Downtown Los Angeles: The city where accomplishments meet mayhem, electric giants, and grand fiestas, where anything could happen and usually does, here are the 10 Most Shocking Stories of 2024.
Close Curtain Call for Broadway
Like a tragic Shakespearian play, 2024 began with what many saw as the final curtain call for Broadway. With the cast of Ace Hotel and the Globe Theatre and Clifton’s Republic also seemingly taking its final bow, the future of Broadway’s entertainment scene was left uncertainth.
But the show must go on! Act Two saw the triumphant return of Clifton’s Republic while the Ace Hotel underwent a dramatic transformation, re-emerging to the stage as United Theater at the Stile Downtown Los Angeles.
In a dramatic climax, Broadway Night Lights in October celebrated the corridor’s most vibrant resurgence, with tens of thousands of visitors enjoying live music, community vendors, and self-guided tours throughout Broadway’s historic theaters.
And just when the audience thought Broadway would have the happiest of endings, a shocking plot twist with the unexpected closure of the Broadway Bar, leaving one less watering hole on Broadway upon which to celebrate.
However, despite this year of ups and downs, Broadway Corridor still managed to finish the year with a standing ovation.
A Reluctant Landmark at Oceanwide Towers
The Oceanwide Towers, a colossal unfinished development across from LA Live, was marred by graffiti from top to bottom in April of 2024.
While many saw it as an eyesore, run over by disrespectful marauders, others saw it as a unique piece of urban art imitating life with the stark reminder of the city’s failure to adequately regulate large-scale developments.
Ironically, seen for miles, the towers became a landmark tourist attraction, with its own special place on google maps. Never the less, the city promised millions on fencing and increased security. The saga continues with more promises of a long-awaited auction that could offer a glimmer of hope and perhaps restore some faith in the city’s ability to regulate projects the likes of these in the near future.
The Tragic Killing of Johnny Wactor
Johnny Wactor, a former “General Hospital” actor, moonlighting as a bartender at Level 8, was tragically killed in May 2024 after leaving work at 3 am.
Fatally shot by individuals attempting to steal his catalytic converter following his death, fans, friends, and members of the community took to the streets and city hall to demand justice for Wactor. Their efforts and those of law enforcement contributed to the eventual arrest of four suspects in August 2024.
Fantasmic Violence at Walt Disney’s Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, renowned for its architectural brilliance and grand acoustics, became a spectacle of madness when a high school graduation ceremony devolved into a scene of orchestrated chaos in June of 2024.
It was as if Mickey Mouse, in Fantasia, had lost control of his sorcerer’s broom, transforming the ceremonial act into a chaotic flood of kicks and punches as members from a local juvenile Hall facility clashed with graduates some seen jumping over balconies to attack each one another.
The sorcerer soon returned to reprimand Mickey, for tuning the the graduation from soothing notes into high pitched clashing crescendos, but not before a drive-by shooting took place on Grand Ave just outside the venue as attendees were leaving.
Controversy on the Menu at Opium
The unexpected closure of Otium, a highly acclaimed restaurant backed by the Broad museum, helmed by renowned chef Timothy Hollingsworth, in August charbroiled the Los Angeles dining scene, particularly when news hit the airwaves of delayed employee payments and foul play. Adding a layer of negative press to the menu with the rising controversy over the already surprising demise of this once-promising establishment. Hollingsworth’s next endeavor, the hugely popular Chain Fest, would run into mixed reviews weeks later, with some attendees leaving a long list of tips on social media about what the event could have done better.
Saying Goodbye to Macys
Media announcements published Macy’s closing over 150 stores began in 2022, but downtown didn’t bat an eye until finding out recently the Macy’s at the Bloc was one of the locations slated for closure, ripping a tear through the fabric of DTLAs retail empire.
Sources say the store, which like many others in the chain has suffered from low in-store sales, employee shortages, and theft. Downtown Macy fans can expect to see the gradual breakdown beginning with the cosmetic section as early as December with the stores closure in March of 2025. After that, our nearest opportunity to shop in store at Macys will be in Glendale.
Go Dodgers! And take these Rowdy Fans With You
Following the Dodgers’ World Series victory in November 2024, initial euphoria surrounding the team’s win gave way to lawlessness. By nightfall, crowds began targeting local businesses and vehicles from Echo Park to Downtown Los Angeles.
An unfortunate incident saw a Metro bus engulfed in flames as tensions escalated with police 12 arrest were made. When the smoke had cleared, shoe stores along Broadway were discovered ransacked, with windows shattered and merchandise strewn across the sidewalks.
A few days later over 100,000 parade goers for their chance to revisit downtown in its glory once again, as the Los Angeles Dodgers caravan made its way through the city almost entirely without incident.
The Agony of Defeat in the Quest for CD14
Achieving a surprising victory over incumbent Kevin de León, Ysabel Jurado became the next Los Angeles City Councilmember for District 14, receiving over 56% of the vote, making her the new political voice of Downtown Los Angeles.
“This win is not mine—it belongs to our community.” Stated Jurado, whose rise to power had already surprised many, this first-time candidate garnishing more support than de León and other prominent figures, including Assemblymembers Miguel Santiago and Wendy Carrillo.
Jurado herself faced some criticism after a recording surfaced in which she used the F-word while discussing the police in a meeting with students at Cal State LA. Although, That didn’t sit well with many still calling for an increase in police presence for almost a decade, it ultimately didn’t stop her from claiming victory over de León, defeated, now passes the torch; the all knowing, all seeing public eye, to the first Pilipino council member in Los Angeles.
Last Supper at The Palm
Leaving nostalgia lovers in shock around the globe, The Palm, a downtown Los Angeles institution for nearly two decades, just announced it’s set to close its doors on December 31st.
Located in the Social District, formally known as South Park, this iconic steakhouse, which is well-beloved for its rich history, sumptuous cuisine, and walls adorned with caricatures of celebrities and patrons, has been a staple of traditional fine dining since its opening in 2005.
The brand transports the guest to another era—dim lights, elegant pillars, cozy booths, and the enduring legacy of its artistic tradition, dating back to the 1920s. The Palms legendary service will leave downtown with classic memories of New York steak, double-cut lamb rib chops, fine wines, and lobster bisque. Without the Palm, there may not be too many places left in Downtown that will serve lobster on a silver platter.
The Palm prepares to bid farewell to downtown Los Angeles after 19 years of service.
Not so Merry Year End Special at Target
Downtown just wouldn’t be the same without a year-end finale. This year’s shocker: the recent shooting outside the Target at Fig 7th, where two security guards and another individual were injured during an attempted shoplifting. As crowds fled for their lives from the armed suspect who opened fire in one of Downtown LA’s busiest shopping malls, the shooter, described as a white man with an Afro, remains at large.
This recent incident reopened old wounds, reminding visitors of the attack on a mother and child in 2023. While retailers strive to offer attractive deals and create a welcoming shopping experience, there can never be too many precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees and customers.
