Los Angeles, Ca
Look inside L.A.’s new steel container apartments for the homeless
From the skin, the Hope on Alvarado residences look just about like every new improvement. The constructing northwest of downtown is 5 tales excessive, its floor-to-ceiling home windows and metal exterior giving it a modern-industrial really feel.
However inside, issues look totally different than your common brand-new condominium complicated. The models are metal containers (very like the transport containers you see loaded on the docks of the Port of Los Angeles) which have been transformed into micro-apartments. The frequent areas are stuffed with facilities and assets to help the constructing’s previously homeless residents.
The 87 models are all small, admitted Mark Oberholzer, an architect who labored on the undertaking. The ground plans are all both 320-square-foot studios or 480-square-foot one bed room residences.
Regardless of their measurement, they’re removed from dingy. They’ve good flooring, space-efficient barn doorways for the bogs, and are available totally furnished.
“However I feel that for me, the nicest side of the models is the quantity of glass,” mentioned Oberholzer. “To me, and I don’t know if everybody would agree, the aesthetic of the constructing is like extra like a high-end condominium constructing. And for folks that in the first place spend a variety of time of their models, having a variety of pure gentle is vital.”
Architects additionally paid consideration to the shared areas. There are areas the place folks can collect, like a lounge space with a TV and foosball desk, but additionally out of doors areas the place folks will be alone in the event that they’re craving extra privateness.
“We’re making an attempt to fulfill folks the place they arrive from,” mentioned Oberholzer. “They’re type of simply adjusting. I imply, think about what it’s prefer to not have anyplace of your personal area, then to maneuver into an condominium, and simply all the issues – you already know, the important thing playing cards, the entry, all your personal home equipment, cleansing – all these issues you need to regulate to.”
Employees on website are additionally there the assistance residents with challenges they could face as they transition out of homelessness, whether or not it’s getting a physician’s appointment or getting a driver’s license.
The actual benefit of this form of metal modular housing, Oberholzer defined, is how briskly buildings will be constructed and assembled. The metal containers are transformed into residences off-site, which signifies that work can start on the similar time a basis is being laid and a framework is being constructed. As soon as the bones of the constructing are in place, the containers simply should be dropped into their spots and locked collectively.
“In L.A. particularly, but additionally in California, it’s like you possibly can hardly get housing constructed quick sufficient for the necessity. The extra time goes by, the extra housing will get costly, the extra folks being homeless,” mentioned Oberholzer. “And that’s actually one of many massive issues that modular [construction] helps with.”
This undertaking was a take a look at case of types, mentioned Oberholzer. Three tasks just like the Hope on Alvarado constructing are slated to open round Los Angeles this yr.
Los Angeles, Ca
Victim in 'heinous' Venice Canal sexual assault taken off life support
One of the victims of a brutal sexual assault along the Venice canals was taken off life support Friday night after being in a coma for nearly two months.
Sarah Alden, 53, was declared brain dead earlier this week. She had planned to move across the country from Massachusetts to Venice Beach in California, a dream she had worked hard to achieve.
Ready to start her new life, she had just signed a lease for an apartment in Venice and was walking along the famed canals on April 6 when she was brutally raped and assaulted.
A second victim, Mary Klein, 54, was also attacked that night. She was left severely injured and believed the attacker aimed to kill her.
Police confirmed that both attacks had a “sexual element” to them. The suspect, Anthony Francisco Jones, 29, was arrested days later on April 11 for the assaults.
Jones was captured on security cameras walking near the canals that night holding a liquor bottle that investigators said was used in the attacks. He is also believed to be a homeless man.
Although Klein survived her attack, Alden remained in a coma. On Friday night, friends and family surrounded Alden at the hospital as she was taken off life support.
“It’s very sudden and shocking,” said Cynthia King, Alden’s friend. “She was extremely intelligent, well-educated and witty. She was stolen from us.”
Earlier in May, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced charges in the case.
“The level of brutality that was engaged in was very reprehensible,” said L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón.
Loved ones remain devastated, remembering Alden as a loving mother of two sons.
“I feel like I’m in an alternate reality,” King said. “This isn’t even real.”
Alden’s family said the woman’s organs will be donated to help save others’ lives. The attacks have left Venice residents stunned and worried for their safety.
Resident Aimee Nelson said there’s been a notable increase in violent crime and neighbors are watching out for each other. One neighbor even provided her with pepper spray and a stun gun.
“Our neighbors have been asking each other to walk them home, people are avoiding going out at night because they feel unsafe,” said Ramon Goni, a Venice local. “We had an active shooter right behind us a few weeks ago.”
Some residents told KTLA they believed the canals to be a relatively safe area but are no longer certain.
“It was a little pocket that was different from the rest of Venice, away from all the homeless and where the attacks were,” said a resident named Tim. “But now, I think [the crime] has penetrated in.”
The suspect, Jones, was arrested and charged with forcible rape, torture, attempted murder, mayhem, sexual penetration by use of force and sodomy by use of force.
“Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,” said the DA’s office. “Our office is evaluating how we will proceed to ensure the defendant is held fully accountable for his conduct.”
A GoFundMe to help Alden’s family with medical and funeral expenses can be found here.
Los Angeles, Ca
Three L.A. barbecue spots to try Memorial Day weekend
Barbecue season is sizzling as Memorial Day weekend rolls into the weekend, marking the beginning of summer.
Since 2019, Los Angeles has seen a rise in the number of new barbecue restaurants and pop-ups with each bringing their own rich flavors and unique Southern California influences.
1. Moo’s Craft BBQ
Located in Lincoln Heights, Moo’s Craft BBQ was founded by Andrew and Michelle Muñoz in July 2021.
In almost three years, the local barbecue hotspot and taproom has earned three consecutive appearances on the L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants List, finishing in the top-10.
Most recently, they’ve even appeared in the Michelin Guide as a top barbecue restaurant.
The business began as a backyard pop-up, with hours-long lines with eager barbecue fans looking for some of their delicious, Cali-Mex flavors.
Specializing in central Texas-style barbecue, Moo’s is renowned for its tender brisket, which is slow-roasted and seasoned with a simple salt and pepper rub. The menu also features impressive pork ribs, spicy house-made sausages, and smoked turkey.
Besides the meats, Moo’s offers distinctive sides like creamy esquites, dill-heavy red potato salad, and a highly praised tres leches bread pudding.
2. Smoke Queen Barbecue
Founded by Winnie Yee-Lakhani, the restaurant owner turned pitmaster started in her backyard during the pandemic.
Yee-Lakhani, a 14-year restaurant veteran, faced the devastating loss of her businesses and nearly 50 employees.
Instead of giving up, she used the lockdown period to master the art of smoking meat. Not long after, she secured a spot at Smorgasburg, a popular weekly market in downtown Los Angeles with diverse food vendors and artisanal products.
Her style combines its unique fusion of American barbecue techniques with Asian flavors. Their offerings include standout items like smoked brisket, pork belly char siu, and Korean Dino beef ribs.
3. AGL Craft Meats
AGL Craft Meats, led by owner Alec Lopez, is an acclaimed barbecue operation in Los Angeles known for its Texas-style smoked meats.
Lopez was born in the South Bay to a Cuban Father and Mexican mother. His father worked at Fuddruckers, a San Antonio-based burger chain.
Originally operating as a pop-up, AGL Craft Meats has gained a reputation for its exceptional brisket, chipotle cheddar sausage, and pulled pork.
Whether you’re visiting or a local, these are three barbecue spots you don’t want to miss.
Los Angeles, Ca
Singer Dinah Jane highlights SoCal Polynesian community in new music video
Singer Dinah Jane of Fifth Harmony fame is paying homage to her Southern California and Polynesian roots in her new music video for her song “Ocean Song.”
Jane released the video on Friday morning, just hours after teasing fans that it was on the way.
“The last official music video I released was ‘Heard it All Before’ 5 years ago. I’m so proud of this project ‘Ocean Song.’ Grateful for the many hands that carried me through to execute this material!!! It’s been a long time coming. Can’t wait for y’all to tune in tomorrow. So proud,” she posted to X, formerly Twitter.
For the video, the Santa Ana-born star gathered a group of local women from various Polynesian backgrounds to convene on Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach.
Jane herself is of Polynesian descent. Her background consists of Tongan, Samoan and Fijian ancestry, as well as Danish.
The group of women featured KTLA 5 Senior Entertainment Producer Sarah Maugaotega.
“It was such an honor to watch Dinah come into her own and embrace her culture,” she said of the experience. “She is an inspiration to all of us Polynesian women.”
“The Ocean is Calling… thank you for supporting my personal prayer to my ancestors,” Jane wrote in the YouTube video’s description. “When I was writing this song (in Bali!) it started out as a love song. But as it continued to flow, like water, it evolved into something more personal. This one is for the culture.”
Jane also included her family members and photos of her grandparents who have passed away.
Jane served as the video’s creative director, and it was directed by Brandon Chen and produced by J-Quan Prod Co.
She grew up in Orange County and attended the Orange County School of the Arts. She gained superstardom after being a part of the girl group Fifth Harmony via “The X Factor.” They released singles like “Boss,” “Sledgehammer” and “Worth It.”
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