Los Angeles Volume 1, Issue 2

LOS ANGELES SUMMER EDITION

AMPS MAGAZINE American Minority People Succeeding

June - August Quarterly

CyndaWilliams

BACK AND MO’ BETTER

FROM LA TO D.C. Julia Romero GussE SUMMER FOOD VIBES: PLACES TO EAT IN LA

Meet LA’s Councilmembers

LOS ANGELES LA SUMMER MAKEUP TIPS

LA’S HOMEGROWN GOSPEL GREAT JONATHAN GRIER

Volume 1, Issue 2

Page 1 www.cali.ampsmagazine.com

AMPS LOS ANGELES

Table of Contents CYNDA WILLIAMS BACK AND MO’ BETTER PAGE 3

FROM LA TO DC JULIA GUSSE PAGE 4 .

LA'S HOMEGROWN GOSPEL GREAT. JONATHAN GRIER PAGE 7 .

LA EATINGS PAGE 8 .

LA FASHION DESIGNERS PAGE 9

SPORTS ROUND-UP PAGE 15

Actress

Cynda Williams Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues

In speaking to Ms. Williams, it’s clear that she always wanted to sing and act. When asked what her early inspirations were, she says, “I use to go to music rehearsals with my uncle, which led me to sing in church and then school”. In fact, one of her early fond memories was performing in The Mikado – a comic opera by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan Mcado, as early as the 8th grade.

For school, Williams attended Bennett Elementary School before she moved with her mother to Muncie, Indiana, when she was a teenager. While in Indiana, Williams attended Northside High School, graduating in 1984. After high school, Williams attended Ball State University, studying theater.

While in college, she was crowned Ms. Ball State in 1987 and later graduated in 1989.

The Mikado – a comic opera by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (imagination.com).

Ms. Williams has a great body of work but recalls the movie "Caught Up" as being a great work experience - (1998, Bokeem Woodbine, Cynda Williams, Clifton Powell). She remembers a work environment that fostered a positive atmosphere for the actors.

Williams was born Cindy Ann Williams in Chicago, Illinois to Charles, a police officer and Beverly, a medical lab technician. She was raised in the Pullman neighborhood on the city’s south side. She spent parts of her early childhood in Indiana, where she sang in her grandfather’s church.

Look for her in new upcoming projects!

Photo Credit: Marshon Gonzo @anjel_photos Page 3

FROM

LA

JULIA BY

KENT

TO

ROMERO

O'JON

Julia Romero Gusse was born and raised in East Los Angeles. Her parents are both U.S. Naturalized Citizens originally from Mexico. Julia and her siblings are all generation American-born.

firstJulia's

parents arrived in the states during the midst of the Vietnam War and were strict traditional Mexicans. Julia and her siblings were raised Roman Catholic

(Julia's

children

and

grandchildren are being brought up in the same faith.) Julia's first language is Spanish (her children are also fluent in Spanish). Julia enlisted in the United States Air Force upon high school graduation (age 17) and during her delayed enlistment, she qualified for the Dean’s list while compiling enough credits at East Los Angeles

Community

College

to

receive advanced rank upon basic training graduation.

Page 4

D.C.

GUSSE

RESTAURANT REVIEW

BY BENITA

T TH HEE LLA AH HO OSST TEESSSS W WIIT TH HT TH HEE M MO OSST T--T TEESSSS:: G GIIV VEESS U USS T TH HEE 441111 O ON N PPLLA ACCEESS T TO O EEA AT T IIN N LLA A& & SSU UR RR RO OU UN ND DIIN NG G CCIIT TIIEESS AYCESUSHIINC.COM

About Aycesushiinc

Says Benita, "it's all you can eat sushi, sashimi, and oysters and they're at two locations. The food is good, it's fresh and a great place to hang out with friends!".

HUNTINGTON BEACH (HB) Location 5864 Edinger Ave Huntington Beach, CA 92649 (714) 916-0359 Store Hours: Open 7 Days a Week Mon - Sun 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm My rating = value for your dollar.

1. Food Flavor & Texture – $$$ 2. Food Quality & Healthiness – $$$ 3. Value – $$$ 4. Service & Setting – $$$

The BEST all you can eat sushi has become an establishment in Huntington Beach, California and in the South Coast Metro area.

They are now serving sake and beer to adults over 21 years old. Please bring ID. Follow them on Instagram to find out about specials @ aycesushiinc.

Come check out the best all you can eat sushi in Huntington Beach, and the South Coast Metro area. AYCE Sashimi and Oysters for an additional fee. Just ask the restaurant for more details.

MINISTER OF MUSIC JONATHAN GRIER

By Chrystal Allen-O'Jon Meet Grammy Nominated, Singer/Songwriter/Director Jonathan Grier He’s a family friend, exceptional Music Producer, Choir Director and all around great human being.

Jonathan and I (along with my two sisters) grew up in the same neighborhood in Los Angeles. Some early memories include simply chasing each other on bicycles (ah the days of innocence). We attended the same middle school (Paul Revere) and High School (Pacific Palisades). Early on you could see he had a love for music. Raised in Church, Jonathan’s love for God and music developed into a powerful ministry that to this day, still brings joy, healing and encouragement to all who listen.

Because of his skill and talent, he’s sought-after nationwide and even in other countries like Japan.

Keep an ear out for future music projects. Here is an oldie but goody. https://open.spotify.com/artist/23bZM3oqi528Khv03UAX1H

Seminars he’s participated in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtC_EdgWL2c

Music by Minister of Music Jonathan Grier has also been featured in the Preacher soundtrack. Some of Jonathan Grier’s most popular songs include “Go Tell It on the Mountain” (Up Tempo Church Version, which was featured in the Preacher soundtrack. https://www.tunefind.com/artist/jonathan-grier

Page 7

The Tribe of Judah (a choir he started and directed) was and still is a group comprised of some of Southern California’s Best Voices. https://open.spotify.com/track/2BbTc1nFTvuehJMeuBiSTk

Check out other notable events/projects Ellen Sings and Dances with The Tribe of Judah Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5tCmUAfmBI

TASTE

MET HER AT A BAR & MET HIM AT A BAR AMPS LA Magazine Publishers' aunt (Evon Hill) has a fine-tuned eating palate. So, if she says, "the food is great!" 100% it is.

What are we talking about?

Met Her at a Bar & Met Him at a Bar Two family-owned cafes across the street from each other.

Says Evon, "The food and service are outstanding at both Cafe's. I eat there every chance I can".

(The Husband) www.metheratabar.com Established in 2017, Met Her at a Bar is a hip little neighborhood cafe!

They specialize in delicious, authentic Belgian waffles, La Colombe coffees, and so much more (The Wife) Met Him at a Bar www.methimatabar.com/ Met Him at a Bar It's right across the street from their sister restaurant, Met Her At A Bar, and we’re thrilled to be your hip little neighborhood pasta bar! We’re serving up homemade dishes from deep in the family recipe book, mixing classic cocktails with a twist, and pouring generously from our carefully curated Italian wine list!

Evon Hill, Food Critic

Designer of the Quarter

Fashion Designer: Le Mo’ney (mo-nae) The Eye OF Tres’ Chic Fashion Clothing www.le-money.com Check out the house of Le Mo’ney (mo-nae.) Here we value the process of work and focus on the diversity of bold confident people who stay down until they come into their higher self because that's true royalty.

le-money.com Makeup Don’ts Don’t Buy a Lot of Products When you’re a beginner to makeup, the last thing you need to do is go out and invest in a huge assortment of products. It’s quite easy to spend hundreds of dollars on makeup, and then be miserable with everything you’ve purchased. www.redapplelipstick.com

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Designer of the Quarter

Fashion Designer: Adolfo Sanchez Adolfo Sanchez creates works of art. His skill expands beyond amazing couture pieces to ready-to wear, and accessories and now he features accessories for the home. Every piece, regardless of how simple, conveys luxury and class.

15 L.A. Fashion Designers You Should Know (theculturetrip.com)

adolfosanchezdesigns.com Makeup Don’ts Don’t Apply Makeup to a Dirty Face Applying makeup to a dirty face is asking for serious skin problems later in life. In fact, breakouts and acne may not hold off until much later. Never apply cosmetics on top of other cosmetics that have been sitting on your face for hours. The one exception to this rule is lipstick. You can reapply lipstick or gloss. However, when it comes to applying foundations or powders, be sure to clean off what you’re currently wearing first and give your pores a chance to breathe. www.redapplelipstick.com

Page 10

Designer of the Quarter

Fashion Designer: NATASHIA MIYAZAKI STUDIOS DESIGNED & MADE IN L.A. SUSTAINABLY SOURCED ~ TIMELESSLY DESIGNED ~ LOCALLY MADE Inspired by iconic pieces reimagined in new contemporary ways, combining my British heritage, Japanese influences and Americana home life together, to create thoughtfully designed timeless pieces that will not fall apart and wear out, in fact gain character over time.

natashiamiyazaki.com Makeup Do Do Buy Cruelty-Free, Non-Toxic Cosmetics Did you know that the average woman wears over 500 synthetic chemicals every day? Whenever possible, buy cruelty-free, non-toxic beauty products. You owe it to your skin and the planet to be as responsible as possible with your purchases. www.redapplelipstick.com

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THE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS - WWW.LACITY.ORG The City Council is the governing body of the City, except as otherwise provided in the Charter, and enacts ordinances subject to the approval or veto of the Mayor. It orders elections, levies taxes, authorizes public improvements, approves contracts, and adopts traffic regulations. The Council adopts or modifies the budget proposed by the Mayor and provides the necessary funds, equipment, and supplies for the budgetary departments.

The Council confirms or rejects appointments proposed by the Mayor and prescribes duties of boards and officers not defined

by Charter.

Council meets regularly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340, inside City Hall at 10:00 am. All meetings are open to the public.

(More information online)

Photo Credit: Marshon Gonzo @anjel_photos

Mayor - Eric Garcetti City Attorney - Mike Feuer City Controller - Ron Galperin Council Member District 1 - Gil Cedillo Council Member District 2 - Paul Krekorian Council Member District 3 - Bob Blumenfield Council Member District 4 - Nithya Raman Council Member District 5 - Paul Koretz Council Member District 6 - Nury Martinez Council Member District 7 - Monica Rodriguez Council Member District 8 - Marqueece Harris-Dawson Council Member District 9 - Curren D. Price, Jr. Council Member District 10 - Herb Wesson Council Member District 11 - Mike Bonin Council Member District 12 - John Lee Council Member District 13 - Mitch O'Farrell Council Member District 14 - Kevin de León Council Member District 15 - Joe Buscaino Current & Upcoming Elections November 8, 2022 General Election

VOTE Page 13

Designer of the Quarter

Fashion Designer: Bethany Yellowtail Los Angeles-based designer Bethany Yellowtail, 28, is out to flip the script by creating clothing that expertly weaves together a traditional Native American perspective with contemporary silhouettes, and as a result it does something that's rare on today's fashion landscape.

A family-run business fueled by purpose and optimism with a mission to build a new American legacy by creating high-quality, sustainablyminded, feel-good favorites that will bring you joy to wear.

Page 12

byellowtail.com

MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Jimmy Cooks Drake Featuring 21 Savage

Billboard Hot 100

BY KENT O'JON

SPORTS ROUND-UP The Golden State Warriors NBA World Champions The Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics 103-90 to win the series 4-2. The Warriors fell behind early in the game 14-2.

However, Stephen Curry led the Warriors to a comeback with 34 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds. After leading by 15 points at halftime, the outcome was never in doubt. The 20212022 title is the fourth title by the Warriors in 8 years.

Curry was awarded Most Valuable Player for the series.

It was the first Finals MVP award of his career.

Curry joins Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Tim Duncan, and LeBron James as the only players in NBA history with four rings, Finals MVP, and multiple league MVPS. The Warriors are the second California team to win the NBA title since 2020.

The Los Angeles Lakers won the 2020 title during the tournament in Orlando, Florida that year. Now if only the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers could get it together.

Page 15

Los Angeles Business Spotlight Von Thomas of Thomas Editions Master Printer & Fine Art Print Shop Owner Starting with Epson Photographic Ink Technology and Epson extraordinary ULTRA Chrome HDR pigment inks, coupled with Canson’s and Hahnemühle 100% acid free cotton archival papers to achieve the best print possible. Thomas Editions’ processes all start and end in a color managed environment.

Since 2001, Says Thomas "I have been using Eizo CG monitors, regarded as the top monitor in the photo and pre-press industry. To obtain the best possible print, each paper and substrate has been carefully and expertly profiled". Paper Profiling allows the full potential of images to come through on paper, in color accuracy, overall color gamut, maximum black and shadow detail. I run a boutique printing shop, personalized, and dedicated to your satisfaction.

Page 16

This type of service is not available at large commercial labs. They may have the same equipment, but they do not have the passion and experience for making beautiful prints. At Thomas Editions perfection, exact color rendition, color fidelity and tonally balanced black and white prints are what my clients have come to expect. This is NOT a “do everything” lab, he only has one service, making prints.

Education is another way to help one deliver the best image for printing. Von will work with customers to achieve optimal quality from your digital file or scan.

Visit his website for information: https://thomaseditions.com/

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AMPS MAGAZINE of LOS ANGELES

Chrystal Allen-O’Jon, Publisher

(615) 569-9138

www.cali.ampsmagazine.com Email: chrystal@ampsmagazine.com Page 6

American Minority People Succeeding