Bringing Back Broadway, Wild Donkeys, Tiny Houses, American Purgatory
In this episode of "SoCal Connected," reporter Nick Hardcastle explores downtown L.A.'s Broadway Theater District. Multi-million dollar restorations of beautiful Art Deco theaters are returning the district to its former glory. However, the revival adds momentum to the area's gentrification, and hurts long-standing family businesses by forcing them out of their retail spaces. Reporter Nick Hardcastle talks with a historian, theater owners and small business owners for their perspectives on the "Broadway comeback."
Grazing on the open land of Moreno Valley are hundreds of wild donkeys. No one knows exactly how they got there, but they do know that several have been killed by passing cars. Reporter Derrick Shore visits a rescue group called DonkeyLand, whose job is made harder when humans befriend the wild donkeys.
Southern Californians may love their sprawling ranch homes, but there is a counter-trend that is appealing to a growing number of homeowners - tiny houses. Anchor Val Zavala looks at the appeal of living in about 800 square feet, and visits a well-designed tiny house that looks and feels spacious.
The masterful talents of painter Marc Trujillo are applied to gas stations, Costco aisles and fast food restaurants. He renders commercial scenes with realistic precision that rivals the Dutch masters. Why do these "nowhere places" inspire and fascinate Trujillo?