Dr. Gail James Introduces Her Highly-Anticipated Book “From the Pit to the Palace: My Rise from Pain to Purpose”

In her latest book, Dr. James guides readers through a poignant journey, uncovering how courage propels individuals from pain to purpose.

August 9, 2023, Jacksonville, Florida – Dr. Gail James, acclaimed Clinical Christian Therapist, Inspirational Speaker, and the visionary behind Sanctuary of Change, is excited to unveil her upcoming book scheduled for release on September 15, 2023. Titled “From the Pit to the Palace: My Rise from Pain to Purpose,” this transformative book will soon be available for purchase or download via Amazon and prominent bookstores nationwide. A virtual book launch will celebrate the book’s release on the same day.

A book signing will take place in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Malik Books. 7 pm – 9 pm. (Inside Westfield Mall)

“Do you have moments in your life that feel surreal? It’s as though you’re having an out-of-body experience. Your senses are elevated, and everything seems to move in slow motion. You may notice and even remember the little details from prior encounters. I experienced these things and more during one of the most frightening moments of my life.”

Within the pages of this book lies a heartfelt and compelling personal tale of triumph over trauma and sexual abuse. With its enthralling narrative, readers will be engrossed in a story that not only captivates but also imparts invaluable lessons from a survivor’s perspective. Through these pages, readers will gain insights into conquering challenges, cultivating objective viewpoints, and forging ahead amidst the lingering echoes of pain and trauma.

“In my new book, I aim to light a path of resilience, intertwining my journey with empowering solutions,” says Dr. Gail James. “My story becomes a guiding light for those who’ve endured childhood abuse. Through shared experiences and observations, I offer solace and a roadmap to renewed strength and unbreakable spirit.”

Dr. James invites readers to dive into the pages of this book and discover the endurance of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. “From the Pit to the Palace: My Rise from Pain to Purpose” stands as an essential self-help companion, providing invaluable awareness for navigating the complexities of life and relationships with newfound wisdom and unwavering bravery.

About Dr. Gail James: Dr. Gail James is a licensed Clinical Christian Therapist, Motivational Speaker, and CEO of Xtraordinary Services 4 Xtraordinary People Agency. With a PhD in Christian Counseling, she excels in trauma, mental health, substance abuse, and family therapy. As the founder of Sanctuary of Change, her mission is dedicated to aiding abuse victims.

CONTACT: To learn more about Dr. Gail James, her new book, or to arrange an interview for an article, please contact us.

For Info and bookings Contact:

Telishia Berry

Telishia.berry@gmail.com

951.704.2079

Website: https://www.drgailjames.com/

Email: drgailjames@drgailjames.com

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgailjames1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachGJames

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gail-james-87627487/

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LA city council kicks off Latino Heritage Month

The Los Angeles City Council kicked off Latino Heritage Month 2023 by honoring four “amazing individuals” during ceremonies at City Hall.

Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez — who will be this year’s Latino Heritage Month “madrina,” or godmother, for L.A. festivities — led Wednesday’s recognitions, as the council honored Maria Lou Calanche, executive director of Expand L.A.; Ruben Rodriguez, executive director of Pueblo y Salud; Teresa Romero, president of the United Farm Workers; and Guillermo Rodriguez of the “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

“It gives me tremendous pride as the daughter of Mexican immigrants to celebrate this wonderful annual tradition that really uplifts and showcases some of the best of what our Latino community has to offer,” the councilwoman said.

Latino Heritage Month actually straddles two months, running from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, during which there will be numerous events around the city.

Monica Rodriguez called Wednesday’s honorees the “most amazing individuals,” but said they are just “scratching the surface of individuals that contribute to what this country, what the city, represents for so many immigrants in the United States.”

Councilwoman Imelda Padilla said she, too, was excited to be part of the celebrations — and noted that upcoming events will recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of the Latino community. 

Councilwoman Rodriguez introduced Calanche, who also serves as a commissioner on the city’s Police Commission, and expressed her gratitude for Calanche’s dedication to youth development.

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Over $81 million approved to tackle homelessness in California

Officials approved more than $81 million to tackle the homelessness crisis in California.

Grants from the Encampment Resolution Fund will be dispersed to 11 communities and 12 projects throughout the state.

The funds will help around 2,693 homeless people move out of encampments and into permanent housing, officials said.

“Everyone deserves a safe and clean place to call home,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “California is moving with compassion and care to help move thousands of people out of encampments and into housing.”

The Encampment Resolution Fund was designed to provide communities of all sizes with the funding to move people living in encampments into housing.

Southern California areas receiving funds include:

– Los Angeles – $2.4 million to serve 40 people and house 40 from along Jefferson Boulevard in the Ballona Ecological Reserve.
– Garden Grove – $1.9 million to serve 300 people and house 50 from along SR 22 to the west of Beach Boulevard.
– San Diego – $3.2 million to serve 90 people and house 60 from the I-15 corridor.

Northern California areas receiving funds include:

Sacramento County – $17.7 million to serve 750 people and house 150 from the W/X corridor of Highway 50 in Downtown Sacramento.
Riverside County – $12.1 million to serve 123 people and house 112 that currently reside in the – San Jacinto River bottom between San Jacinto and Hemet.
Del Norte County – $10.8 million to serve 475 people and house 150 from Elk Valley Road south of Crescent City.
Redding – $8.4 million to serve 200 people and house 50 from Linden Canyon in west Redding.
Salinas – $8.1 million to serve 90 people and house 55 from the Carr Lake area in the city.
Tuolumne County – $6.3 million to serve 50 people and house 30 who currently reside along Highway 49/108 in Sonora.
San Diego County – $5.1 million to serve 75 people and house 56 from encampments near the intersection of the 805 and 54 freeways in the South Bay region of the county.*
Sacramento County – $3.7 million to serve 400 people and house 60 from the Roseville Road area in the northern part of the county.
Oroville – $1.7 million to serve 100 people and house 65 from sites at Foothill Boulevard and Lower Wyandotte and along Olive Highway.

A recent statewide study focusing on homelessness in California found that in general, the homeless population is aging, disproportionately represents minority groups and is predominantly made up of people who lived in the state before becoming homeless.

The University of California, San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative conducted the study, which is considered the largest examination of homeless adults in nearly 30 years.

Researchers found that more than 171,000 people experience homelessness daily in California. The Golden State represents about 12% of the nation’s population yet contains 30% of the country’s homeless population.

While homelessness is a complex issue, many survey respondents said that the high cost of housing is one of the main reasons behind their situation.

“The results of the study confirm that far too many Californians experience homelessness because they cannot afford housing,” said Margot Kushel, the principal investigator of the study.

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Haunted Houses 2023: LA Guide To Halloween’s Bone-Chilling Best


A variety of haunted houses have September and October dates lined up and ticket sales launched for their upcoming terror sprees. 

Peruse our annual guide to the most scream-worthy, face your fears and find the hair-raising fun near you. (We’ve included some tamer options, too, for the faint of heart.) When more haunts are announced, we will add them.

BUENA PARK:

SEPT. 21 – OCT. 31: Knott’s Scary Farm: Knott’s Berry Farm. “No tomb unearthed, no crypt unrattled & no fear untouched. “

SEPT. 22-OCT. 31: The 17th Door Haunt Experience. Will you cry mercy at “Perpetuum Penitentiary”?

CALABASAS:

SEPT. 29-OCT. 31: ‘Nights Of The Jack’ Halloween Extravaganza: King Gillette Ranch. This one gets a “spooky, not scary” rating.

————-

CHINO:

SEPT. 29-OCT. 29: ‘Haunted Harvest’ Corn Maze: Frosty’s Forest & Pumpkin Patch. “One of the largest haunted experiences in Southern California.”

————

HOLLYWOOD:

THROUGH OCT. 31: ‘Hollywood True Crime & Haunted Tales’ Walking Tour. “If you love Hollywood, the paranormal, or true crime – this is the tour for you!”

LAKE ARROWHEAD:

SEPT. 30: ‘Bracken Fern Manor Lockdown’ Ghost Experience. A once-in-a-lifetime (if you survive) experience.

————

LAKEWOOD:

OCT. 6-31: ‘Tunnel of Terror’ Halloween Haunted Car Wash. “Expect unique surprises each night!”

LONG BEACH:

SEPT. 28-OCT. 31: ‘Shaqtoberfest’ Haunted Halloween Festival: Queen Mary. Back for a second year with haunted trails, carnival rides, themed lounges & more. 

THROUGH OCT. 31: The Queen Mary Paranormal Ship Walk Tour. An after-hours experience for ages 13+.

THROUGH OCT. 31: The Queen Mary Haunted Encounters Tour. A “non-scary” introduction to the ship’s legendary, ghostly tales.

———-

LOS ANGELES:

SEPT. 15-OCT. 31: ‘Angel Of Light’ Halloween Walk-Thru Haunt: LA Theatre. A spine-chilling merging of technology & live theater.

SEPT. 22-OCT. 31: LA Haunted Hayride: Griffith Park. Tagline: “Veil between living and dead is at its thinnest.” Oh, boy.

SEPT. 28-OCT. 31: ‘Boney Island’ Halloween: Natural History Museum Of LA County. Family-friendly with glowing lights, creepy crawlies, silly skeletons & more.

THROUGH OCT. 1: ‘Sunset Strip True Crime & Ghost Stories’ Walking Tour. “Hear all manner of LA legends, from gangsters to ghosts & see some of LA’s most infamous haunts along the way.”

OCT. 19-21 & 26-28: LACHSA ‘Halls Of Horror’ Halloween Haunt. The creative brainchild from Los Angeles County High School for Arts students.

SEPT. 22-OCT. 31: LA Haunted Hayride: Griffith Park. Tagline: “Veil between living and dead is at its thinnest.” Oh, boy.

SEPT. 28-OCT. 31: ‘Boney Island’ Halloween: Natural History Museum Of LA County. Family-friendly with glowing lights, creepy crawlies, silly skeletons & more.

THROUGH OCT. 1: ‘Sunset Strip True Crime & Ghost Stories’ Walking Tour. “Hear all manner of LA legends, from gangsters to ghosts & see some of LA’s most infamous haunts along the way.”

OCT. 19-21 & 26-28: LACHSA ‘Halls Of Horror’ Halloween Haunt. The creative brainchild from Los Angeles County High School for Arts students.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD:

OCT. 6-31: Zombie Joe’s ‘Urban Death’ Haunted Halloween Show: Underground Theatre. For terror-seekers 18 & up.

————–

POMONA:

SEPT. 21-NOV. 19: ‘Delusion’ Interactive Horror Theatre: Phillips Mansion. Become a key player in a sinister escapade. 

OCT. 6-31: ‘Lights Out’ Halloween Haunt: Fearplex/Fairplex. With three terrifying mazes … and no guarantee you’ll find your way out.

SANTA CLARITA:

SEPT. 8-OCT. 31: ‘Fright Fest’: Six Flags Magic Mountain. Celebrating 30 chilling years with 30 nights of frights.

————–

THOUSAND OAKS:

SEPT. 29-NOV. 4: Reign Of Terror Haunted House. With 138 bone-chilling rooms, 10 terrifying attractions in 28,000 square feet … good luck!
————-

UNIVERSAL CITY:

SEPT. 7-OCT. 31: Halloween Horror Nights: Universal Studios Hollywood. Buckle up! Scary awaits with eight haunted houses & the “Terror Tram.”

VALENCIA:

SEPT. 8-OCT. 31: ‘Fright Fest’: Six Flags Magic Mountain. Celebrating 30 chilling years with 30 nights of frights.

———–

WEST HOLLYWOOD:

THROUGH OCT. 1: ‘Sunset Strip True Crime & Ghost Stories’ Walking Tour. “Hear all manner of LA legends, from gangsters to ghosts & see some of LA’s most infamous haunts along the way.”

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Coastal Clean and Up Day

In celebration of Coastal Cleanup Day, LA County Beaches and Harbors is partnering with Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and Heal the Bay to host a Beach Cleanup event at Dockweiler Beach. Our goal is to inspire and educate a new generation on how to create a more sustainable future!

Coastal Cleanup Day will also feature the following activities:

  • Can the Trash! booth
  • Traveling tidepool
  • Arts & crafts station with reDiscover Center featuring crafts made with recycled materials

EVENT DETAILS:

  • Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
  • Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
  • Location: Dockweiler Youth Center, 12505 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey, CA 90293
  • Parking: Free during event hours
  • RSVP: Click here to register

SAFETY: Be safe! Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, water, & refillable water bottle.

Beach Cleanup Rules/Guidelines:

  • All cleanup volunteers must print, complete, and submit a signed beach cleanup waiver form in order to join the cleanup.
  • Volunteers under 18 years old must have a waiver signed by parent or guardian.
  • Volunteers ages 12 & younger must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Gloves, buckets and trash pickers will be provided (while supplies last), but we encourage you to bring your own reusable cleanup supplies so we can reduce our environmental footprint.

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Senator Steve Bradford hosts ‘The Manhood Plan”

Senator Steve Bradford’s office is proud to co-host, the KJLH 7th Annual Men’s Empowerment Summit on Saturday, September 16th at California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) 1000 E. Victoria Street Carson, CA 90747.

This all-day event is free and open to the public. Join us for a day full of panels on topics including building generational wealth, mental health (get your head in the game, starring NBA superstar James Worthy) and stronger relationships with host Kevin Nash’s special panel called 50/50 love – where we celebrate strong marriages and power couples.

Plus a special appearance from Inglewood’s own D Smoke!

Sign up to attend the free summit by clicking here!

As always, it’s an honor and privilege to represent California’s 35th Senate District in Los Angeles County. Please feel free to contact my office if my staff or I can be of assistance. Here is a link to the services our office provides.

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Demolition Permit Approved to Tear Down Marilyn Monroe’s Los Angeles Home

The movie star purchased the home six months before she was found dead inside her bedroom at the age of 36 in 1962

The only home Marilyn Monroe ever owned in Los Angeles is reportedly set for demolition by its new owner.

According to the New York Post, which was the first to report the news, the unidentified owner filed permits for demolition, for which the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety approved a “plan check” on Tuesday. However, the owner has not yet been given the official go-ahead to get started.

The previous owners of the 1929-built Spanish-style hacienda, Emerald Lake hedge fund manager Dan Lukas and his wife Anne Jarmain, sold the property to the new buyer for roughly $8.35 million last month, according to the Post and Robb Report.

The four-bedroom, three-bath property sprawled across more than 2,600 square feet still retains its original wood-beamed ceilings, terracotta tile floors and casement windows, evoking the essence of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The gated Brentwood residence also features a lush lawn home to a citrus tree, a large swimming pool surrounded by a brick patio and a two-car garage.

While much of the exterior remains the same, the kitchen and bathroom interiors have been remodeled and the guest house has since merged with the main house. The door to Monroe’s bedroom was also moved, the Post reported.

Source: People

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California lawmakers OK bill to fine school boards that ban books over race, LGBTQ+ issues

The California Legislature approved a bill on Thursday that would allow fines against school boards that ban textbooks based on their inclusion of LGBTQ+ and race lessons — an attempt to halt escalating culture wars playing out in right-leaning enclaves of the liberal state.

The legislation, AB 1078, strengthens the state’s enforcement of laws that require diverse and inclusive education, and appears sure to get the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom. The governor helped craft the legislation after a conservative Temecula school board rejected a lessonfeaturing slain San Francisco politician Harvey Milk, a gay rights icon.

The bill comes after some local school boards backed by conservative majoritieshave taken up textbook content and gender identity issues, echoing national talking points about alleged infringements on parental rights.

“California is the true freedom state: a place where families — not political fanatics — have the freedom to decide what’s right for them,” Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement Thursday. “All students deserve the freedom to read and learn about the truth, the world and themselves.”

The bill explicitly requires that the school boards for the state’s 1,000-plus districts approve textbooks that “accurately portray the cultural and racial diversity of our society.” The law would also create a process for county superintendents — and the state — to intervene when school boards do not meet that standard.

Districts that fail to comply would face a “fiscal penalty” — a decrease in state funds through changes in school funding formulas.

“This bill is government blackmail to our locals,” said Assemblymember Devon Mathis (R-Visalia), who voted against AB 1078.

The California School Boards Assn. opposed the bill, calling it “draconian and duplicative” because the state has long had laws requiring lessons on LGBTQ+ history and ethnic studies. 

The bill sets a “troubling precedent” for the state to leverage funding in order to punish school boards, the association said, adding that it will have “an unintended impact on the district’s programs, its employees and students.”

The move is a rare interference in education by state officials in California, which has historically leaned on local control when it comes to schools. But Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Perris) said it is necessary to protect children from discrimination.

“It will ensure that California pushes back against the disgusting practice of engaging in culture wars and stepping on the backs of vulnerable populations for political gains,” Jackson said on the Assembly floor on Thursday.

Jackson said the bill “has nothing to do with local control,” and that school boards would still be in charge of many curriculum decisions — but now the state has more power to ensure accountability.

In debates about the bill at the Capitol in Sacramento, Republicans said they were not aiming to discriminate, but wanted textbooks to be “age appropriate,” especially when it comes to sex education.

State Sen. Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach) voted against AB 1078 and pointed to a case in Orange County,where a school district eliminated the use of a digital library after a parent complained about a book called “A Polar Bear in Love.” In the Japanese book and series, an older male polar bear tells a younger male seal he wants to marry him when he grows up.

Democrats cast doubt on claims of concern about age-appropriate materials, saying parents still can control what their children read, and accusing Republicans of reaching for political gain by way of school boards.

“Too many times, the decisions on whether to ban books are driven by ideology — are driven by QAnon chatrooms and not by fact,” said state Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine), who voted for the bill. “It’s under this guise of obscenity or protecting our children, but that is not how we’ve seen it play out.”

Source: Los Angeles Times

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Central Avenue Jazz Festival: The Much-Anticipated Return to “The Avenue” on Sept. 23

Mark your calendars because the 28th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival makes its triumphant return on Saturday, Sept. 23. The outdoor celebration, which is hosted by LA City Councilmember Curren Price in conjunction with Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) and Concerned Citizens of South Central Los Angeles, had been held virtually since 2020, during the course of the pandemic in an effort to keep the community safe.

The public is invited to attend this FREE celebration in District 9 to experience one of LA’s most revered events honoring the legacy and contributions of Jazz music on the West Coast. The festival will feature some of the region’s most exceptional musicians, including the five-time GRAMMY award winner Billy Childs, considered one of the foremost American composers of his era; Hubert Laws, premier flute player and winner of the 2011 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Masters Award (the highest honor the nation bestows on jazz artists); and Boogaloo Assassins, a 13-piece Latin Soul and Salsa group from Los Angeles and three-time recipient of the “Best Latin Band” by OC Weekly Music Awards. 

During the one-day event, Jazz, Blues and Latin Jazz will be featured on three stages of music: Ernie Andrews Stage, Barbara Morrison Stage and the historic Dunbar Hotel Stage from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

“It feels so good to finally bring back this treasured community experience, and we plan to make it our best one yet,” said Councilmember Price. “This will be an unforgettable day filled with soul-stirring melodies, electrifying performances and the infectious rhythm of jazz from world-class musicians. It’s time to reconnect with old friends, make new memories and celebrate the rich history of Jazz.”

As in year’s past, this community block party will feature a Youth Pavilion with educational programming, games and arts & crafts for the youngest concert-goers; an Art Pavilion with visual cultural art exhibits featuring cutting-edge artwork from renowned local artists; a Health and Wellness Pavilion offering a wide range of free and confidential healthcare services, dental screenings, and more; and last but not least, a Public Resources Pavilion with City departments providing valuable resources and services to residents of Los Angeles. In addition, dozens of local food and beverage vendors will be onsite offering a diverse selection of culinary experiences.

Festival parking is extremely limited. It’s recommended that Angelenos use Metro or use a rideshare provider to get to the festival.

For more information please visit https://centralavejazzfest.com/ or contact Councilmember Price’s District Office at (323) 846-2651.

At-a-Glance

When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 

Time: 11a.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: Central Avenue between Vernon Ave. and Martin Luther King Blvd.

Who: LA City Councilmember Price and Friends 

Performances by:

Ernie Andrews Stage

  • Hubert Laws with special guest Eloise Laws
  • Central Avenue Jazz Experience (featuring Ryan Porter, Brandon Coleman, Cameron Graves, Ben Williams, Tony Austin, Toni Scruggs and special guest)
  • Yosmel Montejo & La Caliente 
  • Elaine Gibbs 
  • Top Shelf Brass Band

Barbara Morrison Stage

  • Billy Childs Quartet with special guest Sean Jones
  • Boogaloo Assassins 
  • Legally Blynd 
  • Yuko Mabuchi 
  • JazzAmerica

The Dunbar Stage

  • Joshua Wong
  • Yafeu Tyhimba 
  • YMF’s Los South Central Players

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Los Angeles Restaurants We Can’t Wait to Open!

It’s been a whirlwind of a summer (or rather, a hurricane) in Los Angeles, with furious restaurant openings from Santa Monica to Cypress Park and beyond. The city isn’t planning to slow down this fall either, with some of America’s biggest culinary names still plotting to open around town this season, including a Daniel Boulud destination, a Highland Park Korean specialist, and more. Here’s what’s coming up around LA in the coming months.

Chef Daniel Boulud.
Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC via Getty Images

Café Boulud

Location: Beverly Hills
Players: Daniel Boulud
Projected opening: Late fall

The situation: One of the most prestigious names in American (and French, for that matter) dining is coming to Los Angeles soon, as none other than Daniel Boulud is plotting to drop in a location of his Café Boulud to Beverly Hills in the coming months. First revealed in 2021, Boulud is now closer than ever to realizing his long-awaited dream of offering fine French luxury to an attentive LA clientele.


Si! Mon

Location: Venice
Players: José Olmedo Carles Rojas (Fonda Lo Que Hay, Panama), Louie and Netty Ryan (Hatchet Hall)
Projected opening: September

The situation: Venice’s new Si! Mon opens in a matter of days, introducing Central American flavors to the former James Beach address. Diners can expect plenty of seafood in the large space, with room for upwards of 100 diners. It all comes together from star Panamanian chef José Olmedo Carles Rojas, known for Panama City’s highly awarded Fonda Lo Que Hay, and the team behind Westside staple Hatchet Hall — with Christian Truong (Manuela) on as chef de cuisine.


Suá Kitchen and Superette

Location: Culver City
Players: Jing Gao
Projected opening: September

The situation: Jing Gao, founder of Instagram chili crisp darling Fly By Jing, will open Suá Kitchen and Superette with partner and founder Stephanie Liu Hjelmeseth, a content creator, in Larchmont this fall. The space will be a grab-and-go market and cafe, serving pre-packed meals along with packaged goods from AAPI-owned brands. There are some pop-ups ahead of the opening; follow Suá’s latest developments on Instagram.

Yi Cha

Location: Highland Park
Players: Debbie Lee
Projected opening: Late fall

The situation: Korean American television chef Debbie Lee will open the casual modern Korean spot Yi Cha in Highland Park this fall, her first restaurant in years. Lee is running plenty of pop-ups around town ahead of the opening, with a focus on the Yi Cha translation of “second round,” a nod to Korean bar food.


Sinners y Santos

Location: Downtown
Players: The Houston brothers
Projected opening: September

The situation: The lavish Level 8 development has begun to open up wide to Downtown locals and travelers, and the early word is rather promising. There are still several phases to come online at the full-floor compound, though, including the Houston Brothers’s dually devotional bar space Sinners y Santos. Part light, part dark, the vibrant cocktail hangout promises a theme, a show, and some serious bar pedigree every night.

Takeout dishes from Holy Basil.
Matthew Kang

Holy Basil

Location: Atwater Village
Players: Wedchayan Arpapornnopparat and Tongkamal Yuon
Projected opening: Early fall

The situation: One of LA’s best newer Thai restaurants is on the expansion path, landing a new location in Atwater Village as part of a larger compound that will also include, among other things, a HomeState. Expect lots of activity when the shop opens (likely in a matter of weeks), as sleepy Atwater Village has not had a restaurant at this spice and flavor level for quite some time.


Little Fish

Location: Echo Park
Players: Anna Sonenshein, Forrest Florsheim, and Niki Vahle
Projected opening: Early fall

The situation: Echo Park’s Little Fish is expected to open next month, serving as a daytime eatery with plenty of coffee, pastries, and seafood-forward breakfast options, like smoked fish, fish porridge, and house-made lox. There are also plenty of pop-ups before the planned opening, with the team teasing other dishes like fried anchovies, smoked fish dips, those famous fried fish sandwiches, and more.


Lalou

Location: West Hollywood
Players: Matt and Marissa Hermer (Olivetta, the Draycott)
Projected opening: Late fall

The situation: The closed former Ago space in West Hollywood is being flipped into a French destination by two of the best scene-makers in the business, Matt and Marissa Hermer. The Olivetta and Draycott owners are planning to bring their usual eye for design and flair for the delightful to the forefront here, with a focus this time on Provençal dining.

Other openings to know about

  • Woon, Pasadena: One of LA’s best noodle hangouts is inching closer to a north Pasadena opening, with plans to arrive in the fall.
  • Bridgetown Roti, East Hollywood: Rashida Holmes’s West Indian pop-up is almost ready for its first big brick-and-mortar opening, with a reveal slated for early 2024.
  • Argento, Silver Lake: Plant-based dining is back on the menu at the closed Little Pine, with Nic Adler stepping in to craft a new neighborhood hangout in the coming months.
  • Scarr’s, Melrose Hill: One of New York City’s most beloved slice spots is coming west, though owner Scarr Pimentel is keeping an opening date close to his vest.

Source: LA Eater

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