As I will be taking a summer break to live a bit more of LA Life, I thought “El Porto Dawn”, from LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke, is the perfect photo and story to leave you with till September. Tasting Tomato Molly Cheek, LA Life Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin, LA Life Poetess Lady Penelope and LA Life Guest Artist Corner with Artist Annie Wood are all back with their amazing columns and contributions. I have a list of events and happenings that I’ve highlighted that will hopefully serve as your summer resource guide.  Have a fantabulous summer, Tomatoes.

El Porto Dawn: Cover Photo & Story

I am always drawn and partial to photos of the Pacific Ocean and its beaches but “El Porto Dawn”, from LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke, is unique in that it is a reminder that our ocean is still a glorious site even to next industry. The photo and story illuminate, in a way that only Lorraine can depict, the marriage of beauty and grit. Be sure to check out Lorraine Devon Wilke’s marvelous photos on her webpage and browse her entire website as it reveals the vast tapestry of Lorraine’s amazing talent.

I remember the first time I gazed out over the ocean in the South Bay area of Los Angeles and realized that nature and industry mixed here in unique fashion. As you drive south from Playa del Rey (just south of the Marina del Rey jetty), the stunning coastline is dotted with a staggering number of some of the most major industrial complexes in the city. Starting from the northernmost point, there’s LAX (built in 1928); next is the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (1894), then Scattergood Generating Station (1957), followed by the El Segundo Power Plant (1954), and, lastly, the gargantuan El Segundo Chevron Refinery (1911), which stretches over 1000 acres from El Segundo into Manhattan Beach. It’s a strange marriage of natural beauty on one side of the road, with the grit and grind of metal, oil, and steam on the other, all built decades before beachfront property became the most valuable commodity in real estate. But somehow beauty and the beasts of industry co-exist, largely without incident. There have been occasional spills of various materials from time-to-time, but the titans of industry cherish that beautiful coastline as much as beachgoers and property owners, so responsible caretaking is paramount, an unlikely symbiosis that generates some fascinating visual tableaus… like this image, “El Porto Dawn,” which captures the morning sun warming the horizon as a plane ascends from LAX, and tankers unload their supply to the refinery. Peace co-existence.    

Guest Artist Corner: Art by Annie Wood

This week our esteemed guest artist, Annie Wood, just finished a new piece, “Note 2 – Remember Rest” that I chose to share with you, Tomatoes.  I find it both soothing and energizing. Perhaps it is the magical quality and variety of dreamy rich whimsical colors that Annie chose to incorporate?  Or the way she portrays intriguing woman or that it gives a reminder to take a break in such a clever way. I’m not an art expert but I know what I like, and I adore “Note 2 – Remember Rest”.

“Note 2 – Remember Rest” was inspired by a dream Annie had where a woman whispered in her ear, “Rest.” The bluebird holds a tiny envelope with a note that reads, “Remember rest.”  24×34 mixed media oil painting features a unique blend of abstract and expressionistic styles, showcasing a mysterious figure with a touch of realism.

Vibrant blues, greens, and yellows dance across the canvas, creating a dreamlike atmosphere in “Note 2 – Remember Rest”. The subtle contours of the figure’s profile, the architectural elements, and the organic shapes come together to form a truly captivating composition.

The bird holds an envelope with a special message inside: “remember rest.” It’s a gentle reminder to pause, take a breath, and remember art, beauty and rest.

Annie Wood is an internationally exhibited mixed-media artist living in her hometown of Hollywood, California so as an LA native she is Super LA. Annie Wood is interested in reexperiencing her dreams by painting them, daydreaming new ones, finding order in chaos and chaos in order, seeing familiar things in new ways, and creating visual stories that make people feel peaceful, make them wonder, remember, and pause. You can see all her creations Annie’s online art gallery and you can also subscribe to her free newsletter  How to Love the World.

TASTES of LA: Pez Coastal Kitchen

Our ever so discerning LA Life Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek, may not be thrilled with the restaurant’s name but she is all in when it comes to the beautifully designed atmosphere and the delicious yumminess of Pez Coastal Kitchen’s food creations. This place sounds amazing and when Molly speaks you should definitely listen, Tomatoes.   Get the details.

LA Style Stories

The oh-so-talented Felicia Arlin, our LA Life Fashion Stylist, shares her expertise on how to pair masculine and feminine items successfully with metallic elements in LA Style Story “Pump It Up”. And metallic is on her creative mind again in Style Story “Full Metal Except the Jacket”. Remember, I only highlight a snippet of Felicia’s amazing cur8edme posts so be sure to follow her on Instagram.  And she is the most amazingly insightful guide for helping you to find the right and most flattering style for you.  Just sayin’, Tomatoes. Get the details.

Sonnets from Suburbia

Summer is full on and so hydration is key and it’s the subject of our LA Life Poetess Lady Penelope’s latest sonnet, “Hydration”.  And guess who has will be performing in New York July 13^th & 14^th? Just FYI in case you will be in the city. You guessed it…none other than Lady P.  Penny Peyser (Lady P) and she has outdone herself with her latest book, “Sonnets from Suburbia: Romance Dance”. It’s masterful, brilliant and an easy and deliciously entertaining ride that you will adore, Tomatoes.  Remember if you haven’t already, don’t forget to order a copy of Penny Peyser’s first brilliant book, “Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake” to add to your collection. And you can always find out more about Lady Penelope on her website Tomatoes. Read on.

Through August 3. Shakespeare by the Sea

Enjoy the unforgettable magic of Shakespeare by the Sea under the stars, Ladies. And it is free, free, free! Their first performance of the season opens tonight at Recreation Park in Long Beach before they tour to 16 parks in LA & Orange Counties. By golly, that’s a lot!

So, there’s bound to be a Shakespeare performance near you this summer.  Shakespeare by the Sea is admission-free professionally crafted Shakespeare that will sweep you away into the world of the best storytelling there is…Shakespeare.  Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS) is a nonprofit organization that was launched in 1998 by Lisa Coffi. Partnerships with local city organizations enabled them to offer the performances for free. It is a free summer festival for everyone — regardless of age, race, economic stability or address and our audience is a melting pot of Americana. It is the only annual admission free theatrical event that serves the entire South Bay, LA, and parts of Orange Counties and the only Shakespeare company on the West Coast that travels to so many communities with its programming. Bravo!

July 13-14. She Angels Event

Theatre Americana will be performing a spectacular Broadway Revue that features dancing and singing from all your favorite Broadway shows to benefit the She Angels Foundation. It should be an absolute blast and what a marvelous way to support the amazing, I’ll say it again…the amazing She Angels Foundation! I recommend you book your tickets ASAP, Ladies.

The July 13th event begins with a VIP party featuring cocktails and hors d’oeurves and a fantastic silent auction, before the performance. Tickets are $75 with 100% of the proceeds going to She Angels Foundation. If a matinee is more your style, join them for the show at 2pm on Sunday July 14, and enjoy concessions available for purchase.

The She Angels Foundation awards grants to grassroots female founded non-profit organizations that provide mentorship, funding & resources to a diverse portfolio of women’s and girls’ causes. She Angels isn’t just a Foundation; it’s a movement that empowers young women and girls to help solve critical unmet needs. A great organization that deserves support.

June 22-23.  Watermelon Fest

Gorging on watermelon till the cows come home at The California Watermelon Fest at Hansen Dam will certainly get you in the mood for summer. 50,000 pounds of watermelon awaits you! Any way you slice it gals, there is nothing better than juicy ice-cold watermelon on a hot summer day so pucker up Tomatoes!

Tomatoes and their family and/or friends can experience two days filled with non-stop excitement and joy. Indulge in endless watermelon feasts, savor mouthwatering watermelon-themed delicacies, enjoy thrilling rides, play exciting games, dance to live music, and discover a whole lot more. The California Watermelon Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping fund local after school programs and charities. Filling your mouth with watermelon and your heart with joy all while doing good is the best!

June 22-23.  Pasadena Chalk Festival

The Pasadena Chalk Festival returns to The Plaza at the Pasadena Convention Center for a two-day-long event of art and music featuring approximately 200 murals with over 500 incredible artists. A rare experience to be sure.

Watch them turn the pavement into breathtaking artistic masterpieces.  It won’t cost you a dime to attend and it is pet-friendly. In 2010 The Pasadena Chalk Festival was officially named the largest street painting festival by the Guinness World Record, using over 25,000 sticks of chalk. Can’t wrap my head around that tidbit. That’s a lot of chalk and art, Tomatoes.

Summer Outdoor Movies

Cinespia is back through July 27^th, at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, screening fantastic classic movies projected on the side of a mausoleum. And the Skirball’s Outdoor Movie Series is offering two more extraordinary films under the stars on June 28^th and July 12^th. Both outdoor movie series offer an immersive entertaining evening, Tomatoes.

Bring a picnic basket full of goodies and spread a blanket across the Fairbanks Lawn for Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the world-famous landmark cemetery in the heart of Hollywood where hundreds of Hollywood’s founders and stars are laid to rest.  The presentation of “Where the Wild Things Are” on June 28^th is inspired by the Skirball Cultural Center’s exhibit Wild Things are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak. Arrive early so can visit the exhibit. Next up in the film series on July 12^th will be “Pans Labyrinth” from director Guillermo del Toro.

Frogs: Facing a Changing World

Tomatoes can meet frogs and friends at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s new exhibit: Frogs: Facing a Changing World.  All the different types of colorful, strange and just plain cute frogs and friends in this exhibit will blow your mind!

Discover vibrant habitats featuring colorful tropical frogs from around the world; peek behind the scenes to watch staff care for frogs from eggs to adults; see a new exhibit space highlighting California and Baja frogs, their amphibian relatives, and reptile neighbors. Learn about the diversity of species and their unique adaptations, the threats they are facing, and how the Aquarium is helping to save them from extinction.

June 28. Art Deco Glendale & Burbank Bus Tour

The Glendale Historical Society and the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles are joining forces for a fascinating tour The Art Deco Glendale & Burbank Bus Tour which will encompass the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture in Glendale and Burbank with historian Arlene Vidor. Gotta Love it!

The tour includes the 1925 Alex Theatre, several civic buildings, a historic airport and much more (over 10 buildings)-including access to several interiors. They will also have a special tour of the Brand Library.

Summer Evenings with Wine & Music

The extraordinary lawn of the Gamble House is the perfect setting for Fridays Nights at The Gamble House with wine from Highland Park Wine and music from The Pasadena Conservatory of Music. And Third Thursdays at The Mildred Mathias Botanical Garden is a new garden twilight series. Both will be utterly delightful, Tomatoes.

At Friday Nights at The Gamble House (July 12, August 9, September 13) attendees can also peruse the first floor of the Gamble House with docents available to answer questions in each room.  And at Third Thursdays Mildred Mathias Garden (July 18, August 15, September 19) you will be able to explore the garden after hours while enjoying live music and a wine bar.  Luverly.

Through Feb 9.  Lights, Camera, Action

Attention film history lovers! The Pasadena Museum of History has a new exhibit, Lights, Camera, Action: Hollywood Movie Magic that coincides with a array of in-depth lectures, presentations and tours all focused on Hollywood movie history. Wow!

From the Curators Tour (July 27 & Aug 16) to the History of Science Fiction Movies (July 25^th) to the Creation of Silent Films (Aug. 17^th), The Truth and Trickery in Courtroom Movies (Sept.19^th)and, last but not least, The First Horror Movies (Oct. 24^th) this offering of film history from The Pasadena Museum of History will not get any better than this… anywhere.

Summer Concerts

Since 1975, The Valley Cultural Foundations has provided free diverse programs and events in the arts that bring together talent, community and business throughout the San Fernando Valley. Two of those programs are Summer Concerts at Warner Park and NoHo Summer Nights. And over the hill at the Skirball, they have been presenting the Sunset Concert Series to the public for free for over 25 years. Wonderful outdoor concert opportunities await you, Gals!

July 13. The Lotus Festival

Beautiful Echo Park Lake, an historic natural haven with expansive lotus flower beds, wild geese, swans, and lush foliage is the beautiful location for the 43^rd annual Lotus Festival Lights of Dream Water Lantern Festival. This year the festival is celebrating the people and the culture of the Philippines.

The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Council of Oriental Organizations always creates an incredible experience to celebrate the meaning of life and to spread hope, peace and dreams. Kapampangan: Ligligan Parol, also known as the Giant Lantern Festival, is an important annual tradition in the nine-day Christmas Novena. The Parol symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, joy and hope. The traditional ornamental lantern adorns streets, homes, malls and buildings in the Philippines. The Lights of Dream Festival is the festival’s adaptation of the Philippines Giant Lantern Festival and features beautiful rice paper lanterns and custom-made lotus lanterns.

July17 & August 21 Third Wednesdays

On the Third Wednesdays in July and August downtown businesses will create spiked or virgin cocktails and serve up marvelous tastes to the summer crowds as they explore the streets of charming Downtown Culver City. A great way to stay cool!

In July it’s “Summer-tini Time” and in August it’s “Tropical Staycation”. Visitors create their own self-guided tour using the free “Passport” provided by the Downtown Business Association.

August Zoo Friday Nights

Lions and tigers and music, oh my! Come see what your favorite wild animals are getting up to during the twilight hours at the LA Zoo’s all-ages Zoo Friday Nights. It’s tons of fun and adventure with a lot less sun, Tomatoes.

Guests can explore nearly the entire Zoo while enjoying music, diverse entertainment, interactive education stations, family dance parties, paid add-ons like tasty treats, food trucks and more.