Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful
Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
Mayor Konstantine
2nd Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival Returns to West Hollywood, Bringing Family Fun
Annual Event
Celebrates
Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video
all in good fun. He went on to reveal that a secretly recorded video was made during the event and subsequently shared with a prominent hate group.
reposted the video and garnered over 8 million views.
Children’s Literacy with Readings, Family Activities
By Dolores Quintana
Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony is facing criticism from conservatives following the circulation of a video showing him being spanked by a drag queen during an event on the weekend of September 10. Anthony has responded that some of his critics are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and that the incident was harmless.
The 2nd Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival will occur at West Hollywood Park on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The free event, hosted by the American Born Chinese Foundation in collaboration with the City of West Hollywood, aims to celebrate children’s literacy and foster a love of reading among young audiences.
In the video, posted by the Wisenuts podcast, Mayor Anthony is seen being spanked by a drag artist, backed by the Village People’s “Macho Man.” Anthony described the events as “shenanigans” and emphasized that it was
The festival will open with a special appearance by Emmy Award-winning actress Mykal-Michelle Harris. Harris is known for voicing Disney Junior’s Ariel and starring in the upcoming “Raven’s Home” spinoff, “Alice in the Palace.”
This year’s festival features diverse activities for children of all ages, including over 70 exhibitors, live book readings, interactive storytelling sessions, musical performances, arts
In a post on his Instagram account, Anthony stated, “For several days, extremist right-wing organizations, including Fox News, have spread misleading information to fuel fear, discrimination, and hate. I will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers.”
He added, “On a busy Saturday filled with various independent gatherings, I attended the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats’ private fundraiser for their organization. Notably, there were no officially endorsed candidates or state and federal political figures present. The event was open to young adults ages 15 and above. However, there were no attendees below 18. Additionally, no children were present.”
and crafts, and more. Attendees can enjoy meet-and-greets with authors, face painting, a photo booth, dancing, games, slime-making, and various food trucks. Additionally, the festival will introduce new authors and illustrators, offering fresh perspectives and stories. Entertainment highlights include performances by The BeatBuds (Nickelodeon), Chloé and Maud Arnold from The Syncopated Ladies (an Emmynominated female tap dance troupe), and Sole Talks (an international youth tap dance company). A live art installation by artist Juan Muniz will also be featured. Book Soup and Children’s Book World have joined the festival to enhance the experience with autograph sessions and book readings by popular children’s authors, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen.
While not specifying the particular hate group in question, it is possible that Anthony was referring to the Twitter account, now known as X, called “Libs of TikTok,” which
Bonnie Hyde, founder and CEO of the American-Born Chinese Foundation, expressed excitement for the festival’s return, stating, “Last year’s festival set a high benchmark, and this year, we aim to exceed it, bringing even more exciting opportunities for children and families to fall in love with reading and storytelling.”
In response to the video, the Libs of TikTok
city officials receiving “some of the most vile hate speech that I have ever seen.”
City officials also praised the event, emphasizing the importance of books in sparking children’s imaginations and encouraging lifelong reading habits.
Anthony encouraged those with concerns about his actions to communicate with him directly via email at kanthony@burbankca. gov. He stated, “If you want to talk to me about what happened over the weekend, send me an email. Send me an email. I will talk to
The festival is set to become an annual tradition in West Hollywood, growing and evolving each year. It is a cornerstone event in the city’s cultural calendar, attracting families, educators, and young readers.
The American Born Chinese Foundation, which focuses on nurturing bilingual literacy and celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) pride, is the driving force behind
Weho City Council Approves 11-Story Hotel and Apartment Tower on Sunset Boulevard
By Dolores Quintana
Iconic Viper Room to Be Reimagined in New Development
Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set to be screened. Lung stated, “Our standard security measures remained in place during this time, and the screening commenced with a slight delay. To our knowledge, this was a general threat and not directed at the film or the artist.” A spokesperson for the Toronto police informed CTV News Toronto that the threat had been conveyed to the festival’s private security by a passerby. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Toronto police and the private
you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public event, not at a government-sponsored event. It
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats voiced their support for Mayor Anthony and strongly denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate portrayal of their event for political purposes that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. The Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers, refusing to engage with what they referred to as “fake outrage.”
the festival. The foundation seeks to empower young readers by promoting bilingualism and fostering cultural understanding.
Fleet Media produces the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to register for tickets and receive festival updates at the LA Kids Book Festival.
Parking is available at multiple locations near the venue, including the West Hollywood Park 5-Story lot, the West Hollywood Library structure, and the Pacific Design Center Gallery. Streetmetered parking is also available.
security swept the scene and cleared it within
Toronto police also clarified that the threat had a general nature and did not specifically
The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a momentary setback on Saturday night due to a bomb threat. Judy Lung, TIFF’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, confirmed to CTV News Toronto via a written statement that the festival was alerted to an investigation “in the vicinity of the red carpet” at Roy
The West Hollywood City Council has approved plans for an 11-story hotel and apartment tower on Sunset Boulevard in a 3-2 vote, paving the way for the redevelopment of a block that includes the iconic Viper Room nightclub. The new development, led by Silver
Creek Development, will replace the existing storefronts at 8850 Sunset Boulevard with a mixed-use building featuring a 90-room hotel, 78 residential units, and 28,000 square feet of restaurant, café, and bar space. Sixteen of the apartments will be designated as affordable housing.
As part of the project, the Viper Room will be reimagined as a 6,748-square-foot ground-floor lounge. The updated venue will preserve the legacy of the legendary Hollywood hangout by including a tall
glass entrance, a larger concert stage, an auditorium, a memorabilia hall, and a recording studio.
The development, designed by Arquitectonica, will stand 161 feet tall and feature a glass façade with a rooftop offering open-air dining. The design includes a street-level public plaza and a central breezeway leading to a landscaped area off Sunset Boulevard. Relm is the landscape architect for the project, which will also provide parking for 232 vehicles.
IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:
Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY.
Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.
ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.
Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:
dofetilide
rifampin
any other medicines to treat HIV-1 BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.
Have any other health problems.
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.
Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:
Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.
Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fi ght infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.
Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.
Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY
Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.
GET MORE INFORMATION
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.
Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.
If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.
BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2024 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0500 07/24
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California ISO Warns of Heatwave and Increased Power Demand During Excessive Heat Event
Potential for High Temperatures to Strain Grid, Flex Alerts May Be Issued
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is warning of persistent above-normal temperatures and increased electricity demand across California and the West over the upcoming Labor Day weekend and into the following week.
Forecasts indicate that temperatures in California could be 6 to 12 degrees above normal on Wednesday, Sept. 4, and Thursday, Sept. 5. The hottest days across the West are expected to be from Sept. 4 through Sept. 6, with the most extreme temperatures predicted for California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Desert Southwest.
As temperatures rise, the demand for electricity is expected to surge, primarily due to increased air conditioning use. The California ISO is closely monitoring the situation, particularly during the latter part of next week. While the grid is currently stable, the prolonged extreme heat could strain generators, increasing
the risk of outages and reduced power generation. The threat of wildfires to generators and transmission lines, coupled with the widespread heat, could limit the availability of imported energy from other Western states, potentially leading to a significant impact on the electricity grid.
Here’s what you can do to help when CAL ISO issues a Flex Alert.
• Turning off unnecessary lights.
• Using major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m.
• We are setting air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.
• Use fans and keep drapes drawn.
The ISO will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Should weather or grid conditions deteriorate, the ISO may issue emergency notifications to access
additional resources and alert market participants and the public about potential energy shortages.
In the event of a heightened need to conserve energy, the ISO could issue a Flex Alert, asking consumers to voluntarily reduce electricity use from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on specific days. Flex Alerts are typically issued a day in advance, based on projected electricity market outcomes.
These are the Flex Alerts that could be issued:
• Energy Emergency Alert Watch (EEA Watch): Analysis shows all available resources are committed or forecasted to be in use, and energy deficiencies are expected. This notice can be issued the day before the projected shortfall or if a sudden event occurs. Consumers are encouraged to conserve energy.
• Energy Emergency Alert 1 (EEA 1) Real-time analysis shows all resources are in use or committed for use, and energy deficiencies are expected. Consumers are encouraged to conserve energy.
• Energy Emergency Alert 2 (EEA 2) ISO requests emergency energy from all resources and has activated emergency energy programs. Consumers are urged to conserve energy to help preserve grid reliability.
• Energy Emergency Alert 3 (EEA 3)
− Preparing for rotating power outages
The grid operator cannot meet minimum reliability reserve requirements and has declared the initial step of an EEA 3. Utilities have been alerted to prepare for outages, but rotating outages have not been ordered.
• Energy Emergency Alert 3 (EEA 3)
− Ordering rotating power outages The grid operator has ordered utilities to begin rotating power outages to protect grid reliability. The final step of an EEA 3 is declared when the electricity supply is insufficient to meet demand and required reserves cannot be maintained. The last time that rotating blackouts were ordered was in 2020, during the first year of the pandemic.
For more information on energy conservation or to sign up for text alerts, visit www.FlexAlert.org.
West Hollywood Begins Annual Tree Pruning Program, Parking Spaces Will Be Affected
City to Trim Trees Along Major Streets, Residential Areas Through February 2025
The City of West Hollywood will begin its annual tree pruning program on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, with work expected to continue through February 2025.
West Coast Arborists, the city’s contractor, will start pruning along Sunset Boulevard, avoiding disruptions to westbound lanes until after 10 a.m. to minimize the impact on the morning commute. In the following weeks, crews will move to other commercial areas, including Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Boulevard, and other major streets. Residential arterial streets will be addressed after the commercial areas.
Pruning will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
The city will notify residents, businesses, and motorists in advance of pruning work using the following methods:
● “No parking” signs will be placed at least 24 hours before work begins. These signs will indicate the scheduled trimming activities, broken down into two segments: before noon and in the afternoon. Parking spaces will be reopened as soon as possible after work is completed.
● Door hangers or postings on trees will be placed at least 72 hours in advance of residential tree-trimming activities.
● Electronic message boards may be placed at strategic locations several days before trimming and during trimming activities to provide commuters with advance notice for route planning.
● The city’s website and social media pages (@WeHoCity) will also post
notifications of trimming activity.
For more information, contact Sam Estrada, the City of West Hollywood’s Urban Forest and Landscape
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Huntington Beach Mayor Seeks to Challenge SAFETY Law with New Ordinance
Controversial Measure Is Questioned by City Council Member During Meeting
The mayor of Huntington Beach, Gracey Van Der Mark, has proposed an ordinance designating the city a “Parents’ Right to Know” city in an effort to challenge the recent SAFETY law, AB 1955, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law last month. Huntington Beach is a notoriously conservative city in Orange County.
The law’s passage meant that California is the first state in the nation to prohibit school districts from requiring staff to notify parents about their child’s change in gender identity or sexual identification against the child’s wishes.
Supporters of the legislation argue it will safeguard LGBTQ+ students who may face hostility at home, and the law was a reaction to school districts mandating parental notification. Many studies say that children who face criticism and punishment from their parents who deny
them their gender identity or expression are at risk for depression and suicide.
Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark criticized the state law, stating it “effectively pits children against parents and places educators as barriers between them, undermining a parent’s ability to communicate with their children on critical, long-term, life-altering issues.”
The mayor’s statement said that the ordinance is vital for “positioning the City to fight the State alongside parents.” and mentions the statement of Twitter and Space X’s conservative CEO, “AB 1955 is so egregious that Elon Musk has announced the relocation of SpaceX from California to Texas. Musk stated that Governor Newsom’s signing AB 1955 into law was “the final straw,” and he is leaving California “because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies.”
While the Mayor speaks of overreach on the part of the Governor and state legislators, the statement seems to be an
attempt to influence state policy through city government and concern for business that would seem to be unrelated to the issues of personal privacy.
The vote on the creation of an ordinance passed on August 6 by a vote of 4 vs 3.
During the discussion, one of the council members and mayor pro-tem called Governor Gavin Newsom a “tyrant.”
Councilmember Dan Kalmick said that the city doesn’t actually administrate any schools, so it does not harm the corporate body of the city council. He said that it seems
to be a resolution, but it is an ordinance because the people who proposed it want to discuss it in more meetings for political reasons and potentially join a lawsuit, but he doesn’t see how that is possible.
Rebel Kitchens
Premieres in Hollywood, Showcasing L.A.’s Most Unique Culinary Talent
New PBS Socal Series Dives Into the Passion and Perseverance of Trailblazing Chefs
The new PBS Socal web series Rebel Kitchens held its world premiere at NeueHouse Hollywood on Monday. Coproduced by PBS and Life & Thyme, this beautiful show is about what makes some of Los Angeles’ most unique chefs and one food entertainer work so hard and go against the hospitality industry’s grain. It features Jihee Kim of Perilla LA, Tolu “Eros” Erogbogbo of Ilé, Doña Tenchita of Comedor Tenchita, Diego Argoti of Poltergeist, and Alex & Elvia Garcia of Evil Cooks.
The anticipation was palpable as a crowd of over three hundred people eagerly filled the theatre, eagerly awaiting the commencement of the show. You can catch the first episode of the series, featuring Chef Diego Argoti of Poltergeist, here.
https://youtu.be/8d3fcSkf8A4?si= UCwuWP0yAAN15L-7
Argoti, who used to cook at Bavel and Bestia, has his way of doing things that have resulted in food and a dining experience like no other. How do you describe something that defies categorization? The answer is that you don’t. You should just enjoy the experience and the excellently prepared food. Since Poltergeist is inside the arcade Button Mash, you also enjoy the joyous atmosphere.
New episodes will premiere each week. The next episode is about Evil Cooks, a married pair of chefs known for their incredible tacos, including the Poseidon, an octopus al pastor with Yucatan spices, and the “McSatan,” a cheeseburger taco that won praise for actor Elijah Wood. Alex and Elvia Garcia also offer a “Heaven” menu where you can get vegetarian and vegan options.
They are also celebrated for their dessert tacos made with hybrid tortillas, the flan taco, and the churro cheesecake taco crafted by Elvia.
The series is a very empathetic look at what drives these creative cooks. It brought me to tears, watching how much their food and how it affects people means to them. The traditions that each chef honors from their culture or a mix of cultures show the depth of the thought and heart that go into making a plate of food. How much work goes into every day of service and the little piece of who they are as people or their heart that they serve, hoping that the people who come to their restaurant or pop up will understand. To them, it is so much more than just a plate of food.
Antonio Diaz of Life & Thyme coproduced, directed, and was responsible for the cinematography of each episode. His work reflects his sensitivity to the subjects and the rebelliousness of his own heart. Instead of just bringing in standard lighting, he worked with the restaurant’s aura, with the purples and greens of Poltergeist, using smoke to enhance the storytelling of Ilé and the metal and punk roots of Evil Cooks. It’s more than just lighting; for Diaz, it’s about capturing part of the spirit of these spectacular chefs and giving you a glimpse into their minds and hearts.
West Hollywood Traffic Dispute Turns Fatal: Suspect Charged with
Armando Gabriel, 68, Dies Following
Altercation on Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide investigators are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding a homicide that occurred on the 7900 block of West Santa Monica Boulevard.
On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 12:45
pm, deputies from West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station responded to a convenience store located on the 7900 block of West Santa Monica Boulevard in the city of West Hollywood regarding a call to assist the fire department. Deputies found a male adult on the sidewalk in front of the store, unresponsive. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel transported the male to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Murder
The male has been identified as 68-year-old Armando Gabriel of Los Angeles. Mr. Gabriel was identified as the individual who was transported from the location to a local hospital and later died.
A 48-year-old male, Ramon Casas, of Bell Gardens, was detained at the scene by deputies.
Homicide Investigators learned Gabriel and Casas were involved in a minor traffic collision in the convenience store parking lot. Following the collision, a confrontation ensued between them, resulting in Casas assaulting Gabriel. Gabriel was knocked unconscious during the assault.
Ramon Casas was subsequently
arrested and booked for murder. He remains in custody and is being held on $2,000,000 bail with a scheduled court date of Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the Los Angeles Airport Court. There is no additional information at this time.
Anyone with information is urged to call the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
As Mpox Numbers Rise, Officials Encourage Awareness, Vaccination
By Susan Payne
Cases of mpox are increasing in LA County, and it is important for residents of Los Angeles County to take precautions against this contagious disease.
Spread by personal contact, mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is continuing to present as a sexually transmitted infection. Seventeen more cases have been reported by July 25th this year than had been reported by July 25th last year. (73 vs. 56 Year-to-Date reported cases).
Given the jump in cases since last year, officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) are urging residents to take precautions and reduce the risk of spread.
Sonali Kulkarni, Medical Director for Public Health’s Division of HIV and STD Programs, said only 51% of the overall at-risk population for mpox has received the 2-dose regimen of the JYNNEOS vaccine, formulated to prevent transmission and reduce symptoms of infection. And of that population, only 22% of persons living with diagnosed HIV have received both doses.
Since its initial surge nationally in 2022, mpox has disproportionately affected gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Vaccination against mpox has shown to be protective against symptomatic mpox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We’re seeing a slight increase in cases relative to last year locally and nationally. Over the last six months, we have seen an average of two cases per week, but in the last 3 months we’ve seen 3.5 cases per week. There’s a lot of room for improvement in the at-risk population to vaccinate against mpox and prevent further cases. The vaccine is now available commercially and available at different sites, including public health clinics and mobile outreach teams, community clinics, and pharmacies.” Kulkarni said.
JYNNEOS is a two-dose series vaccine available at Public Health’s STD clinics or at any walk-up Public Vaccinating site. Ideally, the vaccines will be taken 1 month apart. The mobile outreach team will be on site at community events and festivals in the Los Angeles area to administer the first or second vaccines.
“We don’t anticipate mpox going away completely, but it’s something people should be aware of, so they know to take precautions and recognize symptoms,” Kulkarni said.
“Mpox can be spread easily through touch. If you know you are going to have more physical contact with people, especially with increased social activity this summer, it’s important to consider getting vaccinated against the disease,” Kulkarni said.
Symptoms of mpox can range from mild to severe and appear in the form of a rash that may look like bumps, pimples, blisters, sores or scabs, anywhere on the body. Other flu-like symptoms may appear such as fever, chills, exhaustion, head or muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
If you are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to seek guidance from your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Cover all areas of the rash with clothing, gloves, bandages and wear a mask to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. Avoid aggravating the rash by touching or scratching it — to reduce the chances that it will become infected.
“Generally, people who are healthy can expect lesions to improve on their own
over the course of three to four weeks. We recommend most people are treated for the symptoms they are experiencing — fever reduction, numbing medications for mouth lesions, pain relief. For people who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed, or have other vulnerabilities, this can be a really serious infection,” Kulkarni added.
For more information and to schedule an mpox vaccine appointment near you, visit myturn.ca.gov or call the Public Health Info Line at (833) 540-0473, 7 days a week 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
CONFIANZA JUGAR CON
Hotel Bel-Air Introduces The Living Room and The Patisserie, Two New Culinary Destinations
Experience
Artisanal Pastries and Premium Caviar Service at the Hotel’s Newest Dining Spots
Hotel Bel-Air has introduced two new culinary destinations, The Living Room and The Patisserie, designed by Champalimaud Design. These additions promise to elevate the dining experience at the iconic hotel.
Beginning Friday, August 16, guests can visit The Patisserie, located just across the Swan Lake bridge, to enjoy a selection of homemade pastries and artisanal coffee. The Patisserie will be
open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., offering a range of delicacies crafted by Chef Christophe Rull and his expert pastry team. Visitors can also indulge in a refreshing treat from the seasonal gelato trolley.
In the afternoons and evenings, The Living Room will offer a sophisticated setting to relax and enjoy premium offerings. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., The Living Room features an elevated caviar service, the “Coldest Martini in Town,” and a menu curated by Culinary Director Joe Garcia. Additionally, Afternoon Tea will be served at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, providing a refined experience for guests.
Hotel Bel-Air’s latest additions are set to become must-visit spots for those seeking exquisite culinary delights in a luxurious setting.
Film Review: Cuckoo
Tilman Singer’s Cuckoo is a wonderfully made and ingenious film that weaves a young woman’s secrets with the distinct possibility of a terrifying creature with a piercing and paralyzing scream in the Bavarian Alps. It is an inventive gift to cinema and audiences and pulses with a frenzy of female rage.
The film reminded me of those paranoid ‘70s thrillers about conspiracies. It’s not just the plot and the machinations of certain characters but the set design, hairstyles, and costuming of all of the women but one. Once the family arrives at Alpschatten, it’s like they stepped back in time to a place where many strange things are possible. There’s a feeling that there’s always something unspoken, and paranoia that creeps up on the characters as the film progresses.
Cuckoo has a devilish sound design that works to great advantage on your brain. The call of the “monster” affects the audience, much like it does the characters in the film. The “monster’s” attack is visceral, and Tilman Singer has constructed a fiendishly clever way to make the attacks land squarely in the minds of the audience. The camera shakes and boils with a presence, and the viewer is thrown into a time loop that is at once disturbing and filled with panic.
I will admit that a time loop is actually a very fearful experience for me. The terror of a repeated time loop, which I have felt, is the feeling that events are completely out of your control and seeing reality split into a single scene that repeats itself over
and over again. The worst moment is when you can’t tell if this moment that you are currently encased in will ever end. You are trapped with your own perception of reality that has somehow stopped in one brief period of time.
That’s the terror of Cuckoo.
Hunter Schafer’s tender but tough Gretchen has a swelling ache at her core but thinks nothing of whipping out her switchblade to deal with whatever comes at her. The basic concept of her character, the teenage rebel being oppressed by uncaring family members, is made real and deepened by Schafer’s commitment to showing the character’s deep sorrow and confusion at her father’s rejection while dealing with the loss of her life and her mother.
The actress gives a multi-layered performance that shows all of Gretchen’s sides: the sullen, silent, seemingly uncaring teen and the caring person hiding internally from her new family. Her look, asymmetrical haircut, and current-day musician’s clothes separate her from her family and Herr König’s employees.
I love that I am compelled to say yet again that the film is cast perfectly. Dan Stevens, as Herr König, is charming and unintentionally funny but the opposite of Gretchen. He is also hiding but is less sympathetic than he outwardly appears. Stevens adds another portrait to his savage collection of men enraptured by their own hubris and in love with their own
cleverness. His König oozes a compelling air of comedic menace at all times. I thought it very interesting that during the Q&A with director Tilman Singer at The Vista Theater, he told the audience that König was originally supposed to be played by John Malkovich and that Stevens wasn’t cast until late in the process.
the Hooded woman, is mysterious, again glamorous, but not entirely unsympathetic. Jan Bluthardt, as Henry, is the opposite of Herr König, much more open and caring but hiding secrets of his own.
Jessica Henwick (Beth) and Greta Fernandez (Trixie) play two characters that could easily have been less interesting in other actors’ hands. They play the wife and the other worker at Alpschatten with luxurious beauty and sensuality that most actors don’t even approach. They are glamorous and seem like they stepped out of a 70s film. Marton Csokas has similar qualities in his performance as a father who is focused on his new family more than his eldest child. Not entirely unsympathetic, but more selfish. His performance leaves you wondering whose side he is on.
Mila Lieu, as the new family’s child Alma, is somewhere in between the two groups, but she has her own strength when needed. Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey, as Ed, is a strong presence who knows what she wants. She represents the freedom that Gretchen longs for and is an older version of what Gretchen may become. Kalin Morrow, as
The core of the film seems to be the differences between men and women. While both Gretchen and Herr König are ruthless, Gretchen has an empathy for others and a willingness to trust that König doesn’t. When misunderstandings happen between women and girls, they can react with anger but, given some time, seem much more willing to give others a second chance. Henry seems sympathetic as well but becomes obsessed with destroying the “monster” and willing to harm others without considering who they are. It is the cooperation between the women who are open to believing in others as much as they believe in themselves that leads them back into the light. Sisterhood is very important to survival.
Cuckoo is a richly frightening fable of visceral, time-twisting terror nestled in certain dreadful aspects of reproduction and the avarice of people who think they can control nature and control others without controlling themselves.
