Jessica Koslow

John Smith only knew two things before he moved to Austin 17 years ago: It was the state capital of Texas, and it was home to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which now operates 44 movie houses across the United States, including one, since 2019, at The Bloc in DTLA.

Smith, the marketing director for West Coast locations, has worked at Alamo Drafthouse for 11 years. Although it is not a prerequisite to love movies to work at Alamo, every employee does; the question “what is your favorite movie” often comes up in interviews.

“Not to be judgy,” Smith assured, “but most folks are engaged by the question.” . . .

Read the entire article at LA Downtown News.

The Westside is the best side, according to its residents and the millions of visitors that set foot on its soil each year. From baseball to the beach and parks to piers, there is a ton of fun to be had, sights to be seen and tasty treats to try.   

Eat

• Saijo opened on April 2 in Culver City, where The Detour Bistro Bar was located. The space has been transformed into a highly stylized 24-seat countertop space with an open kitchen. A spin-off of Robata JINYA, Saijo focuses exclusively on its most popular hand rolls and robata dishes. It offers two traditional items: hand rolls (temaki) and grilled skewers (kushiyaki). The entire menu is a testament to the founder’s commitment to quality and flavor. To go with its premium nori are a variety of premium meats: A5 Miyazaki wagyu, pork belly chashu, chicken, shrimp, unagi (grilled eel) and Chilean sea bass. . . .

Read the entire feature at The Argonaut.

Residents work, live, eat, shop, and play here. Tourists from all over the world come to see the iconic landmarks and world-renowned contemporary architecture. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this list will help curate a wealth of experiences that have made DTLA the hotspot it is today, preparing for the NBA All-Star 2026, FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LXI, and the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
. . .

Read the entire article at LA Downtown News.

Amy Salzmann loves Scouts BSA (familiarly known as the Boy Scouts of America) because of the organization’s whole-child approach. Salzmann, who has a 13-year-old boy in BSA, is the committee chair of Troop 113 of Culver City.

“Unlike getting involved in sports, where you’re mostly focused on the fitness, BSA includes the obvious, being outdoors and being connected to nature and being a good steward of the Earth. And you’re also caring for your body because you need to be fit and strong in order to hike and camp and backpack,” Salzmann said.

She likes the Merit Badge component of the program. A comprehensive list of approximately 130 to 140 badges are available for scouts to obtain, covering nearly every topic imaginable, from electrical engineering to dentistry to astronomy.  . . .

Read the entire article at The Argonaut.

On the Thursday after the Los Angeles wildfires broke out in January, an email circulated in the inboxes of art therapists in the area suggesting a Zoom call be set up to discuss what could be done to help the community.

Nicole Rademacher, a board-certified art therapist, LMFT, and interdisciplinary artist, was very interested.

“When the fires were happening, I think a lot of people who weren’t in areas that were directly affected were traumatized by what was going on in our city,” Rademacher said. “I felt helpless.” . . .

Read the entire article at The Argonaut.

After 40 years in business, Bill Baldwin, CEO of HartmanBaldwin, one of the leading design/build firms in the nation, is as excited to get up and go to work as he was the first day the company opened its doors. Baldwin cannot brag enough about his talented, tenderhearted team. 

In conversations about the company, clients and projects, the topic inevitably circles back to his incredible staff. They are not just doing their jobs; it is more like a calling.

“There is something most everyone has in common who works here,” he said. “It is not just about trying to create the most beautiful and well-built projects; it is also the relationships we build with our clients, especially when they are involved teammates. That is the magic of it all. Some of these relationships will last a lifetime. That is the real richness of this type of work.” . . .

Read the entire article at Arroyo Monthly.

Brian Knight loves The New York Times crossword puzzle. In his line of work, each day is a problem-solving exercise. 

He loves his constant companion, Nico, a Whippet named after the ’60s pop German singer/model, who accompanies him to the office daily. 

The one-time musician loves Japanese art. The essay, “In Praise of Shadows,” by author Jun’ichirō Tanizaki about Japanese aesthetics has influenced him and his work.  

He loves gardening, and two years ago he transformed his own space into a Zen-like cloister.

These are just a few of Knight’s favorite things and offer a glimpse into the mind of the BFK Architecture founder.   . . .

Read the entire article at Arroyo Monthly.

Although the hotel was built in 1986 and has been hosting travelers for decades, now is the time to visit Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes. At the end of last year, the property completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its guestrooms and suites, fitness center and the outdoor dining area of the lobby bar, charging into 2025 with a whole new vibe to greet its guests.

Modern amenities and upgrades aside, the most stunning attribute of The Buttes, as it is affectionately known, is its location: It is built into the Tempe Butte, which locals refer to as “A Mountain” due to the 60-foot-tall gold-painted letter A near its summit.

At check-in, travelers are treated to 180-degree views of expansive blue skies and color-streaked sunsets from Downtown Phoenix to the Superstition Mountains in the East Valley. . . .

Read the entire article at LA Downtown News.

About 30 years ago, GW Williams started a book club, and shortly thereafter, actress and author Denise Nicholas joined the group. 

Years later — in the spring of 2018 — Nicholas called Williams to share that one seat remained for the writing workshop.

Williams declined because she wanted the seat. The Longwood Writers Workshop was named after Nicholas’ street, where the group assembled around her dining room table. . . .

Read the entire article at The Argonaut.

It seems unbelievable that Marina del Rey is only 60 years old, considering the land was a salt marsh for centuries. However, on April 10, 1965, after funds were raised and laws signed, Marina del Rey was completed. This month, the Marina del Rey Tourism Board and its partners are planning a birthday celebration, featuring restaurant and activity specials with a community event in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Harbors, the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and Fisherman’s Village. 

“Over the past 60 years, Marina del Rey has transformed into a vibrant destination for tourism,” said Janet Zaldua, CEO of the Marina del Rey Tourism Board. “Significant investments from local hotels and restaurants have breathed new life into the area, making it a strong competitor to nearby destinations such as Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.” 

According to a 2024 tourism study, Marina del Rey attracted more than half a million overnight visitors, supported over 4,100 jobs and generated $617 million in total economic impact. Visitor spending reached $396 million. . . .

Read the entire article at The Argonaut.