Hollywood Boulevard’s New Pedestrian Plaza Opens Today

Los Angeles, CA · June 16, 2026

The marine layer is holding firm this morning, providing a cool start for the ribbon-cutting on Hollywood Boulevard. It is a good day to leave the car behind if you are heading toward the Walk of Fame.

📰 The Lead

The transformation of Hollywood Boulevard reaches a major milestone this morning as the city officially unveils the new pedestrian plaza and protected bike lanes between Orange Drive and Gower Street. Part of the "Access to Hollywood" initiative, the project has swapped a lane of vehicle traffic for wider walkways and dedicated space for cyclists. It is a significant shift for a stretch of road that has long prioritized cars over the millions of tourists and locals who navigate the area on foot. While the construction phase tested the patience of nearby shop owners, the addition of permanent outdoor dining areas and new shade trees aims to turn the corridor into a more linger-worthy destination. City officials will host a small ceremony at 10:00 AM near the Highland intersection to mark the completion of this phase.

🏙️ Local Pulse

  • Cool Roof Rebates Launch Today — Homeowners in the Valley can now apply for increased LADWP incentives to lower indoor temperatures.

  • Summer Meal Program Begins — LAUSD starts its annual free breakfast and lunch service at dozens of campuses for all local youth.

☁️ Today's Outlook

  • High 80°F · Low 60°F — Overcast
    • Keep the sunglasses handy; that gray sky usually breaks by lunchtime.

📅 What's On Around Town

  • Grand Performances: Midday Music — California Plaza, 12:00 PM Catch a free outdoor jazz set during your lunch break in DTLA.

  • Santa Monica: Sunset Yoga — Palisades Park, 6:30 PM Short drive for a donation-based flow overlooking the Pacific.

  • Moonlight Hike — Griffith Park, 7:00 PM Ranger-led trek to the summit for a view of the city lights.

  • The Moth StorySLAM — Los Globos, 7:30 PM Local storytellers compete with five-minute tales centered on the theme of "Transitions."

📸 Spotlight & Story

  • Philippe The Original
    • This Chinatown staple has been carving roast beef since 1908. While they claim to have invented the French Dip by accident when a sandwich fell into a roasting pan, the real secret is the house-made mustard—potent enough to clear your sinuses instantly.

Los Angeles Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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