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Our Favorite SoCal Cheese Shops | LA Eats

Do you have an affinity for cheese and are in search of premium, flavorful varieties for your charcuterie arrangements, gourmet platters, or custom-made burgers? If so, fortune is on your side! Southern California is home to numerous renowned cheese stores. These neighborhood gems offer a wide array of palate-approved and meticulously selected cheeses guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s a list of cheese shops you won’t want to miss:

1. DTLA Cheese – Downtown L.A

Nestled in the vibrant Grand Central Market, DTLA Cheese is the brainchild of sisters Lydia and Marnie Clarke, who also own the Cheese Cave in Claremont. This shop, boasting a collection of over 100 cheese varieties, is more than equipped to address any cheese-related inquiries you may have. Their cut-to-order cheese counter doubles as a dining spot, featuring a kitchen with a lunch menu that includes items like avocado and herbed ricotta toast.

2. Wally’s Cheese Shops

At Wally’s cheese emporiums, a vast array of cheese and charcuterie awaits, catering to all your gourmet desires. When it comes to cheese shops, Wally’s is well-versed in the backstory of each cheese, boasting an impressive collection that includes elusive varieties. Noteworthy highlights include cheeses made from Buffalo milk and Andante’s Rondo, a unique blend of cow and goat’s milk. Additionally, they offer an array of gourmet accompaniments like sweet pistachio butter and wines to perfect your cheese board experience.

3. Vromage – West Hollywood

What makes Vromage stand out? As L.A’s singular vegan cheese shop, Vromage brings to the table an extensive range of expertly aged, plant-based cheeses, crafted from nuts and seeds. But that’s not all! Youssef Fakhouri, the shop’s owner, extends his vegan cheese expertise to an array of salads, gluten-free sandwiches, and Crunch Pizzas, all featuring his signature vegan cheese.

4. Andrew’s Cheese Shop – Santa Monica

Andrew Steiner, a passionate connoisseur, owns this store brimming with artisanal cheeses and impeccably curated accompaniments. These include house-made jams, spreads, tapenades, and roasted macadamia nuts. The shop keeps things fresh and intriguing for local cheese enthusiasts with rotating multi-course menus and chic events like the beloved grilled cheese and beer night. Don’t forget to visit their website for a comprehensive list of available cheeses and their descriptions, as well as information on their cheese classes.

5. Artisan Cheese and Wine – Studio City

Located in Studio City, this abundant cheese and wine shop is renowned for its notable selection of delectable cheeses, perfect for social gatherings or picnic outings. They also dish out freshly-prepared sandwiches and soups, made using top-tier domestic and imported cheeses and often garnished with in-house pestos, aioli, and dressings. In addition to their acclaimed ‘fondue for two’ served on Friday and Saturday evenings, this place also serves as an ideal spot for a relaxing Sunday brunch with friends.

6. Cheese Mongers of Sherman Oaks

Operating from Thursday to Sunday, this cheese shop delivers an array of meticulously chosen artisan cheeses from across the globe. In addition to cheese, the shop showcases an enticing array of robust charcuterie assortment featuring prosciutto, pâté, and more. Other cheese-compatible sidekicks, like pepper pickles and olives, are skillfully incorporated into their famous picnic boards. The proprietors also offer a constantly changing lineup of courses and a cheese club. Members get a taste of top-picked cheeses each month.

7. Gourmet Cheese Shop– Thousand Oaks

Gourmet cheese shop presents a vast selection of cheeses from various corners of the globe. The friendly staff is always eager to provide suggestions and assist you in discovering your ultimate cheese preference.

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Organic Pest Control for Your Summer Garden | Home Tips

Summer is synonymous with blooming gardens, ripe fruits, and verdant foliage. However, it’s also the season when pests can become a problem, damaging your plants and dampening your gardening enthusiasm. But fear not; nature has its own way of handling these pesky invaders. In this blog, we will focus on organic pest control methods for your summer garden that are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.

Organic Pest Control

1. Use Beneficial Insects and Animals

Encouraging beneficial insects and other creatures in your garden is a great way to control pests.

  • Ladybugs, spiders, and praying mantises are excellent at controlling aphids and other harmful insects.
  • Birds can be a great help in controlling pests like slugs, caterpillars, and beetles. Install a bird feeder or a birdbath to attract them.
  • Frogs and toads are valuable allies, too, consuming large quantities of insects. If you have a pond, you’re likely to attract these helpful creatures.

2. Companion Planting

Some plants have the natural ability to repel certain pests. Planting these alongside your vegetables and flowers can help protect them.

  • Marigolds are known to repel nematodes, beetles, and even rabbits.
  • Basil can deter flies and mosquitoes.
  • Garlic and onions can help repel several pests, including slugs and aphids.

3. Homemade Pest Sprays

You can create organic pest sprays using common household ingredients.

  • A mixture of 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 cup of vegetable oil can be diluted with water and sprayed on plants to deter a range of insects.
  • Chili or garlic spray is very effective against pests like ants, aphids, and beetles.

4. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic powder made from crushed fossilized algae (diatoms). Sprinkle it around your garden to control pests like slugs, beetles, and cockroaches. It’s safe for humans and pets but deadly to insects with exoskeletons.

5. Crop Rotation and Diversity

Planting the same crop in the same place each year can attract certain pests. Rotate your crops annually to prevent this. Additionally, planting a diversity of crops can confuse pests and make your garden less susceptible to massive invasions.

6. Regular Garden Maintenance

Keeping your garden clean and tidy can go a long way in preventing pests. Remove dead leaves, twigs, and rotten fruits that can attract pests. Regularly check your plants for early signs of infestation.

7. Use Barriers and Traps for Pest

Use netting to protect your plants from birds and larger insects. You can also use beer or yeast traps for slugs and snails. Pheromone traps can help with pests like moths.

While these organic methods are safer alternatives to chemical pesticides, they require patience and regular application. Remember, the goal is not to create an entirely pest-free garden—some pests are essential for a healthy ecosystem. Instead, aim for a balanced environment where pests are kept at manageable levels. Happy gardening!

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From the PS5 to Horizon World Updates and More! | Tech News

Stay in the loop with the buzzing world of tech by diving into our weekly tech news wrap-up. Instead of scouring the vast depths of the internet, we’ve got you covered with all the latest updates in the tech industry. Delve into the exciting developments taking place in the tech world, from PS5 to Horizon World Updates and more!

Microsoft Trials Enhanced Windows Ink: Write Anywhere You Type

Microsoft is releasing a new Windows 11 preview build for Insiders in the Dev Channel, introducing a feature that allows users to write directly into fields across the operating system. Previously, handwriting-to-text conversion was limited to specific software or handwritten text recognition boxes. The new Ink feature offers improved text recognition from handwriting and a scratch-out gesture for easy error correction. Although currently available only for US English, Microsoft plans to expand support to other languages. Additionally, for Windows 11 users outside of the preview channel, the recent Patch Tuesday update brings various enhancements, including updated Widgets Board layouts, Bluetooth LE support, smart 2FA code recognition in notifications, USB4 settings, and animated taskbar weather icons.

Meta Enhances Horizon Worlds with Public Text-Based Chat

Meta is introducing a public, text-based social feature called “world chat” to its Horizon Worlds VR platform. Similar to multiplayer games like World of Warcraft, this feature enables users to send messages to others within the same world session. Meta is currently rolling out world chat to a limited number of users, with plans to expand its availability later this summer. Users can view profiles, invite others to connect, and mention specific users with the “@” symbol. Quick replies will also be available to facilitate easier communication. These additions may be in preparation for web and mobile support, which Meta previously announced was in development and expected to be released soon. The upcoming Connect event on September 27th may provide further details on these developments, including the anticipated release of the Quest 3 VR headset.

Sony Begins Testing Cloud Streaming of PS5 Games

Sony has initiated testing of cloud streaming for PlayStation 5 (PS5) games. The company plans to introduce this feature to its PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. With the cloud streaming capability, users will no longer need to download games to their consoles in order to stream them to other devices. Presently, Sony supports streaming PS5 games to PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android devices, but users must utilize their PS5 as the host to download and stream titles to other devices. Nick Maguire, VP of global services, global sales, and business operations at Sony Interactive Entertainment, has confirmed that cloud game streaming for supported PS5 titles will be accessible directly on the PS5 console once the feature launches.

Google Shopping Introduces AI-Driven Clothing Modeling for Different Body Types

Google is introducing new features to enhance the online shopping experience, specifically focusing on clothing searches. Users in the US can now access a virtual try-on experience through Google Shopping, allowing them to see how clothing items will look on a diverse range of real human models with varying body types, skin tones, ethnicities, and hair types. Initially, this feature is available for women’s tops from brands like H&M, Anthropologie, Everlane, and Loft, with plans to expand to men’s tops and other apparel later on. The aim is to provide shoppers with a more accurate visualization of how the clothing will look on their bodies, reducing disappointment and improving representation. According to Google’s shopping data, a significant number of online shoppers (59%) have experienced disappointment with clothing purchases due to unrealistic expectations, while many (42%) feel underrepresented by existing online clothing models.

EcoFlow Makes Solar Power Accessible to All Homes, Including Apartments and Rentals

EcoFlow introduces PowerStream and PowerOcean, innovative solar solutions designed to cater to both homeowners and renters, providing energy cost reduction and emergency backup power. These systems are particularly valuable in the face of increasing climate change-related extreme weather events. While EcoFlow has already served the US market, these specific solutions are currently available exclusively in Europe. PowerStream stands out as the world’s first balcony solar system with a portable battery, empowering apartment dwellers and renters to harness solar energy and reduce their reliance on the grid. The rising popularity of balcony solar installations in Europe addresses the need for energy independence and cost management.

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Weekend Events | June 15 – June 17

Enjoy all that the weekend has to offer. From film screenings to wine festivals, there are many happenings this June. Check out the top events happening locally this June 15 through June 17. 

Los Angeles Weekend Events | June 15 – June 17 

Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

When: Until July 29 

Where: Chinatown 

What: The arrival of summer in L.A. is marked by the highly anticipated cemetery screenings at Hollywood Forever, attracting crowds of movie enthusiasts who come prepared with folding chairs, picnic blankets, delectable snacks, and plenty of drinks. These outdoor screenings have become a cherished tradition, offering a quintessential summer experience and ranking among the city’s finest film venues.

Roaring Nights at the L.A. Zoo

When: June 16 

Where: L.A. Zoo 

What: Experience the zoo in a completely different way with this exclusive after-hours exploration series. Back for one night only, this event features ’80s cover bands and a silent disco that will transport you to another era.

‘Asteroid City’ Experience

When: June 15 – June 30

Where: Landmark Theatres Sunset

What: Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Wes Anderson’s latest film, a clever, insightful, and emotionally stirring sci-fi masterpiece. Step into the screening event, where you can enter a meticulously recreated version of the film’s fictional desert town from the 1950s.

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | June 15 – June 17

Bloomsday

When: June 16

Where: Hammer Museum | Westwood

What: Come together with fellow literature enthusiasts to celebrate one of the most renowned days in literary history. Don’t miss Bloomsday, the setting of James Joyce’s masterpiece, Ulysses. At the Hammer, immerse yourself in the spirit of Joyce as you enjoy lively Irish music and indulge in pours of Guinness. Experience a captivating dramatic reading of some of the novel’s most provocative and controversial passages that shed light on why it faced a ban for a period.

Poolside Cinema at the Fairmont Miramar

When: Until Sept 3

Where: Fairmont Miramar

What: During the summer, on specific Saturdays and every Sunday at sunset, the Fairmont Miramar offers a delightful experience for both hotel guests and visitors. Prepare yourself for a family-friendly movie night by slipping into something waterproof and heading to the hotel’s luxurious pool area in Santa Monica. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a film while surrounded by the hotel’s enchanting ambiance.

Off the 405

When: Until August 26 

Where: Westside

What: Experience stunning hilltop sunsets and live music at the Getty’s free Saturday shows, starting with SPELLING. Arrive after 3 pm for lower parking fees, early exhibit visits, and beating the dinner rush!

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | June 15 – June 17

Juneteenth Community Celebration

When: June 17, 2023

Where: Pierce College

What: Get ready for an incredible time filled with joy, thrills, and entertainment at the Juneteenth Community Celebration. Enjoy live music, engaging games, various activities, prestigious awards, and talented performers, and explore our bustling marketplace featuring over 60 vendors.

When Art Takes Flight – Community Plane Painting

When: June 17

Where: Signature Flight Support VNY East – Van Nuys Airport

What: Not many people can say they have hung out on the ramp of an airport and painted a plane, especially one that will be on permanent display in their city. Create a lasting testimony to what is possible when youth and their community come together to dream for community plane painting.

Grand Views: The Immersive World of Panoramas

When: Glendale

Where: Until September 10 

What: Experience the enchanting union of L.A.’s unique Velaslavasay Panorama and Glendale’s Forest Lawn Museum as they present an exhibition of striking large-scale paintings. This immersive display is categorized into three sections: the early history of panoramas, crucifixion panoramas, and panoramas representing Hollywood and Los Angeles.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | June 15 – June 17

Conejo Valley Days Carnival 

When: June 16

Where: Conejo Creek Park South

What: Experience the ultimate fun-filled event featuring 16+ thrilling carnival rides, exciting midway games, live entertainment, mouthwatering fair food, and a fantastic variety of vendors. Get your ride tickets in advance on the Conejo Valley Days website or grab them onsite (cash only, ATMs available). Join us for a day of pure enjoyment and create unforgettable memories!

Ojai Wine Festival at Lake Casitas

When: June 17 

Where: Lake Casitas Recreation Area

What: Join us at the 35th Annual Ojai Wine Festival, Ventura County’s longest-running wine festival. With stunning views of Lake Casitas, indulge in award-winning wines, craft beers, spirits, ciders, kombucha, and spiked seltzers. Cheers to a memorable event!

Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor

When: June 18 

Where: Channel Islands Harbor

What: The Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor on Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 10 am to 3 pm will feature an eclectic mix of custom cars, hot rods, low riders, motorcycles, and classics. It is the perfect day to show off your rides and reconnect with friends and family. Also on hand will be food trucks, a raffle, music, and numerous vendors.

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Top Summer Spots to Dine | LA Eats

With the arrival of summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore new dining establishments or revisit old favorites. In this week’s blog, we’ve compiled our top summer spots, ensuring you have a delightful and scrumptious experience.

LOS ANGELES SUMMER SPOTS

Mes Amis

Location: Hollywood

Enjoy an exquisite lineup of courses at the French cuisine restaurant Mes Amis. When it comes to new summer restaurants to check out Mes Amis does not disappoint. From raw bar towers to duck pate en croute, the food is decadent and delicious!

Bagel + Slice

Location: Highland Park

Head to Highland Park for all-day bagels, New York-style pizzas, and more at Bagel + Slice. You can expect tasty and healthy options at this enjoyable spot by Chef Bradford Kent. Bonus: The restaurant is committed to social, environmental, and financial sustainability.

Pijja Palace

Location: Silver Lake

Pizzas, pasta, and wings with a desi twist are what you’ll fund at one of Silver Lakes’ new summer restaurants to try. Pijja Palace is an Indian sports bar with 13 flatscreen televisions and a menu packed with gourmet goodness. From okra fries layered with chile powder to chicken wings dusted with Kashmiri red chile, you’ll be considering Pijja Palace your new game-day spot.

 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES SUMMER SPOTS

Outer Reef

Location: Dana Point

James Beard Foundation nominee Chef John Tesar brings coastal fare to Dana Point with stellar views. Outer Reef is located inside the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and makes for an ideal summer restaurant spot. Enjoy options like spot prawn ramen, black cod Milanese and more!

Fig Restaurant

Location: Downtown Santa Monica

Head over to the Fairmont Miramar Hotel for fresh summer bites to delight the senses. Fig offers an array of delicious options, all while sitting seaside. Need we say more?

Ryla

Location: Hermosa Beach

With a split between casual bar seating with and izakaya-esque dining, Ryla makes for an ideal stop for lunch or dinner. From Chefs Ray Hayashi and Cynthia Hetlinger enjoy dishes like fluke sashimi and uni-topped agedashi tofu. In addition, there are also options like Peads and Barnett tonkatsu and glazed New York strip steak.

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SUMMER SPOTS

Pizzana

Location: Sherman Oaks

No Stranger to Los Angeles, Brentwoods famed Pizzana has set up shop in Sherman Oaks. The Michelin Bib Gourmand award recipient restaurant dishes out some of the best pizzas in town, making it a must-try. Likewise, enjoy Naples-inspired pizza pies like the neo-Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di latte imported from Italy.

The Original Hawowshi

Location: Various locations throughout SFV

While this is not necessarily a restaurant, it is a pop-up worth popping in for. The Original Hawowshi serves up traditional Egyptian street food in varying locations throughout the valley. Likewise, you can also secure your own meal from the popular pop-up at its private residence location, but reservations are required.

Tel Aviv Fish Grill

Location: Tarzana

Another oldie but goodie, Tel Aviv Fish Grill, lands on the new summer restaurants list because of its recent expansion. For Israeli cuisine, none quite compares to Tel Aviv Fish Grill with staples like shakshuka and Israeli salad. In addition, we also recommend treating yourself to the branzino, served with pickled lemon and a buttery sauce with a spicy kick. 

 

CONEJO VALLEY SUMMER SPOTS

E+ Mon

Location: Westlake Village

While E+ Mon may not be new to the neighborhood, it’s certainly a local favorite worth mentioning. At E+ Mon, you’ll find high-quality sushi options like the premium nigiri sampler that makes for a satisfying meal. The sample includes seared toro topped with caviar along with the day’s freshest cuts like nodoguro and kinmedai. In addition, there are tempura and appetizers like aged miso eggplant and takoyaki round out the menu.

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato

Location: Agoura Hills

For a sweet treat in Agoura Hills, Tifa Chocolate & Gelato is a true delight. This franchise started in the Agoura Hills neighborhood and remains a staple. Tempt your tastebuds with scoops of goodness like the creamy whisky gelato or affogato, where the gelato is drenched in hot drinking chocolate.

Tabu Shabu

Location: Thousand Oaks

Traditional Japanese hot plate Tabu Shabu brings together savory flavors, premium thin meats, homemade sauces, and a modern vibe. Founded in 2012 by Jeff Chon, Tabu Shabu was created during a quest for quality Asian cuisine with carefully sourced ingredients.

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From Oura Ring Updates to Google Meet and More | Tech News

When the week winds down, it is time to wind back up with the latest in tech and media news. From Oura Ring Updates to Google Meet and more, we have you covered in this week’s headlines. Read on for our round-up of tech news to know.

Sharing Sleep Scores with Friends: New Feature for Oura Ring Users

Oura, the company behind the smart sleep tracking ring, is launching a new community feature named “Circles”. This allows users to form private groups where they can share their sleep, activity, and readiness scores from the previous two weeks. Alongside this, Oura is also rolling out its new sleep staging algorithm for iOS and Android, bringing it out of beta. Within these Circles, users have control over what data they share and can decide if other members see their daily scores or just weekly averages, thus customizing their privacy and engagement with the community.

The Latest Update of Google Meet Enhances the Functionality of Picture-in-Picture Mode

Google has unveiled an update for its Meet video conferencing software aimed at enhancing its picture-in-picture mode’s functionality. The update will allow users to utilize crucial Meet controls like raising a hand, contributing to text chat, and managing captions, all from the picture-in-picture view. The window can now be resized more flexibly and will sit above other desktop windows, enabling multitasking. The new features, which significantly improve upon the existing options, will roll out over the next couple of weeks via the Chrome browser.

Adobe Makes Its Firefly Generative AI Model Available to Businesses

Adobe has announced the introduction of a new platform, Adobe Firefly for Enterprise, during the Adobe Summit event. This platform enables all employees within a business, regardless of creative ability, to generate images or copy from text-based descriptions for various purposes, such as marketing campaigns and corporate presentations. Users can access Firefly through different Adobe applications or integrate it into their own business ecosystems by training the AI with their branded assets. According to David Wadhwani, president of the digital media business at Adobe, this offering addresses the growing content demands and helps users swiftly convert ideas into content while ensuring brand consistency.

Apple’s Vision Pro Represents the Retina Display Breakthrough for Headsets

Apple’s groundbreaking headset, the Vision Pro, was recently unveiled at its Cupertino headquarters. The headset features dual MicroOLED panels, offering a superior 4K display for each eye, far surpassing the competition. In collaboration with Zeiss, Apple has designed prescription inserts for vision correction, ensuring user comfort. The personalized setup process involves a face and ear scan with an iPhone, ensuring optimal fit and comfort.

Enhanced iPad Support and Shortcuts Integration Arrive on iOS for ChatGPT

OpenAI is enhancing its ChatGPT app for iPad. The new update allows the application to utilize the tablet’s screen fully. This update introduces full-screen support, replacing the previous iPhone-sized app display when used on an iPad. In addition to the improved interface, the update brings drag-and-drop functionality. The update also enables messages to be moved from the chat interface into other applications. Furthermore, OpenAI has integrated Siri support and Apple’s Shortcuts feature, allowing users to initiate a new chat via a Shortcuts query and integrate it into Apple’s automation system.

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Weekend Events | June 9 – June 11

The weekend has arrived, and so has our weekly round-up of fun! Check out what’s happening locally from June 9 through June 11 in your neighborhood. Read on below for this week’s top events from around town.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | June 9 – June 11 

LA Pride

When: June 11 

Where: Various locations

What: L.A. Pride, a renowned pride event, draws large crowds to its festive atmosphere, featuring a parade in Hollywood and a music festival near Chinatown, with vibrant performances by divas, drag queens, and DJs. The event’s recent relocation has expanded its reach and continues to offer a lively celebration of diversity and LGBTQ+ pride.

Wayfinding

When: Until September 10

Where: Miracle Mile

What: The third biennial, focused on how artists are expanding the limits of clay art, is presented by L.A.’s unique public exhibition space dedicated to contemporary craft and community-oriented folk art. The exhibition showcases the work of 14 artists who innovatively connect the intrinsic qualities of clay to elements of land and water.

Melrose Rooftop Theatre

When: Until June 30 

Where: E.P. & L.P.

What: E.P. & L.P., a trendy restaurant and rooftop bar in West Hollywood, offers more than just modern American cuisine and artisanal cocktails. The venue also accommodates the Melrose Rooftop Theatre, an outdoor film series that operates for most of the year. These screenings take place on the rooftop area connected to its al fresco bar, L.P.

 

Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | June 9 – June 11 

Dawoud Bey & Carrie Mae Weems: In Dialogue

When: Until July 9

Where: The Getty Center | Westside 

What: This traveling photography exhibit showcases four decades of creative collaboration between Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems. Having first crossed paths in Harlem during the 1970s, the duo has maintained a strong friendship while exploring common themes of race, power, and representation in their work, centered around the Black community.

Off the 405

When: Until August 26 

Where: Westside

What: Experience stunning hilltop sunsets and live music at the Getty’s free Saturday shows, starting with SPELLING. Arrive after 3 pm for lower parking fees, early exhibit visits, and beating the dinner rush!

Outdoor Movies at the Skirball

When: June 9 – July 7 

Where: The Getty Center | Westside 

What: Enjoy open-air movie screenings in the courtyard of the Skirball Cultural Center, featuring a showing of “Roman Holiday” on Friday, which complements the museum’s exhibition on the Hollywood Red Scare and the Blacklist era. Immerse yourself in the magic of cinema while exploring the historical context of this captivating period in Hollywood history.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | June 9 – June 11 

Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo

When: June 10

Where: Woodland Hills

What: The 2023 Golden Future 50+ Expo –San Fernando Valley Edition is taking place on Saturday, June 10th, from 9 am – 1:30 pm at the Hilton Woodland Hills Hotel (located at 6360 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367). It will display the most exciting and comprehensive range of products and services related to aging, retirement, and improved lifestyle.

Ali Wong

When: Until June 16

Where: Thousand Oaks

What: Experience the verbal fury and fearless humor of Ali Wong, known for her breakout 2016 Netflix special ‘Baby Cobra’, in this upcoming comedy show!

Grand Views: The Immersive World of Panoramas

When: Glendale

Where: Until September 10 

What: Experience the enchanting union of L.A.’s unique Velaslavasay Panorama and Glendale’s Forest Lawn Museum as they present an exhibition of striking large-scale paintings. This immersive display is categorized into three sections: the early history of panoramas, crucifixion panoramas, and panoramas representing Hollywood and Los Angeles.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | June 9 – June 11

Thousand Oaks Pop-Up Arts & Music Fest – Oakbrook Park

When: June 9 

Where: Thousand Oaks

What: The festival this year will feature ten free events over five weekends from June 2- July 1, 2023. In partnership with local arts organizations, the festival will include local and regional artistic talent, in addition to nationally recognized performing artists. Events are free and open to all.

Summerfest BBQ at The Commons at Calabasas

When: June 10 

Where: The Commons at Calabasas

What: The Commons at Calabasas kicks off its silver anniversary celebration with a Summerfest BBQ on Saturday. Community members are invited to enjoy a live performance by country music artist Sophia Dion and savory bites. The ticketed event will include a beer and wine garden for adults and face painting, balloon artists, photo moments, a fire truck, and more!

Cancer Support Community Hope Walk

When: June 10 

Where: 60 W Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks

What: The 5K Hope Walk is a family-friendly community event that promotes awareness and education about cancer while raising critical funds in support of CSCVVSB’s mission to ensure that all people are impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by the community. Music, a booth, food trucks, and kids’ activity tables will also be on-site.

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From the Meta Quest 3 to EA’s Nike Collab and More! | Tech News

There is a lot of buzz in the world of tech, so it’s important to stay connected. Rather than search the world wide web, we have you covered with our weekly tech news wrap-up. Read on for the latest in tech from the Meta Quest 3 to Ea’s Nike Collab and More! 

Polestar’s Newest Software Update Brings YouTube and Enhanced Apple CarPlay 

Polestar’s recent software update, P2.9, brings enhanced in-car entertainment to Polestar 2 owners with the introduction of YouTube, allowing for streaming videos while the vehicle charges. This marks a significant step as YouTube wasn’t previously included in the native Android OS used by automakers like Polestar. Additionally, the update expands Apple CarPlay functionality, including a notable feature to project Apple Maps onto the instrument cluster, hinting at Apple’s future CarPlay version with multi-display support. This update, Polestar’s 15th over-the-air (OTA) upgrade since 2020, underlines the growing trend of automakers relying on OTA updates to enrich infotainment controls in the era of connected cars.

Meta Unveils Quest 3 VR Headset Priced at $499.99

Meta has officially introduced its Quest 3 VR headset, set to be released this fall. The 128GB model, priced at $499.99, boasts a lighter design and superior graphics performance due to a new Snapdragon chip. Furthermore, the headset is compatible with games from the previous model, Quest 2. Interestingly, Meta also announced a price reduction for Quest 2, making it more affordable. The tech giant additionally revealed an impending software update to enhance CPU and GPU performance and enable Dynamic Resolution Scaling for the Quest 2 and the Quest Pro. This announcement comes as we anticipate Apple’s mixed reality headset reveal and a showcase for Meta’s VR platform games.

Your Web Browser is on the Verge of an AI Revolution

AI assistants are rapidly becoming a revolutionary addition to web browsers, potentially reshaping how users interact with web content. SigmaOS, a company focused on productivity, is among the trailblazers with its newly launched AI assistant, Airis. Integrated across the browser, Airis allows users to query webpages by highlighting a term or phrase and seeking explanations within the page’s context. This new tool could fundamentally transform browsing experiences, enabling webpages to be more interactive and tailored to individual needs.

EA Sports Collaborates with Nike on NFT Sneaker Initiative

EA and Nike have announced a collaboration to incorporate .Swoosh, Nike’s Web3 marketplace, into future EA Sports titles, bringing virtual apparel and footwear to the gaming world. This aligns with Nike’s earlier suggestion that its digital apparel could be integrated into video games and other immersive experiences. Despite recent slow sales and the declining NFT market, Nike’s latest .Swoosh NFT drop fetched over $1 million. Interestingly, both Nike and EA have avoided using the term ‘NFT’, despite EA CEO Andrew Wilson’s belief that NFTs could play a significant role in the industry’s future.

Custom Cards and State IDs are to be added to Google Wallet This Month

Google Wallet is set to introduce the addition of state ID or driver’s licenses. This change will start with Maryland and extend to Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia in the coming months. Google Wallet’s product management director confirmed their intent to partner with all states ready for this feature. The update also allows the creation of digital versions of any card or pass with a barcode or QR code. Google has not yet confirmed the release date for these new features.

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Weekend Events | June 2 – June 4

The summer months have arrived and with it comes a bounty of fun happening this first week of June. From art exhibits to local festivals and more, we have you covered with events going on from June 2 through June 4. 

Los Angeles Weekend Events | June 2 – June 4 

Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody

When: May 27 – October 8

Where: DTLA

What: Discover the vibrant world of Keith Haring, a celebrated pop artist known for his iconic barking dogs and radiant baby motifs, at The Broad. This curated exhibition showcases over 120 distinctive pieces and archival material, exploring Haring’s unique legacy in pop art over the past four decades.

Wayfinding

When: Until September 10

Where: Miracle Mile

What: The third biennial, focused on how artists are expanding the limits of clay art, is presented by L.A.’s unique public exhibition space dedicated to contemporary craft and community-oriented folk art. The exhibition showcases the work of 14 artists who innovatively connect the intrinsic qualities of clay to elements of land and water.

Melrose Rooftop Theatre

When: Until June 30 

Where: E.P. & L.P.

What: E.P. & L.P., a trendy restaurant and rooftop bar in West Hollywood, offers more than just modern American cuisine and artisanal cocktails. The venue also accommodates the Melrose Rooftop Theatre, an outdoor film series that operates for most of the year. These screenings take place on the rooftop area connected to its al fresco bar, L.P.

 

Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | June 2 – June 4 

Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare

When: May 4 – September 3

Where: Skirball Cultural Center

What: Today’s claims of censorship may seem dramatic, but years ago, the government truly enforced blacklisting in the entertainment industry due to perceived beliefs. This Skirball exhibit examines the 1947 House Un-American Activities Committee hearings, Hollywood’s response, and the blacklist’s impact, particularly on Jewish creatives and executives

Off the 405

When: May 20 – August 26 

Where: Westside

What: Experience stunning hilltop sunsets and live music at the Getty’s free Saturday shows, starting with SPELLING. Arrive after 3 pm for lower parking fees, early exhibit visits, and beating the dinner rush!

Dawoud Bey & Carrie Mae Weems: In Dialogue

When: Until July 9

Where: The Getty Center | Westside 

What: This traveling photography exhibit showcases four decades of creative collaboration between Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems. Having first crossed paths in Harlem during the 1970s, the duo has maintained a strong friendship while exploring common themes of race, power, and representation in their work, centered around the Black community.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | June 2 – June 4 

Movies at the Park- Moana

When: June 3

Where: Studio City Recreation Center

What: Catch the Disney animated hit ‘Moana’ this Saturday! This is bound to be a family-friendly evening of fun with hula dancers, food, shaved ice, and more.

Ali Wong

When: May 19 – June 16

Where: Thousand Oaks

What: Experience the verbal fury and fearless humor of Ali Wong, known for her breakout 2016 Netflix special ‘Baby Cobra’, in this upcoming comedy show!

Grand Views: The Immersive World of Panoramas

When: Glendale

Where: Until September 10 

What: Experience the enchanting union of L.A.’s unique Velaslavasay Panorama and Glendale’s Forest Lawn Museum, as they present an exhibition of striking large-scale paintings. This immersive display is categorized into three sections: the early history of panoramas, crucifixion panoramas, and panoramas representing Hollywood and Los Angeles.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | June 2 – June 4 

Conejo Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale in Thousand Oaks

When: June 2 

Where: Thousand Oaks Library

What: See an exhibit of members’ orchids in full bloom. A wide variety of orchids (nursery plants and members’ plants) will be available for sale along with orchid planting mix and fertilizer. Other garden plants will also be available.

Thousand Oaks Pop-Up Arts & Music Fest

When: June 2 

Where: Stagecoach Inn Museum

What: The festival features “pop-up” public performances at various locations throughout Thousand Oaks. The goal of the festival is to provide residents with an opportunity to actively participate in and enjoy the arts without having to come to the theatre. People are encouraged to bring their own chair/blanket, food, and drink and come enjoy great entertainment on a summer evening.

Wine Brew & K9 Crew Event Hosted by Ventura Sheriff’s K9 Foundation 

When: June 3, 1pm – 5pm

Where: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark

What: The Ventura Sheriff’s K9 Foundation invites you to the “Wine, Brew & K9 Crew” event on Saturday, June 3, 2023. This fundraising event will include your favorite food from AIR Pizza, beverages from local breweries, family entertainment, and K9 demonstrations…not to mention raffle prizes and access to Underwood Family Farms. 

 

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The Best Local Food Trucks | L.A. Eats

Los Angeles is a food lover’s paradise, and one of the best ways to experience its culinary delights is through its vibrant food truck scene. From sizzling tacos to gourmet burgers, LA’s food trucks offer a diverse array of mouthwatering flavors and creative dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. In this food blog, we’ll embark on a delicious journey to explore some of the best food trucks in Los Angeles, where you can satisfy your cravings and indulge in the city’s culinary treasures on wheels.

Lettuce Feast

Initially launched as a blog for sharing vegan recipes, Lettuce Feast soon blossomed into a renowned food truck. Owners Willie and Eva are passionate about delivering scrumptious vegan comfort food that demonstrates how delectable plant-based cuisine can be. One taste of their offerings might just inspire you to embrace a meat-free lifestyle.

Kogi BBQ

Korean-Mexican fusion is the name of the game at Kogi BBQ, a legendary food truck that has captured the hearts and taste buds of Angelenos. Chef Roy Choi’s imaginative menu features favorites like the iconic short rib tacos and the flavorful kimchi quesadillas. The bold and savory flavors combined with the perfect balance of textures make Kogi BBQ a must-visit food truck for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Mariscos Jalisco

If you’re a seafood lover, Mariscos Jalisco is a food truck you can’t miss. This family-owned truck serves up some of the best seafood dishes in LA, with a particular focus on their signature shrimp tacos. Prepared in the style of the coastal state of Jalisco, these crispy tacos filled with succulent shrimp and topped with fresh salsa are a true delight. Be prepared to wait in line, but trust us, it’s worth it.

The Grilled Cheese Truck

For a comfort food fix on the go, The Grilled Cheese Truck is a must-visit. Indulge in gooey, cheesy goodness with their wide selection of grilled cheese sandwiches. With adventurous options like the mac ‘n’ cheese melt, these handheld delights will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. Don’t forget to pair your sandwich with a side of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort combo.

Leo’s Taco Truck

No exploration of LA’s food truck scene is complete without Leo’s Taco Truck. Known for their flavorful al pastor tacos, Leo’s Taco Truck grills marinated pork on a spit. The tacos are served with fresh toppings and warm tortillas. The juicy and tender meat is delicious. Combined with the vibrant flavors of cilantro, onions, and salsa creates, it’s a taco experience not to be missed!

Ben Y Ana Hibachi

Y Ana Hibachi has made a name for itself with its distinctive Japanese dishes and Teppanyaki grill. Their commitment to using fresh ingredients and offering a variety of delectable tastes ensures that every meal is satisfying. 

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