My Little Brony
Trinidad Gomez is adorned with a pink and purple wig, lavender wings, horns and low top classic black and white Converse shoes.
Gomez, a 28-year-old Mexican-American transgender who identifies as a female, credits her self-discovery and happiness to the freedom and acceptance she found in the Brony community.
“I recently came out as transgender,” Gomez says. “My friends have been very...
Stories of Strength
A silver haired 91-year-old gentleman enters the conference room at the Los Angeles Jewish Home in Reseda. He walks, bit by bit with a cane, not because of an injury, but because age is creeping up on him.
He acknowledges each person, his ice blue eyes devoid of emotion. The window to his soul hides a story.
“I am not a hero....
The Man Behind the Machine
There is no way you can miss him. You hear him first. He approaches the parking lot with a growing roar coming from a pristine 1994 Harley Davidson Low Rider. He is not simply a motorcycle driver. He is a biker.
With a fresh mohawk, a sleeve of tattoos, black jeans and boots, he walks around campus with an intimidating...
Home of the Free
The story is all too frequent. Natasha Perez, Irma and their mother Yrma wanted to leave a country filled with political unrest, hoping to find serenity, the proverbial “gold paved streets” and the freedom of living the American Dream.
Like many of these stories, that path to U.S. citizenship has been filled with trials and tribulations.
Yrma is half-Italian and half-Venezuelan,...
Right to Worship
It takes a moment to adjust to Rita Nisan’s heavy accent and soft spoken voice. As an adjunct professor of photography, students quickly learn to understand her, but they don’t really know her.
That’s because she comes off as being shy and isn’t likely to discuss her personal work and accomplishments.
In 1993, Nisan and her husband Shamuel Italiaie fled Iran,...
Signs of Pride
Imagine yourself at a young age, enjoying life. You hear everyday things, from the Sunday morning cartoons to the melodic tunes coming from the radio during drives with your parents.
Then a strange fever makes you weak and sick. You go to the doctor to get shots, hoping for a cure. It gets even worse. Soon, all you hear is...
Family friendly western vibes at Rib Ranch
Located on Topanga Canyon Boulevard there’s a family owned restaurant named Rib Ranch. Entering the location, notice the western décor. It gives the feeling of being in an “El Rancho”, with its wooden booths and Terra Cotta tile. There is a special room that has lots of televisions, ranch paraphernalia and even outside seating under umbrellas.
Warm corn muffins that...
Unique and healthy eats at The Carving Board
You don’t have to sacrifice fresh and healthy for fast anymore. Located in Tarzana’s Safari Walk area on Ventura Boulevard, The Carving Board is primarily known for its wide array of sandwiches. With more than 25 options, there’s something tasty for just about everyone, including vegetarians.
The restaurant sits on the corner of an outdoor shopping area that features a...
Mixing generations at The One Up
Combine the nostalgia of 1980s video games with the foodie culture that has been growing in popularity the past couple of years, The One Up of Studio City is the newest addition to this growing “barcade” culture.
Recently opened along the many restaurants that occupy Ventura Boulevard, The One Up brings a different kind of gastropub experience to the area....
Signature brots at Dog Haus
Tucked away with a strip of stores adjacent to the Topanga Mall is Dog Haus: The Absolute Wurst. This latest installment in the San Fernando Valley is the brainchild of partners Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz, and Andre Vener. Its open glass front façade and cheeky name draw in hungry customers.
The deceivingly large restaurant could be compared to walking into...