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Jada Stokes

Culture

A Must-see In and Out Museum in California

by Jada Stokes on

From its founding in Baldwin Park in 1948, the In-N-Out Burger fast-food franchise has been a California classic. Over the years, its popularity has only increased, making it a must-see for many tourists in the Golden State. The In-N-Out Museum is a new addition to the list of things to do in California for In-N-Out lovers.

The In-N-Out Museum in Baldwin Park is a recreation of the original location that started it all. Due to the construction of the 10 motorway, the original location was demolished, but the reproduction allows fans to learn about the company’s history and experience the charm of the first In-N-Out location. When guests enter the replica, they will feel as if they have gone back in time, as the menu prices are reminiscent of a different age. The most expensive item on the menu is a 30-cent cheeseburger.

In 2014, the In-N-Out Museum opened its doors at 13766 Francisquito Avenue in Baldwin Park. Thursdays through Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum is nonetheless worth a visit for In-N-Out enthusiasts interested in the company’s history, despite the museum’s limited hours.

The little museum provides an inside look at the origins of the beloved burger brand. Visitors can learn about the company’s mission and listen to entertaining anecdotes from early employees. In-N-renowned Out’s commitment to excellence is visible in every area of the museum.

Once you’ve had your fill of history, head across the street to the operational In-N-Out. The parking lot also has In-N-Out University, where staff are trained, and the In-N-Out company store, where you may purchase souvenirs of your visit.

Crossed palm trees are one of the most identifiable elements of In-N-Out establishments. In the 1970s, Harry Snyder’s sons included this design element as a reference to their father’s fondness for the movie It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, in which people search for treasure beneath crossed palm trees.

In addition to the palm trees, In-N-Out was the first California fast food company to provide drive-through service. This innovation was a wonderful fit for the automobile culture of the time and helped establish In-N-place Out’s in California’s history.

Animal-Style burger, including a patty fried in mustard and topped with grilled onion, spread, and pickles, is In-N-most Out’s popular menu item. Similar to Thousand Island dressing, the spread is a distinctive condiment. If you’re seeking a lighter option, try the Protein Style burger, which substitutes lettuce for the bread. If you enjoy crisp fries, get them well done. Try the Neapolitan Shake, which mixes chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry tastes, for a sweet treat.

For first-time visitors to In-N-Out, there are a few things to bear in mind. If you intend to dine in your car, request a box and a lap pad to facilitate the process. You may also request free bumper stickers or paper caps. And if you’re traveling with children, keep an eye out for free hot chocolate during wet weather or at your local library, where In-N-Out has teamed with the library to offer free burgers to youngsters who read five books.

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Grub Good LA

From Michelin to Burritos: How Baran’s 2239 Adapted and Conquered During the Pandemic

by Jada Stokes on

Baran’s 2239, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant in Hermosa Beach, is serving a breakfast burrito that has gone viral. What began as a way to boost business during the epidemic has evolved into a full-fledged breakfast burrito operation, with the restaurant selling over 1,100 burritos every weekend.

The burrito has become so popular that the restaurant has had to make a special team to keep up with the demand. Orders are taken via Instagram direct messaging, and pre-orders are entered into Excel spreadsheets to facilitate seamless pickups. The restaurant’s unique ordering method keeps waiting customers at bay while simultaneously keeping guests loyal to the Baran’s 2239 brand.

The prep cooks in the kitchen are committed to making each burrito to perfection. Each burrito contains four ounces of Vital Farms egg, two ounces of cheese, two ounces of cooked bacon, and exactly thirteen tater tots. The eggs are prepared in a five-by-two row of nonstick pans positioned over ten individual burners, with an eight-minute pickup time from ticket to takeout. With over 100 burritos flying out of the kitchen every hour, nothing ever sits for long.

Despite the breakfast burrito’s popularity, co-owners Jason Baran and Tyler Gugliotta do not intend to expand the restaurant into a full-service burrito stand. They estimate that 70% of their weekend customers are return customers, and the burritos have helped keep the restaurant open during the pandemic. However, food remains the most important thing to them. While there are plans to separate the burritos into their own location, for the time being, they are content to retain the popular menu item in-house.

Driven New Customers

The breakfast burrito’s popularity has helped to drive new customers to dinner. Gugliotta is pleased that the burritos are a popular entry point and that everyone enjoys them. He also knows that the restaurant prepares Michelin-level cuisine for dinner.

Even with great breakfast burritos down the street at Phanny’s, the burrito has become a cult following in the South Bay. Consumers keep returning, and the restaurant estimates that 70% of their weekend customers are repeat customers. The burrito revenue has helped to keep employees and pay them well, but Baran and Gugliotta remain committed to serving Michelin-level supper meals.

While the breakfast burrito helped to put Baran’s 2239 on the map, the restaurant’s charm and evening elegance remain a mainstay. The restaurant is busier than ever, which is unusual for a seven-year-old neighborhood hangout. They can applaud a breakfast burrito for that.

Baran’s 2239 is known for its breakfast burritos, but it also provides a variety of other foods throughout the day, such as sandwiches and specials that rotate on a regular basis. These dishes are included in the restaurant’s commitment to quality and attention to detail, which ensures that each and every patron will leave the establishment feeling fulfilled. Even though the breakfast burrito might be the highlight of the show, it’s clear that Baran’s 2239 is a dining destination that has something to offer every type of customer, from those who prefer a laid-back breakfast atmosphere to those who are looking for a more refined dinner experience.

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Culture

Inglewood Transit Connector May Displace Dozens of Businesses to Make Way for New Train System

by Jada Stokes on

Local business owners are concerned that the proposed Inglewood Transit Connector (ITC) may force them to relocate. The Metro K Line will be linked to the Kia Forum, SoFi Stadium, and the Clippers’ Intuit Dome via the $1.6 billion automated transit system. Yet, 21 shops on Florence Avenue in the Inglewood Center may be removed to make way for a transit station and 650 parking spots.

Relocation Plan Raises Concerns

Although the city has promised to refund affected enterprises for relocation fees, some business owners are concerned that the high cost of doing business in Inglewood may make it difficult to survive the shift. The city has engaged a consultant to assist businesses in obtaining financing to cover their expenditures, but the relocation plan continues to raise questions.

City Pledges to Keep Displaced Businesses in Inglewood

Municipal authorities have committed to retain displaced businesses in Inglewood, but there is no guarantee that owners will find a suitable alternative location. The Florence Avenue shopping mall is close to a senior living facility, allowing residents to go to the shops for their daily necessities. Some people are afraid that the project will make life more difficult for them, and some are considering leaving the region.

Vons May Not Need to Relocate

The project team is working to find a way to keep the Vons grocery store on Manchester Boulevard open, however it may need to be rebuilt to accommodate a transit system maintenance facility. The city is collaborating with Vons to see if the grocery store, which has been refurbished to take up less space, may share its present location with a maintenance facility required for the ITC project. The project’s goal is to reduce traffic congestion and parking issues generated by the city’s venues.

Project Faces Funding Uncertainty

The $1.56 billion ITC project remains unfunded, with only $750 million obtained so far. The project was awarded $407 million by the California State Transportation Agency in January, subject to a favorable rating from the Federal Transit Administration. The ITC is set to get a $784 million grant from the FTA later this year to finish its funding.

Eminent Domain Raises Controversy

The use of eminent domain to take property for the ITC project has sparked debate among certain members of the community, who believe that forcing businesses and property owners to relocate against their choice is unjust. The case is now scheduled to go to trial later this year to determine how much money the family are owed for the land they lost.

Uncertain Future for Displaced Businesses

While the ITC project continues to move forward, the future of businesses and property owners in its path remains unknown. Some business owners are concerned that the high expense of moving to and doing business in Inglewood will make it impossible for them to continue in business. City authorities, on the other hand, remain positive, promising to keep displaced businesses in Inglewood whenever possible.

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Local News

LAUSD Workers Plan Three-Day Strike Over Pay and Benefits: Parks Department Extends Program to Help Parents

by Jada Stokes on

Bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and other support personnel in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) are preparing a three-day strike beginning next Tuesday. Workers’ unions, notably the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), are striking in order to demand better compensation and benefits, as well as to address staff shortages, expanded hours and healthcare benefits for part-time workers, and improved campus cleaning and maintenance.

(more…)
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Music

The Story of 03 Greedo

by Jada Stokes on

Jason Jamal Jackson, also known as Los Angeles rapper “03 Greedo”, (formerly known as “Greedy Giddy”) came from the roughest projects in Los Angeles, CA.  

Photo by: Yatta

Growing up in the Jordan Downs Project in Watts, CA, at the age of 1 year old, Greedo’s father passed away from a “motorcycle accident”. In an interview with Noisey, the rapper stated that “his father was one of the first Crips.” 

Before becoming a living legend and tattooing “Living Legend across his cheeks”, tragedy struck his music career and life forever. 

On June 28th, 2016, Greedo and another man were driving in a 2016 Nissan through Amarillo, Texas on the I-40 Interstate. While traveling, they were pulled over by police who claimed to smell marijuana from their car. 

The driver admitted to smoking marijuana, but that was the least of their problems. After forcing the trunk of the car to be opened, 4 pounds of methamphetamine, said to be worth about 80 thousand dollars, was discovered. In addition, the police found stolen pistols and ammunition in the vehicle, which were unregistered in the State of California. 

Ultimately, Greedo was charged with unlicensed possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of over 400 grams of a controlled substance. After spending 8 days in jail in Amarillo, Texas, Greedo was released on bond and returned to Los Angeles. This was the point when Greedo decided to transform himself from a Grape Street Crip to one of the most prolific musicians in Los Angeles. In 2016, after merging his nickname from jail (coming from his section on 103rd Street in Grape Street), “Greedy Giddy” became “03 Greedo. 

In 2016, Raymond Lee Arnold, also known as “Mafia Ray”, who was a mentor to Greedo and one of the first people from his hood to support his musical career, was tragically gunned down in a barbershop in Hawthorne, CA in July 2016. Greedo released “Mafia Business”, a single dedicated to his fallen friend. This hit single was listed on his mixtape “Purple Summer” and can be credited as one of his breakout singles to date. In September 2016, he followed up with Purple Summer 2: Son Don’t Shine. This was the same year 03 Greedo was shot in the leg and almost had his leg amputated. Fortunately, a large metal plate allowed him to keep his leg. 

From being homeless, to eating out of garbage cans, using drugs to stay up, and constantly moving around, he eventually settled in Watts, CA.

At 17 years old, 03 Greedo became a father to a baby girl.

In 2017, he signed with Alamo Records, which is the home of popular rappers Lil Durk, Rod Wave, Smokepurpp, and Comethazine to name a few. 

A year after signing his deal, Greedo found himself facing a 300-year sentence for trafficking 4 pounds of methamphetamine across state lines. He turned himself in for a five-year prison sentence in 2018. During imprisonment, Greedo announced via Instagram that he obtained his GED from prison. 

Although previously denied parole in 2020 and 2021, he was granted release in June 2022 upon completing the pre-release program. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, after 5 years, the Los Angeles rapper is scheduled to be released on Jan 12, 2023. 

Since his imprisonment, as a promise that he made to his fans, he stated in a tweet in 2018, “Plenty music will be released while I’m gone”. 

03 Greedo wasn’t lying as he stashed away about 30 albums worth of music. He said on the outro of his 2019 song, “Bet I Walk”, “30 albums, nigga, who did it, nigga?” 03 Greedo did it.

03 Greedo releases some of the following music while in prison: 

  • Still Summer in The Projects with Los Angeles Super Producer Mustard (2019). 
  • Netflix and Deal, a movie theme collaboration with Kenny Beats (2019)
  • Meet The Drummers with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker EP (2019). 
  • Load It Up Volume 1 with fellow Watts owner, Ron Ron the Producer (2020). 
  • 03 Inna Key EP in (2021).

Now that the Grape Street Wolf is now free, he and his fans will finally celebrate new music together with a new collaboration project with Mike Free titled, “Free 03”. It was released in January 2023.

In a DJ Vlad interview, he stated, “I was always that nigga I just always went to jail”. 

Welcome Home 03 Greedo!

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Music

Allyn’s New Single One Time ft. Dom Kennedy

by Jada Stokes on

If you don’t know who Allyn is, now is the time for you to tune into her music. She is rising to the top of the West Coast’s R&B Scene.

The Sacramento-born artist has moved to Los Angeles to pursue her music career. The singer-songwriter is no stranger to the R&B scene.

You may have heard her known for her single, “Down” featuring KB.

In 2018, Allyn released her EP, “All You Need”, and gained massive attention. It spawned popular tracks “On and On” featuring Casey Veggies and “Felt This Way” featuring Dcmbr.

Allyn is back again with a new single called “One Time” by Leimert Park rapper, DOM KENNEDY. It is a song that is for the ladies who love to sing while driving in their car in the city. 

Listen to her single One Time featuring DOM KENNEDY below.

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