Local Stories

I envision a space, or a few spaces, where I can run around without a leash and play with my friends and neighbors.

Finding a solution to the Oceanwide Plaza project is key for the Social District to be able to reach its full potential.

I feel a strong sense of ownership in shaping the future of the district because my job is to provide the best clean and safe services for residents and visitors.

I love this city—with all its pros and cons-and I'm all in. My mission is to show the world that DTLA is back—more vibrant, diverse, and bold than ever—and that we, the younger generation, are also betting on projects that won't just shape the present, but will define the future.

My hope is that the Social District remains a place where diverse people-whether locals, artists, entrepreneurs, or visitors-can connect, collaborate, and experience the
best of what LA has to offer.

I'm the owner of the ceramics studio, Throw Clay LA, which opened in January of 2020. We have grown in size to now occupy our entire 7500 square foot building on the corner of Olympic and Olive. I manage a team of about ten instructors and technicians who work to support the members and students that make up our clay community. I picked up ceramics as a hobby in 2012. After a 20 year career in the film and tv industry, I decided to switch gears and open Throw Clay LA.

With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of brands and independent hotels. Currently, I serve as the Complex Director of Sales and Marketing at the new Moxy + AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. This dual-hotel property boasts 727 guestrooms and an impressive array of 12 dining and entertainment options, including the vibrant Level 8, a collection of restaurants, bars, and lounges. My journey brought me to Los Angeles from New York City, where I managed a portfolio of Moxy Hotels, following my son to this dynamic city.

As the Senior Vice President of Operations at LA LIVE Properties LLC. I am responsible for leading the Tenant Operations, Engineering, Security, and Parking departments. I joined AEG in 2007 and during my 17 years at LA LIVE I have led the transition from construction to daily operations. Prior to joining the AEG team, I held various operational leadership positions at Universal Studios Hollywood and City Walk.

​​I'm the General Manager of The Belasco in South Park, Downtown LA & a National Brand Manager for Live Nation Clubs. My role nationally is to help venues establish themselves as a positive & locally relevant partner in their communities across the country through relevant brand development & community partnerships. I'm the day-to-day manager at The Belasco managing our own brand, booking calendar & approximately 150 part time & full time local employees.

Chris DeMoulin is a lifelong nerd whose 35-year business journey brought him fulltime to Los Angeles Comic Con in 2018. He started in advertising out of college, then moved to LA to work for Disney managing their licensing business in 1994. This being LA, after Disney Chris spent 6 years in the movie business, handling marketing and publicity for the company that made "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," "Ray," "Bridge to Terabithia" and other films grossing over $2B, then spent 10 years in the trade show business running events such as MAGIC and the Licensing Expo. Today he oversees the annual gathering of fans that is Los Angeles Comic Con, welcoming 125,000+ nerds to South Park every year to celebrate all things pop culture. Highlights -- getting to work with Stan Lee for 5 years, and meet all 4 hobbits at last year's Con.

My husband and I started Audiograph Beer together, it was his dream to open a brewery. It’s been four years since we first opened our doors in The Social District.

I'm Farmer Mark! I have the privilege of running the weekly South Park Farmers' Market on Saturdays. In a nutshell, I'm a banker turned small farmer. I grew up in the Midwest but ventured to UCLA for grad school. Shortly thereafter, I somewhat randomly found myself running a small tomato farm. Wearing the boots of a small farmer, I quickly became convinced that real, locally grown, food is the foundation for healthy living. My organization, Farm Habit, helps connect local farmers with local communities thru farmers' markets. Food is medicine! Come get it!

Alina Moran is the first Latina President and CEO of Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) in downtown Los Angeles. Under her leadership, CHMC gained national acclaim for patient safety and treatment of COPD, stroke, pneumonia, and heart failure. She led CHMC through the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for over 2,000 COVID-positive patients, ensuring staff safety, and maintaining critical services. Alina's vision includes a $215 million hospital expansion opening in 2024 to enhance equitable health care access to the most vulnerable patients. Alina's deep commitment to health equity and community engagement is rooted in her upbringing as the daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants.