Category: Los Angeles

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Los Angeles Weekend Events: Feb 7th – 9th

Ready to get in the mood for Oscar weekend? Head to the historic Roosevelt hotel to watch the ceremony live or take a tour around Quentin Tarantino’s 1960s vision of Hollywood. Or if the Academy Awards don’t appeal to you, consider taking in a play in Santa Monica or a cutting-edge art show in downtown L.A. Here’s our rundown of what’s happening this weekend in Los Angeles and the Westside.

FRIDAY, february 7th, 2020

Los Angeles Art Show

LOCATION: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles

With Los Angeles on the rise as a global player in the art world, the L.A. Art Show promises a senses-bending, multi-cultural experience with more than 120 galleries from around the world. Cutting-edge exhibitions range from painting, sculpture and photography to fashion, design and video, displayed across more than 200,000 square feet of space. All the works presented here by galleries are available to be purchased. For more information on the show, go HERE.

Saturday, february 8th, 2020

The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Tour

LOCATION: Pacific Cinerama Sunset, 6360 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

With Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood expected to stroll away with at least some Oscar gold at Sunday’s ceremony, now is your chance to follow in the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. This two-hour walking tour will guide you through the Hollywood of the film’s 1960s setting, highlighting such locations as Musso and Frank and the Vogue Theater. For details, go HERE.

DocuDay LA

LOCATION: Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills

Ahead of Sunday’s 92nd annual Academy Awards, DocuDay LA celebrates the feature and short documentaries nominated for the Oscars. Screenings run all day long, with each followed by a chance for audience members to engage with the filmmakers. For more information, go HERE.

Sunday, february 9th, 2020

Oscar Viewing Party at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

LOCATION:  Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles

What better place to watch the Academy Awards than the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where the first Oscars took place in 1929? The viewing party, which includes an open bar and four-course menu, is followed immediately by the after-party at Teddy’s featuring DJ Rick Trainor. And be sure to check out Tim Davis with the Jazz Symposium 19-piece Orchestra in the Roosevelt’s lobby. Find the details HERE.

Love in Bloom

LOCATION: Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4 St., Santa Monica

Santa Monica Playhouse presents this critically-acclaimed tribute to Shakespeare. With the cast of eight performers tackling more than 30 characters, Love in Bloom promises “fops and fairies, mistaken identity, romance, humor, and mind-boggling feats of verbal and physical legerdemain.” Find all the details HERE.

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LA Eats: Seafood

Considering we live next to the Pacific Ocean, it’s no surprise there are almost as many seafood choices in Los Angeles as there are fish in the ocean. From nautical-themed eateries that would do any buccaneer proud to fine dining establishments to a bounty of sushi bars, here are our picks for the top seafood restaurants you should check out. With this selection, you should have no problem finding the catch-of-the-day you desire.

Broad Street Oyster Company

23359 CA-1 Freeway #3874A, Malibu, CA

After years popping up in different locations, this L.A. favorite has settled into permanent Malibu digs. The lobster rolls, crammed with meat, are the signature dish, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, whether it’s one of the seafood towers (the “Standard” consists of a dozen oysters, chilled shrimp and live sea urchin) or such non-seafood options as the beach burger, boasting two patties of organic Niman Ranch beef.

Fishing with Dynamite

1148 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA

What this Manhattan Beach eatery lacks in size it makes up for in taste and style. Choose one of their “old school” dishes (New England clam chowder, black sea bass or battered cod, among them) or go “new school” (grilled octopus, Pacific rockfish ceviche or seared diver scallops, to name a few). For dessert, the key lime pie is a must.

Angler

8500 Beverly Boulevard, Suite 117, Los Angeles, CA

This restaurant prides itself on sourcing seafood from local waters, then cooking its dishes slowly in an open wood fire, per chef Joshua Skenes. From their raw bar, you can choose the big eye tuna, served with grilled tomato jelly, or the Pacific ruby fish with salted plum. Menu items fresh from the fireplace include a grilled red rockfish and a whole smoked trout, but the poached marbled flounder is not to be missed.

Son of a Gun

8370 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA

Drop into this eatery, located not far from the Beverly Center, for chilled or grilled peel-and-eat shrimp, linguine and clams, or the lobster BLT. For lunch, try the smoked Mahi dip with celery, radish, and crackers, the fish and chips with malt vinegar aioli, or the well-regarded shrimp toast.

L&E Oyster Bar

1637 Silver Lake Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

You come here, naturally, for the oysters. And for romance, you can’t do much better than this cozy Silver Lake location – there’s a casual lounge upstairs while the restaurant is downstairs. But even if you’re not in the mood for oysters, the mussels on chorizo toast is a delicious alternative, as is the fried oyster po’boy. Want to skip the seafood altogether? They have a cheeseburger, with remoulade, onion jam, and bacon.

C.O.D. Restaurant

8408 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA

If you were wondering, C.O.D stands for “Catch of the Day.” Owner and executive chef Marcus Kwan’s own upbringing in a Cantonese village informs his vision: marrying the culture of China’s fishing villages with California coastal cuisine. After a crab salad or the clam chowder, move onto the Halibut Carpaccio, the Truffle Uni Pasta with green nori linguini, or the Grilled Octopus Plate with bacon, scallion, and lemon zest. For dessert, you can’t miss the creme brulee.

 

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Home Tips: Moving in Together

The advice columnist Ann Landers once noted, “All marriages are happy, it’s the living together that’s tough.” Or to quote Bill Murray in Ghostbusters, “Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!” Of course, every relationship has its own dynamics. The challenges two people face when combining lives and households are uniquely theirs. That said, here are a few general tips for when the big move-in day comes. Shockingly, they might even end up bringing you closer together.

EMBRACE THE DOWNSIZING

Just accept it: some things are going to have to go. How to make that a positive experience? First, you can involve your partner in the decision-making process. Who knows? They might agree to put some things in storage if you are super-nice about it. As for the things that have to go? Donate them to charity, where they can do some good. But don’t be a push-over either. Decide on “must-haves” that are staying, no matter what. Make your stand.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER THE CLOSET

A little inventiveness can help defuse the potential conflicts that come with a shared closet. That’s especially important in small quarters. Divide the space equally, then use such organizational hacks as boxes and riders to store your clothes.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

Whether you call it a “man cave” or a “she shed,” we all need a place where we can decompress and escape the world – and everyone else in it. So plant your flag in the unfinished basement or the overgrown backyard or even in that spot by the window in the home office. Just don’t resent it when your partner tells you they want a corner to call their own, too.

MAXIMIZE SPACE

If you’re still feeling crammed after your mutual purging, deploy any number of tricks to make your living space seem more spacious than it is. These include hanging window treatments higher than the window frame, even to the ceiling. Decorate in light colors. And invest in furniture – ottomans, and benches, for example – that can double as clutter-concealing storage containers.

BUY STUFF TOGETHER

After you have both settled into your new living arrangements, take time to shop. Decide on items that appeal to both of you. Even small household items like blenders, toasters, and microwaves can define a shared personal style. For big-ticket items like appliances and living room furniture, go exploring online first before making any decision. The last thing you want to do is buy something you both (or worse, one of you) regrets later.

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Weekend Events: January 31st – February 2nd

In the mood for classic rock? A timeless crooner? Or puppies tossing a pigskin around? We have the bowls, the balls and the bashes you can check out, whether you’re in Los Angeles and the Westside or throughout the San Fernando, Conejo, and Santa Clarita Valleys.

Los Angeles and the Westside 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st, 2020

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

LOCATION: STAPLES Center

As Los Angeles and the world continues to mourn the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, the Lakers are set to take the court at Staples Center to host the Portland Trail Blazers. Expect an all-star tribute celebrating the NBA legend. For more information go HERE.

Slander

LOCATION: Shrine Expo Hall, 665 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles

Veteran DJs and dance music producers Derek Andersen and Scott Land a.k.a. Slander bring their unique sound, which inspired its own subgenre called “Heaven Trap,” to the Shrine Expo Hall. For ticket information go HERE.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 2020

Chinese New Year Festival

LOCATION: The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

Two days of festivities kick off Saturday and run through Sunday, marking the arrival of the Year of the Rat. Look for lion dancers, martial artists, and mask-changers among the events and activities set to celebrate Chinese music and culture. Most of the family-friendly fun will take place in and around the Huntington’s Chinese Garden. Details are HERE.

The Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival: Mike Epps, Sommore, Gary Owen, Lavell Crawford, Tommy Davidson

LOCATION: Microsoft Theater, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles

Comedian Mike Epps brings The Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival to LALive, leading an A-list line-up that includes Tommy Davidson and Sommore. Epps can currently be seen on Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name starring opposite Eddie Murphy. The streamer released his last stand-up special, Mike Epps: Only One Mike last year. For tickets, go HERE.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd, 2020

Tony Bennett

LOCATION: Terrace Theater – Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach

Will 93-year-old Tony Bennett ever retire? Considering the Grammy-winning jazz vocalist, who teamed with Lady Gaga in 2014 to produce the album Cheek to Cheek, has sold more than 10 million records over the past decade, why would he? Find tickets HERE.

Puppy Bowl

LOCATION: Common Space Brewery, 3411 W El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne

Ahead of Sunday’s match-up between the 49ers and the Chiefs, sign up your pup for the first annual Common Space Puppy Bowl. Two seven-dog teams will go head to head for this 30-minute long game. Kick-off is 12:15 p.m. The victorious team claims beer for their owners. To sign up your pup, go HERE.

Conejo Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st, 2020

You Can’t Take It With You

LOCATION: Conejo Players Theatre, 351 South Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks

This weekend marks the last chance to check out this production of the classic farce about the seemingly oddball Sycamore family and the much saner, and much more miserable, Kirby clan. The play won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. For more information, go HERE.

Saturday, february 1st, 2020

Conejo Valley Cars and Coffee

LOCATION: Old New York Deli & Bakery, 6209 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills

For the past five years, this informal gathering has been bringing together car buffs for hot coffee and hotter wheels. Admission is free. Things get started at 7 a.m. on the first and third Saturday of every month. It’s a can’t-miss for any classic car lover. Learn more HERE.

Malibu Hindu Temple Tour (Cultural and Foodie Tour)

LOCATION: Malibu Hindu Temple, 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Road, Calabasas

Will taking this tour of the magnificent Malibu Hindu Temple bring about inner peace? It’s not out of the question since, in addition to an exploration of the complex’s cultural and historical importance, it includes 10 minutes of meditation. For more information, go HERE.

sunday, february 2nd, 2020

First Sunday Electric Bike Ride

LOCATION: Pedego 101 Electric Bikes, 31332 Via Colinas Ste 107, Westlake Village

For Pedego owners or simply the e-bike curious, this monthly group ride takes participants for a scenic spin around Thousand Oaks, Hidden Valley, Agoura Hills, Malibou Lake, Oak Park and Westlake Village. Rental rates are $25 if you don’t have an electric bike of your own. If this is your first time, make sure to be at the shop by 2:30 p.m. For more information go HERE.

127, D&B Thousand Oaks – Big Game Watch Party 2020

LOCATION: Dave & Buster’s, 145 W Hillcrest Dr., 130 Thousand Oaks

If the screen in your home doesn’t feel like it will measure up to the Super Bowl, you might want to consider heading to Dave & Buster’s Thousand Oaks for Sunday’s game. A $46 VIP ticket puts you in a prime viewing spot, along with all-you-can-eat wings, among other extras. Learn more HERE.

San Fernando Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st, 2020

The Hollywood Show

LOCATION: Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, 2500 North Hollywood Way, Burbank

Drop in and have your photo taken with your favorite celebrity. Stars attending the first day of this two-day get-together between the famous and their followers include cast members from The Sopranos, Battlestar Galactica, Leave it to Beaver and Back to the Future, as well as X-Men actress Kelly Hu and Hollywood veteran Lorenzo Lamas. Learn more HERE.

Saturday, february 1st, 2020

Wine Blending Class

LOCATION: Urban Press Winery, 316 North San Fernando, Burbank

Stop pouring and start blending. This class offers any wine drinker the chance to become a wine maker. After students learn a little about the grape – including a tasting of individual blends – they will have the chance to put a cork in one to call their own. Learn more HERE.

Rob Scheider

LOCATION: Flappers Comedy Club, Burbank, 102 E Magnolia Blvd, Burbank

Saturday Night Live veteran, Emmy-winning comedy writer and Adam Sandler movie stalwart Rob Schneider (Grown Ups, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan) brings his stand-up act to the stage. The show gets under way at 9:30 p.m. For tickets, go HERE.

sunday, february 2nd, 2020

“Drink, Paint, Create”: Wine and Art Night

LOCATION: Jalapeno Pete’s, 11618 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City

The name says it all. Order a drink and pick up a brush. Two hours later, you’ll have a finished painting. They supply the wine, the art supplies and the instructions. Learn more HERE.

Sunday Runs

LOCATION: Wildflower Playfields, 635 W. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks

Fast or slow, the Thousand Oaks Racers welcome you to lace up. The only criteria? You’d like to have some friends to run with. And if you’ve never run before, or were injured, they will ensure you accelerate at your own safe speed. Expect the event, which kicks off at 7:30 a.m., to draw about two-dozen pairs of feet. Learn more HERE.

Santa Clarita Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st, 2020

Jefferson Starship

LOCATION: The Canyon Santa Clarita, 24201 West Valencia Blvd., #1351, Santa Clarita

You may have heard they built this city on rock and roll. Through the 1970s and ‘80s, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jefferson Starship, which began as Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s, enjoyed a string of gold albums, hit songs and global fame. Get tickets HERE.

saturday, february 1st, 2020

The Tree’s Dream

LOCATION: The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita

Presented by The Elephantoms Puppet Theater, The Tree’s Dream is a show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. For more information, go HERE.

Led Zepagain

LOCATION: The Canyon – Santa Clarita, Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 West Valencia Blvd., Suite 1351, Santa Clarita

If you never saw the real thing and Greta Van Fleet doesn’t measure up for you, tribute band Led Zepagain may be your stairway to classic rock heaven. Vocalist Swan Montgomery is Robert Plant, guitarist Anthony David Thymiakos is Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist Jim Wootten is John Paul Jones and drummer Derek Smith is John Bonham. Get tickets HERE.

sunday, february 2nd, 2020

Super Bowl Sunday Cook Off

LOCATION: Agua Dulce Winery 9640 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita

Bring your “go-to” appetizer to this annual Tailgating Appetizer Cook-Off. Hot dogs will be served aplenty. The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, go HERE.

Trapt

LOCATION: The Canyon Santa Clarita, 24201 West Valencia Blvd., #1351, Santa Clarita

Hard rockers Trapt, who broke through with their 2003 hit Headstrong, perform live. For tickets and more information, go HERE.

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Rodeo News: Syd Leibovitch Recognized in Swanepoel Power 200

The 2020 Swanepoel Power 200 list is out and Rodeo Realty’s President, Syd Leibovitch, is once again recognized. Year after year, Syd has been recognized as one of the most powerful people in the residential real estate brokerage industry.

Out of hundreds who were considered, Syd was one of 200 who made it onto the SP200 list.

“The SP200 is based on a great deal of research,” said Stefan Swanepoel, Editor-in-Chief of the Swanepoel Power 200. “We send hundreds of requests for additional information, personally verifying announcements, stats, and actions that took place over the past year.”

The 2020 SP200 ranks Syd Leibovitch at #113 among the 200 recognized.

“Leibovitch founded Rodeo Realty in 1986 and today heads it as one of the nation’s largest brokerages. The company has 12 offices across Los Angeles and Ventura counties with 1,223 agents who do over $4.9 billion in annual sales.” said the SP200.

 

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LA Eats: For Vegans and the Vegan-Curious

The plant is having a moment. From the Impossible Burger to Beyond Meat, plant-based protein is sweeping menus and diets alike – a trend expected to only grow in 2020. Fortunately for locals, Los Angeles, the Westside and the Valleys offer no shortage of delicious culinary options for long-time vegans and the vegan-curious alike.

Los Angeles and Westside

Un Solo Sol

1818 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 

This plant-based spot sits across from Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights. The atmosphere and downtown location are as flavorful as the food, which ranges from nopales salad and potato or chicken taquitos to the Mushroom and Cheese Pupusa Plate and fajitas with organic tofu. Plus, don’t forget the black beans and rice!

Green Table Cafe

5998 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 

Formerly known as Real Raw Vegan, this eatery specializes in vegan Italian dishes. Start off with one of their signature juices such as the Bella Vespa (orange, carrot, ginger, cayenne, lemon and aloe vera). Then bite into their B…Special Panini (sautéed baby mushrooms, red bell pepper, eggplant, olives, sliced avocado with in-house almond cream cheese and Thousand Island sauce) or a Spinach Artichoke Melt (vegan sausage, marinated artichoke hearts, vegan cream cheese, spinach, garlic and olive oil on a toasted garlic bun). In the mood for pasta? Lasagna options are eggplant, zucchini, cauliflower or polenta. Lastly, their plant-based dessert list includes banana nut muffins and oatmeal cranberry cookies.

Monty’s Good Burger

516 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 

Describing itself as “for carnivores who care about the environment,” Monty’s has locations in Echo Park (1533 W Sunset Blvd), Riverside (3605 Market St.) and this spot in Koreatown. Have your burger, featuring the plant-based Impossible patty, with shoestring fries or a chopped kale Caesar salad, then wash it down with an organic craft soda.

Seabirds Kitchen

975 E 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 

In 10 years, Seabirds has expanded from a food truck to three spots, including this Long Beach location. Sample a beer-battered avo taco (fried avocado, Seabirds sauce, cabbage, red onion, lime) before moving onto a Beets Me Burger (house-made shiitake, beet and chia patty) or the Jackfruit Nachos.

Pura Vita 

8274 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 

The first completely plant-based Italian restaurant in the country, Pura Vita marries New York City wine bar atmosphere with Southern Italian cuisine. Plant-based dishes range from the Giambotta (Calabrian vegetable stew, macadamia Parmigiano and grilled ciabatta) to the Caprese (house-made cashew mozzarella, heirloom tomato, basil, and balsamic reduction) to the Linguine di Mare (garlic white wine sauce, king oyster mushroom scallops, and toasted breadcrumbs).

San Fernando Valley

Vinh Loi Tofu

18625 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 

We could tell you what’s on the menu of this Vietnamese vegan eatery, but as customers know, owner Kevin Tran might as easily cook up something especially for you. Just tell him what you’re craving. For folks with trust issues, the menu offers such favorites as the Tofu Robot Soup.

Sun Cafe

10820 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 

They don’t just serve vegan dishes like the Zucchini Lasagna (zucchini slices layered with walnut pesto, spinach, cashew ricotta, SunChorizo, marinara, and cashew cheese) or the Tempeh Stir Fry (cauliflower, zucchini, bok choy, and carrots, in pineapple chili, teriyaki tempeh and lime juice), but they’ll teach you how to cook it yourself. A 90-minute vegan cooking class happens every Saturday morning at 9 a.m., except on some holidays. Cost is $40 at the door.

Follow Your Heart

21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA

What began in 1970 as a seven-seat, vegetarian food bar now offers both a full vegan menu and an SOS menu, which means “no Salt, no Oil, and no Sugar.” SOS selections range from the White Bean Kale Burger (patty made from kale, brown rice, white beans and oats) to the Super Green Pasta (zucchini noodles, served with steamed kale, spinach, broccoli, and white beans).

Conejo Valley

Norte-Sur Mexican Grill

2950 Johnson Drive, Ventura County, CA 

Located just off the 101 freeway in Ventura, Norte-Sur’s owners are as proud of their home-made salsas and Aguas Frescas as they are their Mexican vegan cuisine. Have a soft taco or sizzling fajita with their gluten-free vegan soyrizo, for example. Or order their vegan mole taquitos, rolled with mole-mashed potatoes, cabbage, and pico.

Hip Vegan

201 N. Montgomery Street, Ojai, CA

Expect fresh vegan cuisine and a laid-back atmosphere befitting Ojai. If you’re feeling like something light, there are wraps, sandwiches, bowls and salads. If you’re hungry for food that’s more filling, try the veggie pasta with garbanzo bean meatballs.

Karma Baker

1145 Lindero Canyon Road, Ste D3, Westlake Village, CA 

Skip the meal and go straight to organic, kosher, vegan and gluten-free desserts. Their not-so-guilty pleasures range from pastries and custom-made cakes to hot pockets and hand pies.

Santa Clarita 

Thai Chefs Restaurant

28014 Seco Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA

 

Thai Chefs owner has cooked traditional Thai cuisine for more than two decades, first at a restaurant in Thailand. This family-restaurant offers several vegan options for some of its most popular dishes, including the stir-fried chicken and yellow curry with coconut milk, potatoes, carrot, and onion.

Manoushee Mediterranean Restaurant

27131 Sierra Hwy #100, Santa Clarita, CA 

Among such traditional Mediterranean plates as shawarma are several vegan options. The Lebanese Hash Falafel, for example, features patata harra (or spicy potatoes) on lettuce and tomato, and your choice of protein. An extra portion of falafel can be substituted for the fried egg that usually tops the dish. If you have stew in mind, they have an Egyptian Fava Bean Stew served with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. And for dessert, try the vegan carrot cake.

Tomato Joe’s Pizza Express

27732 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, CA 

Hankering for a vegan pizza with a beer-battered crust? Tomato Joe’s provides no shortage of mix-and-match options. And if you’re not hungry for a slice, sample their vegan meatballs, with melted vegan mozzarella, and served with vegan garlic bread. Tomato Joe’s also has a second Santa Clarita location at 19167 Golden Valley Rd.

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Tech News: How AI Can Help Humanity

Whether it’s from watching humans being hunted by terminators or ensnared in the Matrix, many have been programmed to fear the machines of the future. And it’s not only science fiction creators sounding alarms. Most recently,  Google CEO Sundar Pichai issued a red alert, coming out in favor of strictly regulating the new technology. This echoes similar warnings from Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking.

But is AI really all doom and gloom? In fact, there are several ways in which AI could potentially benefit humanity, rather than harming or obliterating it. If you’re not exactly sure what AI is, it essentially describes machines that think and act as well as humans. Applied AI is already here, enabling Internet searches, for example. The next advancement is called artificial general intelligence, which will allow systems to do anything a person can do.

Before you despair that your phone will soon make you its pet, let’s break down some of the areas in which AI could improve all our lives.

Global Epidemics

During an outbreak, every second counts. Which makes AI uniquely suited to identifying hot zones and helping health officials get ahead of a virus. At the outset of the coronavirus crisis, for example, a Canadian monitoring platform, Bluedot, was the first to identify the outbreak, using an AI algorithm that scans news reports and airline ticketing data to track diseases. Bluedot had already predicted the location of the Zika outbreak in South Florida.

Medicine

The potential benefits are here obvious: faster and more accurate diagnosis, as well as more targeted medical treatment. AI may also bring medical knowledge and treatment to populations with limited access to health care. Currently, AI informs Radiosurgery, which helps surgeons operate on tumors without making an incision.

Quality of Life

AI can make life simpler and easier by freeing people from tedious tasks, say its proponents. As an example, they point to the financial sector and how AI applications have made banking faster and simpler for everyone.

Weather Forecasting

AI has been critical to climate forecasting and the area of Climate Informatics. And new data-powered models are helping forecasters track and identify severe storms more accurately before they strike.

Disaster response

In addition to improving and powering early-warning systems as well as identifying areas of vulnerability, AI algorithms can be used to simulate conditions, improving disaster preparation plans and leading to more effective, life-saving response strategies. This could prove especially useful in California, considering the threat of wildfires and earthquakes.

Exploration

As humans push further to explore not only hostile areas of our planet, but space itself, AI and robotics will be critical to traveling to environments where people can’t survive.

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Out and About: Oak Glen Edition

For urban dwellers ripe for a change of scenery, Oak Glen represents the perfect rural respite. Imagine orchards instead of freeways. Picture serene nature trails that remain gloriously unpaved. Nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, this small agricultural community offers an abundance of pleasures, ideal for a day trip. Or make it a few days. Complete with cider.

Morning

Riley’s Farm

This working apple orchard offers much more than the chance to pick your own fruit. It also stages educational historical tours, based on such events as the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Activities do vary depending on the season, and the farm is closed Sundays, so be sure to check their site ahead of time before firming up plans.

Oak Tree Village Oak Glen

Among the shops and vendors of this family destination is Apple Annie’s Restaurant, famed for its five-pound “Mile-High Apple Pie.” Additionally, there’s an animal park, a petting zoo (with baby animals for your kids to bottle feed), pony rides and trout ponds. Be sure to check out what seasonal events Oak Tree Village has available for families.

 Moms Country Orchards

Ten miles off the I-10, east of Redlands and Yucaipa and north of Beaumont and Cherry Valley, Moms Country Orchards is open year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day. On top of the produce, you can have your pick of its wide selection of honey, jellies, and jams.

Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden

Once you’ve sampled the local produce, you may be in the mood for a hike or picnic. Look no further than this 909-acre preserve, where you will find the Conservancy’s Southern California Montane Botanic Garden and Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center. Best of all: it’s open to the public, free of charge.

Afternoon

Greenspot Farm

Getting hitched for a hayride or for the rest of your life? In addition to offering everything from school tours to horseback riding lessons, Greenspot also bills itself as a perfect wedding venue. Depending on what time of the year you drop in, you can find a pumpkin patch and haunted hayride at Halloween or a tractor ride through a Christmas farm.

Yucaipa Regional Park

Boasting views of the San Bernardino Mountains, this park features fishing, water slides and activities that run year-round. The beach area is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, so be sure to check out their schedule for details if you’re planning ahead.

Parrish Pioneer Ranch

Open year-round, but closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December to August, Parrish Pioneer Ranch is another scenic mainstay. In addition to the picnic area, the main barn includes shops where you can browse for antiques, décor and even vintage toys.

Evening

Nostalgia Furniture and Decor

As you wind down from a day of nature trails and other activities, why not drop into this antique shop, located five miles from the Village at Oak Glen in the foothills community of Yucaipa? Known for its vintage home furnishings and décor, it’s sure to offer a discovery or two.

Yucaipa Performing Arts Center

Lastly, before you call it a day, consider taking in a show at the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center with its large outdoor stage. Located about five miles from the Village at Oak Glen, it’s close to restaurants and shops, potentially making for a perfect evening out with friends and family.

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Home Tips: Brighten The Mood During Winter

Just because residents of the Los Angeles and the Valley don’t have to winterize their homes against ice storms and nor’easters doesn’t mean the season can’t take a toll. For one thing, nothing saps the soul like shortened, grey days – especially when you’re accustomed to the blazing sun and blue skies. With a few weeks of winter left, here are some simple steps you can take around the home to keep winter gloom at bay as we all await brighter days ahead.

COLOR CORRECT

Switching up the palette of your home – from the walls and furniture to the window coverings and artwork – is a sure-fire way to jolt you out of a wintery-funk. Try coordinating the color of the space with its function. For example, add bright reds or yellows to active rooms like the kitchen. Conversely, warm tones of green or blue in the bedroom should soothe you to sleep.

LIGHTEN THINGS UP

When sunlight is spare, make sure you make the most of it. Ditch dark window coverings and blinds for clear, pale ones, keeping them open for as long as possible. And when night falls early, flip a switch. Make sure you have enough lamps and internal lighting to illuminate your surroundings. Just because it’s dark outside doesn’t mean you have to live in darkness.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

While decluttering always feels satisfying, don’t store away the things you love. Instead, display them in prominent places where they can bring into focus what you’re most proud of and what you’ve accomplished in life. Cherished memories and possessions with sentimental value can generate positive feelings as powerfully as unvarnished sunlight.

TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR

We all remember the question: “Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” But as a decorative choice, mirrors aren’t about vanity at all. Rather, they act to play tricks with light: reflecting what little there may be, as well as creating the illusion of greater space. You’d be surprised at how much brighter and bigger a room feels when you add a mirror to it.

EXPLORE WINDOWS

A little (or a lot of) glass cleaner can go a long way in illuminating your home. Wipe them down and watch the sunlight pour in without dirt, dust, and grime muddying the way.

POWER DOWN BEFORE YOU GO TO BED

Nothing makes you feel like you can tackle the world like a good night’s rest. One simple way to help you sleep? Keep the personal electronics out of the bedroom. (We said it was simple, not necessarily easy.) Embracing your sleeping space as a technology-free zone will let your mind unwind. And yes, that includes avoiding watching TV before your head hits the pillow.

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LA Eats: Local Pizza Places

A good slice of pizza is a powerful thing. May that be one slice of five slices, pizza is your friend. It is important to support local restaurants and businesses as a way to feed into your local economy. Check out our round-up of our favorite pizza places throughout Los Angeles and the Valley.

Los Angeles

Numero Uno Pizza

5044 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

They specialize in Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza & Classic New York Style Thin Crust Pizza. They are also known for their Chicken Wings and Large Salads. Numero Uno Pizza was founded in 1973 with its first store in Northridge, CA. The company features a casual dining restaurant famous for its deep-dish pizza with its unique flavored crust and savory sauce.

All’ Angolo

4050 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA

Small, but charming restaurant serving northern Italian pizza, pasta & salads. Don’t let the size or location put you off; these guys are serving up some great Italian food. Simple ingredients with great taste. They have a small but complete menu of apps, salads (a soup d’ jour), pasta and pizzas; and don’t forget the daily blackboard specials.

Gracie’s Pizza

4330 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Opened in the Summer of 2016 with the goal of creating a true New York-style neighborhood joint. They create meals from scratch; with love, integrity, and pride.  Their focus is to give back in a measurable way to their tightly knit block at Heliotrope and Melrose.

Westside

LA MORRA PIZZERIA

5125 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

These Neapolitan-style pizzas are made in a handmade oven by Zach Swemle & Marlee Blodgett, built especially for the ingredients of a Neapolitan pizza. La Morra’s simple and ingredient-driven Italian cooking and impressive crusts are offered weekly at the wine bar Tabula Rasa.

VITO’S PIZZA

846 N LA Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Vito’s Pizza is a local favorite. Their east coast inspired pies, perfectly crafted dough, and tomato sauce has its patrons traveling to all three of its Los Angeles locations. The pizza is ultra-thin, with a crisp underside and a good, chewy crust, and you can order by the slice. Vegetarians will appreciate the combination of fresh spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli with mild ricotta cheese.

Pizzeria il Fico

310 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Sleek, rustic-chic Italian eatery specializing in dishes from Puglia, with an extensive wine list. Despite the name, Il Fico is not strictly a pizzeria, it also turns out some Apulia-accented antipasti and most especially pasta dishes. At Vincenti, Mastronardi does the whole “elegantissimo” thing with an ambitious menu and polished and subtle cooking.

Valley

Chi-Chi’s Pizza

9080 Tampa Avenue, Northridge, CA

Local pizza chain for custom-made pies, plus pasta, antipasti & more in a casual, no-frills space. Great local spot for pizza at a reasonable price. Do yourself a favor, once you have had your Italian/Pizza fix,  try the Golden Pressure Fried Chicken and Golden Potatoes. The salads and dressings will please also.

LBK Pizzeria

359 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA

At this Studio City outpost, there’s no place to sit inside, where the line to order pizza is endless. But there are some very pleasant picnic tables in front, making a fine pie on Tujunga Avenue a very pleasurable family experience.

Pasadena Pizza Co.

336 N. Allen Avenue, Pasadena, CA

You get a choice of thick crust, thin crust and gluten-free at Pasadena Pizza Co. The pies are big, and even bigger. The toppings are many, but mostly classic, except maybe for the ones with pastrami and with Alfredo sauce. While you’re waiting, there are video games, and pinball machines, which take me back to my misspent youth.

Lamppost Pizza

1145 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA

Lamppost Pizza offers great food, a friendly approach and a family-oriented atmosphere. Their community involvement includes being a proud supporter of the many youth athletic leagues in the area. Their team pizza parties are popular with all ages and sports. Bring your kids and family if you are local and are looking for tasty pizza!

Toppers Pizza

18417 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA

Family-friendly pizzeria chain known for unusual toppings & dough made daily. Toppers Pizza Place has been the winner of Best Pizza Category for both East and West Ventura County Every Year this Century! If you are in the area, come and experience great pizza.

 

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