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SPECIAL ISSUE: Westside Health and Beauty • pages 7 – 14 INSIDE: Dr. Alexander Assists Westside’s Hearing Impaired Page 12 • More!
ISSUE NUMBER 09, VOLUME 3 | FEB. 22 – MARCH 7, 2019
WHY WEHO SAFETY COMMISSIONER STEPPED DOWN
Robert Oliver’s unexpected resignation sparks conversation that removes Mayor Duran from office ... more on page 6
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TRANS RIGHTS
⚫ BY JORGE PANIAGUA
L.A.’s Mexican Consul Visits Trans Wellness Center Carlos Garcia de Alba speaks with transgender community about a collaboration between the Consulate of Mexico and Trans Wellness Center.
Elsa Johnson, one of the Trans Wellness Center’s board members, has visited the Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles four times since her gender confirmation surgery in 1986. She is a Mexican woman who came to the United States, like so many other transgender immigrants, for new opportunities and a more tolerant societal experience. Here in the U.S., she is recognized as a woman on all of her American legal documents. Yet, the same cannot be said about
Photos: Jorge Paniagua.
Trans Wellness Center employees and members of the L.A. transgender and gender nonconforming communities, pose with Consul of Mexico in L.A., Carlos Garcia de Alba.
her Mexican passport. “I went with my American papers [to The Consulate of Mexico],” Johnson said. “I said I
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need my [name and sex on my] Mexican pass- geles, Carlos Garcia de Alba, visited the Trans port [changed] as a woman because I am a wom- Wellness Center in an attempt to change these an now.They said no, you are a man — sorry, you oppressive narratives involving transgender peohave to keep your [passport] name as a man.” ple of Mexican descent being marginalized at the Johnson’s reaction: “Why? I [had] my sex Consulate. change in 1986 — a long time ago. So why Garcia de Alba met with employees of The do you treat me as a man? I’m completely a Trans Wellness Center, as well as members woman.” of Los Angeles’ transgender community, in a Each time she visited the Consulate for her round-table discussion focusing on what a possipassport, Johnson was ble collaboration bealways met with an ultitween the Consulate matum by the employof Mexico and Trans ees there: if she wanted Wellness Center her Mexican passport, could look like. it would be one includDuring the event, ing a man’s name and Garcia de Alba lis“male” sex marker. tened to different She was not alone narratives from in her struggle. Mariana members of the Marroquin, the protransgender commugram manager of the nity, including JohnTrans Wellness Center, son’s story detailing faced a similar struggle her experience with with the Consulate of the Mexican ConsulLinkage and Retention Coordinator, Johanna Padilla, Guatemala. ate. discussed the resources and services provided at the Trans “They didn’t want to Wellness Center during the Mexican Consul’s visit. “This has been a recognize me for who very difficult battle I am,” Marroquin said. [regarding transgen“I know the experience. When she shared that der rights in Mexico] — you know more than experience [during the meeting], I felt like that I do [regarding] how difficult this is,” Garcia de was my same experience. That has to do with Alba said during the meeting. “The situation is the law in the countries, they [the Consulates] evolving and changing faster than you imagine.” go by the law.” Last week,, the Consul of Mexico in Los AnCONSUL, see page 3
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LOS ANGELES
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TRANS RIGHTS
⚫ BY JORGE PANIAGUA
CONSUL,
from page 2 Garcia de Alba invited Johnson to visit the Consulate the following day to “check the situation” regarding her Mexican legal documents. He promised to be a part of the fight for transgender rights at the Consulate. “It’s my obligation to deal with the entire Mexican community — no matter sex, orientation, gender, ideology, political preference,” Garcia de Alba said in an interview following the meeting. “My obligation is to work with any Mexican living here in L.A.” Aside from inviting transgender people to the Consulate for free healthcare programs and mental health services, the Consul encouraged the Trans Wellness Center to plan future events at the Consulate that promote the advancement of transgender people. This includes potential film screenings of LGBTQ+ cinema, cultural photographic exhibitions and art shows, Garcia de Alba said. “By coming here, [the Consul] is showing his staff – he’s showing the Mexican immigrant and Latino community – that we need to learn about everyone,” Marroquin said. “Being immigrant is only one aspect of your life. You’re immigrant, you’re transgender, you’re LGBT — all of these things make you who you are. By making the effort to come here, he’s setting an example for others to learn about each other.” Although Garcia de Alba works solely as the consul for Mexico, he hopes that his decision to collaborate with the Trans Wellness Center will encourage his colleagues at other Latinx-American consulates to follow suit. “I hope the consul took away the realities of our community — especially the Hispanic, Latina and Latinx community — of what we go through as trans people,” Linkage and Retention Coordinator for the Trans Wellness Center Johanna Padilla said. “We live in the U.S., those who are documented, those who are born in the U.S. — we live the privileged life. Especially in California. The reality is, like some of the people that mentioned [during the round-table discussion], they’ve gone to the consulate and they’ve dealt with transphobic
Garcia de Alba speeks with Program Manager of the Trans Wellness Center Mariana Marroquin about the struggles that the Latinx transgender community face in the United States.
treatment — whether it’s because of the laws or whatever have you.They received treatment that was unkind and made them feel like they couldn’t go there to recieve help.” Padilla hopes that the consul took away a clear understanding of some of the struggles that the Mexican transgender community face at the Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles. “It was very interesting,” Garcia de Alba said in regard to his visit to the Trans Wellness Center. “To understand what the [Trans Wellness] Center is, what are their goals, their priorities, their way of doing things and to, understand fully, how difficult [and complicated] it can be to live as a transgender person.” The Trans Wellness Center is located at 3055 Wilshire Blvd. The Center provides a safe place, as well as resources, for transgender and gender nonconforming people.
WEST HOLLYWOOD VICINITY DECEMBER 2018 SALES 2018 vs 2017
8985 Lloyd Pl.
$1,110,000
1215 N Genesee Ave.
$1,249,000
731 Curson Ave.
$1,525,000
943 N Edinburgh Ave.
$1,680,000
363 Huntley Dr.
$1,750,000
MEDIAN PRICE: $1,775,000
8980 Lloyd Pl.
$1,750,000
DOWN 17.44%
806 N Gardner Ave.
$1,800,000
9032 Dicks St.
$1,985,000
720 N Orange Grove Ave.
$2,100,000
385 Huntley Dr.
$3,600,000
1006 & 1010 N Edinburgh Ave. $4,250,000 944 N Laurel Ave.
$4,325,000
NUMBER SOLD: 12 UP 9.09%
AVERAGE PRICE: $2,260,333 DOWN 1.65%
The above figures were derived from properties listed in the Multiple Listing System as well as those that were not listed in the MLS. All figures were verified by Public Record. Data compiled by Murray Weisberg, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brentwood.
SPECIALIZING IN WESTSIDE REALESTATE & COMPLETE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
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COMMUNITY WEHO
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WEHO ELECTION
WEHO VOTES!
The General Municipal Elections for the City of West Hollywood are on March 5. The Pride L.A. reached out to all 11 City Council Candidates to see why they deserve the LGBTQ+ vote this season. After all, WeHo notorious for its queer community. See the responses of those who chose to participate. (Note; the statements have not been edited after being submitted by each candidate. Each candidate was reached out to via email and had two weeks to submit a statement and photo if interested.)
John D’Amico For eight years on the city council and for 20+ years before that I have advocated for LGBT rights understanding that our history will earn us a place in the future. We have marched and demanded and negotiated and litigated and loved our way into the 21st century. And I have been honored to be a part of all of that.And will continue to be until my last breath.
Jack Cline Jack Cline is a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of Experience. He has worked on an HIV/AIDS Unit during the Crisis that affected the LGBTQ Community. He rode in the AIDS Lifecycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles. He has volunteered at various LGBTQ organizations that support our Community, such as Project Angel Food and Triangle Square Gay Senior Housing. Cline can also be found working his Drag Persona as Jackie OMG (Oh My Goodness) as a Goodwill Ambassador at various events in West Hollywood. Advocacy for the LGBTQ Community will be one of Cline’s Top Priorities as a
West Hollywood City Council Member. Cline is also a supporter of Single Payer Health Care and has lobbied in Sacramento and Washington DC with the California Nurses Association. Many in the LGBTQ Community are either uninsured or underinsured.
Shawn Mooney I came out at a very early age for the times. It was the late eighties and I was 16 years old, Act Up was in full swing as well as the AIDS epidemic. Acceptance seemed out of reach, let alone marriage. The movement that started at Stonewall was finally going mainstream, unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. There were no role models for the young LGBTQ community to look up to. I knew then I would spend my life fighting for the rights of all my LGBTQ brothers and sisters and have continued to do so. Now it's time to be a role model to the generations that follow. It is also time to stop and call out the predatory behavior of elected officials and men in power in our community. Time to put someone in office who isn't afraid to look out for, and protect those who are most vulnerable in
our community and who will ask the hard questions!
Lindsey Horvath I made West Hollywood my home because it’s a place that celebrates diversity - we protect and fight for equal rights for all. I’m running to build upon WeHo’s legacy as a progressive city that prioritizes the needs of our community members. As Councilmember, I have consistently voted to advance the health, safety, and rights of our LGBTQ+ community. As Mayor, I created an LGBTQ Youth Resource Guide for all 88 cities throughout LA County. I initiated a transition guidelines policy to create a trans-supportive City Hall working environment; the California Attorney General’s office later adopted this policy. Previously, I served as a Board member for the Victory Fund Campaign Board, Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), and the NOH8 Campaign. I also served as Communications VP for Stonewall Dem-
ocratic Club, which awarded me the 2019 Morris Kight Presidential Award for outstanding leadership and support of the LGBTQ community.
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LOS ANGELES
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WEHO ELECTION
WEHO VOTES!
Sepi Shyne Whether it was high school bullies or bigoted business owners, I’ve faced the same discrimination so many of us deal with daily for as long as I can remember. I decided early in my life that I would never be powerless to fight for my rights and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, which is why I made the decision to attend law school. When I moved to Los Angeles, I was elected co-president of the Los Angeles LGBT Bar Association, where I helped lead the fight against Prop 8. In 2009, I’ve continued to fight for LGBTQ+ people through my work with Human Rights Campaign and now as a member of West Hollywood’s Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board. I’m honored to be endorsed by LGBTQ+ legend Ivy Bottini, Congresswoman Katie Hill, chair of the LGBT Equality caucus, as well as Equality California and the Stonewall Democratic Club.
Eric Schmidt Hi there, I’m Eric. I’m 53 years old. I have been a Resident of West Hollywood for 20 years. I love this town and plan to grow old here. One of my top priorities will be protecting the
Brendan Hood West Hollywood has lost its way. Once the vanguard in the fight for equality, over the last few years our leaders have been less interested in continuing the struggle for social justice and more focused on turning West Hollywood into a watered down, LGBTQIA version of Beverly Hills that caters only to the wealthy and well-connected members of our community. That is not the future I want for West Hollywood, and that is why I am running for City Council. If elected I will work hard to make West Hollywood welcoming and accessible for all members of our community, regardless of race, class, or sexual orientation. And I will call out hypocrisy wherever I see it, especially in city government, for we can no longer afford to have leaders who get to follow a different set of rules.
rights of the LGBTQ community. I see the Gay Youth and Seniors being most vulnerable. I will work very hard to advocate for programs which assist both groups while preserving the Gay Community in West Hollywood as a whole. I came out at the age of 14. I told my Mom and she said “I know, what do you want for lunch?”. She marched with me in my first Gay Pride Parade when I was 15. I never felt so proud and empowered in my life. Ever since then, I have volunteered at the Gay and Lesbian Center in all three Cities where I have lived. I have marched in every march. I have marched in every protest. I volunteered heavy regarding Prop. 8. Some of my other volunteer commitments have been working in the Kitchen of Project Angel Food. Organizing bingo and other social events at the Triangle Square Gay Senior Center. Taking Residents of TS to Dr. Appointments, grocery stores, etc… Daily, I visit the homeless in West Hollywood and surrounding areas, many of whom are LGBTQ and Transgendered. I try to get them what they need such as food, clothes, solar batteries to
charge phones and electric blankets. I work very hard to get them to the places they need for help. I am so concerned that the Gay Youth drug crisis in West Hollywood is not being addressed more aggressively. I will change that. I don’t want to lose one more member of our Community to drugs. I am also very concerned that West Hollywood doesn’t have enough low-cost housing for the Gay Seniors. I will advocate heavily to build more even if it means voting “no” for other construction. After High School, I joined the Army. I served Honorably and openly Gay in the Reserves for six years. I Attended Henry Ford College and University of Michigan studying Sociology and Exercise Science. I retired at the age of 45 to devote my time to Volunteer work and have been doing so ever since.
James Duke Mason (no photo provided) I’m running for WeHo City Council to. bring a new generation of progressive LGBTQ+ leadership to City Hall. At 17 I was the first openly gay president of my high school’s student council; at 18 I started writing articles on LGBTQ+ issues for The Advocate, Out and other publications. At 19 I was appointed to the board of OUTFEST, the youngest board member in the organization’s 37-year history. At 20 I was an official LGBTQ+ surrogate for the Obama re-election campaign. Since 2015 I have served as a member of the West Hollywood Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board, and served as Co-Chair from 2017 to 2018. I was an official LGBTQ+ surrogate for Hillary Clinton in 2016, and a founding co-organizer of the L.A. Pride Resist March in 2017. Perhaps more than any other candidate, I have a strong track record on LGBTQ+ advocacy, and that strong advocacy will continue if I am elected!
Tom Demille (no photo provided) My name is tom DEMILLE.ive been a resident for 30! Years,over the years I've witnessed an erosion of the very values our city was created for.our renters.when elected I will move that all buildings going up,must include affordable housing.not just one or two units,but many.as I walk thru our city,it's a mess.broken sidewalks,trash everywhere,homeless camping out in our neighborhoods.I will work with other council people to get the job done.YOU WILL NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE. IM asking our sheriff office to consider WALKING THE BEAT. Also increasing security ambassador program.also to walk our streets to make all of our residents feel safe.this being my 5th time running ,i BELEIVE I know every inch of our city.would like to move we triple our social service budget as we are all getting older,(thank god) and we will need to program items to help us all get older in the city we so love. WEST HOLLYWOOD Thank you Tom DEMILLE 424-354-7565
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WEST HOLLYWOOD
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#METOO HITS WEHO
BREAKING THE SILENCE IN WEHO
WeHo Safety Commissioner’s resignation sparks conversation that removes Mayor Duran from office.
Safety Commission Vice Chair Robert Oliver unexpectedly resigned at last week’s Public Safety Special Meeting, finally sparking the conversation that lead City of WeHo City Council to end Mayor John Duran’s term in April, rather than extend it to November as previously planned. The decision was taken to a vote at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. “I’d like to know why the rest of the commission would stay silent when we have the second, third and fourth allegation against the mayor of our city,” Oliver said, citing a story published on Feb. 5 in the Los Angeles Times and referencing a lawsuit in 2016 in which Duran’s City Hall deputy accused him of sexual harassment. The City settled that lawsuit with a payment of $500,000 to former deputy Ian Owens. Duran admitted hiring Owens after meeting him on the Grindr hookup app and having sex with him. But he denied Owens’ allegations that he acted in a sexually inappropriate way as his boss. Duran, who has been in the hospital for several days due to complications from blood clots in his legs, according to his Facebook, issued a statement Tuesday evening. “Sexual harassment is a serious issue and every accusation must be received and taken seriously,” Duran said via Facebook. “But pending investigation and process, opinions and reactions should stand in abeyance until truth is revealed. Judging someone guilty by accusation is NOT a progressive value. It
was a past political condition that extended from the Inquisition to Salem that was such an affront to justice - that the Founders put a due process clause in the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution. “It is time for a little less heat and a little more light. If we are demanding transparency and process as community core values - than we must extend and exercise those values with patience and forbearance. Or we subject ourselves to the rule of the mob over justice.” When asked last week to comment on the allegations and Oliver stepping down, Duran noted the difference between "sexual expression and sexual harassment." "One is unlawful and one is not," Duran said in an interview via email. "The three allegations against me – one was investigated and determined to not be true. The other two we just learned about in the past week and need to conduct an investigation on each. One claim is that I said something sexually inappropriate to someone four years ago! He claims that I apologized for the comment but he didn’t feel it was remorseful enough. An offensive comment made four years ago is not sexual harassment. The other has yet to file a claim with the organization [GMCLA]. We will encourage him to file his claim so that the organization can investigate. " Oliver, who is openly gay, said that he was concerned about older gay men abusing power over young gay men. "Having come out at 14 years old, I can now, at 29, say that I have lived the majority of my life as an out and very proud gay man," Oliver said in an interview via email. "I have spent much of that time as an advocate for my LGBTQ brothers and sisters. But I have experienced firsthand those men in power who feel it is their right to take advantage of those beneath them. And I will never accept anyone’s use of their sexual liberation as cover for sexual harassment. We
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as a community should feel liberated, and we on mere accusation." have those who came before us to thank for Duran has allegedly been accused of that." behavior like putting his hand into the unAt first, Amanda Laflen was the only per- derwear of chorus members and making son from the City to agree with Oliver. Since inappropriate sexual comments to them. In then, a majority of the Safety Comission has interviews with L.A. Times, three current or come made statements on social media re- former chorus members accused Duran of garding Duran’s mayorship. inappropriate touching and comments. They "I spoke up because no one else would, said in the L.A. Times article that these alleand I found that deeply disturbing," Oliver gations were reported to the chorus memsaid via email. "The silence at all levels of bership committee, which handles internal West Hollywood's leadership for years has complaints, but chorus leadership did not astounded me. I wasn’t sure what to expect follow up. when I made my statement Monday night at The L.A. Times reported that chorus the Public Safety Commission meeting, but member Brian Phillip Nichoalds said that I expected something—anything. With the Duran slipped his hand inside Nichoalds’ exception of Commissioner Laflen, the re- waistband and made sexually inappropriate sponse was silence, which I felt was a reflec- comments. Former chorus member Joey tion of the silence of the entire City. So at Firoben said he reported two incidents — that moment, I had no option but to step one alleging that Duran made inappropridown and leave that ate comments and "I spoke up because no one another alleging that meeting." Oliver said that else would, and I found a different chorus if his sudden resigmember groped him nation forces oth- that deeply disturbing. The multiple times during ers out of silence, it silence at all levels of West a dress rehearsal, acwould be his proudto the L.A. Hollywood's leadership for cording est achievement as Times. Former choCommissioner. Laflen years has astounded me.” rus member Jason said that the resigTong said he left the nation encouraged an outpour of "support chorus after Duran slipped his hand inside from residents and leadership of West Hol- the waistband of his underwear in a changing lywood." room before a show. "I am disappointed I was the only CommisAccording to the L.A. Times, Duran said sioner to speak in agreement with Commis- that he was made aware of only one allegasioner Oliver's call for Mayor Duran’s resig- tion – Tong's – and that an independent innation at our Public Safety Meeting Monday vestigator found no corroborating evidence night, following serious allegations of sexual to validate the accusation. misconduct," Laflen said in an interview via “…I hope the #MeToo movement will fiemail. "I have personally experienced sexual nally come to our city – the time will come AFFORDABLE, harassment AFFORDABLE, and intimidation, but I feel the when we stop automatically dismissing those RELIABLE, RELIABLE, experience of some members of the LGBTQ who come forward to tell their stories,” OlTRUSTWOTHY community, TRUSTWOTHY including young gay men, is dif- iver said Monday night. “And, in the absence ferent than mine, because there are many of hard evidence – when it comes down to who suggest there should be a different he said / he said – why do we seem to always standard for gay men. It should go without err on the side of the person in power, even saying that LGBTQ people have the right to in light of multiple serious allegations? Luckifeel safe and not be subjected to unwanted ly that has been changing in our country, but verbal or physical sexual advances. No one we must hold our leadership to the same should be made to feel they are in the wrong standard we hold others. Before we fix the for feeling uncomfortable when saying no." world, we need to fix ourselves. Otherwise, Duran announced last week that he was we are simply hypocrites.” stepping down as chair of Gay Men’s Chorus Oliver said via email that a rich history of of Los Angeles. He said that he is leaving the activism is no excuse for anyone’s unhealthy board because of a “toxic” environment at relationship with sex or compulsions toward GMCLA that he attributes to the allegations abuse, regardless of their sexual orientation. about him, as reported by Wehoville.com. "It is time for the City of West Hollywood "An accusation is not proof that some- to finally speak up and say enough is enough," thing occurred," Duran said via email. "There Oliver said. "If you hold any title in the city of must be due process of law. Every accusation West Hollywood – whether you’re a counmust be taken seriously. But there should be cilmember, commissioner or advisory board forbearance from a rush to judgment until member – your silence is your complicity. the matter is investigated. Otherwise, any of This story is developing. Check back online us are vulnerable to the conclusion of guilt at thepridela.com for the latest updates.
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Westside Health and Beauty INSIDE:
• Holistic Approach of Ananda Integrative Medicine ... PAGE 8 • Wide-Rangeing Benefits of Oxygen Therapy ... PAGE 11 • Treating Hearing Loss at Alexander Audiology ... PAGE 12
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Holistic Approach of Ananda Integrative Medicine
By S taff W riter From spin classes, to juice cleanses, Westsiders are known for being on top of the latest health trends. Ananda Integrative Medicine, a health center located in the heart of Brentwood, helps patients not only be healthy but address the root cause of issues. "Integrative Medicine treats the root cause rather than just treating the symptoms with increasingly expensive pharmaceuticals and or surgery. This more patient-centered approach allows for greater time with patients to identify their main sources of discomfort or barriers to optimal health," said Reshma Patel, P.A., CEO & Founder Ananda Integrative Medicine. "The Westside was a natural choice to open my practice. The Westside is known for healthy living and well being and Ananda Integrative Medicine is the next level in providing healthy optimal living and longevity experiences to our neighborhood." Patel, who received her B.S degree in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine and a Masters Degree in Medical Science from St. Louis University earning Physician Assistant degree, Nutrition Genomics (understanding how the whole body responds to food), Pharmacogenomics (how genes affect a person’s response to drugs), bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (reduce side effects of hormone imbalance such as hot flashes and fatigue), Precision Medicine, Detoxification, Anti-Aging, Restorative Medicine and Nutrition. "I believe nutrition is in our genes, and our personalized approach can guide you to optimal health. Nutrients alter not only health but also disease initiation, progression and severity. You are extremely unique, and through DNA testing, we can empower you to take control of your health. The same goes for how we respond to drugs. Each of us is different, and at Ananda, we can individualize treatment based on that," Patel said. "Issues related to the gut, environmental toxins, or mineral and vitamin deficiencies have grown exponentially in recent decades and are common in many of the patients I treat." Before opening Ananda Integrative Medicine, located at 11950 San Vicente Blvd, Suite
Photo: Joshua Monesson (Monesson Photography)
Reshma Patel, P.A., CEO & Founder of Ananda Integrative Medicine.
Photos: Francisco Madrid (Madrid Photography).
ABOVE – The infrared sauna at Ananda Integrative Medicine.
110, Patel spent 14 years practicing family medicine, urgent care and occupational medicine in the Los Angeles area. In addition, she has trained with Integrative Medicine physicians while continuing her education in nutrition, Nutrigenomics and became certified in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. It was her experience practicing "traditional" medicine that led Patel to get involved with Integrative Medicine. "After years of practice in a traditional medicine environment, I began to realize I was practicing ‘sick care’ in a system that was profit-centered, and disease-focused. I knew I wanted to practice a more natural, patient-centered form of wellness and found Integrative Medicine as my solution," Patel said. "By providing patients with a natural approach to health, we get to the root cause of their health issues, allowing their body to heal by removing barriers and replacing deficiencies." Unlike traditional medicine where different specialists often serve patients with a specific set of symptoms, Integrative Medicine can benefit anybody interested in understanding the root cause of their health issues or diseases. And according to Patel, when it comes to Integrative Medicine, one can never be too young to seek care. "The earlier anyone starts optimizing their health, the longer they will sustain their lifestyle and comfort into the aging process," Patel said, adding "Integrative Medicine is also excellent for people di-
At Ananda Integrative Medicine’s Brentwood offices, patients can get to the root causes of issues.
agnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and thyroid problems who no longer want a pharmaceuticals only approach to these diseases." Other services offered at Ananda Integrative Medicine include infrared sauna treatments and vitamin injections, both of which provide patients a wide range of health benefits. “Infrared saunas are an effective tool for natural healing and prevention. Benefits include: relaxation, detoxification, pain relief, blood pressure reduction, improved circulation, skin purification, anti-aging, wound healing, cell health muscle recovery and
immunity,” Patel said. “Vitamin injections are great for boosting energy, metabolism, promoting better mood, immune support and thyroid support.” Ananda Integrative Medicine also offers nutrigenomic services, allowing patients to develop a personalized plan to achieve optimal health based on their genes. For more information about Ananda Integrative Medicine’s services, visit AnandaIntegrativeMedicine.com/Services, call (424) 259-2089 or follow on Facebook @ AnandaIntegrativeMedicine and Instagram @anada_integrative_medicine. To book an appointment, visit https://bit.ly/2DSSNvE.
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DEAR AIDAN: Weight Loss Struggles Dear Aidan: I have a hard time losing weight! I do well on my diet for a little while but after a few weeks (sometimes a few days) I fall off the wagon and I go back to the same weight I have always been. Any advice on how I can stay on track to keep my goals?
Follow Aidan on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @AidanParkShow and check out his upcoming comedy shows on his website AidanPark.com
Dear Can't Lose Weight, We have all been there! Trust me. Do not beat yourself up as this is a tale as old as time, and I have been through this same weight struggle myself, TRUST ME. Also, we live in a very beauty focussed town of Los Angeles (where you are not technically considered thin until you look as though you have *survived something*). Now about the losing weight... Here is the typical dieting pattern of pretty much everyone I know that failed dieters: 1) Aidan decides he's fat and starts beating himself up for it. 2) Aidan starts a crazy diet 3) Aidan sticks to diet for two days but he's angry, tired, grumpy, short and his friends/boss/boyfriend/children wonder if he needs medication. 4) Aidan's says "screw this – its too hard" and eats a carton of ice cream. 5) Aidan either A: Goes back to Sept 1 and repeats the process, or B: Says, “screw it, I’m doomed to be fat for life” and gives up. Does this sound familiar? Seriously. Everyone does this. There are all kinds of books out there about what tactic to take and what to do blah blah blah so I am not going to address which diet you should go on for best result. If you want my recommendation I would check out "Shift Weight Mastery with Rita Black,” which helped me lose 14lbs.
Adult Swim Workouts
Photo: Getty Images.
Read about how Aidan gets into shape by nurturing his Awesome self, rather than your Critic and Rebel in this week’s “Dear Aidan” column.
The thing that is going to help you most here is adjusting your thought process! There are three parts of you. There is the Awesome You... Then there is the Critic and the Rebel. The Critic is the part of you that tell you that you are not good enough. The Rebel is the part that likes to say, “Ah, scew it YOLO!” The louder your Critic is,
the louder your Rebel. Now Forget everything else! Manage this one thing and you will be able to work yourself down the scale. Your aim is to create environment that will foster a change in lifestyle that you can keep over time. Not
AIDAN, see page 13
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2.22 – 3.07.2019 2.22 – 3.07.2019
LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES 11
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Wide-Ranging Benefits of Oxygen Therapy By Staff Writer
Just because you breathe in enough oxygen to survive, your brain and other organs may not be receiving enough oxygen to function properly. OxygenWELL, a hyperbaric oxygen therapy center in Brentwood, however, delivers oxygen to where you need it the most, allowing Westside residents to live life to the fullest. From world-class athletes, weekend warriors and celebrities, to children on the autism spectrum, adults in need of brain health support and even lovers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can benefit patients from all walks of life. Patients at OxygenWELL relax in a high-pressure, oxygen-rich chamber for this FDA-approved therapy that can transform a person's health. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy bathes cells in the body with oxygen, regrowing and healing damaged cells and blood vessels. "Our patients breathe in 100 percent medical grade oxygen while relaxing in our pressurized hyperbaric oxygen chambers. The pressure is the key to liquefying the oxygen into the plasma so it can reach areas where oxygen in its normal state is often limited to reach because of inflammation or damaged blood vessels," said Beth Meneley, Functional Medicine Practioner and Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of OxygenWELL. Here are some examples of the myriad of ways OxygenWELL can enhance the lives of Westside residents. Love While Valentine's Day may have already
Photo: Courtesy.
Beth Meneley, owner of OxygenWELL, provides anti-aging therapy through healing and regrowth of damaged cells.
passed, with spring around the corner, love is still in the air. So how can oxygen therapy help play the role of Cupid? Beth Meneley explains. "Sex drive and the ability to perform is significantly compromised by a lack of oxygen and blood supply," Meneley said. "This can easily be reversed by allowing greater levels of oxygen to enter the body and give your libido a true boost." Perform With year-round sunshine, Westsiders tend to lead a very active lifestyle. Whether you are a pro-
fessional athlete or a recreational runner or tennis player, OxygenWELL's therapy will boost your performance. "Oxygen plays a critical role in the body's ability to perform at its optimal performance capacity," Meneley said. "Activities requiring top speed mental and physical performance can benefit from the extra energy." Focus Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not just beneficial for boosting physical performance, it can also
boost mental performance as well. "The brain is the highest consumer of oxygen inside the body and uses 25 percent of all the oxygen that you breathe. Getting more oxygen allows for better attention and focus, sharper memory, faster reaction time, clearer thoughts and overall better cognitive functioning," Meneley said. Aging Most of us notice the aging of our skin, but internally our cells are aging too. OxygenWELL's anti-aging therapy, however, can turn the clock back from the inside out. "The process of aging causes a general lack of energy that transforms to all parts of the body and is generally seen as 'slowing down'," Meneley said. "Oxygen is the critical nutrient that can provide you with that energy to get back and play." In addition, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can reverse the aging effects that are seen with sagging skin by stimulating collagen and stem cell production On top of these traditional therapy sessions, OxygenWELL now offers 30 and 60-minute sessions with targeted Red Light therapy inside a mild hyperbaric chamber for an energizing experience, called The Energizer. "It's perfect for before or after exercising, a yoga class, for a quick pick me up, hangover or immune boost," Meneley said. "Patients can bring in their iPad or phone inside this chamber, listen to music, read or relax." For more information, visit oxygenwell.com or call (818) 661-0939. Mention this article and get 50 percent through March.
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LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES
Treating Hearing Loss at Alexander Audiology The importance of addressing hearing damage. By Staff Writer
People from all around the world travel to Los Angeles, in part, to dine at some of its worldclass restaurants. And while nobody is complaining about the vibrant food scene, the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant comes with a downside: noise. According to Dr. Melissa Alexander, an audiologist based in Santa Monica, restaurants in L.A. regularly are loud enough to cause hearing damage. “I am seeing patients in their 30s because the reality is we have so much noise exposure in an industrial society like Los Angeles. You go into a restaurant in L.A., and it is registering at 106 decibels," Dr. Alexander said. “You can sustain that for just an hour or so without causing damage.” For comparison, 106 decibels (dB) is louder than a lawnmower (100 dB) or a jet engine of a plane (105 dB), and this level of sound is not just present in restaurants; it's everywhere. Whether it's the roaring of traffic or the cheers at a sporting event, daily life in cities exposes residents to noise that can over time cause hearing loss. Dr. Alexander, who's practice Alexander Audiology sees patients from lawyers, doctors, professors, judges, actors and musicians, says that because of the reality of noise pollution, hearing aids are something that people of all ages and walks of life should consider. “People think of it as basically a luxury. It is not a luxury. There is a lot of definitive research out there that talks about some of the real ramifications of not wearing hearing aids and not protecting your hearing when you are young," Dr. Alexander said. “There is a definitive link with untreated hearing loss and dementia.” According to Dr. Alexander, a patient with just a mild hearing loss has twice the risk of dementia, a patient with a moderate loss has three times the risk, and a patient with a severe degree of hearing loss has five times the risk of dementia. “In a patient with untreated hearing loss, there is an area of the cortex, the part of the brain that
is responsible for speech processing, that is not getting stimulation, and when that happens, we know that more plaques and tangles associated with dementia start to creep into that area of the brain,” Dr. Alexander said. For individuals who have hearing loss but do not wear hearing aids, the lack of stimulation to neurons responsible for hearing can have irreversible effects. "For some patients who don’t wear hearing aids, over time, because the brain is not ultimately getting stimulated, the neurons in the brain will actually prune off, and atrophy. And due to this atrophy, words eveeven when you make the lounder through a hearing aid, don’t sound clearer.” Luckily, the types of hearing aids available for patients at Alexander Audiology can be both discrete and invisable, going beyond the typical notions of hearing aids. “We have hearing aids that are totally implantable. We place them 4 millimeters from the eardrum. You can’t see them at all. You can sleep with them, you can shower with them,” Dr. Alexander said. “We also make custom, digital hearing aids which are tiny, smaller than a jelly bean. They fit down inside the ear. They are custom made to that patient’s ear, have a lot of background noise control and even Bluetooth streaming. The days of having big hearing aids that are visible is not a reality anymore.” At Alexander Audiology, this world-class level of audiology practiced is matched with worldclass patient care. “We provide the highest level of concierge audiology in L.A. We go to patients’ homes, do house calls, weekend appointments. We travel, we take care of patients like family. When a patient calls and has a question or need, they know
Photos: Courtesy.
Located in the hear of Santa Monica, Alexander Audiology offers world-class hearing care for Westside patients.
they can reach us no matter the time of day," Dr. Alexander said. For more information about Alexander Audi-
ology, visit alexanderaudiology.com, call (424) 738-3778, follow on Facebook and Instagram @ alexanderaudiology or find them on Yelp.
2.22 – 3.07.2019 2.22 – 3.07.2019 AIDAN,
from page 10 to get quick results. In order to do this you must get into the habit of softening your Rebel and Critic... So, when your Critic acts up with a thought that sounds like: "YOU ARE SO FAT AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAT SO YOU HAVE TO STARVE FOR A WEEK,” it is your job to soften that statement. Saying something more along the lines of, "Huh, pants are not fitting. Maybe tomorrow I will have a lighter dinner because that is something that I can sustain over time.” When you Rebel acts up and says: "THIS IS TOO HARD I AM GOING TO FORGET IT AND EAT A WHOLE BOX OF COOKIES," it is your job to step in and soften that statement by saying something like, "I really want these cookies, but I do want to lose weight too. I will allow myself to have just
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LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES 13 one cookie and have some more tomorrow. That way I can satisfy this sweet tooth and stay on trajectory to my goal weight." Maintaining your psychological balance is the name of the game when it comes to weight loss. This must be given priority, as it is the foundation to any diet you choose. Keto, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Vegan, whatever diet you choose to pursue will only sink if you build on a foundation of mud. So get your head in the game and set yourself up to win. . Leaving your Critic and Rebel in charge will lead to weight gain and/or life of misery. Think with your Awesome because well, if you’re reading this column, chances are you’re awesome! Want Aidan to give you advice? Submit letters via social media or email amy@ thepridela.com. Follow Aidan on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @AidanParkShow and check out his upcoming comedy shows on his website AidanPark.com
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LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES
2.22 – 3.07.2019 2.22 – 3.07.2019
2.22 – 3.07.2019 ENTERTAINMENT DRAG
` ⚫ BY HENRY GIARDINA
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LOS ANGELES
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GAY L.A.
WHEN JULIAN ELTINGE WAS QUEEN
A closer look at L.A.’s OG drag queen.
Once upon a time, in a place that bears a faint resemblance to the Los Angeles we know today, there was a city full of crossdressers, queers and vaudevillians trying to make it in the entertainment industry. When the nascent film industry came to town in the early 20th century, it created a reason for performers of all kinds to come to the City of Angels to make their name, no matter how bizarre or localized their stage acts might have been. One of these people was named Julian Eltinge. When the Massachusetts-born actor, originally named William Julian Dalton, realized he had a knack for female impersonation at an early age, there wasn’t exactly a booming market for it. While some might have kept their skills under wraps during the puritanical first few decades of the 20th century, Eltinge quickly found a way to capitalize on his skill. He made his name in Boston starring in an American play based on “Charley’s Aunt,” a British sensation which had been making the rounds in London due to its juicy lead role for a male comedian. The plot of “Charley” hinges on a college man who must – for convoluted, nonsensical reasons – impersonate his friend’s elderly aunt. The role, played by Charlie’s older brother Syd Chaplin in the 1925 filmed version, was a perfect fit for Eltinge, whose
Julian Eltinge was a high-paid drag performer in the 1910s.
ability to “pass” was applauded by critics early on. Though the American political climate in the early 20th century was decidedly conservative, the entertainment world had free license to let its freak flag fly during the 1920s and early 30s, up until the passage of the Hays Code, which would prohibit queer visibility in films almost until
Photos: Wikipedia.
the end of the studio system, unless queer characters were soundly punished by the final curtain. Though Eltinge was primarily a stage performer, the same social mores that changed Hollywood from a giddy freefor-all to a prudish hit machine in those years affected him just as much during his
time on stage, whether he was playing a matronly aunt in “Charley” or a coquettish seductress in “The Fascinating Widow.” Dubbed “Mr. Lillian Russell” for the glamour he was able to channel during his performances, Eltinge soon had L.A. hooked on his act. But the 1920s soon made way for the more conservative, depressed 1930s in Hollywood. While Eltinge had always been adamant about his heterosexuality in order to quash career-ending rumors about his craft, the staged bar fights and public displays of butchness didn’t do much to dissociate Eltinge from the queerness of his craft. To describe Eltinge’s comfort switching between the sexes (both onstage and off) Dorothy Parker coined the term “ambisextrous.” Unlike actual trans performers like Billy Tipton and Wilmer Broadnax, Eltinge was able to leave his act onstage rather than having to go stealth to survive. Still, during a time where wearing more than one article of clothing belonging to the opposite sex waas enough to get you thrown in jail, Eltinge’s entire existence seems like a kind of miracle. For Angelenos, there’s one part of Eltinge’s legacy that can still be enjoyed today. His lavish estate, Silver Lake’s Villa Capistrano, still stands tall, even if few who pass it know the complicated, brave history of the man who erected it in the first place.
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NEWS
WORLD
` ⚫ BY VIC GERAMI
2.22 – 3.07.2019
LOS ANGELES
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HATE CRIME ON THE RISE
Column: ANTI-LGBT CRIMES SURGE IN ARMENIA
On Monday, February 11, there was another gay-bashing in Armenia, this time against a staff member of Right Side NGO, a trans activism organization. Max Yarzhapetyan was walking on the street in Yerevan when three men started to follow him, swear at him and hurl homophobic slurs.Yarzhapetyan called the police as the men persisted. Soon, the men asked him if he was Armenian to which he replied yes. He was soon beaten and thrown onto the road, through ongoing traffic. I reached out to Yarzhapetyan who was not able to speak due to a broken tooth, injuries to his mouth and nose and severe pain as results of the attack; so we corresponded via messenger. According to Yarzhapetyan, the assailants told him that he has no right to call himself an Armenian and that he is not a man, but a “sister.” I asked him about the investigation and what the police was doing about it. He said that an investigating office told him, “Gays are not allowed or loved in this country and that’s why it happened to you.” The authorities told him that there are cameras everywhere, yet no arrest has been made yet.Yarzhapetyan told me “I just try to put my-
self together right now. I am scared to go out of my house because I think they live somewhere near...They had a dog and it was midnight so they were not coming from a far place to walk with a dog. Also I can’t do anything because of my teeth and head.” He added, “I want justice. I want to be fully recovered and I don’t know how I’m gonna live after this. I had many violent attacks in my life, I even got my finger cut years ago but this was completely hell because it was unexpected and I did nothing... (I didn’t even replied to them) I haven’t slept or ate for 4 days already ...I’m shaking right now and crying all this days.” I reached out to the authorities in Armenia for comments about the incident, but did not get an immediate response. LGBT and other Human Rights activists are not optimistic for the improvement of systematic and institutionalized homophobia end in Armenia. Despite sweeping changes triggered by last year’s Velvet Revolution, the situation for LGBT Armenians remains the same. In April of 2018, tens of thousands of Armenians flooded the streets of Yerevan, demanding the resignation of then–Prime Minister Serj
Sargsyan. Sargsyan stepped down after 11 days of protests, and days later, opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan, a charismatic former journalist, was sworn in as the new prime minister. There was hope in Armenian that a new era had begun, devoid of corruption, oligarchy and brutality. I visited Armenia in July of 2018 and witnessed the positive energy and optimism. Sadly, queer Armenians, while celebrating the revolution, did not share this optimism. For them, it was homophobia as usual. The regime might have changed but the attitude of the stakeholders was the same. In February of 2018, a transgender woman was left hospitalized after being brutally beaten up in her Yerevan apartment.The hate crime was widely believed to be a crackdown against an LGBT community member. Lilit Martirosyan, the head of Right Side NGO, told Epress.am about the victim, “She was attacked by one person, who then also set her apartment on fire. Her face and ribs are completely shattered; doctors describe her condition as critical,” Martirosyan said, adding that their organization has filed a crime report with the police. “The identity of the perpetrator is known; he is not on the run.The police are now preparing materials,” said Vahe Manukyan, a lawyer with Right Side. He added that investigators have yet to interrogate the victim since she is still unable to speak. Martirosyan added, “I, as the President of an NGO dealing with the protection of transgender community's rights, can point to drastically increasing cases of discrimination against those people in the Armenian society. And the latest incident is a glaring proof of that.” One of the most violent and extreme hate crimes happened in the small town of Shurnukh near Goris, the day I left Armenia last year. On August 3rd, 2018, a lynch mob of thirty people, including town’s former Mayor, attacked nine LGBT activists and chased out of town by thirty. Hayk Hakobyan, a resident of Shurnukh, hosted his friends, some of whom were LGBT activists. Knowing about the gathering, residents of the village and Goris, stormed the house and demanded that all of them leave. They shouted homophobic slurs and threats, demanding that Hakobyan and his guests leave the village. Hakobyan and his friends fled the house and the crowd ran after them, hitting, kicking, throwing stones, and shouting “get rid of those gays” and “catch them and beat them up.” A victim called the police, who arrived ninety minutes later. One of the victims, Robert, told OC Media, “The police didn’t even bring enough cars to transport nine people like we asked them to. We had to stop a tourist bus for a ride. On the road back, we came across an ambulance, so two injured people, including myself, were transported straight to the hospital.”
Six of Hakobyan’s friends were injured, one with bruises on the head and another with a broken nose. Police stated that they questioned several of the attackers, but did not arrest any of them. But the victimization and humiliation did not end there. To make matters worse, various groups and individuals defended and justified the crimes, including political and public figures, human rights defenders, artists, journalists, and religious figures. Even a motorcade and a celebration in Shurnukh were arranged in defense of the perpetrators. Following the gay-bashing, Gevorg Petrosyan, an Armenian parliament member with the Prosperous Armenia Party, made the following statement on his Facebook page, "I don't know who will incriminate me and to what extent, but we should have already driven out (I'm stating this lightly) homosexuals, religious minorities, and their protectors from our Holy land with joint efforts.” The authorities closed the case without much of an explanation. I spoke to Mamikon Hovsepyan, Executive Director of Pink (P), country's leading LGBT organization, and he said, "Pink has been monitoring the incident since it occurred, lending support to the victims and working with parties involved to see that justice is served. Pink has retained an attorney who is working with the authorities to re-open the case." For years, the Armenian government has failed to effectively investigate anti-LGBT violence.The criminal code does not recognize anti- LGBT hate as an aggravating criminal circumstance, and a government bill on equality does not include sexual orientation and gender identity as a ground for protection from discrimination. In November of 2018, the organizers of the European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups and the New Generation Humanitarian NGO (Yerevan, Armenia) were forced to cancel the event that was due to take place in Yerevan from November 15th through 18th. The organization issued a statement that included, “We are deeply distressed and disappointed that political violence, death threats, and vandalism directed at LGBTI people constitute a genuine threat to the safety of our participants.” The statement added, “During the last several days, there has been a wave of extremist and homophobic acts in Armenia, targeted at the event. In order to maximize their chances at the upcoming elections, the political parties that have been in opposition since the Revolution of April 2018 have mobilized and radicalized right-wing conservatives in the country against the group of activists that was coming to Yerevan for the Forum.” This story has been cut due to space constraints.To read the full article, visit thepridela.com.Vic Gerami is a contributing writer. Instagram: @vicgerami | Twitter: @vicgerami | Facebook: facebook.com/TheBluntPost
2.22 – 3.07.2019
LOS ANGELES
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AI in the Year 2020… Almost By Nektar Baziotis
In 1966 Gene Rodenberry’s “Star Trek” made its television debut on NBC.Audiences young and old were captivated by the show, particularly by its imagination of the space, the future, and the incredible technology humanity could possibly yield in it. “Star Trek” would go on to inspire a generation of people determined to create the gadgets of the future. Just three years after the premiere of Star Trek”, humanity would launch Apollo 11, the spaceship that would carry Neil Armstrong to the lunar surface, making him the first person ever to walk on the moon. Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and other children of the space age would go on to become titans of the modern technological era, successfully developing the same kinds of devices used in the iconic television show. 63 years later it appears that humanity is inching closer to that future that was but science fiction generations prior. In particular, technology powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming more integrated into our everyday lives. AI powered virtual helpers that exist in our smart devices have learned to understand our behavior so as to predict what we need from them. For example, Alexa, a digital assistant developed by Amazon is trained to recognize voices, commands, and even recognize when different people are talking to it. Through machine learning Alexa learns your patterns, allowing it to predict when you need to order groceries, set an alarm to wake
up, even remind you to take your medication.And as soon as 2025, developers intend to make Alexa smart enough to predict when your relationships with your intimate partners are about to end. AI analysts, researches and developers are visioning to integrate AI into E-Learning technology. AI powered E-Learning, can learn to apply logic to tasks through the data they collect from users can help developers to create software that make learning in the classroom at a job easier and more streamlined. Training sessions for new skills that would previously take months to learn in a classroom can now be taught on a computer, tablet,
or other smart device powered by technology designed to enrich the learning experience. Of course, with any advance in technology there exists a draw back. Many researchers who study AI have warned of the dangers that super-intelligent technology can pose to humanity. Elon Musk claims that “AI is far more dangerous than nukes”. AI is trained to accomplish its tasks as logically as possible, it is neither benevolent nor malicious. However, if the AI’s goals do not align with humanity’s goals, it could pose a considerable threat to our safety. Smart cars that are programmed to optimize your travel from point
A to point B may end up leaving havoc in their wake as they bulldoze through buildings and people to get you there the fastest way possible. Data centers storing huge amounts of personal information about us, from our patterns and behavior on the internet to digital images of our faces, also raise huge ethical concerns about privacy. In more recent years researchers have warned about AI, particularly the algorithms used on social media sites, being used to manipulate public perception by flooding people’s pages with false news articles. AI researchers and technological ethicists have urged that as our technology becomes smarter it is important that we prioritize humanity’s safety from the dangers it may eventually possess. The future of technology is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. Every day technology is being developed to make our lives easier than ever imagined. What risks that might entail remain to be seen. But humanity will always prevail, and will charge forward on our technological quest and continue “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” Nektar Baziotis is an entrepreneur and IT project manager based in Santa Monica, President of ENKI Technologies. He has managed and successfully delivered to various institutes and organizations, including the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and public and private sector partners and clients in the United States. For more information, visit https:// enki.tech/ or call (213) 814-2332 or follow at twitter. com/enkitechi/ and linkedin.com/in/nektariosbaziotis.
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2.22 – 3.07.2019
LOS ANGELES
WHAT’S HAPPENING? LB Repair Cafe Pop-Up, Winter 2019 When: Friday, Feb. 22 from 6–8:30 p.m. Where: The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach What: Volunteers help repair your damaged goods that you’ve been meaning to trash or donate. Why: Don’t just throw out your, old bikes, damaged jewelry or glitching laptop! Smash the Closet: Trans Community Closet When: Saturday, Feb. 23 from 12–3 p.m. Where: The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach What: The LGBTQ Center Long Beach and Democratic Socialists of America - Long Beach present "Smash the Closet" free trans community closet at the Long Beach LGBTQ+ Center! Why: A free opportunity for the local trans community to refresh/revamp/redo their wardrobe! Rainbow Pop Comedy Show When: Tuesday, Feb. 26 from 7:30 – 9 p.m. Where: Laugh Factory, Hollywood (Long Beach
The best goings-on around and about L.A., period.
showing the following night) What: LGBTQ+ comedy night at a famous comedy house! Why: Rainbow Pop features some of the country's best & most hilarious drag queens, showcasing LA's fiercest LGBTQ comics. We invite you to come as your most FABULOUS self and laugh it up on the sassiest & most colorful night of your life. Gender Diversity Training When: Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 12–2 p.m. Where: Planned Parenthood – 400 W. 30th St., Los Angeles What: This session will provide an environment for professionals to elevate their cultural competency of transgender inclusion. Learn important human resources information about how to hire and support talented employees who are transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC). Why: The landscape for LGBTQ inclusion is changing every day. In the US, an estimated 1.4 million adults in the US identify as transgender. A study put out last year by the Williams Institute
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discovered that 27% of youth in California are identified as transgender or gender non-conforming. When thinking about younger generations, we know that in the year 2025, millennials will represent 75% of the workforce. And millennials are more than 2xs as likely to identify as LGBTQ and more likely to identify as non-binary or genderfluid than previous generations. For employers, it is no longer a matter of what to do if they have transgender employees, but a matter of preparing for when they have transgender employees. QFamilies Parenting Group When: Saturday, March 2 from 10–11:30 a.m. Where: LGBTQ Center of Long Beach What: A community group for queer families, however individually defined. Why: Every family structure is unique. Ideal age range of the children is pre-conception to age six. Parenting topics evolve as children age. All are welcome, but topics will be most relevant for parents of younger children. Children are welcome, however childcare will not be provided.
2.22 – 3.07.2019
NY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE
82 Answer to 68-Across [Art & Literature] 1 Not rumpled, as a bed 85 Answer to 66-Across 5 Slice, for example [Entertainment] 9 Veal topper, informally 89 “Phooey!” 13 Cookie containers 90 Have a bawl 17 “Yeah, right!” 91 Amherst campus, for short 18 Certain body of believers 92 Cacophonous 21 Part of a Latin 101 conjugation 94 Knight’s wear, in England 22 What kind of tree ____? 97 Pad 24 High-grade cotton 98 Find a new tenant for 25 Capital that was home to 99 Calendar units: Abbr. the world’s tallest building before the Burj Khalifa 102 Select, as sides for a game 26 Pears and apples 104 Answer to 39-Down [Sports & Leisure] 27 Vladimir Lenin’s real last name 106 “To repeat …” 29 Nahuatl speaker 30 Answer to 22-Across [Science 108 Lens covers & Nature] 109 Meerkat in “The Lion King” 32 Multipurpose 111L iving, to Livy 33 Fixed 112 Nose out 34 Polite 113 What ____ comes from a farm bird? 36 Moving vehicle 117 Blacken 38 “Carmen” and “Elektra” 118 Song heard at the start of 39 “Jeez!” “Saturday Night Fever” 40 Mimicking 119 Ride provider 42 Director Anderson 120 Some I.R.S. data, for short 43 Simulated 121 Not hush-hush 46 Answer to 113-Across 122 Kind [Geography] 48 Answer to 13-Down [History] 123 What a judge does for much of the day 50 First name on a famous plane 52 Farm females DOWN 53 Host for a destructive beetle 1 Some roadsters 55 Abbr. on a label of brandy 2 Brightly lit 58 Class skippers 3 Clinton who once ran for 61 Princess seduced by Zeus president 63 Cartesian conclusion 4 Tour de France stage 65 Word said before “do” 5 “Pipe down!” 66 What 1986 ____ romantic 6 60 minuti comedy got its title from 7 Get rid of a song by the Psychedelic Furs? 8 “When it comes to …” 68 Who wrote a 2003 best seller 9 Scorer of 12 World Cup goals about a ____? 10 Spanish ouzo flavoring 71 Tres + cinco 11 Nutritional std. 72 “Little ol’ me?” 12 Bump on a slope 73 Fine fabric 13 Where were battleships sunk in an 1894 ____? 75 Asmara is its capital 76 Regard 14 Key of Beethoven’s “Für Elise” 77 World Cup cry 15 Quimby of children’s books 79 Newspaper units: Abbr. 16 Lines on sheet music 81 Clammy 18 CBS debut of 2000
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96
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90 95
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48
72
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66 71
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52 59
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19 Comic actor known for his shock humor 20 1966 Donovan hit with a rhyming title 23 “That tastes bleah!” 28 “Holy cow!” 30 Cole Porter’s “Well, Did You ____?” 31 Jungle tangle 32 Sweet and kind 35 1962 hit for the Ikettes 36 Part of an itinerary 37 Cost to get a hand 39 What annual game have the ____ won more than any other team? 40 Too 41 Condition once called “shell shock,” for short 43 Process 44 How chicken teriyaki is usually served 45 Gave reluctantly, with “up” 47 Court plea, in brief
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49 Oregon city that was the first permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rockies
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87 Longtime Steelers coach Chuck 88 Small digit 51 A, B, C or D, in multiple choice: 93 Reeked Abbr. 94 Gain entry to 54 Foal’s mother 95 Kind of scholar 56 Like Fenway among all major96 Freeman of “Now You See Me” league ballparks 98 TV Tarzan player 57 Folds 99 Hot stuff 59 Cinephile’s channel 100 Fate 60 “Buzz off!” 101 Unwelcome looks 62 Natty neckwear 103 Be of ____ (aid) 64 Locale for Jacques Cousteau 104 Syracuse player, once 67 Crankcase device 105 Sacha Baron Cohen character 69 Like a moray 107 Original edition of this 70 Director Burton puzzle’s theme 74 Follower of the Gospels 109 Actor Diggs 78 Wry Bombeck 110 Words of triumph 80 Resilience 111 Whack 83 “It’s a waste of time” 114 Length of a pool and back 84 Loaves from whole-grain flour 115 Partner of tuck 86 Put away, in a way 116 Suffix with elect
This Week’s Sudoku Puzzle
Answers R H O D E S
A C C E S S
O N R I C E
M E T H O D
A B L A Z E
M I A T A S
M O R G A N C O U G H E D D E W I T T
O K L A H O M A S O O N E R S E T A P E
TRIVIAL MATTERS
BY DAVID KWONG / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ
LOS ANGELES
⚫ 19
STAR GAZING By Samuel Prince
ARIES (March 21-April 19) Aries should not leave open a conflict with one of their relatives. You and this person will never reconcile if you delay dealing with today’s dispute. Instead of shouting loudly, accusing your opponent of all the sins of humanity, try to understand his personal position. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Taurus on this day will be slow getting to matters related to planning their Friday’s leisure. It is likely that you need to take this question to someone close to you. If you don't, do not start grumbling if this evening disappoints you completely. GEMINI (May 21-June 21) Gemini on Friday will experience a lot of pleasant excitement. In the morning you will be invited on a date by a person you can only look at with awe. Preparation for the meeting will seem to you to be a very important matter. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Cancers will become generators of fresh ideas about their close environment. During the day, while you are at work, it is your ideas that will create enthusiasm in each of your colleagues and will form the basis of a collective project. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Leos today are not recommended to overload themselves with an excess of intense or exciting experiences. This will lead you to need to take a sedative. It will be much better if you give up your natural sentimentality when watching a sad film or listening to a best friend’s story. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Virgos today can significantly expand their horizons, thanks to a sudden trip. This spontaneous event will be held at the request of a close family member, and at first you will react to this idea without much enthusiasm. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Libra on this day will be very pleasant and courteous companions. It is a pity only that you forget about the politeness and courtesy in communicating with your soul-mate. You will respond with an angry tirade to one of her questions. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Scorpions on this day should avoid aggressive encounters. It’s not that somebody will succeed in offending you. You will get infected by such people with a bad mood, and Friday will end for you not as you originally planned. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Sagittarians on this day will take care of planning their next purchases. Do not forget to include in this list a gift for the elder members of your family, a pair of whom are coming up on an important date. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Capricorns will enjoy today in a beautiful mood. At work, without hassle, you finish a very complex project, over which you and your partner fought for several months. Having decided to celebrate this event, you and your colleague will go to the bar, where you will spend this Friday night. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Aquarians today can safely spend a little more than their budget allows. You will receive a major award (not now, but at the beginning of the coming week). However, you should take care that money is not wasted. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Pisces today cannot refrain from judgment toward their new colleagues. You will find these people to be nearly simpletons, who quite by chance turn out to be part of your work team. This you make clear to them with just a short communication.
N O U S E
B R E A D S
BROWN
U S E T O
S C H Y S H E I C E C I V H M A BLUE H A N T S S C H M O O
O D A R I S T A S F O P O M V E R GREEN I L N A P E N S T S O W S L E D O O L I L A L E C P R E T U M A S M A T ORANGE P T I M L A W A A Y I N P E N
B O R A T A S C O T S
R O N E L Y E E L Y
V A I N A T E P E L E
A N I S
R M D O M A G E U L Y A L L I N O P G W E YELLOW S E L M I A M C R E T E R I S M I N PINK N O I S E L E T W L A I N N I C K I V E P E
G E N U S J A P A N E S E V I C T O R Y
W A S A B I A S T O R I A A M I N O R
K I S M E T O L D E S T R A M O N A
S N E E R S P L E A T S S T A V E S
⚫ 20
2.22 – 3.07.2019
LOS ANGELES
LIVE. RIGHT. HERE.
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LO S A N G E L E S , C A 9 0 0 6 6 310.437.5334
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TODD STEIN
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