You’re going to get down, literally. — You’re walking south on Broadway. The address indicates the place is just past Second Street, but there is no sign or entrance in sight. You check the address again. It should be here. All you see is a parking lot. You spot someone toward the back of the lot along…

How I’ve learned to filter myself and not offend anyone. — I sat in my car in the parking lot of the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia on a warm afternoon late in February 2011. I glanced at my watch, then at the clock on the dash, and finally, I nervously checked the time on my phone. I was here…

A Cheap Date Guide to Chinatown, Los Angeles We live in alarming times. Political and social tensions are high. Every week brings news of another extreme weather event, devastating natural disaster, deadly bombing, mass shooting, or dozens of outrageous, weaponized tweets. It would be easy to retreat, but right now…

Celebrating the 211 Year Anniversary of one of America’s Great Culinary Gifts to the World, the Cocktail — A bar is one of the ultimate expressions of American values. It combines freedom, individualism, democracy, capitalism, creativity, ingenuity, enjoyment, friendship, and debate.

Forget your troubles for little to nothing. — We live in divisive times. People are pissed-off and freaked out. Is neo-extremism driving western civilization into chaos? Regardless of how insane things feel, until bombs rain down, people still want to have relationships; they want to go on dates, fall in love and enjoy time with friends, romantic and…

Not my first experience with crowds, but … — Just as crowds of people overwhelmed Downtown Los Angeles and crippled its ability to function as city, I found myself overwhelmed with ideas and emotions while attending The Women’s March Los Angeles. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful experience. The previous day’s rain left DTLA sparkling. It was…

The Factory Kitchen is not supper buzzy or new, it’s just really a great restaurant, and their food and service is extremely comforting; can’t we all use a little more comfort right now? An established favorite for Italian in the Arts District, The Factory Kitchen is a can’t miss place…

Downtown LA exudes holiday charm. — Shopping centers and theme parks across the southland are decked out for the holidays with patrons enjoying the full color spectrum of sparkling lights, forests of Christmas trees, and ornaments of every shape and fashion. The Christmas decor at Disneyland, South Coast Plaza, and The Grove are as grand and…

Designers Scott Jarrell and Kristan Cunningham left television to find community and creative fulfillment in the Arts District. — The front window sparks curiosity. It reads: “Hammer and Spear, Hunters & Builders of Timeless Design.” Walk through the heavy glass and steel doors. The room is filled with natural light from the wall of windows along the east. The air is cool, but the room feels warm, even cozy…