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The New Deal history in LA's freeways

Jan 19, 2024
The backbone of Los Angeles' extensive highway system was built with the aid of FDR's historic public works program.
The first potion of the Arroyo Seco Parkway opened in 1940, connecting Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles.
AFP/Getty Images

Typewriter salesman says creative types in L.A. help grow his business

Oct 2, 2023
Aaron Therol says he's saving a piece of history while he's saving people from distractions.
Aaron Therol sells typewriters — machines you don't see very often nowadays. He says Los Angeles' creative community keeps his business afloat.

With volunteerism in decline, this nonprofit turned to seniors

Sep 21, 2023
When COVID hit, the volunteers on that many nonprofits depended upon disappeared.
As the pandemic has waned, the nonprofit School on Wheels — which serves children who live on Skid Row — has turned to recruiting seniors.
Fredric J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Restaurants on wheels

Sep 18, 2023
Econ Extra Credit newsletter #166
Roy Choi's Korean fusion truck Kogi helped kick off the food truck trend.
Samantha Trauben/Getty Images for International Rescue Committee

Municipal composting helps food scraps find a second life

Jun 29, 2023
More and more cities are implementing food scrap collection to reduce landfill methane emissions and help meet climate targets.
At the Recology facility, workers have to manually remove non-perishable items that people mistakenly throw into green bins — including garden hoses, plastic bags and milk cartons.
Caleigh Wells

After 9 years, LA cheese shop moves to a space of its own

May 23, 2023
Lydia Clarke's business struggled in the early days of the pandemic. Now, she says, "I know we can do it."
Lydia Clarke in front of her "happy place," the cheese case.
Andie Corban/Marketplace

A window into LA's budding scene for Latin vinyl records

Mar 9, 2023
At Sonido del Valle in Boyle Heights, owner Rene Perez said Latin vinyl records are the main attraction, not just another section.
Sonido del Valle owner Rene Perez stands in front of a case of vinyl records for sale at his shop in Boyle Heights, CA.
Marketplace/Erika Soderstrom

For public good, not for profit.

"We are explicitly for members of the lesbian community": Inside Los Angeles' first lesbian bar in years

Mar 7, 2023
Last month, Mara Herbkersman and Emily Biealgus opened The Ruby Fruit, a restaurant and wine bar.
Mara Herbkersman, left, and Emily Bielagus at The Ruby Fruit.
Andie Corban/Marketplace

The LA distillery ginning up business in the non-alcoholic spirit market

Feb 22, 2023
In 2022, over two-thirds of Greenbar Distillery's sales were in the non-alcoholic market. For owners Litty Mathew and Melkon Khosrovian, that means that non-alcoholic drinks are going to be part of their future.
Greenbar Distillery has been making spirits in downtown Los Angeles for nearly 19 years, but now the company is taking on a new market: non-alcoholic spirits.
Sean McHenry/Maketplace

Can Los Angeles repeat its past Olympic success?

Nov 28, 2022
Mayor Eric Garcetti says the city's existing infrastructure and innovative approach will allow the 2028 Games to mirror the financial victories of 1984.
LA Mayor Eric Garcetti (right) with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and IOC leader Thomas Bach in 2017. Garcetti says LA's existing infrastructure will help it reduce costs and deliver a surplus during the 2028 Games.
Buda Mendes/Getty Images