Reel to Real
Amid the background of a seemingly sleepy suburb in Bakersfield, California, musical magic is made. Here in an unassuming home Rocketship Recording Studio produces audio treats.
In the dimly lit recesses of a cave-like studio, sweet sounds waft through the space, light and airy like the scent of fresh baked goods. The vibe quickly shifts, this time something of a...
Connie’s Creepy Creations
Wearing a retro floral pin-up dress and a silver necklace with a mink vertebrae pendant, both of which she made herself, Connie Lail-Preciado saunters into the room with ladylike charm. A self-described cross between “Leave it to Beaver” and “Elvira,” she fuses classy with creepy. Though dainty in demeanor, she is also tough and tatted up. It looks as...
A life reclaimed
Photo by Monica Salazar
Thrown to the ground by her boyfriend, Karen Gonzalez curled up in an attempt to protect herself from his stomping and kicking. She caught her breath, screamed and managed to fight him off and run toward the phone. But before she knew it, she was pinned to the bed with his knee pressed against her neck...
An out of body experience
Photo by: Alan Castro
As he glides across the concrete ground with a hypnotizing stare, his body seems to shift form to a liquid-like movement. Resembling the motion of a contortionist, pair of arms are brought over a tilted head that is followed by a shoulder that rotates all the way around without popping out. He stares into his audience’s...
Emotionally Strong, Mentally Empowered
Photo by: Monica Salazar
It’s third down from the 25-yard line and the Pierce College football team is looking to hold its ground against Santa Barbara City College. Bodies are flying and colliding explosively. Amid the violent clashes, Brahmas’ defensive lineman Ron Young Jr., maintains a smile. The thought of going into battle would make many people tremble, but Young’s...
Mother Plucker
Photo by: Sonia Gurrola
Five blocks from MacArthur Park, on a gloomy secluded street east of downtown Los Angeles, you will find the Mother Plucker Company. Entering the concrete building there is a showroom full of feathers. Willy Zelowitz, a true artist, is the owner of this magical feather shop.
Over 40 years ago with a $40 bag of feathers, Zelowitz...
Missing Gene
Photo by: Lynn Levitt
It was Christmas Eve 1984, and 15-year-old Lisa Gonzales listened to the buzzing sound of the electric razor as it shaved clean the hair from the back of her head.
“The surgery took place and somewhere through the entire process I thought the brain tumor was caused from making bad lifestyle choices, like my use of drugs,”...
Making a new home
One of eleven children, Mario Sandoval made his way to the United States. After nineteen years he is getting his American citizenship, at Olvera Street, Los Angeles, Sept. 30, 2015. Photo: Lynn Levitt.
Over the sound of his quiet measured breaths Mario Sandoval could hear voices outside the vehicle. After the man outside gave permission for the car to “go...
Living in Solitude
Photo by: Lynn Levitt
The setting sun painted the cloudy sky with deep orange hues that added to the peace and tranquility of the place of worship. Somewhere within the ornate surroundings, chanting could be heard from a man in a white robe and red sash. Krishnama Charyulu Samudrala, a priest at the temple, was leading a prayer in a...
Streaming to Success
Photo by: Alan Castro
In the gaming world people are now able to make a living. It’s just another day at work as Mark Neacey sits on the computer in his casual attire of a T-shirt, baggy shorts and flip-flops. He screams various phrases at his computer screen.
Neacey makes ends meet by working as a full-time streamer, known in pop...