by Shriya Nayyar | Jun 19, 2021 | Feature, News, The Arts
Los Angeles, CA. On June 12th, 2021 WriteGirl – a creative writing and mentoring organization for teen girls – held its annual Bold Ink Awards. WriteGirl held this zoom award ceremony online as a benefit for its programs. These awards pay tribute to compelling storytellers and capable role models. Notable presenters included Academy Award-winning actor Reese Witherspoon, (seen above) and other women who have excelled in their respective fields like Holly J. Mitchell, Lynne Thompson, and Lovely Umayam.
The Bold Ink Awards recognize creative writers from various genres. This year’s honorees were (L-R) Amanda Cormon, Attica Locke, Tembi Locke, Gabriela Garcia. The event was hosted by Koco McAboy from Fox 11 News.
The event coincided with WriteGirl’s 20th anniversary and was done through Zoom. To celebrate the milestone, the event kicked off with DJs OHLA and Toneé Macara and later on, guests were entertained by evocative music, poetry, and an acting performance. Throughout the event, the audience was made a part of the show by answering questions like “What does community mean to you?” The awards gala falls in the middle of the ongoing WriteGirl Silent Auction.
Actor Kirby Howell-Baptiste performs a monologue by a WriteGirl mentee.
singer-songwriter Lucy Schwartz with saxophonist Grace Kelly and bassist David Schwartz.
More About WriteGirl:
WriteGirl is a creative writing and mentoring organization that promotes creativity, critical thinking and leadership skills to empower teen girls. WriteGirl is a project of Community Partners, a nonprofit charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. To know more about WriteGirls, click here: https://www.writegirl.org/
by Annie Melnick | Jun 18, 2021 | Feature, General, Lifestyle, News, The Arts
Los Angeles, CA. The LA Opera announced its pandemic-related changes in the fall of 2020; this included postponing and canceling productions taking place during the 2020/21 season. But starting this month, the company hosted an audience for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. Oedipus Rex, based on the ancient Greek tragedy with the same name, premiered on June 6th at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Audience members had to prove they were vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 to attend in person. And for those who could not make it, the LA Opera released an online version on June 17th. The show has a running time of 50 minutes, with no intermission.
The LA Opera took safety precautions by strictly following the LA County Department of Public Health’s guidelines. In March 2021, the Music Center (where the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located) was the first performing arts center to receive a UL “healthy building” verification for its venues’ air quality.
June 6th performance of “Oedipus Rex.” Photo by Lawrence K. Ho.
Mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges performs the role of Jocasta.
From the LA Opera:
Stravinsky based Oedipus Rex on the ancient Greek tragedy of the same name by Sophocles—yes, the one where Oedipus unknowingly kills his own father and marries his mother. The 1927 opera is a highly stylized, ritualistic work; in fact, the composer specifically requested that it be staged with minimal movement (which works well with COVID restrictions). A narrator describes the action throughout the course of the opera. Stravinsky set his work in Latin but specified that the narration is to be spoken in the language of the audience. The performance will feature incredibly imaginative projected animations created by Manual Cinema, an Emmy Award-winning performance collective, design studio, and film/video production company.
Music Director James Conlon conducts a stellar cast led by tenor Russell Thomas, LA Opera’s Artist in Residence, as Oedipus, the doomed king. Just announced: Legendary actor Stephen Fry will make his LA Opera debut (via audio recording) as the Narrator in this equally legendary tale.
The recording and filming process for the “Oedipus Rex” online stream. Photo by Lawrence K. Ho.
To learn more about the LA Opera, visit laopera.org/about-us. And for those interested in supporting this organization, visit laopera.org/support-us.
by Isabel Klein | Jun 17, 2021 | Feature, General, Lifestyle, News
Lifestyle Story: Los Angeles, CA. Bumble recently conducted research on how the pandemic has changed dating as singles head into the ‘summer of love.’ The women-first dating app and social networking platform, is revealing how the pandemic has shaped the way that single people are dating this summer and beyond as restrictions are beginning to ease and more people are becoming fully vaccinated within the United States every day.
Nearly 90%4 of American users who have selected their first date preferences within Bumble’s COVID Preferences Center are ready to date In Real Life (IRL) again. Of those ready for an IRL first date, there’s nearly an even split between those who are comfortable with a regular IRL first date (46%)4 or a socially distanced one (41%)4. Bumble has also seen growth particularly in those states and cities where there are higher vaccination rates.
“The pandemic has leveled the dating world like never before and has brought about meaningful changes in behavior that we see having a positive impact on our community long term,” said Whitney Wolfe Herd, CEO and Founder of Bumble. “Historically, this is a time of year where the dating industry sees a considerable increase in activity and we’re experiencing that more than ever heading into this summer season. As our research illustrates, daters are entering this ‘summer of love’ with more intentionality than ever before and are prioritizing safety, compatibility, and shared values as restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase.”
Ahead of the official first day of summer on June 20, Bumble is sharing new research and insights about dating during this ‘summer of love.’
Here’s all the current research from Bumble:
Dating has changed for the better. The time that people spent in lockdown really allowed them to focus on what they are truly looking for while dating, giving them a renewed sense of clarity and confidence in taking control of their dating lives as they begin to meet new people this summer. Through recent research, Bumble has found that people are now dating more intentionally than before the pandemic – they’re being more honest about what they’re looking for in a relationship, whether it’s something casual or serious.
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55%2 of Bumble’s global users have said that they are now feeling less willing to compromise on what they want and need from a potential relationship, according to a recent survey.
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Nearly 40%1 (38%) of Americans surveyed have noticed an increase in clear communication of expectations and intentions while dating throughout the pandemic.
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Nearly 30%1 (28%) have seen a meaningful decline in dead-end conversations as people are being more honest about what they’re looking for in a relationship.
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Nearly 40%1 (39%) respondents have noticed a meaningful decline in ghosting while dating throughout the pandemic.
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Over 30%1 (31%) have said that they noticed a meaningful decline in catfishing.
Online dating is just… dating
It’s no surprise that people have adapted to new ways of communicating and dating to find and explore meaningful connections throughout the pandemic.
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91%1 of the Americans surveyed believe that there is no longer a stigma attached to meeting someone online or through a dating app since the pandemic began.
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An overwhelming two-thirds1 (65%) think that it’s possible to fall in love with someone that they’ve never met in person before.
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Nearly 40%1 (38%) enjoy going on virtual dates as they find that it’s safer to engage with a match virtually before meeting in person.
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Many are also leaning more into other means of virtual communication – 1 in 41 (25%) of those surveyed have sent someone an audio message this past year.
Safety is still top of mind
Following a year in quarantine, safety is still top of mind and many are continuing to prioritize discussions on precautions and COVID vaccination statuses before meeting someone in person for the first time.
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More than 54%2 of Bumble’s global users feel more safety conscious than before the pandemic.
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Vaccination status is essential to many, as 30%1 Americans surveyed would not go on a date or have sex with someone who hasn’t received the COVID vaccine.
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Bumble announced its plans to launch a “Vaccinated” Badge in profiles this summer within the US and the UK. By adding the badge, people will be able to show on their dating profile whether they have been vaccinated for COVID-19. Bumble will also offer complimentary credits for premium features, such as Spotlight and SuperSwipe, to those who enable the “Vaccinated” Badge later this summer.
To help its community feel comfortable dating right now and to help normalize conversations about dating during the pandemic, Bumble has added a COVID Preferences Center that can be accessed by tapping the profile icon within the Bumble app. After matching with someone, both individuals will be able to see what the other person’s dating preferences are – such as meeting outdoors and in uncrowded places only – and what precautions they want to take.
Bumble also offers a Safety Center, which is available online and within the app by tapping the profile icon. Bumble’s Safety Center provides a compilation of resources and tools to help its community date confidently.
Shared values are more important than ever before
The way that people are now approaching conversations around race and intersectional inequalities while dating has completely shifted after a year that re-ignited powerful social justice moments.
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Since the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in 2020, nearly 2 in 53 (38%) Americans surveyed said that they have re-evaluated how they approach race and inequality in their romantic relationships.
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62%3 of respondents say that it is important for them to talk about key social issues on a first date, such as gender equality, politics, race, or the environment.
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75%3 would only date someone if a majority of their political and social views align.
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1 in 23 (51%) respondents believe that activism is now a more important part of society than their parents considered it to be during their generation.
Wolfe Herd continues: “Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve remained intently focused on listening to our community to understand how their needs have evolved and we have continued to innovate our product to meet that demand. We are always looking for ways to enhance the user experience by listening closely to user feedback and will continue to do so moving forward.”
Over the past year, Bumble has made several updates to its platform, including introducing 150 new interest badges in dating profiles and launching its “Night In” feature, where two people can participate in an interactive game during a video chat. The company also recently launched Snap’s AR Lenses within Bumble video calls and launched video notes that utilize Snapchat’s technology.
Research background:
1 Based on insights commissioned by Bumble and carried out online by Censuswide. Surveys were conducted with a sample of 1,003 single adults in the United States between May 4th to 10th, 2021. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
2 Based on a survey conducted on the Bumble app among those based in Australia = 1,215, US = 1,598, UK = 1,272 during Q2 2021.
3 Based on insights commissioned by Bumble and carried out online by Research Without Barriers (RWB). The survey was conducted with a sample of 1,002 adults in the United States between May 14 to 17, 2021. All research conducted adheres to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2019) and ICC/ESOMAR (international). RWB is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and complies with the DPA (1998).
4 Based on proprietary Bumble platform insights in the US, June 2021.
About Bumble app: Bumble, the women-first social networking app, was founded by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble BFF) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). No matter the type of relationship, women make the first move on Bumble. Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. They’ve built their platform around kindness, respect, and equality – and their community plays an important part in that. Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and has zero-tolerance for hate, aggression, or bullying. Bumble is free and available worldwide in the App Store and Google Play.
by Isabel Klein | Jun 15, 2021 | Feature, General, News
So, what do you do when you find neonatal kittens like the one above.
Stray Cat Alliance has very specific advice on what to do. So check it out.
Assess the situation. If they are in a safe place (not in the middle of the street) and look fat and healthy, the best thing is to leave them there. The mom is probably foraging for food.
Leave wet food and water by her babies. Try and wait as long as you can to make sure Mom comes back. If you start to hear the babies crying, wait a bit longer as Mom will probably hear them too and come back.
If the babies are cold, or getting cold, put uncooked rice in a sock and heat it in a microwave. Put it around the kittens, making sure the socks are not too hot. Make sure the kittens can crawl away if they get too hot. Rice works better than water bottles because when it cools down it does not get cold.
Keep checking on the babies. See if Mom comes back. Wait approximately ten to twenty minutes of crying. It will feel like eons but Mom needs time to come back. If nothing bad has happened to her, she will return.
When she does come back, give her support. If Mom is friendly, consider bringing her inside to raise her babies in the safety of a home. You can also crate them in a garage.
If she isn’t friendly, or you can’t take them in, then put a nice big box out with towels for her to nest in. Make sure she has plenty of food and water. Because of instinct, she will move the babies at some point. The more inviting you make her stay the more likely she will continue to hang around. The kittens will start roaming at about 3 weeks old, and they will start eating solid food at about 4 to 5 weeks. That’s when you’ll see them show up for dinner with Mom.
Again, if you can’t do a full-fledged rescue, it’s okay to T/N/R (trap/neuter/return) this family when the kittens are old enough. Don’t feel guilty you haven’t been able to find them homes or bring them inside. The most important thing is that you don’t ignore them. This family needs you.
Families do well together. It’s okay to T/N/R the kittens, but remember cats are domestic animals. They rely on humans for food. A regular meal and sterilization do wonders for the quality of life of cats.
by Elisa Klein | May 20, 2021 | Feature, General, News
Los Angeles, CA. There’s a new incentive for LA residents to get their vaccinations. Officials nationwide have been getting ever-more lucrative ways of urging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and now one of sports fans’ most prized items is being offered in Los Angeles County: free Lakers season tickets.
Here’s a link of locations:
Palmdale Oasis Park Recreation Center
3850-A East Avenue S, Palmdale, CA 93550
LA County Office of Education
12830 Columbia Way Downey, CA 90242
College of the Canyons
25000 Valencia Blvd Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Balboa Sports Complex
17015 Burbank Blvd Encino, CA 91316
Pomona Fairplex
2370 East Arrow Highway, (Gate 15) La Verne, CA 91750
Eugene A. Obregon Park – Gymnasium
4021 East 1st Street Los Angeles, CA 90063
The Forum
3900 W Manchester Blvd Inglewood, CA 90305
Antelope Valley Health Center
335 East Avenue K6, Building B Lancaster, CA 93535
Cal State Northridge
18343 Plummer Street Northridge, CA 91325
Monrovia Public health Center
330 W. Maple Avenue Monrovia, CA 91016
North Hollywood Public Health Center
5300 Tujunga Avenue North Hollywood, CA 91601
Crenshaw Christian Center
1261 W. 79th St., Los Angeles, CA 90044
Hansen Dam
11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
California State University Los Angeles
5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90032
Food 4 Less
1651 E. 103rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90002
YMCA Mid Valley
6901 Lennox Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91405
Slauson Super Mall
1600 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90047
Algin Sutton Recreation Center
8800 S. Hoover St., Los Angeles, CA 90044
North Hollywood Senior Center
5301 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91601
Hollenbeck Park
415 S. St. Louis St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Banning Recreation Center
1331 Eubank Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
Sylmar Recreation Center
13109 Borden Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342
South LA Wetlands Park
5413 S Avalon Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90011
California State University Los Angeles (Walk-up with parking)
5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90032
University of Southern California (Walk-up with parking)
3701 Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90007
Lincoln Park (Walk-up with limited parking)
3501 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 9003
San Fernando Park (Walk-up with limited parking)
208 Park Ave., San Fernando, 91340
Pierce College (Walk-up with parking)
20498 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91306
Los Angeles Southwest College (Walk-up with parking)
1600 W. Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles, CA 90047
Century City
10060 Constellation Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067
Parking is located off of Constellation Blvd. in the underground lot
LAC+USC Medical Center
Pre-register HERE & use code: ID4CJZTZXM and enter Zip Code: 90033
1200 N. State Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
H. Claude Hudson Comprehensive Health Center (5/22 8am-12pm)
2829 S. Grand Ave. LA, CA 90007
Call 213-699-7255 to schedule
Lake Los Angeles Community Clinic 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
16921 East Avenue O, Space G
Lake Los Angeles, CA 93591
High Desert Regional Health Center 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
335 E Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93535
Edward Roybal Comprehensive Health Center – 5/22 *18 years of age and younger
245 South Fetterly Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Appointments not required | Call 323.362.1010 if you wish to be scheduled
Vaccine Clinic Entrance on Mednick Avenue | Parking at East Los Angeles Courthouse parking structure
Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:
by Isabel Klein | Apr 9, 2021 | Feature, General, News
Lifestyle Story: Los Angeles, CA. Did you know that nearly one in three Los Angeles singles surveyed are more likely to swipe right on someone if they have a dog pictured in their dating app profile? Singles are working to resume dating as pandemic restrictions finally ease and pet owners may have an edge. As National Pet Day approaches on Sunday, April 11th, new research from the women-first dating platform Bumble has found that dogs may be the key to romantic success when dating in Los Angeles.
“More than ever, people are looking to connect with those who share their values and interests as we’re navigating this new world of dating,” said Bumble Dating Expert Francesca Hogi. “Los Angeles consistently ranks as one of the top pet-friendly cities in the United States, and this has translated on the Bumble app, too, where more than one in three Angelenos who have adopted the Pet Badge are dog owners.” 52% of those surveyed thought that a person with a dog seemed more likely to be caring. According to the survey, conducted in March 2021 amongst Los Angeles singles, nearly one in three people believe that if a prospective romantic partner has a dog, it shows they’re less afraid of commitment.
Singles who want to show off their sensitive side should consider posting a photo with their dog on their dating app profile.
Including a photo of a dog in your profile can also be an easy conversation starter, as one in three Angelenos surveyed say that this could spark effortless conversation on a first date. In fact, nearly one in four respondents would actually prefer to walk their dog or go to a dog park for their first date, and one in five Los Angeles singles say that their dog getting along with their potential partner is a top dating priority for them.
If going to the dog park isn’t an ideal date scenario, embrace the sunny weather and suggest bringing your dog on a walk to the beach or visiting the farmer’s market. Nearly half of those surveyed would prefer a casual date outdoors for their first date.
People often include photos of their pets on their profiles, but Bumble’s Pet Badge also allows its community to easily share if they’re an animal lover and what pets they have. People can also filter their matches to find other people who love dogs (or cats) as much as they do. According to the survey, those who adopt the “Dog Badge: increase their chances of matching with someone by nearly 10%.
Bumble Dating Expert Francesca Hogi explains, “As a fellow dog mom and lover, dogs can be beneficial to romance at so many stages – from the first swipe to the qualities you develop as a pet owner to the bond it creates as a couple!”
As folks are spending more time at home with their pets during quarantine, they’re also more frequently including this within their dating profiles. Millions of people worldwide added the Dog Badge to their Bumble profile after the Covid-19 pandemic started in the US in March 2020.
About Bumble app: Bumble, the women-first dating, and networking app, was founded by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble BFF) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). No matter the type of relationship, women make the first move on Bumble. Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. They’ve built their platform around kindness, respect, and equality – and their community plays an important part in that. Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and has zero tolerance for hate, aggression, or bullying. Bumble is free and available worldwide in the App Store and Google Play.
Unless cited otherwise, these insights were commissioned by Bumble and carried out by Atomik Research in March 2021 to 806 daters within Los Angeles, California, U.S. Other observations were based on proprietary Bumble platform insights within Los Angeles during March 2021.
