Sensi Magazine - Orange County (January 2018)

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ORANGE COUNTY

Highly Resolved: Getting Physical Incorporating Cannabis Into Your Exercise Routine for 2018

Heading Up To Humboldt

Road Trip Recommendations

Soaring Higher With LBC’s Godmother of the Green Rush Susan Soares {PLUS}

Historic Hipster Hotel 5 Tips for Better Money Management Tournament of Roses & More!

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ISSUE 1 // VOLUME 1 // 1.2018

FEATURES 22

SP ECIAL R EP OR T

Highly Resolved

New Year, New You: You’ve got a friend for this year’s favorite resolution.

28 Godmother of the Green Rush

Event producer and “Weed Fairy” Susan Soares is on a mission to change the stigma surrounding marijuana—one elegant, educational event at a time.

every issue 5 Editor’s Note 6 SensiBuzz 10 NewsFeed

NEW USER PROFILES

14 TravelWell HEADING UP TO HUMBOLDT

28 AroundTown

HIPSTER HOTEL

30 SensiScene

SHANGHAI NIGHTS

32 So SoCal

BUDS AND ROSES

Sensi Magazine is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2018 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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editor’s

RESOLUTIONS FOR THE REVOLUTION

NOTE

Happy New Year! As of this month, the first licensed, legal sales of recreational cannabis are beginning to

take place all across California. It’s the dawn of a green new golden age in our glorious Golden State—a state with the sixth largest economy in the world that’s widely recognized as the epicenter of entertainment, progressive ideals, and cannabis cultivation in America. Make no mistake, the economic impact and cultural influence of what is about to happen here will reverberate around the nation, if not the globe. Which is why it’s no coincidence that this premiere issue of Sensi magazine’s new Orange County edition is also making its debut this month.

Watching this whirlwind of change around us, I’m frequently flabbergasted at how far this movement has come.

When I began my cannabis career back in 1994, there were no vape pens or dabs, no “patients” or budtenders, no legal states, and no such thing medical marijuana. In the eyes of the law and of the public, all of us—every single person who used cannabis—were simply criminals. Back then, being a member of the marijuana movement meant living as an outlaw. With every byline, every photo shoot, every protest, and every harvest, we knowingly jeopardized our freedom— and we did so because we loved this plant and believed in its power to heal and enlighten.

One of the seven pillars of Sensi’s philosophy is Warrior’s Resolve, and we should never forget that it’s because of the warrior’s resolve of those outlaws—those journalists, activists, and growers—that legitimate patients now have access to their medicine, that cannabis is now the fastest growing industry in America, and that millions of people will no longer need to fear prison for enjoying the benefits of mother nature’s medicine. However, we must also recognize that in order to expand upon the progress we’ve made, we must evolve and adapt as counterculture becomes simply culture—as cannabis use becomes “the new normal.” That’s the mission of this magazine, and its one I’m proud to get behind.

I’m honored to be joining this amazing team and excited to be leading the editorial efforts for Sensi’s three new SoCal editions—Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Therefore, my New Year’s resolutions are as follows: to help you, the local cannabis community, continue to educate, advocate, and innovate, to welcome your contributions and suggestions, and to deliver you the most entertaining and informative content possible each and every month.

Yes, these are indeed historic times we live in, my friends…and as residents of Southern California, we have a front row seat to watch cannabis’s commercial and cultural revolution unfold. So light up, lean in, and enjoy the show.

Highest regards,

Bobby Black

So CA L ED I TOR @ BOBBYBLACK

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THE NEW NORMAL

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NOTABLE + QUOTABLE

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”

—Benjamin Franklin

Improbable Heroes The people who brought us Golden Girls have joined forces with the illustrator of Super Golden Friends and created a new gang of elders for audiences to love. The Improbables is an animated graphic novel featuring five aging superheroes whose best defenders-of-justice days are probably behind them. Along with fighting contemporary crime, they now have to deal with their own bum knees and memory loss. Finally, a group of superheroes I can relate to.

You, too, can enjoy the twisted tales of life catching up to superpowers by downloading “Saving Las Vegas,” an ebook filled with an irreverent blend of comic-book sass, video, and dialogue or by watching the episodes online at theimprobables.tv.

HeadSPIN

Our Monthly Recommendation for your Musical Medication

ALBUM: Prophets of Rage (Fantasy Records, 2017) ARTIST:

Prophets of Rage // TOP TRACK: “Legalize Me”

The Justice League…Voltron…peanut butter and jelly—all good things made great when strong, separate parts came together to form a more powerful whole. That’s Prophets of Rage at its core: three-quarters of Rage Against the Machine, with the tag-team vocals of Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Cypress Hill’s B-Real (who play off of each other like they’d been side by side for years), accompanied by DJ Lord (Public Enemy) on the turntables. It’s a collab that really should’ve happened years ago, but still jumps off decades later. The members are older and wiser—and just as pissed off.

I popped on my ’phones, raised my fist in the air and raged through the next 40 minutes of the Prophets’ new self-titled album. In it, the group runs down the list of hot-button issues of our day, including our current president (“Hail to the Chief”), cannabis legalization (“Legalize Me”), and more. The music may not blaze any new pathways, but it doesn’t need to. These are straight-up RATM grooves with an updated message.

While it seems like everything in entertainment is getting remade and rebooted nowadays, Prophets of Rage have taken what they know best, tapped into the craziness of our current time, and unleashed that energy into a rallying cry for the next generation. Rage on!

JON PACELLA is a music aficionado and sales specialist at the famous Amoeba Music store in Hollywood. FB: jpacella, amoeba.com 6 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

Drag Brunch From the ridiculous to the righteous and everything in between, Velvet Lounge’s Weekend Drag Brunch offers an unforgettable and outrageous experience at one of the area’s hottest gay clubs. With some of the leading female impersonators from around the country, it’s no wonder the Brunchettes have been honored as the area’s “Best Drag Show” in the past by OC Weekly. With its gourmet food and bottomless mimosas, this weekend spectacle is anything but a drag. Fair warning, though—it is for adults only.

Chx & Blnz is a full-service accounting and business consulting grop focused on assisting cannabis companies with book-keeping/Accounting, tax services, audits, compliance, first-time business set-up for start-ups, product/service consulting and financial analysis software to give business operators the information they need to make decisions with confidence and manage with success.

Our staff include licensed CPAs, professionals with advanced degrees in Masters of Business Taxation from USC, Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Project Management.

Where: Velvet Lounge, 416 W. 4th St., Santa Ana When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Tickets: $39.99 (includes brunch + bottomless mimosas + the show)

More Info: velvetoc.com/brunch

Taste of Orange Coast Savor some premium local flavors at the Second Annual Taste of Orange Coast, presented by OC Foodies’ 2016 Restaurant of the Year, Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. You’ll enjoy an evening of hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings (led by Sommelier William Lewis) from some of Napa Valley's world-renowned vineyards, including selections from Martin Ray Winery, Cakebread Cellars, and St. Supery Vineyards. You’ll also be treated to live music, a special whiskey presentation, a Hudson Bourbon cocktail experience—plus the chance to participate in a silent auction.

You’ll even go home with a personalized, engraved wine glass. This premier, threehour event is sure to tantalize your taste buds and make for a memorable night.

The best part? All proceeds go to benefit the MemorialCare Medical Center.

Where: The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, 2647 Park Ave., Tustin

When: Saturday, January 20, 3-6 PM Tickets: $200 More Info: MemorialCare.org sensimag.com JANUARY 2018 7

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Resolution 5 Tips for Money Management

by A M B E R M E Y E R

Making ends meet in today’s economy isn’t always easy, and getting your financial house in order can sometimes seem like an insurmountable task. But by incorporating some small changes and simple habits into your life, you can learn to more effectively save money, manage debt and hold yourself fiscally accountable. Here are five quick tips to help you get started.

1

TRAC K YOU R S PE N DI NG. For one month, use only one credit card. When you get your statement, go over it line by line, categorizing your purchases to see where your money is going. So often, people are shocked to learn how much they spend eating out. Spending $5 on a coffee might not seem like much, but doing so five days a week adds up to $100 a month. That’s $1,200 a year.

For a more complete picture, sign up for free personal finance app Mint. It takes a few minutes to set up, and once you connect all of your accounts, you can easily analyze your spending habits, set goals, get bill reminders and monthly credit score updates, and even receive alerts when you’ve blown your monthly budget on lattes again.

2

PAY YOUR BAL ANCE WHEN YOUR STATEMENT CLOSES. If you have balances on your credit cards, you’re accruing interest every month. So

8 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

you are essentially paying interest on the interest you already owe. If you can’t pay off your balance every month, make at least the minimum payment the day after your statement closes. Don’t wait for your due date. You can’t avoid the interest on previous purchases sitting on your card, but you can avoid additional interest on future purchases by implementing this strategy.

3

US E AUTOPAY. We all know that if we pay our bills late, there’s always a fee. Plus, if you’re late more than once, your interest rate is likely to skyrocket. So avoid all of the penalties by putting all of your bills on auto pay. This will ensure you never miss a payment, and will force you to budget your money to maintain the necessary balance in the account. Banks already make money on your money; don't give them more money for nothing.

4

LI N K YOU R C H EC KI NG AN D SAVI NGS ACCOU NTS. Connecting the accounts allows you to set up overdraft protection, saving you costly fees if an automatic payment accidentally empties your account. Those overdraft charges add up quick.

Most banks allow you to set up auto transfers to savings. If yours does, set it up—it’s a great way to start an emergency fund or saving for a special purchase. Every time I swipe my Wells Fargo debit card, $1 is transferred from my checking into my savings. Just like the morning lattes, the small amounts add up quick. If you don’t trust yourself to not spend cash that’s just sitting there in your account doing nothing, get it out of there. Find a bank that will auto-transfer to an IRA instead. Keep your money working for you.

5

US E A DIG ITAL C ALE N DAR AN D RE M I N DE RS. Your phone has a calendar. Spend a half hour to add all of your bills to your calendar as recurring monthly events and set reminders so you’ll always know what bills are coming up and when they’ll be deducted from your account.

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{newsfeed}

by L E L A N D R U C K E R

NEW USER PROFILES A study on American attitudes toward cannabis sheds light on what the New Normal is starting to look like.

As American attitudes toward cannabis use continue

Rejectors. The self-identified cannabis Users were asked

to evolve, one enduring question remains unanswered:

lots of questions—how much they use, when they use,

who are the people buying and consuming it? Are they

what they use it for, and where they buy it—along with

young partiers looking for kicks? Middle-aged moms and

the typical demographic inquiries about age, income,

dads reliving glory days? Old hippies coming in from the

family, lifestyle, and other such things.

black market? All of the above? None of the above? A

While I’m naturally skeptical of studies, this particular

combined total of eight billion dollars will be spent on

one has no particular bias. Rather, BDS has a credible

cannabis this year, but we know very little about who’s

interest in gathering reliable information that can help

doing the spending.

cannabis companies find out who their customers are and

Despite its dubious legality and legitimacy, millions of Americans have been using cannabis for years, of

what they want.

“When I look at all this data, one thing that comes out

course. But since black-market dealers don’t conduct

at me as a branding person is that there is no cannabis

demographic studies of their customers, there was no

consumer,” says Linda Gilbert, the managing director of

way to collect that kind of info. In Colorado, where

BDS’s consumer research division who coordinated the

adult-use has been legal for about four years, legal sales

study. “There are very many people doing it for very

have generated over $200 million in tax revenue. The

different reasons for very different benefits—and using

state collects the money without knowing much about

many ways to consume it.”

who the typical cannabis user is or why they use it.

We are beginning to get glimpses, though. BDS

That was a big takeaway for me, too. In general, the survey found that Users in both states are

Analytics, a Boulder-based firm focused on cannabis

slightly more male than female, and though ages skew

market data and consumer insights, is in the midst of a

to the younger side, more than half are over 35 and

survey of American attitudes toward marijuana in all 50

many are college grads with higher-end incomes. Users

states, designed to help cannabis companies better

also seem generally happier than both Acceptors and

understand their customers. Two states have been

Rejecters. Most are comfortable with their lives and

completed: California and Colorado. BDS spoke to a

don’t mind that their friends, colleagues, and doctors

thousand people in each who fell into one of three

know about their use. They don’t necessarily want their

categories: “Users” who have consumed cannabis in the

bosses to know though, which is understandable given

past six months; “Acceptors” who don’t consume

that many companies still drug test for pot. Most feel

themselves but are open to its use; and “Rejectors” who

that marijuana is less impairing than alcohol, and one in

don’t use cannabis under any circumstances. Of those

three Users and Acceptors say they have had negative

surveyed, 600 were Users or Acceptors; 400 were

experiences with cannabis.

10 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

AU G U S T 2 01sensimag.com 7 JANUARY 2018 11

Anyone who has hiked a mountain trail or ridden a bike

due to nomenclature. Even people who buy from recre-

while elevated knows that marijuana can be part of an

ational stores are using it for medical reasons: to manage

active lifestyle. One out of every four Users in California

pain, as a sleeping aid, or to relax after a long day at work.

said it’s part of their fitness routines, whether that’s yoga,

One statistic that stuck out is that the most frequent

Pilates, or gym workouts. In Colorado, almost half use it

consumers are parents and Gen-Xers, the post-baby-

while doing outdoor recreation or exercise, and more than

boom generation aged 33-52. I wasn’t particularly surprised that, in both states, more than 60 percent of Users were parents, and it brings up an interesting scenario in the

“When I look at the data, one thing that jumps out at me as a branding person is that there is no cannabis consumer.

There are very many people doing it for very different reasons for very different benefits—and using very many ways to consume it.”

L I NDA G I L B E R T // B D S A N A LY T I C S

new normal: Mom and dad get home from work. Mom heads out to the garage for a few minutes while dad watches the kids. Mom comes back in smiling, and it’s dad’s turn. Dinner and the evening rituals commence.

And, as it turns out, parents who use cannabis worry about the same things that parents who don’t worry about: underage access to the products, how to determine whether a driver is impaired, and more safety and diligence in packaging and dosage of edibles.

Though the most common way to imbibe is still flower marijuana rolled into joints or smoked from bongs and water pipes, even that is changing. Many now get their cannabis

30 percent said they use it for yoga or Pilates. Perhaps that

through edibles, vaporizers, creams, salves, lotions, patches,

helps explain the current rise of elevated yoga classes and

and even suppositories for various conditions.

consumption-friendly gyms, and it might help further dispel the notion that pot turns people into couch potatoes.

Along with barbells and treadmills, Users incorporate

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the findings is the acceptance of cannabis use by other people—even Rejectors. Part of this is likely because cannabis has been

cannabis into entertaining activities such as watching

legal in both states longer than most. In California, 93

television, going to the movies, or fine dining. They like

percent of all those surveyed, including Rejectors, agree

pairing it with chocolate and carbonated drinks, as well as

there should be some form of legal marijuana. Three-fourths

beer, wine, and spirits. Thirty-five percent of Californians

believe it has medical benefits, especially for relieving pain,

say they use it with craft beer, while a quarter say they

and even more than half of Rejectors would want a family

use it when they go to clubs and bars.

member who’s ill to be able to use it if it eased suffering.

The tired concept of “getting high,” popularized dur­ing

Those acceptance numbers are even higher in Colorado,

the Richard Nixon/Cheech and Chong era and still a

where even 80 percent of Rejectors feel it should be legal,

popular meme, continues to lose its caché (and I say good

and half believe it has some medical value.

riddance). The biggest reasons given for cannabis use are

This may be the real takeaway: The new normal doesn’t

for pain, stress relief, and relaxation. More Californians

look much different from the old one. As more people

said they use it for medical purposes, which makes sense

notice the sky isn’t falling in states where cannabis is legal,

since the state hadn’t opened recreational stores yet.

the madness over marijuana’s perceived dangers contin-

There are disagreements among Users and Rejecters

ues to fade. It’s been a long road. Cannabis has been

about whether cannabis has medical properties, but about

demonized since at least 1937. Given all the years of fake

half of all respondents said they consider it medicine.

news, I’m encouraged that even Rejectors are embracing

What this suggests is that there is a blurring of the concept of medical and recreational marijuana, perhaps

12 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

the idea that adults should have the right to choose to use a plant that seems to offer so much to so many.

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{travelwell}

by B O B BY B L A C K

HEADING UP TO HUMBOLDT “It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.”

— ROBERT LOUIS S TEVENSON

California is home to some of the world’s most popular

general—than via the peaceful and picturesque Route

tourist destinations: from the historical culture of San

101, appropriately named the Redwood Highway. A few

Francisco to the winter and water sports of Lake Tahoe;

years ago, my wife and I made just such a sojourn as part

from the star-studded nightlife of Hollywood to the family

of an epic Pacific Coast odyssey from Los Angeles to

fun of Disneyland and Universal Studios. For us nature

Portland. For those wishing to take a similar road trip and

lovers, the Golden State also features some of the most

enjoy the wonders of Humboldt County for themselves,

jaw-dropping landscapes in the nation, including Yosemi-

allow me to recount some of the highlights:

te, Big Sur, and Joshua Tree—all of which, though quite

Driving up the 101, one of the first few towns you pass

beautiful, tend to be swarmed with sightseers during the

through is Garberville. Garberville is the site of the popular

nicer parts of the year. But if you’re looking for a more

Reggae on the River—a four-day music festival that takes

low-key getaway, one that’s a little quieter and less

place on the bank of the Eel River in early August each

crowded, you might consider venturing a bit further

year—as well as the short-lived Cannabis Film Festival. It’s

north—past all of that hubbub and up into the wonderful

also home to several quirky little roadside attractions,

wilds of Humboldt County.

including the One-Log House (a small home carved out of a

First and foremost, Humboldt is best known for its

single, giant hollowed-out log) and the 1,800-year-old

trees. Ok, yes—the smokable kind, too. Humboldt, along

Grandfather Tree, where, at the gift shop, you can pick up

with Medocino and Trinidad counties, comprise the

your very own live redwood burl. Up the road a ways is

legendary “Emerald Triangle”—the region long credited as

another unique souvenir shop called the Legend of Bigfoot,

producing some of the best cannabis in the world. The

where you’ll find all sorts of carved wooden treasures, as well

ones I’m referring to, however, are California’s official

as anything and everything related to the mythical Sas-

state trees, the fabled redwoods. Redwood trees aren’t

quatch of the sequoias. Garberville proper is a quaint little

just the oldest living organisms on the planet (up to 2,000

town filled with cozy places to rest your head or grab a bite

years), they’re also the tallest, reaching heights of up to

before heading up into Redwood State Park. For a hearty,

350 feet. There’s almost no better place to see these

home-style breakfast, make a pit stop at the Woodrose Café.

majestic beings—and no better way to see Humboldt, in

Or for slightly fancier fare, try Cecil’s New Orleans Bistro.

14 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

sensimag.com JANUARY 2018 15

A giant sequoia with candelabralike branches is the main attraction of Drive-Thru Tree Park, where travelers can drive through a tunnel carved into the tree’s trunk.

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From Garberville, it's just another 10 minutes or so up the road until you reach the entrance for the Avenue of The Giants, a scenic byway that runs parallel to the 101 for 31 miles, leading you through the 50,000-plus acres of old-growth redwood groves in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. These forests, among the most serene and majestic

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City Center Road, McKinleyville

CONFUSION HILL // GRAVIT Y HOUSE REDWOOD SHOE HOUSE // Piercy

scenery in America, are an absolutely ideal spot for a hike, a picnic, some quiet meditation, or a relaxing smoke break—a sentiment shared by legendary director Oliver

along the route worth a photo op are the Eternal Tree

Stone, who happened to be enjoying a joint when we were

House, the Living Chimney Tree, and the Immortal Tree,

lucky enough to bump into him and his wife in the Found-

which is located directly across from the can’t-miss giant

er’s Grove. Just remember to be extra super careful with

statues of Paul Bun­yan and his blue ox Babe.

any matches or roaches. These trees are far too precious to risk starting a fire here.

With their impressive heights, it’s no surprise that the

While you can drive right along the shoreline for the majority of the Pacific Coast, the same cannot be said for Humboldt County. Here, the Pacific Coast Highway (Route

redwoods can be rather wide as well (up to 25 feet in

1) turns inland and is gobbled up by the 101, making the

diameter). Some are so wide, in fact, that you can drive a

shore a lot harder to access. But if you’re feeling extra

car through them, and naturally there are places where

adventurous, you might consider taking the long detour

you can do just that—namely, the Shrine Tree and the

off the main highway to explore the rugged Lost Coast,

Chandelier Tree. Some other famous tree attractions

including the small fishing hamlet of Shelter Cove (just

16 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

?

what? when?

WHERE

MADAKET CRUISES WHAT: Take in the sights of the coast on a historic vessel. Cruises include historical, eco/wildlife, sunset/cocktail, full moon or fireworks (4th of July only).

WHEN: Check website for tour times WHERE: Humboldt Harbor, Eureka HUMBOLDTBAYMARITIMEMUSEUM.COM/ MADAKETMAINPAGE

under an hour’s drive southwest of Garberville), where you can snap a few photos of the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse and take some sun on the secluded Black Sand Beach.

Further north, as the 101 snakes westward back towards the shore, you’ll find a number of great little towns that make up the county’s main population center: there’s the charming Victorian village of Ferndale; Eureka, an artist and artisan haven (and the seat of the county); and, on the other side of the bay from Eureka, Arcata, home to Humboldt State University and one of the oldest movie theaters in the country—not to mention a thriving glass art community, a few gourmet ice cream parlors,

ALE & SPIRITS TRAIL Humboldt Beer Tours WHAT: Drink your way up the redwood highway at some of the many breweries, distilleries and cider houses along the way.

WHEN: When you’re done driving for the day, of course.

WHERE: Along Route 101

and even an indoor skate park.

HUMBOLDTBEERTOURS.COM

chow down on some fresh, delicious seafood right on the

L ANTERN FLOATING CEREMONY WHAT: A 35-year-old peace ceremony that commemorates the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with the ancient Japanese custom of floating lanterns on the lake.

WHEN: August 11, 2018 WHERE: Klopp Lake, at the Arcata Marsh CITYOFARCATA.ORG/365/L ANTERNFLOATING-CEREMONY

DICK TAYLOR CHOCOL ATE FACTORY TOURS WHAT: A 45-minute tour showing how its organic, fair-trade chocolate is made and packaged, plus a 15-minute tasting.

WHEN: Check website for tour times WHERE: Eureka DICKTAYLORCHOCOLATE.COM

RAMPART INDOOR SKATE PARK WHAT: 4,000 square feet of indoor wooden ramps, artwork, and music for skaters and BMX riders.

WHEN: Open year-round WHERE: Arcata

Head up a bit further, and you’ll have easier access to more beautiful beaches, including Moonstone Beach.

Known for its craggy outcroppings, tide pools, and hidden sea caves (accessible only at low tide), Moonstone is a popular destination for amateur rock climbers and surfers.

After working up an appetite spelunking or hanging ten, beach at the Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill.

Another 15 miles up the road in Trinidad is Agate Beach, named after the many smooth, colorful stones you’ll find in the tidal pools along its shore. It’s a remote spot that’s ideal for whale, sea lion, and bird watching, as well as beachcombing—but definitely not swimming, as its notoriously rough waters and riptides make it too dangerous. While in Trinidad, you have to stop at the Lighthouse Grill to try one of their trademark “mash cones”—a savory waffle cone stuffed with mashed potatoes and topped with your choice of beef, bacon, cheese, gravy, or veggies.

Beyond that, it’s just another two-hour drive through Prairie Creek Redwoods Park until you hit the northern county line. Where to go from there is entirely up to you: do you head back down to revisit your favorite spots and catch some of the attractions you missed? Grab a flight home from Arcata/Eureka airport? Or continue your adventure northward into Oregon? In the end, it’s not where you end up that matters, but the memories you made and lessons you learned along the way. Here’s hoping that your journey through Humboldt is enjoyable, enlightening, and elevated.

RAMPARTSKATEPARK.ORG sensimag.com JANUARY 2018 17

{aroundtown}

Lafayette Hotel 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 619.296.2101 lafayettehotelsd.com

by A . J . H E R R I N G T O N

HIPSTER HOTEL From historic Hollywood hideaway to hipster hotspot, The Lafayette Hotel is a Southern California landmark for the ages.

A.J. HERRINGTON is a San Diego-based freelance writer and photographer covering cannabis and the environment. You can find him at facebook.com/420A.J.Herrington and ajherrington.tumblr.com 18 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

passed, The Lafayette fell further and further into decline and disrepair.

During the 1950s, it was purchased by hotel magnate (and San Diego Chargers owner) Conrad Hilton, who made the unwise decision to “improve” the property by removing some of its buildings and painting over the richly colored brick of its Colonial façade. Those changes, coupled with the loss of traffic accompanying the decommissioning of US 80, caused a dramatic drop in occupancy. Through several more changes in ownership, Interestingly, though, it was originally

pieces of the resort were sold off,

Interstate 8, US Route 80 (along El

planned to be official Olympic dimen-

conditions continued to deteriorate,

Cajon Boulevard) served as the main

sions, a construction error left it two

and the future of the once prominent

thoroughfare from the coast to all

inches short—a mistake later noticed by

hotel seemed bleak.

points east, bringing a steady stream of

San Diegan swimmer Florence Chad-

traffic through San Diego. It was along

wick, who used the pool to train for her

Lafayette was acquired by urban

this bustling North Park thoroughfare

1950 crossing of the English Channel.

redevelopment firm JCG Development,

Decades before the construction of

That all changed in 2004 when the

Another of the hotel’s big attrac-

who successfully petitioned to have the

dealer Larry Imig decided to build the

tions was its ballroom, The Mississip-

property listed on the National Register

sprawling resort that would eventually

pi Room, whose bandstand features

of Historic Places. Using a combination

come to be known as The Lafayette

a classic Birth of Venus-style clam-

of investment capital and tax credits,

Hotel, Swim Club and Bungalows.

shell backdrop. The ballroom gained

the company was able to finance a $6

more mainstream notoriety in 1985

million renovation in 2011. The

bungalows, four restaurants, two

when a scene from Tom Cruise’s hit

much-needed makeover returned the

dozen shops, a huge swimming pool, a

film Top Gun was shot there. But

ballroom, and its own nightclub, the

perhaps the most fascinating feature

Lafayette was designed with the aim of

of the property is the Red Fox Room.

attracting upscale travelers and

Originally built in 1560s as part of an

show-business types seeking an

inn in Surrey, England, the building

escape from Hollywood…and it worked.

was disassembled and shipped to

The new hotel quickly established itself

California in the 1920s to become the

as a celebrity hotspot, throwing lavish

beach house of actress Marion

parties that lured top name stars such

Davies. It was once again dismantled

as Ava Gardner, Lana Turner, and Bob

in 1956, and spent some years in

Hope (who, it is rumored, was the

storage before being rebuilt at the

hotel’s very first guest).

corner of El Cajon Boulevard as a

that, in 1946, developer and auto

With more than 200 rooms, guest

The centerpiece of the resort has

piano bar and steakhouse and

always been the Weissmuller Pool,

eventually being incorporated as part

designed by Olympic medalist and

of The Lafayette.

Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller.

Sadly though, as the decades sensimag.com JANUARY 2018 19

Lafayette to its former glory and helped to reinvigorate the surrounding area of North Park, which just a year after the restoration was proclaimed one America’s hippest hipster neighborhoods by Forbes Magazine.

Today, the vintage hotel has become a cornerstone of the progressive and newly gentrified North Park. In 2016, the management installed state of the art digital in-room concierge devices, enabling guests to access all of the hotel’s services with the ease of a touchscreen tablet. It’s also received top ranking on the San Diego Tourism Authority’s list of most LGBT friendly hotels and was named one of the city’s best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve by several prominent news outlets. In fact, it’s become an ideal venue for an array of trendsetting events, including masquerade parties, burlesque brunches, “dive-in” movies, swanky poolside soirees, and, yes, even cannabis-related events such as the Soko Cannabis Ball and Fashion Show that took place there this past September (see below).

By embracing the glamour and glory of a bygone era, while also casting its gaze firmly toward the future, The Lafayette Hotel stands as seemingly timeless icon of San Diego cool—one that’s sure to endure for generations to come.

RUNWAY ON THE

{ BOULEVARD } The Soko Cannabis Ball and Fashion Show brings cannabis couture to North Park.

This past September, the retro-hip Lafayette Hotel hosted its first 420-themed event: the Soko Cannabis Ball and Fashion Show. Produced by premium cannabis brand Soko Cannabis Creations, the event effectively employed fun and fashion to help educate and entertain the more than 300 guests in attendance.

“It’s refreshing to be able to operate in a way where we are able to touch the people directly,” noted SCC’s product consultant Cam Chambers, “especially when it revolves around something we genuinely stand for and believe in.”

Title sponsors SCC were one of a dozen or so vendors on hand to showcase their wares, which included various clothing items and accessories, business services, portable vaporizes, and medicated edible and topical products. The red-carpeted runway show featured collections of swimwear and hip-hop inspired outfits (many of which were made with hemp) from eight local labels—including Alexandra Marie, Mirza, Designs by Tran, Shejiná Swimwear, and design duo Rachel Hammond and Paige Serrano, who debuted the Spring 2018 line for their new partnership “I Am Sublime”—a Bohemian-chic line of swimsuit cover-ups and “loose, flowy stuff” that’s perfect for poolside or the beach.

The show was organized by SCC owner Dave Soko (left), who said it had achieved his goal of helping to reframe the status of cannabis to one of class and connoisseurship.

“The Ball is an event that’s designed to elevate the industry into classy respect,” said Soko. “We need to move beyond the stigma of our prohibition past and continue the evolution of cannabis into the new normal.”

—For more, visit sokocanna.com 20 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

sensimag.com JANUARY 2018 21

highly

reHsolved

NEW

YEAR, NEW

YOU!

by RANDY ROBINSON

22 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

You’ve got A FRIEND for this year’s FAVORITE RESOLUTION. IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN : WE PUT ON A LIT TLE THICKNESS FROM ALL THE TURKEY, MASHED POTATOES, CANDY CANES, AND ASSORTED CHOCOLATES WE DEVOURED OVER THE HOLIDAYS. AF TER RECOVERING FROM THE NEW YEAR’S EVE CHAMPAGNE HANGOVER, WE’RE MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO SHED THE POUNDS AND KEEP THEM OFF.

This time we mean it.

According to the University of Scranton’s “Statistic Brain” research, most of us are just wishfully thinking. “Lose weight” consistently ranks as the most popular resolution, and the fifth most popular is “staying fit and healthy.” Yet only 8 percent of people stick to their resolutions.

There are a lot of reasons why most Americans fail to fulfill their New Year’s exercise resolutions. But a commitment to improving your life doesn’t have to be a pipe dream—with a little pot, it can become a pipe reality.

C A N NA B I S A S A M O T I VAT O R Get that old, rehashed image of the lazy stoner out of your head. Believe it or not, cannabis can get a real go-getter up and running.

Although cannabis can induce the dreaded couch-lock effect, some strains can get you pretty wired. These strains are usually denoted as sativas, but many hybrids and even some indicas provide a smoky shot of energy. Ask your budtender which strain may be right for you, and prepare for a little experimentation until you find the best one.

The idea that cannabis can act as an exercise supplement is gaining momentum. A series of active events known as the 420 Games seeks to dispel the stigma of lazy “stoners” while promoting the healthy and responsible use of cannabis. Jim McAlpine, founder of 420 Games, says attendance tripled between 2015 and 2016.

The series is slated to take place in six states in 2018.

McAlpine may wholeheartedly support cannabis, but he cautions against treating it as a miracle supplement.

“I’m not of the mindset that it’s just something everybody should do or that it’s good for everybody,” he says. sensimag.com JANUARY 2018 23

“I think everybody should explore the possibility

chemicals that resemble morphine, one of the world’s

because for some people it doesn’t work.”

most powerful painkillers. However, the endorphin

McAlpine notes some athletes may become “sedentary” from smoking pot, or that it could impair motor coordination. For these people, he advises avoiding cannabis before, during, or after workouts.

Some people, however, may find cannabis inspires

hypothesis didn’t hold up to scrutiny, so scientists looked elsewhere for the source of runner’s high.

In 2004, a research team at the University of Georgia found it: our bodies’ endocannabinoids (endo- meaning “inside” + cannabinoids), otherwise known as our “brain’s

Paradoxically, cannabis appears to cause slimmer figures for the average person, athlete or otherwise .

Although we’d think a plant that makes us hungry should automatically cause weight gain, that’s not usually the case .

them to become physically active. For folks curious

natural pot,” were partially responsible for runner’s high.

about cannabis and exercise, he recommends micro-

The endocannabinoids produced in the brain behave

dosing, a method of ingesting small amounts of

much like the cannabinoids found in marijuana (e.g. THC

cannabis in order to gauge an optimal dose.

and CBD). This may explain why the runner’s high quite

The key to incorporating cannabis into an exercise regimen is “starting slow and small,” McAlpine

literally feels like a high – because it is.

Arne Dietrich is the psychologist who led the

adds. “Start with 5 milligrams or less of an edible, or

University of Georgia study. He says it’s true the endo-

smoking or vaping a tiny bit and seeing how it

cannabinoid system activates while running, but it’s

affects you. Then you can slowly and gradually

inaccurate to say our brain’s natural pot is solely

increase your intake.”

responsible for the runner’s high effect. He credits a

The 420 Games is just one sporting endeavor teaming up with marijuana. McApline is joining forces with former NFL superstar Ricky Williams to open a

complex soup of neurochemicals, including serotonin, adrenaline, and dopamine, to the overall feeling.

Additionally, Dietrich doesn’t see cannabis as a

cannabis gym in San Francisco, with sights set on 2018

performance enhancer, per se. “Marijuana has two

as well. Williams’ gym will go beyond simply promoting

strong effects that would interact with running,” he

cannabis as an athletic aid; it’ll allow lifters, trainers,

writes in an e-mail. “First, it is an analgesic. In running,

and other sports enthusiasts to consume on site, too.

it would mask pain, which is not necessarily a good

RUNNER’S HIGH IS PERFECTLY NAMED Hardcore athletes experience something called the “runner’s high.” Marathon runners may be most familiar with this phenomenon, but weightlifters, swimmers, and hikers know it, too. The runner’s high is a feeling of contentment and joy simultaneously dissociated from the pain caused by physical activity alongside an inner awareness of the body. Pain, strain, or exhaustion ebb away as the runner’s high takes effect.

For decades, scientists thought runner’s high was caused by endorphins. Endorphins are natural brain 24 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

thing. Second, marijuana is a sedative, not a stimulant.

Given this, I cannot see much of a motivator potential.”

CANNABIS FOR RECOVERY Any personal trainer will tell you that recovering from a workout is just as important as the workout itself—if not more important. Optimal healing and repair of a post-workout body are what gives athletes increased strength and endurance.

Cannabis can reduce inflammation in muscles and joints, and as noted by Dietrich, it can dull pain, too. In

little pot, they may find themselves scarfing down plenty of ( hopefully high-quality) calories with ease.

Paradoxically, cannabis appears to cause slimmer figures for the average person, athlete or otherwise.

Although one would think a plant that makes users hungry should automatically cause weight gain, that’s not usually the case.

This was discovered in 2013 when researchers with the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, and the University of Nebraska investigated pot smokers and obesity. They found pot smokers rocked smaller waistlines than non-users, had higher levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”), showed balance in blood sugar levels, and demonstrated improved insulin resistance. Although the researchers weren’t sure why

igh d . ’s H a m e ner c t l y n R un i s p e r f e terms of recovery, easing aches can make post-workout recovery much more bearable. A 2013 study in

this was the case, they suspected it had something to do with cannabis regulating insulin, the hormone responsible for breaking down the sugars we eat.

Does all of this mean smoking a bowl between workouts will keep you looking leaner and slenderer than ever before? The verdict is out on that, but the data suggests it can’t hurt.

Happy, Happy New Year,

{ and BEST of LUCK }

Nutrition & Metabolism concluded cannabis use after exercise can help the mind and body calm itself, leading to deeper, uninterrupted sleep. Good sleep, after all, is the key to recovery.

CANNABIS FOR METABOLISM Marijuana can make us hungry. Ravenously hungry.

This is a good thing for weight trainers, who need to slam down massive amounts of calories throughout the day. Some athletes, especially those with high metabolisms, may have trouble working up an appetite. With a sensimag.com JANUARY 2018 25

Godmother of the Green Rush Event producer and “Weed Fairy” Susan Soares is on a mission to change the stigma surrounding marijuana— one elegant, educational event at a time.

BY CHERI SICARD

26 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

DUBBED THE STATE’S FIRST OFFICIALLY LICENSED CONSUMPTION EVENT, THE STATE OF CANNABIS GATHERED TOGETHER POLITICIANS, POLICY WONKS, SCIENTISTS, MEDICAL AND MEDIA PROFESSIONALS—ALONG WITH MISCELLANEOUS MOVERS AND SHAKERS FROM EVERY ASPECT OF

always about socially conscious capitalism. We’re creating a whole new industry, so it’s the perfect opportunity to create a new model of doing business.”

Cannabis at Coachella One of C.A.R.E’s annual events, Green Oasis, takes place

THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY—FOR A TWO-DAY

during the Coachella Music Festival over the much-cele-

CONFERENCE AT THE GRAND EVENT CENTER IN

brated week of April 20th. Soares came up with the idea

LONG BEACH. IT ALL RAN SO SMOOTHLY YOU’D NEVER GUESS THE EVENT’S ORGANIZER WAS A ONE-WOMAN OPERATION. DEFTLY JUGGLING SPONSORS, VENDORS, SPEAKERS, ENTERTAINERS, VOLUNTEERS, PRESS AND THE PUBLIC, SUSAN

about five years ago after Bud and Roses owner Aaron Justis told her he was traveling to Denver for the high holiday.

“I was like, ‘That’s crazy—LA should be the home of 4-20!’” she recalls. “So I started looking at what was going on during that timeframe in SoCal.” While researching Coachella, Soares was surprised to

SOARES IS A MULTI-TASKING MARVEL. YET DE-

learn that the festival’s producers were not at all canna-

SPITE HER APPARENT PROWESS, SHE CLAIMS HER

bis friendly—even warning patients on their website that

POWERHOUSE PERSONA IS MERELY A FRONT. “I’ve been told that I come across as a very strong person,’ she says. “That may be because I’ve had to be strong all my life, but I’m actually pretty insecure most of the time.”

Soares has come a long way —both personally and pro-

medical marijuana cards would not be honored there.

“I thought, ‘Fuck you, Coachella! I’m going to rent a house and invite all of the artists to come over and get swag bags full of cannabis products,’” said Soares.

Everyone said her idea of an invite-only celebrity “green room” would fail—that since there were already

fessionally—since her days as a Republican soccer mom

so many parties going on during the festival, she would

in Orange County. While volunteering for the Mormon

never get any of the artists to come to hers. Fortunately,

church at the age of 33, she sustained an injury that left

she didn’t listen.

her with a migraine lasting for two years. After exhausting all conventional treatment options, she eventually found relief with cannabis—but promptly found herself ostracized by both her church and her family for it.

“When my family and entire community turned their CANNABIS ACTIVIST, ENTREPRENEUR AND EVENT PRODUCER SUSAN SOARES.

in the industry,” she observes. “This movement was

“I always knew they would come…because after all, it was about cannabis!” she says.

The mission with Green Oasis was not only to smash through the marijuana stigma by entertaining and educating Coachella’s artistic elite, but also to hopefully get

backs on me because I chose cannabis for health, I knew there

those celebrities with their huge fan bases and spheres

was something terribly wrong with our society,” she says.

of influence to come out of the closet and promote

Determined to do something about it, Soares founded

marijuana use in a positive light. And it worked: over

the nonprofit organization C.A.R.E. (Cannabis Awareness,

the past three years, Green Oasis has become one of the

Research, and Economics). Through C.A.R.E. she uses her

most popular celebrity hangouts at the festival.

organizational and event planning skills to try to inform

“I had Alabama Shakes come straight from their

those who may not be savvy about what the plant can

main stage set to Green Oasis,” she brags. Other artists

do for them and the world. In the process, she’s accom-

that spent time at the Oasis included A$AP Rocky, Brit-

plished the improbable feat of creating upscale events

ney Howard and The 1975, whose lead singer Matthew

that non-cannabis users (including elected officials) feel

Healy made a point of lighting up and talking about it

comfortable attending, despite the fact that consumption

onstage—calling it “the ultimate green room.”

is openly going on. But consumption is only one small

“It’s not a house party,” Soares explains. “The art-

part of her events: the broader focus is on education,

ists get taken care of. We have interesting people and

community advancement, and most of all business—par-

brands for them to talk to, amazing food cooked to order

ticularly, providing information to help aspiring entrepre-

by chefs, foot and hand soaks, games and activities, and

neurs survive and succeed in the ever-changing land-

always enlightening conversation. Without fail, the art-

scape of legalization and regulation.

ists always leave happy and relaxed, and often mention

“It’s going to be a struggle for small businesses … it’ll take awhile for them to assume their rightful place

that ours were the best swag bags they ever received.

It’s been very rewarding.” sensimag.com JANUARY 2018 27

also because she sees it as a savvy business decision: Like many other enthusiasts in the LA area, she grew frustrated with having to travel all the way to San Bernardino for cannabis events. So she took matters into her own hands and successfully lobbied the city to give her a business license to produce cannabis events there. Soares’s vision is to make the LBC California’s go-to city for cannabis events that educate the public and present the plant in a positive light. “I see Long Beach’s potential to be like Amsterdam meets Vegas,� she enthuses. “We have one of the best airports in the nation, cruise ships, public transportation, lots of places for events, great hotels and restaurants, and we straddle Los Angeles and Orange Counties. There’s just so much potential here.�

Well-Qualified to Represent the LBC Though Soares has had opportunities to take her events national, she prefers to concentrate on Southern California—citing the fact that it’s the largest cannabis market in the world, and that what California does influences opinions and policies around the country and even the globe.

She focuses most of her attention on her hometown of Long Beach—not just because she has a personal stake in making the city a better place (her grandchildren also live there), but

 � ���� ���  ­€� � (‚ƒ„) …†‡ˆ„‡‰‰

@

28 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

Despite the growing pains that come with the Golden State’s developing legal marijuana model, Soares remains optimistic about the future of the industry. “I wouldn’t trade my current life for anything,� she says. “I get to focus on cannabis all day, every day. Plus people are always giving me stuff, which I in turn get to give away. It’s great to be a weed fairy!�

CHERI SICARD is the author of Mary Jane: The Complete Marijuana Handbook for Women (2015, Seal Press) and the creator of the Internet’s first online cannabis cooking course for home consumers. CannabisCheri.com

GRACE will arise to overcome pain

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sensimag.com JANUARY 2018 29

SHANGHAI N IGHTS

Š PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE STONEHOUSE

What: Sensi MJBizCon After-Party Where: Enclave, Las Vegas When: November 16, 2017 Every November, L AS VEGAS becomes the center of the cannabis world for three days as professionals from around the country head to MJBizCon. Sensi hosted its annual after-party, bringing conference-goers together for an evening of comraderie and top-notch networking. More than 5,000 people RSVPd for the free event, drawn by the chance to celebrate the advancement of the cannabis business community among industry leaders.

30 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

sensi

SCENE

{soSoCal}

by B O B BY B L A C K

Buds and Roses — It’s impossible to talk about New Year’s Day in SoCal without mentioning the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Internationally known as America’s New Year Celebration, the Rose Parade in Pasadena has been an area institution for well over a century. Originally created in 1890 by the Valley Hunt Club as a humble promotional event to showcase the mild winters of what they referred to as the Mediterranean of the West, it now attracts around 700,000 attendees, over 70 million worldwide viewers, and more than $300 million in revenue for local businesses.

The parade, which follows a 5.5-mile route down Colorado Boulevard, is typically comprised of around 20 marching bands and equestrian teams, as well as over 40 flower-decorated floats.

As a rule, all surfaces of the floats’ frameworks must be covered in natural materials (flowers, plants, seaweeds, seeds, bark, vegetables or nuts—no artificial flowers or plant material of any kind are allowed, including flowers that are artificially colored). It takes a team of nearly a thousand volunteers and staffers around 80,000 hours of work to pull off this incredible spectacle.

Each year, the parade committee selects a different Grand Marshal and theme for the festivities. This year, the Grand Marshal is actor Gary Sinise, and the theme is “Making a Difference.” If we all keep working hard to shift the culture on cannabis, then who knows… maybe someday, a decade or so from now, we might even get to see a float decorated with the kind of flowers we all enjoy so much. Fingers crossed.

32 JANUARY 2018 Orange County

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