Location

One of Eagle Rock’s standout qualities is its location. Sitting right between downtown LA, Pasadena, and Glendale, it provides easy access to job centers as well as culture, dining, and entertainment options. The neighborhood is conveniently located near three major freeways – the 134, 210 and 5 – making commute times to many parts of LA reasonable. Eagle Rock is also served by reliable bus routes and metro stops, offering car-free transportation alternatives.

2024 and beyond looks even brighter in terms of transit and connectivity. LA Metro has plans for a bus rapid transit line connecting North Hollywood, Eagle Rock, Glendale and Pasadena along the 134 freeway. An extension of the gold line from Pasadena to Claremont will have a stop on Colorado Blvd in Eagle Rock. These projects make Eagle Rock appealing for those looking for walkable neighborhoods that are still conveniently connected to the rest of LA.

Small-Town Vibes, Big-City Amenities

Another huge draw is that Eagle Rock has a highly coveted small-town feel with big-city amenities. Mom and pop shops dot the main drag of Colorado Boulevard and side streets are lined with charming craftsman homes. The walkable downtown area has an old timey main street USA vibe. At the same time, major grocery stores, coffee shops, yoga studios and other conveniences are readily available to residents.

The family-friendly atmosphere makes Eagle Rock popular with young professionals, families and creatives looking for a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to city resources. It’s the kind of place where you see kids playing in the front yards, neighbors chatting, and residents frequenting local businesses. The community is highly engaged in local issues and invested in the success of small businesses and neighborhood improvement efforts.

Outdoor Recreation Galore

In addition to its great location and small-town feel, Eagle Rock offers superb access to the great outdoors. One of the neighborhood’s crown jewels is Eagle Rock Park. Spanning over 20 acres, the park contains hiking trails with stunning views of the LA basin, shady picnic areas, sports fields and courts for soccer, tennis and basketball.

Additionally, the LA River bike path is easily accessible from Eagle Rock, offering miles of car-free recreation. For an area so conveniently located near major transportation arteries, it’s impressive how many tree-lined streets, yards and green spaces define the neighborhoods.

Top Notch Schools

Eagle Rock also appeals to families thanks to its public schools, which are some of the highest performing in LA. Eagle Rock Elementary and Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School are both highly regarded. Eagle Rock also has several excellent charter school options, as well as access to stellar private schools in nearby Pasadena and Glendale.

Home Prices Poised For Growth

Currently, Eagle Rock remains relatively affordable compared to other Eastside neighborhoods like Highland Park, Mt. Washington and Pasadena. The average 2-bedroom home sells for around $900,000. Rentals can be found for as low as $1800/month for an apartment.

However, home values and rents have modestly risen over the last 5 years and are likely to continue climbing. Eagle Rock presents an opportunity to get into an up-and-coming neighborhood before prices escalate too much. Location and amenities make it ripe for growth. People priced out of Highland Park, Los Feliz and Pasadena are beginning to discover Eagle Rock as an alternative.

The small-town vibe and community feel make putting down roots here appealing. Investing in a home now could really pay off in the future. The neighborhood has seen some new construction, mostly tasteful small lot homes and duplexes that fit the aesthetic. However, opportunities to buy older homes at good prices still exist, especially for those willing to take on a fixer-upper.

Cultural Dynamism

In addition to families and young professionals, Eagle Rock attracts artists, musicians, writers and other creatives with its relatively affordable housing and funky vibe. The neighborhood has been home to a number of significant literary figures like Charles Bukowski and John Fante. Contemporary artists and writers continue this tradition.

Colorado Boulevard is dotted with independent galleries, performance spaces, and craft shops. Events like the Eagle Rock Music Festival bring in music fans from all over. Whether you’re looking to create or just be inspired, the dynamic creative scene makes this unlike anywhere else in LA.

The presence of Occidental College also influences the youthful, artistic energy. The campus hosts excellent literary, performance and lecture programming which is often open to the community. Plus, students and professors alike patronize and contribute to the local arts and food scenes.

Diversity & Inclusion

Eagle Rock prides itself on being an inclusive environment. It’s long been a diverse area in terms of racial, economic, religious and cultural make-up. The neighborhood is about 60% Hispanic or Latino, 30% white, and 10% Asian or Black. Pride flags and BLM signs dot the landscape, signaling acceptance. The schools also rank highly in diversity statistics.

Civic and religious organizations like the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce and Eagle Rock Clergy Council foster community dialogues and partnerships across differences. There are also numerous community service groups. Volunteering is another great way to get to know people from various backgrounds.

While gentrification and rising housing costs threaten to make Eagle Rock less accessible, community members are actively invested in maintaining economic diversity and inclusion. Initiatives to build more low-income housing units and provide affordable rentals for artists and community members offer hope.

Local Flavor

No LA neighborhood roundup would be complete without talking about the food and drink. Northeast LA has long been a hidden gem for Mexican, Latin and Asian cuisines. The diverse immigrant communities that settled here brought their native spices and dishes. Today, the descendants of these communities carry on culinary traditions.

On Colorado Blvd alone, you can grab pupusas, tacos, banh mi, ramen and even Oaxacan-style churros. Mom and pop restaurants, taco trucks, craft cocktail bars and third-wave coffee shops abound. You’ll also find outposts of big chains like Starbucks along with Trader Joe’s and Sprouts markets for grocery runs. Basically, all your food needs can be met without leaving the neighborhood.

Continuing the Tradition in 2024

Eagle Rock embodies the best of LA. For those looking to plant roots in 2024, no neighborhood offers a better balance in terms of location, community, nature, amenities, homes, schools, and culture. Long-time residents have known this for decades, which is why you’ll find many multi-generational households here.

The secret is out about Eagle Rock’s charms. As other parts of Northeast LA reach peak saturation and prices, Eagle Rock presents an opportunity to buy into a vibrant area on an upward growth trajectory. The small-town vibe fosters quality of life while continual civic improvements and transportation updates keep the neighborhood connected to the wider region.

For families, young professionals, creatives or anyone seeking an authentic LA lifestyle, Eagle Rock stands out as a jewel box of a neighborhood. The future looks bright here even as 2024 approaches. It’s the best area for putting down roots and enjoying all the city has to offer. I sincerely hope you find this “Exploring Eagle Rock – The Best Neighborhood in Los Angeles for 2024 Living” article helpful.

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As a famed restaurateur, cookbook author and TV personality (NBC’s Today, Iron Chef America), Tila holds six culinary Guinness World Records. He stars in Food Network’s Ready Jet Cook and his latest cookbook, 101 Thai Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die, follows multiple bestsellers.

Here, Tila shares his favorite dishes from iconic L.A. restaurants:

Bossam Platter at Yi Cha

“Yi Cha LA blends Asian-meets-French technique through chefs like unsung hero Debbie Lee. Her Bossam plate with seasoned, meltingly tender pork belly plus homemade banchan, kimchi and pickles is outstanding.”

$49 (serves 3-4) 3705 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake yicha-la.com

Heritage Pork Chop at Redbird

“Neal Fraser’s Grace helped hone my early cooking. His Iron Chef prowess proves no one bests his pig cookery! Redbird’s Heritage Pork Chop with beluga lentils, bacon, charred cabbage and mustard jus recalls my Grace days and has an awesome cocktail menu.”

$48-114 E. 2nd St., Little Tokyo redbird.la

Signature Pot Roast at Jar

“I’ve eaten at Jar since 2011. Suzanne Tracht’s proteins are legend, but my comfort go-to is her pot roast! For a Tila twist, pair it with Jar’s duck fried rice.”

$49-8225 Beverly Blvd., Beverly Grove thejar.com

Whether you’re a longtime Angeleno or just visiting, let Chef Jet Tila’s picks guide you to some of the most crave-worthy flavors in Los Angeles. From French-Asian fusion to perfected American classics, these three dishes showcase the city’s incredible culinary diversity through the eyes of one of its most renowned chefs. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Chef Jet Tila Must-Try Dishes in Los Angeles? Find Out Here” article.

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Yet even in image-conscious LA, according to INSIDEHOOK, there remains a passionate contingent who care deeply about the craft and science behind creating the perfect cup of coffee. This list threads the needle, highlighting LA’s top coffee shops that offer exceptional drinks while also providing an environment conducive to creativity, conversation or relaxed solo work.

Endorffeine – Chinatown

Tucked away in Chinatown lies Endorffeine, an utterly unique LA coffee shop that could easily be mistaken for an art gallery or omakase restaurant at first glance. The minimalist space contains a U-shaped bar manned by owner Jack Benchakul, a former biochemist and pastry chef turned high priest of LA’s coffee scene. At his nine-seat coffee altar, Benchakul meticulously prepares every drink to exacting standards, using his own proprietary mineral water blends during the brewing process.

While Endorffeine’s unadorned espresso drinks shine brightest, Benchakul also crafts more playful menu items like a cold brew latte with coconut milk, vanilla and pandan. Despite his encyclopedic coffee knowledge, his passion for the craft reads more as enthusiasm than pretension.

Dayglow – Silver Lake, West Hollywood

Dayglow’s Instagram-friendly Silver Lake location may be awash in pinks, whites and neon, but take note – this is no style-over-substance coffee spot. As a self-proclaimed “multi-roaster” cafe, Dayglow rotates through beans from up-and-coming roasters across the globe, making it a perfect place to discover new flavor profiles.

Patrons can purchase bags from the ever-changing merch wall to brew at home, or subscribe to Dayglow’s monthly coffee box. The menu features classic espresso drinks and hand brews as well as more fanciful options like the Moonrise Kingdom – espresso, maple-bourbon vanilla, milk, smoked salt and marshmallow. The recently expanded West Hollywood location warrants a visit too.

Go Get Em Tiger – Larchmont, Los Feliz, West Hollywood, DTLA, Highland Park, Culver City, Santa Monica

Born from a lone Larchmont Village cafe in 2013, Go Get Em Tiger (GGET) has blossomed into a beloved local chain with seven locations across the greater LA area. Each outpost maintains the charm of an independent shop, serving beans roasted in-house in a German iron cast roaster.

GGET takes particular pride in its house-made almond-macadamia milk, which shines in drinks like cortados, cappuccinos and their famous iced latte. Food also rates highly, especially the breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Don’t sleep on the pastries either – they stand among LA’s finest. The olive tree-lined Los Feliz location is a particular standout.

Maru – Arts District, Los Feliz, Beverly Hills

With its ample sunlight and light wood interiors, Maru has become an influencer favorite. But don’t let the style distract from the substance – they take their coffee equally seriously. Patrons can observe the roasting process first-hand at the Arts District flagship location through glass walls.

Drink offerings run the gamut from pour-over coffees to cortados and cream-topped beverages like the Bon Bon, featuring espresso, sweetened cream and a cinnamon rim. For eastsiders, Maru also operates an espresso bar located inside The Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel. The pared down menu focuses solely on traditional espresso preparations in a sleek, refined setting.

Kumquat – Highland Park, DTLA Financial District

Equal parts coffee shop and playground for caffeine enthusiasts, Kumquat carries beans from a rotating cast of acclaimed roasters. This makes it an excellent place to expand one’s coffee palate beyond standard Starbucks fare.

In addition to textbook espresso beverages, Kumquat also prepares unique drinks like the Cloudy With a Chance of Peanuts – espresso, peanut butter foam and cold milk. Non-coffee offerings include matcha lattes, milk tea and chai. While waiting for their order at the counter, guests can shop bags of beans and high-end coffee paraphernalia to brew better cups at home. Kumquat also serves some of LA’s finest affogatos – espresso poured tableside over McConnell’s ice cream.

Hooked – Venice

For those willing to venture to Venice Beach, Hooked offers an utterly unique coffee experience. Located inside Dudley Market seafood restaurant and wine bar, Hooked is the brainchild of Nicely Alameda – an award-winning barista well-regarded among LA’s coffee elite.

From Wednesday to Sunday between 8am-1pm, Alameda himself mans the bar, serving his signature Cafe Rico featuring espresso, milk, homemade vanilla and fresh orange oil. For those craving classic, well-crafted espresso drinks by the beach, Hooked is a hidden Venice gem.

Verve – West Hollywood, Arts District, DTLA, W. 3rd Street, Manhattan Beach

Founded up north in Santa Cruz, Verve now operates five acclaimed shops across Los Angeles. The West Hollywood location sports a shaded patio perfect for getting in a few hours of work. However their crown jewel lies in the Arts District – a sprawling 7,000 square foot space with Verve’s full range of offerings – nitro flash brews, lattes on draft, pour overs along with food and pastries.

Outfitted with ample seating and standing counters, Verve Arts District functions almost as a co-working space meets coffee house. For those craving great coffee and even better people watching, Verve West Hollywood remains an iconic LA fixture.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these seven coffee shops promise to elevate your caffeine experience in Los Angeles in 2024. From meticulously crafted beverages to Instagram-worthy spaces, each spot offers a unique take on the city’s thriving coffee culture. So, grab your reusable cup, and embark on a caffeinated adventure through the best of LA’s coffee scene. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Los Angeles Best Coffee Shops In 2024-Where to Find the Perfect Brew?” article.

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From old-school establishments to loncheras slinging tacos from a truck window, here are the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles for 2024 based on Yelp data:

Birrieria Hernandez

With a perfect 5-star rating, Birrieria Hernandez serves delicious birria tacos and other Mexican fare from their food stand on Olympic Blvd. Their specialty is birria – a traditional Mexican meat stew.

Tacos Eronga

This affordable taco truck earns top marks for its authentic Mexican street food, scoring 5 stars. Located on Penrose St., Tacos Eronga offers classic tacos and other Mexican staples like tortas and quesadillas.

Tacos La Restirada

Another 5-star lonchera, Tacos La Restirada operates out of a food truck on Sunrise St. This truck is a go-to for tacos and specialty items like suadero and lengua tacos.

Birria Michoacana

True to its name, Birria Michoacana serves incredible birria and other classics from the Michoacán region. This Compton Ave. food truck earns a perfect 5-star rating for its traditional flavors and preparations.

Mariscos El Colima

For delicious seafood and mariscos, Mariscos El Colima is a top choice, scoring 5 stars. Their specialty is seafood dishes and ceviches true to Mexico’s coastal regions.

Taqueria San Miguel

With perfect 5-star ratings, Taqueria San Miguel is a beloved street food stand serving authentically prepared Mexican tacos, tortas and quesadillas. Located on Hooper Ave., it’s a prime spot for excellent and affordable Mexican eats.

From loncheras to high-end eateries, Los Angeles offers an incredibly diverse Mexican dining scene. For traditional regional fare, street food classics and modern interpretations, the top-rated spots showcase the complexity of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re craving specialty birria tacos or seafood ceviche, you can find authentic and delicious Mexican food across L.A. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Top Mexican Restaurant in Los Angeles In 2024- Find Out Who Took the Top Spot?” article.

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According to FOX 11, around 10:50 pm on May 23rd, footage captured by SkyFOX showed the smoldering remains of the white Toyota SUV in the Van Nuys neighborhood parking lot. Remarkably, no bodies were found inside the obliterated 4Runner after the deafening detonation.

However, one witness reported seeing at least one injured person transported from the chaotic scene to a local hospital. It’s unclear if that victim was the owner of the SUV or was somehow involved in the unexplained explosion that violently rocked the area.

A Shocking and Perplexing Incident

As plumes of smoke billowed from the incinerated Toyota, bystanders looked on in disbelief at the burnt-out husk of the large SUV.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the destructive explosion that left the 4Runner a smoldering heap of charred metal.

While the probe is still in its early stages, the dramatic explosion has undoubtedly deeply unsettled the LA.

A Unsettling Scene With Many Unanswered Questions

For now, the haunting sight of the incinerated Toyota SUV sits as an eerie reminder of the shocking explosion that briefly transformed the normally quiet Los Angeles parking lot into a scene of utter chaos and destruction.

As the investigation presses on a troubled community is left grappling with the deeply unsettling incident and anxiously awaiting answers about what triggered the terrifying blast that left the 4Runner a burnt and mangled wreck under the nighttime Los Angeles sky. I sincerely hope you find this “Toyota SUV Blast Shakes Los Angeles Parking Lot – Get the Details” article helpful.

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On Monday evening alone, two stabbings occurred on Metro transit – one on a bus and another in an elevator at a train station. Three victims were hospitalized. The following day, a rider was assaulted and robbed on a separate bus. Mere hours after transit officials held a press conference on Tuesday to discuss boosting police patrols, a shooting death happened on a Metro bus.

This wave of violence prompted Mayor Karen Bass to walk back her statement last month claiming the Metro system was safe. The mayor is now acknowledging a “spike” in crime, though many believe she is still downplaying the severity of the situation. Bass and other city officials have put considerable focus on the public “perception” of crime rather than fully confronting the reality of rising danger.

While Los Angeles saw a reduction in homicides from 2021 to 2022, the 2022 rate was still higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. What’s more, violent crime has been trending upwards again recently. This March saw more violence than March 2023. And the first three months of 2024 had more homicides than the first three of last year.

Advocates argue Los Angeles has long turned a blind eye to its crime problem. They say District Attorney George Gascon’s progressive policies that lean toward restorative justice have enabled criminals. Gascon has faced heavy criticism and recall efforts over his refusal to prosecute many misdemeanor crimes and seek stricter punishments. Critics cite his leadership as a key reason the city’s criminal justice system is failing.

As violent attacks now grow more brazen and occur on traditionally perceived “safe” public transit, the calls for action are intensifying. Many no longer see the Metro as a viable transit option. Residents increasingly feel unsafe in their communities. But Mayor Bass and D.A. Gascon have yet to put forth a concrete plan to address the root issues.

Without significant changes to Los Angeles’ criminal justice approach and community safety strategies, experts warn the current crime wave shows no signs of abating. It remains to be seen whether city leaders will implement meaningful measures to reverse the tide — or simply offer more talk with little substantive action. Los Angeles hangs in the balance between a once-vibrant city plagued by rising violence, and a restored, revitalized version of itself where all residents feel secure to live, work and ride public transit free of fear. I sincerely hope you find this “Los Angeles Crime Spikes Again-What’s Behind the Disturbing Trend?” article helpful.

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The Incumbent’s Claims: Making LA Safer

Current District Attorney George Gascón argues that community safety is his top priority and that he is succeeding in making Los Angeles County safer during his tenure so far. He can point to some encouraging statistics:

• Homicides in the city of LA fell from 392 in 2022 to 327 in 2023, part of a broader decline in violent crimes under Gascón’s watch.
• Property crimes are down in the city of LA since 2021, though some types of theft have increased modestly.
• The LA County Sheriff’s Department data shows homicides, robberies, aggravated assaults holding relatively steady recently after an initial spike in Gascón’s first year.

The Challenger’s Narrative: A Crime Wave

Despite these data points, Gascón’s opponent Nathan Hochman claims the incumbent has presided over a “massive increase” in crime, especially property crimes which Hochman alleges are being vastly underreported due to residents’ lack of confidence in law enforcement.

Hochman contends the November election “is going to turn on the question of who is going to keep us safe.” He argues concerns about homelessness really mask deeper fears about public safety and being victimized by those dealing with mental illness or addiction.

Unpacking the Claims: What the Data Really Shows

An objective look at the available crime data reveals a more nuanced picture that doesn’t fully vindicate either candidate’s narrative:

• Violent crimes did spike around 12% over Gascón’s first three years based on Sheriff’s Dept. data, with property crimes up 15%. Not insignificant, but also not a sustained year-over-year surge.
• Burglaries jumped right after Gascón took office but have since leveled off per the Sheriff’s data.
• The latest UCLA Quality of Life Index found LA County residents mildly positive about public safety and very satisfied within their own neighborhoods, contrary to claims of rampant fear of crime.

At the same time, this same UCLA survey found cost of living to be the top concern among residents by far, with widespread discontent around housing affordability and inflation.

So while Hochman may be overstating matters to claim a ubiquitous sense of vulnerability to crime, Gascón could also be downplaying public sentiments if concerns about economic pressures are bleeding into broader unease about personal security.

The Role of the DA in Shaping Perceptions

Both candidates seem to be operating under the assumption that the district attorney’s policies and priorities have an outsized impact on driving crime rates up or down. However, many criminal justice experts would push back on this notion.

A strong case can be made that factors like policing strategies, socioeconomic conditions, addiction/mental health treatment access, and the pandemic’s effects have played a much larger role than prosecutorial decisions in recent fluctuations in LA’s crime statistics.

The legacy of mass incarceration has also led some reform advocates to question whether purely “tough on crime” prosecutor platforms truly enhance community safety in a systemic, sustainable way.

Public Priorities and Quality of Life

Ultimately, while recent upticks in some property and violent crime categories in LA are causes for concern, the numbers don’t indicate a return to the worst periods of the 1990s “crime capital” reputation.

For most Angelenos today, cost of living pressures, homelessness, traffic congestion, and other quality of life issues may loom larger than personal safety fears. A district attorney’s performance will likely be just one factor, though an important one, in shaping how secure residents feel.

Both candidates would do well to address all the interconnected pieces of the public safety puzzle – from prevention and treatment, to fair but firm prosecution of serious offenses. Presenting nuanced solutions, rather than stark binary narratives, may better serve the needs of LA County’s diverse 10 million residents.

In a region where circumstances and perspectives can vary drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood, avoiding generalizations and acknowledging the complexity of the crime issue could go a long way. As Los Angeles continues evolving, so too must the discussion around what truly makes its communities safer and stronger. I sincerely hope you find this “Los Angeles Safer Than Ever Despite Claims from District Attorney Candidates? Uncover the Details” article helpful.

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“We can’t even afford to close. We can’t afford to be open, we can’t afford to be closed,” said Lauren Lemos.

The Lemoses are hardly alone in this economic crisis engulfing Los Angeles restaurant industry. Interviews with over two dozen chefs, owners, policymakers and advocacy groups revealed deep concern over the future of the service industry, especially heading into 2024.

Last year saw entertainment strikes that rippled through the region’s restaurants; pandemic loans and rent coming due; and skyrocketing costs for ingredients, repairs, and more. High-profile closures included Nancy Silverton’s Barish, Walter and Margarita Manzke’s Petty Cash Taqueria, Daniel Rose’s Café Basque, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s eponymous Beverly Hills spot.

At one point, the Lemoses considered moving money between their struggling restaurants to keep them afloat. But with their Frogtown spot Lingua Franca also barely staying open, they knew that would only delay the inevitable.

“Costs are higher than ever, risks are higher than ever,” said Lauren. “I worry ‘is it going to be sustainable?’ I’m not sure we’ll have mom-and-pop restaurants much longer.”

And 2024 has already seen iconic establishments like the Manzkes’ Bicyclette and Patrick’s Roadhouse shut down. Franceso Zimone saw profits at his famous Italian pizzerias plummet from 20% to 2% last year. He managed to open a new location through bulk ordering and supply chain adjustments but remains anxious about the future.

So what is pushing this crisis over the edge?

Soaring Costs and Tight Margins

Chefs and owners noted ingredient and packaging costs have jumped anywhere from 35% to 50% over the past couple years. And vendors continue to steadily raise prices. Restaurants routinely resist passing full costs to diners, but there’s a breaking point.

“The margins are razor thin, the predictability is very low, and the chances of catastrophe are high,” said Uyên Lê of Silver Lake Vietnamese spot Bé Ù, who raised prices modestly for the first time in 18 months.

These cost spikes hurt at restaurants’ high volumes. Fluctuations in gas prices can also devastate bottom lines. Andy Kadin of Glassell Park bakery and deli Bub and Grandma’s saw thousands of dollars in extra delivery fees when gas topped $6 a gallon. He’s had to raise his own prices and is now considering third-party shipping.

Wholesale bakery sales to struggling restaurants also take a hit when those clients shut down. As Kadin notes, “It’s hard to track what else is eating up the cash.” Diversification through new offerings has become key to survival.

Minimum Wage Changes

Rising minimum wages offer hope of better livability but are kneecapping restaurants. California jumped to $16 an hour this January, with Los Angeles soon requiring $17.28. AB 1228 also boosted the minimum for fast food chains to $20, covering half a million workers statewide. Expect layoffs, higher prices, and more automation.

“Gas isn’t going down, rent isn’t going down,” said one Carl’s Jr. employee. Unions celebrated the change but operators cite “corporate greed” over small business struggles.

Long Beach recently passed a minimum wage hike for hotel workers up to $29.50 by 2028. According to one union, small businesses still supported the change. But restaurateurs in West Hollywood, with $19 hourly minimum, have cut hours and staff to manage.

No More Surcharges

Looming changes are also scrapping surcharges starting July 1st. Many restaurants used these “hidden fees” to balance pay or fund benefits between front and back of house staff. Now they must fold the percentages into menu prices.

“Every restaurateur who cares is using it responsibly,” said Ryan Bailey of pioneering restaurant Kato. The 18% surcharge funds healthcare, paid time off, and other benefits so employees can progress. Once banned, owners may cut programs or staff.

Restaurants like Jon and Vinny’s and Perch have faced lawsuits over surcharges. Operators urge lawmakers to provide clarity before the law takes effect, warning of legal exposure. Some are proactively raising prices instead so customers avoid confusion down the line.

Shifting Diner Preferences

Besides mounting costs, restaurants fight shifting preferences emerging from the pandemic. Chef David LeFevre said patrons investing in their homes now want to enjoy the upgrades. And they opt to spend on travel over local dining.

The hours people dine out also changed. “They don’t go out to dinner late,” said LeFevre. Reservations after 8 PM have halved compared to 2019. Outdoor dining bans severely impacted many as well, though programs like L.A. Al Fresco provided a lifeline.

Manhattan Beach actually voted to abruptly end parklets until backlash forced a review. LeFevre argues transitions need planning so restaurants can adapt. Through uncertainties, he remains hopeful and will soon debut a new Hermosa Beach seafood spot.

Can Mom-and-Pops Survive?

Despite optimism, the question looms if smaller restaurants can survive the punishing economic landscape. The Lemoses exemplify the despair of indie owners holding on. And each closure has a ripple effect across the local community and suppliers.

“They should first start from a place of doing no harm,” said industry association president Jot Condie about lawmakers. Red tape and regulations often appear disconnected from restaurants fighting to break even. Alleviating financial burdens could help more than adding them.

Ultimately, eateries fading away means losing vital gathering places, distinctive culinary voices, and diverse jobs. If solutions don’t emerge, LA risks becoming a food city of only chains. And locals like the Lemoses may not endure 2024. I sincerely hope you find this “Los Angeles Restaurant Industry in Crisis? Discover the Reasons” article helpful.

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Who Does This Apply To?

The LA County Fair Chance Ordinance applies to private employers with 5 or more employees that are located in unincorporated areas of the county. This is a lower threshold than the statewide Ban the Box law, which typically applies to employers with 15 or more employees. As a result, more small businesses in LA County will need to comply with fair chance hiring requirements.

What’s Required in Job Postings?

Under the new ordinance, employer job postings must:

• State that the company considers qualified applicants with criminal histories.
• List any specific legal restrictions that would automatically disqualify applicants with certain conviction records from the position.
• For jobs where a criminal record may negatively impact hiring, include a detailed list of material duties that background checks would be relevant for.

Changes to Making Conditional Offers

The ordinance also introduces new regulations around how employers make conditional offers:

• Employers cannot ask about or consider an applicant’s criminal history until a conditional offer has been made.
• If the employer intends to conduct a background check at the conditional offer stage, they must provide written notice that the offer depends on the results.
• This notice must explain why a background check is necessary for the position and list all types of information that will be reviewed (i.e. education, employment history, drug testing).

Limits on Considering Criminal Records

Furthermore, the ordinance restricts considering certain aspects of applicants’ criminal records, including:

• Arrests not followed by a conviction
• Participation in diversion programs
• Sealed, dismissed, or expunged convictions
• Juvenile records
• Non-felony marijuana possession convictions over 2 years old
• Any conviction over 7 years old
• Infractions, with some exceptions
• Decriminalized conduct

Individualized Assessment and Preliminary Notice

Before rescinding a conditional offer based on criminal history, employers must complete an individualized assessment. If the employer still intends to withdraw the offer, they must send the applicant written preliminary notice.

This preliminary notice must:

• State intent to withdraw the conditional offer or take other adverse action
• Explain the applicant’s right to respond and relevant timelines
• Include a copy of the initial assessment
• List the specific disqualifying convictions
• Provide a copy of the background check report and any other criminal history information considered

Applicant’s Right to Dispute

A key aspect of the ordinance is that it allows applicants to contest adverse decisions based on their records. Applicants have 5 days to challenge the accuracy of their criminal history information or present evidence of rehabilitation.

If disputed, employers must conduct a second individualized assessment before finalizing their decision.

Notice and Posting Requirements

The ordinance requires employers to post notice of the policy at worksites in unincorporated areas of LA County. They must also retain relevant hiring records for 4 years.

Enforcement and Penalties

The County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs is authorized to investigate violations and impose fines from $5,000 to $20,000 per violation. Applicants can also file complaints and lawsuits against non-compliant employers.

Key Takeaways

LA County employers with 5+ employees should review their background check policies and procedures to ensure compliance with new fair chance hiring requirements. This includes changes to job postings, conditional offers, considering criminal records, individualized assessments, and applicant notice procedures. I sincerely hope you find this “What is the Fair Chance Ordinance recently introduced in Los Angeles all about?” article helpful.

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