For over a decade, Christina and I have been dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems of Los Angeles, sharing our love for the city through curated lists of activities and experiences.
Our goal is simple: to encourage exploration of L.A.’s vibrant neighborhoods, offering everything from free events to Metro-accessible ideas that reflect our personal favorites.
Through these lists, we aim to create connections to the fascinating and often paradoxical essence of this sprawling urban landscape, guiding you to its inspiring museums, eclectic galleries, and hallowed concert venues.
When we effectively do our job, we point you toward experiences that create lasting memories and cultivate a deeper appreciation for our incredible city.
In turn, I hope such experiences develop into a lifelong love affair with Los Angeles.
Reflecting on a decade of running this blog, I’ve found a sense of belonging rooted in countless shared moments and experiences throughout the city.
It is often the quiet, personal moments that stand out in my memory, whether it’s a serene morning hike at Kenneth Hahn Park with breathtaking views of the skyline or enjoying lunch with a friend at Dodger Stadium, savoring a Meatball sandwich while the seats lay empty around us.
Even the mundane experiences, like standing among a long line for a breakfast burrito or observing a heron gliding along the L.A. River path, hold special significance.
And sometimes the absurd captures my heart, like the heartfelt tribute to Adam West showcased with the Bat Signal projected onto City Hall.
At that moment, it felt like the community embraced the essence of a beloved fictional character, reminding us of our shared humanity.
But amid personal reflections, the current state of the city weighs heavily on my mind.
We find ourselves facing an overwhelming threat: the powerful machinery of government wielding its force with alarming intensity.
In a recent newsletter, I expressed my frustrations regarding denials of constitutional rights, focus on immigrant targeting, and the aggressive actions taken by federal authorities.
This sometimes sparked heated conversations with readers, resulting in overwhelmingly supportive feedback, although one reader firmly advised me to ‘stay in my lane.’
Initially, I questioned whether engaging in political discussion was appropriate within the scope of our newsletter, which traditionally focuses on social activations.
However, I’ve come to realize that we cannot remain silent when our communities are at risk.
This weekend, rather than retreating, I will choose engagement.
Across the United States, over two thousand No Kings rallies are organized, with a significant presence right here in Los Angeles.
As I look at a map of planned events, I see at least two dozen gatherings scheduled throughout the city, the largest beginning at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall.
This could prove to be a pivotal moment, not only for our city but for our nation as a whole.
Engagement looks different for everyone—some may choose to attend a protest while others might opt for different forms of participation.
No matter where you find yourself, I encourage everyone to bring their thoughts and experiences into the conversation.
Engagement is about sharing, amplifying the realities we face, and igniting discussions that matter.
But behind this call to action, I must reflect on the deeper motivations driving our resistance.
I think of my dad, who was an unconventional man—perhaps even more of a weirdo than myself.
At soccer games, he would be the one reading a book rather than cheering with other parents, always marching to the beat of his own drum.
When he was met with phone solicitors, he would offer quips about his past that surely confused them, showcasing a unique sense of humor.
His bold application to law school showcased his straightforward attitude—he simply wrote, ‘I love the law.’
That audacity worked.
It led to his acceptance into UC Hastings and, eventually, my existence.
One of my favorite stories about him involves running for class president during law school and opting to feature school kids in his promotional photo, embodying a youthful exuberance that carried a message of empowerment: ‘Power to the People.’
This photo represents not just my dad, but a spirit of activism and community that resonates today.
It’s unfortunate that he passed away when I was only ten years old, leaving me to wonder what he would think about today’s political landscape.
His struggles and triumphs linger in my mind, reminding me of the importance of engaging with life fully, even amidst challenges.
In reflecting on the societal difficulties we face now, I often think about the burden of stigma my dad carried following his diagnosis.
At times, I feel the world is overrun with fear, and that fear affects all facets of life in Los Angeles.
ICE operations encapsulate this fear, with attacks on vulnerable populations becoming all too common.
Concern grows as ICE agents target those at graduations, stake out construction jobs, and intimidate individuals in places like churches.
Worse yet, these confrontations often come without legal justification.
Recent events provide horrifying examples of excessive force employed against individuals, including attacks on U.S. citizens.
This ongoing climate of fear is considered terrain for intimidation rather than law and order, transforming public interactions into confrontations.
The narrative constructed by certain media outlets only serves to amplify fear, but I refuse to accept that portrayal of Los Angeles.
Living here proves that life continues for most Angelenos amidst turmoil, albeit with a persistent sense of unease.
As I sip my morning coffee in peaceful neighborhoods, I can’t help but notice the dramatic contrast to the chaos depicted in sensationalist news.
While curfews and police presence remain constant, the city has not descended into chaos even as protests continue to draw legal scrutiny.
So I hope that the upcoming protests don’t devolve into violence but rather serve as a platform for gathering in solidarity.
Should elements of provocateurs seek to disrupt, I trust that a genuine expression of unity will prevail over chaos.
This Saturday, as we rally together, let our voices echo with the themes of resistance and resilience that have defined so many movements before.
For those who call L.A. home, share your perspectives.
Help illuminate the reality and strength found within our city—a powerful force capable of standing up against both domestic and international threats.
Acting from a place of love, I feel a moral imperative to stand against unjust systems and speak up for the defense of our shared humanity.
Collectively, we possess the power to affect change, knowing that the moments we create together today can transform the course of history tomorrow.
Just as my father’s ideology of ‘Power to the People’ persists, I believe deeply in the unyielding spirit of community.
Ideas have a way of lasting long after the moment has passed.
Though my dad didn’t win that class presidency, his dream of empowering the people resonates in our shared fight for justice.
Our experiences shape our understanding and offer a pathway away from isolation toward collective action.
When we center our love for each other in our efforts, we begin crafting a narrative of hope shining through the darkness, evoking that inner superhero within.
So as we prepare for this weekend, let’s turn on our metaphorical Bat Signal.
Together, we might just forge ahead into uncharted territory, ushering in a more promising future.
Let this weekend be a start to something greater, a shared experience that reminds us of our collective power.
Possibly, in hindsight, we’ll look back at this moment in history with awe and gratitude for what we might achieve together.
And just maybe, we’ll come through to the other side, unified and unwavering.
image source from：https://www.welikela.com/power-to-the-people-and-thoughts-on-los-angeles/
