Pedal to the Metal
Jay Frye spins his wheels during an NHRA Summit Series at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., on April 7, 2024. Photo by Benjamin Hanson.
Red.
The tires spin and smoke rises.
Yellow.
The engines rumble as drivers anticipate conquering the eighth-mile.
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...
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...
Drifting in Style
Zach MacGilivray drifts around the track during a Drift Roulette elimination tournament at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, Calif., on April 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Shellmire
White smoke fills the air as roaring engines and squealing tires burn hard rubber on hot asphalt. As the sun beats down on the...
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...
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...
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.
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...
The cat cafe cure
Adriana Isabel pets Monroe at Crumbs & Whiskers Cafe in Los Angeles on March 16, 2023.
Sitting in the middle of the cement floor, surrounded by neon pink LED lights, cushioned fluffy rugs and cat trees, Adriana Isabel stares at Monroe’s bolting green eyes, which stand out from his long black fur.