Support crime data and extra security for only $10
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Support crime data and extra security for only $10

SPNA’s LynxEye initiative is requesting support from HOAs, residential buildings, and businesses. The test pilot aims to establish a network of external-facing cameras and security patrol to aid in crime prevention, collect data on crime, and enhance safety for residents and employees. The pilot will be implemented in a specific area with defined objectives, and if it demonstrates effectiveness, it may be considered for broader application in South Park and potentially serve as a model for other districts within DTLA. 

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DTLA Recovery NOW -                  We Need Your Voice!
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

DTLA Recovery NOW - We Need Your Voice!

 DTLA RA (Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association) is championing the recovery of downtown LA. Downtown vibrancy, development, and activity were on the rise before COVID. During COVID workers left downtown and have not returned to the rate before COVID. With that, residents moved out, businesses left or failed.  It is time to bring back downtown LA and its growth back NOW. 

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Oceanwide Towers                   Need More Than Wishing + Hoping
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Oceanwide Towers Need More Than Wishing + Hoping

With the World Cup Soccer Championships next year and the much-anticipated 2028 Summer Olympics, alarms have been going off in the business and political communities about the negative effects of the graffiti-tarnished towers and activities planned for these two world class events which will occur in the immediate neighborhood.

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Kennedy Wilson:                        Plenty of “Room for Hope” in South Park
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Kennedy Wilson:  Plenty of “Room for Hope” in South Park

Kennedy Wilson is a major presence in the South Park real estate market as well as the global markets. Their portfolio includes all aspects of real estate from commercial to condos/apartments and investment management. Justin Weiss of Kennedy Wilson is a fixture in the neighborhood. Weiss is known for his expertise in the downtown market. He joined Kennedy Wilson in 2014 to lead its downtown platform with partner Lee Shapiro. Recently I spoke with Justin to get his insights regarding the real estate market and anything newsworthy in our area.

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The Wine Station,                      Open and Ready to Pour
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

The Wine Station, Open and Ready to Pour

With much excitement and anticipation, The Wine Station below Hope and Flower residences, opened for business on August 11th.  I met owner, Thibaud Duccini, who is from the South of France but has been on the scene in LA previously as General Manager of Wally’s in Beverly Hills. He has lived downtown for 15 years, so he knows downtown and South Park.

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Oh, What I Night We Had!          4th Annual SPNA Neighborhood Night Out
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Oh, What I Night We Had! 4th Annual SPNA Neighborhood Night Out

South Park neighbors gathered – 230+ residents – under the evening skies on Tuesday, August 5 at Audio Graph to enjoy the food, drink, raffles, and information about our neighborhood including SPNA’s security pilot initiative and DLANC’s (Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council) newly elected representatives explaining their work and vision. Kids and dogs and families and young and old-er residents enjoyed a beautiful summer evening in the neighborhood.

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Celebrate Jewish Holy Holidays     at Pico Union Projects
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Celebrate Jewish Holy Holidays at Pico Union Projects

In the original Sinai Temple building built in 1909, Pico Union Projects which abuts the South Park neighborhood and located less than 1 mile west of Crypto.com, will host High Holy Day Services. Craig Taunman, Founder of PUP, writes, as we prepare for the Jewish Holy Days, we return to the essence of the Pico Union Project: unconditional hospitality. Our tradition asks us to love the stranger, yet here, no one is a stranger. Every person who enters belongs.

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Varooooom! Screech!            Street Take Overs in the Neighborhood
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Varooooom! Screech! Street Take Overs in the Neighborhood

I’m one of those people who after about four hours of sleep, wake up, and stay up for about an hour before returning to bed. That was my routine on August 8 when I woke up, moved into the living space to do a little reading. From my window, I can see a good deal of Hope, some of Flower, Figueroa, Olympic, and 11th. I asked myself, why is there all this traffic at 2:30 in the morning? It’s too late. All events should be over?

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Micro Mobility:                             Bike, Scooter Sharing up 31%
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Micro Mobility: Bike, Scooter Sharing up 31%

Do you remember 2017 when shared scooters appeared out of nowhere on city streets across North America?  These controversial conveyances were immediately branded as a pariah that would never last.

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Part IV: Entertaining a Romantic Partner in the Neighborhood
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Part IV: Entertaining a Romantic Partner in the Neighborhood

Living in one of the greatest cities in the world means that you will inevitably have visitors from out of town. We love them, but people who aren’t local to Los Angeles don’t know the first thing about planning a fun day here. Let me help you entertain in our neighborhood and a bit beyond!

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Security in South Park,            LynxEye with Security Patrols
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Security in South Park, LynxEye with Security Patrols

South Park is set to launch a two-month pilot of LynxEye, a resident-driven CCTV pilot with security patrols to enhance neighborhood safety. Nolan Marshall, Executive Director of The Social District, has committed to fund one-third to one-half of the $50,000 budget. The project awaits essential funding from participating Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) and local businesses. 

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LA Fire Department at Work
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

LA Fire Department at Work

The LAFD (Los Angeles Fire Department) is called out 150 times a day just for trash fires in dumpsters, sidewalk waste bins, waste left in alleys for pickup, and debris left in abandoned buildings.

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Pine & Crane DTLA –                        One of LA’s 25 Best Restaurants
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Pine & Crane DTLA – One of LA’s 25 Best Restaurants

This local Taiwanese staple was selected by the NY Times as one of the top 25 restaurants of the moment in Los Angeles. This probably comes as no surprise to locals, the place became a fast favorite since opening in 2022, offering the perfect composition of easy, fast service and affordable eats at prices that are hard to match these days. 

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Is There a Coco in Your Dining Future?
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Is There a Coco in Your Dining Future?

We here in South Park are sharing our sidewalks with lots of cute little four-wheeled robotic delivery vehicles.  As take-out has become more of our dining experience, creative ways to make delivery of your order to your door quicker, more efficient, and cheaper have flourished. 

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Mid-Summer Night Out in South Park
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Mid-Summer Night Out in South Park

Join us at the 4th Annual Summer Neighborhood Night Out by SPNA (South Park Neighborhood Association) on Tuesday, August 5, at Audio Graph at 12th and Olive on the patio from 6-9 pm.

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Want To Be Involved?                       6th Annual A Taste of South Park!
Debra Shrout Debra Shrout

Want To Be Involved? 6th Annual A Taste of South Park!

Are you a South Park restaurant or bar interested in participating with food and drink at A Taste of South Park?

Are you interested in being a sponsor of A Taste of South Park?

Are you interested in volunteering the day of the event?

Are you a local DJ interested in being a part of A Taste of South Park?

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