DTLA LIFE MAG #10 | OCTOBER 2014

DTLA LIFE October 2014 www.dtlalife.com

YOUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK HOMEWALK LA FALL DESIGN STYLE REMEDY OSCAR SANABRIA HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS

DTLA LIFE | Magazine ®

October 2014

Publisher LA LOFTS Realty ® ULTIMATE LIFE LIVING, llc 548 S Spring Street #109 Los Angeles, CA 90013 213 626 5433 www.laloftsrealty.com Editor in Chief Alex LiMandri, alex@laloftsrealty.com Associate Editor Tiffany Gatto, tiffany@laloftsrealty.com Contributing Writers Cinnia Finfer - Retail & Fashion Tiffany Gatto - Real Estate Jim White - Community Petra Wright - Art Janene Zakrajsek - Pets Dr Eve Flores DVM - Vet Dr Leia Castaneda - Vet Juliane Pease - Design Tom Ferda - Sport Lori Tierney - Wellness Des Grisham - Fitness Peter Badillo - Movies Farah Casis - Nightlife Photographers Natalia Knezevic www.nataliakphoto.com Zane Levitt www.zanewlevittphotography.com Art Director Alex LiMandri Editor Peter Badillo Photo Alex LiMandri

www.dtlalife.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR October is the time to rethink everything, time to appreciate the fact that we are lucky to live in Los Angeles and don’t have to think too much about what we will have to wear for a torrid winter.

But more like, what I will wear that I did not wear this summer. Well you can decide to participate to the LA FASHION week, yes there is one in LA, visit www.fashionweekla.com for more information. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month so don’t hesitate to wear some pink and bring awareness to this cause | www.pink-october.org.

And finally it is the month when we have to decide what will be our costume for our favorite holliday: HALLOWEEN. I can’t wait to explore the new VIP experience at the Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood and the special event that Downtown LA gives to our urban kids. Downtown LA’s children and their families are invited to attend the 7th Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Families. Held in Grand Hope Park at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising on Friday, October 31, 2014 from 5-8pm, children will enjoy marionette shows, bouncy houses, crafts, video games, hot dogs, and “trick-or-treat doors”. So Buy your tickets today! at Downtownla.com

Alex LiMandri Editor-in-Chief DTLA LIFE | Magazine ® www.dtlalife.com

LET’S TALK ABOUT by

Tiffany Gatto

the biggest

financial investment

of my life

THE BIGGEST INVESTMENT OF YOUR LIFE We really should called this article, “Let’s talk about the biggest financial investment of my life.” While there are thousands of online websites and other utilities to understand home buying, it can get SUPER scary and overwhelming. So rather than sift through countless articles and informational websites, we have used the National Association of Realtors guide to “Home Buying in 6 easy steps”.

Qualified real estate professionals spend time and money learning all the ins and outs of the real estate process are are here to help you, the homebuyer understand each step along the way. We can alleviate your worries and break down otherwise cumbersome paperwork to the “need to know” basis.

So, be sure to check out your local realtors (hopefully ME!) and ask away, we are here to make your decision process easier and maybe more fun!

1 - Get Ready for Homeownership Build a good credit history: Ask us about our preferred lender, Anthony Sabella with Stearns Home Loans, for a complete mortgage pre-approval letter so you can understand your buying power and the costs outside of the purchase price.

Consider hiring an attorney to review all contracts and agreements associated with the home buying process. Save up!!

Down payments are typically 10-20% of property’s value and consider closing costs which can include taxes, attorney’s fees, and transfer fees. Don’t forget to include utilities and monthly bills, such as homeowner’s association fees (Especially in condos and DTLA) as well as parking and the extras!

2 - Find a Real Estate Professional Come visit us at our home office on 6th and Spring Streets Get a referral from friends, family, and work colleagues. Ask the real estate professionals you interview about buyer’s representation contracts and agreements; make sure you understand the terms. Explain your needs and expectations to the real estate professional you choose to work with.

3 - Find the Right Property Determine what is important to you, such as neighborhood amenities, type of property (new or historical buildings, the monthly mortgage payment, public transportation, walkability, etc. Make sure you include home owner’s assessments, utilities, and taxes when calculating the monthly mortgage payment.

4 - Finance the Property Get the final documentation from your preferred lender. The lender or attorney will run a title search to ensure there are no clouds on the title. Make sure you understand the financing terms—ask the lender for clarification, if needed.

5 - Have your real estate agent make an Offer Read all contracts before signing—make sure you understand all of the terms, ask questions. Place a competitive bid and be prepared to make a counteroffer. Keep your credit score stable and in-check by waiting to purchase any big-ticket items until long after the closing. Only one offer will result in a sale, so be prepared to move on if your offer is not accepted.

After the offer is accepted: Ensure the property is inspected by a licensed home inspector. Acquire title insurance. Make sure the title is clear, or make your offer contingent upon title clearance.

6 - Closing and Life After the Big Purchase Protect your new asset by obtaining insurance such as homeowner’s, flood, disaster, and fire. Maintain files—digital or print—for all warranties, insurance documents, contracts, etc. Keep original closing documents in a safe place, preferably outside the home (such as a safety deposit box). Set up utilities bills in your name, maintain files. Implement desired aesthetic changes such as painting, minor. construction, and re-flooring. Set a move date and hire movers or plan a move party with your friends. Get to know your neighbors and explore your new neighborhood. AND in closing, don’t forget, we work on referrals, so if you’re happy with the work of your real estate professional, be sure to recommend her/him to friends and family.

For more information, feel free to give me a call at (213) 447 4130 or drop me a note at tiffany@laloftsrealty.com - We are more than just your Realtors, we are your Neighbors!

Tiffany Gatto Managing Partner LA LOFTS | Realty ® (213) 447 4130 tiffany@laloftsrealty.com www.laloftsrealty.com

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK by

Photo Cinnia Finfer

Cinnia Finfer

Markus and Michael Kwan’s new rawbar/steak and seafood restaurant SPEAR is sure to be a crowd pleaser. With one of the most striking dining rooms of the financial district and a two-tiered enclosed patio complete with fireplace and fire feature it’s a great escape from a demanding workday or the confounding rush hour traffic. The lunch menu runs the gamut from a grilled cheese sandwich ($10) to pan roasted sea bass ($26) as well as a daily choice of 5 different oysters and raw bar favorites including yellowtail ceviche, albacore, hakkaido scallop and herb marinated shrimp. Chef Greg Paul’s dinner menu is decidedly more involved. A boneless roasted half jidori chicken in a black garlic demi glaze is $19, while a 28 oz. aged ribeye is $96.

Roasted branzino, Colorado lamb shank and tomahawk pork chop balance the menu. Fans of the former Le Ka will rejoice at the addition of a full outdoor bar. Mixologist Matthew Niles pours a spectrum of both craft and classic cocktails. Hours are 11 a.m. – 12 midnight, Mon.- Wed., 11a.m. – 2 a.m. Thurs. – Fri., 5p.m.- 2a.m.

Saturday.

SPEARS 800 South Flower Street | Los Angeles (213) 688 3000 www.spearrestaurant.com

This small but attractive restaurant has only been open a few weeks but word is, the vegan shawarma and falafel are standouts. One customer has been back 5 days in a row! Whether you just want to order a single side, create a meal including a side, dessert and drink, order a family-size meal or grab something healthy for your kids, Chef Tzlil Gofer’s menu provides a completely custom way to build a quick but flavorful lunch or dinner. Pick pita wrap or salad bowl and create your dish from chicken and vegetable entrees, favorite of three hummuses, toppings and homemade dressings. And please, where else are you going to be able to choose from pistachio, walnut or chocolate/cinnamon baklava and be back to the office in time? While the menu is designed for grab and go, there are some simple café tables both inside and outside.

Current hours are 11:00a.m. – 10:30p.m. Mon- Wed, but they stay open till midnight Thursday Friday and Saturday night.

NOT in a hurry? You should know that neighboring Silo Vodka Bar now features a special menu from Hummus Republic.

Now that’s one way to get your grains!

HUMMUS REPUBLIC 225 West 7th Street | Los Angeles, 90014 (213) 399 5997 www.thehummusrepublic.com

Photo Cinnia Finfer

While DTLA has become a showcase for hot new talent in the tonsorial arts, it’s good to have some old school skill.

Tucked in on the east side of the Millennium Biltmore, Angelo’s is a Southern California institution in the barbershop world. Founded in 1972, Angelo’s mini-empire includes six other locations throughout Los Angeles and the north valley.

Angelo’s DTLA Manager, Wynn Walter is a careerist. This is what he does and he does it well. His staff is well versed in classic and contemporary cuts. Experts in fades, flattops and straight razor shaves, Angelo’s is also a family tradition for the all-important first haircut. The signature service is the Royal Shave, is a hot towel and straight razor treatment for $45. Haircuts start at $24 but tend to run $28 - $36. Hours are 8a.m. – 7:30 p.m. weekdays, Saturday 9a.m.-5p.m., closed Sundays.

Photo Cinnia Finfer

ANGELO’S BARBER SHOP 515-A South Olive Street | Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 627 7440 www.angelosbarbarshops.com

ASIAN BOX 445 South Figueroa Street | Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 265 7955 www.asianbox.com

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Asian Box

Asian Box is all about fresh. Not only to they feature locally sourced, organic and sustainable meat and produce, the restaurant does not have a freezer. Hatched in Palo Alto, this remarkable fast casual concept delivers classic Asian street fare featuring local food prepared minimally and served quickly. Everything is made on-site including from-scratch sauces and marinades and house made beverages. Executive Chef Grace Nguyen recipes bring a fine dining sensibility to customizable lunches averaging $10.00. With hundreds of possible combinations, you could eat there every day of the week and not have the same thing. The signature 5th and Fig box features grilled chicken over lime jasmine rice with a option of extra coconut curry sauce and a side of homemade srirachi. Yum! Opened just this month, Asian Box serves lunch 11 a.m.

- 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. There is limited indoor seating, but plenty of communal table space on the Union Bank lower plaza. Take out and catering is also available. Stay tuned, as active discussions are under way about two more DTLA locations.

The darling of Boyle Heights has hit the ground running with its third and newest outpost in the Spring Street Arcade.

DTLA has no shortage of taco options, but father and son Armando de la Torre Sr. and Jr, with Ricardo Diaz have distinguished themselves with their traditional recipes and handmade tortillas. For the uninitiated, “Guisados� is Spanish for stews. The genius in Gusiados approach is the simplicity -braised chicken, steak, fish and shrimp served with sides of rice and beans. Oh yes, and the price. Most tacos are $2,50, $2.75 for seafood choices. That would explain the line out the door. Hard core fans will be thrilled to learn breakfast menu was recently launched. Save yourself some trouble, and get in line now!

GUISADOS (Spring Arcade Building) 541 South Spring Street #101m | Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 627 7656 www.guisados.co

Photo Cinnia Finfer

Big Sugar brings out the little kid in all of us. This enchanting space is almost fairy tale like in its presentation. With impressively whimsical cakes displayed in the window to the mouth-watering confections lining the display cases, it would take a will of steel to exit without purchasing something. If the aroma of baked good doesn’t get you, the Groundwork coffee will. Baking small batches with the finest ingredients means everything is a slice of heaven. Doors open at 8a.m. - 5p.m.,Mon.-Fri., 9a.m.-2p.m. Sat. With charming gift items, and cards and even birthday candles available, Big Sugar can be your secret weapon for that sinking moment when you realize today is a really important birthday. The exceedingly attentive staff will set you up with a jaw-dropping cake, thoughtful gift and delightful card in no time. I’ll never tell.

BIG SUGAR BAKE SHOP 612 South Flower street | Los Angeles, 90016 (213) 489 1201 www.bigsugarbakeshop.com

Photo Cinnia Finfer

ART

SPOTLIGHT by

Petra Wright

Oscar Sanabria

This month GDCA is proud to feature the paintings of Oscar Sanabria - a recent addition to the DTLA art scene. A gifted painter and filmmaker, Sanabria is a multi media artist in every sense of the word. We asked him to describe his journey…from Guatemala to DTLA. As a child in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Oscar was mesmerized by the horizon. At night, its line was drawn like an indelible division between ocean and sky. The immensity of stars in the night sky formed a vision that would never leave him. Sanabria has Mayan blood in him, which he feels is the source of his connection with stars and the universe. The Mayan people were stargazers, famous for their science and early calendars. In a more literal sense, Sanabria inherited his talent for drawing from his mother. She gifted him his first art supplies at age 6, and set him on his artistic journey.

Another pivotal experience was seeing the movie ‘Star Wars’ as a boy in Guatemala. Beyond the impact of it’s setting, Space, the medium of film planted a seed, which would continue to germinate until it could come to fruition in adulthood. At age 9, Sanabria moved to Los Angeles. He won an art contest in 6th grade and was encouraged to take graphic design classes at the Freemont Occupational Center. The work he produced there won him a graphics and advertising scholarship to Pasadena Art Center.

One fateful night, on a walk in the basement, he stumbled upon the Fine Arts department, and had an epiphany: His artistic purpose was to express himself…his emotions, his ideals and his view of the world. No longer could his art be in service of an idea outside of himself…rather he needed to be in service of his art, to express his ultimate truth. He left the Art Center and continued a self-guided study of Fine Art, visiting museums and copying the masters.

When studying the masters, Oscar would look at a painting for hours on end. Not as a means of analysis, but as a means of absorption. He needed to permeate the painting until he could “grasp its essence”. The next level of comprehension depended on studying paintings in context of their series. As an artist he is committed to this rule: “Only by creating a series can you truly have larger dialogue with the metaphor you are trying to explore.” All of his work is rooted in deep philosophical contemplation: “Meaning has to exist on every level for the work to be authentic.”

At a certain point, despite several successful exhibits a year, Sanabria felt stuck. He felt the need for a tectonic shift in his work, and decided to go back to school. After applying to San Francisco Art Institute, Oscar was awarded consecutive scholarships. Here he was introduced to the work of contemporary video and installation artists. Adding film classes into the mix, his work began to blossom again, especially by incorporating video into his paintings. Finally Sanabria was able to manifest his early creative vision of becoming a multi media artist. Several of his recent found object/assemblage pieces include video elements, such as a lock on an old wooden door, which reveals a moving image of our expanding universe when you peer through the keyhole.

The paintings on display at GDCA this month are part of a found objects series. “Half Man, Half Angel” crosses over into his current cement series. Philosophically, this series is greatly inspired by Julio Medem’s film “Tierra”. Sanabria often plays it in the studio while he paints: “I have watched certain sections of this film up to 50 times. I continue to find amazing metaphors that fuel my paintings!”

The discovery of cement as a medium was a happy accident.

One day Sanabria observed a huge pile of dry cement being hit by a gust of wind. As the fine dust dispersed, he was struck by the substance’s inherently rich metaphors: “Cement creates the structures that support our civilization…our bridges, our dwellings…we laugh, we cry, we make love…we live and die in cement.”

Oscar Sanabria’s paintings will be on display at GDCA Gallery through October 31st. To see the works in person, please visit us at 545 South Spring Street or contact us for an appointment via email: info@GDCAgallery.com or by calling (323) 309-2875.

Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts 215 West 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014 323 805 9363 www.gdcagallery.com

VETS by

Alex LiMandri

At DTLA LIFE | Magazine ®, we love pets as Downtowners worship them. Our two contributers; Pussy & Pooch, the uber hype pet store and DTLAvets, our only Downtown vet hospital are giving us great insights and tips to make our dogs and cats stylish and healthy. Don’t forget to stop by the store on 6th and Main Streets to have your animal prepared for the night of Halloween and find the right costume for them. And make sure to take an appointment with our vets to make sure that your pet is ready for winter.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST DTLA VET We are so happy to welcome Dr Gloria Hu to our team. She will be joining us on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

And with Dr Hu comes the expansion of our Wednesday hours to a full days!􀀀 DTLA VETS is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm and Saturday From 8am to 12pm and located at 333 South Spring Street - Los Angeles, CA 90013

DTLAvets 333 South Spring Street | Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 613 1537 www.dtlavets.com

PETS by

Janene Zakrajsek

FRUITS OF FALL

HEALTHY PET TIP

Leathery, round balls of fleshy orange fruit, pumpkins are one of the season’s best foods for animals -- and humans alike. Oftentimes referred to as a vegetable in culinary terms, pumpkins are by definition in fact, berry-like botanical fruits from the squash family, containing seeds and sprouting from flowers. Packed with vitamins and phytonutrients and an excellent source of dietary fiber, pumpkin is one of Nature’s Superfoods, rich in Antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, and E. Grinning Jack-o-Lanterns may symbolize the beginning of fall harvest, seasonal pies and savory dishes, but all-natural, pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix!) is something every pet guardian should have stocked in your pantry allyear-round. Dogs and cats love its natural taste and texture added to their diet. Did you know that pumpkin is essential for a healthy digestive tract? The dietary fiber in pumpkin is extremely helpful in eliminating diarrhea, soothing constipation, and preventing hair balls.

So as your family gathers around the table this holiday season, consider adding a little pumpkin purée to your fur kids’ bowl for a guilt-free Holiday treat with tons of healthy benefits. Whether transitioning your dog or cat to new foods or supplementing your pet’s current diet for digestive health, or as a natural remedy for weight loss, Fruitables Pumpkin Purée is one of Pussy & Pooch’s most highly recommended pet essentials for your daily feeding routine! Or if you are looking to prepare an easy DIY treat at home, you can whisk two tablespoons of pumpkin purée and goats milk together and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a Pumpkin Latte – Yum! Need more helpful advice for caring for your pets? Let our Pet Experts at Pussy & Pooch assist you in navigating the myriad of choices in the pet food aisle and learn more great tips for keeping them healthy.

Be well!

Janene Zakrajsek Pussy & Pooch | founder

Pussy & Pooch 564 South Main Street | Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 438-0900 www.pussyandpooch.com

Photo Julianne Pease

DESIGN by

Julianne Pease

5 WAYS

TOLETFALL INTO YOUR

DESIGN

STYLE

Fall in Los Angeles, thanks to the Santa Ana winds, typically means beautiful skies. It also means the beginning of the holiday season. Halloween kicks off autumn with the fall colors and continues on through Thanksgiving; then does a complete color palette switch for Christmas and Hanukah.

So how do you modify your beautiful home design to add holiday décor if the colors clash?

We reached out to the CM In The City Interior Design team for answers. Mary Alice said “we get this question from our clients more often than you might think.

When a client has just invested a lot of time and money redesigning their home they do not want things to change, but here come the holidays.” Cathi added, that with a bit of forethought and planning you can enjoy holiday décor that fits your style.

Cathi and Mary Alice shared their top 5 tips on how to bring in holiday décor that compliments your design style.

1 – Know your design style We realize this might sound obvious, but trust us. The ability to describe your look, including your color palette, will make shopping for holiday additions much easier.

Is your style a mid-century modern design with pops of red in a neutral palette? Maybe you would describe your style as beach chic with touches of turquoise and yellow? Or is it one of one hundred other possible style descriptions. Having a good understanding of this will help you acquire the perfect items to bring the holidays into your home.

2 – Black is the new Orange All pumpkins are not created equal. There are beautiful and easily available pumpkins and gourds of all colors.

Beautiful white, able to match almost any décor, subtle greens, grays and more are readily available. The Los Angeles Flower Mart has wonderful pumpkins to choose from. While you are at the flower mart be sure to check out the various colors of mums available and also braches make a beautiful, addition. Adding a selection of branches to a vase is a neutral and whimsical way to add fall to your décor.

It is also very easy to paint pumpkins. If none of the natural colors work consider painting a few. Chalkboard paint is a fun option, but you can also go crazy and paint a pumpkin turquoise or even a metallic color.

3 – There is more to fall then pumpkins Consider adding a few pillows that coordinate with your décor, yet have a holiday motif like those pictured here.

We like to use pillow covers the same size as the pillow which is important in lofts.

4 – Modify your accent décor to fit the holiday Simple switch outs décor items around your home.

Such as a candy dish, knick- knack or even art. Another great way to bring the holidays into your design plan is to switch out the photos you have in frames around the house with holiday family photos. Consider adding a few small pumpkins to a bookshelf, coffee table or counter.

Each one of these little touches will bring the holidays in without taking over your design style.

Photos Julianne Pease

5 – Adding a bit of whimsy goes a long way If you are in a smaller loft or just don’t have a lot of extra space for holiday décor consider adding only one holiday item. It the holiday décor is attention getting, or makes people smile perhaps even laugh, everyone will remember.

There are lots of inventive and whimsical ideas for each holiday. Here are a few we love for fall. These repurposed bowling pins (ribbons could be any color) are always commented on. They can be outside if you have a balcony or terrace or anywhere there’s a good spot throughout your home.

Another fun conversation starter is a pair of witch legs. Begin with a pair of striped girls tights. Stuff the legs and attach a pair of red ballet flats to the feet. Place them strategically half way under a sofa, entry bench, etc. so only the bottom part of the legs are peeking out. Think of the witch’s legs when the house fell on her in the Wizard of Oz. Guaranteed to bring a Halloween holiday smile to all who pass.

Whatever the changes you make to your home for the holidays, be sure to follow Cathi and Mary Alice’s advice, and keep it simple and have fun doing it.

Photo Julianne Pease

CM Designs Cathi Marcoly (323) 942 9920 Mary Alice Slattery (323) 942 9921 www.cm-designs.com

Photo Julianne Pease

REMEDY Clear your Clutter! by

Lori Tierney

Consult any reputable Feng Shui Master and one of the very first prescriptions they will give you is a lesson on clearing the clutter in your life. It is Feng a Shui 101! Do you know why?

One of our greatest obstacles to manifesting our goals and dreams in life is reflected to us on a daily basis, every time we look at the top of our desk, the nightstand drawer, the kitchen junk drawer and stare at the pile of magazines we keep telling ourselves we are going to read one day and yet never do. Everything in our orbit is energy; it all has meaning attached to it and it is in a perpetual holding pattern swirling around you, until you determine it’s time to be released.

Then the law of physics kicks in: the Universe abhors a vacuum! Empty space means it’s time for something new to fill it! But until you decide to let go, for example, of the boxed and cleaned wedding gown/tuxedo in the back closet shelf from your failed marriage, then how can that new relationship find you? You know the dress I mean, the one that meant so much to you because he meant so much to you, but that was then... Fast-forward to now and you wonder why you haven’t dated anyone in ten years!

Time to give the dress/tux away and open up a space in your closet for a new memory to find you.

Clearing clutter sounds relatively easy, but in actuality if it were easy, there would not be a booming storage rental industry where we can rent little boxes for our stuff- all the stuff we can’t seem to part with. If you have ever seen George Carlin’s skit on stuff, you know what I am referring to. Carlin says that when we get rid of our stuff, as if by magic new stuff appears! And in some cases, what he didn’t mention in his comedy sketch is this- sometimes that new stuff might happen to be something you have been wanting for a long long time, and by clearing out the old, a path was finally made for something shiny and new!

Start your fall clutter clearing in small rewardable doses.

Pick a time this autumn season as the leaves are falling and being raked away, to tackle one area of your home or office. The rule here is if you select an item you have these choices to make- keep it or put it in either the donate pile or recyclables depending on its condition. You may be tempted to keep your old girlfriend or boyfriend’s sleep shirt and convert it into a cleaning or art rag! Remember, the goal here is to move old stagnant energy out, not offer it a new form in which to hang out in your life a little longer.

As you tackle the areas in your home or office where clutter has accumulated, set your own personal intention for what it is you do wish to experience, and write down those goals in blue ink on unlined paper so they really sync into your brain!

And remember to reward yourself for a job well done with a tall glass of crisp fall apple cider or a massage vs. a purchase of more stuff that will just need to be cleared again anyway!

And if you need some personal motivation and inspiration, remember Gandhi- He had simplified his life to the point of only owning three things- his cloth cover, his eyeglasses and his book!

Happy fall clearing!

Lori Tierney is an author and Feng Shui consultant living in Los Angeles.

Lori Tierney @cougaryoga www.loritierney.net

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

THE MOVIE CORNER by

Peter Badillo

MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN Peter Badillo A review by

The internet age has definitely changed the way that people view relationships, expressionism, and sex. As a parent, how does one evolve with this rapid growth of technology when your children can view whatever they like with the simple action of a few simple keystrokes? As a maturing adolescent, how does one adapt to the pressures that others can bestow upon you? Men, Women, And Children seems to have different accounts on how this question was answered. Featuring a great cast of actors, the film opened up with a universal perspective on a mission that started many years ago, but quickly returned to Earth on how the internet seems to be a tool of different needs.

Parental wise, there was four different approaches with what the internet seemed to offer; treat it as a threat; use it a tool for sexual needs; embrace it for the networking opportunity; or be indifferent. For the High School students in the film; it was a means of communication, rebellion, escapism, exposure, guidance, and advice (regardless if it was good or bad.)

Adam Sandler and Rosemarie DeWitt played a couple who were struggling with a passionless marriage, tired of their mundane routines; they used the internet to explore unfulfilled desires, to obtain something they have not had in some time. Their eldest son, having discovered adult video websites at an early age, used the internet to explore the different and various genres of adult entertainment.

Eventually his exploration would lead him to depravity and fetishes that has changed his views on sex to the point where it later defeats him.

Jennifer Gardner’s character saw nothing but horror and possible threats in the internet, thus, she went to great lengths in limiting her daughter’s freedom by installing a device that recorded every keystroke on her computer, grabbed every social media password her daughter had in order to have any messages and updates sent to her own phone as well. While her daughter went around her mother’s eyes and used the internet to rebel for her own sanity.

Dean Norris played a father whose wife had left him and his son to chase her dreams in California. While he adored Football, his son felt different. After a year of playing the sport, his son decided he didn’t want to play anymore, and instead used the internet to escape the pains and struggles of life and invest his time in a massively multiplayer online role playing game. Regardless of what his son decided to do, he didn’t pay much attention to his son and his online activities. Judy Greer saw the internet as an opportunity to gain attention for her daughter, who wanted to become an actor.

Whatever the view was, it seemed that every decision affected everyone in that community; as one parent’s resolve changed the flow of another’s child. The progression of

the story revolved around these changes that would negatively reflect another person. Over-protective mothers and carefree fathers seem to be a negative force, even parents that are somewhere in the middle aren’t effective in raising teenagers especially when the internet is involved.

As these teens are discovering sex, or “hooking up,” even without proper knowledge, they seem to want to rush the experience only to want to claim that they’ve had it.

Each actor played their part perfectly, Jennifer Gardner really sold her part of being that “unfair” mother, restricting everything her daughter did. It was so convincing, one could have mistaken her acting for something genuine.

Adam Sandler played a part that was somewhat unconventional to him, less of a comedic role, and more of a serious note, his part of that awkwardness in his passionless marriage was well executed. Dean Norris looks like that typical sports dad, thus it was not a surprise how his passions for the football game in the film transferred over well. Still, these big names had amazing support from the actors who played the teens in the movie: Tomothee Chalamet, Olivia Crocicchia, Kaitlyn Dever, Ansel Elgort, and Elena Kampouris all performed their unique roles perfectly, whether it was that boy who used online games to escape, the girl who used images from the internet to judge her own body, or the girl who used the internet to sell her pictures for attention.

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

The story centered on the topic of sex, Emma Thompson narrated the story as it progressed which gave a bit of intrigue to everything. The lack thereof, the new experience of it, or the gossip of it was the influence of a lot of decisions that occurred through the films progression. It certainly hit a lot of relevant points about teenagers today, with girls getting pregnant at younger and younger ages seemingly like a trend. With parents having trouble connecting with their adolescent kids due to their time being spent on the phone and the internet, it is understandable the different approaches that each actor used trying to either protect or connect with their individual teen kid. Regardless though, being that there was a bittersweet conclusion to the whole matter, each parent took something out of their journey of this very deep and emotional spiral of hormones and needs. Through it all, it was an enjoyable film, something the older audience would deeply appreciate as they are going through some similar things with their kids, but hopefully nothing too extreme.

Men, Women, And Children | A Film by Jason Reitman | With Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Rosemarie DeWitt, Emma Thompson, Judy Greer & Dean Norris | Paramount Pictures | www.menwomenchildrenmovie.com | © 2014

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

by

THE HEART OF BRUNO WIZARD - Photo Courtesy of New Filmakers Festival

Peter Badillo

Free from scrutiny, malice, and disdain; a dream of every artist alike and one offered and realized in this fantastic organization. The New Filmmakers of Los Angeles offers writers, cinematographers, actors the opportunity for their works to be viewed in a setting that many dare to revere.

With a supporting audience, the tireless efforts of many, each film ended with a thunderous applause, with a Q&A that followed each segment, allowing members of the viewing crowd to ask any inquiries about the films themselves, or about the development process. Of course, all this is just a minor perk of what the Film Festival has to offer, the real show is in the different creative minds assembled into these short renditions displaying the collaboration of various talents.

OstrichLand was comedic journey of two brothers who are trying to figure out what to do with their father’s belongings.

As the story progressed, so did the revelation of how the brothers actually felt about each other and how they actually despised each other.

On September 20, 2014 the AT&T Center on Hill Street once again opened their doors to the organization to host the event. Guests were treated to five segmented viewings, with the fifth program holding something rather special.

My Date with Adam was a stab at the rise of online dating and the rise of people’s expectation of a potential lover.

In short, the only way to achieve these expectations is to create a robot to be 100% on par with what some people want.

The Heart of Bruno Wizard was on the first program, a documentary revolving around the life and musical career of the lead singer and front man of the 1980’s London Punk rock band, The Homosexuals. Fun and eccentric, the documentary gave the audience an insight of the life of this iconic character of charisma and many talents. The film covered Bruno Wizards career as it bloomed playing shows at a Punk Rock club in London called “The Roxy,” performing several nights and moving all to his later days and his current days. There was definitely a rise and fall of emotional response, at the documentary not only focused on a lot of his flashy character, but some of his hardships as well. Overall, the documentary was entertaining, and very engaging, never a dull moment.

The first set of shorts included five titles. Sunday Dinner with the Morgans brought upon a twisted story of members of a family as they unraveled from different points of views.

Cleverly each retelling of the day revealed a bit more of each member of the family till it came to a close with the son’s day of the events that transpired.

Hollygrove: The True Life Story of Monserrat was a touching tale of a young girl who went through the toughest of hardships only to find the light at the end of her dark tunnel.

Her troubling journey had a happy ending as Hollygrove accepted her and helped her grow past her fears and darkness.

9 to 5 Feet Under showcased an event of a desk worker having passed away at the job, left unchecked for any signs of life for almost a week. The day to day conversations revolving around the worker seemed to be more comedic than the last.

OSTRICHLAND- Photo Courtesy of New Filmakers Festival

Dirty Laundry, as risqué as that sounds, is actually a story of a recently broken family and a “monster” that came to life due to the recent abandonment of the father/husband of the family and how one boy overcame his depression and fear.

The second segment of shorts also offered five unique shorts. Stay followed two males, travelling to a drug deal while dealing with hurt and unresolved feelings for each other that ended with more abandonment and a murder.

The Guest brought up a conundrum of having to choose between the past and present; a long time friend, or the future with the boy/girlfriend.

Mia was that awkward teenager moment in which a secret was found out that would put distance between you and your friend. There is a silver lining in it, as even through the uncomfortable silence, there are unexpected heroes that will always pull through for you, and Mia found that out when one of her friends, one she never paid much attention to, came through for her after her best friend betrayed her trust.

Ticket to Ride was reminiscent of a certain Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels movie. A sort of Slapstick comedy revolving around a lost opportunity and the hilarious circumstances that would follow involving kidnapping a gas station manager’s cat.

The next segment included four shorts. Toby and the Runaway Kite was an animated story about a boy who chased after a kite he had lost grip of. As the story was narrated, it seemed more and more like a scare tactic about disobedient children; after seeing that story, I certainly wouldn’t want to disobey my parents again.

Trust Me was a powerful and dark story involving a tortured soul, and two police officers who have some questionable priorities. While their opinions often conflicted, in the end, it caused one to be completely discontented with the other, which resulted in the death of the tortured soul.

Bridge had that twist of an ending that can only be found in M. Knight Shyamalan films.

Branching Out follows one man’s, rather one bundle of twigs’, journey into finally settling the qualm of a misused term to belittle people that would actually describe what he was. Through a brilliant and clever role, this bundle of twigs sporting a hoodie shared his story in finally getting the proper definition out to the people.

The big feature was a real treat to everyone who attended,

as Columbia Pictures gave the attendees a special screening of their next box office release, The Equalizer featuring Denzel Washington. From start to finish, the film was a rush of excitement that refused to stop. With such a buildup of expense, every sequence became an edge of the seat thriller. Denzel Washington demonstrated how messing with his family and friends would be a regrettable offense, a death wish that his character would personally grant to those who have threatened those who around him. Deserving a proper review, The Equalizer definitely became a must-see movie for the autumn season this year.

New Filmakers Festiival - Los Angeles AT&T Center 1139 South Hill Street | Los Angeles, CA 90015 www.newfilmmakersla.com

THE BRIDGE - Photo Courtesy of New Filmakers Festival

THE WORLD

IS A SAFE PLACE by

Jim White

Let’s

HomeWalk November 15th

Photos Courtesy of United Way of Greater Los Angeles

On any given night 39,500 of our neighbors sleep on the streets. Over 10,000 of those on our streets have been there for over a year. Almost 5,000 of them served our country. But, there is a solution to homelessness and you can help be a part of it…

On a beautiful Saturday in November thousands of Angelenos will join Honorary Chair Kobe Bryant and United Way of Greater LA to change Los Angeles!

Residents of all ages and backgrounds will rally to raise funds and participate in HomeWalk, an annual 5K Run/Walk to end homelessness on November 15.

Over the past 7 years, HomeWalk has mobilized over 50,000 walkers and raised $4 million in support of Home For Good, a collaborative community effort formed out of a joint initiative of the United Way and the LA Area Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to the community’s support through HomeWalk and the incredible public and private funding partners participating in the Home For Good Funder’s Collaborative, Home For Good partners have housed over 15,000 individuals in permanent supportive housing since 2011, and continues to work to end veteran homelessness in the next year and veteran homelessness by 2016.

This year HomeWalk plans to recruit almost 15,000 walkers and raise $1.2 million, with the generous support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation which will be once again matching dollar for dollar all donations raised by individuals and teams!

Learn more, sign up and give to HomeWalk by visiting www.homewalkla.org!

UNITED WAY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES www.unitedway.org

Jim White Author - THE WORLD IS A SAFE PLACE (213) 620 8000 www.theworldisasafeplace.com

Photos Courtesy of United Way of Greater Los Angeles

THE LOVESONG BAR Soon enough there won’t be any reason to leave the ever-so-trendy Old Bank District in Downtown LA, especially when the Regent Theater opens its door in early November 2014 (Official date TBA).

One of the theater’s distinct amenities will be The Lovesong Bar, offering classic cocktails, a killer happy hour and music played on vinyl records...

After all, who wouldn’t love that vintage sound of vinyl records while sipping on an Old Fashioned?

From the same owners that brought you the Knitting Factory and The Echo, The Lovesong Bar will be a welcomed addition to the burgeoning scene near the 4-5th & Main Street stretch of O.B.D., which attracts thousands of restaurant and nightlife patrons each week.

The Lovesong Bar is expected to launch at the end of October 2014 and will be open 7 days a week to cater to show-goers, as well as the local neighborhood.

NIGHT

LIFE by

Farah Casis

Farah Casis Events Director & Nightlife Writer Circa 93 farahcasis@gmail.com THE LOVESONG BAR @ The Regent Theatre 448 S. Main Street | Los Angeles, CA 90013 Instagram: regenttheaterla www.theregenttheater.com

Photo Courtesy of theregenttheater.com

BORN & BRAISED

IN DTLA by

Christopher Spinder

Photo credit: Sarah Lockhart and Tim Ryon

AN EVENING WITH

RE CREO SUPPER CLUB It’s often the unknown that leads to the most adventurous and indelible experiences. It’s true of the people you meet, the places you visit and the food you eat. Imagine a night out in DTLA where all three of these elements combine to form a damn near perfect evening. There is such an event, it’s called Re Creo Supper Club.

“Hello, welcome to Re Creo Supper Club,” greets event coordinator Tinh Tran as he checks names into his iPad at the door of a penthouse loft in the Old Bank District. “Head on upstairs for a welcome cocktail and we’ll be seating you for dinner shortly.” Tran and his business partner Chef Jean Valcarcel have been creating monthly pop-up dinners under the Re Creo banner for the past year-and-a-half at various locations around the neighborhood they call home and cite as a boundless source of inspiration: downtown Los Angeles.

It’s the gleaming skyline of that neighborhood that greets diners as they climb a spiral staircase and step out onto the roof deck of the 100-year old building that hosted their most recent event in September. That, and the chef himself, holding out a freshly-shaken ruby red cocktail in an elegantly simple martini glass. “It’s a raspberry, rocoto and rosemary martini,” explains Valcarcel. “I suppose you could call it the Triple R…” Like all nine courses of food the two dozen guests are about to enjoy, Chef Valcarcel concocted the drink just a week or so ago, seated at his dining room table, surrounded by bits of inspiration from all over the world. “Ideas for the menus can come from anything: books, articles, travelogues, stories, memories. It’s perfect for Re Creo because we like to think that anything can happen at our dinners, and ‘anything’ happens all the time.” Most of the memories come from his upbringing in Lima, Peru, where his step-dad taught him one of his first lessons in culinary creativity.

Tran once the guests settle into their seats. “This is an evening of adventurous food, new friends, and most of all, possibilities.” He goes on to explain that no two Re Creo menus are ever alike. What these lucky culinary voyagers are about to experience has never been served before, and likely won’t be served again.

With that, dinner begins. It starts with Chef Valcarcel’s Peruvian roots: a seared Albacore tuna ceviche resting on bruleed sweet potato and a coconut milk leche de tigre.

Within seconds, the table quiets into an atmosphere precariously balanced between hushed excitement and nervous anticipation, followed by a slow, gradual ascent into taste bud activation. It’s as if the collective subconscious of the diners lets out a deeply satisfied sigh and says, “Oh … so THIS is how it’s going to be!” The parade of plates continues: a Parmigiano-Reggiano custard with spiced carrot salad and golden raisin puree, a bowl of sea urchin paella topped by a cherry tomato escabeche and drizzle of squid ink, and, causing a mini taste riot all around the table, root beer-braised short ribs with miso mashed potatoes and tangerine chermoula. “I’m amazed at the quality of so many courses,” exclaims first-time guest Sarah Huisenga. “Not easy to do, I’m sure! Amazing food, wonderful location, good company!” And that’s all before desert, when Valcarcel steps aside and Tran slips into his pastry chef role.

“Our final course tonight is an Earl Grey white chocolate bread pudding with lemon curd sauce, “ Tran explains as he sets plates in front of still-eager diners. “Enjoy!” It’s a word often used by servers at a meal as an invitation, a directive, or a sincere wish. But tonight, sitting under the stars that everyone feels, if not necessarily sees, floating above this temporary urban oasis, it’s mostly an understatement.

Enjoy, indeed and register to be invited to the next event on Saturday, October 25th in Downtown LA.

“Tomatoes were too expensive, so he used to make pasta sauce with both carrots and tomatoes. I’m sure he didn’t intend it, but the meeting of sweet and savory was the perfect taste combination,” Valcarcel remembers. “I guess necessity really is the mother of invention.” Back on the rooftop, the sun is dipping behind the glass and steel towers of Bunker Hill, leaving behind a perimeter of warmly-glowing lanterns embracing a long narrow table, draped in black cloth, dotted by candlelight. Eclectic pop music casually but deliberately spills out of speakers. It, too, is carefully curated by Valcarcel.

Nothing affecting the senses on this night is relegated to the background -- he wants it all to impact his guests at various times, in varying degrees. But make no mistake, the food is the star tonight. “We’re so glad you all came out tonight for our most elevated dinner yet,” announces

RE CREO SUPPER CLUB re.creo.supperclub@gmail.com www.facebook.com/re.creo.supperclub | Facebook @ReCreoSupper | Twitter @recreosupperclub | Instagram

Photo credit: Sarah Lockhart and Tim Ryon

HALLOWEEN

Photo Courtesy of the DCBID

The 7th Annual Halloween Party for Downtown L.A. Kids is back for Downtown’s growing community of families and children. A counterpoint to West Hollywood, Downtown LA will play host to hundreds of kids and their families decked out in full costume.

This social, community event gives Downtown families an opportunity to have a fun Halloween party right in their own backyard.

DowntownLA.com/Halloween

Photos Courtesy of the DCBID

FEATURED LISTINGS LA LOFTS | Realty® Alex LiMandri , Jim White & Tiffany Gatto CalBRE # 01822666

info@laloftsrealty.com www.laloftsrealty.com

HIGGINS BUILDING #210

1 BEDROOM 1 BATH 610 sf LISTING AGENT: ALEX LIMANDRI & TIFFANY GATTO LA LOFTS REALTY

$399,000

Broker/Agent does not guarantee the accuracy of the square footage, lot size or other information concerning the conditions or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from Public records or other sources. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. If you already are represented by a broker, this is not a solicitation. Availability or photos may not be accurate please check with agent inside for status - Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prepared by: Alex LiMandri CALBRE# 01822666

BARKER BLOCK #404

1 BEDROOM 1 BATH 1,100 sf LOFT LAYOUT LISTING AGENT: Alex LiMandri LA LOFTS Realty ÂŽ

$2,690/m

Broker/Agent does not guarantee the accuracy of the square footage, lot size or other information concerning the conditions or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from Public records or other sources. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. If you already are represented by a broker, this is not a solicitation. Availability or photos may not be accurate please check with agent inside for status - Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prepared by: Alex LiMandri CALBRE# 01822666