Thursday, November 29, 2012

Homeboy Industries 5K Run/Walk: Win Registration!

As a carless Angeleno, one of the best ways I've experienced Los Angeles is to hit the ground running.  Literally.  Running and walking races around town have a number of benefits:
  • You get some exercise in!
  • You get to see new sights through Los Angeles.  A number of races close off specific areas or let you walk around in areas pedestrians don't generally access.
  • Races are true experiences - there's the achievement of finishing, the cheer of the crowd, running with friends, and meeting new people
And while I fully advocate for all the above, one of the best things is that when you run a race, you are often helping out a cause!

I am happy to report that next month, on December 15th, I will be a participant in the Homeboy Industries 5K Run/Walk at Los Angeles State Historic Park - and two lucky winners will win two free registrations to the race!  More details below!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Taste of Mexico at Vibiana on Friday Night November 30, 2012

DSC_2775 
I have been reading Gustavo Arellano's Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America, and thus this second annual Taste of Mexico is very timely to have a chance to better understand the wide range of upscale Mexican cuisine available in Los Angeles.  Thus for $50 on Friday night November 30 from 6  pm to 11 pm, you can graze on some of the best regional Mexican cuisine all  in one place at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles at Second and Main Streets.  I had a chance to preview some of the food several weeks ago at the Mexican Consulate, as you can see from the slide show below (not seen from an Ipad)
or my Taste Of Mexico Press Preview picture set on Flickr here.  The preview featured around half of the food vendors, but did not include superstars Jon Sedlar from Rivera who will be showcasing his food from Playa, nor Rick Bayless or his executive chef from Red O.  Both of whom are discussed in Gustavo's book.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Arts & Culture for Black Friday on 11/23

LACMA in Yellow  by intellichick
While Black Friday is often marked as the day to head to the mall and the major shopping centers, it can also be the perfect day to experience Los Angeles and spend time with your loved ones!  Here are some event ideas for those looking for some non-shopping Black Friday adventures. Oh, and some of these events are FREE!

-Charity Tran

Thursday, November 15, 2012

A Letter to the Los Angeles Autumn

Pumpkins and a "Leaf" by intellichick
I wrote a Letter to Summer, so it was just as well that I wrote a letter to Fall. -Charity Tran

Dear Autumn,

I know the Autumn Equinox this year was September 22nd, but let's be honest - it kind of took you awhile to show up and cool things down a bit.  Even now, I'm not sure how long this will last.

No worries, we Angelenos continued on - packing away those hot pumpkin spice lattes and champurrado anyway while enjoying the warm weather for our Halloween shenanigans and Dia de Los Muertos festivities - but we did miss you.  Maybe it's the fact that Thanksgiving is almost near that I realize how much I am thankful for you.

Thursday, November 08, 2012

Hurricane Sandy Relief: 10 Hip Ways to Help in LA

HurricaneSandy
Courtesy of NY Daily News
The one good thing about natural disasters is the sense of togetherness it seems to create.  And Hurricane Sandy is no different.  With huge donations from every major corporation nationwide, telethons, music benefits and retailers donating a percentage of their profits, it's as if the holidays have come early this year.  Of course, beyond just texting "RED CROSS" to 90999 to donate $10 (still an amazingly easy way to contribute), it has left many of us West Coast-ers feeling helpless so far away. Fortunately, we are an innovative bunch.  Here's the good stuff: