by Randy Dunbar
Katie Nartonis’ book California Desert Artists is an insightful tribute to the vibrant art scene inspired by California’s desert landscapes. Known for her expertise in 20th-century art and design, Nartonis delves into the lives and works of artists who have been drawn to the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree, and surrounding desert regions. Her work explores how these arid settings shaped the artistic visions of both past and contemporary creatives.
The book captures the allure of the desert—its stark beauty, distinctive light, and tranquil isolation—that has historically inspired painters, sculptors, and craftspersons. By featuring the narratives of these artists, the book serves as both a historical document and an aesthetic exploration, celebrating the interplay between environment and creativity. Readers can expect richly illustrated content alongside Nartonis’ well-researched prose, providing a visual feast and thoughtful analysis.
This volume is especially valuable for those interested in regional art history and how environmental factors influence artistic production. It debuted at the 29 Palms Book Festival, reflecting the author’s deep connection to the region and its creative community.
by Randy Dunbar
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Cambio Roasters is making waves in the coffee world by combining sustainability with exceptional quality. This company reimagines coffee consumption by offering 100% recyclable aluminum coffee pods, a stark contrast to the traditional plastic pods that often end up in landfills.
The Coffee Industry and Sustainability Challenges
- The coffee industry produces over 50 billion single-use coffee pods annually, with many made of plastic. A significant portion of these pods is non-recyclable, leading to thousands of tons of waste.
- Plastic coffee pods can take up to 500 years to decompose, contributing to environmental degradation.
Cambio Roasters’ Aluminum Advantage
- Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, meaning it can be reused repeatedly without losing quality, unlike plastic.
- Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than producing it from raw materials. Cambio ensures every pod you use can be responsibly recycled, reducing carbon footprints while delivering premium coffee.
Premium Coffee, Conscious Choice
Cambio Roasters also prioritizes high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee. By selecting beans from ethical farms, they aim to support growers while providing consumers with rich, flavorful options.
By opting for Cambio’s pods, coffee drinkers can enjoy their morning brew while contributing to a circular economy. It’s coffee with a conscience—helping reduce waste, conserve energy, and protect the planet.
Why Choose Cambio?
- Delicious, ethically sourced coffee.
- Eco-friendly aluminum pods for guilt-free brewing.
- A step toward reducing plastic pollution, one cup at a time.
Switching to Cambio Roasters isn’t just a choice for better coffee—it’s a choice for a better planet.
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by Randy Dunbar
As we inch toward Halloween, scary events emerge from the shadows. Of note is the Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery — a truly spectacular event to attend. This year, the guiding theme is the Monarch Butterfly and its winter home, the Mexican state of Michoacán. Michoacán is also one of the two cultural heartlands in Mexico where the ancient traditions of Dia de los Muertos have been celebrated the longest and most vibrantly. It’s a strange feeling to be walking among the dead on the Day of the Dead, but this event truly pays homage.
- Los Angeles Area:
- San Diego:
- Autumn Festival at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Oct 27): Enjoy wildlife encounters and fall-themed activities such as harvest food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment
.
- Mr. Jack O’ Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch (through Oct 31): A festive spot perfect for families, featuring pumpkin picking, games, and a spooky maze
.
- Sip & Scare Sunset Special (Oct 26): For something unique, embark on a haunted train ride through San Diego’s Campo backcountry, where passengers can enjoy themed cocktails along the eerie journey
.
- Cultural and Film Events:
- Monster Mash at the Academy Museum (Oct 26, Los Angeles): Film lovers can join this special Halloween event filled with spooky classics, interactive exhibits, and special screenings
.
- Italian Film Festival (through Oct 27, San Diego): This film festival celebrates the best of Italian cinema, offering a variety of screenings, from dramas to comedies
by Randy Dunbar
Mastering the Real Estate Market in Southern California: The Southern California real estate market is one of the most dynamic and competitive in the country, attracting buyers, sellers, and investors from across the globe. From the sun-soaked beaches of Malibu to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles and the growing suburbs of Orange County, each area offers unique opportunities and challenges for anyone looking to enter the market. But what does it take to truly become an expert in this diverse landscape?
Understanding Market Trends
In Southern California, market trends can shift rapidly due to factors like economic conditions, housing demand, and local regulations. An expert stays ahead of the curve by keeping a pulse on key indicators such as:
- Home Prices: Property values vary widely across the region, with some areas experiencing rapid appreciation while others may stabilize.
- Inventory Levels: In low-inventory markets, competition among buyers is fierce, often leading to bidding wars and above-asking-price sales.
- Interest Rates: These directly impact buyer affordability, influencing how many potential buyers can enter the market.
By regularly analyzing these trends, real estate professionals can make informed recommendations to their clients, ensuring they capitalize on the right opportunities.
Regional Expertise
Southern California isn’t a monolithic market. Each city and neighborhood has its own unique characteristics and demand drivers. An expert understands the nuances of the following:
- Los Angeles: As the entertainment capital of the world, LA attracts high-net-worth individuals and international buyers. Neighborhoods like Beverly Hills and Bel-Air are known for luxury homes, while emerging areas like Downtown LA are popular for condo developments and urban living.
- Orange County: Known for its family-friendly communities, excellent school districts, and coastal living, areas like Newport Beach and Laguna Niguel are in high demand among buyers looking for a mix of luxury and suburban life.
- Inland Empire: More affordable than its coastal counterparts, the Inland Empire offers opportunities for first-time homebuyers and real estate investors interested in rental properties.
Legal and Regulatory Knowledge
Southern California’s real estate market is governed by complex laws, zoning regulations, and environmental concerns. From rent control ordinances in certain cities to navigating the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for new developments, true expertise requires staying updated on these rules to protect clients’ interests and ensure smooth transactions.
Building Relationships and a Network
Real estate is a relationship-driven business. The best real estate experts build strong connections with local developers, mortgage brokers, contractors, and other agents. These relationships provide insider knowledge and access to off-market properties—an invaluable resource in Southern California, where competition is high.
Investment Savvy
Southern California remains a hotspot for real estate investors, whether it’s short-term rentals in prime tourist areas or long-term residential investments. An expert knows which neighborhoods are poised for growth and where cap rates and cash-on-cash returns offer the best potential.
Marketing and Technology
In a region as competitive as Southern California, real estate experts use cutting-edge marketing techniques to stand out. From drone photography and virtual tours to savvy social media campaigns, staying ahead in the digital space is essential to reach the right audience.
Final Thoughts
Expertise in the Southern California real estate market goes far beyond basic property transactions. It requires a deep understanding of regional trends, laws, investment opportunities, and a strong network. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, aligning with an expert who has a holistic view of the market can make all the difference in achieving success in this fast-paced and competitive landscape.
by Randy Dunbar
How often do you say: “what a fun store?” But, that is what will happen when you visit the brand new Halloween shop called Spirit Halloween at 1601 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027. With Halloween being a mere four weeks away, it is time to get into the spirit, and into the costume. A large space with some very large and scary tableaus, it is a store full of surprises—and reasonable prices (that’s rare these days!)
It’s also time to plan your Halloween outing this year. Here is a list of the usual suspects, but guaranteed to thrill nonetheless:
Here are some top Halloween events happening in and around Hollywood this year, along with links to their official websites:
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Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Experience immersive haunted mazes, scare zones, and attractions based on popular horror franchises like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Insidious. Runs through select nights in October.
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West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
- One of the largest outdoor Halloween street festivals, with thousands of attendees showcasing extravagant costumes, live entertainment, and street performers. Takes place on Halloween night.
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Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
- A spooky hayride through Griffith Park’s Old Zoo, featuring haunted mazes, scare zones, and eerie surprises. Open on select nights in October.
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Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
- This haunted attraction takes place aboard the historic Queen Mary ship in Long Beach, known for its paranormal activity. It features haunted mazes and ghostly encounters. Dates run from late September through Halloween.
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Hollywood Forever Cemetery Dia de los Muertos
- Celebrating the Day of the Dead, this event features altars, traditional Mexican food, live performances, and art displays. Held in late October.
These events vary from full-on scares to cultural celebrations, offering something for everyone! Make sure to visit their websites for ticket information and schedules.
by Randy Dunbar
The idea for a book took a long time. Maybe eight years or more. I had such a vast collection of images and writings that it seemed like a book was the perfect publishing outlet.
I had used a Nixon FE for decades and that was the camera I used on a trip to Bali and Maldives. When the iPhone became a good tool that could take excellent images and not hang around your neck, it was an easy to go.
I have always loved photography.
The play of light on a face, a wall was an instance waiting to happen. One had to only look. It was there.
Photographing people can be trickier. I was in Paris and a group of models were outside a museum smoking—all elegantly dressed and I was too shy to ask for a picture. You can regret those moments, for a long time.
Travel photography was a calling. I needed new and unique places. I loved visiting elegant hotels and parts of the world rarely visited. I tried to avoid cliches. I sometimes succeeded, But I made this book of the hopefully unique. moments to share.
My family rarely left the country. Other than some road trips to Tijuana,
the National Parks, and Crestline, we never left the country.
At an early age, I did visit San Francisco and Palm Springs frequently, and after
high school, trips to New York City were frequent. But it wasn’t until that first
flight to Hawaii the notion that travel could make you feel different happened.
It’s not easy to know just what it is because, until you’ve been there, you’re only
As I think about it, having grown up and still living in Los Angeles, despite that
sojourn of eight years in New York City, I know this town, maybe too well.
A trip to Bali in the 90s convinced me that what I was seeking was “otherness”,
something other than American culture. When a bare-chested woman was walking
down a dirt road in Ubud with fruit on her head, I thought, I am not an American
anymore. Later, a bloody cockfight would cement that notion.
Heat and humidity could not wrest my love of traveling from me. I went to Bali.
Australia, Europe, the Maldives, Mexico, Belize, and many other countries
I didn’t always have a camera. I missed what I am sure would have been an
award-winning photo (Paris 2015, Vogue’s 95th Anniversary Party) and numerous
other “moments” where people shifted, the light changed, or a car blocked the
Some pictures were taken with a 35mm camera—most with an iPhone, which
in many ways is the better camera—certainly when traveling, it is the more
Traveling creates stories. All places have their stories and the people you meet
on a journey have their stories. We engage with a culture other than the one we
know—language, cuisine, and dress come together to create a story vastly unique
and, for many, wonderous. It can be arduous, it can be boring (airports, delayed
flights and toll tickets from other countries
by Randy Dunbar
If you’re looking to explore some of the best art shows currently happening in Southern California, there are several must-see exhibitions across the region:
- Ed Ruscha / Now Then at LACMA, Los Angeles (until October 6, 2024): This comprehensive retrospective offers a deep dive into Ed Ruscha’s career, showcasing his iconic works that reflect the American landscape and culture.
- Paul Mpagi Sepuya: Daylight Studio/Dark Room Studio at Vielmetter, Los Angeles (through October 22, 2024): Sepuya’s exhibition features photography that merges historical references with a contemporary, queer perspective, exploring themes of intimacy and visibility.
- Impermanence by Yukie Ishikawa at Blum & Poe, Los Angeles: This exhibit highlights Ishikawa’s unique style, blending minimalist elements with textured materials, resulting in hauntingly beautiful abstractions.
- Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach (through September 2, 2024): These iconic outdoor festivals feature works by some of Southern California’s finest artists and a live performance where art literally comes to life on stage
Ed Ruscha has consistently held up a mirror to American society by transforming some of its defining attributes—from consumer culture and popular entertainment to the ever-changing urban landscape—into the very subject of his art. In 1956, Ruscha left Oklahoma City to study commercial art in Los Angeles, where he drew inspiration from the city’s architectural landscape—parking lots, urban streets, and apartment buildings—and colloquial language.
As his first comprehensive, cross-media retrospective in over 20 years, ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN traces Ruscha’s methods and familiar subjects throughout his career and underscores the many remarkable contributions he has made well beyond the boundaries of the art world. The exhibition includes his early works produced while traveling through Europe, his installations—such as the Chocolate Room and the Course of Empire presented at the Venice Biennale in 1970 and 2005, respectively—and his ceaseless photographic documentation of the streets of Los Angeles beginning in 1965.
by Randy Dunbar
There was a time—and it would be right about now, late afternoon. The sun would be setting and the weather would invite the family to pack up head to a drive-in theatre. There was a playground in front of the screen, seated in a a small sand box and once the movie began, every child was summoned back to the car. Drive-in theaters emerged in the 1930s, peaking in popularity during the 1950s and 60s. They provided a perfect blend of the automotive culture and the burgeoning film industry, creating a social hub for communities. Families piled into their cars, packed with blankets and pillows, eager to enjoy the latest Hollywood offerings from the cozy confines of their vehicles.
The experience of a drive-in theater was more than just watching a movie. It was a full-sensory journey: the soft hum of car engines, the crackling sound of the film reel, and the mingling aromas of popcorn, candy, and night air. It was the anticipation as the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the start of the show, and the collective excitement that spread through the crowd as the first frames flickered on the giant screen and all eyes looked forward.
That was then—this is now and not all the theaters are gone—here is a shortlist of drive-in’s in th eSouthern California region. If you’ve not had this experience, it is one to partake: fun, unique and oddly entertaining.
- Paramount Drive-In Theatre (Paramount, CA): Originally opened in 1947, this drive-in was revived in recent years with modern amenities, including digital projection and a full snack bar. It’s a classic drive-in experience with two 75-foot screens showing double features (Time Out Worldwide) (Kidsguide).
- Electric Dusk Drive-In (Glendale, CA): Known for its retro vibe, this drive-in offers a mix of cult classics and recent favorites. It even provides an option to sit on the grass if you prefer not to stay in your car (Time Out Worldwide) (MomsLA).
- Van Buren Drive-In Theatre (Riverside, CA): This drive-in has been operating since 1964 and features an old California orange grove theme. It now has three screens and shows double features every night (Time Out Worldwide) (PBS SoCal).
- Vineland Drive-In Theatre (City of Industry, CA): With four screens, this drive-in offers a variety of films and is a popular choice for families. It’s known for its traditional movie snacks and family-friendly atmosphere (MomsLA)(Kidsguide).
- Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre (Montclair, CA): This drive-in has a unique tiki theme and offers a fun, themed environment. It opened in 1956 and continues to be a favorite for many in the area (PBS SoCal).
- South Bay Drive-In (Imperial Beach, CA): Operating since 1958, this drive-in features nautical-themed decor and modern upgrades, making it a popular spot in the San Diego area (MomsLA).
The Olympic Theatre This former drive-in originally opened in 1934 as the 500-car capacity Drive-In (the first drive-in in California) at Pico Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard. It was soon re-named Pacific Drive-In (the operators were Pacific Theatres) and had become the Pico Drive-In when it was closed on October 1, 1944. (A separate page on Cinema Treasures covers this theatre)
It moved 2 miles to the west from that location to Olympic Boulevard and Bundy Drive, (re)opening on April 4, 1945 with Edward G. Robinson in “The Woman in the Window” & Bud Abbott & Lou Costello in “Lost in a Harem”. It was renamed the Olympic Drive-In on October 3, 1945. This drive-in had a screen tower with a mural of two surfers (a boy and a girl) riding a wave. Opened with 775 car spaces, it lasted until October 14, 1973 when it was screening adult movies. The final program being “School Girls”, “School Girls Growing” and Swinging Wives”
These theaters provide a nostalgic and enjoyable way to watch movies under the stars, making them a cherished part of Southern California’s cultural landscape. For more information on showtimes and locations, you can visit the respective theater websites or check local listings.
Footnote: And just like that, TMC last week showed the 1968 Peter Bogdanovich film, Targets. A profoundly disturbing film with a subplot featuring Boris Karloff, Bogdanovich‘s ingenious climax brings the two worlds together as a shooter takes pot-shots at a cinema audience from behind the screen of a drive-in showing a ‘Byron Orlok’ movie (The Terror – what else?). The outdoor picture house was the Reseda Drive-in Theater on Reseda Boulevard at Vanowen Street, Reseda. It closed in 1985 and has since been demolished.
by Randy Dunbar
The Fahey/Klein Gallery is pleased to present Face the Music: The Legacy of Music Photography. The exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of music legends who transcended the boundaries of entertainment to become cultural icons. The curation brings together iconic photographers and musicians, from the forties to today, showcasing how their collaborative artistry captured and shaped the cultural zeitgeist of their respective eras. These artists not only created memorable music but also challenged societal norms, sparked significant movements, and mirrored the changes within society visible in the emblematic photographs on display.
Visitors will journey through different eras each marked by the distinctive contributions of music legends including The Beatles, Billie Holiday, Elvis Presley, Dizzy Gillespie, Diana Ross, Tupac Shakur, Elton John, Nirvana, Gloria Estefan, Harry Styles, and Cher among many more.
Jim Marshall’s famous photo of Johnny Cash flipping the bird at Folsom Prison captures the rebellious spirit and raw authenticity of Cash’s persona, solidifying its place as an iconic image in music history. Randee St. Nicholas and Frank Ockenfels 3 were long time artistic collaborators and friends with Prince and David Bowie respectively, creating the unique opportunity for genuine representation of the musician rather than photographic interpretation. Ray Charles’ larger-than-life energy is palpable in Steve Schapiro’s portrait of Charles laughing in a board room filled with dour businessmen. Janette Beckman’s portrait of Run DMC in Queens represents a shift in hip-hop, where a group could come from a working-class neighborhood and rap about their lives, offering different stories from the groups coming out of the Bronx. Mark Seliger’s legacy of music photography continues with his portrait of Jon Batiste, a trailblazer in contemporary American music who continually pushes the boundaries of the medium.
Face the Music is more than a celebration of musical talent; it is a tribute to the power of music to connect people across generations through the shared viewing of iconic photographs. The exhibition features work by David Bailey, Janette Beckman, Harry Benson, Brad Branson, William Claxton, Patrick Demarchelier, Timothy Duffy, Greg Gorman, Nadav Kander, Daniel Kramer, Herman Leonard, Christopher Makos, Jim Marshall, Fred W. McDarrah, Alasdair McLellan, Frank Ockenfels 3, Estevan Oriol, Lyle Owerko, Herb Ritts, Matthew Rolston, Steve Schapiro, Norman Seeff, Mark Seliger, Randee St. Nicholas, Phil Stern, Alex Stoddard, Art Streiber, Bruce Talamon, Albert Watson, Bruce Weber, Alfred Wertheimer, Dan Winters, Ernest C. Withers, and Magdalena Wosinska.
by Randy Dunbar
Since 1980, San Diego native Wick Alexander has been producing distinctive paintings, sculptures and public artworks. Awards for his paintings have been presented by the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council and the Ford Foundation.
His paintings are included in many private collections and museum permanent collections including the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, the California Center for the Arts in Escondido and the Banff Center of the Arts in Alberta, Canada.
Wick Alexander is also known, alongside his partner Robin Brailsford who invented it, pioneering the technique of Lithomosaics; a system utilizes mosaic patterns together with a Lithocrete paving system. This is the only system that installs mosaics in a full thickness monolithic pour, allowing designers the flexibility to create their own art piece at significantly less cost than any other medium currently available.
Wick Alexander is known in locally in LA County for his public works installations at eight separate Long Beach Transit Stations, mosaics in several parks across Los Angeles, the Moving Pictures installations across Culver City, as well known across San Diego county for numerous public work installations.
This series dives into the salacious, provocative nature of modern Americana culture. It is a culture that Wick Alexander identifies as insatiable desires for community and consumption and therefore creates almost farcical consequences. Many of his pieces evoke a “Where’s Waldo” type of composition where the view is constantly finding bizarre characters in this micro-environments.
There is an open bar but please tip our bartender.
Opening Reception: June 7th, 7pm – 11pm
4633 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Insatiable Vicariousness: Wick Alexander
by Randy Dunbar
Sam Rubin, a notable figure in the world of entertainment journalism, particularly recognized for his long-standing role as an entertainment reporter for KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles has died. His career, which spanned several decades, made him a familiar face to anyone keen on Hollywood news and celebrity interviews.
His expertise was in in his deep understanding of the entertainment industry and his ability to engage with celebrities in a manner that elicited both informative and personal responses. His interviews would often go beyond the surface, exploring the nuances of an actor’s experience on set or the creative process behind a musician’s latest album.
What set Sam Rubin apart was his genuine enthusiasm for the arts, which was evident in his lively and insightful discussions. Known for his professionalism and his respectful approach to journalism, traits that have earned him the trust and respect of many in Hollywood. Rubin’s work not only informed his audience about the latest in entertainment but also enriched their understanding of the artistry involved in creating film, television, and music.
A fixture at local news channel KTLA 5, he was the kind of personality that you took for granted—he was always there—jovial, fun and indeed completely in the moment with his guests, he sudden death of a heart attack at 64 came as shock to the community.
by Randy Dunbar
Excitement builds as Brightline prepares to revolutionize travel between Southern California and Las Vegas with its new high-speed train service. This innovative route promises to transform the way Southern Californians visit the Entertainment Capital of the World, offering a fast, comfortable, and efficient alternative to the traditional car or plane journey. Anticipated to launch in2028, this service will connect the bustling communities of Southern California directly to the heart of Las Vegas. It is estimated that it will take two hours to complete the trip.
Background on Brightline
Brightline, known for its successful high-speed rail services in Florida, is expanding its expertise to the West Coast. The company has made a name for itself by providing reliable, fast, and luxurious train services, significantly enhancing regional connectivity. With routes that seamlessly connect major cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, Brightline is now poised to bring its innovative travel solutions to Southern California, promising a similar level of comfort and efficiency.
Route Details
The planned route will start in Apple Valley, California, and make its way through the desert landscape, providing picturesque views before arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada. The project is currently in the advanced stages of planning, with construction starting last week. The completion of the route is eagerly anticipated by 2027, aiming to serve millions of passengers annually and offering a travel time of approximately two hours—significantly quicker than driving.
The railway project, dubbed Brightline West, will transport passengers the 218 miles between Rancho Cucamonga and Sin City in two hours, which is half (or one-third, depending on traffic) of the time it currently takes by car. The zero-emission, fully electric trains will be able to reach speeds of up to 200 mph and will travel mostly along the center median of Interstate Highway 15 (aka I-15).
Impact on Southern California
The introduction of the Brightline train is expected to have a substantial positive impact on Southern Californians. It will not only reduce the travel time to Las Vegas but also alleviate traffic congestion and decrease carbon emissions. Economically, the project will spur job creation in both construction and operational phases and boost tourism in both regions. This route is a game-changer for local economies, promising a new era of intercity travel that benefits both commuters and leisure travelers.
The upcoming Brightline train service to Las Vegas stands as a beacon of modern transportation, promising to enhance the way people travel between Southern California and Las Vegas. With its commitment to speed, comfort, and efficiency, Brightline is set to elevate the travel experience, providing an attractive alternative to the conventional options. Keep an eye on this exciting development, as it promises to make your future trips to Las Vegas faster and more enjoyable than ever before.
