On March 29, 2024, Los Angeles Schools’ Superintendent Austin Beutner called for state intervention to end the alleged misuse of voter-approved funding for the development of arts education in California. The superintendent was backed by the California Teachers Association, the largest teachers union in the state, and the California Federation of Teachers (CFT), another statewide teachers union.
The letter to Gavin Newsom and other state officials was also signed by the Local 99 of Service Employees International Union, the United Teachers Los Angeles, Teamsters Local 572, and the teachers union for Oakland Unified. In the letter, Beutner and the unions alleged that funding which was approved by voters in November of 2022 for the expansion of arts education was being taken by other school districts to use for different purposes.
“It’s clear that Californians overwhelmingly want more arts and music in public schools,” the letter states. “It has come to our attention, however, that some school districts in California are willfully violating the law by using the new funds provided by Prop 28 to replace existing spending for arts education at schools.”
Unfortunate Neglect for Arts Programs
In 2024, the funding allocated for the arts totals $938 million. Under Proposition 28, this money can only be used to increase arts programs in schools, though each school can decide how to best improve their programs. The schools and districts allegedly in violation of this rule are not mentioned by the letter, as Beutner has expressed concern that whistleblowers may be the targets of retaliation.
Seeing as Beutner authored Proposition 28 following a departure from L.A. Unified in June of 2021, it has been assumed that they are an offender of this misuse of funding. UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz referred to them in particular, saying: “LAUSD is supplanting Prop. 28. And I can only bet that districts across the state are doing the same thing.”
Proposed Changes
Proposition 28 refers to research stating that public schools “fail to provide a high-quality course of study across arts disciplines,” but no difference will be made if funds are improperly used. As such, Beutner and the unions are calling on the state to require that districts certify within 30 days that no funds have been improperly used.
According to already existing state requirements, schools must annually certify that their spending has been appropriate and must create a clear spending plan, though there are no guidelines for the creation of these plans. Districts seem to lack clarity and have varying interpretations of spending legality, leading to frustration when accounting for where spending is allocated and if this was done properly.
Localized Discrepancies
Audrey Lieberstein, a parent leader in the PTA and the governing councils of Dixie Canyon Elementary in Sherman Oaks, provided school budget documents and copies of correspondence with L.A. Unified to The Times, according to Yahoo!News. She observed that $48,766 had been set aside for a two-day-a-week arts teacher last year, but no such record was made in this year’s budget. She views the situation as a potential example of fund misuse.
As a counter to Lieberstein, L.A. Unified officials claimed that funding has increased across the district beyond the requirements of Provision 28, even funding field trips through the Cultural Arts Passport program.
“If there was a mistake in allocation or interpretation [of the law],” Lieberstein said in an email to the school district, “then perhaps the schools have a chance at getting back their original source of arts funding and having Prop. 28 in addition as the law intended! This would be a big win for our public schools and help instill faith in the district.”
Los Angeles is known for its vibrant food scene and new takes on traditional dishes. When the Hormel Foods team visited the Anaheim Packing District during its 10th anniversary World Tastes event celebration for the team’s Originate Summit, they were inspired by the opportunity to think beyond their products’ boundaries. Visiting Los Angeles, it became clear that there are unlimited possibilities for creating new dishes with the countless ingredients and traditions available, to learn from the cultures and cuisines that thrive in the city.
“Sampling so many different cuisines and seeing all the combinations of cultures, you can’t help but be inspired,” said Scott Aakre, group vice president and chief marketing officer. “This is the sort of experience that gives you a chance to turn on your imagination.”
LA’s Impact on the Summit
Carrying this inspiration into the heart of the Hormel Foods brands summit was essential, where they aimed to understand the process and improve communication between the people who were making it happen. During the event, the important connection between creativity and thoughtful execution was a recurring theme.
The Potential of AI
Surprisingly, AI was a major topic of exploration during the summit as a tool to stay ahead of the innovation process. Mattson Technology’s chief artificial intelligence officer, Steve Gundrum, demonstrated where AI might apply to Hormel’s processes.
It was observed that AI could be used to brainstorm new recipes and products, while AI agents trained on food-related social media could report on valuable consumer insights. Specific agents could focus on the wants and needs of particular demographics, helping other AI tools design new products fitting those descriptions.
There was concern of course, as pointed out by Hormel Foods’ in-house cultural anthropologist Tanya Rodriguez. Human innovators have a deep understanding of the relationship between food and culture, and a consumer will recognize whether a food offering is authentic or an attempt at creating the perfect food option. Despite the sophistication of analytical tools, companies like Hormel Foods cannot ignore the human experience behind food.
Innovating at the Summit
Without the help of AI, Hormel Foods is still finding ways to innovate. At the summit, Hormel Foods chefs prepared a buffet of Hormel Foods products inspired by LA’s cross-cultural experience, demonstrating new avenues for products.
Creating New Connections
Of course, this could not have been done without an effort toward in-person connections. There were only a few strangers among Hormel Foods’ innovators, but many had not yet met in person. Teams took this opportunity to strengthen personal connections while absorbing the culture all around them in LA.
“It is encouraging to see the method that Hormel Foods innovators follow,” said Kady Mahaffey, associate senior scientist for the Planters® brand. “It’s not just about what idea sounds great; we’re using tools and data and leveraging new technologies. I’m already feeling very inspired.”
During their in-person summit, Hormel Foods observed the vital importance of coming together to share food and the kind of experience their product is meant to offer. The comfort and connection of a discussion between individuals are bettered by a common plate, serving to increase collaboration in the future and foster understanding between brands. Lunches, dinners, and breaks became opportunities to build relationships that would extend beyond the office space and work environments.
A Push Toward Progress
Aakre left his team with a call to action on the final day of the summit, hoping to inspire them to feel more personally invested in the roles they have to play.
“If this is a three-day session, and then we go home and do the same thing we did before, it probably wasn’t worth our time,” he said. “If we go back and say, ‘I learned these things, I’m going to make sure I take advantage of them,’ then we’re doing it right. Personally, I’ll carry back with me a sense of urgency…I’ll be thinking about my personal accountability to drive results.”
A collective of Los Angeles media leaders and philanthropists have partnered with the American Journalism Project to bolster community-focused journalism in the city. This new organization, the Los Angeles Local News initiative, successfully raised nearly $15 million for their foundation.
A Response to the Decline in the Media Industry
Within the broader media industry, the local news ecosystem in Los Angeles was hit especially hard, resulting in cuts and layoffs. Even the Los Angeles Times cut 115 staffers in January, having laid off 74 newsroom staffers last year. The cuts affected largely Latino staffers and led much of the senior staff to resign.
Community Before Profit
This new initiative is intended to support a community-first network of media outlets, partnering with nonprofit newsroom CalMatters to emphasize regional accountability.
“L.A. County is far too complicated and diverse a place for any one outlet to serve all local news needs of all residents,” said Michael Ouimette, the chief investment officer at the American Journalism Project.
News Deserts and Media Needs
As of 2022, the American Journalism Project interviewed 845 LA County residents in 244 zip codes and found that many residents felt their needs were not met by local news. They don’t have access to outlets that voice their particular concerns, let alone meet basic needs.
News deserts are on the rise in the United States, and outlets are often stretched too thin to address comparatively minor, but still essential, local matters. Everyone in every zip code needs access to reliable, nonpartisan insight to help make informed decisions about their lives.
“When people think about news deserts,” said Monica Lozano, board chair of the LA Local News Initiative and former CEO of La Opinión, “they’re thinking about rural America, or communities that are off-grid, but we have those same sorts of deserts in the region.”
An Experiment in Hyperlocal News
This kind of “hyperlocal” news model as an interconnected media web is a promising idea, but similar California startups have had mixed success. The Long Beach Post was one such hyperlocal initiative, receiving praise before going through similar layoffs to other news outlets. Earlier this year, however, Look Out Santa Cruz was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News reporting.
Fortunately, the LA Local News Initiative has found the model they want to replicate: Boyle Heights Beat. A bilingual, nonprofit newsroom serving the Latino community since 2010, the Boyle Heights Beat has become a digital news outlet serving East LA, but reporting on the communities they live in.
Boyle Heights Beat has integrated itself with the community, holding quarterly meetings to speak with locals and give voice to their concerns. Their reporters, editors, and coordinators hand deliver print editions to local establishments, including libraries and community centers—all 30,000 of them.
While it is not certain how far their model can spread, the success and community response have been remarkable. To increase accountability journalism and local news coverage in LA, they will use this basis to launch and operate community publications in areas needing greater coverage.
Further Initiatives and Responses in Media
They also plan to launch the LA Documenters initiative, which will act as a local affiliate to the existing Documenters Network. The network has its origins with the Chicago civic media outlet City Bureau, which both trains and pays local residents to attend and cover public meetings, such as school board meetings.
Another hope for LA journalism comes in the form of the California Journalism Preservation Act, a bill proposing that tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta pay to link to a news outlet’s work. This would give many struggling news outlets a boost in online spaces and a new stream of income to build better journalism.
Los Angeles is known for its incredible gallery shows, but this fall season they certainly seem to be bringing out their best selection. These 10 fall shows range from full-room artistic displays to intimate examinations of modern life, and they are sure to have something for everyone to enjoy.
“Thinking Out Loud”
Recognizing local and international artists since 2000, the Vielmetter Contemporary Art Gallery in LA is featuring selected artworks from interdisciplinary artist Genevieve Gaignard. Her work acts as an exploration of her biracial identity through the perspective of contemporary American society, imposing introspective themes on a backdrop of vintage wallpaper. The gallery features a new selection of collage pieces by the artist called “Thinking Out Loud,” accompanied by custom wall paint to enhance the visual environment. The display will run from September 21 to November 2, 2024.
“strike the dust”
A recent addition to the LA gallery scene, the New York-based Michael Werner Gallery will feature an exhibition of Florian Krewer’s latest work. Titled “strike the dust,” the show is a continued personal exploration of what it means to be alive in modern society, examining themes of loss, loneliness, and love. This exhibit will continue from September 13 to November 16, 2024.
“Mojotech”
Since 1999, Roberts Projects has been a diverse and ambitious program intently focused on museum-quality installations. This fall, they are featuring Betye Saar’s “Mojotech,” a piece that ambitiously merges ritual objects with electronic parts, emphasizing the impact of technology on the natural world. The piece combines African sculpture and was created during a residency at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Visitors are encouraged to leave offerings, with the display running from September 14, 2024, to February 28, 2025.
“Through the Vanishing Point”
At The Box, a gallery focused on contemporary painters, sculptors, and photographers, Eugenia P. Butler’s (1947–2008) work is featured in “Through the Vanishing Point,” focusing on Butler’s fixation on transformative states. Her art continues to have a tremendous influence on the conceptual and experimental sides of art. With no specified end date, the display begins on September 15, 2024.
“nativemanson”
International art gallery Sprüth Magers, a leader amongst contemporary display spaces, is hosting Arthur Jafa’s first solo exhibition in LA, titled “nativemanson.” For 30 years, Jafa has explored his identity as a black man from Tupelo, Mississippi through film, sculpture, and murals. The exhibit will feature BEN GAZARRA, Jafa’s latest film, and a remix of Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver.
“The Open Window”
François Ghebaly is known for its network of multi-generational, international, and LA-based artists, and now the French painter and visual artist Brooklin A. Soumahoro joins their ranks. The collection of 10 abstract images is an ode to southern France, inspired by Henri Matisse’s 1905 masterwork Open Window, Collioure. Having spent years researching color theory for his project, “The Open Window,” the opportunity to see the display remains available from September 7 to October 12, 2024.
“Azaleas”
Located in LA’s Koreatown, Commonwealth and Council is featuring Lotus L. Kang’s “Azaleas.” Born in Toronto and based in New York, Kang is known for immersive floor-to-ceiling installations made to explore concepts of becoming and reflection. This display runs from September 21 to October 26, 2024.
“Concrete Is Fluid”
Honor Fraser is a contemporary art gallery with a focus on emergent technology and alternative interpretations of traditional mediums. Lauren Bon’s “Concrete Is Fluid” serves as the perfect fit for Honor Fraser’s perspective, using room-scale installations to contrast and interweave the industrial and natural landscapes. This exhibit will continue from September 14 to December 14, 2024.
“L.A. Story”
Founded in 1992, Hauser & Wirth is home to displays of contemporary and modern art in several locations. In West Hollywood, they are featuring a compelling display based on Steve Martin’s 1991 film “L.A. Story.” The studio worked with Martin to capture the LA of the film and contrast it against the LA of today, examining the way art has changed. This display runs from September 12, 2024, to January 4, 2025.
“At Home: Alice Neel in the Queer World”
The David Zwirner gallery represents over 70 artists around the world, and the space now welcomes Alice Neel. “At Home: Alice Neel in the Queer World” is a collection of Neel’s paintings, depicting individuals in the queer community and their particular relationship with the artist. This is Neel’s second appearance in a David Zwimmer gallery, but the first in LA.
The “Swifties for Trump” AI images shared by Former President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account may have done more than upset Swifties around the country. With technology evolving at a rapid rate, quantifying the harmful effects AI may have on humans is challenging, but protecting yourself from being fooled by this new technology is still important.
AI has the potential to transform your daily life and advance humankind on a scale not seen since the Industrial Revolution. Yet, it can also create numerous ethical and legal problems. With the advancing technology now intersecting with both politics and popular culture, as highlighted by Trump’s AI-Swift images that falsely suggested the global popstar endorsed him, AI’s growing influence on shaping public perceptions and political discourse cannot be denied.
While AI arguably cannot beat your interpersonal skills, it is still possible to get “beaten” regardless of how strong your interpersonal skills are. One of the easiest pathways where AI can do this is on social media.
Social media, and anything else you could possibly click on the internet, has the potential to influence you—and is often trying to. The goal may not always be to get you to sign up for something or buy a product; sometimes AI is trying to influence you in other ways (like Trump’s AI images of Swift aimed to do). When social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram rely on paid ads, AI is used to target you with algorithms that tailor ads to your interests, using your data to elicit emotions and influence you.
AI’s influence raises critical questions on what the potential risks are for democratic societies, potentially challenging one’s understanding of truth, representation, and the role of technology in politics. Such consequences make it necessary for you to protect yourself from the harmful impacts of AI.
Ultimately, protecting yourself from AI harm primarily falls on you, requiring you to exercise more caution and be able to decipher the truth from falsehoods, especially during political campaigns. You will want to look for confirming information from multiple sources, critically evaluating information and checking sources.
Generative AI amps up the risk of disinformation that requires you to use proven practices for evaluating content, such as seeking out authoritative context from credible independent fact-checkers for images, video, and audio, as well as unfamiliar websites.
With generative AI already being used in the 2024 presidential campaign to mislead and deceive voters, it is critical to avoid getting election information from AI chatbots and search engines that consistently integrate generative AI. To protect yourself, go to authoritative sources like election office websites, as well as experts in the area.
Dr. Lance Y. Hunter, a Professor of International Relations at Augusta University, is an expert in security studies and the democratization effects of emerging technologies like AI. With his research focused on the complex relationships between technology, democracy, and terrorism, Dr. Hunter is an ideal expert to discuss the implications of AI’s influence on the political landscape and its potential effects on global democratic processes.
Social media plays a key role in transmitting disinformation that can impact democracy. Dr. Hunter reported that social media disinformation can manifest in online political polarization, as well as the use of social media to organize offline violence, which reduces the overall levels of democracy.
Disinformation circulating on social media platforms is something you can help limit by maintaining vigilance, staying critical about the information you are taking in, and exercising responsibility when sharing political content that may have been generated by AI, especially during periods of heightened sensitivity like the election.
By staying informed, critical, engaged in civil discourse, and advocating for transparency and accountability, you can help shape the virtual ecosystem to ensure safety and trust are in place.
The Los Angeles State Historic Park will be hosting the Family Style Culinary Festival again on September 28th. This one-day event combines streetwear and gastronomy and promises to provide unique culinary, shopping, and cultural experiences. The event, which is organized by Complex in collaboration with The Pokemon Company International, features a wide range of chefs, eateries, companies, and performers.
The family-friendly event combines food and fashion for a one-of-a-kind event. Collaborative food and merchandise items will be available exclusively at the festival. Not only will there be a delicious array of food, but there will also be clothes from the hottest brands and designers, Family Style’s own “Next In Line” cooking competition, a kid’s area, and a select music lineup.
Selected Menu Items from Food Vendors
Celebrated chefs and well-known food sellers will provide a variety of gastronomic treats during the event. Among the well-known names are Katz’s Delicatessen, Regina’s Grocery, Kato, Kuya Lord, Bacanora, baroo, and Din Tai Fung. Other vendors bringing their flavors to the event include Burritos La Palma, Park’s BBQ, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Howlin’ Ray’s, and Broad Street Oyster Co.
Some of the highlights of this year’s list are unique ideas like Pikachu’s Electric Cafe, which will serve only bubble tea, and Alfredo, a collaboration between The Alchemist and Freddie Gibbs inspired by their 2020 album. A host of additional vendors, including Ggiata, Holy Basil, Wanderlust Creamery, Cobi’s, Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Mariscos Jalisco, Camphor, Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers, and many more, are scheduled to participate.
Only Available Items from Top Streetwear Brands
Apart from its varied cuisine selection, the event will showcase partnerships with leading streetwear labels, enabling guests to acquire rare items. Nike, Converse, Awake NY, Better Gift Shop, Billionaire Boys Club, Kids of Immigrants, The Hundreds, verdy, Diet Starts Monday, Compton Cowboys, New Era, Bricks & Woods, Tombogo, Tokyo Vitamin, DJ Javier, and Daydreamer LA are among the participating businesses.
These companies will work with food vendors to produce limited-edition goods that showcase the festival’s distinctive convergence of fashion and cuisine, combining aspects from both.
NEXT IN LINE Cooking Competition
The NEXT IN LINE cooking competition, which aims to promote diversity in the culinary industry, will undoubtedly be the event’s centerpiece. This year’s competition will include up-and-coming female chefs thanks to a partnership formed with RE, a nonprofit organization that is committed to expanding opportunities for women working in the food business. Five chefs will square off for a $10,000 prize that will help launch their culinary careers.
Intricate Plans for Acquisition and Growth
The Family Style Food Festival will make its debut in 2024 after being purchased by Complex, a well-known media outlet that specializes in convergence culture. Family Style is now Complex’s food-focused sector, and the company intends to grow into new markers as a result of this purchase.
Family Style will have its premiere in November at ComplexCon in Las Vegas, after the Los Angeles event. Family Style will become even more well-known in the cultural sphere when Travis Scott and Playboi Carti headline ComplexCon, an event renowned for its blend of fashion, music, and art.
Tickets and Additional Details
FamilyStyleFest.com is the website where you can buy tickets for the Family Style Food Festival. The event offers a rare chance for participants to discover the newest trends in the streetwear and culinary worlds and will be a day filled with unique item collaborations, live entertainment, and exclusive dining experiences.
Visit FamilyStyleFest.com or follow @FamilyStyleFest and @Complex on social media to learn more and to be informed about the most recent releases and news.
Michella Filipowitz has never been one to follow the conventional path, and her life is a testament to the beauty of forging your own way. As a model, art dealer, and co-chair of the DR Family Foundation, Michella’s story is an inspiring example of how embracing the unexpected can lead to profound fulfillment and lasting love. Her journey challenges the traditional ideals of what it means to build a family and find happiness, showing us that life’s greatest rewards often come from the least anticipated places.
In our society, there is a pervasive notion that happiness and fulfillment are tied to a specific sequence of events: meet the right person, fall in love, get married, have children, and live a stable life. While this path certainly works for some, it doesn’t reflect the diversity of human experience. Michella’s life is a vivid illustration of the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to love and family. Her journey is a reminder that true joy often comes from embracing the unknown and trusting in the process, even when it leads you down an unconventional road.
Michella’s story begins with a bold decision that set the course for her life. At just 15 years old, she left her home behind to pursue her dreams of becoming a model in Paris. This wasn’t just a career move; it was a leap into adulthood, where she had to navigate the complexities of life far from the comfort and familiarity of home. The early years in Paris were both challenging and transformative, shaping Michella into the resilient and determined woman she is today. It was during this time that she first encountered the harsh realities of life, including the glaring gaps in mental health support for young people dealing with trauma. These experiences planted the seeds of what would later become her passion for advocacy and support, particularly for those who are often overlooked by society.
As Michella’s modeling career progressed, so too did her understanding of the world around her. She learned the importance of mental and emotional resilience, lessons that would prove invaluable in the years to come. Michella’s time in Paris wasn’t just about building a career; it was about building character and learning how to navigate a world that isn’t always kind or forgiving. The challenges she faced during these formative years helped her develop a deep sense of empathy and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
By the time Michella was 23, her life had taken a significant turn. She became a single mother to her son, Benjamin, a role that brought immense joy but also a host of challenges. “Becoming a single mom wasn’t something I planned,” she shares. “But it’s the most rewarding role I’ve ever taken on. Benjamin gave me a sense of purpose and a strength I never knew I had.” The arrival of Benjamin marked the beginning of a new chapter in Michella’s life, one that would be defined by both love and resilience.
When Benjamin was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, it was a pivotal moment for Michella. The diagnosis brought with it both heartbreak and determination. “I noticed early on that Benjamin wasn’t developing at the same pace as other children,” she recalls. “When we received the diagnosis, it was a confirmation of my fears, but it also motivated me to learn everything I could to support him.” Michella immersed herself in researching autism, seeking out the best therapies and educational environments for Benjamin. She was determined to give him every opportunity to thrive, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
Living in Miami at the time, Michella faced significant challenges in finding the right educational environment for Benjamin. Many private schools were reluctant to accept a child with autism, fearing that his needs might disrupt the learning environment for other students. On the other hand, schools specifically designed for children with disabilities often isolated these children, limiting their opportunities to interact with their peers. Michella was determined to find a school where Benjamin could thrive, surrounded by a diverse group of children who would help him grow socially and academically.
The search for the right school was long and arduous, but Michella’s persistence paid off. She eventually found a school that not only accepted Benjamin but also provided him with the support he needed to flourish. This was a turning point for both mother and son, offering them a sense of stability and hope for the future. “Finding the right school was a huge relief,” Michella says. “It gave me peace of mind knowing that Benjamin was in a place where he could grow and develop in a supportive environment.”
As Michella began to find a rhythm in her life as a single mother, fate intervened once again. She met her fiancé, an art dealer from Sydney, and their connection was immediate. “From the moment we met, I knew there was something special between us,” Michella says. “Our first date turned into a five-hour conversation, and I realized I had found someone who understood and supported me in a way I hadn’t experienced before.” Their relationship blossomed quickly, and soon they were making plans for a future together.
Moving to Sydney to be with her fiancé was a major decision, one that came with its own set of challenges. It meant starting over in a new city, far from the support system she had built in Miami. It also meant finding the right support systems for Benjamin all over again. The transition wasn’t easy, especially when Michella realized that Australia’s systems for mental health and disability support were not as robust as those in Miami. “It was a difficult adjustment,” she admits. “But my fiancé’s unwavering support and love for Benjamin made all the difference.”
Despite the challenges, Michella and her fiancé were able to create a loving, supportive environment for their blended family. The love they shared not only strengthened their bond but also inspired them to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Together, they co-founded the DR Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping children and families facing challenges similar to those Michella and Benjamin had overcome.
The DR Family Foundation’s mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment for children from all walks of life—whether they come from broken homes, live with disabilities, or simply need a place where they can grow and thrive. The foundation offers financial assistance to help cover the costs of schooling for children in disadvantaged situations and provides a safe haven where they can feel supported and loved.
But the foundation’s vision doesn’t stop there. Michella and her fiancé have ambitious plans for the future, including expanding their efforts to support abused women and organizing community volunteer events. “We want to spread love and kindness wherever we can,” Michella says. “Because at the end of the day, that’s what the world needs more of.”
Michella’s life story is one of resilience, love, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. It’s a reminder that even when life doesn’t follow a traditional path, there is beauty and fulfillment to be found in the unexpected. “Benjamin changed my life in ways I never could have imagined,” Michella reflects. “And now, with my fiancé by my side, I’m excited to see what the future holds for our family and for the foundation.”
The foundation’s impact is already being felt, with plans to build a home for children from diverse backgrounds who need a safe space to grow and thrive. “We’re creating a place where children can feel safe, loved, and supported,” Michella explains. “It’s about giving them the tools they need to succeed, no matter what challenges they face.”
The home, set to open in Summer 2025, is just the beginning. Michella and her fiancé envision a future where the DR Family Foundation can expand its reach, helping even more children and families in need. “We’re just getting started,” she says. “There’s so much more we want to do, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.”
Michella’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond her work with the foundation. She is also an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly for children and families dealing with disabilities. “Mental health is just as important as physical health,” she says. “It’s something that needs to be talked about more, and we need to make sure that support is available to everyone who needs it.”
As Michella looks to the future, she is filled with hope and determination. “I’ve learned that life doesn’t always go according to plan,” she says. “But that’s okay. Sometimes, the most beautiful things come from the unexpected. I’m grateful for the journey I’ve been on, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
To keep up with Michella’s journey and learn more about the DR Family Foundation’s projects, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella. The foundation’s new home for children is set to open in Summer 2025, with many more exciting initiatives on the horizon. Whether it’s through the foundation’s work or her advocacy for mental health, Michella Filipowitz is dedicated to making the world a better, more loving place for everyone.
Hair stylist Sallie Ciganovich once lived the Hollywood dream. It has since turned into a nightmare. She has over two decades of experience and her resume includes styling the hair of actors on “Star Wars,” “The Mandalorian,” and “Ahsoka.” Her work even earned her four Primetime Emmy nominations. Today, instead of working on big productions, Sallie is cutting and coloring hair in a small shed by her pool just to make ends meet.
The eight-by-ten-foot space, affectionately referred to as “the shack in the back,” wasn’t intended to be a source of income. Instead, it was supposed to be a place where her friends would come over and she could give them haircuts. However, with her bank account dwindling and work in Hollywood drying up, the shack has become a financial lifeline for her family.
Paying her Dues
Growing up in Naperville, Illinois, Sallie found her passion for hairdressing at an early age. After beauty school, she worked as a colorist in Chicago, where she got her first taste of the entertainment world by doing makeovers for Jenny Jones at NBC. However, driven by ambition and a desire to chase bigger dreams, she moved to Los Angeles to make her mark.
Like many with large dreams but small connections, her early days in Hollywood were tough. Sallie finally got her break working on the film “Wonderland,” which helped her join the IATSE hair and makeup union. Work was slow at first, but eventually, she landed jobs on shows like “Monk” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” where she stayed for 12 seasons. Sallie remembers the show with great fondness, recalling the creativity, quick changes, and family atmosphere.
Over the years, as Sallie’s reputation grew, so did her career. She worked on shows like “Glee,” “Bones,” and “The Orville.” Most notably, her work on “The Mandalorian” and “Ahsoka” earned her more Emmy nominations. But despite her success, the last few years have been the hardest of her career.
COVID Hits and Packs a Wallup
Both the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent 2023 strikes brought Hollywood to a standstill, curtailing Sallie’s work like never before. Productions shut down, and opportunities for veteran workers dried up. What’s more, there was a production exodus from Los Angeles to Great Britain, Ireland, New Mexico, and Atlanta.
Producers who she once depended on for work retired or left the industry and Sallie was forced to rebuild her network from scratch. Confronted with starting over, her savings depleted, and her health care insurance in jeopardy, Sallie used the “shack in the back” to generate extra income.
Do or Die
With financial pressures mounting, by the summer of 2023, Sallie started taking in clients in her backyard shed, charging $60 for a men’s haircut and $100 for an all-over color. Most of her clients are friends or former colleagues from the industry. However, even with the extra income, it has been tough for her to make ends meet.
What’s next? Sallie is currently considering more drastic measures to secure her future. One option may be relocating to Kentucky, where her mother mentioned that 32 movies have recently been greenlit. Another potential idea is transforming an old church near her family’s farm in Indiana into a day spa. She is researching this opportunity through an online business course. Whether either of these choices comes to fruition, at the end of the day would require that Sallie relinquish the dream and career which took her decades to build.
The Only Certainty is Uncertainty
Sallie’s story is a wake-up call for how much the entertainment industry has changed. The future is uncertain. Careers that once seemed secure are now in jeopardy. Sallie is in limbo, questioning what comes next and whether her passion for Hollywood and her career can see her through these difficult times.
The city of Los Angeles has long been the centerpiece of many films, including the memorable 1991 Steve Martin movie, L.A. Story. In the film, Martin shines the light on the oddities and normalcies that are uniquely L.A. The film’s essence has been captured in a new art exhibit titled “L.A. Story” at the gallery, Hauser & Wirth. The exhibit is the brainchild of art aficionado and actor, Steve Martin, along with the gallery’s senior curatorial director Ingrid Schaffner, and senior director Mike Davis.
An Hommage to L.A.
In the film, Martin plays the role of television weatherman, Harris K. Telemach, who searches for meaning. His quest pays tribute to art in LA. The actual exhibit, however, is not an exact translation of the film into art, but rather of art that is a representation of the L.A. experience.
It features iconic works, including David Hockney’s famous depictions of swimming pools – a reflection of the laid-back, sun-drenched lifestyle that L.A. is known for. Other artists, including Eric Fischl and Calida Rawles, contribute their interpretations of swimming and diving, which reinforces the city’s connection to water and leisure.
Beyond the Surface: Revealing L.A.’s Layers
While it has become somewhat commonplace to make fun of L.A.’s superficiality, there’s a great deal more depth to the city than its glossy exterior. The exhibition exposes the city’s complexity, from its car culture to its social stratification.
Ed Ruscha’s works capture iconic L.A. landmarks, while Florian Maier-Aichen’s photographs of Malibu’s coast—both dreamy and ominous—are a reminder of the city’s delicate relationship with nature. Mark Bradford’s monumental canvases reflect the city’s ever-changing social landscape demonstrating the impermanence that defines much of L.A.’s existence.
The artwork also includes a scene from Martin’s film, where a shootout erupts on L.A.’s chaotic freeways. This is a reminder of the dark side of the city which is both unpredictable and dangerous.
Steve Martin: A True Artist
Steve Martin is more than a comedian. He is also a passionate collector and supporter of the arts as well as an advocate for Los Angeles’s art institutions. His personal collection includes masterpieces by art legends Pablo Picasso, Georges Seurat, Edward Hopper, and Roy Lichtenstein.
Martin is more than just a collector, however. He is also dedicated to bringing lesser-known talent into the spotlight. For example, in 2016 Martin was instrumental in organizing the first major viewing of Canadian artist Lawren Harris’s paintings at the Hammer Museum. The exhibition later traveled to other prestigious venues, including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
In addition to his role as an art curator, Martin has written a novel, “An Object of Beauty,” set in the cutthroat world of New York’s art scene. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamics of power and business in the art world. It highlights the distinction between genuine appreciation and the manufactured importance that often surrounds high-profile art pieces.
A Love Letter to L.A.
For Martin, “L.A. Story” transcends being just an exhibition. It’s a love letter to the city that has been a central part of his life and career. “I’m thrilled that ‘L.A. Story’ is the focus of so many wonderful artists and a wonderful gallery, Hauser & Wirth, which is just across the street from the Troubadour, where I first stepped foot on Santa Monica Blvd., which began my L.A. sojourn,” Martin said in a statement. Ultimately, the show is a reminder that Los Angeles is not just a backdrop for stories, but a story in and of itself.
Visiting the Exhibit: The Details
“L.A. Story” opens at Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles on September 12 and will run through January 2025.
51 contestants in both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants will participate in the competitions this year. Each of the 2023 title holders resigned, for the first time in the event’s history, and both are returning to Los Angeles this week to declare new winners.
There are three main rounds of competition, including swimsuit (Miss USA) or athletic wear (Miss Teen USA), evening gown, and an onstage interview, though the contestants also have a preliminary interview with the judges.
Relinquishing Crowns
Noelia Voigt, winner of the Miss USA pageant, and UmaSofia Srivastava, winner of the Miss Teen USA pageant, separately announced on their social media that they would relinquish their crowns. Neither has addressed specifics publicly, though rumors of non-disclosure agreements abound. Voigt cites mental health reasons while Srivastava claims a clash in personal values between herself and the Miss Teen USA organization.
While there were no public statements, CNN obtained Voigt’s resignation letter, which helped to explain things somewhat. Starting with frustrations over administrative issues that delayed her prizes from the competition, an apartment and a car, Voigt then proceeded into much more serious allegations. In the letter, Voigt claimed that pageant president Laylah Rose attacked her character by calling her “mentally ill.” She also noted a “toxic work environment” and claims of sexual harassment during a parade appearance due to the lack of an “effective handler”.
Rose and Miss USA declined to respond to CNN’s requests for comment, but she later released a statement reported by the Los Angeles Times which refuted the allegations.
Vacancies and Upsets
Following the resignations, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, last year’s runner-up to the Miss USA pageant, stepped into the role in place of Voigt. The runner-up to the Miss Teen USA pageant, Stephanie Skinner, declined the title, leaving the role vacant. Gankiewicz may also crown the new Miss Teen USA as a result, another first for the event. Overall, the two resignations have left the organizations in a mess.
Uncertain Prizing
This year, Miss USA’s website has no information about the prize package, but Instagram posts suggest that Garcelle Beauvais of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” will be one of the hosts. Traditionally, Miss USA pageant winners have received the following: a luxury car, an LA apartment, and a six-figure salary for one year so long as they make appearances and support the organization’s causes. Additional benefits have included designer clothes, guest spots on television shows, and five-star resort stays, though none of these appear listed on the current website.
Who Can Participate in Miss USA?
To participate in Miss USA, a participant must be a US citizen recognized as medically and legally female, while either being a permanent resident, full-time student, or full-time employee of their state for a given period. There are no longer age restrictions, and previous requirements that a competitor had to be single and without children have been done away with. Julia Morehouse was the first married woman to compete.
The History of Miss USA Competitions
Another frequent question concerns the difference between Miss America and Miss USA. Both are major national pageants with a shared history, but as brands they are distinct. Miss America began as a small competition in 1921, quickly rising in prominence. However, when the 1950 titleholder, Yolande Betbeze, refused to appear in swimwear, Catalina, a company that made swimwear, dropped their sponsorship of Miss America and founded Miss USA. Today, Miss America acts as a non-profit scholarship program, while Miss USA is a franchise part of the Miss Universe Organization, whose winners automatically represent the United States during its international pageant. Miss America got rid of the swimsuit portion altogether in 2018.
What’s Next
Miss Teen USA’s 42nd finals is on August 1st, and Miss USA’s 73rd edition is on August 4th at the Peacock Theater.
Los Angeles’ historic outdoor mural, The Great Wall, is a testament to California’s history—and just so happens to be one of the largest murals in the world. The colorful mural already stretches across more than a half-mile along the L.A. River network on the Tujunga Wash, but is being expanded in the artistic plans to highlight more history of The Golden State.
The expansion of the L.A. landmark was inspired by artist Judy Baca, who began work with a team of artists inside the L.A. County Museum of Art last October in what was, in essence, a live exhibit where visitors could watch the artists in action. In the Resnick Pavilions, painters placed thousands of acrylic brush strokes on a huge roll of unwoven fabric for viewers to witness. Yet, despite the studio-style process, Baca shared how the experience took her out of her element.
“I must say that I was very skeptical about painting in a white box,” Baca told the crowd at a recent press event. “I don’t paint in white boxes. I paint in rivers, and I paint on freeways. I paint in places where it’s dangerous.”
While the team’s time at LACMA was not the same dangerous atmosphere Baca is used to, the artist shared that the process was a different kind of artistic danger because viewers could directly question the artists about the scenes being painted. The LACMA artistic showcase ended on July 21, but the artists’ work included scenes from the Chicano movement, the Watts Renaissance, and LGBTQ+ rights protests, ultimately covering 190 feet of additions.
The team of artists will continue painting at the Bergamot Station Art Center starting August 2, with a view to adding historic moments from around the 1970s, including Jimi Hendrix scenes and Woodstock.
“That will prove to be as interesting, and maybe a little even more controversial,” Baca said.
California’s Great Wall had already depicted scenes from prehistoric times to the 1950s, but the team of artists will be adding an additional 200 feet of art, finishing in 2027 (just in time for the Olympics), that feature significant moments in California’s history—specifically history of marginalized communities.
The first section of the expansion covers significant moments in the Chicano Movement, beginning with a depiction of major labor leaders in the Central Valley, including Phillip Vera Cruz, César Chávez, Dolores Huerta with her megaphone and poet-boxer Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales—influential figures in the farmworker rights movement.
Other striking artwork includes the East L.A. Walkouts of 1968, as students come out of their classrooms to protest prejudice in the education system, urging for Chicano history to be taught in schools. Police are painted arresting people, including young girls with brown berets—a moniker of the Chicano group modeled after the Black Panthers—to reflect women’s contributions to the movement.
Black history in the Golden State is also included in the expansion, with the Watts Uprising of 1965 in the next scene, where you’re transported to a public outcry followed by the traffic stop of Marquette and Ronald Frye that turned violent. An alley is engulfed in flames as police fight with the brothers and their mother.
Opposite of paintings of the Watts Towers, a trio of ferocious black panthers signify the community’s power during this time. Two women are painted with groceries from the Black Panther Party’s free food program as children eat and read books about colonization.
Baca and her team used creative freedom throughout the paintings to create a resonance with people who remember how the rebellion felt.
The Great Wall’s expansion is meant to bring the mural’s historical scenes up to the 21st century.
The Los Angeles Natural History Museum is going green with the addition of its latest dinosaur. The 75-foot-long sauropod Gnatalie (pronounced Natalie) is being assembled at the museum. According to museum officials, it is not just a member of a new species but also the only dinosaur found on the planet whose bones are green.
Gnatalie received her name from the gnats that swarmed the excavation site of the long-necked, long-tailed, herbivorous dinosaur’s fossils, which were first discovered by researchers in 2007 in the Utah Badlands. The dinosaur’s fossils have a unique coloration of dark-mottled olive green, which it received from the mineral celadonite during the fossilization process.
While other fossils typically are brown from silica or black from iron minerals, green fossils are scarce due to the mineral celadonite forming normally in volcanic or hydrothermal conditions, which typically destroy buried bones. Celadonite entered the fossils when volcanic activity around 50 million to 80 million years ago made it hot enough to replace a previous mineral.
Like a sauropod species called Diplodocus, the sauropod refers to a family of massive herbivores, including the Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus. This new species of dinosaur lived 150 million years ago, during the late Jurassic Era, which makes it older than the Tyrannosaurus rex, which lived 66 million to 68 million years ago.
While the discovery of the dinosaur will be published in a scientific paper next year, seeing Gnatalie in all her glory is a sight to behold.
Matt Wedel, anatomist and paleontologist at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona near Los Angeles, said he heard “rumors of a green dinosaur way back when [he] was in graduate school.” But, when he finally was able to glimpse the bones while they were being cleaned, Wedel said they were “not like anything else that I’ve ever seen.”
John Whitlock, who teaches at Mount Aloysius College, a private Catholic college in Cresson, Pennsylvania, joins in the excitement. Whitlock researches sauropods and expressed enthusiasm at having such a complete skeleton that helps fill in the blanks for less complete specimens.
“It’s tremendously huge, and it really adds to our ability to understand both taxonomic diversity and anatomical diversity,” Whitlock said.
Gnatalie will bring more than greenery to the Los Angeles Natural History Museum. Luis M. Chiappe of the museum’s Dinosaur Institute said in a statement about his team’s discovery that “dinosaurs are a great vehicle for teaching our visitors about the nature of science, and what better than a green, almost 80-foot-long dinosaur to engage them in the process of scientific discovery and make them reflect on the wonders of the world we live in!”
Last month, the museum asked for a public vote on five choices for the dinosaur’s name: Verdi, a derivative of the Latin word for green; Olive, after the small green fruit that symbolizes peace, joy, and strength; Esme, short for Esmeralda, which is Emerald in Spanish; and Sage, an iconic LA plant that is also grown in the Natural History Museum’s Nature Gardens.
Gnatalie will be the museum’s biggest dinosaur and can be seen this fall in its new welcome center.
