A mother’s decision to give up her newborn just hours after she gave birth would change a Tustin, California, family’s life forever.
Just hours after he was born in December 2017, baby Noah was surrendered at Fire Station 21 in Tustin. Firefighter Linda Brown, who was on scene at the time, ensured Noah’s safe surrender when he arrived with his umbilical cord tied with a Christmas ribbon.
The baby’s arrival would be nothing short of miraculous for Javier and Tim Salazar, who both became certified to foster in Orange County two short months before. It was only three days after Noah’s surrender that the Salazars would find themselves presented with the baby boy they would eventually come to call their own.
California’s Safe Surrender Baby Law, which allows parents to legally and safely surrender their baby within 72 hours of birth without questions asked, led to Noah’s arrival with the Salazars. He is one of the 1,341 children who have been surrendered in California since 2001.
Noah’s journey was not an easy one, however. During his first year, he struggled with jaundice, had difficulty eating from a bottle, and experienced other health symptoms. The family states that they had to learn how to do certain things, such as how to hold Noah, and because he couldn’t grasp a bottle well, he needed to be stimulated during feeding time.
However, despite these challenges, the Salazars are grateful to the woman who made Noah’s life possible, who they claim did the “ultimate mother kind of thing” even though she was not ready to be one.
Noah, who is now six, is a big brother to his sister, Kaia, whom the Salazar family adopted in 2018.
The firefighter who facilitated Noah’s arrival has reunited with the child since their first encounter at the fire station. The couple claimed that Brown would forever be ‘Godmother Linda’ and hoped that the mother, wherever she may now be, would feel that she had made the right decision. While they understand that there might not be a day that goes by where she questions if she did or didn’t do the right thing, the Salazar family wants her to know that Noah is okay and that everything she wished for in this situation is coming true.
What lurks beneath the waves? Long Beach got its answer in a big way on Tuesday when a massive chunk of concrete appeared on the sands near Belmont Pier, captivating locals and visitors alike.
Imagine strolling down the beach, the usual suspects of seashells and seaweed at your feet, when suddenly you’re faced with a six-foot-tall, bus-length monstrosity of stone. This was the reality for Long Beach residents and a crowd of perplexed onlookers who could hardly believe their eyes. “I couldn’t distinguish what it was,” one bystander confessed, echoing the widespread astonishment. Another local was more forthcoming: “It’s really big. Probably bigger than a bus. I’ve never seen anything like it in Long Beach.”
The mystery of this concrete leviathan was as dense as the material itself. While this behemoth of the deep didn’t journey from the abyss, it had a more mundane origin, though its arrival is anything but ordinary. The story begins at Hotel Maya, a picturesque resort-style urban beach known for its stunning waterfront views, not its contributions to marine debris. However, nature had other plans during a fierce storm on February 1st. The storm’s fury unleashed the L.A. River’s waters with such force that it snapped the chains binding a massive concrete dock, setting it adrift.
As the dock embarked on its unintended voyage, speculation was rife among Hotel Maya’s staff. Conventional wisdom suggested it would find a watery grave, succumbing to the depths due to its sheer weight and bulk. The dock defied expectations. Buoyed by the turbulent waters, it journeyed through the ocean’s expanse, traversing approximately five miles before making landfall at Junipero Beach.
While beachgoers are no strangers to the oddities that the ocean coughs up, especially in a place as dynamic as Long Beach, the sight of a concrete colossus resting on the sand was unparalleled.
The community’s response was a mix of curiosity and concern. How did such a significant structure float and end up here? Clean-up crews explained that answers lay in the peculiar physics of storm-driven waters and the unexpected buoyancy of the dock. In short, it is just another layer of Long Beach’s complex relationship with the sea and proof that even the mightiest human-made structures are but playthings in the hands of nature’s caprices.
This isn’t Long Beach’s first rodeo with unexpected debris. Past storms have littered the beach with everything from grocery bags to bamboo, necessitating large-scale clean-up efforts. This time, however, the challenge was not just the volume but the sheer size of the debris. “We’re used to trash and debris washing up… But having a floating dock wash up in such a large chunk was quite a surprise,” shared a witness to the spectacle.
As intriguing as it is, this concrete eyesore is not a permanent fixture. Marine crews estimate a two-week timeline to dismantle the giant before it can be hauled off to a local dump, marking the end of its unlikely journey. In the meantime, it serves as a monument to the power of nature and the unpredictability of the sea, drawing crowds eager to catch a glimpse of Long Beach’s newest, albeit temporary, attraction.
One of San Diego’s newest chefs, Cameron Ingle at Marisi in La Jolla, is reportedly bringing back the famous Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner. While it has been over a decade since the last local chef hosted the event, Ingle, who took over the restaurant’s kitchen in August 2023, is preparing to host the five-course, $350 meal this March.
Born and raised near Detroit, Michigan, Ingle grew up working in his family’s Italian restaurant. He has since gone on to become a culinary advisor to The White Buffalo Land Trust for regenerative agriculture in Lompoc. He is an advocate for sustainable farming as well as an avid hunter and currently lives in Del Mar with his wife.
Now, on Wednesday, March 20, Ingle is set to prepare the dinner, with all proceeds going to benefit the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard Foundation, headquartered in New York, is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering, enhancing, and honoring the culinary heritage of America. Every year, it proudly highlights outstanding restaurants, talented chefs, inspiring food media, and influential leaders who shape the industry, celebrating their contributions and hard work.
Before he started at Marisi — an Italian restaurant that opened its doors in the summer of 2022 at 1044 Wall St., in the former Whisknladle space — Ingle worked as a sous chef and private dining chef for Michelin two-star chef Dan Barber at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York, for four years. Before working in Tarrytown, Ingle worked for Ori Manashe at Bestia and Bavel in L.A. He also worked for Michelin three-star chef Thomas Keller at Bouchon Bistro in Yountville in the Napa Valley.
Speaking on what brought Ingle to San Diego last summer, the chef said “I had another opportunity on the Central Coast that brought me back out here, but it didn’t pan out as I wanted. The Puesto team reached out, and they had a great reputation, plus it’s a beautiful restaurant.” Ingle continued, “A lot of my childhood was doing Sicilian events and growing up in Italian restaurants. This is a return to my roots. I get to cook the food I really enjoy eating on a daily basis, and I like that a lot.”
Ingle was asked what dishes he was working on and stated, “I’m working on a veal Milanese for spring, and I’m excited about that. I will also launch some new pasta but want to keep that under wraps for now. I’m a huge fan of chicories and bitter greens. One dish I always go back to that my mom makes me on my birthdays is Parmesan broth in escarole soup. That’s something I will incorporate into a dish.”
Concerning the prestigious event on March 20, Ingle also spoke about the importance of hosting the Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner. He said, “This is the next step for Marisi, to get that level of excellence we’re reaching for.” The chef added, “I’m excited to be working with the James Beard Foundation and everything they are doing for small independent restaurants and lesser-known chefs. I haven’t made it to the next level yet, but I’m phasing really hard to get there. It’s super exciting, and I’m excited for our team and for San Diego.”
Finally, Ingle spoke and what diners at the James Beard Benefit Dinner can expect to find on their menu. Ingle said, “I don’t know the menu yet, but we chose a springtime date, which is my favorite time of year to cook because it’s a time of rebirth for things like morel mushrooms, ramps, and green garlic. I’ll also try to focus on regenerative agriculture as a huge component and we’ll try to utilize some things from The White Buffalo Land Trust.”
Fullerton-based clothing brand Learn to Forget stands as a vibrant representation of rebellion and artistic expression in Southern California’s counterculture. Founded by Reilly Herrera and Mike Cambra, the brand intertwines the spirit of skating, graffiti art, and punk rock prevalent in Orange County and Los Angeles.
Reilly Herrera’s journey into the world of counterculture began early in life, marked by his innate talent for drawing and a penchant for going against the grain. Growing up in Fullerton, Herrera’s interests in graffiti, skating, and punk rock music converged, shaping his unique perspective on art and expression. His college years further fueled his creative journey, delving into oil painting and graphic design, providing him with the tools needed to navigate the mainstream art world.
As the bassist for Night Versus, Herrera’s artistic endeavors extended to designing band merchandise. However, his one-of-a-kind style found a separate outlet when he started printing shirts independently. The venture led to the inception of Learn to Forget in 2013, a collaboration with longtime friend Mike Cambra, the drummer of Death by Stereo.
From its humble DIY beginnings, selling merchandise out of garages and car trunks, Learn to Forget has evolved into a global phenomenon, with products available in over 400 stores worldwide, including a partnership with Zumiez. The brand maintains a commitment to local production, with most designs printed locally and ensuring quality. Even when outsourcing is necessary, Herrera prefers locations like Pakistan for their craftsmanship.
Learn to Forget’s product range includes trucker hats featuring fonts reminiscent of death metal and hardcore band logos, jackets adorned with anarchy symbols, spider webs, and skulls. The designs pay homage to the rebellious spirit of punk rock, skating, and graffiti scenes, mirroring Herrera and Cambra’s upbringing in these distinctive subcultures.
The brand’s website showcases statement pieces with slogans rooted in punk community values. Messages like “Never Above You, Never Below You, Always Beside You” and “Respect Existence or Expect Resistance” echo the essence of the punk scene. Influenced by the politically charged punk band Propagandhi, Herrera and Cambra’s designs challenge the status quo and encourage individuality. Learn to Forget, born out of a mindset that unconsciously challenges boundaries, continues to push the envelope with boisterously confident statements and provocative designs.
The brand has ventured into collaborations with Pabst Blue Ribbon and iconic punk bands like the Adolescents, celebrating the 40th anniversary of their self-titled album. Herrera and Cambra aspire to expand collaborations with more bands, musical acts, and brands such as Dickies and Obey, envisioning a sustainable independent venture.
For Herrera and Cambra, Learn to Forget goes beyond a brand to become a trailblazing platform for artistic expression. It also serves as a response to the absence of financial safety nets for those immersed in the counterculture. The duo hopes to create an amplified sustainable business that allows them longevity in the industry without the need for conventional employment. Standing out with style, Learn to Forget thrives by staying true to Herrera and Cambra’s vision of what they find cool. Their approach of boldly doing what they believe in has propelled the brand’s success, making it a prominent player in the world of counterculture fashion.
An alarming increase in graffiti vandalism in downtown Los Angeles is causing local government and business leaders more and more trouble. With its three skyscraper towers, the Oceanwide Plaza building was originally thought to be a symbol of urban rejuvenation. However, with over 30 floors covered in vibrant, illegal art, it has become a canvas for taggers. The damage continues despite increased security and a constant police presence, extending from Oceanwide Plaza to neighboring buildings and streets.
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have surrounded the Oceanwide Plaza location around the clock, every day of the week, in an attempt to ward off vandals. Nevertheless, their attempts have not been successful in deterring dedicated taggers from causing damage to the property. The LAPD Chief, Michel Moore, disclosed that more than 3,000 hours had been devoted to neighborhood patrols in recent weeks, resulting in a substantial cost burden projected to exceed $150,000.
One passionate tagger said “I’m going to get my art up no matter what it is,” illustrating the tenacity of those prepared to circumvent security protocols to make their imprint on the urban landscape.
Vandalism instances involving graffiti persist despite the LAPD’s constant watchfulness. The blatantness of the vandals was demonstrated in a recent incident that was caught on camera by NBCLA. One of the perpetrators admitted to rerouting their efforts to another building after being unable to gain entry to Oceanwide Plaza.
The impact of this vandalism goes beyond the immediate region of Oceanwide Plaza; business leaders in the downtown area have seen an alarming increase in graffiti. While Nick Griffin, Executive Vice President of the DTLA Alliance, reported a startling 500% rise in vandalism occurrences over the last week alone, Blair Besten, Executive Director of the Historic Core Business Improvement District, reported a tripling of graffiti-related service calls.
The frequency of destruction caused by graffiti has led local officials to demand immediate action. Mayor Karen Bass was pushed to declare a state of emergency by Earl Ofari Hutchinson, President of the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable, to allow the city to obtain extra state and federal resources to address the issue.
“It’s not only an eyesore. It’s an embarrassment for the city of LA,” Hutchinson emphasized, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Some taggers are unaffected by the LAPD’s efforts to enforce the ban because they believe there are legal loopholes. Despite the LAPD’s claim that trespassing and vandalism are punishable by arrest, the ongoing nature of the vandalism indicates that more extensive measures are required to deal with the underlying causes of the problem.
When the Chinese developer ran into financial difficulties in 2019, work on the Oceanwide Plaza development came to a halt, leaving the building unfinished and open to vandalism. The property’s incomplete nature has made matters worse by giving taggers lots of opportunities to express themselves at the expense of both public and private property.
As the downtown Los Angeles graffiti pandemic worsens, worries about the city’s image and public safety are growing. Although there is still work to be done, the issue of taggers’ tenacity highlights the necessity of a multimodal strategy that targets the enforcement of current laws as well as the underlying causes that motivate people to commit vandalism. Downtown Los Angeles’s streets cannot be freed from the grasp of graffiti vandalism unless law enforcement, community leaders, and stakeholders work together in unison.
Los Angeles County has initiated a massive effort to enumerate its homeless population amid a worsening crisis. This comprehensive task, led by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, is enlisting around 6,000 volunteers for a three-day street tally. This large-scale operation, which started on Tuesday night, is not just a mere count; it’s a crucial step toward understanding and addressing the escalating challenge of homelessness in the city.
The initiative, known as the “point-in-time” count, is more than just a headcount. It’s a strategic approach to gauge the scope of homelessness, aiming to identify the needs of the unhoused, including essential medical services, mental health care, and support for substance abuse issues. This count is particularly significant in light of the staggering increase in homelessness in the area. Reports indicate a 70% rise in Los Angeles County and an 80% surge in the city since 2015.
Recent statistics paint a grim picture of the situation. In 2023, over 75,500 people were reported homeless on any given night in L.A. County, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. The city of Los Angeles alone accounted for about 46,200 of these individuals. These figures highlight the urgency of the issue, which has seen a proliferation of temporary shelters, including cars, tents, and makeshift structures in public spaces like parks and sidewalks.
The plight of homelessness has not gone unnoticed by local government officials. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who declared a state of emergency on homelessness on her first day in office in December 2022, underscored the crisis during the count’s kickoff in North Hollywood. “Homelessness is an emergency, and it will take all of us working together to confront this emergency,” Bass stated, emphasizing the count’s importance in tackling the crisis.
Mayor Bass’s administration has taken steps to mitigate the situation, moving over 21,000 unhoused individuals into temporary shelters, including leased hotels, in 2023. The city has also been actively clearing outstreet encampments and working on additional housing projects.
The yearly homeless census is not solely a local endeavor; it’s a mandated federal obligation. Conducting this count is essential for Los Angeles and other cities to remain eligible for certain types of federal funding. This makes the accuracy and thoroughness of the count critical for securing the resources needed to combat the homeless crisis effectively.
As California residents grow increasingly frustrated with the escalating homeless population, this count comes at a crucial juncture. It reflects the community’s commitment to understanding and addressing the complex needs of its unhoused residents. The results of this count, expected to be released in late spring or early summer, will be pivotal in shaping the city’s approach to a problem that has become a defining challenge for Los Angeles.
This extensive volunteer effort, one of the largest of its kind, is a testament to the community’s resolve to tackle an issue that affects not just the homeless population but the entirety of the city’s social fabric. As volunteers traverse the streets of Los Angeles, their findings will lay the groundwork for strategies and solutions to one of our time’s most pressing social issues.
When we think about fitness, the image that often comes to mind is intense workouts, competitive environments, and an overwhelming focus on physical appearance. This traditional view can be daunting and unwelcoming for many. But what if there was a place that turned this concept on its head? Welcome to Babes of Wellness in Compton, a gym that’s not just challenging these norms but completely rewriting them.
In 2018, Katalina Novoa, the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, saw a gap in the fitness industry. She observed how conventional gyms often felt unsafe and unwelcoming, especially for women and queer people. Driven by the question, “How can I create a safe space for women and queer people to feel safe again?” she founded Babes of Wellness. This gym isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s a sanctuary where every member is encouraged to connect with their body in a positive, nurturing way.
One of the unique features of Babes of Wellness is the 12-week Senoras program, tailored specifically for women aged 50 and above. This program embodies the gym’s ethos perfectly. It’s not about pushing limits to the extreme but about understanding and embracing where each individual is in their fitness journey. Here, exercise feels like a celebration of the body’s capabilities rather than a punishment for its limitations.
“We’re really helping in mobilizing and teaching them what it feels like to connect with their bodies in a way that feels good, that feels like a celebration of what their bodies can do, not a punishment for what they can’t do,” Katalina shares. To that end, she endeavors to meet the Senoras where they are in their fitness journey. That’s why at Babes of Wellness, communication isn’t a barrier; it’s a bridge. Whether it’s through language choice or the nature of the exercises, everyone can find a welcoming space.
This approach resonates deeply with clients. Anna Perez, one of the program’s members, shares, “I feel good about myself. I’ve found a place that encourages me, not just telling me, ‘You have to do it this way.’ I feel great when I come here and I feel great when I leave.”
Other members echo the sentiments, expressing how Babes of Wellness is more than a gym; it’s a movement. As Katalina envisioned, it now stands as a beacon in the community, especially important in spaces where traditional gym environments have felt alienating. Katalina’s vision goes beyond physical fitness. It’s about nurturing self-care and self-love. This ethos is the heartbeat of Babes of Wellness, where the focus is on emotional well-being as much as it is on physical strength.
Most importantly, the impact of Babes of Wellness extends into the broader community. By creating a space where women and queer folks can feel safe and celebrated, the gym has become more than a place to work out. It’s a community hub, a source of empowerment, and a testament to the power of redefining conventional fitness narratives.
As Babes of Wellness continues to grow and impact lives, it stands as a shining example of what happens when fitness meets compassion, understanding, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. It’s a reminder that fitness is not just about the physical; it’s a holistic journey of the mind, body, and spirit.
The Hunger Task Force (HTF) of La Crosse has wrapped up its inaugural “virtual” campaign, a ground-breaking effort to combat food scarcity over the Christmas season. The nonprofit organization urgently appeals for last-minute food and cash gifts as the year ends.
The Hunger Task Force’s executive director, Shelly Fortner, recently used the La Crosse Talk segment on WIZM to discuss the campaign’s continued success. Fortner stressed the necessity of necessities that can contribute to a full supper while expressing the gravity of the issue. Products that were especially listed as essentials that may make a big difference for families experiencing food shortages were spaghetti, pasta sauce, and canned tuna.
The initiative’s online component, housed on the Hunger Task Force website, offers a convenient means for individuals to make contributions easily. The website allows users to give money to specific food categories, such as pasta dinners, cereal, or canned fruit. A $25 payment, for example, might buy 24 tuna cans, whereas a $250 donation could buy 110 jars of peanut butter. This adaptability enables contributors to customize their gifts to the particular requirements of the campaign.
From the neighborhood and beyond, the Virtual Food Drive has received support since it began on November 1. A concentrated effort is made to optimize donations in the final days as the program draws to a close on New Year’s Eve. Because the campaign is longer, those who have yet to have the chance to engage earlier still have the opportunity to have an influence.
Fortner emphasized the value of each gift, stressing that these contributions are essential to helping families during the holidays. The campaign’s transparency is demonstrated on the organization’s website, which provides a detailed explanation of the impact of the financial contributions while highlighting the observable results of each gift.
Being the only food bank in the area between Madison and Rochester is what makes the Hunger Task Force special. The group is essential to distributing commodities to 120 meal locations, food pantries, youth programs, and backpack projects in the area. The HTF’s extensive support network and broad geographic reach underscore its significance in tackling food insecurity in the local community.
The pitch to the community is hitting home as the campaign moves into its last stretch. Shelly Fortner invites everyone to visit the Hunger Task Force website to contribute to a worthwhile project for a good cause. The virtual food drive’s success highlights the ability of community-driven efforts to bring about positive change and signify individuals’ kindness.
The virtual food drive organized by the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse is evidence of the kindness and resiliency of the local population. The combined efforts to fight food insecurity during the holidays as the campaign ends will have a lasting effect on those less fortunate.
Early Tuesday morning, a terrifying incident took place on the 10 Freeway in East Los Angeles. An unexpected car-to-car shooting left two individuals grievously injured. This triggered a shutdown that heavily affected morning commuters. The incident, reported just after 5 a.m., quickly escalated into a major crisis. Authorities rushed to respond to the chaos.
As local law enforcement and California Highway Patrol arrived on the scene, they discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were in critical condition and rushed to the hospital. Usually a bustling area for residents, the freeway became a crime scene. Locals and police were faced with intense investigation and concern.
Having fled the scene, the suspect remained at large. This cast an understandable unease over the city with the potential of another attack. Authorities faced an uphill battle in their pursuit with no description of the gunman or vehicle used in the morning’s shooting. With such little information, anxiety grew among the public, left with concern about the safety of their own daily routes.
In response to the incident, many of the freeway’s eastbound lanes were closed. A major area of concern arose at the crucial I-710 interchange. This closure lasted nearly three hours and significantly disrupted the morning routine of countless commuters. Cars were slowly escorted off the roadway at South Soto Street starting around 8 a.m. Commuters were faced with heavy city traffic while attempting to find alternate routes.
This freeway shutdown was not just a logistical challenge; it shined a light on how quickly normalcy can be turned upside down. Those stuck in traffic were faced with the fear of an unknown danger. Parents, afraid for their children’s safety, had to say a frightened goodbye at school drop-off. With a violent criminal at large, it became difficult to feel safe.
Behind the scenes, law enforcement officers are working hard to find clues at the scene and beyond. They’ve worked to analyze every piece of evidence and mark on the road, knowing these could help explain why the shooting happened. Their detailed search showed how serious they were about bringing the perpetrator to justice and restoring a sense of security to the community.
As the day dragged on, the freeway slowly reopened and the physical traces of the incident cleared away. But for those who were there, the memory of that morning will stay with them. The injured men remain in the hospital, fighting to recover from this horrifying tragedy. Witnesses to the shooting and commuters affected by delays are unlikely to forget this incident.
The shooting on the 10 Freeway is yet another reminder that violence can happen suddenly and affect our communities. It highlights law enforcement’s importance in dealing with emergencies and keeping us safe, and the strength and bravery shown when people face tough times.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant, determined to apprehend the suspect and provide answers to the public. The community is working to heal and stay safe together, proving the resilience of LA residents in the face of tragedy.
Divorce, with its complex web of emotions and legalities, is rarely a straightforward process. While learning about the intricacies of divorce isn’t something we hope to be doing in the future, being prepared and informed in advance can make a significant difference.
According to Holly J. Moore, a highly respected family law attorney and the founder of Moore Family Law Group, this is not just a matter of gearing up for a battle but about equipping oneself with the necessary knowledge to negotiate effectively and protect one’s rights and interests.
“Divorce is emotionally and physically draining, there’s no questioning that. But what’s important to know is that this is much more than a legal process. It’s a negotiation,” Moore says. “And to negotiate productively, you need to understand all the rules, all the possible outcomes, and priorities.”
With over 15 years of experience in the field, Moore certainly has seen it all. From seemingly never-ending and emotionally charged custody battles to convoluted asset division disputes, she has skillfully navigated through an array of challenging cases, always advocating for her client’s best interests with tenacity and empathy.
Photo Credits: Cindy Green
Reflecting on the complexities of divorce proceedings, Moore has repeatedly highlighted the critical role that empathy plays in this process. However, this is no ordinary empathy. It’s constructive and honest, but most of all—it’s tactical.
Tactical Empathy: A Key to Constructive Negotiations
A strategic discussion is intended to resolve an issue in a way that both parties find acceptable – this is the most basic definition of negotiation that all of us are familiar with. Yet, according to Moore, contrary to the belief that negotiations are confined to boardrooms, corporate meetings, courts of law, or other institutions or organizations, they’re actually a part of our everyday lives.
“We do it all day, every day. We negotiate with our spouses, our children, the babysitters, even at a car dealership,” Moore points out. “Certainly, this term gains a more profound dimension in the context of divorce, but you can’t deny the fact that we engage in it daily.”
This is why Moore spotlights the significance of tactical empathy. “Becoming entangled in your own perspectives and needs is common in divorce proceedings, and it often leads to communication breakdowns and escalating conflicts,” she explains. “In a way, it’s natural to focus on what we want or need. However, it’s more fruitful and less frustrating to take a minute to consider what the other person wants.”
This is what tactical empathy is all about – it serves as a connector, enabling all parties to step into each other’s shoes and see the situation from a different viewpoint.
In this context, beyond just hearing what the other party has to say, one should be listening to it actively, grasping the underlying concerns and emotions. Moore explains this helps address issues more effectively and find common ground as much as possible.
“Open-ended questioning is a good tactic here. You should encourage the other party to express their thoughts, feelings, and demands in detail. Take time to truly grasp and understand what they’re saying and why,” Moore elaborates.
By understanding the reasons behind the other party’s requests and wishes, creative and satisfying solutions can be found more easily.
Most importantly, regarding the biggest advantage of tactical empathy, Moore reveals, “Once you genuinely comprehend what the other party wants and you give it to them, you are much more likely to get what you want.”
A Collaborative Approach to Conflict Resolution
In the heat of divorce negotiations, one thing is clear: it’s easy to get caught in a binary “my way or your way” mindset. To avoid the deadlocks this can lead to, Moore emphasizes another valuable strategy: option generation.
Generally speaking, option generation is a collaborative problem-solving tactic that encourages brainstorming for multiple solutions before settling on one. It shifts the focus from winning or losing to finding a resolution that respects everyone’s interests.
“There’s no zero-sum game in divorce. This is why I encourage people to consider multiple options and possible solutions and then decide which one is best,” Moore shares.
The beauty of this tactic lies in its potential to uncover solutions that may not be immediately apparent. It invites individuals to step out of their entrenched positions and explore a wider array of possibilities.
The Foundation of Effective Negotiation
In divorce negotiations, effective communication is paramount. While transparency and honesty are essential, it’s equally crucial to approach your non-negotiables and boundaries with discretion.
However, it’s important to note that setting boundaries doesn’t imply revealing your non-negotiables. Instead, it establishes a platform where all parties can confidentially address their needs and concerns without fearing crossing lines.
Navigating divorce negotiations can be similar to walking a tightrope. It demands empathy and assertiveness, teamwork, and self-advocacy. By employing these strategies, as recommended by Moore, you can navigate this emotionally charged journey with confidence and dignity.
As Moore puts it, it’s not just about getting to an agreement; it’s about how you get there.
Dynamic rapper and Toronto native Drake is known for his music and unique interests above all else. Regarding the latter, the creator has announced that he is reviving the now-defunct 1980s art amusement park once known as Luna Luna. According to Drake, the star is working with his arts and entertainment company, DreamCrew, to recreate the park and transform it into an immersive art exhibition that will be featured in downtown Los Angeles. The reimagining of the park will be called Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy.
According to Los Angeles, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy will open to the public in December. As of the most recent reporting, the exhibition will run until spring 2024. Due to the immense nature of the project, it will inevitably require sizable funding, as evidenced by Hyperallergic, the news outlet that last year reported that more than $100 million has already been invested into the transformative development.
Last week, DreamCrew posted a video on Instagram with a call to action for ticket purchasing. The post said, “Tickets to @LunaLuna: Forgotten Fantasy coming soon!” It continued, “Opening in Los Angeles this December, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is a spectacular showcase of the world’s first amusement park—lost since 1987. Sign up today to be the first to know when tickets go on sale—lunaluna.com” The brainchild of Austrian artist André Heller, the original Luna Luna was mounted during the summer of 1987 in Hamburg. Heller appointed 32 additional artists to craft various works for the exorbitant park.
The project will stay true to the original park, including creations by some of history’s most prominent and noble contemporary artists. Among the most highly-regarded attractions featured at Luna Luna are Salvador Dali’s mirrored dome, Roy Lichtenstein’s glass labyrinth, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s ferris wheel, and David Hockney’s enchanted forest. Each of these rides and attractions, plus many others, will be on display at the new exhibition in Los Angeles. The massive development will be held inside an enormous 60,000-square-foot warehouse to showcase each attraction properly. Please note that neither the ferris wheel nor the carousel will be operational. Both attractions will be presented for viewing purposes only.
The last time that any of the pieces at the original Luna Luna were made available for public viewing was almost four decades ago. Before Drake and DreamCrew decided to purchase these pieces, all of the work showcased at the original Luna Luna had broken down for years. Amazingly, each one of the pieces that will be restored and displayed at the Los Angeles exhibition sat inside multiple shipping containers in Texas for years. People are already thanking the artist for his venture, which many believe will be well-received in downtown Los Angeles.
DreamCrew provided a statement on the project, saying, “Not only was this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rediscover a lost history and the share the story with the world, but it also gave us the ability to work with the most talented partners re-creating the original vision, which still held so much untapped potential.”
Los Angeles County has recently inaugurated the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court, a pioneering initiative targeting the escalating crisis of homelessness and mental illness. This state-sanctioned program, which is operational as of this Friday, empowers individuals, including family members, first responders, and healthcare professionals, to seek court-mandated treatment and housing for those grappling with severe mental illnesses, notably schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. This move places LA County alongside seven other California counties already implementing the CARE Act program.
CARE Court’s introduction marks a significant stride forward, arriving a year earlier than originally planned. County officials are hailing it as an instrumental mechanism in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with severe mental health conditions, particularly those without shelter. Supervisor Janice Hahn highlighted the plight of families struggling to secure aid for loved ones with severe mental illnesses and underscored the prevalence of schizophrenia among the homeless. She lauded CARE Court as a long-needed solution in LA County, offering support for both those suffering and their families, who have historically had limited options.
Under the CARE Court framework, which received state legislature approval last year, individuals eligible for intervention must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed with schizophrenia or similar disorders, not stabilized in ongoing treatment, and in a state of substantial mental health deterioration. The program is designed to provide comprehensive support, including mental health care and housing, for up to two years, with periodic reviews to monitor progress.
A key aspect of CARE Court is its voluntary nature. Participants are offered legal representation and are free to opt out of services, including medication, without any civil or criminal repercussions. This voluntary approach, however, has drawn some criticism, particularly concerning the potential for involuntary conservatorships for those who either refuse or fail to engage successfully in the program. Proponents, however, argue that CARE Court offers a critical lifeline, preventing individuals from further descending into mental illness and the dangers of street life.
The program’s transparency and accessibility are bolstered by a newly launched website by the Los Angeles Superior Court. This online resource provides comprehensive information about CARE Court, including eligibility criteria and the petition process, aiming to make the system navigable for those seeking help for themselves or others.
Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner praised the collaborative effort that enabled the early launch of CARE Court. She emphasized the court’s role in maximizing judicial expertise to support individuals with mental health disorders and fostering an environment where they can thrive and lead stable lives. Initially, CARE Court proceedings will take place at the Norwalk Courthouse, with plans to move to a more central location in the future, further enhancing the program’s accessibility and impact in addressing mental health and homelessness crises in LA County.
