Sensi Socal Magazine - December 2020 - Southern California

LET IT GROW

Hardy houseplants for winter

IT’S A WRAP!

Our exclusive 2020 gift guide

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DECEMBER 2020

CREATING HOPE Mindful art shapes the holidays

SEASON’S STREAMINGS Our take on the hottest shows

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FEATURES

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It’s a Wrap!

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Creating Hope

Stumped this season? Crack open our exclusive gift guide and break off some holiday cheer for you and yours.

Mindfulness and art in the midst of the uncertainty of this holiday season

DEPARTMENTS

13 EDITOR’S NOTE 20 THE LIFE Contributing to your health and happiness 14 THE BUZZ WINTER BE GONE Hardy News, tips, and tidbits to keep you in the loop BON APPETIT French cuisine the Cali way SHIP YOUR GREENS New vegan flagship launches in 2021.

NEW FUSION LA’s first Afro-Mexican eatery GOING UP Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is open for business.

STRESS-FREE RESOURCES

Mindfulness experts offer no-cost program.

PACK IT IN Once a packing warehouse, now a vibrant market hall

houseplants give your home an island vibe.

COMFORT SUPERFOOD

Healthy holiday treats HOROSCOPE What the stars hold for you

56 THE SCENE Hot happenings and hip hangouts around town

STREAMING SENSATIONS

Here are the shows we’re binge-watching now.

CALENDAR Live and virtual events to celebrate the season safely

ON THE COVER

LA artist Torin Ashtun in a partnership with Lucky Brand Homemade Holiday PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCKY BRAND

68 THE END And what do we say to 2020? Bye, Felicia!

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EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder, CEO ron@sensimag.com Stephanie Wilson Co-Founder, Editor in Chief stephanie@sensimag.com Mike Mansbridge President mike@sensimag.com Fran Heitkamp Chief Operating Officer fran@sensimag.com Lou Ferris VP of Global Revenue lou@sensimag.com Chris Foltz Director of Global Reach chris@sensimag.com Jade Kolb Director of Project Management jade.kolb@sensimag.com Kristan Toth Head of People kristan.toth@sensimag.com EDITORIAL

Doug Schnitzspahn Executive Editor doug.schnitzspahn@sensimag.com Dawn Garcia Managing Editor dawn.garcia@sensimag.com Leland Rucker Senior Editor leland.rucker@sensimag.com Robyn Griggs Lawrence Editor at Large robyn.lawrence@sensimag.com Helen Olsson Copy Chief Diane Blackford, Mona Van Joseph Contributing Writers DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Jamie Ezra Mark Creative Director jamie@emagency.com Rheya Tanner Art Director Wendy Mak, Josh Clark Designers Neil Willis Production Director neil.willis@sensimag.com PUBLISHING

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Magazine published monthly

by Sensi Media Group LLC.

© 2020 Sensi Media Group. All rights reserved.

Hope was always that spark inside of me

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that I never thought could be snuffed out. I was the contradictory optimist whose past and childhood was fraught with loss and abuse, and yet, somehow, I still saw the glimmers of possibility in everything. And then Trump won. And then this nation became torn apart by racism. And then the pandemic hit. I have watched tremendous suffering, thousands of Americans turning to food banks and shelters because of the economic hits that just keep coming. I worried I was losing that spark I leaned on so often in dark times.

And then the 2020 election happened, and although it’s taken weeks of recounts, lawsuits, and the incumbent’s continued refusal to concede, new leadership is coming in 2021. And while I have felt the air return to my anxious lungs, the reality that 151 million Americans are so divided has weighed heavily on me. We need hope and unity more than we ever have before, but we also have to get to the core of what’s happening. We have to understand why so many believe in the messages of hate and rhetoric coming from POTUS that far too often resemble utter lunacy. We have to start listening and figuring out when empathy became rare, and apathy and indifference became the norm.

“All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope,” Winston Churchill once famously said.

We owe it to future generations to learn and teach the value of benevolence and compassion, kindness and decency. And while we’re all too ready to give a big ole F-U to 2020, I hope we never forget how we got here. We can’t afford to.

We owe it to future generations to learn and teach the value of benevolence and compassion, kindness and decency.

Live passionately,

Dawn Garcia @dawngarcia

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C’est Magnifique In spite of the ever-present pandemic, some bright spots are happening throughout Southern California, and the opening of Gigi’s LA is among them. Imagined by Alexander Wilmot and Samantha Ressler, Gigi’s, a chic and fabulous new restaurant, with Anäis Nin and Henry Miller vibes, offers a California interpretation of French cuisine. The interior decor (designed by the late Osvaldo Maiozzi) is something to revel in, with hand-painted walls that create a French bistro vibe with an air 14

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of eloquence, with touches of understated glamour and California tranquility. LA-based artist Andie Dinkin painted the beautiful mural that wraps around the entirety of the restaurant’s interior, marrying elements of NYC, France, and Los Angeles. Named after Ressler’s grandmother, Gigi’s is the kind of restaurant you slip into for intimate conversation, contagious laughter, and creative inspiration. Gigi’s brings to Los Angeles the allure and romance we can’t help but flock to.

Chef Matt Bollinger’s menu offers a

range of cuisine from foie gras torchon and Parisian gnocchi to fresh succulent oysters and smoked trout rillettes. Enjoy fanciful cocktails curated by bar director Courtney Rose, including the French Polynesian, La Parisienne, and Gigi’s Old Fashioned. Sommelier Kristen Olszewski spearheads a refreshing wine program. Due to recent COVID restaurant dining closures, Gigi’s is offering takeout, curbside, and delivery.

Gigi’s LA / 904 N. Sycamore Ave., Los Angeles / Open Wednesday–Sunday

PHOTO CREDITS (FROM TOP): LIZ BARCLAY / BRITT LUCAS

Enjoy French cuisine, California style at Gigi’s LA.

CONTRIBUTOR

Dawn Garcia

BY THE NUMBERS

87% LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Get Your Vegan On

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT): COURTESY OF PLANTX / WONHO FRANK LEE

PlantX flagship is set to open in early 2021.

Vancouver-based PlantX is opening its flagship plant-based store in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego in early 2021. E-commerce expert Sean Dollinger first launched the company in February 2020 as an all-vegan online grocer offering items from frozen goods to pantry products, as well as recipes and meal delivery. The success of the online store led Dollinger to launch the flagship in the heart of San Diego. PlantX partnered with San Diego–based Liv Marketplace, established by Shawn Kattoula of Country Wine and Spirits, to bring the online store to life. Taking COVID compliance to heart, they have implemented a contactless shopping experience into the store’s design, making it easy to keep shoppers healthy and safe.

“All products will have QR codes that can be scanned via the PlantX app and added to the cart on your phone,” explains Alexandra Hoffman, PlantX’s chief marketing officer. “You can literally check out on your phone and walk out.” Traditional checkout will be available as well. PlantX will offer plant-based pantry products, premade grab-n-go meals made by Los Angeles chef Gregg Drusinsky, as well as refrigerated and frozen foods. It is also offering a 360-degree glass greenhouse and education center to help consumers better understand the plant-based food model and its impact on the environment. The goal is to use this launch as a springboard for further expansion in the hopes of becoming the vegan equivalent to amazon.com.

PlantX / 3930 5th Ave., San Diego

Percent of Gen Z college students who say education is a significant source of stress SOURCE: apa.org

151 MILLION The number of Americans who voted in the 2020 presidential election (as of November 13)

AY, MAMI!

Offering Afro-Mexican cuisine, a new LA restaurant is the first of its kind.

Recently opened in Bell Gardens, Tamales Elenas y Antojitos is the first Afro-Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles, serving cuisine from la Costa Chica of Guerrero, an area along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The infusion of Afro-Mexican ingredients, including pozole, beef tongue, fresh fish, and a wide array of spices, makes this not just the only eatery of its kind in LA, but one worth driving to Bell Gardens for. Dishes include quesatacos of beef barbacoa, pescadillas (fish fillets cooked in their own juices with tomatoes, onions, and spices), picadas (fresh tortilla pocket), tostadas, tamales, enchiladas, green pozole, and beef tongue guisado with plantain.

8101 Garfield Ave., Bell Gardens / @tamaleselenayantojitos

SOURCE: ap.org

93% Percent of millennials who planned to shop on Black Friday SOURCE: optinmonster.com

39.9 “Most Texans MILLION The number of people living in California SOURCE: worldpopulationreview.com

think Hanukkah is some sort of duck call.”

—Richard Lewis, actor and comedian

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THE BUZZ

VOX POPULI

Question: What holiday indulgence will you be enjoying this December?

LAUREN FLICK

RASHMI PRIMLANI

NORMAN RAYMUNDO

Writer and Director New York, NY

Writer, Educator, and Indian Wine Goddess, Orlando, FL

Dad and City Employee Santa Clarita, CA

___________________

___________________

___________________

A Shero-inspired Hanukkah Bush (no pun intended!).

Pies, champagne, and beef Wellington.

Karaoke, watching Love Actually, sharing wine with the wife, and sitting by the fire with my kids.

Mindfulness and Compassion

UP, UP, AND AWAY! The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is open for business.

The University of California San Diego’s Center for Mindfulness, the Sanford Institute of Empathy and Compassion, and the Compassion Institute have created a free program for anyone who needs it. The program website and all its resources and tools are open to the public during the uncertainty of the pandemic. “Ongoing news such as the pandemic or the upcoming election may have some of us feeling anxious and worried,” reads the program’s statement.

The three institutions have come together to develop accessible resources “to help create a sense of ‘equanimity.’” Author and Buddhist practitioner Jack Kornfield describes equanimity as, “embracing the loved and the unloved, the agreeable and the disagreeable, the pleasure and pain. It eliminates clinging and aversion.” The holidays, the pandemic, and the uncertainty of what’s happening with the present state of our democracy and our economy means there has never been a more appropriate time to be mindful, present in the moment, existing in a place of nonjudgmental awareness. The cultivation of mindfulness can give neurological dose responses that lead to a place of inner peace. And let’s face it: We need that!

The Coachella Valley is known for swanky design, amazing live events, and killer natural hot springs, but it is also home to one of the most fascinating tram rides in Southern California—and it’s finally open to the public again. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which boasts the world’s largest rotating tram car, ascends a magnificent 8,516 feet in elevation. At the top of the mountain, you can enjoy observation decks, more than 50 miles of hiking terrain, and two restaurants. The natural To access free resources, visit medschool.ucsd.edu/som/fmph/research/mindfulness history museum and two documentary theaters are not yet cleared for opening, but with the loss of revenue from the coronavirus, the reopening is a massive high point for the region. The tramway schedule has been altered, with trips every 20 minutes and a maximum of 10 to 12 riders at a time.

In 2021, the tramway may be granted a $15 million loan to renovate the prominent landmark. $17–$27 per person / pstramway.com

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PHOTOS (FROM LEFT): COURTESY PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY / MICROGEN, ADOBE STOCK

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THE BUZZ

BILITIES

BY STEPHANIE WILSON, EDITOR IN CHIEF

Pack It In

A one-time citrus packing warehouse transforms into a vibrant market hall.

1 THE MORE THE MERRIER One in three Americans now lives in a state where recreational cannabis is legal, thanks to voters in New Jersey, Arizona, Montana, and South Dakota supporting measures to legalize the plant for adult use.

2 MONEY WHERE THEIR MOUTH IS Supporters of marijuana legalization in Arizona outraised and outspent opponents 10 to one leading up to Election Day. In New Jersey, that number was 99 to one.

3 THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION According to a new Gallup Poll released in November, 68 percent of Americans support cannabis legalization. That’s 5.5 times more support than five decades ago in 1969. If you’re a young adult American male with a college degree earning more than $100k, there’s at least a 74 percent chance you support legalization, according to the poll. If you’re Republican or attend religious services weekly, there’s a 52 percent chance you don’t.

4 MAGIC MONEY David Bronner of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps wrote checks totaling more than $6.4 million toward drug-war reform campaigns this year, thanks in part to COVID-19, which has the soap business booming.

5 TRIPPING OVER NOTHING Psychedelic mushrooms send the fewest people to the emergency room of any drug on the market, according to a massive report by the Global Drug Survey. Related: there are more than 100 varieties of psilocybin-producing mushrooms, aka “magic mushrooms,” aka the kind Oregon voters legalized in November’s election.

AREN’T WE FORGETTING THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. YOU KNOW, THE BIRTH OF SANTA?” —Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons

The Anaheim Packing District was established in 2014, encompassing four historic landmarks (Anaheim Packing House, the MAKE Building, Farmers Park, Packard Building), as well as the beautiful two-acre grassy area inside Farmers Park. The District has become the city center.

Officially recognized as a historic landmark in 2015, the Packing District is a great American market hall housed in one of Orange County’s last remaining citrus packing warehouses. The Packing House is described on the website as “a food hall reminiscent of the great public markets of South America and Europe. These markets serve as a resource for the neighborhood (daily food production) and a community gathering space (restaurants and entertainment). The two-level Packing House features a large central atrium with communal dining surrounded by cafes and kiosks of varying sizes as well as outdoor picnic gardens and a building-length dining porch looking out to the outdoor marketplace, Farmers Park.” Visiting this historic space happens to be one of the more fascinating things to do in the county (sorry, Disneyland). It’s become a draw for locals and tourists alike, and while you do some holiday shopping, stop in to feed your need with dozens of outdoor eateries, an impressive lineup of bars, and culturally expansive cuisine. The Packing House is the place to go.

440 S. Anaheim Blvd. / anaheimpackingdistrict.com

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PHOTO BY TONTECTONIX, ADOBE STOCK 20

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Containing the Tropics Baby it’s cold outside, but these easybreezy houseplants can add an instant island vibe to your home no matter what’s happening out there.

TEXT DIANE BLACKFORD

Your dreams for a ity in your place—and Caribbean getaway this trust me, your hair, skin, year get dashed by the sinuses, and more will pandemic and travel thank you for adding restrictions? more moisture to the air.

While it’s not quite My apartment’s large the same as frolicking southern-facing winon sugary soft beaches dows deserve a lot of flanked by palm trees credit for helping to and lapped by shimmer- transform an empty ing turquoise waters, apartment into a lush I’ve done my best to turn landscape, no doubt. But my apartment into a even if your place rarely tropical oasis with palm sees any direct sunlight trees and verdant foliat all, you too can grow age growing out of every some palm trees. available space. You can Everyone can be a do the same, and I high- tropical gardener, and ly encourage it. Plants thanks to the houseprovide oxygen, clean plant-crazed millennials the air, and are shown to demanding more—and elevate happiness. Not more exotic—greenery to mention if you get to grow in their homes, enough of them growing, it’s easier than ever to you’ll raise the humidcultivate a true island D EC E M B E R 2020

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THE LIFE

IMAGES VIA ADOBE STOCK

vibe indoors—even in the coldest of climates.

“It may be a little tricky at times, but adding that special warmth and color to your home definitely can be done,” confirms Andrea Haywood, a certified master gardener from South Florida.

While Jack Frost is not a friend to most greenery native to climates where temperatures hover above 75°F, we’ve rounded up some of the easiest tropical plants that you can grow indoors all year long. You can find these varieties and others like them at your local garden center, where the staff can help you pick out the right

type for your home’s light and offer tips to help you care for the tropical transplant. So

flowers makes the plant a superb conversation starter that adds a welcome burst of color to any household where it Bird of Paradise (above) blooms, which doesn’t happen without a ton This colorful plant species got its moniker from of natural sunlight. But its uncanny resemblance even without the nameto the feathered creature sake flower, the large plant adds a ton of tropwith the same name.

The unusual shape of its ical flair to any room, thanks to its glossy leaves fanning out. take your green thumbs out of your gloves and get growing on your own tropical paradise.

Bromeliad (left) There are over 3,000 species within this standout family of tropical plants. Most have bold leaves that are often colorful, but the most distinguishing characteristic of many bromeliads is an exotic flower spike. Given the long-lasting blooms and ornamental foliage, you may assume these are high-maintenance D EC E M B E R 2020

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THE LIFE

Dracaena Marginata (below) Often called the dragon tree, this spiky houseplant is native to Africa.

The tricolor cultivar, also known as the rainbow plant, adds an instant island vibe to any household with its pink, cream, and yellow stripes on narrow, green leaves.

houseplants, but you’d be mistaken. They tend to be among the easiest to grow, and you

can fi nd varieties in all shapes and sizes with different preferences for light and heat.

and well-drained soil to survive, and it needs lots of sunlight to bloom, which it can do from late spring through fall in the right conditions. You can find versions with flowers in a dizzying array of colors, making it easy to match your home’s color palette. If you don’t have bright, direct sunlight, don’t let that stop you Hibiscus (left) from adding this stunner Huge, dramatic blooms to your collection. Keep up to eight inches in it indoors during the windiameter add terrific ter then move it to the splashes of color (albeit balcony or porch when it short-lived) to this shrub. warms up outside to enIt needs plenty of water joy its seasonal blooms.

IMAGES VIA ADOBE STOCK

EDITOR’S CHOICE: PONYTAIL PALM The cascading curls flowing from the top of this plant just make it seem like all sorts of bubbly fun. It’s technically a succulent, not a palm tree, but we won’t tell if you don’t. A native of the dry desert states of eastern Mexico, it does well in low humidity, and its bulbous base stores water like a camel’s hump, making it a good choice for people who tend to neglect their plants.

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THE LIFE RECIPE

Opt for Nontraditional Going green has never been so comforting.

TEXT DAWN GARCIA, RECIPES PLANTX

Plant-Based Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Called a cottage pie until 1854, Shepherd’s Pie is an English tradition that usually involves leftovers, but today it’s one hearty, protein rich dish.

Altering the dish from lamb or beef to using lentils gives it a robust, 26

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Roasted Veggies Lettuce Wrap Makes about 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS

For the chickpea sauce 2 potatoes • Preheat the oven to 400° F. • In a blender, place chickpeas, 2 carrots • Slice potatoes, carrots, paprika, and 1 tablespoon of 2 beetroots beetroots, and bell peppers olive oil. Combine to a cream.

2 bell peppers à la julienne and place them Add a bit of the cooking 1 tablespoon Italian herbs on a tray lined with baking water (or regular water if 1 teaspoon paprika paper. Sprinkle with herbs, needed). Season with salt and 2 tablespoon nutritional paprika, nutritional yeast, pepper to taste. yeast (optional) oil, and salt to taste and Vegetable oil bake for 35 to 40 minutes. • When everything is prepared, fill each tortilla with chickpea Salt to taste INGREDIENTS sauce and mixed roasted 3 kale leaves chopped or For the chickpea sauce vegetables and top with 3 lettuce leaves chopped 1 can Cadia garbanzo beans chopped kale or lettuce. (or mix of both) ½ teaspoon paprika • Close the edges of the tortilla 6 whole wheat tortillas Olive oil and set aside. Repeat till all Salt tortillas have been filled.

Pepper Serve warm.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PLANTX

Not everyone gets super excited about the winter holidays (cue “holidanxiety”). However, this year the celebration might be a little more calming as large gatherings and costly parties aren’t likely to happen. In the spirit of going nontraditional this year, why not abandon the ham, the tofurky, or whatever strange casserole you were planning on and take a few culinary chances?

We reached out to PlantX, an all-vegan megastore that has a new flagship store opening in San Diego, to get a few comforting plant-based holiday recipes to inspire you to do precisely that: take some chances and try something new.

THE LIFE RECIPE

beautifully seasoned texture and taste (protein and fiber rich), and swapping out mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes lends a unique (and healthy) twist on a classic dish.

Roasted Veggies Lettuce Wrap Vegetables are the best thing in the world (said no child ever), but roasting some veggies and throwing them on a tortilla? That makes for a really flavor-forward lettuce wrap abundant in low caloric density, the kind of vegetables you’ll want to keep eating. You’ll actually feel good—and full—after consuming this dish.

Plant-Based Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Makes about 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

4 medium sweet potatoes 2 tablespoons Minor Figures Oat Milk, or as needed ½ cup diced onions ½ cup diced carrots ½ cup diced celery 4½ cups Maya Kaimal Ready-to-Eat Red Lentils & Butternut Squash Dal ½ cup chopped spinach 1 tablespoon chopped basil with extra for garnish Two 15-ounce cans of diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons Coconut Secret Aminos (soy-free alternative to soy sauce) Sea salt, to taste

• Add lentils and cook for another 5 minutes.

Peel and chop sweet • Add chopped spinach, half potatoes into 1-inch the basil, canned tomatoes pieces, then boil for 15 to (and their liquid), and 20 minutes or until soft Coconut Secret Aminos enough to mash. sauce and simmer for 10 to Mash sweet potatoes, 15 minutes. adding oat milk to reach a • In a 9-by-13 baking dish, smooth consistency. Salt add lentil filling (or to taste. distribute evenly into For the lentil filling individual oven-safe Heat the oven to 350°F. dishes), then spread sweet While the sweet potatoes potato on top to cover. cook, chop onions, carrots, Bake for 20 minutes or and celery into small until browned to your chunks or use a food liking. processor. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté vegetables with a splash of water until softened.

INSTRUCTIONS

For the sweet potatoes

•

•

• •

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CONNECT WITH YOURSELF AND OTHERS IN CITIES AROUND THE GLOBE

TOKEATIVITY.COM/CONNECT

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THE LIFE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mona Van Joseph has been an intuitive since 2002. She is an author, columnist, and host of Psychic View Radio. She created dicewisdom.com, which also has a smartphone app. mona.vegas

HOROSCOPE

DECEMBER HOROSCOPE What do the stars hold for you?

TEXT MONA VAN JOSEPH

and see the bigger picture.

SAGITTARIUS People are turning to you for Each month, your cards the light and discipline of present a new adventure, your goals, which will ultiand this one will be connect- mately also benefit them. You ed with how you earn mon- are the beacon of your circle. ey. Someone is about to invite you in a new direction. FEB. 19–MAR. 20 It is totally worth exploring. PISCES Something planned will be deDEC. 22–JAN. 19 layed this month; don’t fight it.

CAPRICORN The delay will ultimately work You’ve been working hard, in your favor. Pay attention to spiritually and emotionalthe things you can resolve and ly. You are doing your best to find a creative distraction. keep your balance, while the influences around you seem MAR. 21–APR. 19 oblivious to kindness, ethics, ARIES and morality. Remember, you Do you live so well in your can only manage yourself— spiritual understanding that and you are being tested. you could explain your perspective to another? This is JAN. 20–FEB. 18 the month to fill your heart AQUARIUS with light and blessings.

Your biggest gift right now is Your example of living may your ability to stay focused heal or help someone.

NOV. 22–DEC. 21

APR. 20–MAY 20

TAURUS

Though it may not feel this way, the power of all things is available to you right now.

You have a network of enlightened people and spirits around you who are willing to help you get what you want. It’s okay to ask.

MAY 21–JUNE 20

GEMINI

Things will happen very quickly this month, and you will react quickly. Karma will address someone who has wronged you. Opportunity and/or focus are about to cross your radar.

JUNE 21–JULY 22

CANCER

Pay a little extra attention to the people you interact with.

You will find common ground

SAGITTARIUS, SOMEONE IS ABOUT TO INVITE YOU IN A NEW DIRECTION. IT IS TOTALLY WORTH EXPLORING.

and coincidental connections. It will also allow you a bonding opportunity for creating your network.

barrel. Now that your mojo is back, it’s time to sing their praises and maybe do your own version of Secret Santa.

JULY 23–AUG. 22

SEPT. 23–OCT. 22

It’s time to acknowledge and further develop your natural intuitive ability. It’s time to learn a simple way to focus on those who have doubted this ability. Clear your mind, imagine that all the flow of the universe is within you, and see what presents itself.

Recent events have placed you in a position of emotional conflict and imbalance. It’s the perfect foundation to determine what’s most important. You’ve found out where your heart is, so stay there.

LEO

LIBRA

OCT. 23–NOV. 21

SCORPIO

You are finally released from VIRGO what was working against Think of the people you you—and those “habits” would slay dragons for and around how you’ve regardeveryone who covered your ed situations or people. You butt when you were emoare still in the same position, tionally at the bottom of your but you have a clearer view.

AUG. 23–SEPT. 22

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Tetra Sunrise to Dusk Ashtray Handmade by Robbie Frankel of Balefire Glass $96 / shop-tetra.com Spark up any room with this art piece of an ashtray.

Jonathan Adler Druggist Weed Canister

Bruce Charles Designs Schulte Tops and Teak Wood Spin Base

$228 / jonathanadler.com $30 and up / brucecharlesdesigns.com

Neenineen Grenadine Bubbler

GRAV Clear Menorah $400 / grav.com

$120 / neenineen.com

Fringe Studio Ru Vive le FĂŠminisme Ceramic Mug $17 / fringestudio.com

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Primark Kimball Bar (Bong) Cart

FLYKR LYTR Fidget Spinner Case

$150 / primark.com

$10 / flkrlytr.com

My Bud Vase Stardust Water Pipe $200 / mybudvase.com The bong is long gone, replaced by beautifully crafted art pieces that combine fashion (it looks lovely in the most elegant of living rooms) and function (it’s still one effective cannabis delivery device). And, of course, when you are not using it, the pipe pulls double duty as a vase.

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Fear of God x Ermenegildo Zegna Joggers $620 / zenga.com

Grrrl Clothing Activewear $19 and up / grrrl.com

Vintage Redeux Mary Jane Smoking Robe $120 / vintageredeux.com

Patagonia Furry Friends Fleece Hoodie $55 / patagonia.com

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The perfect body is every body. Grrl Clothing celebrates all bodies with styles and fits for all shapes and definitions of beautiful.

This high-performance activewear will not only enhance your workout, but also make you proud of that body.

Prada Mini Bag Combat Boot $1,350 / prada.com Upgrade your strut and be prepared for anything with this combo hautecouture stomper and mini-purse that can handle serious urban use and ensure you won’t have to worry about checking or losing a bag with your valuables.

Nike Killshot 2 Leather Hunter Boots Original Golden Goose Men’s Shoe High Gloss Waterproof Superstar Sneaker

Ugg Scuffette Cosmos Slipper

Treasure & Bond Kids’ Faux Fur Slipper

$90 / nike.com

$99 / ugg.com

$25 / nordstrom.com

$150 / hunterboots.com

$560 / goldengoose.com

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Click & Grow The Smart Garden 3

Modern Sprout Smart Hydroplanter

$100 / clickandgrow.com

$160 / modsprout.com

Cult Furniture Hanging Lamp with Plant Pot $95 / cultfurniture.com

Gromeo Living Wall System $265 and up / habitathorticulture.com Simplify your living space and bring more lush green to those dull walls with these ingenious planters.

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NewMade LA Triangle Wall Planter

Modern Sprout Garden Jars

$38 / newmadela.com

$20 / modsprout.com

A Pot for Pot Marijuana Growing Kit $40 and up / apotforpot.com The ultimate DIY kit makes it simple to grow everyone’s favorite plant anywhere in your home.

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Larq Movement Self-Cleaning Water Bottle $78 / livelarq.com

Lexon Oblio Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer $80 / lexon-design.com

Haute Diggity Dog Woof Clicquot RosĂŠ Dog Toy $16 / hautediggitydog.com

Medipop Portable UV LED Light Sterilizer $60 / medipop.us

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W&P Design The Margarita Virtual Happy Hour Cocktail Kit $24 / wandpdesign.com Bartender skills a bit iffy? Even the biggest bumbler can shake out a stiff drink like a pro with these nifty premade kits. Includes everything but the booze.

Art of Burning Man

By NK Guy $60 / taschen.com The Black Rock Desert may have been empty this year, but you can relive the ephemeral beauty of the burn with this gorgeous coffee table book.

Astrology

The Rihanna Book

By Andrea Richards Volume 2 of the Library of Esoterica series $40 / taschen.com

By Rihanna $150 / phaidon.com

The Cannabis Apothecary

By Laurie Wolf with Mary Wolf $35 / blackdogandleventhal.com

Food and Beverage Magazine’s Guide to Restaurant Success

By Michael Politz $30 / wiley.com

Matcha: A Lifestyle Guide

By Jessica Flint and Anna Kavaliunas $25 / goop.com

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CEO’S CHOICE

PuffCo Peak Pro $400 / puffco.com Welcome to sophisticated inhalation. This high-tech vaporizer elevated the art of dabbing, providing pure concentrate with each inhalation. It heats up in just 20 seconds and four heat modes help you dial in the right intensity for your mood.

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Saucey Tectonic9 Auto Dispensing Grinder $60 / sauceyextracts.com Simplify the all-to-often messy grinding process with this collab between Tectonic9 and Saucey Farms & Extracts that delivers perfect grinds in style.

Theragun Elite Percussive Therapy Device

Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

$399 / theragun.com

$300 / sony.com

Sonos Move Wireless Dyson Airwrap and Bluetooth Speaker Styler Complete $399 / sonos.com

$550 / dyson.com

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Impala Quad Skate Rollerskates

Crosley Mockingbird Bluetooth Radio

SMEG 50s Retro-Style Electric Kettle

Swan Retro Espresso Maker

Verve Culture Artisan Citrus Juicer

$95 / impalarollerskates.com

$97 / crosleyradio.com

$160 / smegusa.com

$135 / swan-brand.co.uk

$90 / verveculture.com

Lomo’Instant Automat Glass Assemble Configure Edition $189 / lomography.com Featuring work by UK artist Laura Slater, this instant camera has a 35mm f/4.5 wide-angle lens for shots that take in the whole scene.

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MyJane SheSurvival Box Hedger Humor Special Edition $59 / myjane.com

Bloom Farms CBD Sport Stick $55 / getbloomfarms.com

Because 2020 sucked so bad, girl, you need to laugh your way into the new year—and feel good too. Plus, each box contains a bracelet handcrafted by a survivor of human trafficking and proceeds support the cause of International Sanctuary in empowering women survivors in recovery.

Mello Bottoms CBD Suppositories

Goodekind 300mg CBG Topical Salve

MAC Viva Glam 26 Matte Lipstick

$60 for 2 / mellodaily.com

$35 / goodekind.com

$19 / maccosmetics.com

Dr. Barbara Sturm Repair Food Dietary Supplement

Beboe Therapies High-Potency CBD Sheet Masks

$70 / olivela.com

$78 for set of 5 / beboetherapies.com

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Cannabox x Jane West Sun / Moon Hand Pipes $36 / cannabox.com Cannabis-focused subscription box service Cannabox partnered with activist and entrepreneur Jane West on these sleek solar and lunar pipes, part of its November “Moonlit” collection. The theme for December is “Cozy Season,” so settle in.

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The Bouqs Co. Flower Subscriptions

The Wild Kindness: A Psilocybin Odyssey

3D Printed Kuripe Pipe

$36 and up / bouqs.com

By Bett Williams $20 / dottirpress.com

from The Sabina Project $25 / thesabinaproject.com

Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops Cannabis-Infused Sparkling Water $6 / hifihops.com

Jonathan Adler x Higher Standards Smolder Valet Tray $70 / higherstandards.com

K. Haring “Crack Is Wack� Tray $60 / haringglass.com

Marley Natural Smoked Glass Water Pipe $160 / marleynatural shop.com

Tetra Portal Lighter $45 / shop-tetra.com

Higher Standards x Flower

by Edie Parker Mini Laundry Day Roach Clip $85 / higherstandards.com

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®

®

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CREATING

O H PE We can find solace in the enormity of chaos and uncertainty.

TEXT DAWN GARCIA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCKY BRAND

W

hile the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on this nation, finding optimism and hope can seem like an impossible feat. That said, we’re Californians—we fight on, break barriers, and create and innovate in the face of adversity. It’s just how we’re made. We are a resilient lot of human beings. We rebuild after fires and mudslides, push equal rights legislation through, hold our government and local officials accountable. We march in the streets, we legalize cannabis, and we believe in the power of diversity. We’re home to amazingly unique institutions of wellness, pioneering tech companies, scientific innovators, and we spearhead movements of design, art, entertainment, and community.

So, we wanted to share some of the creativity, art, and thoughtfulness in California as a resource for healing, joy, and togetherness in spite of the mounting stresses we continue to face. Considering the things that have happened in the wake of COVID‚ and because of the wave of uncertainty, we could all use a silver lining. In the words

of William Plomer, “creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.”

Art and the act of creating is healing. In a Salzburg Global Seminar on the Neuroscience of Art in 2015, Charles Limb, an ocular surgeon, neuroscientist, jazz saxophone player, and professor of Otolaryngology at the University of California San Francisco discussed the value of the creative process. He defines creativity as “the generation of something new” and art as “the most homogenous form of total creativity.” Projecting the image of a 35,000-year-old bone flute, Limb suggested that “artistic creativity is a hard-wired, deep-seated trait necessary for human survival. We have always needed to innovate; adaptability is at the core of our biology.”

So, can art help us in times of severe stress? Yes. Yes, it can. In a recent study done by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), researchers found that 96 percent of Californians with low incomes report struggling with the stress of COVID-19. Mental health has D EC E M B E R 2020

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gotten “worse” or “a lot worse” for more than one in three respondents with low incomes, and a substantial amount of people of color say racial discrimination has impacted their mental health. The study, conducted between June 24 and August 21, shows that not only are there seven million Californians living in poverty (18 percent of the state population), the impact the pandemic is having on Californians with low incomes is quantified with nearly 41 percent worrying about getting the coronavirus and 37 percent suffering from the economic impacts of it.

“This has been a tumultuous year for all Californians, and we’re seeing some serious warning signs about the toll it may be taking on the public’s health,” says senior program officer on CHCF’s Improving Access team, Carlina Hansen, who oversaw development of the survey. So, how can we navigate through this levy of anxiety and stress? We can turn inward toward the one thing we can control: prac-

tice mindfulness through meditation and outlets of creativity. No, it won’t cure what’s happening, fix the brokenness of this nation, or change the external circumstances we’re all encountering, but it will help lower your blood pressure and give you a healthy outlet and some tranquility when you need it most.

Centers like Southern California’s Art & Creativity for Healing (art4healing.org) serve low-income communities and families in LA, Orange, and San Diego Counties.

Through its affordable programming, the Art4Healing curriculum is designed with strictly guided exercises created to elicit emotional responses from participants who may be experiencing hardship, abuse, loss, PTSD, displacement, anxiety, or just need some encouragement. It does work with local shelters, nonprofits, and veterans to make these courses accessible to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status. While it is not a certified art therapy institution, it’s a wonderful community resource

sharing art as a form of self-expression and self-exploration.

This holiday season, to brighten up the way we are experiencing the world in self-isolation and limited social interaction, apparel giant Lucky Brand has also adopted a creative initiative called Homemade Holiday. The concept features several local Los Angeles artists talking about their creative process, what they’ll do over the holidays, offering them an opportunity to share their work with the world on the Lucky Brand platform.

One such artist is Alexis Andra, founder of The Shift Creative (theshiftcreative.com). Her devotion to utilizing creativity as an act of kindness is a manifesto to get behind. When asked about her creative process, she says, “It goes something like this: ‘This is an amazing idea. Shoot, this isn’t working out. Ugh, this sucks! I suck.

Wait, what if I tweak it a bit? This might work. This is amazing! I am amazing!’ But really, this is exactly how it goes. Many times, it is a D EC E M B E R 2020

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In the heart of Los Angeles, one artist is utilizing art to feel connected on a deeper level. Eric Thaller (ericthaller.com) has created a socially conscious collection called Words of Wisdom. The collection uses intricate messaging of social and cultural significance through visuals of people throughout history who have made an impact on him (Martin Luther King, Jr., Audrey Hepburn, Albert Einstein, Anne Frank, John F. Kennedy, and more).

Thaller explains why he found inspiration in these pivotal public figures: “These are all incredibly fascinating people who have made real contributions to our culture in one way or another. And they have all transcended fame because of their impact. Each piece is unique in its own way.” Having the fortitude to turn to others who have embarked on journeys that have impacted the world, changed social norms, and encouraged a far deeper narrative in infinite ways speaks volumes to the power of looking outside ourselves.

It’s also part of the motivation behind Thaller’s need to turn to art in times of uncertainty. “I find that in times of uncertainty like we’re facing today, there is an elevated level of anxiety. Worries really seem magnified and fear about what lies ahead can feel overwhelming,” Thaller says. “For me, art, or more specifically creating art, provides a steadying counterbalance. The creative process allows me to be in the moment and relax. I’m not looking ahead or looking backward. I’m making something that speaks to me personally, but I hope shares an element of the human experience that is universal. This is a deeply fulfilling and calming experience ... even in times like these.”

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIC THALLER

Words for 1,000 Pictures

“[Creativity] is a rollercoaster of confidence and selfdoubt. Ultimately, you have to be willing to flex and rework your idea and see the beauty in the process.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCKY BRAND

—Alexis Andra

rollercoaster of confidence and selfdoubt. Ultimately, you have to be willing to flex and rework your idea and see the beauty in the process.”

Andra also recently launched a podcast called It’s Not What It Seems, where she is adamant about being real. “We can get so caught up in social media that we compare our lives to others, wondering why they have that family, opportunity, and material items that we don’t. We fail to realize that they, like us, have a story and many times it includes a struggle.” Lucky Brand’s commitment to unity through self-expression is refreshing. Other local artists featured are Hank Jenkins, Danny Dodge, and Hilary Corts.

Another local artist featured on the platform is model and painter Torin Ashtun (@torinashtun), whose approach to living is simple.

“Painting and modeling balance each other. I approach my life one day at a time,” she says. Ashtun creates emotive work around feminine strength and the importance of claiming our individual worth with-

out apology. Her use of color and movement blended with shapes and texture invite you into her world of grace and freedom.

Now, what about mindfulness?

Mindfulness is described by Greater Good Magazine in Berkeley as, “maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment through a gentle, nurturing lens.” Greater Good adds, “Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings

without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to think or feel in a given moment.”

The UC San Diego’s Medical School Center for Mindfulness is among the many mindfulness institutions rooted in science and medicine. It has created an entire education sector devoted to the study of mindfulness in an effort to make us better, happier, compassionate, empathetic, more mindful human beings, and that’s something worth celebrating. Most importantly, D EC E M B E R 2020

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those resources are available ondemand for free through the duration of the pandemic.

The program’s research pages states, “Mindfulness-based research has grown exponentially in the last 20 years and has been found to significantly improve a wide spectrum of health outcomes, increase empathy/altruistic behaviors, curb addiction, and increase well-being.”

According to the Center’s website, “the practice of mindfulness can help you overcome old habits and

for possibility and creativity in situations that normally seem predictable and dull.” (See mindfulness story on page 16 to learn more.)

The final resource is this: hope.

Hope is very real. In an article titled, “The Psychology of Hope,” which appeared on the blog HealthPsych, Dr. Elizabeth Hopper says that the presence of optimism allows us to be more hopeful people. She quotes psychologist Charles Snyder in the article: “In surveys, psychologists

especially beneficial for people in stressful or challenging situations— in situations where a good outcome doesn’t necessarily seem like a given.” Dholakia adds that hope is critical “when the chips are down, and when we need a powerful shot of motivation to help us find new ways to reach our goal and push us forward towards its achievement.”

It may seem trite, but hope is your greatest asset. So right now, while the chips are seemingly down, find a creative outlet to

“Painting and modeling balance each other. I approach my life one day at a time.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCKY BRAND

—Torin Ashtun

patterns, and see outside the box of your preconceived notions, and noting the profound interconnectedness of all things when we put aside our notions of what is separate and disconnected.”

In a video by Dr. Steven Hickman titled Benefits of Mindfulness, Hickman describes the concept of seeing things without the lens of conditioning or habit as the “beginner’s mind or seeing things as if for the first time, with that same sense of open curiosity and receptivity that allows

have found that hope and optimism are related—more hopeful people also tend to be more optimistic—but the two concepts also have important differences.”

Snyder and his colleagues found that one’s agency is the difference between the two. And Professor Utpal Dholakia wrote in Psychology Today that “hopeful people don’t simply believe that good things will happen—they believe that their actions can bring about their desired goals. Because of this, hope may be

express what you’re feeling. You will hopefully feel that beautiful optimism and hope filling your emotional and psychological cup back up. And should you feel a bit disconnected by the lack of social interaction, artist Eric Thaller points to this quote by Albert Einstein: “Although I am a typical loner in daily life, my consciousness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has preserved me from feeling isolated.”

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Streaming Sensations As COVID continues, these shows just might help get you through it.

PHOTO BY DRAGANA GORDIC, ADOBE STOCK

TEXT DAWN GARCIA

As a screenwriter and TV Series creator, I’m highly critical of what gets made, not because I’m an elitist but because like everyone, I love a good story, quality content, and being entertained. (Cue Russell Crowe in Gladiator: “Are you not entertained?”)

Thanks to the pandemic, adults are watching 40 percent more TV than they have in years past, according to statista.com.

As COVID-19 turns to COVID-2020, some TV productions have resumed (implementing COVID compliance, of course), making for interesting set structures, cast and story dynamics, but most importantly, more things to bide our time.

Now that our couches have officially marked us as their own (somewhere

there are secret casts of our butt cheeks), everyone is asking, “What the hell should I watch?” I preface this by saying, I’m no expert, but as we all live out the rest of the year mostly cooped up at home and hungry for new entertainment, it seems befitting to make a few suggestions on what might be worth a watch. Keep in mind, the shows I mention are only ones I’ve watched. There are dozens of other new series out there that I haven’t gotten to just yet.

My curated list is by no means the be-all and end-all of what’s worth your time. Consider them mere suggestions while you continue to social distance and wait this thing out. I’ve put together a list of shows that have come back on D EC E M B E R 2020

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the air, new releases, what’s next on my watch list, and my holiday tradition favorites.

THE MANDALORIAN Disney+ / Fantasy/Drama

The Mandalorian’s second season is by far one of the more anticipated on any platform since the pandemic began.

The series is centered around protecting “the child” (aka baby Yoda) until it can safely be taken to more of its kind (you mean there are more adorable Yodas out there?) by way of the most skilled warriors in the Star Wars realm, the Mandalorians.

Audiences flocked to the new streaming service Disney+ as the promise of a far more interesting Star Wars spinoff came to be. Like a bunch of suckers, we became unapologetically obsessed with baby Yoda, even though we

still don’t technically know his name because he’s referred to ad nauseam as “the child.”

So, was Season One the best thing ever?

I mean, not really. It was little slow in the beginning, and the story wasn’t entirely as brilliant as I expected. We all know Pedro Pascal from Narcos is an extraordinary actor, and The Mandalorian didn’t showcase his talents very much until the second half of the season.

(Oh, hang on to your pants, I’m not done.) It was, however, a refreshing take on a cult classic series. All that said, when Disney announced it would be releasing Season Two on October 30? My teenagers, partner, and I were chomping at the bit.

Season Two has not been a letdown. In fact, regardless of how cheesy oversized killer spiders may seem (hint: Episode Two), we get to see more baby Yoda, Pascal is more alive and complex, and Timothy Olyphant kicks off the fi rst episode. Viewers experience epic battles, wild species that only exist in the Star Wars realm, funny banter, and of course, visual stunners. The series is directed by Swingers star and Avengers:

the secret and tattered lives of those we love, betrayal, the power of wealth, the dismantling of relationships, and of course the kids desperately affected by it all.

The Fraser family, Grace (played by Kidman), Jonathan (played by Grant), and Henry (played by Noah Jupe) live a charmed life. Grace is a thriving therapist publishing her first book, Jonathan is a successful pediatric oncologist, and Henry is a well-adjusted preteen with a great education and two parents who love him. In the series pilot, this happily married, well-functioning family seems ideal until new mom Elena comes into their lives. Grace takes an interest in Elena and in a few brief THE UNDOING HBO / Drama/Suspense exchanges, Grace begins Nicole Kidman is the to wonder what trouble quintessential triple or pain Elena is in. From there, the story unravels threat: She can sing, one steady mind-blowdance, and damn, can ing thread at a time. she act! Now that Big Kidman and Grant Little Lies has ended (for now), HBO’s The Undo- show immense depth, ing starring Kidman and and the cast, which Hugh Grant is goddamn includes Donald fantastic. Written by Sutherland, Matilda David E. Kelly, the De Angelis, Ismael series revolves around Cruz Córdova, Édgar the secret lives of the Ramírez, Lily Rabe, and private school elite, Noma Dumezweni, is but it is so much more. exquisite. The series is This series explores the provocative, suspensemurder of a mother, the ful, beautifully shot, and mystery surrounding it, addicting.

Endgame director, Jon Favreau (yeah, the same guy who starred in the movie Chef), whose stylized approach to story gets to shine a bit brighter with small jabs of humor, unbelievable wardrobe, and an outstanding cast.

The series is worth the couch time.

MORE NEW SEASONS STREAMING NOW BET: Twenties Netflix: Grand Army, The Queen’s Gambit, Ludo, Trial 4, The Unicorn, Chapelle’s Show, Dash & Lily RevryTV: Dating in Place

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EMILY IN PARIS

The 9 Holiday Movies I Watch Every Year Love, Actually

Elf

It’s a Wonderful Life

Oh, please, you know you do too.

Because smiling is his favorite

Classic

Last Christmas

Die Hard

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

One word: Khaleesi

Because yes, it is a Christmas movie

The live action one with Jim Carrey

The Best Man Holiday

A Bad Mom’s Christmas

Have Kleenex ready.

Fun while drinking

Office Christmas Party You might just pee your pants.

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Lily Collins is an actress known for her role as Snow White in Mirror Mirror, her prominent eyebrows, sweet doelike brown eyes, and being the daughter of legendary musician Phil Collins. When Netfl ix announced the release of a new series starring Collins, I was skeptical. Was this Netfl ix’s attempt to take a stab at its version of a Hallmark or Lifetime Channel?

It kind of is, but the quirky series is just sweet enough to stand on its own.

Collins plays Emily Cooper, an ambitious, peppy, confident marketing executive from Chicago. Cooper is hired to work in Paris for a year to create social media campaigns and brand messaging for French companies looking for that American perspective. Unable to speak French,

PHOTO BY DEAGREEZ, ADOBE STOCK

Netflix / Comedy/Romance

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Cooper finds herself in a predicament as her new boss, the tough-minded, sultry, and stylish Sylvie Grateau (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) isn’t fond of her, her American tactics, or her inability to speak French. Challenged with proving her worth in a foreign country, Cooper handles the fish-out-ofwater scenario with an optimistic hopefulness that you can’t help but admire. Cooper makes fast friends with Mindy Chen (Ashley Park), co-workers Julien (Samuel Arnold) and Luc (Bruno Gouery), and her neighbor (and secret crush) Gabriel (Lucas Bravo). The situational dialogue is fast-paced with an influx of humor (some clever, some predictable), interesting relationship dynamics, and the self-exploration through the eyes of a twentysomething.

This modern-day story of an American in Paris introduces you to a character you’ll fall in like with. The show is cute and endearing, and all things considered, Emily in Paris is a wonderful reprieve from the heavy, dramatic, fear-inducing options now streaming—in the real world and on networks. Season Two is in the works.

launches into a celebration of the sibling’s 40th birthday, yet it doesn’t miss a beat in addressing the racial and systemic injustices of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, the political instability of the White House, and the everyday challenges of the pandemic. The episode revealed some THIS IS US major story shockers NBC & Hulu / Drama and insights, surprising audiences with an uncerThis Is Us took viewers tain rift between Kevin, by storm four seasons ago when it fi rst aired in Randall, and Kate that 2016. The series follows created a disconnect we a family of five over the haven’t really seen play out (especially not so course of their lives and confronts race, the severely) since the series began. If you haven’t family dynamic, love, succumbed to the call of alcoholism, loss, adoption, and every real-life the series, catch the first drama that most people three seasons on Hulu or peacocktv.com. You’ll relate to. Known for its thank me, I swear. ability to emotionally manipulate viewers (because we cry almost every episode), This Is Us was a revelation on network television upon its debut. Audiences everywhere immediately fell in love with Jack, Rebecca, Kevin, Randall, and Kate Pearson, and have loved them— and every new character introduced—every season since.

This Is Us aired Season Four, “Forty: Part One” GROWN-ISH on October 27, and Tues- Freeform day nights have never I’m a fan of ABC’s been better. Filmed Black-ish, and Grownduring COVID, the show ish is by far my favorite

spinoff series created by Kenya Barris and Larry Wilmore. Starring Yara Shahidi, Grown-ish is told from the perspective of Zoey Johnson, as she navigates honestly and candidly through college life as a young Black woman at the fictitious CalU. Zoey faces the ups and downs of being an upperclassman, embracing her strong feminist self, adulthood, boyfriends and sex, career decisions, drinking and smoking weed from time to time, discovering her inner activist, and if you’re a fan, you know Season Two left us with a cliff hanger.

With the launch of Season Three this year, viewers picked up with some much-needed answers, and while the show got cut short because of the pandemic, the rest of Season Three is set to release early 2021. Much like its original series, the show is a single-camera comedy that often breaks the fourth wall when Zoey shares observations with viewers. The writing lends to intellectual dialogue and pivotal societal and cultural narratives intended to enlighten and educate.

Grown-ish is the kind of show teenagers and adults need to watch.

NETFLIX MOVIE RELEASES The Life Ahead Starring Sophia Loren Vida 2/The Beginning of Life 2: Outside Spanish documentary Thunder Force Starring Melissa McCarthy The Impossible Starring Naomi Watts and Alexander Skarsgård Mile 22 Starring Mark Wahlberg

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TOP: WONDERLAND HOLIDAY DRIVE-THRU ADVENTURE

On the Calendar COURTESY OF WONDERLAND HOLIDAY DRIVE-THRU ADVENTURE

Go ahead and deck your halls—and your car too.

TEXT ELI DUPIN + DAWN GARCIA

The holidays have meant a great many things to a great many people over the years, but the thought of this year coming to an end has never been more thrilling. While we prepare for another few months of the pandemic lockdown, the opportunity to experience immersive adventures, take in holiday lights, or create your very own homage to the Costanza Festivus is imminent. Wrap up 2020, because 2021 is going to be epic (but not world shutdown, crybaby POTUS kind of epic … the good kind).

Note that all events are COVID compliant and masks are required.

WildLights at the Living Desert

on time and car size socalwonderland.com

Now–Dec. 27, Select Nights, 6 p.m.

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Palm Desert $10 livingdesert.org

Woodland Hills welcomes all-ages to venture into this frosted wonderland showcasing millions of lights and festive decor, all from the comfort of your car.

The semi-enclosed, open-air tunnel installation will immerse you in the holiday spirit with synchronized lights, elaborate holiday sets with live storytelling, hologram installations, unique photo ops, the WonderLAnd forest, Mrs. Claus,

With animal encounters, millions of lights, hot chocolate, and s’mores, this annual event is a winter wonderland perfect for the whole family.

WonderLAnd Holiday DriveThru Adventure Now–Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m.

Topanga Canyon, Woodland Hills $60–$90 per vehicle, based

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Come this weekend.

Come next weekend.

Stay the week.

Just move in already.

We got you. thesaguaro.com

The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr / Palm Springs, CA 92264

THE SCENE CALENDAR

TOP: MEET THE SANTA CABAZON DINOSAURS BELOW: WILDLIGHTS AT THE LIVING DESERT

Farmers Cup Dec. 12, Time TBD Virtual Awards Ceremony $80 sandiegocannabisfarmersmarket.com

elves, and much more. Reservations required.

Holiday Lights Cruise Dec. 4–Jan. 3, 4:30 p.m.

Newport Harbor, Newport Beach $32–$36 christmasparadeboats.com

Meet the Santa Cabazon Dinosaurs

PHOTOS (FROM TOP): COURTESY OF CABAZON DINOSAURS / WILDLIGHTS

Now–Jan. 1, 9 a.m.

Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon $10–$13 cabazondinosaurs.com

Pee Wee’s Big Adventure introduced most of us to Mr. Rex and the Cabazon Dinosaurs, and this holiday season they’ll be lit … up that is, in festive Santa attire and loads of lights.

Take the dinosaur trail, hop in Santa’s sleigh led by the velociraptor, and

indulge in icy treats Inaugural at the “Wafflesaurus CCTA Cannabis Tourism Summit Truck” (available Dec. 9–11, 12 p.m. on select days). $49 Tickets at eventhi.com

South Coast Botanic Garden’s This entertaining, GLOW interactive online Now–Jan. 10, After dark South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula $25–$35 southcoastbotanicgarden.org/glow

program features the latest industry insights, virtual cannabis tourism experiences, expert panel, and virtual networking.

Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Maccabees: A Drive-Thru Drive Through Now–Jan. 10, 5 p.m.

Chanuka Irwindale Speedway, Experience Irwindale $75 per vehicle irwindalespeedway.com

San Diego Cannabis Farmers Market has honored those in the cannabis industry over the past six years, producing canna-events showcasing an array of brands, cultivators, and educators.

This year, California cannabis companies have faced their fair share of setbacks from fires to the pandemic, but rather than cancel the awards ceremony, organizers are taking the awards ceremony online with Farmers Cup Virtual Edition #2.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m.

Newport Harbor, Newport Beach $18–$36 christmasparadeboats.com

Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference Dec. 15, All day $10–$39, 90-day access pass 24-hour online access emergecanna.com/gettickets

The virtual era of cannabis connects us all. Winter Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference is your ticket to network and discover trends, innovations, new policies, the evolution of the plant and its survival through prohibition.

Dec. 9–13, 5:30 p.m.

HeyWhat’sYourFace Warehouse, Van Nuys $99 per vehicle (up to 7 people) powerofyouthla.com

Happy Place: The Drive Thru This live 30-minute Now–Jan. 10; 10 a.m. weekends, 3 p.m. weekdays Westfield Mall’s Century City parking structure, Los Angeles $50 per vehicle + service charge Tickets at showclix.com

Chanuka re-enactment of the story of the Maccabees will be performed with humor and fun.

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ADVISORY BOARD BAILEY’S CBD

CBG for Pets

diseases, skin disorders or infections, chronic pain, bone repair, high blood pressure, and inflammation.

CBG can help our pets with glaucoma, high blood pressure, nerve cell degeneration, inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, cell and tumor growths, low appetite, and skin conditions. It also can act as a pain reliever, help lessen depression and anxiety, seizures, and more. Because CBG oil is not as readily available, knowing where it’s sourced should be your top priority. When you find a company that carries it, ask for lab reports and about its growing process, and start small with the dosing, especially when it comes to your pets.

Cannabigerol provides many benefits directly, but a significant amount of those come from the synergy between cannabinoids. It is an exciting development in the market and one that could offer a better quality of life for our pets, and for us as well.

Category: Pet CBD Tincture/Pet Treats Author: Erica DeLoach, certified massage therapist, E-RYT 200, voice coach, and herbalist

Cannabigerol is the mother of all cannabinoids.

T

he acronyms CBD and THC have become commonplace, so when a new one hits the market, it stirs a healthy curiosity. Revered as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” cannabigerol (CBG) is not as well-known as its siblings, yet it still can contribute a great deal in terms of the medicinal benefits of cannabis. But what exactly is it?

While it may seem complicated, CBG acid (CBGA) is produced as a precursor of THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. Cannabis enzymes turn CBGA into THCA, CBDA, or CBCA, then decarboxylate them (activate them through light/heat). This removes the acidity and breaks them down into THC, CBD,

or CBC. After decarboxylation, the remaining CBGA converts to CBG, so CBG tends to be more abundant in low-THC cannabis.

In order to maintain high levels of CBG during the plant’s maturation process, farmers are now breeding specific strains so the buds have high amounts of CBGA. Like CBD and others components found in cannabis, CBG is still being studied, but the results so far are very promising. As a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, its benefits aren’t just useful for us, they’re particularly appealing for our pets. There are several conditions CBG can potentially treat in our beloved pets, including neurological

The Sensi Advisory Board comprises select industry leaders in a variety of fields, from education to cultivation. They are invited to share specialized insight in this dedicated section.

For a full list of board members, see page 11.

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THE END

Let’s Say It Together, Shall We? Remember in 1995 when Ice Cube starred in the film he co-wrote, Friday? A film devoted to friends getting high, sitting out on their lawns, and bidding that famous farewell to a girl named Felicia?

Well, the time has come again.

This year was a doozie. A tragic display of humanity in terms of lack of concern for others (I’m talking to you, anti-maskers and 68

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Trumpsters). Systemic injustice and racial tension showed how deplorable humans and those in positions of power behave. And let us not forget the wave of an illness that has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans and is still running amok like a Demogorgen.

The thing is, a little ditty came out earlier this year that summa-

rized what was going to be the worst year of many of our lives.

That song, released by the angsty Avenue Beat, became our mantra.

The song? #F2020!

So, as we watch the final days of this godforsaken year fade away, let us raise a glass, a blunt, and a Biden-Harris flag and say it together: Fuck 2020! Oh, and Bye Felicia!

PHOTO BY ABEMOS, ADOBE STOCK

Bye, Felicia. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. TEXT ELI DUPIN

LET IT GROW

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N E VA DA

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DECEMBER 2020

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LOCALS’ GIFT GUIDE Stuff your sack with goodies

CAPITAL CHEER Sacramento-style holiday

’TIS THE SEASON Give back to 10 area nonprofits

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Denver’s indie skincare brand

MICHIGAN

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C O LO R A D O

DECEMBER 2020

DECEMBER 2020

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SNEAK PEAKS

Read this before you hit the slopes

IT’S A WRAP! Our exclusive gift guide

TASTE THE SEASON Candy cane sugar cookies just taste like Christmas

CREATING HOPE Mindful art shapes the holidays

SEE ALL THE DECEMBER EDITIONS NOW AVAILABLE!