Transitioning to a happier life
Han Gottlieb shows their top surgery scars at Echo Park Lake in Echo Park on May 4, 2023. Photo by Rachael Rosenberg.
Looking in the mirror and feeling disgusted, trying to conceal what didn’t seem connected, feeling out of place while struggling with the feeling of being misplaced.
“I always...
Three Wheel Motion
Jess "Cookie" Juarez stands by his 1966 Chevy Impala SS on Alabama Street in Canoga Park, Calif., on April 17, 2024. Photo by Myraneli Fabian
Jess “Cookie” Juarez opens the suicide door of Crystal Blue Persuasion, his 1966 Chevy Impala SS with shaved handles and 13 different hues of candy blue and...
Out of the Wreckage
Kristen Aslanian stands next to her Porsche 944 in Chatsworth Calif., on April 19, 2024. Photo by Ashley Shellmire
One weekend in 2021, Kristen Aslanian and her mother Ani met for a meal at Rosalind’s in the Little Ethiopia neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Afterward, they headed back to their homes...
Showdown: Gas vs. EV
Roberto Orozco inspects an engine in Los Angeles, Calif., on April 4, 2024. Photo by Ashley Shellmire
Roberto Orozco is no stranger to gas vehicles, but when he stepped into a Tesla for the first time it felt like going into a new world, like something from a video game. He...
The Manicured Mechanic
Emily Holz conducts a battery test on a Chevy Cruse in Chatsworth, Calif., on April 21, 2024. Photo by Myraneli Fabian
When Emily Holz showed up for one of her first automotive service technician classes at Pierce College, she raised more than a few eyebrows. Holz describes herself as a niche within a...
LA underground
People dance during a Powersource rave in Downtown LA, Calif., on April 29, 2023. Photo by Alexis Guevara
When the sun goes down and the clock strikes 10 p.m., ravers of Los Angeles flock to the streets Downtown following their map of directions—and the noise—to reach venues.Partygoers receive the location from an automated...
Ink on flesh
Nadine Souza tattoos a client at Costello Tattoos in Sherman Oaks on April 11, 2023. Photo by Daniela Raymundo.
It was just like every other day of work at Costello Tattoos & Piercing Studio. He knew he had an appointment. The guy’s mother called earlier that week to schedule it for him.
Journey to self-awareness
Bhardi Patel performing Puja ritual before entering The Valley Temple in Northridge, Calif., on March 27, 2023.
Some people have bodily concept of life and take the mind for granted. But when meditating, people may find a purpose and a path to self-realization.
This practice is a form of exercise...
Playing for pleasure
Brandon Washington plays his Signature Artist Ormsby guitar in the living room of his apartment in Los Angeles on April 20, 2023. Photo by David Pashaee.
Swiping through Instagram Reels, a video appears. A young man with a silver chain, geometric eyeglasses, a daisy bandana wrapped around his head and a big smile...
Ketamine therapy
Hailey “Hurricane” Reed uses ketamine therapy. Photo illustration by Alexis Guevara.
She is surrounded by shades of purple, standing in a train that rapidly moves through tunnels until it reaches a beautiful building. Inside, she is whisked away to get dressed in preparation for something important.
It doesn’t hit her...