By Ellen Snortland LA Downtown News Contributing Writer
First adopters people who try new tech-oriented things before everyone else are often ahead of the curve yet also at a disadvantage. Case in point? Twelve years ago, my husband Ken and I jumped on the relatively new solar bandwagon with a buzzy company co-founded by a famous Silicon Valley “tech bro.” We eventually reduced our sizeable electric bill by only a tiny amount while gaining some neighborhood boasting rights … but that’s about it. The advantages that new solar adopters now have weren’t even invented when we first signed on. With tech, that’s to be expected (she said, heaving a big sigh).
When our Airbnb guests, Christina Stone and Adam Slapin, suggested we meet with them to talk about their solar consulting business, we weren’t excited; indeed, we were dismissive and not fun to deal with because of our previous experience.
“The last solar company burned us,” we said. “What do you mean?” Christina asked. “They went belly-up and dropped off the face of the earth. We can’t find them anywhere under the sun,” we said, “… or in the shade either.”
This weasel company had promised us we’d have no more electric bills or if we did, they would be so small as not to matter. They said SoCal Edison would “buy” all the excess solar energy we would produce, so we’d break-even — a win-win! Plus, the system would store power in case of blackouts. We were somewhat ignorant, so we believed them … oops! At least we insisted that our panels not be made in China but in Germany. And that was about it in terms of our being educated solar consumers. I’m reminded of Karen Joy Fowler’s quote, “If stupid were fuel, we would never run out.”
Regarding power brownouts and total outages, things have only worsened here in Altadena over the last 12 years. Master-
ing the art of keeping our electronics safe and food cold for hours or even days has become an obsession. I lived in Mexico for three years, and Altadena has had more power problems, more often, than we ever did in our little village at Baja Norte. Geez, Louise! I’ve lost count of how often we had to borrow ice chests (we have our own now) or bring food to friends’ houses in other areas so our food wouldn’t rot.
As Christina and Adam showed us, many of those original promises have come true. There are dependable whole-house battery systems charged by solar: no more ice chests! Current panels and systems are far more powerful, affordable and reliable. Thanks to our favorite power couple (sorry), we have now upgraded our home to the latest and greatest.
Why are people resistant to going solar — because of stories like ours? Ken and I are smarter than your average privileged white bears. We strive to be green. We pride ourselves on being ecologically aware. We’re careful about plastics, poisons and chemicals. We believe in renewable energy, yet we didn’t have the wherewithal to question our first vendor. It could be as simple as the William James quote: “A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous and then dismissed as trivial until finally, it becomes what everybody knows.”
A bigger question: why are utility companies so resistant? Why the kilowatt-painin-the-keister? In a perfect world, they would be all for it. Are they? Nope! Like any social progress, the answer is easy: follow the money. The idea of “profits over planet” is now exemplified by N.E.M.: net energy metering, which varies from state to state.
Part of my urgency in writing about our new installation this week is that we just slid under the wire to receive the current, beneficial N.E.M. That will change in April, whether you’re in Pasadena, Altadena or Downtown Los Angeles. According to solarreviews.com, “In short, net metering gives you credit for returning solar electric-
Downtown News wants to hear from people in the community. If you like or dislike a story, let us know, or weigh in on something you feel is important to the community.
Participation is easy. Go to downtownnews.com, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “Letter to the Editor” link. For guest opinion proposals, please email christina@timespublications.com.
ity to the grid, and it offsets electricity you take from the utility in the future — giving you the full economic value of all the solar energy your solar panels produce. If your solar system is sized properly, you can eliminate all your monthly electric costs.”
are falling under a lot more scrutiny right now. Have you seen your latest gas bill? The hikes are outrageous. And electric? You may recall that our state’s electric infrastructure is so rickety that wildfires devastated vast swathes of California due to negligent maintenance by electric companies.
If you have questions for Christina and Adam, email them at: Adamandchristina@ heliosenergyglobal.com. Tick-tock, people!
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
STAFF WRITERS: Andrew Checchia, Andres De Ocampo, Julia Shapero
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sara Edwards, Kamala Kirk
ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Luis Chavez
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Myriam Santos
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway, Michael Lamb
FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris
I asked Christina, “what happens in April?” She told me that the public has until then to convert to green energy at the current energy exchange rate. When homeowners send power to their utility, they are credited at a 1:1 ratio. In April, the exchange rate will plunge to 1/4 of its current. Anyone who starts the solar process by March 13th and applies for interconnection (with their electric company) before April 13th will be grandfathered into the 1:1 exchange rate for the next 20 years.
Utilities, whether it’s gas or electric,
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
DEPUTY EDITOR: Luke Netzley
STAFF WRITERS: Alex Gallagher, Morgan Owen, Leah Schwartz
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Ellen Snortland
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris Mortenson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alexandra Snow
ART DIRECTORS: Arman Olivares, Stephanie Torres
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Catherine Holloway (213) 308-2261
Michael Lamb (213) 453-3548
Denine Gentilella (323) 627-7955
FOUNDER EMERITUS: Sue Laris
2023 marks the 30th year that Ellen Snortland has written this column. She also teaches creative writing online. She can be reached at ellen@ beautybitesbeast.com. Her award-winning film “Beauty Bites Beast” is available for download or streaming at vimeo.com/ ondemand/beautybitesbeast.
1620 W. FOUNTAINHEAD PARKWAY, SUITE 219 TEMPE, ARIZONA 85282
PRESIDENT: Steve T. Strickbine
VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt
Los Angeles County is home to one of the largest regional child welfare systems in the United States. To help support those affected by foster care and find methods for breaking cycles of generational poverty, Friends of the Children Los Angeles (Friends LA) provides children and families with professional salaried mentors for at least 12 years.
At their inaugural Women’s Leadership Breakfast held at the California Club in Downtown LA, the organization presented LA Supervisor Kathryn Barger with the “Power of One” award for her efforts in supporting and safeguarding children in LA, particularly those within the foster care system.
“I am truly honored to receive this award,” Barger said. “Protecting and advocating for the rights of all children living within my district continues to be my passion and a top priority. I’d like to thank Jorie Das (Friends LA executive director) for the honor and Friends LA’s commitment to the most vulnerable members in our county – namely, the children.”
The award ceremony opened with a welcome address from Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins before Friends LA invited Tomii Crump, senior vice president of talent and casting at NBCUniversal Media, Jennifer Baldocchi, co-vice chair of the Paul Hastings Employment Department, and Kristen Dykstra, president of Yitty and CMO of Fabletics, to a panel discussion on the impacts of mentoring.
“This morning’s event was a celebration of the power of mentoring and perfectly timed to be held during National Mentoring Month,” Wiggins described. “Mentoring can empower the next generation to reach their potential and positively affect our communities.”
Founded in 2017 as part of a network of chapters across the United States, Friends LA utilizes a “Two-Generation” (2Gen) approach that takes their model of providing mentors for children, particularly between the ages of 4 and 6, and expands it to include both youth and caregivers, who will receive personalized guidance to help break down barriers to future success.
“Friends LA’s professional mentoring program has had a huge impact on my children and family,” said a Friends LA caregiver named Michelle. “The commitment and compas-
sion that they demonstrate toward the kids is incredible. My children have gained invaluable skills they can take with them beyond the program, such as better communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills.”
Using the organization’s individualized, long-term approach, 83% of Friends LA youth have received their high school diploma or GED while 92% have gone on to enroll in post-secondary education, enter the workforce or serve in the military.
“We are grateful for Supervisor Barger’s dedication to supporting children and families in her district,” Das said. “Supervisor Barger has been a longtime supporter of Friends LA. … We appreciate her being a part of our Village of Believers that has allowed us to serve over 200 deserving youth across LA County over the past five years.”
By Morgan Owen LA Downtown News Staff Writer
Despite Police Chief Michel Moore’s recent pre-mature announcement of Mayor Karen Bass’s support for his reappointment, the Los Angeles Police Commission voted unanimously in favor of allowing Moore to sit for a second term as chief of the LAPD.
The commission met on Jan. 31 to vote on Moore’s application after Bass requested the commission delay their decision to allow time for reflection on Moore’s suitability for the role. Ultimately, the commission voted in favor of Moore, but not before they received a letter from Bass expressing her support.
The letter details Bass’s view that she and Moore share a desire to expand police reform and alternative response measures. She said she therefore gives her support, but with the stipulation he agreed to follow through on a list of previously agreed upon reforms within the LAPD.
Those reforms include mental health training for all officers in the LAPD, increasing the availability of Systemwide Mental Assessment Teams (SMART) and working with Taser manufacturers to limit the number of discharges possible during a use of force encounter.
In her letter, Bass drew a connection between these reforms and the three Angelenos of color who lost their lives in January during encounters with the LAPD, one of whom died shortly after being repeatedly tased by responding officers. Following the deaths, Moore and Bass both openly called into question LAPD’s mental health procedures, insinuating that if SMART teams had been deployed, the outcome of those encounters may have been different.
During public comment prior to the Board of Police Commissioners vote to reappoint Moore, several members of the public spoke up against Moore in hopes of convincing the commission to reject his reappointment.
In a statement, Moore expressed his gratitude towards those who supported his reappointment and his desire to pursue significant reforms.
“As the process of my reappointment has unfolded, I have listened intensely in my conversations with the Board of Police Commissioners, and more recently with Mayor Bass, on the description of the work that remains,” Moore said. “I have heard the countless voices of encouragement as well as calls for rejecting my application. I am grateful for those who have called out my leadership and success. To my critics, I acknowledge all my efforts have not been without missteps.”
Bass underlined her belief that Moore shares her desire to continue expanding police reform and alternative response measures. That being said, the letter details that Moore will be monitored by the Board of Police Commissioners and herself as he works to meet those goals.
Mass shootings have dominated the California news cycle this year, with six mass shootings to hit the state in 13 days. Los Angeles was rocked by two of those tragedies, first in Monterey Park on Jan. 21 and a week later in Beverly Crest.
The Monterey Park shooting began when a man, later identified by law enforcement as Huu Can Tran, 72, opened fire at a Lunar New Year celebration at Star Dance Studio, killing 11 and wounding nine. The shooter was disarmed later that night by Brandon Tsay, 26, an employee working at a second dance studio in Alhambra. The Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio, where Tsay works, appeared to have been the shooter’s next target of the evening.
After Tsay disarmed Tran, the shooter fled the scene in an unmarked white van. It would not be until the following day, on Jan. 22, that law enforcement would locate the van with Tran inside, dead by suicide. In the vehicle, they discovered evidence linking Tran to the Monterey Park Shooting and the attempted shooting in Alhambra.
In recognition of his bravery, Tsay was honored by the Alhambra Police Department on Jan. 29. The crowd appeared hopeful as they chanted Tsay’s name and shouted phrases of appreciation before the Alhambra Police Chief Kelley Fraser presented Tsay with a medal of courage.
“My heart dropped when I watched the video of (Tsay) leaping into action to save the gunman,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu, a Monterey Park native. “One thing is clear. He took action because he wanted to save the lives of the people in that ballroom. … The carnage – the killing – would have been double what it was in Monterey Park (if not for Tsay).”
Monterey Park is a predominantly Asian American community. All the victims were members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and several were refugees or immigrants from Vietnam, China and Taiwan. Their obituaries recall a love for life and a passion for dance.
Among the deceased is Ming Wei Ma, 72, the manager of Star Dance Studio. Those who fre -
Alvero family/Submitted
quented the studio have spoken out about Ma’s kindness and impact on the community following his death. Ma frequently helped people to their car after late-night studio classes and wanted to bring happiness to his community through dance.
“I’m heartbroken,” said Lauren Woods in a social media post after hearing the news of Ma’s death. “To the ones who were there and so many other dancers in our community, I’m so glad you got to meet and get to know Ma and his beautiful soul, at least once, before passing.”
In the wake of the shooting, volunteers created a GoFundMe to alleviate some of the financial pressure families face as they work to bury their loved ones. The fundraiser has already doubled their initial goal of $50,000.
Private GoFundMe accounts have been organized for Diana Man Ling Tom, 70, Xiujuan Yu, 57, Yu Lun Kao, 72, LiLan Li, 63, Valentino Marcos Alvero, 68, Muoi Ung, 67, and Ma. The organizers of Ma’s GoFundMe have already closed the account after reaching their $45,000 goal. Yu’s campaign is still active, and donations have surpassed the family’s $30,000 goal.
Kao, whose GoFundMe is still short of their $25,000 goal, reportedly shielded his dancing partner of 15 years, Shally, from gunfire the night of the shooting. Shally and her husband, Francois Ung, said Kao was like family to them and that they will organize his funeral because no next of kin have yet come forward.
Li’s GoFundMe remains over $30,000 short of the $40,000 goal. The funds raised for her funeral will go to the airfare needed for family members to travel from China. Her nephew Hao Hua Tan, who is organizing the fundraiser, supplied a message from Li’s daughter Min Yi in Chinese and English expressing her grief over her mother’s untimely death.
“On New Year’s Eve, a ruthless bullet took LiLan Li from her only daughter. Stolen is the grandmother whose granddaughter fell asleep many a night nestled in between her loving arms! Taken away from us is an opportunity for her grandson to ever feel her love and warmth!” Yi said. “Life’s many twists and turns could not knock down my mother who is a pillar of strength and optimism, only the untimely fate of wicked gun violence. May she now rest in peace now and stay forever in the hearts of the living!”
California has the strongest gun laws in the country. The state requires a background check for handgun purchases, prohibits certain weapon categorizations and high capacity magazines, and allows law enforcement and family members to petition a court to prohibit individuals with a violent background from accessing firearms.
In an official statement, the family of Monterey Park victim Alvero said, “Overnight we became unwilling members of a community who has to mourn the loss of our loved ones due to gun violence. We are left frustrated, stuck with this vicious cycle.”
According to Sheriff Robert Luna, the firearm recovered from the Monterey Park shooter at the Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio was a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic MAC-10 assault weapon with an extended magazine. Investigators said Tran may have obtained the firearm before it became prohibited under California Law. There was also evidence in Tran’s home that he was manufacturing guns prohibited under California law.
Meanwhile, in LA, the second mass shooting for the city this year took place on Jan. 28 in an upscale neighborhood near Beverly Hills called Beverly Crest. Three people were killed and four wounded outside a short-term rental property. The three victims, identified as Destiny Sims, 26, Nenah Davis, 29, and Iyana Hutton, 33, were all discovered dead in a vehicle parked outside the rental property. All three were out-of-state tourists from Chicago and Arizona.
Two of the four injured individuals transported themselves to the hospital, while the other two, in critical condition, were transported by emergency personnel in critical condition. The identities of the survivors have not been released yet.
At the moment, there is limited information on the Beverly Crest mass shooting. According to law enforcement, it does not appear the deaths involved an active shooter situation, but rather a targeted attack. Some reports are saying the event is connected to robbery. Police do not believe the immediate community is at risk even though the suspect, or suspects, have still not been identified.
“We’re still interviewing additional occupants, as well as witnesses and neighbors, to try to piece together exactly what happened here,” said Sgt. Bruce Borihanh on behalf of the LAPD at a news conference. “Investigators are also going door to door and looking for additional surveillance video, or any evidence that could help us.”
Law enforcement has not speculated on the motive behind either of the two mass shootings, but the Monterey Park shooter did frequent Star Dance Studio. Reports allege he was unhappy with the way he had been treated by those who frequented the studio.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit that tracks gun violence statistics, there were 648 mass shootings nationally in 2022. Excluding suicide, there were 20,209 gun-related deaths and 4,479 injuries to children and teens alone. There is no clear definition of what constitutes a mass shooting, but the term is loosely used to define firearm-related shootings in which several people are killed or injured.
Northwestern Mutual, a financial security company, appointed James Verzino the managing partner of the company’s network office in Los Angeles, including locations in Downtown LA, Manhattan Beach and Long Beach.
Verzino’s appointment follows the company’s recent expansion into additional Southern California markets.
“For over a decade, I’ve received an incredible amount of support from Northwestern Mutual, and I believe this is the greatest opportunity and company to partner with,” Verzino said. “I am committed to creating the most effective platform for our advisers to build the foundation of their businesses and serve our communities.”
In his new role, Verzino will provide ongoing support to the office’s advisers while overseeing client growth and retention. He is committed to furthering diversity and inclusion initiatives at the new network office, leading with core values of courage, discipline, personal responsibility, growth and mutual respect.
Verzino started with Northwestern Mutual in 2012 and has since served as the managing director and chief talent officer at the company’s Plocher network office. He made a significant impact in his previous roles, having helped lead the Plocher network office to attract a record number of advisors in 2022 as well as support the Manhattan Beach office in becoming the No. 1 district office in the country.
The launch of the Los Angeles network office is a part of Northwestern Mutual’s investment and expansion in California, in partnership with the company’s Distribution Growth Ventures (DGV) team, which is focused on growing the company’s distribution system.
By LA Downtown News Staff
Dignity Health (California) has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.
Dignity Health is a part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system committed to advancing health for all people and is dedicated to serving the common good.
Newsweek and market data research firm Plant-A Insights looked at 1,000 companies and based their scores on publicly available data, interviews with HR professionals and an anonymous online survey of a diverse pool of employees at companies with 1,000 or more employees in the United States.
Respondents were asked questions about corporate culture, working environment and other subjects at both their own companies and others they were familiar with. The survey yielded more than 350,000 company reviews.
“We are honored that Newsweek
has recognized our efforts to create a healthcare system that fosters belonging, respect and value for everyone who enters our doors,” said Julie J. Sprengel, president and chief executive officer, CommonSpirit Health Southern California Division, parent company of Dignity Health.
“It’s important that our physicians and staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, as we believe it builds trust among our patients which leads to improved outcomes.”
In total, the two CommonSpirit Health California divisions represented in this ranking employ nearly 43,000 individuals that work across different health care settings from community hospitals, urgent care clinics to surgery and imaging centers. The communities represented cover highly populated metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles to smaller, suburban communities such as the cities of Woodland and Camarillo.
“California consistently ranks as one of the most diverse states in the coun
try and we’re proud to have made concerted efforts to mirror that diversity within our workforce,” said Shelly Schorer, interim president and chief executive officer, CommonSpirit Health Northern California Division, parent company of Dignity Health. “It’s motivating to hear of this distinction as it comes on the
heels of years of important work - from our launch of medical residency initiatives that expand opportunities for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) to being recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index — we are encouraged now more than ever to continue these ongoing advancements.”
In the development of this list, Newsweek aimed to better inform the public of employers who are truly dedicated to Diversity.
“With the word ‘diversity’ attracting so much attention from companies, however, it can be tough for job applicants, customers and potential business partners to tell who is serious about supporting a diverse workforce,” shared Nancy Cooper, global editor in chief, Newsweek.
Newsweek grouped the winning companies by six main economic sectors and 34 industries. The top scoring companies are themselves a diverse list spanning different kinds of businesses.
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles’
2023 Girl Scout cookie season has begun.
More than 3.4 million cookie packages were distributed to thousands of Girl Scouts recently.
By supporting the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls, cookie lovers throughout Greater Los Angeles can provide invaluable opportunities for Girl Scouts such as service projects, travel and summer camp with every package of cookies purchased.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program provides an important ingredient for leadership by helping girls develop five key skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.
On Friday, Feb. 10, consumers can use the Cookie Finder to locate a booth near them and purchase cookies in-person from Girl Scouts.
“Participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program has long-lasting benefits,” said Theresa Edy Kiene, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles chief executive officer.
“This year especially, I know our cookiepreneurs are excited to be practicing their skills and thrilled to be back to more in-person connections with their customers.”
Girl Scouts’ newly updated financial literacy badges offer entrepreneurial playbooks for every age level.
From the cookie goal setter badge earned as a Daisy, the first age level in Girl Scouting, to the entrepreneur accelerator for Girl Scouts in high school, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls financial literacy, planning, budgeting, teamwork, innovative thinking and confident decision making. Through Girl Scouting, girls become leaders in their daily lives and in their communities and prepare for their futures.
Nationally, Girl Scouts welcomed Planet Oat Oatmilk as a sponsor of the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program. Consumers can learn more about product pairings and how the two organizations are working together to build girls of courage, confidence, and character.
Visit planetoat.com/girlscouts to learn more.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 27, consumers can order their favorite cookies for shipment to their front doors, including the new raspberry rally cookie. In addition to online ordering, starting Feb. 10, consumers can use the Cookie Finder to locate a booth near them and purchase cookies in-person from Girl Scouts.
• If you know a registered Girl Scout, reach out now to learn how she’s selling cookies.
• You can also text COOKIES to 59618 to stay informed about how to purchase Girl Scout Cookies and other exciting Girl Scout news.
• Beginning Feb. 27, cookie lovers can purchase cookies to be shipped directly to their homes, by entering their ZIP code into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder. This link can also be used to find a local booth (cookie boothing begins Feb. 10), to purchase cookies and/or to donate cookies for local community causes.
Girl Scout Cookie season is recognized nationally from January through April, but local timing varies; visit girlscoutsla.org/ cookies to learn more about local troops selling outside of Greater Los Angeles.
Girl Scouts in grades K-12 can start their journey to fun, friendship, and new experiences by joining the world’s largest entrepreneurial organization for girls at any point in the year. Girls can join and adults can become volunteers at girlscoutsla.org/ join.
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, a
nonprofit, serves more than 33,000 girls in partnership with more than 17,000 adult members and volunteers throughout the communities of Los Angeles County, and
parts of Kern and San Bernardino counties. GSGLA is the largest girl-serving nonprofit agency in Los Angeles.
Info: girlscoutsla.org
By Leah Schwartz LA Downtown News Staff Writer
Divided into 32 states, Mexico is home to a mosaic of distinct culinary traditions and flavors. La Plaza Cocina, an extension of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, is the first museum in the United States dedicated to Mexican gastronomy, educating patrons on the intricacies and traditions of Mesoamerican culinary arts and indigenous ingredients.
“There’s so much more to Mexican cuisine than tacos,” said Ximena Martin, the director of culinary arts at La Plaza Cocina. “We want to highlight regional cuisine so that people can understand the variety of cuisine in Mexico … but also we celebrate the indigenous ingredients and the contributions to the world and beyond.”
La Plaza Cocina programming, which is seasonal and often exhibition-based, is divided into three categories: “Platica y Prueba” (a talk and a taste), which includes experts speakers and authors dispensing knowledge on Mesoamerican cuisine and culture, “Hecho con Amor” (made with
love), which focuses on cooking and storytelling featuring local LA chefs, and “Sabor a” (a taste of), which brings Mexican flavors and history to life.
Upcoming events include “Platica y Prueba: Tacos y Guadalupe Wine,” “Hecho con Amor: Valentine Chocolate Gift Box,” and “Hecho con Amor: Mole Made Easy.”
“Platica y Prueba: Tacos y Guadalupe Wine,” on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., will feature a talk from Gil Gutierrez, Baja wine importer of Vinos Los Ángeles, as well as a guest Baja sommelier, who will discuss how wines from El Valle de Guadalupe pair distinctly with Mexican cuisine and flavor palates.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, La Plaza Cocina will host “Hecho con Amor: Valentine Chocolate Gift Box,” where guests will make chocolate treats for loved ones and delve into the cultural identity of chocolate in the context of the Aztecs and Mayans, who revered the chocolate and used cacao beans as currency. The event will be on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m.
During “Hecho con Amor: Mole Made
Easy,” on Thurday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., participants will walk through the intricate mole making process with Oscar Ochoa, owner of El Machete Handcrafted Chili Sauces. Classes and talks through La Plaza Cocina thread the past and present to discover a new path forward in Mexican cuisine and culture.
“We are focused on examining and honoring the history of Mexico’s Mesoamerican past, exploring its contemporary interpretations of the present, and imagining its transformative future,” Martin explained. What better place to do that than LA, home to one of the largest Mexican populations outside of Mexico?
La Plaza Cocina activities
WHEN: Events run between Feb. 9 and Feb. 23
WHERE: La Plaza Cocina, 555 N Spring Street, Los Angeles COST: Prices range between $45 to $60
INFO: laplazacocina.org
For more than two decades, Queens, New York, punk-rockers Bayside have become a house-packing, energetic live act.
However, the band has also fallen victim to the rigors of excessive touring. Because of this, vocalist Anthony Raneri said the band has scaled back on its aggressive schedule.
“Over the last five to seven years, the band has been transitioning from touring all the time to doing one or maybe two tours a year,” Raneri said. “We were at a point where we were on tour for 10 months out of the year, but now we’re on tour for maybe 10 weeks out of the year, which is cool, because every time we go on tour, it’s super exciting and we’re ready to go on tour again.”
Conversely, Raneri said this has increased fans’ appetite to catch the band in person at intimate venues across the country, like The Belasco, where the band plays on Friday, Feb. 17.
“As bands grow and progress in size, you have to change your strategy,” he said.
“When we were growing in the early to mid2000s, we had to sort of grind it out to develop the band. Now that we have the fans and the shows have gotten bigger and bigger, we have to leave space in between when we go to cities just to rebuild that hunger for the band.”
Although Bayside chopped down its tour itinerary, Raneri said the band still packs the same punch.
“Somehow we’ve been a band for going on 25 years now, and somehow I think that we’re playing the best that we ever have — from a live perspective,” he said. “I think that we’re putting out the best music we ever have, we’re writing the best songs we ever have and I’m hungry to be better and we’re constantly trying to get better.”
Raneri said Bayside’s live shows differ from other bands’ gigs because of their communal nature.
“Our show feels like a communal thing where things are a little bit more collaborative,” said Raneri, whose band will tour with I Am the Avalanche and Koyo.
“We recognize that going to shows is a night away from your problems and that’s
what entertainment brings to the world, that’s the purpose that we serve.”
Because of this, Raneri is excited to treat fans to new tunes like “Go To Hell” and “Strangest Faces” off 2022’s “The Red EP.”
“For the most part, we haven’t been able to play most of the new stuff yet (live),” Raneri said. “I’m especially excited to play ‘Go To Hell’ from what’s going to be our next EP.
“I’m excited to play that one because the fans have reacted strongly to it (via streaming) and it seems like it’s a new fan favorite, so I’m excited to see what the reaction to it live is.”
However, he expects to hear fans roar the loudest when he belts out the hit tune “Devotion and Desire” from the 2005 self-titled sophomore effort. It’s generally the closing
track live.
“We’ve been closing with ‘Devotion and Desire’ since it came out and that’s always when the set reaches the fever pitch,” Raneri said. “What’s cool about it is that we’ve been able to make that the last song for all this time because a lot of times it speaks to our catalog and how much our fans enjoy everything that we do.”
Altogether, Raneri hopes fans will feel rejuvenated when they leave the show.
“I always use this analogy of ‘recharging batteries,’” Raneri said. “I think what our show brings is a time of your night or your week or your month or however often you go to shows where it recharges your batteries and you’re ready to go back to regular life tomorrow.”
Bayside w/I Am The Avalanche and Koyo
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
WHERE: The Belasco, 1050 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles COST: Tickets start at $29.50
INFO: baysidebayside.com, livenation.com
