diversity of the United States,” said Bryan Christian, acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Los Angeles.
Together, this crowd of strangers stood on a hot sunny day with their hands on the hearts and recited the Pledge of Allegiance in a touching moment at Skirball Center.
“it’s wonderful that we can do this around the Fourth of July to celebrate the birthday of our country and what America really stands for,” Christian said. “There’s no better way, in my opinion, to celebrate that than to welcome new American citizens.”
Those who became U.S. citizens were as diverse as Los Angeles and the nation, including Michael Wang, originally from China, who Christian thanked for his service in the Army; Jose Contreras, originally from Mexico, who was photographed with his naturalized U.S. citizen certificate; and Sumayya Khan, originally from Pakistan, who was sworn in as her toddler, Alayna, born in the U.S., held an American flag for her mom.
74 Naturalized US Citizens recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (By David Crane).
Edin Mejia, originally from Mexico, takes a photo with with his family after becoming a Naturalized US citizen at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (By David Crane)
Jose Contreras, originally from Mexico, takes a photo with Naturalized US citizen certificate at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. 74 candidates were sworn in as US Citizens. (By David Crane)
74 Naturalized US Citizens recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (By David Crane)
Alayna Khan, 2, born in the USA, holds the American flag as her mother, Sumayya Khan, originally from Pakistan, and other candidates are sworn in as Naturalized US Citizens on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. A naturalization ceremony was held to swear in 74 new citizens at the Skirball Center just in time for the 4th of July. (By David Crane)
74 Candidates are sworn in as Naturalized US Citizens at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (By David Crane)
74 new US citizens wave flags after being sworn in in a ceremony at Skirball Cultural Center on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (By David Crane)
Michael Wang, orginally from China, studies his oath before being sworn in as a naturalized US Citizen on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. A naturalization ceremony was held to swear in 74 new citizens at the Skirball Center just in time for the 4th of July. (By David Crane)
Jessie Kornberg, President and CEO of the Skirball Cultural Center, welcomes 74 candidates participating in a US citizen swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (By David Crane)
In addition to the 75 Angelenos who participated in the naturalization ceremony at the Skirball Center, more 10,500 people celebrated their new citizenship this week at ceremonies across the country, according to Christian. The patriotic events were set in order to align with the Fourth of July.
The road to citizenship can be challenging and lengthy. For U.S. permanent residents who already hold green cards, the minimum wait time to apply to become a citizen is three to five years. And the application itself costs between $380 to $760.
After passing phases including an application, interview and exam, the 75 new U.S. citizens pledged an oath of allegiance during Wednesday’s Skirball Cultural Center ceremony, and ended the day with smiles, hugs and cheers.
Almost exactly 49 years ago, Jim McGarry got his first chance to see the Rolling Stones.
For exactly one song.
It was July 9, 1975, and he and a Stones-loving buddy had driven from San Bernardino to the Forum in Inglewood to see their rock ‘n’ roll heroes.
Inside a flask shaped like a pair of binoculars, they smuggled whiskey in for the first of five nights at the arena. Upon discovering their tickets were in the nosebleed seats, they decided to sneak down to the front of the floor section.
“We were only 19 or so and there’s Ringo Starr, there’s Liza Minnelli, there’s Bianca Jagger,” McGarry says. “There are these seats, right there by the stage. We sit down, we’re trying not to make any noise. We’re having a little bit more of the whiskey.
“And then all of a sudden, the lights come on, it was a lotus flower stage, and Jagger pops his head out of the top of it,” he says. “We start screaming and jumping up and down and yelling.
Then something really memorable happened.
“The bouncers grabbed us, took us and threw us out the back door of the Forum,” McGarry says.
The one song he got to hear – “Brown Sugar” – was the extent of his first Rolling Stones concert, but McGarry went back the next four nights of that 1975 residency and he’s kept going ever since.
James McGarry shows a fraction of his Rolling Stones memorabilia, including a autographed guitar, in San Clemente, CA on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Rolling Stones fans Kay Bourgeois Harris, left, and Nancy Qualtieri Lee with Harris’ memorabilia in Huntington Beach, CA, on Friday, June 28, 2024. Kay saw them first at the Hollywood Bowl in 1966 and since then has seen more than 20 of their concerts here and around the world. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Rolling Stones arrive at Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino for their first American concert on June 5, 1964. Clockwise from left, Bill Wyman, Brian Jones, Keith Richard, Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts. (File photo by Fred Bauman, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
James McGarry has a collection of Rolling Stones memorabilia, including a Mick Jagger surfboard by Roy Gonzalez, at this office in San Clemente, CA. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones gyrates during a performance in San Francisco, July 24, 1972. In June, the iconic band had played two shows at the Forum in Inglewood, and one each at the Hollywood Palladium, Long Beach Arena, and San Diego Sports Arena.
Rolling Stones fan Kay Bourgeois Harris with her vanity license plate in Huntington Beach, CA, on Friday, June 28, 2024. Kay saw them first at the Hollywood Bowl in 1966 and since then has seen more than 20 of their concerts here and around the world. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
James McGarry has a collection of Rolling Stones memorabilia, including a Keith Richards autographed magazine, at this office in San Clemente, CA. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Rolling Stones fans Kay Bourgeois Harris, left, and Nancy Qualtieri Lee with Harris’ memorabilia in Huntington Beach, CA, on Friday, June 28, 2024. Kay saw them first at the Hollywood Bowl in 1966 and since then has seen more than 20 of their concerts here and around the world. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Mick Jagger leads the Rolling Stones through a succession of numbers at the Forum in Inglewood, California, Thursday, Jan. 19, 1973 in a benefit for victims of the Nicaraguan earthquake. A crowd of 18,600 paid from $10 to $100, and, in contrast to many past performances by the group was generally orderly. (AP Photo)
James McGarry has a collection of Rolling Stones memorabilia, including autographed albums by Keith Richards, at this office in San Clemente, CA. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
This is the infamous “Gimme Shelter” rock concert featuring the Rolling Stones at the Altamont Race Track in California on Dec. 8, 1969. Lead singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Mick Taylor are on stage. A fan was stabbed to death at the show by a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club. (AP Photo)
Fans sit and wait for the start of the infamous “Gimme Shelter” rock concert featuring the Rolling Stones at the Altamont Race Track in Livermore, California on Dec. 8, 1969. (AP Photo)
James McGarry has a collection of Rolling Stones memorabilia at this office in San Clemente, CA. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Rolling Stones fans Kay Bourgeois Harris, left, and Nancy Qualtieri Lee with Harris’ memorabilia in Huntington Beach, CA, on Friday, June 28, 2024. Kay saw them first at the Hollywood Bowl in 1966 and since then has seen more than 20 of their concerts here and around the world. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Rolling Stones fans Kay Bourgeois Harris dons a fake presidential shirt with her other memorabilia in Huntington Beach, CA, on Friday, June 28, 2024. Kay saw them first at the Hollywood Bowl in 1966 and since then has seen more than 20 of their concerts here and around the world. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Rolling Stones fan Kay Bourgeois Harris with her vanity license plate in Huntington Beach, CA, on Friday, June 28, 2024. Kay saw them first at the Hollywood Bowl in 1966 and since then has seen more than 20 of their concerts here and around the world. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger points to the crowd during the first of two shows at SoFi Stadium as a part of the bands No Filter Tour in Inglewood on Thursday night, Oct. 14, 2021. Drummer Steve Jordan. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards performs during the first of two shows at SoFi Stadium as a part of the bands No Filter Tour in Inglewood on Thursday night, Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Some fans brought their own signs to San Bernardino’s Swing Auditorium on May 15, 1965 for the Rolling Stones’ third concert. “A Sign of Teen-Age Love Springs Up” was the Sun-Telegram’s caption. (File photo)
“Officer Enforces ‘No Touch’ Rule” was the caption of this Sun-Telegram photo from San Bernardino’s Swing Auditorium concert May 15, 1965 with the Rolling Stones. (File photo)
Bill Wyman, left, and Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones play May 15, 1965 at San Bernardino’s Swing Auditorium. (File photo)
Girls in the audience react to the Rolling Stones at Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino on May 15, 1965. Original Sun-Telegram caption: “Rolling Stones Gather No Moss, but Shrieks, and Sighs, and Moans.” (File photo)
Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger kicks up his heels in front of Stones guitarist Ron Wood during their concert in the Los Angeles Coliseum, Oct. 9, 1981. Nearly 90,000 fans packed the arena for the concert. Many of them booed a then-unknown Prince off the stage during his opening set. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger performs with guitarists Ron Wood, left, and Keith Richard, right, during their concert in the Los Angeles Coliseum, Oct. 9, 1981. Nearly 90,000 fans packed the arena for the concert. Many of them booed a then-unknown Prince off stage during his opening act. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood performs during the first of two shows at SoFi Stadium as a part of the bands No Filter Tour in Inglewood on Thursday night, Oct. 14, 2021. Drummer Steve Jordan. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger performs during the first of two shows at SoFi Stadium as a part of the bands No Filter Tour in Inglewood on Thursday night, Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
The Rolling Stones return to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood for a pair of shows on July 10 and July 13, 2024. Seen here are Mick Jagger (left) and guitarist Keith Richards during the first of the legendary band’s last pair of shows at SoFi Stadium in Oct. 2021. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
A tribute to late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts is shown across the stage prior to the band taking the stage during the first of two shows at SoFi Stadium as a part of the bands No Filter Tour in Inglewood on Thursday night, Oct. 14, 2021. Drummer Steve Jordan. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Over 55,000 fans fill Anaheim Stadium on July 23, 1978 for the Rolling Stone concert. When a few fans tossed their shoes on stage singer Mick Jagger urged everyone to get that out of their system and shoes rained down on the stage for several minutes. (AP Photo)
Mick Jagger, left, and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones on July 16, 1975 in San Francisco. The previous week the legendary rock band play a five-night stand at the Forum in Inglewood. (AP Photo)
Keith Richards performs during the first of two concerts at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Oct. 19, 1994. Buddy Guy and the Red Hot Chili Peppers served as opening acts. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones struts past a video image of fellow band member Keith Richards at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena during the first of two concerts there in Oct. 1994. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Fans sit and wait for the start of the infamous “Gimme Shelter” rock concert featuring the Rolling Stones at the Altamont Race Track in Livermore, California on Dec. 8, 1969. (AP Photo)
When McGarry gets to SoFi Stadium on Wednesday, July 10, and returns there on Saturday, July 13, it will mark the 99th and 100th Rolling Stones shows he’s attended, not counting various nights with solo Stones on their own outings.
The history of the Rolling Stones in Southern California reaches back even further to June 5, 1964, when they made their United States debut at Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, and it has continued over the decades with legendary tours and concerts in iconic Southern California venues.
There are plenty of stories of the band’s performances over the past 60 years in Southern California, so we asked fans to share their memories. And they did. What follows are edited only for length and clarity.
The ’60s: The U.S. debut in San Bernardino
The Rolling Stones played their first show in the United States at Swing Auditorium in the Inland Empire on June 5, 1964. They returned there several more times in the ’60s, while also playing the Hollywood Bowl, the Sports Arena, and the infamous Altamont festival.
Hollywood Bowl 1966 was the first time I saw the Stones live. They were young and so was I. Tickets were $5 I did not see them for several years, but the last 25 years I’ve seen them every tour, more than 20 times. There was a magical trip for Stones fans to Stockholm in 2013, three shows in five days with seats in the pit or first five rows. The last venue was small, less than 2000, easy to make eye contact with the band.
At the Forum, we had good seats on the floor, when they came out on the catwalk they were seats away. I excitedly told my best friend Nancy, ‘They’re looking at us!’ She told me not to get too enthusiastic – there was a 25-year-old flashing them in the row behind us.
My love of the blues was reinforced with early Stones albums. Posters, ticket stubs and album covers hold a special place in my home. My Goldendoodle Keef was named after Keith Richards, my favorite Stone. I look forward to seeing them with my best friend of over 66 years, Nancy Qualtieri Lee, on July 10.
The Stones and I both have wrinkles, but when they play “Satisfaction” I’m 15 again. I will continue to spend my grandchildren’s inheritance on Stones tickets as long as there are the Rolling Stones.
– Kay Bourgeois Harris, Huntington Beach
I was backstage at the Swing Auditorium with the Stones at their 1964 bus tour when I was 18. An unknown at the time Sonny Bono was there with me as well as the editor of the British music publication Melody Maker. Somewhere, I still have the playlist that Charlie Watts had written for the gig. There were PR stickers posted around Pacific High School in San Bernardino before the concert announcing, “The Rolling Stones are coming – dirtier than the Beatles.’
– Noel Farmer, Brooklyn, New York
It was our sophomore year of high school and none of us had even heard of the Rolling Stones except for Diane who was crazy for them. She convinced a group of us to see them at Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino. We had front-row seats and I don’t think it was even a sellout crowd. Fast-forward one year to 1965 and it was a different story. The Stones had become hugely popular and this time the stage was mobbed by crazed but controlled fans. Another friend had won a radio call-in contest for a backstage visit, so two of us gave her our albums to be autographed. I never imagined that 59 years later it would be a cherished possession. Wish I had saved the tickets stubs!
– Nancy Brucks, Anaheim Hills
I was at the 1964 Southern California Rolling Stones concert. In fact, my friends and I had front-row center seats. Looking at their tour schedule, it looks like I attended their first U.S. concert at the Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino. Last night I looked up that venue and was thrilled to watch the original concert on YouTube. Jagger was so young and so cute! I was hoping maybe I would be in the video, but wasn’t. The most memorable experience from that night was when Mick used his mic to do a lot of very sexual things! My friends said I was nuts to think that and had a dirty mind! Obviously, that wasn’t the case.
I think I began my musical adventures when I was 16 or 17 when I saw the Beach Boys perform at Loyola University Spring Fling in 1963. Very exciting when Mike Love took me on stage and I lip-synced in the chorus of ‘Little Surfer Girl.’ I went to Westchester High School and was in the same graduating class with the two of the Turtles, Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman. They had their hit ‘Happy Together’ when they were, I think, 17 or 18. I regret that I never got to see the Beatles … but, unbelievably, one of my Manhattan Beach roommates, Olivia, became the second wife of George Harrison and the mother of their son Dhani.
– Fran Greenbaum, Mission Viejo
Everyone in L.A. had heard that the Stones would be playing a free concert in the Bay Area but no one knew where until a couple of days before the show. The day before the show I got on a midnight PSA flight from LAX to SFO. My flight was packed and approximately 75% of the passengers were high on acid. Not me. I didn’t trust crowds.
When we got to SFO, I ran right over to Hertz. All they had left were gigantic Cadillacs. Five hippies chipped in if I would drive as they were in no shape to get anywhere by themselves. We drove to Livermore and the crush of cars happened all night. At 3 a.m. or 4 a.m., we drove as far as the crowds would allow and parked by a farm. Just follow the crowds. The next day I called Hertz and told them the car was stolen. Never heard about it again.
Got to Altamont just as the sun was coming up. Sat down about 100 feet in front of stage right. What I didn’t notice was the Hells Angels buses parked about 100 feet behind us. These clowns were completely [messed up] on speed and LSD and were in a foul mood. Luckily, their path was about 20-30 feet to the left of me.
Of course, no one played well. The stage was too low and the PA was crap. When the Stones came on, everything turned to crap. Fighting all around the stage front and Mick was pissed. Then I saw an Angel with a big knife just plunging it into someone down front. That’s when Mick started yelling, “Hey people!” repeatedly. There was a highway several hundred yards behind the right side of the stage. I ran up there, stuck my thumb out, and got picked up by a beautiful girl in a new sports car, who was going all the way to to Oakland Airport.
I got on a midnight flight to LAX and was home in Santa Monica and in bed by 2 a.m. When I was interviewed several years ago, the moviemaker and myself decided I had to be the first person home and in bed before the other 500,000. I had friends who were stuck there for days. I heard thousands of cars were abandoned. The movie [“Gimme Shelter”] captured it perfectly.
– Bob Barnett, Huntington Beach
In the summer of 1965, I was employed at Ward and Harrington Lumber Co. on Coast Highway in Newport Beach. Now the location is Sterling BMW dealership. The Watts Riots erupted and lasted most of the month of August. I can recall our lumber truck drivers making deliveries in and around Los Angeles, still carrying pistols with them even through November.
My brother gave me Rolling Stones tickets for the Los Angeles Sports Arena for my birthday. I really didn’t want to chance it. No regrets. The good news is my wife knowing this story surprised me with an early birthday present with two up-close tickets to the Stones at the Honda Center on May 15, 2013. Ooh-hoo-hoo!!!
– Charlie Wolfe, Costa Mesa
On Sept. 23, 1966, my new boyfriend took me for a ride to Los Angeles from Orange County. Our Sunday drive took us near the Sports Arena in the afternoon. We saw that the Rolling Stones were performing and decided to buy tickets to the show. Our tickets were $20 each for the first row on the balcony behind the band. It’s the concert we will always remember being the most fabulous event ever and a fabulous beginning to our relationship. This year, we are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary with four children and eight grandchildren. Thank you, Rolling Stones, for the wonderful experience.
– Karen and Phil Luchesi, Newport Beach
My first and only Stones concert was July 26, 1966, in San Francisco’s Cow Palace. I was 14 and I had a particular girl in mind but either her parents would not sign off and/or I didn’t have the nerve to ask. My date was mom, who drove. It was a full roster and a three-hour show. I only remember the Stones and the Standells. I’m quite surprised to read the Jefferson Airplane also played. We were miles away; this was also my first experience in such a large venue, and, of course, sonically it was pretty miserable. I see now it was Jagger’s 22nd birthday, a fact I don’t remember registering at the time, but I do recall he put on the kind of show you could enjoy from a hundred yards back.
– Randall Crane, Irvine
Ahh, yes! The Rolling Stones are emblazoned in my memory from 1967. The UCI graduate school of administration. On the first floor, right underneath our study room was the Ratskeller, a rocking beer and sandwich place with a jukebox that was so loud it came through the floor! Our class was small, three of us, and we all sang along to ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ and the other Stones songs that I still remember the lyrics at 80! UCI had a lot of visiting groups in the ’60s, but never the Rolling Stones. Too bad. I could have sung every tune they played!
– Bob Bunyan, Mission Viejo
In the ’70s: Forum shows and Anaheim shoes
The Rolling Stones played the Forum in Inglewood often in the ’70s, with several 1975 shows available as live albums. Then there was the Anaheim show where Mick Jagger found out what happens when you invite fans to throw their shoes on stage.
June 1972, the Forum. Out of the hundreds of rock concerts I have ever seen (including the Beatles) this is NUMERO UNO! This was the Stones at the height of their creative powers and they were still hungry to prove it. Highlights include a huge dragon curtain in front of stage, the opening chords to ‘Brown Sugar,’ and Jagger coming out of the dragon’s mouth, to strut and prance… Mick Taylor, Keith and Bill Wyman standing up straight, deadpan.
This show was after they had played an afternoon show – back in those days, they never played an encore. That night – they did!Program, cool jet poster – yeah still got ’em. I have gotten rid of many programs over the years, Not this one!
In 1975, three out of five shows at the Forum, lotus flower stage opens up with Jagger at top of petal opening up to front row, Jaggar,10 feet in front of me – it was something to behold!
For a long time I took a break because I felt I had seen the Stones at their best, especially indoors, but over time broke down and saw them at Dodger Stadium, the San Diego baseball stadium, a couple of Rose Bowl shows, a couple of Staples shows. And now, July 10 at SoFi, excited again. Neither of us are getting any younger!
– Kevin Bossenmeyer, Irvine
June 13, 1972. I was a junior in high school and a buddy came up to me at school and asked if I wanted to go see the Rolling Stones in San Diego. I said, ‘Let’s go,’ and about midday we headed from Fullerton down to San Diego. Ticket was $6.50. At the San Diego Sports Arena, the show was unreserved seating, and the floor was open, no seats. We got a spot on the floor about 10 feet directly in front of the stage where Mick Jagger would be singing. It was a long wait, but well worth it.
When the show started, everyone was standing and packed together to rock out. I remember people getting stoned, taking a hit from a joint, sticking your arm up in the air with the joint, and the next concertgoer nearby would grab it, take a hit and hold up and pass to another person. I remember Mick Jagger singing a hit, rocking out. He had a big stainless steel bowl filled with rose petals, and as he spun around, flung all the rose petals into the crowd.
– Rick Morgan, San Clemente
I am going to SoFi for both shows. My first two Stones shows were at Anaheim Stadium right after high school graduation. and yes, I remember “throw all your shoes on stage.” Peter Tosh and the Outlaws were the warm-up bands. Peter had a song called “Legalize It” and passed out big joints. I tried it and it was full of seeds. Yuck.
Those ’78 shows started a lifelong love affair. I have been at the Prince shows. The 50th anniversary tour with Mick Taylor was the best because of Mick sitting in on a few of his classics he helped form. Learning how to get in the pit is the biggest deal these days. I have been in the pit four times, and it is unbelievable, the best experience on the planet.
– Jim Power, Laguna Hills
I was at the 1978 Anaheim Stadium concert. I remember a shoe ended up on the stage. Mick Jagger saying, ‘I want all your [darn] shoes!’ Well, everyone threw their shoes on stage and they walked off. The crowd was not happy.
Before music was played, people were using large beach blankets to throw girls in the air. My sister Susan is 4’11”. As we walked by I heard, ‘Hey she’s small, grab her!’ She was grabbed and flung in the air, screaming, ‘Let me down.’ She was pissed off to say the least.
– Bob Waters, Laguna Niguel
I was there. Mick, after dodging intermittent shoes being thrown at him, threw one of his back and then announced, ‘OK, I want all your shoes!’ It was raining shoes on the stage for a couple minutes. Then the ‘Some Girls’ show continued smoothly.
– Bob Tucker, Garden Grove
In the ’80s: Prince abdicates, GNR roars
Prince was not yet a superstar when he opened for the Stones at the Coliseum in 1981 and got booed off the stage. Near the end of the decade, Guns N’ Roses and Living Colour fared much better as openers at the same venue for the Stones.
I went to see the Stones at the Coliseum in 1981. My roommate and I were both friends with a guy (I do not even remember his name) that told me he had an extra ticket to see the Stones. He then said whoever answered the phone when he called would get to go with him and buy the extra ticket. Well, you guessed it, I answered the phone and went to the concert with him.
I remember no knowing who Prince was at the time other than he was the opening act. I did not like any of his songs and the crowd booed him and threw eggs at him. Little did I know he would become so successful later on. I must say I never became a fan of Prince and laugh when I think about that event.
– Linda Burstein, Laguna Niguel
Saw the Stones at the Coliseum in 1981. This guy called Prince came out. I remember one of his songs seemed particularly misogynistic. After a few songs he was booed off the stage, and his manager came out and lectured the audience like we were a bunch of second graders.
I don’t think Prince came back out.
It happened.
Les Poltrack, Chanhassen, Minnesota
In 1986, the Stones used our sound equipment (Glass Family Electric Band) for a week for their L.A. gig rehearsals. After delivering the equipment, I was in their rehearsal for five hours – lucky me – as they went through all their songs up until that time. I was in and out of that house they rented, which I believe was Stephen Stills’ house in Laurel Canyon, for that week. Both Mick and Keith were very nice and made me feel comfortable.
– David Capilouto
1989, LA Coliseum, Living Colour, Guns ‘N’ Roses and the Stones. Autumn, a 16-year-old neighbor girl, won tickets from a radio station. She asked me, a 39-year-old dad, to escort her. Her mom is a huge Stones fan, so she was not happy that her daughter didn’t ask her. Score!
She came to see Guns ‘N’ Roses and I had never heard of them. I was there for the Stones. Neither of us knew Living Colour. My highlight was when the Stones played ‘Honky Tonk Women.’ They had two three-story blow-up dolls that the roadies pulled on with a rope to the beat of music. One of the dolls was a blonde with her legs crossed smoking a cigarette. It was awesome.
She recently thanked me again for taking her to her first concert. She now has many concerts under her belt which includes, unfortunately, the Las Vegas Route 91 country concert on Oct. 1, 2017. She was shot three times – hand, lung, and jawbone and tongue. She spent a month in the hospital. There is no question that her husband’s quick action getting her to a hospital saved her life. She no longer teaches grade school, but her attitude and love for life has returned. She is awesome.
– Mike McCarthy, Huntington Beach
The Rolling Stones concert I saw in October 1989 at the Coliseum was probably the best concert I ever saw. But the real story is the journey getting to the concert. The morning of ticket sales, standing in the parking lot at Tower Records, my future husband Joe’s number was somewhere in the first few in line. Finally, the doors opened and the first few of us went in. However, there was a problem. The Tower Records computer was crashed! Our hopes were dashed.
If memory serves, those of us left in line were finally told to go home, leave our wristbands on, and come back at a specified time, and in the meantime, they would try to reserve us some tickets. When we came back to Tower Records, Joe showed his wristband, and we purchased our reserved tickets. Apparently, the manager called someone with clout, who was able to save a block of tickets for those of us still in line in Torrance. We were elated! We were going to get to see The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, and Living Colour! And not only that, we scored front-row seats!!!
– Diane Dantas, Cypress
In the ’90s: Baseball stadiums and the Rose Bowl
The ’90s saw the Stones play the largest stages in Southern California, including a pair of shows at both Dodger Stadium and the Rose Bowl.
My son and I attended their concert, early ’90s at Rose Bowl. We were interviewed by an Aussie news outlet that was beaming via satellite from the parking lot. Remember them asking what my favorite Stones song was and I replied “(I Cant Get No) Satisfaction.” In succeeding years, he and I attended concerts at Staples, also at Petco Park in San Diego, Dodger Stadium, and not too long ago, SoFi Stadium shortly after opening. I am 83 years old, my son is 42, and for the coming concert at SoFi, we will bring our 9-year-old grandson for a perfect trifecta. Three generations.
– Tony Calderone, Huntington Beach
In the ’00s: The Stones go big
The first decade of the new millennium saw the Rolling Stones play huge stadiums such Angel Stadium and Dodger Stadium, the Hollywood Bowl, the Forum, Staples Center, and Honda Center.
I’ve been a Rolling Stones fan since 1964 and I’ve seen lots of their concerts. The best was at Anaheim Stadium on Nov. 2, 2002. The Angels had just won the World Series in that stadium. While rocking out, the Stones played the video of Darin Erstad catching the last out of the World Series. The crowd went wild. The memory of that night will not fade away. Somehow some old English rockers – the greatest ever – knew the baseball crowd and we got what we wanted.
– Andy Guilford, Trabuco Canyon
I have had the privilege to see them over 40 times, I believe, in Japan, London, Paris, and soon to add Canada. I had the honor of working the local crew with IATSE 504 and doing Keith Richards’ spotlight at Anaheim Stadium in 2003. I have the work pass and I have the setlist that was listed as Edison Field. I also have a few guitar picks and a pair of Charlie’s drum sticks. On this tour, I am seeing 11 shows. I just got back from Denver and my next show is in Canada. The shows have been great!
– Larry Morgia, Irvine
I saw the Stones at either Angel Stadium or Dodger Stadium 20 years ago. It was a great show, of course, with Mick doing his thing. Some of my favorites they played: ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,’ ‘Dead Flowers,’ ‘Sister Morphine.’ You can tell my favorite album. ‘Sticky Fingers.’ I follow Mick on Facebook. Love these guys; they are the soundtrack for our lives.
– Dave Lindquist, Irvine
In the ’10s: Large and small
For a band as big as the Rolling Stones, an arena is about as small as it gets. Imagine how lucky you’d feel to have scored a ticket to the tiny Echoplex in L.A. to see them one night in 2013.
My favorite experience was in 2013, front row in the pit at Staples Center. From this prime spot, I witnessed something new: the band’s on-stage relationships. I saw them communicate with just a wink or a raised eyebrow, showcasing their decades-long synergy. That night, we were treated to a surprise appearance by Mick Taylor, who revived his legendary solos on tracks like ‘Sway’ and ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.’ It was pure sonic magic.
A memorable moment was Ronnie Wood snapping his fingers and sending a plectrum over my shoulder, hitting actor Aaron Paul (Jesse from ‘Breaking Bad’) on the forehead. This show holds a special place in my ‘Heart of Stone’ as it was the last time I saw Charlie Watts behind the drum kit.
For my 14th concert, I’ve designed a special baseball jersey featuring my ticket stubs superimposed on the iconic tongue logo, with the dates of every Stones concert I’ve attended listed on the back. As Jagger once sang, ‘This could be the last time …’. Well, I sure hope not!
Incidentally, I’m a two-time player on the CBS reality show ‘Survivor’ because I was attracted to the idea of ‘cheating death,’ but is there a better example of that than Keith Richards? I think not!
– David Wright, Sherman Oaks
My wife and I have seen the Stones quite a few times. The first time I saw them was at the Forum in either ’73 or ’74. My wife Sandy saw them at the Hollywood Bowl in 1966, She was 12 at the time.
In 2015, at Petco Park, I was invited to have dinner with the Stones. When we arrived at the entrance of the area for dinner, I had to show my ID; I had forgotten my wallet in the car. Sandy went to get my wallet but by the time she came back, it was too late. There was no one at the door and it was locked. We saw Charlie Watts and asked him if there was any way to get in, he said he didn’t know. He was very polite and told us to call Keith’s manager, which we did; her voicemail was full. So much for that.
Q. My daughter visits once or twice a year from her home, which is hundreds of miles away from where I live. She told me I must stop driving, should have a college student live with me and hire someone to clean my house, delivering these admonishments very firmly. I subsequently passed my driving test, cleaned my house successfully and have neighbors and friends who are there when I need help. This conversation has created a rift. Please address a column about family members making assumptions about older persons whom they seldom see. C.R.
Perceptions matter. Let’s first try to understand your daughter’s perspective.
Think about how older adults are portrayed in our society and our perception of aging. In a recent column, I mentioned Becca Levy, Yale Professor of Epidemiology who asked people to think of five words to describe older persons. In the U.S., the most common answer was “memory loss.” In China, it was “wisdom.” The US response was one of a deficit, rather than one of strength.
Your daughter’s response may be influenced by our youth-oriented culture with images of aging showing primarily declines and disabilities. Furthermore, her concern may be one of safety knowing that age is a risk factor for falls, car accidents and health vulnerabilities. As well, I take your word that you’re in fine fettle, but it’s not uncommon for individuals to downplay health challenges.
Here’s the rub. Everyone ages differently. Age is a poor predictor of individual competencies and functioning. For example, we know older adults have an increased risk of falling, but each adult differs in strength, reaction time, vision and living circumstances. Although trends count, they do not necessarily apply to each individual.
Adult children are known to overestimate older parents’ problems as noted in the Journal of Adult Development. Adult children evaluated their parents and reported more disabilities and life problems than their parents. This overestimation occurred more often when the adult children communicated by phone and less when they communicated in person. Clearly, it’s the first-hand knowledge that counts.
Your daughter may be considered a helicopter adult child. The term “helicopter” has been used by parents of teenage children as the parents hover over them, counter to their responsibility to raise a child to independence. Both teenagers and older adults share the value of independence.
As a point of interest, some parents have not outgrown this protective role. In one study of 800 employers, one out of five recent college graduates brought a parent with them for a job interview. That doesn’t sound like fostering independence.
I would like to share a personal story of a well-intended adult daughter who hovered for good reason.
Here is what happened: I left my daughter’s home and let her know I was driving directly to my home. After about 15 minutes, my daughter texted me, called my office phone, home phone and cell phone with no answer. Receiving no response, she became worried and called my friends asking, “Have you seen my mother?”
An all-points bulletin went out asking if anyone had heard from Helen. Needless to say, this caused a stir. Out of fear and desperation, my daughter drove to my home and found my car in the driveway. She was sure I was horizontal on the kitchen floor. As she looked across the street, she saw her mother attending a neighbor’s party held in his garage with Yours Truly laughing and munching on hors d’oeuvres.
My daughter was relieved but with a request: Always call me as soon as you get home. I share this story because I was responsible for this misunderstanding – saying one thing and doing another without thinking about the effect on my daughter. So, we parents can have a role to play.
Now let’s get back to your daughter. So much depends on relationships and perception. To influence your daughter’s perception, she likely needs more information, assuming she is open to it. Perhaps a starting point is to have a conversation. Here are a few suggestions for that chat.
“I appreciate your concern. What worries you most about me?”
“I would like to share with you how I am able to take care of myself.”
“Let’s talk about the best way to keep in touch.”
“Should we set a certain time to connect?”
“And how often should we chat?”
“Are you comfortable using technology such as Skype, Zoom, or the telephone?”
Thank you, C.R., for your good question. And kudos on passing your driving test. Best wishes in continuing to live the life you want to lead. And know that small acts of kindness can change the world.
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity
For the last two months, I have been admiring the flower show provided by my yellow pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima flava).
The Latin name of this plant commemorates Andrea Caesalpino, a 16th-century Italian physician and botanist. Before the age of synthetically produced pharmaceuticals, medications came directly from plants. Thus, physicians were often botanists too since the sources for the medications they prescribed grew in the garden. Pulcherrima — the species name of this plant — means “beautiful” and is reserved for plants of universally recognized beauty since, as everyone knows, there is a plethora of plants that are beautiful.
With yellow pride of Barbados, the large plumes of golden flowers are perched on feathery, fern-like shoots of bipinnate leaves. An aside: the poinsettia is also unusually beautiful (albeit due to brilliant red, leaf-life bracts that are not flowers), and its Latin name of Euphorbia pulcherrima reminds us of its unique appeal.
Flava is the subspecies name of yellow pride of Barbados since “flava” means yellow in Latin. The reason for the subspecies name is to distinguish it from the more familiar and widely planted cousin of this plant, red bird of paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), whose brilliant red stamens emerging from red or orange flowers make it a garden standout that is second to none.
In our climate, both of these plants, native to Mexico and the Caribbean, will grow into 10-foot tall shrubs that make an excellent screen or security barrier due their thorns. To keep them compact, prune drastically in the spring, even down to the ground, and they will quickly grow back up again. Yellow bird of paradise (Caesalpinia/Poinciana gilliesii) grows into a vase-shaped shrub of somewhat lesser stature.
Before leaving this group of plants, we must pause for a moment to regale their arboreal relative, the yellow poinciana tree (Peltophorum pterocarpum). I first saw this tree growing in Israel, whose climate mimics our own, but have yet to see it here. It is sometimes referred to as the yellow jacaranda due to having a similar form, similar foliage, and a similarly magnificent floral display. Note: while Caesalpinias and Poincianas are in the legume family (Fabaceae) and have the characteristic fern-like, feathery foliage shared by many leguminous ornamentals, the feathery-leafed jacaranda is in a different botanical family (Bignoniaciae), sharing kinship with that large assortment of trumpet vines that you see blooming this time of year in purple, red, pink, orange, and yellow.
In any case, the yellow jacaranda is more manageable, with a mature height of 40 feet, whereas the common lavender-blue jacaranda may grow up to twice that size. The yellow jacaranda is also more cold-tolerant than the lavender-blue and so it is a mystery as to why it is not seen in the nursery trade.
There is another tree referred to as yellow jacaranda, presently flowering in an explosion of orange-yellow. This is the tipu tree (Tipuana tipu), a South American legume that is a shade tree in the truest sense, and also tops out at 40 feet. Let’s say you have a backyard that bakes in the sun and are considering planting a tree that will create the kind of shade that will induce you to spend more time outdoors when the summer heat comes. This just might be the tree for you. And, oh yes, lest I forget, leguminous shrubs and trees, once established, are universally drought tolerant with a need for irrigation that is minimal, requiring a deep soaking every once in a while to no water at all.
Because of tree trimming maintenance costs, there is a disinclination these days when it comes to planting classic shade trees that rise to 40 feet or more. Yet the attraction of a shady garden retreat under a large tree is powerful. It gives you the opportunity to place a hammock underneath. As far as the kids are concerned, a large tree offers unparalleled delights in the form of an apparatus for climbing, branches from which a swing can be hung, and – most importantly – the foundation for a tree house.
A Plant-O-Rama plant sale, a tradition that goes back more than 50 years, is returning to Sherman Library and Gardens. Plants will be offered by the California Native Plant Society, Los Angeles International Fern Society, Newport Harbor Orchid Society, Orange County Begonia Society, Saddleback Valley Bromeliad Society, and Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts. All your questions about caring for the featured plants will be answered by experts on-site. The sale will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 & 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission to the gardens and plant sale is $5 but free to those holding a Sherman Gardens membership. The gardens are located at 2647 E. Coast Hwy. in Corona del Mar. For more information, visit thesherman.org or call 949.673.2261.
California native of the week: Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla) get their name from their flowers that resemble pagodas. They also bear a resemblance to the flowers of snapdragons and Angelonia to which they are related. Flowers may be lavender and white to magenta and white or pure white. Plants grow in clumps that are two feet tall and one foot wide. Grow them in light shade or under your oak tree for a flower show from spring to early summer, which can be extended by removing faded flowers before they go to seed. You can procure a packet of 1,340 Chinese houses seeds from the Theodore Payne Foundation (theodorepayne.org) for six dollars. However, you will want to wait until fall to plant them.
If there are any special shrubs or trees most people might not know about but whose presence you enjoy in your garden, please recount your experience to joshua@perfectplants.com. Your questions, comments, gardening successes or predicaments are always welcome.
Q. I was traveling north in the slow lane of the 605 Freeway and had just passed Del Amo Boulevard in the Cerritos-Lakewood area when I heard a loud pop. A rear tire had blown out. The tow truck driver arrived quickly and changed my tire. The pickup truck parked in front of me also had a blown rear tire and was being serviced by another AAA tow truck driver. I filed a claim with Caltrans for the damage to my car: $1,652.94. I received a letter from Caltrans denying my claim, stating, “The California Department of Transportation cannot be held liable for damages without prior notice of a dangerous condition and sufficient time to have taken measure(s) to protect against the dangerous condition, per California Government Code.” I requested an appeal and a review by a supervisor. Will Caltrans grant me an appeal, and reimburse me for my damages?
– Joanne Rumpler, San Dimas
A. Decades ago, Young Honk walked into his family home, fuming. He had run over a pothole that damaged a rim – the young whippersnapper wanted justice and, more importantly, some cash.
But Pops Honk, an attorney, told him the law was how Caltrans put it in your letter, Joanne.
Honk isn’t suggesting you give up – no, ma’am.
You can file a California Public Records Act request, asking for documents saying when that pothole was discovered and how the agency responded to it, to determine if Caltrans indeed was told about the problem well before you came across it.
So you don’t have to bounce around the internet, Honk will send you a link so you can file one, if you like, Joanne. If anyone else wants that link, he is more than happy to share it.
Q.The problem your reader faced getting a vehicle ready for a smog check – after the on-board computer’s memory disappeared perhaps because the battery had been changed – is more common than we think. You explained the cause perfectly. However, going back repeatedly for a smog test only to find the monitors haven’t reset yet is time consuming and costly. The answer is to pick up an OBDII test device. They’re cheap and simple to use to see if the monitors have reset. Depending on the age of his vehicle, he may either need them all reset, or all but one. But he’ll only have to make one trip for the smog test.
– M.J. Knudsen, Trabuco Canyon
A. This problem is indeed very common, and getting such a device, also called an OBD2 reader, is a “great idea,” said Rudy Rodriguez, diagnostic-services supervisor with the Automobile Club of Southern California.
There are various driving scenarios that experts offer up to create a vehicle memory; Honk spelled some out last week. The state’s Bureau of Automotive Repair recommends driving the vehicle 15 times – boosting the coolant’s temperature at least 40 degrees to 160 – and covering at least 200 miles in all. State officials say the goal will likely be obtained well before that.
Hence, Honk’s reader’s suggestion could make a lot of sense.
“This way he will know for sure that his car will pass when he takes it,” Rodriguez told Honk via email. “But to be honest, most cars are ready after they’re driven to work and back every day for a week or so.”
HONKIN’ FACT: At a DUI checkpoint in Marin County this month, a driver was arrested by the California Highway Patrol after cruising up, the agency said, while drinking a beer.
To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk. Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk
Bad enough the Angels had to run into their old friend when they’re not looking their best – no one wants to be seen in public with a 30-45 record. But they had to watch their old friend remind them he has moved on.
Facing his former team for the first time, Shohei Ohtani hit a two-run home run and reached base four times. But Taylor Ward came through with an RBI single in the 10th inning to give Ohtani’s former team a 3-2 victory over his current team on Friday night at Dodger Stadium.
The win snapped the Angels’ 10-game losing streak to the Dodgers, the longest win streak by either team in Freeway Series history.
“I think we’ve been playing some good ball against some very good teams. They’ve been coming out on the other end. Tonight we won it,” Angels manager Ron Washington said.
“It’s not always the best team that wins. It’s the team that plays the best. Tonight we played the best.”
Sandoval had just delivered ball four to Ohtani when he signaled to the Angels’ dugout that something was wrong, calling vigorously for a trainer.
“He really had good stuff against me,” said Ohtani who walked twice against his former teammate. “Unfortunately he had some apparent injury. I hope he’s going to feel well and I hope he’s going to recover from whatever he’s feeling.”
Two innings later, Ohtani broke a scoreless tie when he launched a 1-and-1 fastball from lefty reliever Matt Moore dip into the night. Ohtani’s 22nd home run of the season traveled 455 feet to straightaway center field.
That didn’t even make it his longest home run of the week – Ohtani crushed a 471-footer in Colorado. That was just one of five home runs in his past six games. Ohtani hit two last Sunday against the Kansas City Royals and has remained hot since moving into the leadoff spot to replace Mookie Betts. In five games there, Ohtani is 10 for 20 with three home runs, nine RBIs, a double, five walks and seven runs scored.
“It’s certainly the hottest I think we’ve seen him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, apparently downgrading Ohtani’s 11-for-21 National League Player of the Week run at the start of May to second place. “Taking the walks in his first two at-bats and then getting a pitch he can handle to use the big part of the field like we’ve talked about and then again to line it up the middle, he’s playing really good baseball. Tonight we just couldn’t support him.”
Dodgers starter Landon Knack allowed just two hits in five scoreless innings. But Ryan Yarbrough gave the lead back in the sixth.
The reliever hit three Angels batters in the inning, leading to two runs. Yohan Ramirez hit another in the eighth inning, tying the Angels’ franchise record for hit batters in one game (four).
“He’s a guy that typically we count on for command and putting the ball in play, length and right there in that sixth inning, hitting three batters … (he) didn’t have command. He really didn’t,” Roberts said.
“I think this year in particular, his surface (numbers) is good as far as ERA, but the walks (16) are certainly up there, the hit batsmen are up there (seven). I don’t know if it’s a mechanical thing, but it’s very uncharacteristic from Ryan.”
The score stayed tied, 2-2, into extra innings. The Angels cashed in their free runner with a two-out, two-strike single through the left side by Ward against Angels closer Evan Phillips. It was some positive validation for Ward who suffered through an 0-for 20 and was robbed of a game-tying, three-run home run to end the game Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
“That was huge for us because the last three opportunities he’s had, he smoked the baseball and got nothing for it,” Washington said. “He smoked that one tonight and it made it through. That was the baseball gods working.”
In the bottom of the 10th, Angels closer Carlos Estevez stranded the Dodgers’ free runner. Jason Heyward advanced the runner to third on a ground out. But Kiké Hernandez and Gavin Lux each struck out against Estevez who has now retired the last 24 batters he has faced.
“Infield in, you have to find a way to put the ball in play,” Roberts said. “That pitcher is still trying to do his job and we’ve seen him, but we couldn’t put the ball in play. Those guys were one strike away (against Phillips) and Ward did a nice job of sticking the ball out there and got the hit.”
DENVER — With his return from Tommy John surgery seemingly stalled by another dismal outing, along with bouts of hip soreness, Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler was placed on the injured list on Wednesday with the hope that he can pull off a reset of his comeback bid.
The Dodgers filled the roster vacancy by reinstating right-hander Bobby Miller from the injured list. Miller, sidelined for more than two months because of inflammation in his pitching shoulder, started Wednesday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies.
Buehler missed all of last season while recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery but he has struggled to regain the dominating form he has displayed in past seasons. In eight starts since his May 6 return, Buehler has gone 1-4 with a 5.84 ERA. He endured his worst start of the campaign on Tuesday night, when he was hammered for seven runs on seven hits and one walk in four innings. The Dodgers got him off the hook for the loss with an epic ninth-inning rally to beat the Rockies, 11-9.
Buehler, who dealt with bouts of hip soreness earlier this season, also appeared to aggravate the issue when he was hit in the hip area by a line drive off the bat of Colorado’s Nolan Jones. Buehler recovered to throw out Jones at first and remained in the game for one more inning.
Manager Dave Roberts said Buehler’s hip problems figured in the decision, coupled with the organization’s concerns over his erratic performances.
“It’s just the right thing to do,” Roberts said. “And obviously, getting back to full strength health-wise. I think, too, a little bit sort of finding himself again. I think he’s still in search mode. So, he’s kind of getting back to health. I think for the mind and for some clarity, this will be a good thing for him.”
A frustrated Buehler signaled the possibility that he was headed for the IL with his comments after the game Tuesday night. He praised his teammates for pulling off the unlikely comeback, but also was hard on himself, mentioning he had discussions with coaches over the possibility of taking a “blow” to get back on track.
“We’ve thought about kind of taking a blow, taking a month off, taking a week out, whatever, trying to figure out how to kind of get me reset,” Buehler said. “You know, it sucks to feel kind of invaluable or like you’re hampering your team. At the end of the day, we really like our team and want to be ready for the end of the year.”
Roberts said he expected Buehler’s return, after a long absence, to come with ups and downs but expressed confidence he will be able come back in time to play a prominent late-season role. There was no immediate timetable on his return.
“It’s not linear, certainly, with the comeback,” Roberts said. “But I believe in who he is, and I believe in what he’s done. I do believe he has the capability to clean things up to be the guy that we need him to be in October.”
REMEMBERING MAYS
Roberts, who spent the final two years of his 12-year major league playing career with the San Francisco Giants, fondly recalled his friendship with baseball great Willie Mays.
“We lost a great one,” Roberts said. “I got to call him a friend. I didn’t obviously get to see him play. Many would argue he was the greatest ballplayer of all time. He was a showman. He was a gentleman. Great competitor. Really fun storyteller. I got to spend time with Willie Mays and Willie McvCovey. And so really, really grateful for that.”
NOTES ON A COMEBACK
Trailing by five runs heading into the ninth inning on Tuesday night, the Dodgers’ win probability stood at only 0.5% but they beat the odds. It took Jason Heyward’s pinch-hit grand slam and a go-ahead three-run homer by Teoscar Hernandez to rally the team to the stunning 11-9 victory.
It was the sixth win in Dodgers’ history involving a rally in the ninth inning or later in which they scored five or more runs. But it was the first since July 18, 1957, when they came back late to beat St. Louis.
UP NEXT
Dodgers (RHP Gavin Stone, 7-2, 3.01 ERA) at Rockies (LHP Ty Blach, 3-4, 4.65 ERA), Thursday, 12:10 p.m. PT, Sports Net LA, 570 AM
Jasan Givens Sr. was taken into custody at Western and Florence avenues around 10:05 a.m. and booked on suspicion of felony battery with bail set at $50,000, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Two men got involved in a fistfight outside the airport around 9:25 a.m. on May 31 stemming from road rage. They knocked an elderly passenger to the ground, knocking her unconscious, police said.
The woman was taken to a hospital in critical condition but has recovered, police said.
Detectives had identified one of the suspects as Givens.
The second suspect has not been identified publicly or taken into custody.
Los Angeles police asked that anyone with information regarding the assault to contact Detective Scott Danielson at 424-646-8303 or at 39038@lapd.online. Anonymous tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or at lacrimestoppers.org.
“How expensive?” tracks measurements of California’s totally unaffordable housing market.
The pain: Southern California has eight of the nation’s 20 least-affordable cities for homebuyers.
The source: My trusty spreadsheet reviewed RealtyHop’s affordability index for 100 US cities, which estimates how much of a household’s median income would be gobbled up by a mortgage payment for a median-priced home listed in May. The math assumes a 7.13% mortgage rate, a 20% downpayment, and property taxes.
The pinch
Los Angeles was No. 1 for its lack of affordability, with a theoretical buyer spending 99% of their income – yes, basically all of it – on the estimated $6,512 house payment. That buys you a $1.1 million house and eats up almost all of the $78,671 in citywide pay.
No. 3 was Irvine with an 85% slice of pay for a $8,982 payment on a $1.48 million house compared with a $126,861 income.
Pressure points
The rest of the Southern California cities in the study ranking among the top 20 least-affordable …
No. 5 Long Beach: 70% – $4,771 payment on $799,900 house vs. $81,509 income.
No. 7 Anaheim: 69% – $5,234 payment on $879,999 house vs. $91,356 income.
No. 8 San Diego: 67% – $5,715 payment on $959,000 house vs. $101,797 income.
No. 12 Santa Ana: 63% – $4,581 payment on $774,494 house vs. $86,891 income.
No. 14 Chula Vista: 56% – $4,883 payment on $799,000 house vs. $105,230 income.
No. 19 Riverside: 53% – $3,768 payment on $631,000 house vs. $86,104 income.
Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com
In response to a recent spate of rider assaults, LA Metro on Thursday authorized “a surge” of law enforcement to physically patrol on board trains and bus lines marked by high rates of crimes, instead of just remaining on train platforms, within bus depots or in squad cars.
The sea change comes from a motion approved by the Board of Directors, aimed at rejiggering deployment strategies from the trio of law enforcement agencies hired by the transit agency, including officers from the LAPD and the Long Beach Police Department and deputies from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The motion also includes redeployment of Metro Transit Security Officers.
The 2024-2025 budget of about $9 billion will include an additional $18 million for law enforcement, bringing the total cost for the three agencies to about $195 million, which means LA Metro gets about 260 armed officers patrolling the vast system each day.
While many board members acknowledged that is not enough, considering that LA Metro every day handles almost a million riders on 2,400 bus runs, 108 rail stations and more than 400 rail cars, they must work within a tight budget.
“I’ve been told law enforcement can’t be everywhere at once,” said board member and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. “They don’t have the personnel to the extent needed.”
Nonetheless, CEO Stephanie Wiggins said the agency is reacting to recent violent incidents on buses and trains and on train platforms. The agency already expanded law enforcement presence primarily on the rail systems, while Metro’s security officers are increasing their presence on buses.
Liu Francisco, 52, from North Hollywood rides the mile from home on his bike to the North Hollywood B (Red) line station on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. He paid to enter as security look on. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The agency on May 28 will also launch a 90-day pilot program that involves locking the exit fare gates at the North Hollywood B Line Station. That will require passengers to touch a TAP card on a reader at the exit, showing they’ve paid the fare in order to open the turnstiles, a first in the agency’s history.
Riders who did not pay will be cited or removed. The idea is to remove riders, often who are homeless, mentally ill or taking illicit drugs, from the system.
“The majority of violent crimes are from those with untreated mental health conditions and drug addictions,” Wiggins said.
An LA Sheriff’s Department officer rides the C-train at the Vermont Avenue station in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Board member James Butts, mayor of Inglewood and a former police chief, agreed that enforcement of the agency’s fare system, part of its “code of conduct,” is a key aspect of stemming violent assaults. But that enforcement power was taken away from law enforcement a few years ago by Metro.
“We need to make sure people who get on buses and trains are the people who have paid the fare,” Butts said.
Two murders of passengers appear to have been committed by assailants who were mentally ill, as both killings were unprovoked, authorities reported.
Wiggins specifically mentioned the unprovoked killing of Juan Luis Gomez-Ramirez, a teacher visiting from Mexico who was sitting on a Line 108 bus in Commerce when someone on the bus got up, walked toward the rear exit, pointed a gun at the back of his head and fired, killing Gomez-Ramirez instantly.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón called it a tragic, senseless and heartbreaking killing of a “beloved father” who was simply riding on a bus in the 6200 block of Slauson Avenue in the afternoon of May 17. Winston Apolinario Rivera was charged with one count of murder, Gascon said in a statement.
The second involved the fatal stabbing of 66-year-old Mirna Soza Arauz on April 22. Arauz was riding the B Line train at the Universal City Station in Studio City, heading home from her job as a night security guard at Tommy’s Restaurant in North Hills.
Arauz, a mother and grandmother, was murdered in an unprovoked attack. After being stabbed in the neck, she managed to get off the train at the station, where she was found mortally wounded on the platform. A suspect was arrested about a half-hour later and identified as Elliott Tramel Nowden, 45. Nowden has since been charged with murder.
Mirna Soza Arauz, 66, seen in a photo on the GoFundMe website, was heading home after boarding Metro B (Red) Line in North Hollywood early Monday, April 22, 2024, and was stabbed to death. A suspect identified as Elliott Tramel Nowden, 45, was arrested. LA Metro’s board voted on Thursday, May 23, 2024 to beef up patrols and other security measures on its system. (Photo via GoFundMe)
“No one should be losing their life or or risking their life just for riding on Metro,” said board chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “The violence and crimes we’ve seen on Metro is absolutely unacceptable.”
A second motion also approved unanimously calls for the three chiefs of the law enforcement agencies to report to the Metro board at its June meeting about these “high profile” incidents, deployment of personnel, staffing levels and a cost analysis.
“I feel the tail is wagging the dog right now,” she said.
Below is a list of recent crimes on LA Metro that made headlines:
A teenage boy was fatally stabbed at the 7th/Metro Center station in downtown L.A. on Jan. 11.A man was fatally stabbed at the Westlake/MacArthur Park Station (651 S. Westlake Avenue, Los Angeles) on Feb. 1.A No. 2 line bus was hijacked by a man with a BB gun that resembled a gun on March 21. The bus crashed into the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at West Olympic Boulevard.Two people were stabbed in separate attacks at Metro B (Red) Line stations in East Hollywood at (Hollywood/Western) and Westlake/MacArthur Park (600 block of South Bonnie Brae Street) on April 7.A bus operator got punched and stabbed while driving in Willowbrook (119th Street and Wilmington Avenue) on April 13.A man stabbed a 66-year-old woman (Mirna Soza Arauz) to death at a Metro Universal City station in Studio City (3900 block of Lankershim Boulevard) on April 22.A security guard was stabbed at a B Line station in Hollywood (1500 block of North Vermont Avenue) before fatally shooting his assailant on May 7, authorities said.A woman was stabbed in the arm at the Metro C Line Vermont/Athens station (South Vermont Avenue and the 105 Freeway) on Monday May 13.Hours later on May 13, four teenagers fought on a bus in Glendale (West Los Feliz Road and South Central Avenue). Two were stabbed and the other two arrested.On Tuesday, May 14, a man was robbed of his cellphone and hit in the chest on a bus in Encino (Ventura and Balboa boulevards).On Thursday, May 16, a man shot another passenger to death on a Metro bus in Commerce (6200 block of Slauson Avenue), authorities reported.A person was stabbed Tuesday, May 21, on a Los Angeles Metro bus in Lynwood (Long Beach Boulevard and Norton Avenue).
SCNG staff writer Hunter Lee contributed to this article.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, May 21, ordered the Probation Department to analyze and improve excessively long wait times for attorneys, doctors and social workers visiting Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey.
The motion, approved unanimously, comes after attorneys from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office and the Juvenile Justice Clinic at Loyola Law School told the Southern California News Group that waits as long as three hours were hindering their efforts to provide legal services to clients at the juvenile detention facility.
“Lawyers, doctors, and social workers need to be able to visit their young clients at Los Padrinos, and they shouldn’t have to wait two or three hours to see them,” said Supervisor Hahn, who represents Downey, in a statement. “This is unacceptable. The Probation Department needs to make immediate changes to allow people to see their clients faster and has to be transparent with our Board moving forward about the wait times at our juvenile facilities.”
Hahn co-authored the motion with board Chair Lindsay Horvath. At the meeting, Horvath said ensuring attorneys have timely access to their clients is not only important for honoring constitutional rights, but it helps achieve the county’s goal of “making sure our young people are getting the service and support that they need.”
“Decreasing wait times and increasing predictability for professional services at Los Padrinos is among the actions the Probation Department must take to better serve the youth entrusted to its care,” Horvath said in a statement.
The motion directs the Probation Department to return with a report in four weeks that includes three months of data on wait times, analysis about the causes and the strategies “being implemented to reduce wait times and ensure timely access to visits from counsel, social workers and other experts.”
Defense attorneys told the Southern California News Group in early May that they experienced such long wait times at Los Padrinos that attorneys have to schedule their entire day around such visits.
“Everybody knows that this is the new normal; if you get there past 8:30 a.m., then you’re waiting,” said Roshell Amezcua, director of the Juvenile Justice Law Center. “If you’re not the very first person, then you’re waiting two to three hours.”
Complaints about wait times have come up repeatedly at Probation Oversight Commission meetings in the last year.
The county Probation Department has denied the problem is widespread and indicated only a small percentage of attorneys — about 10% — experienced wait times longer than 20 minutes in April. The department previously installed four private booths in the chapel at Los Padrinos in an effort to improve wait times.
The Juvenile Justice Law Center filed a formal complaint with the department’s ombudsman May 20 reiterating that visits to Los Padrinos had become “unduly burdensome.” Wait times in excess of 45 minutes have been deemed unconstitutional in the past, according to a letter attached to the complaint.
“Here, wait times regularly exceed 45 minutes. Indeed, wait times regularly exceed two hours, and sometimes visits are denied outright,” the letter states. “The JJC’s experience does not exist in isolation. Our discussions with other juvenile defense attorneys at the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office and the Los Angeles County Independent Defense Counsel’s Office indicate that these wait times are pervasive, common, and well-known to probation staff and directors.”
Los Angeles County prosecutors say no charges are forthcoming against rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs after the release of disturbing 2016 surveillance video taken in a Century City hotel, which appears to show the rapper and producer physically assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
“We are aware of the video that has been circulating online allegedly depicting Sean Combs assaulting a young woman in Los Angeles,” the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement posted on social media late Friday. “We find the images extremely disturbing and difficult to watch. If the conduct depicted occurred in 2016, unfortunately we would be unable to charge as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted.
“As of today, law enforcement has not presented a case related to the attack depicted in the video against Mr. Combs, but we encourage anyone who has been a victim or witness to a crime to report it to law enforcement or reach out to our office for support from our Bureau of Victims Services,” the statement continued.
The video, obtained by CNN, was taken at the then-InterContinental Hotel in Century City, the network reported.
The video shows Ventura exiting a hotel room and walking down a hallway toward a bank of elevators. Combs, wearing only a white towel wrapped around his waist and socks, is then seen following her down the hallway then forcefully grabbing her by the head or neck and throwing her to the ground. As she lies on the ground, Combs kicks her. After picking up a suitcase nearby, he kicks her again.
In a still image from CNN video, Sean “Diddy” Combs is allegedly seen physically assaulting singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. (Image from CNN video)
Combs is then seen trying to drag Ventura back down the hallway toward the hotel room, but he lets go of her after pulling her into the hallway from the elevator area. He then continues back toward his room.
Combs re-appears in the video and appears to shove Ventura again, before sitting in a chair and grabbing something from a nearby table and throwing it at her. He then returns to his room.
Ventura had claimed in a lawsuit in November that Diddy physically assaulted her in 2016, saying the rapper was drunk and punched her in the face. She alleged that when she tried to leave, Diddy followed her and eventually threw glass vases that were on display in the hallway at her. According to the suit, Ventura eventually got into an elevator and took a cab back to her apartment.
The lawsuit also made more serious allegations of sexual assault and other acts of physical abuse inflicted by Diddy. The lawsuit was settled one day after it was filed, but no details were released.
The rapper had issued a statement vehemently denying the suit’s allegations, suggesting Ventura was looking for a “payday.”
Responding to the release of the video, Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, issued a statement to CNN saying, “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, the raids were “part of an ongoing investigation,” but no details were released.
The nature of the probe was unclear, but several reports indicated it was part of a federal sex trafficking investigation. Diddy has been targeted in multiple lawsuits in recent months — including Ventura’s — accusing him of sex abuse. In addition to Ventura, two other women filed lawsuits alleging sexual abuse.
Music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. filed a lawsuit earlier this year accusing Diddy of groping him while the pair worked together on Diddy’s album “The Love Album: Off the Grid.” The lawsuit also included allegations that Diddy and his son engaged in a “sex-trafficking venture.”
Diddy’s attorney, Shawn Holley, issued a statement in response saying, “Lil Rod is nothing more than a liar who filed a $30 million lawsuit shamelessly looking for an undeserved payday. His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines.
“We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”
Following the federal raids in March, Combs attorney Aaron Dyer insisted on the rapper’s innocence and accused authorities of a “gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences.”
“There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities,” Dyer said.
“Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way. This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow reacts after giving up a run during the fifth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson rounds third base after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson, right, celebrates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow reacts after giving up a home run to the Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow reacts after giving up a second run to the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani leads off first base during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani steals second base during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani steals second base as Cincinnati Reds second baseman Santiago Espinal leaps for the throw during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani steals second base as Cincinnati Reds second baseman Santiago Espinal leaps for the throw during the first inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers rookie outfielder Andy Pages, who has a tattoo that says “Jesus is the Hero” on his neck, looks on from the dugout during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor hits a single during the second inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani looks over his tablet during the third inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz steals second base ahead of a tag by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts during the fifth inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow reacts after giving up a run during the fifth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow walks off the field after the top of the fifth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow wipes his face as he walks off the field after the top of the fifth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers center fielder James Outman, right, catches a fly ball hit by the Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson as he avoids colliding with left fielder Chris Taylor during the seventh inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor walks back toward the dugout after striking out looking during the eighth inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes, back, tags out the Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson as home plate umpire Bill Miller looks on during the ninth inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes, back, tags out the Cincinnati Reds’ Will Benson during the ninth inning on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor flips his bat after he struck out swinging to end their 7-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani smiles in the dugout during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Fans carry bobbleheads of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani before a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is seen before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani prepares to catch a ceremonial first pitch before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani crouches as he prepares to catch a ceremonial first pitch before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani smiles in the dugout during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani smiles in the dugout during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
LOS ANGELES — No matter what the Dodgers did, they couldn’t stop Elly De La Cruz.
De La Cruz went 4 for 4 with a double, three runs scored and a career-high four stolen bases to propel the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-2 victory over the Dodgers on Thursday night. The Reds’ 22-year-old wunderkind became the first player to steal four bases in a game against the Dodgers since 2009.
The Dodgers were merely De La Cruz’s latest victim – he now leads MLB with 30 stolen bases in just 44 games this season, just the sixth player since 1901 to swipe that many that fast (Rickey Henderson did it three times).
“You try to keep guys like that off the bases,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And if you can’t, then you’re sort of on your heels, and that’s kind of what happened tonight.”
With the notoriously slow-to-the-plate Tyler Glasnow on the mound for the Dodgers, De La Cruz ran wild. He singled and stole second base in the first inning, doubled and stole third base in the third inning and, in the fifth inning, drew a two-out walk and immediately stole both second and third base. All four of his stolen bases came with Glasnow on the mound. He came around to score each time.
“I think all the pitches I threw to him were bad,” Glasnow said. “And then on the basepaths, obviously, just me not being quick holding runners, he’s extremely fast. He’s a good baserunner.”
The Dodgers finally got a small measure of revenge in the seventh. De La Cruz poked a single into right field off reliever Nick Ramirez and promptly attempted his fifth steal of the night, but Austin Barnes fired a perfect bullet to second base to finally throw De La Cruz out.
That was the only time the Dodgers would get the best of De La Cruz. The electrifying speedster reached base in all five of his plate appearances with three singles, a double and a walk and capped the scoring with an RBI infield single in the ninth.
“He’s a really good player,” said Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, whose bobblehead night was spoiled by the loss. “I do believe that the team really rallied around him today. A very impressive performance tonight.”
Glasnow struggled with more than just De La Cruz. Facing a Reds’ offense that entered batting a National League-worst .218, Glasnow surrendered four runs on six hits over five innings and allowed hard contact from the outset.
Will Benson led off the game with a titanic home run that traveled 439 feet into the right field pavilion to give the Reds an immediate 1-0 lead. De La Cruz followed with a hard single into center that left his bat at 100.5 mph. Mike Ford lifted a towering fly ball to center. After Glasnow struck out Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson ripped an RBI double into the left field corner to score De La Cruz and give the Reds a 2-0 lead.
In all, four of the Reds’ first five batters hit balls with exit velocities of at least 100 mph off of Glasnow.
“Just not a lot of rhythm, just kind of stiff today,” Glasnow said. “… Just today, things were not where they were at (previously).”
While De La Cruz and the Reds tormented Glasnow, the Dodgers’ lineup went dormant against the Reds’ bullpen game. With Max Muncy and Will Smith getting the night off, the Dodgers managed just four hits against seven Reds relievers. They avoided a shutout by the thinnest of margins when Gavin Lux stroked a two-run single with two outs in the ninth, long after the outcome was decided.
Other than that, the Dodgers came up empty. Reds pitchers retired 14 consecutive Dodgers at one point in a stretch that spanned from the fourth through eighth innings.
Nick Martinez, who long tormented the Dodgers as a member of the San Diego Padres’ pitching staff, picked up the win with five scoreless innings of relief as the Reds’ bulk reliever.
“They sort of just mixed and matched with the bullpen game,” Roberts said. “I mean, they got through two innings doing that and (we) really didn’t have an answer tonight for Nick Martinez and didn’t really threaten.”
The Dodgers’ Will Smith hits a two-run double during the 10th inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jordan Hicks throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts, left, celebrates with teammate Freddie Freeman, right, after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts, left, celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws to the plate during the second inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning of their game against the Dodgers on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning of their game against the Dodgers on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto walks to the dugout after the second inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto walks to the dugout after the second inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits a single during the third inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jordan Hicks throws to the plate during the fifth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani follows through on his RBI single during the fifth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, reaches first base safely next to San Francisco Giants first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. for an RBI single during the fifth inning on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, left, reacts next to first base coach Clayton McCullough, right, after hitting an RBI single during the fifth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy, right, celebrates with teammate Andy Pages, left, after scoring on Gavin Lux’s ground-rule double during the sixth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos hits an RBI single during the sixth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, center, walks to the dugout after being removed during the sixth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández gestures after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández, right, runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after striking out during the seventh inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers throws to the plate during the eighth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson throws to the plate during the eighth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson throws to the plate during the eighth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages catches a fly ball hit by the San Francisco Giants’ LaMonte Wade Jr. during the eighth inning on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen throws to the plate during the ninth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen throws to the plate during the ninth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts, left, celebrates as he scores ahead of teammate Freddie Freeman, back, on a double by Will Smith, not pictured, during the 10th inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. The Dodgers held on to win, 6-4. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers relief pitcher J.P. Feyereisen throws to the plate during the 10th inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher J.P. Feyereisen reacts after getting the San Francisco Giants’ Thairo Estrada to ground into a double play to end the 10th inning of their 6-4 victory on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers relief pitcher J.P. Feyereisen, right, and catcher Will Smith celebrate after the final out of their 6-4, 10-inning victory over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
SAN FRANCISCO — Whatever the separate trajectories of the two franchises, the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants always make for a good fight.
They traded blows again Monday night in the opener of a three-game series at Oracle Park. Will Smith’s two-run double in the 10th inning decided things, 6-4, in the Dodgers’ favor.
“When I started with the Dodgers, it was AT&T (Park) and it felt like the first two or three years I was here, a lot of weird stuff tends to happen in this stadium, especially late in games,” Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernandez said of the Dodgers-Giants rivalry.
The Giants have a losing record since they wrenched a division title from the Dodgers in 2021 – a 107-win outlier that seems more aberrational with time – and attendance has suffered at their Bay-side ballpark. The ticket exchange company Vivid Seats even forecast a Dodgers majority in the stands at Oracle Park for this series – though the “Beat L.A.” chants seemed as robust as ever and the home fans roused themselves to boo Shohei Ohtani for his perceived flirtation with the Giants as a free agent (though not nearly with the vigor the jilted fans in Toronto managed).
“I think there’s something to the rivalry,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think the fans here really get into it. And we seem to be pretty well represented when we come up here. But you know, regardless of records, it seems like we always have tight ballgames.”
Indeed. Since the start of the 2015 season, the Dodgers and Giants have played 50 one-run games. More than half (80) of their 158 meetings (including the 2021 National League Division Series) have been decided by one or two runs.
“It’s always intense games. Fans are into it,” Smith said. “We’re trying to beat them, they’re trying to beat us. It comes down to who executes and tonight we were able to get them.”
Mookie Betts landed the first punch Monday, leading off the game with a home run. It was the 50th leadoff home run of Betts’ career, third all-time behind Alfonso Soriano (54) and Craig Biggio (53).
More to the point, it was Betts’ first home run of any kind since April 12. After starting the season with six home runs in his first 16 games, Betts’ power went out for 26 games. He entered Monday’s game in a 7-for-35 funk overall but had hits in his first two at-bats, giving him back-to-back multi-hit games for the first time since April 27.
In the second inning, though, Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto hung a first-pitch curveball to Luis Matos. The fat breaking ball met the same fate as many of its ancestors – Matos sent it deep over the left-field wall for a three-run home run.
“Yeah, just kind of a ‘get-me-over’ hanger,” Smith said. “Other than that, he pitched really well.”
Yamamoto course-corrected after that, retiring the next 12 batters. That gave the Dodgers time to climb back into the game on Ohtani’s RBI infield single in the fifth and Gavin Lux’s game-tying RBI double in the sixth.
The Giants chased Yamamoto from the game in the sixth, regaining the lead when Betts couldn’t field Heliot Ramos’ ground ball to his right. The ball went into left field, allowing the go-ahead run to score from second. It was the second ball to Betts’ backhand on which he was unable to make a play.
“With Mookie we’re still in the process of trying to get repetitions on plays that he’s never had,” Roberts said. “Diving for a ball in the outfield is different than diving for a ball on the dirt. That’s a ball that you just got to get repetitions because we don’t practice that, he doesn’t practice that.
“That’s something that, I know he feels we got to keep it in the infield. … Balls that he can get to, he’s making plays on, getting better at. But full-out diving and trying to keep it and corral it to then try to make a play – that’s something that, that’s a rep. … I believe that, with more time, he’s going to get better at all these plays.”
Hernandez tied it again with a pinch-hit home run in the seventh and the game went into extra innings.
With Betts the free runner at second to start the 10th inning, Ohtani struck out against Giants lefty Taylor Rogers. Working carefully, Rogers walked Freddie Freeman on five pitches, bringing up Smith.
After taking one fastball for a strike, Smith clubbed the next one to straightaway center field, over the head of Matos. Betts and Freeman both scored.
J.P. Feyereisen – the last of five Dodgers relievers to each pitch a scoreless inning – closed it out in the bottom of the 10th. Blake Treinen got the win and Feyereisen his first save since May 29, 2022 – both missed all of 2023 recovering from shoulder surgeries.
