Levitt Pavilion at Macarthur Park
The restoration of the historic band shell at MacArthur Park by the non-profit organization Friends of the Levitt Pavilion has been instrumental in bringing the community back to life. The open lawn amphitheatre environment at the Levitt Pavilion now brings thousands of local residents and families to the park 50 evenings a year for free concerts and culturally diverse entertainment.
Link: www.levittpavilionlosangeles.org
- Video: Levitt Pavilion restored
Nick Loren
Nick Loren is modern Renaissance man; he's a musician, author, actor and a stunt-double for Hollywood mega-star John Travolta. Although, Nick's career on the big screen keeps him busy, he always makes time for his true passion -- music! His debut album is "Forever Be Cool," a soulful R&B record.
Link: www.nickloren.com
- Video: Stunt double sings
Getting Crafty
There's a resurgence in Los Angeles of all things handmade, but with a more modern twist. This definitely isn't your grandmother's needlepoint. Eye on L.A. visited a couple of trendsetters on the scene. Tanya Aguiniga is a local artisan who makes handmade accessories, furniture and house wares and Billie Lopez and Tootie Maldonado run the boutique "Reform School," which specializes in selling handmade gifts and crafts from dozens of local crafters.
Link: www.aguinigadesign.com
Link: www.reformschoolrules.com
- Video: Getting crafty in the city
San Manuel Casino
The San Manuel Indian Casino and Bingo is located in San Bernardino, about 70 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. Owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a tribe of Serrano Indians, this premier gaming establishment has been around since 1986, attracting more than a million visitors a year. However, although the casino earnings provide for the Serrano Indians, giving back to others and cultivating their culture are most important to them.
Link: www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov
Link: www.sanmanuel.com/page.htm?pageId=1
- Video: Casino helps save culture
Couples' Getaway to Maui
Hawaii's six major islands are green-capped mountains lifted from the bottom of the sea, decorated with shimmering rainbows, majestic green peaks, surrounded by unfailingly warm waters, and rimmed by endless, white sand beaches.
Kauai is a lush, garden paradise favored by Hollywood for its tropical splendor that has provided backdrops for many movies, including "South Pacific" filmed 50 years ago, and Elvis Presley's "Blue Hawaii." Gorgeous resorts are also found from Lihue to Poipu to Hanalei.
Oahu, with its capital city of Honolulu, offers everything from cosmopolitan Waikiki and historic sites such as Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor to the scenic North Shore with its legendary surf.
Maui, dominated by the peak of Haleakala, is known for the tranquil paradise of Hana and the colorful whaling town of Lahaina. Warm waters and sun-bathed beaches abound and attract visitors from around the world to popular resorts including Kapalua, Kaanapali, and Wailea.
Molokai, the most rustic of the islands, is bordered by the world's highest sea cliffs and is home to Kalaupapa Peninsula, the hauntingly beautiful former leper colony. Father Damien, the Catholic priest who oversaw the colony in the 1800s, is being ordained as a Saint in 2009.
Lanai is a rural community centered around the quaint town of Lanai City and is the setting for two of the world's most acclaimed resorts with superb golf courses.
And Hawaii's Big Island is home to the towns of Kona and Hilo and many quaint plantation-era style communities, as well as luxurious resorts in Kohala with world-class golf courses. Two active volcanoes and a diversity of climates have created lush rainforests and dramatic lava landscapes within miles of one another.
No matter where one travels in Hawaii, an astonishing variety of activities beckon to help renew inner strength, replenish the heart, and bring one closer to what really counts in life - happiness, health, family, loved ones, and the earth itself.
Link: GoHawaii.com
Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures
(808) 281-9301
Link: www.mauisailingcanoe.com
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
(808) 878-3004
Link: www.aklmaui.com
Grand Wailea Restort Hotel and Spa
(800) 888-6100
Link: www.grandwailea.com
- Video: Couples' Getaway to Maui
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