Frogtown writer covers 1950s Chicanos and music
Elysian Valley—Elysian Valley native Ruben Molina studied a collection of 78rpm records in Azusa, leading to his latest book, “The Dreamy Side: Rhythm & Blues and Chicano Culture in 1950s Los Angeles.” The historian’s previous book was titled “Down By the River: Elysian Valley and the Age of Frog Town” (2024). L.A. Times
Alumnus and rugby fan leaves Oxy more than $9 million
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Eagle Rock—An alumnus of Occidental College left more than $9 million in his will to support the college’s academic mission and its rugby program. Larry Layne graduated Occidental in 1971 before earning his MBA from UCLA and building a successful self-storage business with friends from his college and rugby days. He died in December 2024 at age 75. Oxy
Los Feliz man is NFL’s first fashion editor
Los Feliz—Kyle Smith, who keeps a studio in Los Feliz, has become the NFL’s first-ever fashion editor. The job includes connecting the league and clothing brands, arranging fashion show invitations, even choosing outfits for players to wear in their walk from the team bus to the locker room. Vanity Fair
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
A new park for El Sereno?
El Sereno—Land that once served as a staging area in the widening of the Soto Street Bridge could become a new park, under a proposal by Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. “The lot now sits empty attracting trash and other nuisances,” Jurado states in a motion introduced on May 1. The motion would transfer jurisdiction over 4285 Huntington Dr. South from the Bureau of Engineering to the Department of Recreation and Parks.
Fixing up bikes abandoned at the hospital
Boyle Heights—Nearly 280 bicycles left behind by patients over two decades have turned up in the basement of L.A. County General Hospital. Local bike shop owner Olin Reyes has been fixing up the ones that can be salvaged. L.A. Times
Controversial pop-up at $1,500 a plate
Silver Lake—The new Noma L.A. pop-up at the Paramour Estate has attracted diners and protestors. At $1,500 a seat, the mega-gourmet event was the recent site of Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel’s 65th birthday party, with a guest list that included Elon Musk, according to Page Six. Noma’s prior chef, René Redzepi, was accused of abusive behavior with his staff, and the pop-up is now being led by Chef Pablo Soto. L.A. Times food editor Daniel Hernandez describes the meal, while columnist Gustavo Arellano focuses on the protests.
Support Eastside Community News — Now Tax-Deductible
You can now make a tax-deductible contribution to support The Eastsider’s civic and accountability coverage on the Eastside.
Choose what works for you:
• Become a monthly supporter and help us reach 500 neighbors funding daily reporting
• Make a single gift to our new Eastside Community News Fund
Strong local news keeps residents informed and leaders accountable.
Thank you for your consideration.
—Jesús Sanchez, Publisher