Photo Essay: Aboard the LA City Hall’s Observation Deck

If I could right now, I’d ask a room full of people if they know that there’s an “observation deck” way high up in the Los Angeles City Hall building. I’m awfully curious as to how many people do know, LA resident or not. Review after review after review, I’ve come across many people saying [...]

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Aspiring producer works his way up

Years ago, Andrew Guirguis, 26, had dreams of making it big in the recording industry, working alongside major recording artists and producers like Dr. Dre and Travis Barker. That has not changed one bit. Guirguis, who also goes by Dr. Dr3w, is an aspiring audio producer from Lake Forest, California. He had been experimenting music [...]

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Photo Essay: My Partial Run-Through of Downtown Los Angeles

It had been several years since I last took a trip up to Downtown Los Angeles, and after being so long overdue, I finally decided to venture out to the City of Angels early Monday morning. While most everybody around me were scrambling to get to work or school, I simply headed out the door [...]

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Bolsa Chica Wetlands: Orange County’s gem

Wetlands are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and can be found throughout every continent except Antarctica. As one could guess from its term, water is a major component in the existence of wetland environments. Land areas are covered in shallow water for most of the year, enough to produce saturated soil, [...]

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Photo courtesy of Fullerton Arboretum.

Arboretum hosts farm dinner

April 10th, 2013 Jennifer

Warm up your taste buds and prepare for a six multi-course meal at the “Spring Farm Dinner Fundraiser” at the Arboretum Friday at 6 p.m.

The dinner created and crafted by Jonathan Duffy Davis and Jonathan Dye, will be paired with beer and wine.

Aside from the dinner course, the Spring Farm Dinner’s focus is to educate people about where their food came from as well as the ingredients they used.

“Guests will get to hear the whole story behind the food on their plate,” said Davis. “It is a rare experience to have someone put six courses of food on the table and be able to recount the life of each ingredient.”

Attendees will learn about the food systems as well as how and what they choose to eat and buy impacts the environment and economy.

“This farm dinner is trying to be sort of both an example of how fabulous farm fresh foods can be, and an additional sort of educational and informational piece for people who might not understand what can be done with food that’s grown locally,” said Evelyn Brown, the Arboretum’s education manager.

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Photo Essay: Aboard the LA City Hall’s Observation Deck

October 27th, 2012 Jennifer

If I could right now, I’d ask a room full of people if they know that there’s an “observation deck” way high up in the Los Angeles City Hall building. I’m awfully curious as to how many people do know, LA resident or not. Review after review after review, I’ve come across many people saying they never knew this attraction existed — but they are glad it does. And I absolutely agree.

Located on the 27th floor of the building, it consists of the Mayor Tom Bradley Room where the walls are adorned with huge portraits of all L.A. mayors staring back at you. I suppose many people skip this part of the 27th floor and go straight out to the balconies, but me being a history geek, I just had to walk around this room before going outside. It’s very quiet up here — maybe too quiet? I must admit, there were a few moments where this floor just seemed very eerie. I suppose if you were to let your crazy imagination wonder, you would swear you saw the eyes of some of the portraits move!

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Photo of the Week: Disney’s Tomorrowland

October 26th, 2012 Jennifer

The entrance to Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif.

What better place to rise and shine at than Disneyland itself! Well, to be exact, I had to really drive over there, but really though, I didn’t feel wide awake just yet until I set foot on the property. I arrived here on a Friday morning at about 8:00am weeks ago, and Tomorrowland was one of the first areas of the park that I stopped at. Needless to say, Disneyland looks quite beautiful in the early morning; and what’s better is that it’s not too crowded before 11:00am either! It was a wonderful atmosphere overall here that day and it was splendid to see the park decorated with the Halloween theme as well.

I was at Disneyland for just a few hours, so with that said, I simply parked over at the Downtown Disney lot since I knew I wasn’t going to be here for long to be paying $15 at the structure. I was trying to use up the 3-day hopper ticket I had, so I was checking out all the attractions I didn’t get to the previous 2 days I went. All three days I went, they were fantastic! The last two times I went, I was by myself, and I must say — it’s quite a different experience going to Disney by yourself. The big plus to this is that you can go to whichever attractions you choose without someone disagreeing and preferring to check out something else, vice versa. As for the rides, I got to take up the first seat of each ride I went to (i.e. Splash Mountain, Small World), so that was great as well!

Address:
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802

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Aspiring producer works his way up

October 21st, 2012 Jennifer

Years ago, Andrew Guirguis, 26, had dreams of making it big in the recording industry, working alongside major recording artists and producers like Dr. Dre and Travis Barker.

That has not changed one bit.

Guirguis, who also goes by Dr. Dr3w, is an aspiring audio producer from Lake Forest, California. He had been experimenting music since he was a child, and has been getting his hands dirty in the process in recent years as well, actively pursuing his passion in music.

Raised in Orange County, California, Guirguis had always been into music. He started playing music when he was 12 years old. At that age, he also got his very first electric guitar, a Fender Squier, which he still owns to this day. By age 15, he found interest in playing the drums. He grew up listening to punk rock and hip hop as well.

“I’ll probably have to credit my older cousin who started playing the drums a year before I did, and that kind of motivated me to pick up my own instruments and start playing,” said Guirguis.

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Photo of the Week: Pazzaz’s Bento Box

August 3rd, 2012 Jennifer

Teriyaki chicken bento box at Pazzaz Sushi.

Address:
2524 Hyperion Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027

This delicious-looking meal would be the Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box from Pazzaz Sushi, located in the Silver Lake region of Los Angeles, California. Considering I am not a fan of sushi, I opted for this tasty bento box instead, which came with white rice, Teriyaki chicken and vegetables, mixed salad, cucumber rolls, and three meat dumplings (you also have the option of choosing vegetable dumplings instead as well). I have been aiming at eating right as of lately, so healthy foods as well as healthy portions is a huge must in my book, and Pazzaz Sushi did not disappoint in this area!

Photo of the Week: May the Llama Greet You!

July 21st, 2012 Jennifer

Llama at the Centennial Farm at the 2012 OC Fair.

I came across this oh-so-welcoming llama at the Orange County Fair earlier today at the fairgrounds’ Centennial Farm. At first, it may look like it’s puckering up to the many visitors, but that’s actually its tooth!

It was a joy seeing many farm animals today besides the llamas; others included sheep, cows, goats, horses, and baby chickens. The Centennial Farm alone is a wonderful learning experience for young children to learn about the different animals and its unique characteristics. And you’re able to pet some of these animals as well — just be sure to wash your hands at any of the nearby sinks before you move on to other areas of the fair!

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Photo of the Week: Frozen Yogurt at Berry Sweet

July 13th, 2012 Jennifer

Frozen yogurt topped with gummy bears and brownie pieces.

Address:
Buena Park Mall
8340 La Palma Ave., Ste C1-B
Buena Park, CA 90620

The heatwaves have really been kicking into full force throughout Southern California lately, as well as the rest of the nation, so it was perfect timing to dive into some frozen yogurt! My spot for this delicious, cool treat is Berry Sweet in Buena Park. Located next to the Krikorian movie theater at the Buena Park Mall, Berry Sweet is a self-serve frozen yogurt business; and you have many flavors to fill your cup with, like New York cheesecake, strawberry banana, cookie dough, and Dole pineapple. There is a wide variety of toppings to choose from as well, such as fruits (i.e. peaches, pineapples, strawberries), tiny chunks of brownies, yogurt chips, chocolate chips, and several kinds of candy (i.e. gummy bears, sour worms).

Photo of the Week: The Bradbury Building

July 2nd, 2012 Jennifer

An interior view of the Bradbury Building.

Address:
304 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013

For those who have seen the 1982 film Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer, you may recognize this particular location. This intricate, antique-like interior design belongs to the historic Bradbury Building. Located on South Broadway, across the street from the Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building has been operated an office building for much of its history, including the headquarters for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Internal Affairs division.

One can also find a few retail businesses here as well, including Subway sandwiches, and a Sprint cell phone store.

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Rise and Shine at Cerritos Regional County Park

June 28th, 2012 Jennifer

Large fountain at Cerritos Regional Park.

It is not often that I venture out to nature environments on early mornings, but it is nice to wrap myself in the arms of Mother Nature every once in a while as my day begins. Earlier this month, on a Friday morning, I made my way out to the Cerritos Regional Park at 7:00, and it was one of the most beautiful places to be at as the sun arises.

I had been at this park the afternoon before, seeing it for myself for the very first time, and there was really nobody around that day. The next morning though, I was very well surprised to see many more people here. Some came here for their daily exercise routines, whether it be jogging, walking, or using the workout equipment the park provides on the southern end of the premise; others were seen fishing, waiting ever-so-patiently for their first, or next, catch.

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Photo of the Week: Tri-City Park in Placentia, CA

June 23rd, 2012 Jennifer

A view of one of the bench areas at Tri-City Park.

Address:
2301 N Kraemer Blvd
Placentia, CA 92870

About 3 miles north of California State University of Fullerton, Tri-City Park continues to be a great attraction for everyone with its beautiful lakes and splendid scenery. This recreation area is perfect for families and their children to come spend the day, particularly on a nice and sunny day. There’s luscious greens everywhere throughout the premises, allowing a wide abundance of shade for your gatherings. Although there may be lots of people here on some days, especially during the summer, it doesn’t take away the calming atmosphere of Tri-City Park either.

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