Sky high hobbies
Pilot Dave Rogers stands by a Cirrus Aircraft SR20 at Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2024. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.
On a warm cloudy summer Sunday afternoon at Santa Monica Airport, the pilot carried a duffle bag with his belongings, including his pilot certificate, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)...
Life through a lens
Travel writer Christopher Reynolds takes a photo of Griffith Park from his balcony in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.
As the son of a journalist, Christopher Reynolds became interested in storytelling when two of his friends took him to the paste-up room for Fresno State’s student newspaper...
Until the break of dawn
Jesus Hernandez overlooks his immense collection of band memorabilia in Chatsworth, Calif., on Oct. 23, 2024.
He had been waiting all week for this. It was 3 a.m., pitch black outside, and the crickets hummed in the stillness.
He whispered to himself, “Alright... tickets, sunblock, chair, baby wipes, deodorant.”
Checking in: hostel hospitality
Visitors mingle in the courtyard of the Banana Bungalow in West Hollywood, Calif., on Oct. 17, 2024. Photo by Owen Mez-Vandermeer.
It’s a sunny afternoon on Hollywood Boulevard, not far from the eastern end of the Walk of Fame, and Trey Triplett is conversing with a new friend from Greece on the patio...
One destination at a time: life as a travel documentarian
Laura Le creates content for her travel Instagram in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles on Oct. 25, 2024. Photo by Benjamin Hanson.
Stepping into the confined walls of the aircraft and out of the comfort of her hometown of Santa Barbara, adrenaline coursed through 20-year-old Laura Le’s veins. She was nervous...
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...
Racing for a Dream
Evren Toprak drives his kart during a practice run at Buttonwillow Raceway Kart Track in Buttonwillow, Calif., on April 20, 2024. Photo by Benjamin Hanson.
It’s 15 minutes before a race and 15-year-old Evren Toprak prepares to slip into his alter ego. He scans his bright yellow racing kart that will join him...
Flippin’ Whips
Erick Vasquez wipes down the engine of his Nissan GTR R35s in Chatsworth, Calif., on April 3, 2024. Photo by Ashley Shellmire
On a recent SuperCar Sunday at Pierce College, five of Erik Vasquez’ cars grabbed spectators’ attention, including his two rare, discontinued Nissan GTR R35s.
But that’s just part...
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...
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.