Why Native Plants Are Important and How To Incorporate Them

“Put things where they go” is a basic notion within permaculture, a design philosophy that examines how nature solves problems. Permaculture explores how to work with nature rather than against it, and views environmental health as interconnected with human health. As our population has grown exponentially over the past decades, …

Acclimating Off the Beaten Path in Samaná, Dominican Republic

When most people hear about the DR, Punta Cana is the obvious destination, where resorts abound along beautiful beaches. Nothing against the obvious. But I wanted to discover the Dominican Republic off the beaten path, in Samaná. This northeastern province is known for prolific nature, from secluded beaches to tangled …

250 Ideas for Cooking with 10 Fresh Herbs

It’s no secret in today’s world that our mental and physical capacities are highly interconnected. Perhaps especially in southern California, I often encounter people with dietary restrictions, whether self-imposed or doctor-dictated to enhance health. Personally, I am a happy omnivore. I like everything in moderation, including, occasionally, moderation. I prefer …

Last Dance with Tom Petty

On the night of September 25, 2017, more than 17,000 music fans filed into the Hollywood Bowl for the last stop of the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 40th anniversary tour. The show culminated a third sold-out night at the Bowl and the group’s 53rd concert played around the US …

When It Rains in LA

Southern California has a Mediterranean climate, meaning dry summers and rainy winters. Except it’s been awhile since we’ve received much rain in Los Angeles in the winter. Last year was incredibly mild, and it seemed I only had a week to wear my possibly excessive collection of boots, while repeatedly …

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Most long-standing relationships go through ebbs and flows. Sometimes I feel like I should be farther along in my yoga practice, having taken my first class over a decade ago. But it’s really in the past few years that my discipline, appreciation, and strength in the practice have deepened. As …

The Bowtie Parcel offers a minimal canvas to inspire art, engage community, and co-create the future of Los Angeles

The Bowtie Parcel spans 18 acres of post-industrial land owned by California State Parks. The site is found within an unassuming pocket of northeast Los Angeles known as Cypress Park, where gentrification is a concern due to increasing large-scale residential development, LA River revitalization initiatives, and the fate of neighbors Silver …