DTLA LIFE March 2015 www.dtlalife.com
UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET VOTE ON MARCH 3 DESIGN: YOUR DECORATING PLAN PREVIEW: DWELL ON DESIGN 2015 CHANGE IS LIBERATION ART SPOTLIGHT: KATHE MADRIGAL NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK EVENT: NEWFILMAKERS FESTIVAL PETS: THE DIRTY TRUTH 50 SHADES PHENOMENA
DTLA LIFE March 2015 www.dtlalife.com
UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET VOTE ON MARCH 3 DESIGN: YOUR DECORATING PLAN PREVIEW: DWELL ON DESIGN 2015 CHANGE IS LIBERATION ART SPOTLIGHT: KATHE MADRIGAL NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK EVENT: NEWFILMAKERS FESTIVAL PETS: THE DIRTY TRUTH 50 SHADES PHENOMENA
DTLA LIFE | Magazine ®
March 2015
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@dwellhomes.com Art Director Alex LiMandri Editor Peter Badillo Contributing Writers Cinnia Finfer - Retail 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 Lori Tierney - Lifestyle Peter Badillo - Entertainment Farah Casis - Nightlife Margalette Audion - Fashion Dave Culwell - Finances Erika Heet - Special Editor Dwell Media
www.dtlalife.com www.laloftsrealty.com www.dwellhomes.com
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR by Alex LiMandri
VOTE MARCH 3RD: Endorsement | José Huizar for City Council We love Downtown LA and he is the candidate that made a difference and will continue to do so in the next few year. We need him to grow our Downtown LA for the future. José Huizar was elected to the Los Angeles City Council’s 14th District in 2005 and overwhelmingly re-elected in 2007 and 2011. Through his years of public service, Councilmember Huizar has proven himself a staunch advocate for educational reform, public safety, environmental protection and sustainable economic development. He has helped create thousands of new jobs, promoted historical preservation and created a framework to bring the beloved Streetcar back to Downtown Los Angeles. Councilmember Huizar has also helped bring hundreds of acres of open space, new parks and park upgrades to park-poor areas of his district and is one of the City’s leading “Complete Streets” proponents, ushering in groundbreaking pedestrian and bike-friendly policies that are seen as the model for the entire City. Prior to his Council election, José served as a member and President of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Board of Education. As Board President, José oversaw the planning and implementation of the largest school construction program in U.S. history. for more info about his accomplisment please visit http://issuu.com/ulisan/ docs/huizar_-_cd14_years/0
Alex LiMandri Editor-in-Chief DTLA LIFE | Magazine! www.dtlalife.com www.laloftsrealty.com
LET’S TALK ABOUT by
Tiffany Gatto
UNDERSTANDING
THE MARKET
Downtown Los Angeles investment is on the rise and with every major retailer, restaurateur, venue owner and service coming in droves to our grand city center translating to the buying of real estate as a worthwhile option. In order to make money in real estate, you must do your homework and get to know the market you are interested in. You want to know the location and the history. You need to know what new developments are planned. What about transportation and other services? You should plan to know everything about the area where you invest. Staying ahead of the competition in real estate investment means doing your homework. If you are not a real estate professional or new to the market, it can be daunting, below I will share with you a few of the main tactics you should know that the old pros use to get ahead of the trends instead of chasing them. Study Local Pricing The first things to study are the current price trends in the area. For example, a potential investor should look to see if the price of homes is accelerating faster in one area than in others. Next, check to see if the average home price is more than in other neighboring towns. This will provide an idea of where the biggest demand is. Another reason to study these trends is that, over time, you will start to develop a sense for which prices are “fair” for certain properties and which are overpriced. For individuals looking to buy properties at the lowest cost possible, this knowledge can be invaluable. Realtors and real estate agents are a terrific source for this information given their access to the Multiple Listing Service (or MLS). The local newspaper, the internet and the town hall may have a record of recent sale prices as well. Look for a Catalyst One sign that an area is up-and-coming and will be desirable in the future like Downtown Los Angeles is the development of new infrastructure. When you see new offices, residences, roads and schools being built, it’s a sign that the community is set for a growth spurt. Investing in a growing community can be very profitable. In addition, certain types of development, like new shopping centers, may be extremely attractive to homebuyers, and may also help keep the tax base low. Spotting new developments can be as easy as looking out your car window as you drive by. Telltale signs of land clearing, surveying or the beginnings of construction are a great indication. They should be aware of any major projects slated to begin in the area, and they may even be able to provide you with a connection at the state level so you can find out if any state-owned roads or properties are slated for development as well. Real estate agents also have general idea of what new projects are about to be undertaken. Downtown Los Angeles currently has 96 new projects under development and is hot, hot, hot!! Explore Low-Tax Alternatives If there are two towns side by side - one with high property taxes (or with progressively rising property taxes) and the other with low property taxes - the one with the lower taxes will usually be more in demand. Real estate agents can help you determine which areas have the best and worst tax structures. In addition, a simple call to the local tax assessor can reveal how much the town charges in taxes per $100 of house. Beware of towns and communities that are becoming overcrowded. Watch the Neighboring Areas If the properties in a major city or town have become overpriced, the areas on the outer fringes most likely will soon be in demand. Areas in close proximity to major bus and rail transportation are even more desirable. Nearly any area that is about to install a major train stop or a new major bus route will see its proverbial stock go up in value. To find out what’s planned, you can check with the local railroad or bus company to see if they will be expanding service in the area. The local town hall or planning department will also have this information.
Bottom Line It pays to do your homework and to tap local resources to determine which areas are hot now and, more importantly, which ones will be hot in the future. Much of the information is out there and free for the taking. You just have to be willing to do the leg work. When considering a particular area, be sure to interview your real estate agent. It is always key to find a real estate agent that lives in your preferred area, not only will they know all the details, they have normally ‘drank the potion’. At LA LOFTS | Realty ®, we are happy to assist with finding your perfect home. Visit our offices in the historic core or send a quick email for a private tour. Let us help find the keys to your perfect “loft-style”.
Tiffany Gatto tiffany@laloftsrealty.com www.laloftsrealty.com
LA LOFTS | Realty®
“More than just your Realtors ®, we’re your Neighbors!” Alex LiMandri
CalBRE # 01822666
info@laloftsrealty.com www.laloftsrealty.com
PLEASE VISIT LALOFTSREALTY.COM FOR ALL DTLA LA LISTINGS FOR SALE AND FOR LEASE
213 626 5433
NEW KIDS ON THE
BLOCK by
Photo credit: Dylan + Jeni
Cinnia Finfer
Change is good. Like many, I was a die hard Pete’s Café fan, both for the food and at the time, a very brave opening in a just blossoming Old Bank District. But that was then and this now. The intersection of 4th & Main is an absolutely new world from its former self, so why not offer a new interpretation of a beloved space? From crab salad to cheeseburgers and fries, the New American menu gives a range of lunch options from healthy to hearty. Similarly, you have to admire a place that understands that offering both pan-seared branzino and coffee crusted hanger steak for dinner makes you attractive to a spectrum of diners. I’ll let the foodies analyze the details, I just admire a restaurant that flexes its creative muscle without losing sight of who coming in for a meal. And while we are at it, why don’t we just rename the intersection Josef Centano Square, since this esteemed chef’s Ledlow, Bar Ama, Orsa & Winston and Baco Mercot have created a most delicious culinary territory.
Ledlow 400 South Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90013 www.ledlowla.com
Photo credit: Dylan + Jeni
I know what you are thinking…another coffee place!? But I have salute Verve for excelling at all the things you want from a downtown coffee café: great coffee, amazing juices, an interesting, engaging space (first floor of the “Dancing Girls” building across from Preux & Proper) and a friendly, energized staff. Hailing from Santa Cruz, Verve is a company with a soul. Committed to treating their bean sources decently, maintaining the highest standards in roasting and managing their stores with an environmental sensibility, their heart is in the right place. Many people have wanted to have something wonderful to occupy the first floor of 829 Spring for a very long time. Verve’s vertical garden, high ceilings and spaciously arranged seating makes for a setting that you swear has been there for way more than a couple of weeks. If you want to get heavy and deep about all things coffee, this team knows their stuff. If you just need a strong cup of java to glue you back together after a long night, they’ve got you covered.
Verve Coffee Roaster 829 South Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90014 www.vervecoffeeroasters.com
Photo Credit: Cinnia Finfer
While it’s wonderful to have such an impressive selections of fine restaurants in DTLA, sometimes you just want a fresh hot slice of ‘za. “Born” in Park Slope Brooklyn, Joe’s is about thin-slice New York style, made fresh with all the lovely things we liked placed on dough. On any given day, a choice of seven variations are available by the slice. Slices range from $3.00 - $4.50. And we haven’t gotten to the garlic knots. One word. Addictive. Happily, you can buy a bag of 6 for $3.00. Joe’s is open late, till 2 a.m. during the week, 3a.m. on weekends. If Oscar night was any indication, delivery is going to a big part of the equation.
Photo Credit: Cinnia Finfer
Joe’s Pizza 613 South Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 www.joespizza.com
Seems Marcus and Michael Kwan never rest. The brothers who brought us Wockano, Bunker Hill Bar & Grill and Spear have just unwrapped 3rd Generation Sake Bar. Both a step up for a work day lunch and nice spot for a light dinner, 3rd Generation serves up bowls of ramen and nigiri sushi, and an impressive selection of sake and soju cocktails. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., and until 2 a.m. on the weekends.
Photo Credit: Cinnia Finfer
3rd Generation Sake 808 West 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90017 www.3rdgenerationusa.com
Did you ever wish you had a girlfriend in the fashion business? BeverlyBeverly comes pretty close. This understated space offers designer samples from Rosemary Brantley for $30-$100. The look is “neat and classy.� The selection includes great knits and beautiful woven pieces in both winter tones and spring hues. But like a busy friend, BeverlyBeverly is not available everyday. Open Thursday and Friday 2p.m.-7p.m., Saturday and Sunday1p.m.-5p.m.
BeverlyBeverly 719 South Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90014 www.BeverlyBeverly.com
Photos Cinnia Finfer
Bienvenue to an experience you won’t soon forget. In a world of pared-down, minimal spaces, the faded but plush decadence of Vee Delgadillo’s The Little Easy is a wonderful ride. The front bar with its pressed tin ceiling, crystal chandeliers, patterned wallpaper and period furnishings feels like the living room of a Garden District baron, the backroom, a secret fountain patio of Bourbon Street speakeasy. A scaled-down Patty O’Brien if you will, minus the insects and humidity. Live jazz, ragtime, burlesque, and passwords for free shots all add up to a lot of fun. Embrace the spirits of Dixie with a Sazerac Milk Punch, Ramos Gin Fizz and/ or Hurricane and try a truly worthy Jambalaya.
The Little Easy 216 West 5th Street Los Angeles, CA 90013
Photo Credit: Cinnia Finfer
DESIGN by
Photo Julianne Pease
Julianne Pease
You Have Your First Home;
We Have Your Decorating Plan. Decorating and furnishing a new home can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. There are many different styles and pieces to choose from. What should a new homeowner purchase and where from? How do you begin the process? We asked the local design team at CM In The City, Cathi Marcoly and Mary Alice Slattery to lend their expertise to new homeowners by giving their best advice for transforming any space into a comfortable home.
Space Planning The most common mistake designer Mary Alice observes in first-time homes is a spread-out design plan. There is not a lot of furniture in the home, therefore it is spread out; a chair in a corner, a too-small painting on a large wall, a coffee table two feet from the sofa trying to fill in space. Don’t be afraid of a blank wall! Create a cozy seating area, such as the one Cathi and Mary Alice arranged in a (Downtown Los Angeles) DTLA loft. Don’t feel you need to fill all of the space in an area. Enjoy the open space. Space is the ultimate luxury. Create zones. If your home is a loft, make the most of the space by carving out zones: an eating area, which can also be used as a work surface; a comfortable seating area; and a sleeping area. These zones will help you be more organized and allow for a cozier home. Lighting Just because you purchased a new home with a brass chandelier and fluorescent bulbs, it doesn’t mean you have to keep the exact replica. Swap it with a simple spotlight or an inexpensive fixture. Use dimmer switches to create ambiance and save energy. Dimmers are easy to install and some even have smart phone connectivity! Paint Consider painting all the walls in your new home the same color rather than trying to find a different color for each room. It will help the overall space seem larger. Mary Alice suggests all the molding throughout the home should remain the same color. Benjamin Moore’s Ivory White (No. 925) satin finish is perfect
for the trim. For walls, use a super-matte finish, which will help conceal imperfections. There is more to paint than walls. Buying vintage furniture and updating it with paint is an alternative. The color choices are endless for furniture. There are a myriad of color choices beyond wood stains. You can update a vintage console to become a great character piece as shown by the red console in the photo to the right. Floors Don’t be afraid to layer rugs. Use the correct pad to prevent slippage. Buy indoor-outdoor rugs instead of traditional wool or synthetic styles. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, which are readily available and can be easily cleaned. Cathi explained that centering a room with an area rug is a great way to begin your design. Buy the largest sisal rug each room can fit, leaving a floor border along the perimeter of about two to three feet. The rug will ground the room. If a sisal rug is over your budget, lower cost options include jute and sea grass. Furniture Consider longevity: If pieces can be used in a future home, direct effort and money toward these pieces. Limited on space? Use a sofa as a bed and a dining table as a desk. Choose bedside tables that double as storage or desk space. Comfort is just as important as style. Sit on furniture before buying it. Don’t risk buying something, such as a sofa, without sitting on it first. Stick to neutrals. Bring in color with accessories, such as throw pillows and trays. When buying from retailers, choose classic shapes, such as Parsons-style tables and chairs. Add to basic pieces to distinctive finds. Do not be afraid to mix styles.
Photo Julianne Pease
Final Top Tips When in doubt, ask the local design experts in your area. Cathi and Mary Alice believe the teams at Urban Colony and Hammer and Spear, both in DTLA, very creative and helpful. Find inspiration at the great furniture and design stores in Southern California. Cathi uses painters’ tape to mark the furniture dimension space, prior to buying. Leave the tape in place for several days. It allows you to determine if the furniture will be a good fit for your home. Mary Alice measures everything twice ensuring all items will fit in the area write it down. Various measurements can easily be forgotten.
Photo Julianne Pease
CM Designs Cathi Marcoly (323) 942 9920 Mary Alice Slattery (323) 942 9921 www.cm-designs.com
Marble Trivet by Fort Standard $88
Blossom Candlesticks by Applicata $55–$75
Roule Tray by Discipline $250
“I am a residential Senior Mortgage Loan Advisor. With over 20 years of lending experience I have helped over a thousand homeowners achieve their financing goals.
In this challenging financial market, I am working very diligently to help my clients with the right mortgage choices.
On a personal note, I am originally from Ohio and graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelors of Science degree. I reside in Hollywood and have lived in Los Angeles for the past 15 years. Lastly, I am an avid enthusiast of world travel, international architecture and California wines.
I look forward to being at your assistance.”
Tony Sabella Senior Loan Consultant West Los Angeles Team
www.tonysabella.com
!! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Stearns Lending Inc.
323.852.4800 Office 310.210.7256 Mobile 209.322.3506 Fax
http://64777stearnshomeloans.com
DRE#01204373 NMLS ID# 233399
Craig Carrying Case by Delfonics $54–$72
Timeless Accessories When accessorizing, consider elegant geometric shapes in varied materials like these marble trivets from Fort Standard and the brass Roule Tray from Discipline. Add saturated color you can take on the go with Delfonics’ Craig Carrying Cases. Shop our collection at store.dwell.com.
Preview the Key Design Topics of Dwell on Design Los Angeles 2015 by
2006 LOS ANGELES STATE HISTORIC PARK COMPETITION, COPYRIGHT CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS City of LA LARRMP LA State Historic Park
Erika Heet
well on Design has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings in San Francisco in 2005. One decade and several cities D and venues later, the largest design show in the United States, drawing more than 31,000 visitors annually, takes over the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. During the weekend of May 29–31, 2015, on a show floor encompassing 240,000 square feet, Dwell will host architecture, design, landscape, and building industry leaders for three days of discussions centering on four key concepts influencing the way we live in the modern world. Design for Humankind Good design, quite simply, is for everyone. We’ll explore this notion onstage with architect Barbara Bestor; joining her will be John Dutton, the author of New American Urbanism: Re-forming the Suburban Metropolis. The pair are pursuing a future of senior housing that is “much hipper, creative, connected, and modern, both a shared place of social gathering and unabashedly part of larger neighborhoods and an urban infrastructure,” explains Dutton, who will also discuss his concept for “regreening” L.A. freeways. “It’s a hypothetical prototype for rethinking how we can build in our future cities.” Smart Tech Technology is integral to our daily lives, but is it accessible for all? We’ll tackle this question and consider the most recent innovations in connected home systems, the shifting design process in the digital age, the future of mobility, and 3-D printing. Architect Alvin Huang will be on hand to contemplate how the latter is shaping the way we approach architecture, building, and design. “3-D printing is having a profound effect on the design industry,” says Huang, who designed the half-scale prototype Durotaxis chair, printed using a Stratasys machine. “At the moment, the focus is on rapid prototyping, but the shift toward rapid manufacturing is imminent. It has the potential to revolutionize our industry.” Resiliency Architects and designers have the power to influence positive change through unfavorable, even extremely difficult, circumstances. At the show, we’ll share stories of people affected by disaster, and highlight successful design strategies that are improving lives. We’ve also challenged top architecture and design schools to confront issues of resiliency in Los Angeles—including drought—through their work that will be exhibited on the show floor. Energy 360 There is no better time to examine our natural resources and renewable energies. Architects and city planners will weigh in on solar, wind, and water at the show, including landscape architect Mia Lehrer, who conceptualized the Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan. “Recalibrating urban riparian corridors such as the Los Angeles River provides an opportunity to reconnect our built and natural systems together in a way that rebuilds our urban areas into livable places,” Lehrer says. Erika Heet Los Angeles Editor at Dwell and Editorial Director, Dwell on Design www.dwell.com www.dwellondesign.com
Dwell on Design Los Angeles will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from May 29-31, 2015. Head to dwellondesign.com and use Discount code LA LOFTS to purchase passes now and save $5.
SYNTHESIS DESIGN + ATCHITECTURE
1,365,471 ideas inspired
31,768 design seekers to join us in L.A. Join Us For America’s Largest Design Event May 29-31, 2015 Los Angeles $5 off with code: LALOFTS dwellondesign.com #DODLA INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Dwell Homes by
WWW.DWELLHOMES.COM
Alex Limandri
THE ONLY REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE WEBSITE TO BUY AND SELL MODERN HOMES Dwell Media, LLC, publisher of Dwell magazine, and LIVE INTERNATIONAL | Real Estate!, LLC, a Los Angeles-based real estate firm specializing in modern home sales, launched Dwell Homes at the National Association of Realtors ® Conference & Expo in November 2014. With their combined expertise, this new real estate arm is the only global site for locating and purchasing modern architecture-focused homes. Dwell Homes (www.dwellhomes.com) provides modern design home buyers a quick and cost-free means to survey and search the real estate marketplace. Easily find listings of design-significant properties to fit their needs and able to connect directly with a dwell-designated expert agent to help them with their transactions. Capitalizing on Dwell’s powerful marketing arm and excellent industry reputation, Dwell Homes offers home sellers and licensed real estate professionals the opportunity to market modern properties that meet the Dwell-Designated Home criteria to the largest audience of more than 3.5 million modern home enthusiasts in the world. “Forming Dwell Homes to help home buyers find distinctive modern and architecturally significant homes is a natural extension of the Dwell Media brand, which has championed modern interior, architectural and product design since our founding in 2000,” says Dwell President and CEO Michela O’Connor Abrams. “For sellers, Dwell Homes creates an outlet for placing their property in front of like-minded buyers and the real estate community at large.” “With 90% of real estate searches beginning online, the need for a specialized site was apparent,” says Tiffany Gatto, Managing Partner of LIVE INTERNATIONAL | Real Estate! “We created Dwell Homes to bring the most intriguing selection of modern homes for sale to the most discerning buyers directly on their desktop, laptop, or mobile device. The current available online real estate products do not cater to those seeking modern home design or architecturally significant properties,” Gatto adds. “Dwell Homes will revolutionize the online real estate marketplace by bringing a curated product to a highly distinguished audience.” At the core of Dwell Homes is the creation the Dwell-Designated Home certification, which assures buyers that the listings on www.dwellhomes.com are properties that meet Dwell’s standards for distinctive, modern design. “Each home submitted to the site will be considered for the exclusive Dwell Home Designation by our in-house design team,” says O’Connor Abrams. “The same team that curates the content for the magazine identified the very precise design and functional requirements for this distinction. A Dwell home is one that stands out in its architectural significance, authentic use of materials, and specific interior features. Among the strict criteria are attributes of the finishes, surfaces and the overall flow of the layout.” Dwell Media’s substantial marketing exposure of listed properties begins immediately after agents or homeowners have submitted the required property information and materials for their
WWW.DWELLHOMES.COM
newly Dwell-Designated property to the Dwell Homes team. Dwell Homes is bolstered by the rapidly expanding roster of Dwell Media’s platforms—now 11 strong—that inspire its community of design seekers, savvy consumers and passionate professionals with smart and thoughtful ideas for modern living. “It is the global meeting place for home buyers, sellers and real estate professionals who share a love for modern design and are seeking the most far-reaching and effective means for discovering and purchasing distinctive homes,” says Gatto. Dwell Homes is currently testing their beta site in California and a few states to make sure that every aspect of the consumer process is perfected to the max for the best experience possible. It will officially launch nationwide in the next few weeks. To keep up to date register at www.dwellhomes.com on follow Dwell Homes on twitter @dwell_homes For more information or to buy, list or sell your modern design property, feel free to email me at alex@laloftsrealty.com
WWW.DWELLHOMES.COM
Alex LiMandri Managing Partner | CMO Dwell Homes (213) 447 4080 alex@dwellhomes.com www.dwellhomes.com www.laloftsrealty.com
ART
SPOTLIGHT by
Kathe Madrigal
Petra Wright
Kathe Madrigal is an artist we at GDCA have admired for a long time and are proud to finally be exhibiting at our gallery. Madrigal was born and raised in LA, received her BFA from U.C.S.B. with subsequent art studies at U.C.L.A, and Otis. While her beginning work revolved around nature and/or the cyclical process of life, the later pieces are purely abstract, examining “life in between the darkness which we are born from and return to”. Her most recent works explore the nature of human emotions: ‘jealously and pride, longing and love, loneliness and community’. We asked the artist about her process and her intentions and goals within her artwork. She explained that the beginning of each painting centers around a stream of conscience, allowing brush and paints to be guided by instinct. The painting becomes a mirror of her emotional state, which is carefully constructed and edited as her process continues. “I like to carve into my paintings to reveal past layers of emotion and thought. It’s a reminder to me of my process, both physically and psychologically, and a direct map for the viewer.” Indeed her work is very textural, without being thick or coarse, but rather deceptively smoothe. The use of encaustics brings an innate warmth to her paintings, and allows her to create a visual depth through semi translcucent layering, and we can visibly follow the brushstroke of the artist. Interestingly, Madrigal learned only a few years ago that she was ‘red and green colorblind’. Her training had given her a visual vocabulary that allowed her to navigate color theory without ever noticing this. It is perhaps the reason for her associative freedom as well as her colors’ intensity. She enjoys pitching deep saturated colors against the beauty that grays provide. Fascinated by the complexities of life, Madrigal does not shy away from darkness and explores these emotions with equal amount of courage and sensitivity. “In the end, I’d like to know that I did what I loved and that this is my purpose. I’d like to know that my paintings move people emotionally even if they don’t know why.” To learn more about the artist or to make appointments to view her paintings, please come visit us at GDCA Gallery : 727 S. Spring Street, between 7th & 8th Streets. You may also contact us via email: Info@GDCAgallery.com or call us directly #(323) 309-2875.
Petra Wright GDCA Gallery (323) 309 2875 www.GDCAgallery.com
ENTERTAINMENT by
Peter Badillo
Photo courtesy of NewFilmakersLA
March 8th 2015 is officially International Women’s Day. In light of such an occasion, NewFilmmakers LA Film Festival is screening short films directed by female directors and shorts films with female-driven plots. From coming-of-age, to family relations, to fashion-forward tendencies, the short films that will be showing at the NFMLA’s March 7th event will express the appreciation for female contribution to the arts and entertainment. Short Film Program #1: Spotlight on Female Directors THE KINGDOM directed by Nicole Jones (Los Angeles) A coming-of-age story about an adult, The Kingdom follows an efficient and seasoned hotel appraiser as she goes to a motel that changes her view on the world. This motel in the
Photos courtesy of NewfilmakersLA
middle of the desert is run by a ten year old girl, who calls it The Kingdom. Through their clash, the two characters learn about imagination, childhood, and themselves. “The Kingdom”— starring Jessica Belkin (Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, Rise of the Guardians)— was Jones’s thesis film as a senior at Chapman University. The film will have its LA premiere at NewFilmmakers. As a film student, Jones was the recipient of an award from The Women of Chapman organization. The grant was intended to help with the production of “The Kingdom.” SINCERIDAD directed by Andrea Casaseca (Spain) After lunch, David must confess the news to his parents. What
he still doesn’t know is the impact it will have in them. Casaseca’s short film has been widely recognized, having been an official selection at over 90 international film festivals and taking home 21 awards, including Preselection Best Shot Film at Goya Awards 2015 (Spain), Audience Award for the Best Short Film at Irvine International Film Festival (USA), Audience Award at Fresno Filmworks Film Festival (USA), Gold Remi for the Best Dramatic Short Film at Worldfest Houston International Film & Video Festival (USA), Award for the Best Social Committed Short Film at Kimera Film Festival (Italy), Second Prize For The Best Short Film at Concorso Internazionale del Cortometraggio Orziincorto (Italy), Senior Jury Prize at Youngabout, International Film Festival For Young People (Italy), Best Screenplay at Festival Internacional de Cortometrajes de Tematica Social Solo para Cortos (Spain), Special Jury Mention at Festival de Cine de Humor Maipu Cortos (Argentina), First Prize for the Best Short Short Film Fescigu at Festival de Cine Solidario de Guadalajara (Spain), Audience Award at Concurso de Cortometrajes Villa de Ayerbe (Spain), Best Short Film at Proyecta, Certamen Universitario De Creación Audiovisual (Spain). BETWEEN ME directed by Kim Farrant (Australia) Secrets and lies explode and backfire at a sex and love addicts meeting that goes terribly wrong. A woman of many talents, Farrant, in addition to writing and directing her own projects, directs commercials and coaches actors and has taught classes on directing actors and doc-
umentary filmmaking. Farrant’s recent production, Strangerland, which she directed and was an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival, stars Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge!, The Golden Compass, The Others, Eyes Wide Shut), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, Captain America: The First Avenger, Transformers, V for Vendetta, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, Happy Feet, The Lord of the Rings), and Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love, Luther, Enemy at the Gates, Elizabeth). ROSE COLORED WORLD directed by Katherine Griffin (USA) When she dares to question the directions on the back of a new hair product from New Perspectives, cynical hairstylist Gilda gets swept away into a fantasy world. Her view of the world is altered, and her eyes are opened to the possibilities all around her. Griffin’s short film will be making its World Premiere at NewFilmmakers Los Angeles on the March 7th film fest. “Rose Colored World” stars Cheyenne Casebier (Two and Half Men, John Adams). Emmy Award-winning editor and Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowship Semi-Finalist, Griffin, has worked on a variety of productions such as The Innocents, The Biggest Loser, Beauty and the Geek, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and Top Chef. FOREVER AFTER directed by Charlotte Scott-Wilson (Netherlands) A girl reconsiders her hard-partying lifestyle during a particularly uncomfortable walk-of-shame. “Forever After” has been
Photos courtesy of NewfilmakersLA
featured at film festivals worldwide. It was an official selection at the Palm Springs Film Festival, Premiers Plans, and Mumbai Short Film Festival. Additionally, it was a short film competitor at the Dutch Film Festival, while at the London Short Film Festival it claimed the “New Shorts: Global Stories” award. Scott-Wilson’s previous work has earned her a Golden Calf for best short. Director and screenwriter, Scott-Wilson is a producer at OAK Motion Pictures— a voting member of the European Film Academy— which works on national and international feature films and television drama. RYAN MCGINNESS: STUDIO PROCESS directed by Jess Dang (USA) Ryan McGinness has been coined as the Andy Warhol of our time. He’s also been called a God, a leader of the new semiotics, and a pioneer of the contemporary art movement. Ryan McGinness: Studio Process, unveils the creative process and highlights Ryan McGinness at work. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design and a few years of art directing for television commercials and photo shoots, Dang pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree from The University of Southern California in Film and Television Production. Dang’s first short documentary film premiered at the Hollywood Shorts Festival. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival, The Hong Kong International Film and Television Festival, The Art Director’s Club, The Chelsea Art Museum in New York City, and The Creative Lab, Brooklyn are just some of the other festivals that have featured Dang’s works.
Short Film Program #2: Spotlight on Female-Driven Stories SUGAR COATED directed by Chris Parson (USA) Lolita, a fashion movement imported from the streets of Harajuku, Tokyo, has a thriving group of followers in Los Angeles. We follow four Lolitas and investigate their motivations for taking on the extreme style; from self expression, to the questioning of identity and body image. Winner of Best Documentary Short at the Los Angeles International Underground Film Festival, “Sugar Coated” was featured at the Thin Line Film Festival and the 2014 Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival. GO TO SLEEP, SADIE directed by Alexandre Martins (USA) “Go To Sleep, Sadie” follows Sadie and her pet turtle through one lonely night plagued by insomnia, laundry, and noisy neighbors. The short film stars Courtney Jines (Spy Kids 3-D, Because of Winn-Dixie, The War at Home, ER). Meanwhile behind the scenes, film director Martins, co-founder of Moonflower Pictures, has worked on projects that have been screened at Festival de Cannes 2014, L.A. Shorts Fest, and St. Tropez International Film Festival, where his production claimed “Best Short Film.” THE CROSSING directed by Nathalie Biancheri (UK) In a remote Italian town in 1961 teenage Eileen lives a lonely existence in the empty halls of her decadent family home. When a journalist persuades her to try to be the youngest person to swim the English channel, Eileen thinks she has found an escape from her bleak future but the journalist’s intentions are not what they seem.
Biancheri’s short film starts British actresses Cherie Lunghi (Sherlock Holmes, Excalibur, King David, Frankenstein, Back to the Secret Garden, EastEnders), Jo Hartley (Law & Order: UK, The Young Victoria, Dead Man’s Shoes, This Is England), and Sabrina Bartlett (Doctor Who, Da Vinci’s Demons). Behind the scenes, the short was edited by established film editor Andrew Jadavji (Becoming Jane, Kinky Boots, Pirate Radio, Locke), while in the music department Paul Saunderson (KickAss, Johnny English Reborn, Being Flynn, Strike Back) put his music-composing skills to work. Saunderson is also currently working on the major motion picture Survivor which features a star-studded cast including Pierce Brosnan, Milla Jovovich, James D’Arcy, Emma Thompson, Dylan McDermott, and Angela Bassett. SUGARHICCUP directed by Lisa Donato (USA) A neurotic journalist searches through digital clues trying to decipher a mysterious message left by her fiancé who has suddenly disappeared. After a long-lasting, successful career in advertising, as a director, photographer, and producer, the screenwriter and director of “SugarHiccup”, Donato, decided to pursue her passion of filmmaking. Donato and the film’s cinematographer and editor, Jeffrey Schwinghammer, are cochiefs of Sparkle Motion Films, which was founded in 2014. “SugarHiccup” is the first short film that Donato has directed. VOYEUSE directed by Florence Sobieski (France) Esther, a young and solitary woman, starts spying on Antoine, her new next-door neighbor. As another young woman moves in with him, Esther’s growing obsession over the couple par-
adoxically leads her to confront her uneasy relationship to her own body. ‘Voyeuse’ is a short film that looks into a too often taboo-ridden female sexuality, showing it with just as many gray areas as its male counterpart and many inner struggles. Sobieski’s previous production “Waiting”-- now available on iTunes and Amazon-- was featured at the Short Film Corner in Cannes. “Voyeuse” has also been recognized with awards and screenings at international film festivals. At the 2013 Lady Filmmaker Film Festival in Beverly Hills, it was awarded the Best Foreign Film. At France’s Festival de Luchon it took home the Audience Award, and at Canada’s Female Eye Film Festival it claimed the Best Short Film Award. Additionally, “Voyeuse” was screened at FICEG (France), Aesthetica Short Film Festival (UK), Corrida Audiovisuelle Film Festival (France), RxSM Self-Medicated Film Expo of Austin (USA), and Le Cri de l’Oeil Film Festival (France), where it premiered. COME SIMI directed by Jenica Bergere (USA) A neurotic pregnant woman on the verge of giving birth, attempts to reunite her estranged family which includes an impossible mother riddled deeply with Alzheimer’s, an aging porn star sister and an intense Aunt, whom the family hasn’t seen in 18 years. All in an effort to fix her family history before giving birth. Currently fulfilling a role on the Amazon Television show Bosch, Bergere (Seinfeld, Frozen, Rat Race, The Drew Carey Show, The King of Queens, CSI) directed, co-wrote, and acted in “Come Simi”, which was recently honored as the winner of “Best Filmed Screenplay” at 2015 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival. In front of the camera, Bergere was accom-
panied by actress Fionnula Flanagan (The Others, Yes Man, Four Brothers, Lost, Brotherhood, Nip/Tuck) and actor Andrew Dits (General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, Complete Works). Meanwhile, behind the camera, Bergere worked with talented artists such as producer-casting director, Mary Vernieu (Black Swan, Sin City, Silver Linings Playbook, Requiem for a Dream, Cake, The Giver, Divergent, American Hustle), film editor, Jaceson Mann (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Fury, The Equalizer, Divergent, Jobs), and casting director, Lindsay Graham (American Hustle, Black Swan, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Silver Linings Playbook, Cake). Comedian Molly Shannon (SNL, Raising Hope, The Millers, Scary Movie 4 and 5, The Middle, American Dad!, Glee, Evan Almighty, 30 Rock) can be heard in the production, as she contributes her voice to this film. Located in Downtown LA, AT&T Center is the Presenting Venue Sponsor of NewFilmmakers LA (NFMLA). Founded in 2007, NFMLA has screened over 950+ films from over 59 countries. NFMLA boasts over 30,000 supporters locally. The organization provides a forum where filmmakers can be recognized with title supporters Sony Pictures Entertainment, TheWrap, SAG-AFTRA, Variety Magazine and LA Weekly. For information or to reserve tickets to the NewFilmmakers LA March 7th, 2015 screening, please visit http://www.newfilmmakersla.com.
Photos courtesy of NewfilmakersLA
Peter Badillo Entertainment Editor DTLA LIFE | Magazine! 215 West 5th Street #1103 Los Angeles, CA 90013 pjbadillo2005@yahoo.com
50 SHADES PHENOMENA
by
Alex LiMandri
Photos courtesy of Focus Features & Universal Pictures
Photos courtesy of Focus Features & Universal Pictures
Photos courtesy of Focus Features & Universal Pictures
Fifty Shades of Grey was the hotly anticipated film adaptation of the bestselling book that has become a global phenomenon. Since its release, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has been translated into 51 languages worldwide and sold more than 100 million copies in ebook and print—making it one of the biggest and fastest-selling book series ever. And now with more than $400 Million at the international Box Office, one of the biggest grossing film adaptation for a Rated R Movie. Like it or not the Franchise is powerful and the sequel is coming and the social media sites are going crazy about what is going to happen next. Stepping into the roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, who have become iconic to millions of readers, are Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson. Joining Dornan and Johnson in the cast are Luke Grimes as Elliot, Christian’s brother; Victor Rasuk as José, Anastasia’s
close friend; Eloise Mumford as Kate, Anastasia’s best friend and roommate; Marcia Gay Harden as Dr. Grace Trevelyan Grey, Christian’s mother; Rita Ora as Mia, Christian’s sister; Max Martini as Taylor, Christian’s bodyguard; Callum Keith Rennie as Ray, Anastasia’s stepfather; Jennifer Ehle as Carla, Anastasia’s mother; and Dylan Neal as Bob, Carla’s husband. Honesty I was not expecting anything when seeing the movie and was happily surprised that even though it is not the best film of the year, it has something interesting about- I still don’t know what - that will make me go see the sequel for sure.
Fifty Shades of Grey is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and produced by Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti alongside E L James, the creator of the series. The screenplay for the film is by Kelly Marcel. www.fiftyshadesmovie.comt
Alex LiMandri (213) 447 4080 alex@laloftsrealty.com www.laloftsrealty.com
PETS by
Janene Zakrajsek
The Dirty Truth – Pet Feed or Pet Food Adorable pet pictures and funny pet videos aren’t the only things that should be distracting you online these days. A pet care topic has been gaining momentum, and may be reaching the tipping point to change the way in which we feed our pets. Pet food buyers beware -- the news world is abuzz over a nationwide class action lawsuit filed by a pet owner in California against pet food giant Nestle Purina Petcare Company alleging that the well-known dog food brand Beneful contains toxic substances that are capable of killing dogs. The basis of the lawsuit is the inclusion of propylene glycol (included in antifreeze, and used a moisturizing additive in dog food), and grains (the principal ingredient in Beneful) with tainted with fungus that produce mycotoxins, (poisons produced by low-quality grain molds) among other things and is charging Nestle Purina with a breach of warranty, negligence and negligent misrepresentation that resulted in the death and/or serious illness in all three of the plaintiff’s family dogs, and including more than 3,000 others complaints posted via the internet. “The dogs show consistent symptoms, including stomach and related internal bleeding, liver malfunction or failure, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, seizures, bloating, and kidney failure,” the Beneful toxic dog food class action lawsuit alleges. The fact is the majority of all pet food is sold within the grocery retail channel. If you are a pet caregiver among those buyers, you should be suspect. Rightfully, we should all be concerned about food safety – for our pets as well as ourselves! As with any number of major brands manufactured by giant consumer product companies that value profits over nutrition, despite what their false claims in advertising represent, generally all these foods are indeed lacking quality. A quick analysis of any ingredient panel on any of those foods can be summarized as highly processed cereals made from corn-, wheat-, and soy by-products, meat by-products, and containing many other additives that raise a red flag and have no business being something included in our animal companions’ “complete and balanced” diet. Pet food is ‘governed’ by feed law not food law. The truth is that there is little to no regulation of the pet food industry, little to no enforcement of regulations, standards vary from state-to-state, and the differences of what constitutes ‘feed’
regulations vs. ‘food’ (human) regulations and which allow for inclusions of 4-D meats (dead, dying, diseased, or disabled) and numerous other awful things into pet food recipes is… shocking to say the least. What is so unfortunate is that all but a very small percentage of consumers buying dog and cat food is truly informed of the dangers of commercial pet foods. Yes, even in light of the massive pet food recalls in 2007 due to melamine-tainted Chinese-sourced protein in pet foods, resulting in thousands of pet deaths and suffering; or more recently as concern has grown over the lack of FDA withdrawal of Chinese-made jerky treats alleged sickening or causing death to thousands more over the last eight years … the politics of pet food can be hotly debated. Who would have imagined that feeding your dog or cat could have become so complicated? If you can imagine a real, whole foods, biologically appropriate diet, maybe it doesn’t have to be complicated. Perhaps the outcome of this Purina class action suit will be a catalyst for change the $21+ billion pet food industry needs now. Be informed -- Knowing what is in your pets’ food, how and where it’s made and/or sourced couldn’t be a more vital topic for animal caregivers who want their pets to live long healthy lives. Don’t be deceived – Expensive advertising using wholesome images of choice cuts of meats, fruits and veggies does not equate with commercial pet food recipes; reading the ingredient label is closer to the truth. The role that healthy pet nutrition plays in our pets’ lives is such an important one. Our animals depend on us for making sound decisions regarding their wellness. It’s good to do the research and get the facts straight. The quality, independent pet retailer has been on the front lines of educating pet consumers in local communities for decades, long before the Petcos and Petsmarts of the world, and has been known for sourcing and providing premium specialty brands known for quality. Founded in 2007 with a passion for pet wellness and to create a good thing for DTLA and the pet community, Pussy & Pooch is the local resource with the answers and advice when you need it. We are buzzing with a ‘fresh is best’ and ‘farm to friend’ goodness this month spotlighting our premium pet foods and treats. Our trained staff of Pet Experts can help you navigate the pet food aisle and pet foods brands you can trust. Live Well!
Janene Zakrajsek Janene Zakrajsek, founder | chief creative officer Pussy & Pooch Pethouse and Pawbar® www.pussyandpooch.com media.pussyandpooch.com
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TALK TO THE
VETS by
dtlavets
Cardiac Disease
Although dogs and cats do not have to worry about “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol”, they can still be plagued with heart disease. Genetic predisposition is probably the most influential factor in the development of cardiac disease in our pets. Some breeds like Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Chihuahuas are more likely to develop this problem. While most heart disease does not appear until later in life, some puppies and kittens can be born with cardiac abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities can be surgically corrected while others are fatal. Here we will describe the more common forms of heart disease in the adult and older pet population and give you some tips for monitoring your pet at home. Dogs will typically demonstrate their cardiac disease in the walls and valves of the heart muscle. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease which results in thin, flabby heart walls and weakened cardiac contractions. When the contractions are weak, the heart is not emptying itself of blood as it should. This allows blood to “back up” and often causes the heart valves to leak and then thicken in response. Pressure builds and the heart starts to enlarge. The most common result of DCM and valve disease is congestive heart failure, an accumulation of fluid in the lung tissue. Once this happens the dog can no longer oxygenate properly, breathing becomes more difficult and eventually impossible. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common type of feline heart disease. Cats with HCM will also demonstrate their cardiac disease in the walls of the heart muscle. But unlike dogs who develop flabby walls, HCM creates thickened and stiff walls. Often the size of the heart wall increases inward rather than outward so that the space inside the chamber decreases and blood has no room to be present inside the chamber. Once again the blood “backs up” and fluid begins to accumulate in the lungs. Blood that is filling abnormally in the heart is prone to clot formation. These clots can break off and travel to other areas of the body which, once lodged, can be very painful. While genetic predisposition can explain some cases of feline cardiac disease, heart disease can also
occur secondary to hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure or congenital narrowing of the aorta (the major vessel that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to the body). X-rays and ultrasound are the best tools to diagnose heart disease and its severity. Once heart disease is diagnosed, these tests should be routinely performed every 6-12 months. Normal x-ray. On x-rays, air is black, while thick dense tissues (like bone or heart) are white. Normal lung tissue should be airfilled and therefore very dark on an x-ray. This is an x-ray of a normal-sized dog heart. This is an x-ray of a dog with DCM. He has a severely enlarged heart and has gone into congestive heart failure. While the size of his heart will never improve, we were able to clear his fluid-filled lung tissue with aggressive diuretics which helped him to breathe easier. Careful monitoring at home can often times catch an episode before is has fulminated into a crisis. It is a good idea to become familiar with your pet’s resting color and CRT. The color can be evaluated by simply lifting up the lip and looking at the color of the gum tissue. It should be pink. Some animals have dark pigmentation in their mouths. Find an area of the mouth that has minimal pigmentation and look for a pink color.
CRT (capillary refill time) can be assessed by pressing the pad of your fingertip into the pink gum tissue and quickly removing your finger. This will immediately cause whitening of the gums. It should take no longer than 2 seconds for the blanched tissue to return to normal pink. This is an indirect measurement of how well the animal is oxygenating. Lastly become familiar with your pet’s resting respiration rate. Count how many times your pet cycles (inhale with exhale) in 60 seconds. Normal is less than 30 breaths per minutes. But more important is to become familiar with what is normal for your pet and then notice when there are changes, especially with how much effort your pet uses to produce one cycle (inhale with exhale). Schedule an appointment with us so we can help you and your pet breathe easy!
Dr Leia Castaneda DVM, CVA DTLAvets (213) 613 1537 333 South Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90013 www.dtlavets.com
Change Is Liberation! by
Lori Tierney
“Impermanence is good news. Without impermanence, nothing would be possible. With impermanence, every door is open for change. Impermanence is an instrument for our liberation.” – Thich Nhat Hahn How to Maintain Your Yoga Practice During a Major Life Transition Sudden and unexpected changes can happen to all of us at times when the flow of life is going along swimmingly well. Calm waters can turn to swirling river rapids in a moment, without warning. Change can show up in the form of a job loss, divorce, illness or disease, loss of a loved one, an unexpected move, and the list goes on. We all strive for harmony and a peaceful existence as if we were preprogrammed that these traits are the benchmarks of a successful life, well lived. But life is often and frequently interrupted by sudden changes that can happen to any of us at any moment, leaving us feeling off balance. For those of us that have found a regular breathwork practice like yoga, meditation, tai-chi or chi gong, maintaining a regular practice when life has turned everything upside down can derail even the most disciplined person. For those that have yet to experience the myriad benefits of a regular practice, it is often in times of complete life chaos that we decide to embark upon one of these life-changing paths of self-discovery. Recent events in my own life put my seventeen-year daily Bhakti yoga practice to the test. The holidays sailed by with abundance in many forms; family, gatherings with friends and new projects at work to look forward to - projects that had been part of long standing relationships, with likable clients who really wanted me as a part of their team. Suddenly, the owner of the property where I lived; a lovely guest house, with an ocean view toward Malibu, a very stern 92 year-old woman, who had lived there for 62 years, cornered me on the stairs to the laundry room the day after New Years and told me my mom, who was visiting, had to go! She said she had rented the property to one person, not two. “When is your mom leaving?”, she asked bluntly? Now mom, at 88, had planned to return to a relative’s home on Maui after the holidays. The next day, we received a call from family, stating that she was not able to return to the island, as they suddenly had to sell the property! All this may not seem to be too much to handle, especially for the fact that I have moved forty-eight times in fifty years. Suddenly, my mom was on the verge of being homeless. Her only income being Social Security, at an amount that only slightly covers her heart medicine and food, there was not anything left for housing. Fortunately, I thought to myself, at least I have a good job, with a secure company, a contract through the end of the year. We would just simply have to move in together again and find a new place to call home. Then, the next “sudden change” event in the series of minitsunamis happened…I lost my job. The details are really irrelevant to this article, but the fact was I suddenly found myself without any income, needing a place to live and one that would also accommodate the needs of an elderly parent.
This series of events showed me just how easily and quickly anyone of us could go from perceived security to being homeless in an instant. The events that followed and people’s reactions to my newfound circumstances ranged from friends hiring me to do work and paying me double, to friends I thought were close to me, shunning me like a pariah. Having experienced three divorces in my life, the reaction people had, even those I thought I was close to, replicated that of how often this type of change leaves people feeling uncomfortable, at a loss for words and hoping what you just went through won’t penetrate their world, much like the recent measles outbreak at Disneyland, the perennially “happy” place!
while maintaining your own wholeness. You need strong roots, a flexible spine, and a wide-open heart—all of which help you balance time for YOURSELF, while you cultivate deeper intimate connections with YOU and others”.
It is at times of change and impermanence that we need our friends and family most, we need our yoga or other spiritual practices, our community to embrace us. We need to be and to feel loved, not shunned. We need hope and encouragement. We need simple acts of kindness to help us through the moments of uncertainty.
* With any yoga practice it is advised to find a great teacher to guide you through the poses safely! Please find a supportive teacher before trying these poses at home.
As I write this, it has been six weeks since I have had a regular paycheck. I was downtown today interviewing for a new client and at the end of the meeting, the man I had gone to meet with handed me a parking validation and said, here, this will save you $40.00! To me , his gesture felt like $400.00! I was never so grateful to receive a little green validation ticket in my life. I thought of the many instances we take these things for granted, to the point of expectation. Many great “pearls” have been given to me through this massive transition and transformation and the gifts continue each day. As an avid yogini, I found that indeed my yoga practice was the sustaining element in this sea of uncertainty. It was, and continues to be the glue that holds my life together, even in turbulent waters. These four yoga poses will surely help you set your course to calmer waters as you ride through the most difficult of life challenges: 1. Modified Fish Pose (Matsyasana) for loss. “Loss can cause intense grief. This pose helps to open the heart and the throat chakra to help you be able to express your true feelings. Leaving unexpressed grief or anger in the body can lead to more complications and disease. Practice this pose to keep the energy channels open and receptive to the “new” which is right around the corner”. 2. Changes in the Home: Downward Facing Frog Pose (Adho Mukha Mandukasana) “Any change in living conditions can leave you feeling uprooted and zap your energy causing interrupted sleep patterns. This version of Frog Pose helps alleviate the stress that accumulates in the hips and lower back from worry and fear”. 3. Relationship Issues: Half Lord of the Fishes, aka “The Better” Half Twist Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana) “Relationship transitions make us lose our footing. This can result from a love relationship or a job loss. This twisting pose helps you keep your eye on the ground,
4. Career Change: Dolphin Pose (Makarasana) “Career shifts bring in anxiety over new territories to master, grief from losing a past version of the self, and financial worries. This can strain all other relationships. Dolphin pose requires a shift in perspective while maintaining a steady base for balance”.
Lori Tierney is an author and Feng Shui consultant living in Los Angeles. Lori Tierney @cougaryoga www.loritierney.net
THE WORLD
IS A SAFE PLACE by
Jim White
Photos: Julien Gulemond
On January 29th, 2015 I attended an event in Downtown Los Angeles along with national and local government officials, non-profit and philanthropic organizations and the local business community came together to pledge to end veteran homelessness in Los Angeles County by the end of 2015. At a press conference hosted by Home For Good, an initiative by United Way of Greater Los Angeles and The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce to end veteran homelessness in 2015 and chronic homelessness in 2016, the joint task force unveiled a detailed Action Plan to meet its collective goals. I am proud to be on the the Home For Good Business Leaders Task Force. Since its launch in 2010, Home For Good partners throughout the region have housed over 12,000 veterans, with a current rate of 438 veterans housed each month. To achieve the goal of eradicating veteran homelessness by the end of the calendar year, the community must house 538 veterans per month. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; County Supervisors Sheila Kuehl, Mark Ridley Thomas and Hilda Solis; and leaders in the non-profit, philanthropic, and business sectors were in attendance to publicly renew their commitment to the goals set forth by Home For Good, including ending veteran homelessness by the end of 2015, chronic homelessness by the end of 2016, and ultimately all homelessness in the region. Secretary of U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Robert McDonald, was the keynote speaker at the event, which took place at The Rosslyn Hotel in DTLA, a SRO Housing Corporation, a permanent supportive housing facility for formerly homeless veterans. “We need to welcome home our veterans with much more than a smile and a hug, but with a life,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. There are 39,500 homeless men and women in Los Angeles County, of which 4,618 are homeless veterans. To bring about solutions to end veteran and chronic homelessness, the Home For Good Action Plan zeroes in on four core drivers to end veteran and chronic homelessness: sufficient resources, efficient service delivery, excellence in quality and strong public and political will. “Every region in Los Angeles County is impacted by veteran homelessness, and it will require a strong and collective effort to eradicate the issue and house our homeless veterans still living on the streets,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “We are grateful to receive renewed support today from our federal partners, local officials, non-profit organizations and the business community, and believe this cross collaboration is what is required for us to be successful. I’m confident that with this group effort, renewed focus and expansion of the proven Coordinated Entry System, we will eradicate veteran homelessness in Los Angeles County in 2015.” “If we end veteran homelessness in L.A. County and across the country, imagine what else we can do,” said Robert McDonald, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. The Home For Good initiative, now in its fifth year of implementation, is the blueprint developed by the Business Leaders Task Force on Homelessness to end chronic and veteran homelessness in the L.A. region. Home For Good is a joint initiative of the Greater Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way L.A., and a collective and countywide effort of over 200 cross-sector organizations. For more information on Home For Good’s action plan, visit: http://www.unitedwayla.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015-Home-For-Good-Action-Plan.pdf DTLA LIFE | Magazine! is kind to provide you the full information in this issue on the next few pages. For more information on Home For Good visit: http://homeforgoodla.org/ Please join us today.
Jim White Author - THE WORLD IS A SAFE PLACE
SOURCE United Way of Greater Los Angeles
(213) 620 8000 www.theworldisasafeplace.com