LA Life Magazine Summer 2021

LA Life Magazine SUMMER 2021 | ISSUE 4 | VOLUME 1

Publisher's Note Summertime is officially here and what a great feeling it is!

Although typically not my favorite time of year, it truly is one of the best seasons. There's so much to do outdoors! We've come a long way as a country and we're now starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel!

In this issue we highlight some amazing hotels and attractions in Los Angeles.

If you're looking to take a break and have a "stay-cation" or if you're visiting Los Angeles for the first or the fifth time, there's a little something for everyone.

A lot has changed in the past year with Covid protocols and making sure that everyone stays healthy and safe, and the companies and brands that we highlight in this issue spare no expense to keep their customers and employees safe. We hope that you are able to find a new place to explore on the outside... in Los Angeles, As always, please enjoy!

Cheers TO

THE

SUMMER!

Teia Hill Publisher ATL | Miami | LA Life Magazines

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CONTENTS [ What's Inside ] www.LALifeMag.com Pg 2 Publisher's Note Pg 4 The Ritz Carlton Los Angeles Pg 6 Catalina Island Re-Opens to Leisure Travel Pg13 Nick Cave "Truth Be Told" For Advertising Inquiries, Content, Subscriptions or Story Submission Publisher@LALifeMag.com | 770-940-0606

Pg 17 Grand Central Market Pg 18 LAFC Re-Opens to Full Capacity at Banc of California Stadium Pg 23 Four Season's Atlanta Hotel- Unparalleled Luxury

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The Ritz-Carlton [ Los Angeles] ritzcarlton.com/losangeles

THE RITZ-CARLTON, LOS ANGELES DEBUTS COMPLETED INTERIOR RENOVATION The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles announces the completion of its highly anticipated hotel enhancement, the largest in the property’s decade in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ L.A. LIVE. The Art Deco-inspired renovation features a full redesign of the lobby and extends through the hotel’s 123 guest rooms and suites, corridors, and Club Lounge. The new design, led by Rottet Studio, celebrates the renaissance of the iconic downtown neighborhood while commemorating the lavish spirit of the city’s Golden Age and modern interpretation of 1920’s culture.

“As we honor our milestone anniversary and look towards the decade ahead, we are excited to unveil these enhancements that appeal to and exceed the expectations of luxury travelers,” shared Javier Cano, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. “By incorporating elements of the city’s architectural identity into a new Art Deco design, we hope our guests—locals and travelers alike— are encouraged to rediscover our destination and immerse themselves in the unique spirit of our city.”

The Lobby -Emphasizing a sense of arrival and welcome, the hotel lobby’s transformation opens the space and repositions the front desk. Hand-painted, gilded wallpaper from de Gournay showcases a whimsical woodsy scene by artist Armand-Albert Rateau (originally for fashion designer Jeanne Lanvin’s 1920’s Parisian home), as a stunning, black-and-white photograph of a feminine silhouette hangs above the concierge desk, suggesting the chic lifestyle of the Golden Age elite. Glossy ceiling panels set off striking chandeliers custom-designed with woven rods of warm metal, creating ornate bird nests.

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles A landmark of the downtown skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is a sophisticated haven at the vibrant center of the city. The hotel features 123 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, an expansive Club Lounge on the 23rd floor, luxury spa, exclusive rooftop pool and bar on the 26th floor, and more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The hotel is also home to WP24 by Wolfgang Puck restaurant and Nest at WP24 lounge featuring award-winning Asianinspired 4 dining from Chef Wolfgang Puck. For more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/losangeles.

Rooms & Suites-The transformation of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites neatly melds Art Deco glamour with a Southern California ambiance. A muted color palette of champagne, bronze and gray, rich textures and angular patterns accent the opulent, airy approach to an urban haven. Updates include new wall coverings, subdued lattice print carpeting, warm metal fixtures and sleek furnishings with Club Lounge-Perched within the hotel’s 23rd architectural impact. Black-and-white photos floor and featuring panoramic views of the city, the Club Lounge also experienced a using dramatic light and shadow and unexpected compositions capture the elegant refresh, including new carpeting and furnishings. Food and beverage displays and joie de vivre of the time. A back-lit, etched seating areas were rearranged to offer more mirror headboard emulating artwork from open space to relax and unwind, providing a French glassmaker Lalique acts as the focal relaxing oasis amidst the busyness of travel. point to the room.

The walls now feature high contrast photographs in the style of early cinema that show the essence of sports, music, and entertainment, all of which have long been iconic components of Los Angeles.

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CATALINA

ISLAND REOPENS TO LEISURE TRAVEL

Renowned for its wide-open spaces, natural scenery, pristine beaches and unique terrain, Catalina Island is an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination. There are also nine boatin campsites with stunning views and unspoiled beaches.

About Catalina Island and Catalina Express: Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is accessible by boat from three ports via Catalina Express: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina Express offers up to 30 daily departures and year-round service to Avalon and Two Harbors, transporting over one million passengers annually. It offers comfortable airline-style seats and grouped table seating. Traveling to Catalina Island in as little as one hour, each vessel was designed and built/purchased specifically for comfort and speed. Catalina Express is an unparalleled resource in Southern California, and one of the world's most respected ferry fleets.

For information and reservations, call 800.429.4601, or visit Catalina Express.

Catalina Island's clear blue waters and Mediterranean climate and ambiance are a Shangri-La. This laid-back island town is chock full of places to eat, drink and shop. Catalina has a wealth of natural and cultural resources, unique animals and plants found nowhere else on earth. Sightseeing opportunities are numerous and varied from escorted tours around town, adventure rides into the interior, Jeep eco tours, hummer rides, to zip lines, rock climbing and undersea adventures. Independent activities are plentiful, camping, hiking, snuba, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments, beach lounging, golf, motor boating, parasailing, fishing, boat rides down the coastline and more.

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I visited The Moxy Atlanta Midtown Hotel in late spring of 2021 for a few days. It honestly was one of the best weekends I’d had in a long time. The Moxy Atlanta Midtown Hotel contributed to that time. Every detail from parking, to check in, to the complimentary cocktail hour, to the beautiful artwork in the lobby and common areas.

I haven’t even begun to talk about the rooms. My stay was relaxing, efficient, functional and calming, as I was also working during my stay. The hallways and entrances to the room floors felt more like your own apartment and escape or getaway in a different world. The modern touches in the rooms which included everything I could ask for and needed in modern conveniences of today, topped off with amazing views of bustling Midtown Atlanta right from our window. The Moxy Atlanta Midtown Hotel got it right.

Shortly after my stay I spoke with the General Manager of The Moxy Atlanta Midtown Hotel- Tim Dahlen to find out about the hotel operations and what his team does to 7 keep guests safe during these unprecedented times. Here’s what Tim had to say:

How long has the Moxy hotel been in Atlanta?

The hotel opened in January 2019.

What safety measures and health precautions has the hotel taken to keep its guests and staff safe and healthy?

At Moxy we're seriously into raising our already super-detailed cleaning protocols. We've made adjustments to the amenities, services and facilities available - all in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – to keep our guests and crew safe. We take hygiene and cleanliness standards very seriously.

Enhancements to our normal practices throughout the hotel include: Enhanced Public Space and Guest Room Cleaning, Social Distancing Practices, Wellness Checks & Use of Masks for all crew and the addition of Electrostatic Spraying to our cleaning protocols. We wear because we care - and we require all guests to do the same. The proper use of masks/face coverings is mandatory in all public areas of the hotel. Through the Marriott BonvoyTM mobile app, we are able to provide our guests with the exceptional experience they expect, with minimized contact.

Marriott Bonvoy members can use App to take full advantage of our "Contact Lite" service options, including: Mobile Check-In, Mobile Check Out, Mobile Key, Chat and Guest Requests.

How has the hotel maintained its business during the pandemic?

We've continued to do quite well with weddings, sports groups and even small corporate meetings. For groups that required higher levels of exclusivity, we customized buy-out and "bubble" opportunities to add additional peace of mind. Groups had the opportunity to customize their experience including exclusive and private access to lobbies, bars, elevators and full guestroom floors.

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What are the short- and long-term goals for the hotel?

The temperatures are heating up and we're excited to re-open High Note, our Rooftop Bar and Restaurant. It's extremely popular with locals and hotel guests and we're thrilled to be back open. Our ultimate goal is to provide our guests and crew with a safe and comfortable environment that gives them the confidence to get back on the road. Times like these remind us of the tremendous power travel has to rock our world and change our lives. The measures we are taking are part of our unwavering commitment to taking care of our guests during their travels.

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What is the idea behind the concept of The Moxy Hotel (being connected to AC Hotel, its offerings to its guests)?

AC Hotel Atlanta Midtown and Moxy Atlanta Midtown is the first-ever combination of an AC Hotel by Marriott and Moxy Hotel under one roof.

Each hotel appeals to both business and leisure travelers, but they are quite unique. Moxy is a playground that attracts Fun Hunters and is designed to give guests everything they need and nothing they don't while AC celebrates the beauty of classic modern design with its European soul and Spanish roots.

We find that our guests enjoy experiencing a little bit of each throughout their stay.

Are there any changes that the hotel has implemented during the pandemic that it plans to keep long term (room service, housekeeping, restaurant / bar, etc.)?

Your guest room is your sanctuary throughout your stay with us. To minimize contact, we offer housekeeping services only upon request. We anticipate this will stay around for a while. Outside of that, we anticipate getting back to as close to normal as soon as possible.

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What amenities does the Moxy hotel offer?

Super-fast / Super-free Wi-Fi TVs equipped with streaming service such as HBO and Netflix Bluetooth enabled TVs so you can stream the playlist to your life Glass enclosed shower featuring residential Muk bath amenities Steamers in every guestroom Pet-Friendly Bar Moxy / Check-in at the Bar High Note Rooftop Bar Outdoor pool Fully equipped 24/7 Gym Coffee in lobby 4,643 sq ft of total event space

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Nick Cave Launches 'Truth Be Told' in Nationwide Public Art Installation Launching on over 300 digital screens in 12 cities

Nick Cave, Truth Be Told, 2021, Courtesy the artist

Orange Barrel Media (OBM) is pleased to announce the nationwide launch of Nick Cave's text-based video work Truth Be Told (2021),

part of the artist's ongoing series of site-specific works by the same name designed in collaboration with creative partner Bob Faust. This new iteration of the project was specially created for OBM's Sunset Spectacular in West Hollywood as part of OBM's partnership program with the City of West Hollywood, Arts on Sunset. New presentations are now launching in major cities across the U.S. starting on July 4, 2021, on 314 of OBM's digital billboards and screens in 11 additional cities including Atlanta, Washington D.C., Boston, and across OBM's network of IKE Smart City pedestrian kiosks.

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Truth Be Told was first installed in monumental black vinyl letters on the façade of Jack Shainman Gallery's The School in Kinderhook, New York, in response to the police killing of George Floyd in the summer of 2020.

The public artwork led to a legal battle over the use of public space and the right to expression, in which the village of Kinderhook attempted to have the artwork removed by classifying it as a sign in violation of local code.

The dispute was resolved in February 2021, when Kinderhook's Zoning Board of Appeals acknowledged that the installation was art, not a sign, and would not be regulated by the village's signage code. These events inspired the artists to revisit this phrase for installations in multiple cities, including this new iteration which first appeared in the unique context of the Sunset Strip for Arts on Sunset. The arts program, presented by the City of West Hollywood and OBM, supports artistic experimentation and visibility through commissioned works by emerging and internationally recognized artists.

The expression "Truth Be Told" implies the admission of an otherwise uncomfortable reality. In the context of this work, the artists question the precariousness of truth and its role in our society, while simultaneously using the phrase as a call to action, seeking to encourage and summon truth from those who encounter the artwork.

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For this iteration of Truth Be Told, Cave and Faust worked together to create a video that animates the text, filling the screen with larger-than-life words coming in and out of the frame that eventually assemble themselves into the phrasing TRUTH BE TOLD. Throughout, a figure darts in and out of the screen dressed in one of Cave's signature Soundsuits—specially crafted sculptural costumes made from unexpected materials that are activated through movement. While the video is silent, one can imagine the clamoring sounds of the suit as it moves with the figure's anxious and imploring performance.

Cave and Faust's work uses a graphic and polished design aesthetic, strategically redeploying the language of advertising that dominates billboards and digital outdoor media. Truth Be Told challenges us to confront difficult but necessary truths that define our era, and so much of American history, and opens up the way we might think about the possibilities of the public sphere.

"We're proud to partner with Nick Cave to amplify his powerful work across the country. It is fitting that Truth Be Told launched in West Hollywood, a city specifically established to create a haven for free expression, civil rights, and creativity. The nationwide expansion on July 4th is timely and celebrates our collective pursuit of the ideals of justice and liberty," said Pete Scantland, CEO of Orange Barrel Media.

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Key Facts and Figures: Nick Cave Truth Be Told, 2021 Designed in collaboration with Bob Faust Color video; 30 sec.

Edited by Nolan Collaborative Commissioned for OBM and the City of West Hollywood and originally exhibited on the Sunset Strip July 4, 2021 – August 30, 2021

Other locations: Atlanta 201 Peachtree St. SW Peachtree Center MARTA Station Reverb Hotel - 89 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW 75 MLK Jr. Dr. SW Washington D.C. 7th & H St. 7th & G St. 1201 Half Street SE 1221 Van Street SE 1250 W Half Street IKE Smart City kiosk locations Baltimore Cleveland Columbus Denver Miami Phoenix San Antonio St. Louis

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Grand Central Market- a cultural touch-point in Downtown LA

LAFC TO RETURN TO FULL CAPACITY AT BANC OF CALIFORNIA STADIUM Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced that in anticipation of California's reopening via the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, Banc of California Stadium will return to full capacity for all LAFC home matches beginning Saturday, June 19

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"Our community has been waiting for this moment," LAFC President & CBO Larry Freedman said. "It will be very emotional for everyone in the LAFC family to be back together at our home, in full force, supporting our club on the pitch and enjoying the best live sports experience in L.A." All tickets sold will continue to be subject to any capacity limitations or attendance restrictions that may be established by state, county, or city authorities at any time. Refunds or exchanges may be required for any impacted matches.

Tickets for full-capacity games are on sale at LAFC.com/Tickets

UNPARALLELED LUXURY

As I pulled to the entrance I was immediately greeted by a warm smile from the valet who helped me into the lobby- where I was then greeted by the valet host and a glass of ice cold water on a hot Tuesday afternoon in June. While I awaited my meeting with Ashley SvarneyFour Seasons Atlanta’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager- I took in the beauty and ambiance all around me. From the amazing chandeliers, to the warm and friendly smiles and greetings, to the happy and relaxed guests, the Spanish accents on the marble floors and the wonderful smells coming from Bar Margot the hotel’s infamous restaurant, I knew I was right where I belonged.

Ashley greeted me and it felt like I was meeting an old friend from college or high school.

Ashley took me on a tour of The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, and I just didn’t want to leave.

Her knowledge of the history of the building, from the structure and architecture, to the artists who’s eclectic and hip paintings cover the walls of the lobby and common areas of the hotel, to the guest rooms with touches of Sweden and Spain all throughout the hotel’s design, it just doesn’t get any better than The Four Seasons.

We explored several spaces on the property- the guest rooms and suites, Park 75 the property’s breakfast and brunch restaurant as well as Bar Margo- a beautiful space for a date night or cocktails with the girls (or guys). We ventured to the 19th floor luxury suite and on up to the 53rd floor where private residences dominate the floor. The views were amazing and I was able to see an area of the hotel that is popular for weddings, along with the hotel’s very own garden that the Executive Chef , Sous chef and bartenders use in the recipes daily.

The spa, the fitness room complete with a few Peleton bikes- which at a guests request can easily be brought to their own room or suite. The indoor heated pool with a Jacuzzi was the cherry on top of this wonderful tour along with amazing views of Downtown and Midtown Atlanta and even Stone Mountain from the top floor. No stone is left unturned on this stunning hotel property, top tier in every way. It’s an absolute must for relaxation, recharging and just an overall feeling of great, positive energy!

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Ashley Svarney- Public Relations and Marketing Manager Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta How has the event planning and event space gatherings changed during covid?

Event planning at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta continues to be a personalized process that is tailored to each meeting or wedding planner. In October 2020, the Hotel completed a complete refresh of its Fourth Floor, which is all dedicated meeting and event space. It was coincidental that the renovation included significant technological upgrades to host hybrid meetings and events, as well as design upgrades.

Although some elements, like self-serving buffets, were avoided during the height of the pandemic, the experienced events team was able to easily make adjustments that delivered the same desired outcome.

This period also encouraged our leadership and events team to think more creatively than ever before; looking at our venues with a new lens. For example, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta has two outdoor terraces, one that typically served as a smaller coffee or cocktail reception location before moving into the grand ballroom. Given the increase in micro-weddings and small, intimate celebrations, the team began to coordinate small wedding ceremonies and private dinners on this smaller terrace, with the same level of detailed service our guests have come to appreciate and expect at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta.

Now that vaccines have rolled out, we are seeing the return of corporate groups, as meeting planners are interested in bringing back “in-person” activity for those who are comfortable to do so. With the technological upgrades, we have hosted several hybrid events, where meeting attendees are socially distanced with cameras and microphones, to easily include and connect to meeting attendees who were not able to physically attend in-person.

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The Boardroom

The Ballroom

Terrace Suite

Presidential Suite

One Bedroom

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How has Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta maintained and refreshed or upgraded the hotel and it’s rooms over the years?

The hotel was originally built in 1992, and was Atlanta’s first mixed-use skyscraper, incorporating a hotel, corporate offices and condominiums into one building. The 53-story skyscraper is a Neoclassical design, which is primarily recognizable by symmetry and simple geometry. The grand entrance at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is striking, with its grand dual-sided wrought-iron staircase with large circular glass-details, Spanish Rojo Alicante marble and 500-light chandelier. The Spa and indoor, heated saltwater pool have never faltered as favorites among guests – as they are quite literally a hidden oasis in the city.

While the hotel regularly updates elements of the property, like the Meeting and Event space update in late 2020, all guest rooms were most recently updated in 2018 by New York-based interior design firm Meyer Davis. The transformation included careful attention to luxurious textures, balanced, modern finishes and was described as “…an aesthetic born from tradition, but with timeless intent.” Not only has Meyer-Davis been recognized with prestigious awards for their restaurant interiors, Meyer Davis is the designer of Oscar de la Renta's worldwide boutiques. Given that Will Meyer and Gray Davis are from southeastern states but based in New York City, they have a unique take on chic, sleek modern Southern elegance.

Let’s talk about one of my favorite subjects.. Food. Tell me about the restaurants and bar and food here at The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta.

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is home to two restaurants – Park 75 and Bar Margot. Park 75 is our signature breakfast restaurant that is open from 7am-11am everyday. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Edgar Kano, is reflective of his culturally diverse culinary team and their interpretation of Southern classics from the region. Utilizing the freshest seasonal ingredients, recipes are infused with unexpected flavor combinations that celebrate the worldly approach his culinarians bring to their craft. For example, the restaurant serves Shrimp and Grits made with an adobo chili, crab eggs Benedict on top of cornbread, and chicken and waffles infusing vanilla, spiced blueberry and curry. Bar Margot is a Ford Fry-concept restaurant. Bar Margot opened in 2015 and serves a seasonal, rotating menu of eclectic dishes and craft cocktails. The name of the restaurant is inspired and named after Margot Tenenbaum, Margot being the lead character of The Royal Tenenbaum movie. The menu ranges from original favorites like Crab Avocado Toast, Oysters, Deviled Eggs and Cacio e Pepe, to new additions like Seared Scallops, Korean Chicken, Pork Belly Bites, Hamachi Poke, and the famed Bar Margot Burger.

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In your opinion, how has the “labor shortage” affected the hospitality industry as a whole and specifically here at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta?

I can speak anecdotally, with a perspective from my almost 20 years in the hospitality industry in Florida – a state where travel and tourism is the leading economic driver and jobs producer.

Hospitality is a human action… a warm smile with kind eyes, intuitive observations that lead to harmonious comforts and personalized experiences that become long-lasting memories. Most often, it takes a team of dedicated individuals each owning minute details to deliver the type of magical encounters that become long-lasting memories. If done right, this can lead to the foundation of new loyal customers and ambassadors. There is no doubt that a labor shortage can negatively impact the human interaction quintessential to the hospitality industry. However, I’ve personally witnessed the genuine passion of individuals whose dream job is to work at a prestigious company, like Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta – and any job opening has been met with dozens if not hundreds of qualified applicants wanting to begin their own career journey, here.

At Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, our team has always prioritized the guest experience with a genuine passion. In order to ensure our guests continued to receive the superior quality experience they had come to expect from the Hotel, our leadership worked with Four Seasons properties that had not yet re-opened to welcome their team members to Atlanta. This process allowed us to have key positions filled with Four Seasons team members from other cities across the country, who are already familiar with the high-standards of the brand, and train those who were hired to permanently fill those roles before returning to their home properties. Unless, they decided to move to Georgia – which some did!

When I moved to Georgia in October 2020, it was a time of great transition and uncertainty in the world. Pre-vaccines, elections, and on a personal level, moving my husband and two toddlers to a new state. While I have been told seemingly nostalgic stories of the grand events and special experiences from pre-pandemic days, I have been pleasantly surprised by how many guests were still visiting the hotel and hosting intimate gatherings. I think a lot of it had to do with Georgia being “open for business.” With that said, the Hotel took great action to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests by following the policies set forth in the brand’s Lead With Care guidelines.

From my point of view, I observed that our guests trusted the brand and the people at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta to deliver a quality experience for their weddings, events and business meetings.

Is there anything additonal that you'd like our readers to know?

At Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, we welcome our guests as if they are family – with a friendly hello and genuine smile. “The Golden Rule,” defined as treating others as we wish to be treated ourselves, is the foundation of the Four Seasons brand. We genuinely love to make our guests feel welcome by connecting to our community and people and sharing our craft with others to enjoy. When visiting the Hotel, I invite you to strike-up a conversation with our teamembers. They are approachable, brilliant people with interesting stories, who love to create magical memories.

Nothing brings us more joy than delivering an exceptional guest experience.

Grand Central Market LA