Welcome to BizBash’s Los Angeles-based column, where West Coast bureau chief Claire Hoffman covers the week’s biggest local news. Got a tip? Get in touch!
Moves & Milestones
Public relations firm PMK-BNC has promoted five employees to the title of vice president of entertainment strategies: Jennifer Abel, Maria Herrera, Rachael Reiss, Rebecca Taylor, and Cassandra Vargas. Additionally, Lee Metzler and Natasha Desai have been named directors of entertainment strategies.
The W Los Angeles—West Beverly Hills has named Stephen Power general manager. The 297-room hotel has 5,000 square feet of event space.
Big Bus Tours has launched a sightseeing tour in Los Angeles, the company's 22nd city tour worldwide. The experience offers commentary from live guides, plus over 20 hop-off stops at local landmarks. Private tours can be customized for groups.
In Case You Missed It
We took a look at the most clever, fun, or just plain wacky ideas from recent TV and film premieres. We also checked out suitcase brand Rimowa's traffic-stopping, 20-foot-tall suitcase for Frieze L.A.
And for even more design inspiration, we called out five emerging trends from award season's sharpest parties.
In the News
The traffic from Los Angeles to the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals is notoriously terrible, but music fans may have a new option as early as next year: an Amtrak train. Associated Press: "The Riverside County Transportation Commission says it has received funding for an $8.6 million temporary train platform at the city of Indio Transit Center, and it could be ready for the 2020 festivals. ... Concertgoers would board special trains at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, travel about 130 miles (209 kilometers) east to the Coachella Valley, and then take shuttles to the concert grounds."
The 120-acre Magic Johnson Park in Willowbrook is planning a $70 million renovation that will add a 20,000-square-foot event center. Curbed: "An outdoor wedding pavilion, a splash pad, kids’s play areas, improved lighting, walking paths, and parking lots will also be added as part of the first round of updates. ... Looking forward, a possible addition to the park in the future could include a location of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art."
Beyoncé and Jay-Z will receive the Vanguard Award at this year’s Glaad Media Awards, taking place at the Beverly Hilton on March 28. Los Angeles Times: “‘Beyoncé and Jay-Z are global icons and passionate defenders of human rights and acceptance for all people,’ said Glaad president and C.E.O. Sarah Kate Ellis in a statement. ... Madonna will also be honored during the organization’s media awards ceremony in New York City in May.”
Surprise Event Metric of the Week
22: the number of horses that have passed away at Santa Anita Park in the last three months. The track—which hosts the annual Breeders' Cup and other events—is currently closed during an investigation. "The safety, health, and welfare of the horses and jockeys is our top priority," said Tim Ritvo, C.E.O. of track owner the Stronach Group.
Venue Buzz
Audrey, a new restaurant from Sea Davies Forrest and chef Lisa Giffen, debuted at the Hammer Museum last month. The 115-room full-service eatery is set in the museum's courtyard and features a tile installation from Cuban-American artist Jorge Pardo. A 30-foot-long inside-outside bar serves as the centerpiece, while banquettes provide semiprivate space for groups. The new eatery is part of a multi-phase renovation and expansion of the Hammer Museum.
Overheard
"Typically, having a criminal record or any negative press makes an influencer radioactive in the eyes of an advertiser."
—Influencer marketing expert Eric Dahan in the Hollywood Reporter, discussing beauty blogger Olivia Jade Giannulli, the daughter of actress Lori Loughlin who is wrapped up in this week's headline-grabbing university cheating scandal. (Prosecutors say Loughlin paid $500,000 in bribes to get her daughter admitted to U.S.C.) Giannulli had 1.9 million YouTube subscribers and 1.3 million Instagram followers, and sponsorship deals with the likes of Sephora, Tresemmé, and Marc Jacobs beauty.
On the Scene
Last night, we checked out networking group Fete Los Angeles' colorful spring event at the Lot Studios.
What's Next
Today kicks off PaleyFest L.A., the Paley Center for Media's week of television-focused panels at the Dolby Theatre. Highlights include a Parks and Recreation reunion, plus panels with casts from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, RuPaul's Drag Race, This Is Us, and more.
The upcoming week will also see Westweek, the Pacific Design Center's annual showcase for global design. Taking place March 20 to 21, the event will draw nearly 4,000 trade professionals and feature keynote speeches, product intros, open-house events, receptions, and more.
