Fans of the beloved 1993 film The Sandlot will soon have a chance to relive the magic on the big screen at Dodger Stadium. The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a special Movie Night On The Field on June 28, featuring a showing of the baseball classic.
Attendees will get to watch the movie from a unique vantage point—seated right on the outfield grass—while it plays on the stadium’s massive videoboards.
Before the film starts, guests can enjoy a variety of pre-movie activities, including photo ops, a chance to pitch in the bullpens, behind-the-scenes tours of the press box, specialty food and drinks, and more.
Gates open at 5:00 p.m., with the movie set to begin at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $40 per person. Get tickets here.
Lost Your Home in the Palisades or Eaton Fires? LA County Might Owe You Money
If your home was destroyed in the Palisades or Eaton wildfires earlier this year, Los Angeles County may owe you a tax refund—and it’s already sending out checks. But thousands are being returned as undeliverable.
Who qualifies for a wildfire tax refund? The fires devastated more than 16,000 structures across the Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and Altadena. In response, the LA County Assessor's Office reassessed the value of properties in the disaster zones. If your property value was reduced, you may be eligible for a tax refund.
How do I get my refund? The County Auditor-Controller has mailed out thousands of checks. However, many are being returned because they were sent to damaged or destroyed properties—addresses where residents no longer live.
Here are five standout events happening in Southern California over Memorial Day weekend (May 23–26, 2025), offering a mix of entertainment, culture, and remembrance:
🇺🇸 1. LA Fleet Week – San Pedro
Southern California’s largest Memorial Day event, LA Fleet Week, takes place at the Port of Los Angeles.This free, multi-day celebration honors the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard with active-duty ship tours, military displays, live entertainment, aircraft flyovers, and culinary competitions.The Battleship IOWA serves as a central hub for activities.
🎶 2. Topanga Days – Topanga Canyon
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Topanga Days is a beloved three-day festival featuring live music, games, a parade, and local food vendors.This event maintains its 1970s roots and includes a flag-raising ceremony with a performance of "America the Beautiful" on Memorial Day.
Kicking off Pride season, the WeHo Pride Arts Festival offers a weekend filled with arts and culture, including immersive cabarets, live readings, model drawing sessions, and writers' workshops.Events are hosted at the LA LGBTQ Center.
🍻 4. Fiesta Hermosa – Hermosa Beach
Fiesta Hermosa is a beachfront festival featuring live music, a beer garden, art vendors, and family-friendly activities.It's a great spot to enjoy ocean views while exploring local crafts and cuisine.
🏍️ 5. Pro Motocross Championship – Pala
Motorsport enthusiasts can attend the Pro Motocross Championship at Fox Raceway in Pala.This event offers thrilling races and is a highlight for fans of high-speed competition.
These events provide a diverse range of activities to honor Memorial Day weekend in Southern California. Whether you're interested in military tributes, cultural festivals, or sporting events, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Pacific Coast Highway Reopens Just in Time for Memorial Day Weekend
After months of closure, a key stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is finally reopening this Friday—perfect timing for Memorial Day weekend road trips!
The scenic 11-mile stretch, which connects Los Angeles to Malibu and coastal Ventura County, has been off-limits to most traffic since January. The road was heavily damaged by the Palisades Fire and follow-up mudslides, and only local residents, emergency workers, and essential crews were allowed through.
Thanks to a fast-tracked repair effort championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the road is opening much earlier than expected. Newsom had made the reopening a priority, saying back in April, “We are going all-in to get this done.”
The state teamed up with Caltrans, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get the job done quickly. Over 100 U.S. Army Corps crews have been working non-stop—clearing mud, removing debris, and tearing down unsafe structures. According to The Malibu Times, crews have been hauling away more than 1,200 truckloads of debris every single day using the PCH itself.
Starting Friday, drivers will be able to use two lanes in each direction. This is welcome news not just for travelers, but also for local businesses that have struggled to stay afloat without their usual flow of customers.
Local leaders are also making sure residents have a chance to voice any last-minute concerns. L.A. City Councilwoman Traci Park is holding a virtual town hall at 4 p.m. on Thursday to talk about the reopening and answer community questions.
Whether you're planning a beach day, a scenic drive, or just heading home, the newly reopened PCH is ready to roll.
Hitting the Road This Memorial Day? Here’s What You Really Need to Know Before You Go
Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and if you're planning to hit the road, you're not alone—not even close. A record-breaking 45 million Americans are expected to travel, and the vast majority—nearly 40 million of them—will be doing it by car.
That’s a whole lot of people in traffic, which means a whole lot of potential for headaches... especially the kind that come with a flat tire or a dead battery on the side of the highway.
Don't Let a Dead Battery Ruin Your Long Weekend
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is urging drivers to take just a few minutes before packing up the snacks and playlists to give their vehicles a quick checkup. Why? Because last year, AAA responded to more than 356,000 roadside emergencies over the Memorial Day weekend alone. Most of them were easily preventable issues like:
Flat tires
Dead batteries
Drivers locked out of their vehicles (yep, it happens more often than you think)
Quick Pre-Road Trip Checklist
Here’s what AAA recommends checking before you start your engine:
✅ Tire pressure and tread – Bald or underinflated tires are a recipe for trouble.
✅ Brakes – Squeaky or slow to respond? Get them checked.
✅ Battery – If it’s older than three years, consider having it tested.
✅ Wiper blades – If they streak, it’s time to swap them out.
✅ Fluids – Oil, coolant, windshield washer—top them all off.
✅ Emergency kit – Make sure it’s stocked with basics like water, jumper cables, flashlight, and a first-aid kit.
When and Where: The Busiest Days to Drive
The official travel period runs from Thursday, May 22 through Monday, May 26, and this year is on track to be the busiest Memorial Day travel weekend since 2005. So, if you're driving, be prepared for packed roads—especially Friday and Monday, when most people are heading out or coming home.
More Eyes on the Road (and on You)
Law enforcement is stepping up, too. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has announced a “maximum enforcement period” from Friday evening through late Monday night. Expect to see more officers on the highways, with a focus on:
🚫 Impaired driving
🚗 Reckless behavior
🔒 Seat belt enforcement
So buckle up, stay sober, and drive responsibly—it could save lives (and keep you from spending your holiday on the shoulder of the freeway).
Bottom line: A little prep goes a long way. With just a few quick checks, you can help ensure your Memorial Day weekend is full of sunshine, barbecues, and beach vibes—not roadside assistance calls.
First-Ever Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Gets the Green Light: What It Means for You and Your Loved Ones
A major breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease has just been approved—and it could change how the condition is diagnosed and treated across the U.S.
For the first time, health officials have endorsed a simple blood test that can help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. This is huge news for families, caregivers, and the more than 6 million Americans currently living with this heartbreaking condition.
Why This Test Matters
Until now, diagnosing Alzheimer’s involved a complicated process: brain scans, spinal taps, and hours of cognitive testing. But thanks to this new test developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc., a simple blood sample may soon be enough to confirm signs of the disease.
The test works by detecting beta-amyloid, a sticky protein that builds up in the brain and is considered a key indicator of Alzheimer’s.
How Accurate Is It?
Dr. Rohit Marwara, a neurologist at the Detroit Medical Center, says the approval is “groundbreaking.”
He explained that in a major clinical study involving 499 people with memory problems, the blood test was highly accurate. In fact:
A positive result matched advanced scans and spinal fluid tests 90% of the time.
A negative result was correct 97% of the time.
Who Can Get the Test?
Right now, the test is only approved for:
Adults 55 and older
People already showing signs of memory or cognitive decline
Patients being seen in specialized memory clinics
This is not a test for healthy individuals or general screening. It must be ordered by a doctor, who will interpret the results along with other tests and your medical history.
What This Means for Treatment
Here’s the big deal: having a faster, less expensive way to confirm Alzheimer’s could lead to quicker access to new treatments.
Currently, two drugs—Leqembi and Kisunla—are available that target amyloid plaques and may slow the disease’s progression. But before patients can get them, insurers require proof of amyloid buildup in the brain. That’s where this blood test can make a real difference.
“Right now, insurers won’t pay for these medications without proof,” said Dr. Marwara. “A reliable blood test means patients can get diagnosed faster, skip costly scans, and start treatment sooner.”
The Bottom Line
This blood test isn’t a cure—but it’s a major step forward. It makes Alzheimer’s diagnosis easier, faster, and more affordable, and opens the door to earlier treatment.
As researchers continue working toward even better therapies, this test gives patients and families something they haven’t had in a long time: hope.
Could a Massive Earthquake and Tsunami Hit the Pacific Coast?
Caption: The Cascadia Subduction Zone runs along the coasts of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Photo Credit USGS.gov.
It’s been over 300 years since the last major earthquake hit the Cascadia subduction zone—an area off the coast of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. History shows that these powerful quakes happen every 200 to 800 years, which means the region could be due for another one.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences warns that a large earthquake here could quickly trigger a dangerous tsunami. When the last one hit in 1700, parts of the coastline dropped by several feet—and something similar could happen again.
What Is the Cascadia Subduction Zone?
Caption: In subduction zones, tectonic plates press together. When they snap, it causes earthquakes and sometimes tsunamis. Photo Credit USGS.gov.
The Cascadia zone is where two tectonic plates meet. Over time, they press against each other until one slips under the other, causing a massive earthquake. That sudden movement can also displace a huge amount of water, creating a tsunami.
Researchers say the danger doesn’t end with the shaking. In as little as 15 to 20 minutes, tsunami waves could hit the coast, with flooding continuing for up to two hours.
How Bad Could It Be?
If a major earthquake hits, it could cause the land to sink and flood coastal communities. Thousands of people and properties in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California could be affected. And with sea levels rising due to climate change, the damage could be even greater in the future.
No one knows exactly when it will happen—it could be tomorrow or hundreds of years from now. But knowing the risks can help us prepare.
Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness Tips
Here’s how to prepare now, before the next big one hits:
Build an Emergency Kit
Include:
Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
Non-perishable food
Flashlight and batteries
First aid kit
Medications
Phone charger (portable or solar)
Important documents (copies in a waterproof folder)
Make a Family Plan
Choose a meeting spot outside your home
Know your local evacuation route—especially if you live in a tsunami zone
Practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" drills for earthquake safety
Teach kids how and when to call 911
Stay Informed
Sign up for emergency alerts through your local city or state website
Download apps like FEMA, Red Cross Emergency, or MyShake
Follow local emergency services on social media for real-time updates
Know the Signs of a Tsunami
Feel the ground shaking? Move inland immediately if you're near the coast.
Water suddenly receding from the shoreline? That’s a tsunami warning.
Don’t wait for an official alert—every minute counts.
While we can’t predict exactly when the next big quake will hit the Pacific Northwest, scientists agree it's a real possibility. Being informed and prepared can make all the difference.
Knowledge saves lives. Share this post with your friends and family—especially if they live near the coast!
As fears of a recession continue to weigh on American consumers, one industry seems to be defying the economic downturn: live concerts and entertainment. While many sectors are grappling with financial uncertainty, the concert industry is seeing robust demand, with millions still eager to experience live performances, despite the rising costs.
Recent reports indicate that nearly 60% of Coachella attendees purchased tickets using payment plans. This trend highlights a growing willingness among consumers to take on debt to attend concerts and other live events. The demand for such experiences is so strong that even the increasing prices of tickets are not dissuading concertgoers.
In fact, the cost of attending a concert has surged in recent years. According to Pollstar, the average cost of a concert ticket in 2024 reached $135.92, marking a significant jump from previous years. Despite these higher costs, consumers are continuing to spend, with Billboard reporting that credit card holders averaged $300 per month on live events between May 2024 and April 2025. This figure points to an enduring appetite for live entertainment, even as broader economic pressures mount.
A particularly interesting trend is emerging among Gen Z concertgoers. According to a Cash App survey, over 2,000 American adults participated in a study conducted by The Harris Poll, which found that the younger generation is particularly eager to spend big on their favorite artists. On average, Gen Z concertgoers spent $2,100 on concert tickets over the past two years. Even more striking is the fact that 75% of them are willing to pay premium prices for resale tickets, a significant indication of their passion for live events.
However, the financial reality of this spending is not always aligned with their means. A notable 19% of Gen Z respondents admitted to spending more on concert tickets than they could actually afford. This willingness to overspend reflects a broader trend in which memorable experiences are prioritized over financial restraint.
Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, LMSW and Cash App’s Financial Therapist, weighed in on this behavior, noting, “Gen Z’s ‘do it for the plot’ approach to life may be eclipsing the Millennial YOLO when it comes to spending on music-centric experiences. While saving for a house might feel out of reach, a weekend festival is doable. I love that they’re spending in line with their values like community, experiences, and memory-making, but I always encourage topping off emergency savings while saving for epic shows.”
The juxtaposition between wanting to create lasting memories and financial responsibility creates an interesting tension for younger consumers. As Gen Z prioritizes experiences, it may also be shaping future financial habits, with many leaning into credit or payment plans to fund their passions. While their enthusiasm for live entertainment may continue to drive the sector forward, experts like Bryan-Podvin remind us that balancing those experiences with sound financial planning will be crucial as the economic landscape evolves.
In the face of economic anxiety, one thing is clear: live concerts and entertainment are thriving, and consumers are willing to go to great lengths to enjoy them. Whether it’s through payment plans, credit card debt, or paying for premium tickets, the desire to engage with music and live events remains a top priority for many—especially among Gen Z.
Frank
