#surf lessons Los Angeles

[sibylsleaves]

some things fall when they're meant to fall

4k | rated T | read on ao3

Yeah,” Eddie agrees. “And he’s always gonna be my best friend. He’s always gonna be the person I turn to. The first person I look to when I’m happy, or hurting.” He laughs again. “Even when it’s kind of his fault.” Marisol goes a little still against his arm, and draws away. “The first person?” Eddie turns his face toward her. “Well, yeah. That’s just how it’s been since we met.”

or, Buck tells Eddie some news. Eddie breaks up with his girlfriend. Not necessarily in that order. written for @burnthatbridge

Eddie collapses down on the sofa, propping his ankle up on the coffee table. It’s pretty much completely healed by now, but it still twinges a bit when he’s been on his feet all day. Marisol drops onto the couch next to him and kicks off her heels.

“Man, that was such a funny coincidence, seeing Buck and Tommy at Pizzana,” he says.

She hums noncommittally. “It’s a pretty popular spot, isn’t it?”

Eddie wouldn’t really know—Buck’s the one who picks the restaurant when they go out, always excited to try whatever new place he saw on instagram or the Los Angeles food subreddit. Now that he thinks about, Buck is definitely the one who first mentioned Pizzana to Eddie, so maybe it wasn’t such a coincidence.

“Well, I’m glad he and Tommy are hanging out. I knew they’d hit it off if Buck just gave him a chance.” It had been a surprise to see them out together, but a good surprise. After the basketball incident, Tommy had told Eddie he wanted to clear the air with Buck, and it seems the air was successfully cleared.

They’d been done with their dinner, but Eddie had convinced the two of them to stay for another drink while he and Marisol waited for their own pizza. It had been fun—he likes Tommy a lot, and now that Buck’s let his guard down he can see he likes the guy, too.

It kinda reminded him of how Buck was when he first met Eddie—territorial, at first, but then once Eddie had proved he wouldn’t be so easily put-off by Buck’s barking he’d sort of…melted. That was the only word Eddie could think of to describe it, the way he’d smiled and just opened up, like a dog rolling over to show his soft belly, blushing pink as a flower unfurling into full bloom.

Anyway, it would’ve been a nice night, with the four of them—and on the surface, it had been. They’d laughed and joked and recounted the entire hurricane rescue for Marisol. But something had felt…off with Buck. It had been bothering Eddie all night. Not quite the same way things had felt off with him before the basketball incident. Something else. He’d been…nervous, almost? Eddie had been thrilled to run into them, but for a minute when his gaze landed on Buck, Buck had looked…guilty, almost.

He had no reason to be. He’d already apologized to Eddie for the whole thing, and Eddie had reassured him and gently chided him for not just telling him he was feeling left out, and they’d been fine since then. More than fine. They had plans to take Chris to his surf lesson tomorrow, for god’s sake.

“Eddie,” Marisol prods gently. “What are you thinking about?”

Eddie turns to her, his easy-going smile already in place. Her own smile flickers and he knows he’s made a mistake.

They’ve been talking about this, is the thing. A few days ago, she sat him down and told her how it bothers her that Eddie doesn’t—hasn’t—opened up to her. He can’t really deny it. He hadn’t told her much at all about the hurricane rescue until it had come up tonight. He hadn’t told her much about Shannon, or about what Chris had been going through a few weeks ago. He doesn’t know why—he’s not that guy that just bottles up his feelings anymore. He’s not.

So he takes a breath, and he says, “I guess I’m just thinking about Buck.”

“Buck?” she echoes, but she doesn’t sound surprised, exactly.

“Yeah,” Eddie continues. “He seemed off tonight, and I guess maybe he’s still feeling guilty about what happened at the pick-up game, but—I forgave him for that.”

Tommy had been the one to explain the basketball incident to Marisol, when she’d showed up that night for their date and Eddie had been crashed out on the couch, loopy with pain meds. Eddie’s actually not sure what Tommy had told Marisol, but she seemed to at least have gleaned that Buck was more or less responsible for Eddie’s condition.

Eddie shakes his head and blows out a breath of frustration. “I just—I wish there was some way to get him to really understand, you know? That we’re partners and that nothing and no one is ever going to change that.”

Marisol shifts beside him, her dark curls brushing against his arm where it lies along the back of the couch. “Well, I mean. What if one of you gets reassigned?”

Eddie stares at her for a minute, puzzled. Then he laughs. “No, I don’t mean partners at work. I mean, you know. We’re partners.”

(keep reading on ao3)

[afrotumble]

Lizelle Jackson is a co-founder of Color the Water, a nonprofit that offers free surf lessons to BIPOC in Los Angeles.

Photo: Wade in the Water

[canonicallyobserving911]

Eddie Diaz is an awesome dad!

Eddie is an awesome dad who will do anything for his son Christopher.  He left El Paso, TX after his parents tried to convince him to leave Chris with them but he relocated to Los Angeles, CA. He moved so that he could give himself and his son a fresh start. Eddie bought a house and he had a familial support system in his abuela Isabel and his aunt Pepa because they were already living in L.A. He attended the LAFD academy and after he graduated at the top of his class, several different firehouses wanted to recruit him.

He’s sacrificed so much for Chris including quitting his job in 2021 right before Christmas because Chris was scared Eddie would get hurt again or worse he could die while working as a firefighter.  He does his very best to be there for his son and he works hard to provide for him.  Eddie is an awesome dad and he’s demonstrated how awesome he is as Chris’ dad for years.

2x2 “7.1” – Eddie took Chris to school before he went to work.

2x4 (2) “Stuck” – Eddie got ready for work while Chris got ready for school.

3x4 “Triggers” – Eddie comforted Chris after he had a nightmare about his mother.

3x13 “Fools” – Eddie had a conversation with Chris about skateboarding after Chris fell off one of his classmate’s skateboards while he was at school.  Eddie explained to Chris that everyone has things they can’t do and he used himself as an example.  He explained how Chris’s science teacher told him how Chris was good at growing plants but Eddie admitted he wasn’t.

3x18 “What’s Next?” – Eddie and Chris attended May’s graduation party and Chris went away from home for two weeks to attend his first summer camp.

4x2 “Alone Together” – Eddie spent time with Chris while Carla read Chris a bedtime story on FaceTime.

5x6 “Brawl in Cell Block 9-1-1” – After being held at gunpoint by an escaped convict, Eddie went home and spent time talking to his son.

5x10 (2) “Wrapped in Red” – Chris had a nightmare about his mother and Eddie rushed into his room after he heard him scream to check on him. Chris told Eddie he could be dead next year and Eddie quit the 118 so Chris wouldn’t have to worry about him.

5x11 “Outside Looking In” – After Eddie quit the 118, his new job wasn’t what he hoped it would be but he stuck it out so Chris didn’t have to worry about him.  Chris asked him if he missed being a firefighter and Eddie said he did.  During a conversation with Eddie, Chris told him he should return to firefighting and explained how it is scary sometimes but he could be brave.

5x14 “Dumb Luck” – Chris asked Eddie if he was one of the things that makes him sad and Eddie responded, “NEVER!”

6x4 (2) “Animal Instincts” – Eddie got a call from Chris’ school explaining that Chris had been skipping his science club meetings.  Eddie took away his video games but one night Chris waited until Eddie fell asleep and he played the games anyway.  Eddie listened to Chris when he said he didn’t want to be treated like a baby anymore and he reminded Chris that he couldn’t be disrespectful after he called Eddie a jerk.

6x7 “Cursed” – Eddie took Chris to his surfing lesson.

6x8 “9-1-1 What’s Your Fantasy?” – Eddie helped Chris get ready for his first school dance and he waited outside of the school with Carla until the dance was over.  He was so proud of his son and he had tears in his eyes.

[orionares]

BTHB: Depression

BTHB: Depression 

NCIS: Los Angeles 

@badthingshappenbingo

—---

A/N: Trigger Warning for descriptions of depression.

A/N2: Takes place during 12x08 "Love Kills" and 12x09 "A Fait Accompli"

—-----

Glynco, Georgia

It's pouring out.

It's storming actually, dumping up to two inches of rain on Glynco and the rest of the Georgia coast. With the outside night classes canceled, Marty Deeks lies on his dorm bed and watches his ceiling fan spin. 

He could go to the dining hall and attempt to socialize with the other cadets or walk over to use the dorm building's gym.

But instead, he lies on his back with bruised ribs and shoulder pain, and just….lays there. 

Hey, Cadet! How was your day?

He could answer Kensi's text, received two hours ago. He really could. Hell, Deeks could picture himself rolling onto his stomach, taking his phone in hand and texting- I'm fine. The usual. Miss you and the team. 

It'd be easy. Simple. It'd also be a lie.

He isn't fine. 

—--

"I'm so sorry, Deeks."

His eyes fly open at the memory of the four words he's heard dozens of times since being cut from NCIS and LAPD. He can picture Sam and Callen's solemn expressions, the pat on the backs from other agents and even the glances from officers on the day he had turned in his badge.

God, the looks he'd gotten walking into LAPD-

Deeks lets out a slow long breath before glancing over to the clock on the dresser. 

8:15

I've only been here for twenty- five minutes. Great, he thinks before gingerly pushing himself into sitting up. Deeks rubs his bruised ribs- earned from an overeager ex- Marine during sparring- and winces. 

In the silence of his room, he can feel his chest tighten at the sudden surge of intrusive thoughts.

I hurt and I'm exhausted. I can’t sleep and I’m running on empty.

Unexpectedly,  he lets out a sob.

I can’t fail-

I can't-

His cellphone rings from behind him, causing him to flinch. Deeks grabs the phone and looks at the screen to see a video request from Kensi. He takes in another slow breath and musters the closest he can to a smile.

"Hey, Kensalina," he greets and sees Kensi laying back on her pillow on their bed. The sight of her makes his heart skip a beat and he takes a long moment to take in the sight of her. 

"Hi," Kensi answers softly. "It's what- 8 or so over there? I just wanted to check on you. How was your day?"

"I'm hanging in there, Kens. There's a storm that canceled a few classes," Deeks replies. He swallows and glances off to his left. "How's…how's it going over there?"

Kensi frowns and sits up on the bed. "It's fine….Baby, are you okay?"

He stiffens at her question and looks away from his phone. The tears forming in his eyes sting as he looks away and feels his wife's eyes on him even from a thousand miles away. "I'm getting it done, Kens-"

"You didn't answer my question."

 "I didn't.." He chuckles sadly before looking back at the phone. "Kens, I…I'm drowning and I don't know how to get out of this. I know I have two weeks left but I just….I don't know."

Kensi tucks a loose hair behind her ear. "I'm so sorry. I can come up for a weekend if that'd help?"

 "No, no, no- don't waste a couple of days on me," He mutters. "I just need to finish and maybe us driving back and taking some time for ourselves will help."

Kensi nods in understanding before a small warm smile appears on her face. "I have an idea that may help. Tell me three things that you are looking forward to when you come home."

"What?"

"Tell me three things that you are looking forward to when you come back home," Kensi repeats. She holds up the familiar desk pad and holds it up in front of the camera. "We can both list three things that we'll do when you come home, whether it's sleep in all day, surfing or whatever. Just three things."

 Deeks drops his head and sighs. "Kensi…I…. fine, I guess I could go see my surf students over in Malibu. They know I went to a work thing and might get a promotion." 

Kensi nods and scribbles 'surfing lessons' on her pad. "That's one. By the way, that taco truck that you've been fangirling over finally opened yesterday."

It's not fangirling, it's- He smirks at the thought and mumbles,"That's two. Look, Kens-"

Kensi sits up suddenly, cocks her head slightly and smiles with chin resting on her hand. "And I think…I'm pretty sure that there's another activity that we can catch up on when you come home."

"Kens-"

"The attic had been in need of cleaning for forever!" Kensi jokes. 

Corny as it is, Deeks lets out a chuckle, the first one in weeks. He settles in the warmth it brings.  "I miss you."

"Deeks,"Kensi smiles. " I'm going to ask you the same question every day until I drive up to you. You've been through so much and you are so loved and so amazing. You are almost done. Hold on to the things we talked about. Promise me."

God, he loves her. "I promise."

"Ok." Kensi sits up. "New topic- I've got a new story about Tiffany, Mindy and a six year old Facebook post. Up for it?"

Deeks lays back on the bed and replies, "Of course."

—-----

2,500 miles away, Kensi Blye listens to the soft snoring on Deeks via video chat. He'd only made it four minutes into the story before he'd gone quiet on his end. 

I knew telling him a story would work, Kensi thinks proudly. She places the pad back on her dresser , recalling the idea from a phone call from Nate.

"I'm really worried about him, Nate, and I don't know how to help him across the country."

He'd told her to start with something simple- "Just be there for him. Give him something to hold onto."

"I love you," Kensi repeats again as she relaxes into the pillow. "Good Night, Deeks."

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

For the WIP game, any more updates on Steal my Sunshine, the Galveston fic (I forgot its name I’m the worst), or If You Can Make the Music (is this another playlist heavy fic??!!)

You don’t have to talk about all three you can chose just one! (I clearly can’t follow directions).

HI! Galveston fic IS If You Can Make the Music so I will share some of that :)

First chapter is well on its way. Here's a snippet:

---

“If we’re moving close to the ocean, can I learn to surf?” Is Christopher’s main question. 

Eddie has read about therapeutic, modified surfing lessons, and the thought is pretty cool.

“Definitely,” Eddie confirms. “Are you sure you don’t have any other concerns?”

Eddie doesn’t take moving him away from his life and friends lightly. It might have been easier if he was a little kid. Kind of like when Shannon wanted them to move to Los Angeles. There’s a lot Eddie could have done better if he took action sooner. 

“No,” Chris shrugs. “I want you and Mom to be happy.”

Eddie squeezes his shoulder. “That’s not your responsibility, kiddo. But I think we’re both getting there, in our own ways.”

[recordsfm]

╰   ☆  ◞ milo manheim / cis man / he/him  ———  no way is that dallon markham? you know they’re TWENTY-SIX YEARS OLD and they’ve been in los angeles for THREE YEARS. they’re chillin’ as the OWNER of BLAZED. oh and they’re notoriously known for being CLOSED OFF but there are some people who have seen them be LOYAL. i heard they’re a part of a BAND called THE WALLETS, yeah they’re a VOCALIST/GUITARIST/BASSIST to be honest they sound a lot like WALLOWS. they’re actually RISING STAR.

PART ONE: STATISTICS. 

basic information:

FULL NAME: Dallon Fable Markham

NICKNAME(S): Dally boy

AGE: 26

DATE OF BIRTH: September 28th 1997

PLACE OF BIRTH: Chicago, Illinois

GENDER: cis man

PRONOUNS: he/him

ORIENTATION: hetrosexual

LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN: English, some Spanish,

NEIGHBOURHOOD: Riviera Beach

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Seaside oasis apartments

family ties:

MOTHER: Angela Anderson Bertuzzi

GRANDMOTHER: Abigail Anderson

FATHER: Brandon Markham Carmen Bertuzzi

SIBLINGS: Violet Bertuzzi, Michaela Bertuzzi (12)

SPOUSE / PARTNER: none

CHILDREN: none

PETS: none

occupational information:

OCCUPATION: Owner/chef at blazed

POSITION: Chef

SKILLSET OR SPECIALISATION:  Cooking, heat tolerance,

NAME OF THEIR ACT: Wallets

SO THEY PLAY INSTRUMENTS? IF SO WHAT?: Guitar and bass

HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN A PART OF THE ACT?: 10 years

ARTIST INFLUENCES: The wombats, the 1975, twenty one pilots

CURRENT MONTHLY SPOTIFY/APPLE MUSIC LISTENS ON AVERAGE: 510.2 K

personality:

WESTERN ZODIAC: Libra

CHINESE ZODIAC: Ox

POSITIVE TRAITS: loyal, hard working, comical

NEGATIVE TRAITS: closed off, Independent, stubborn

HOBBIES: Smoking weed, playing around with his guitar, cooking, surfing, having sex

AESTHETICS: fading hickies, empty bottles of jack, grease stained aprons

PART TWO: QUESTIONNAIRE. 

IF YOUR MUSE IS A MUSICIAN:

start at the beginning, who are you and why are you important?

"Uh yeah, my name is Dallon Markham. I play the bass and sing for a band called The Wallets."

how long have you been making music?

"Oh Jesus, uh...", Dallon trailed off as he scratched his beard, trying to do math while currently stoned out of his mind. Fuck. Why did they wanna interview us all separately? What was I doing again? Or right. "Since I was like 18. That's when we really started to do the band seriously. But I was in music lessons ever since I was a kid."

how would you describe the kind of music you make?

"It's pretty much just three kids fucking around with their instruments really."

who are some of your biggest musical influences?

"Definitely Cartel, Peach pit, Jimmy Eat World, and Finch."

what is the first record you ever bought?

"Oh god. My step dad got me take off your pants and jacket, by Blink-182 for my 5th birthday, when he was still just dating my mom. We always were listening to The Rock Show"

what has working in the music industry meant to you thus far in your career?

"As bad as this is gonna sound, it's not really a career to me... It's just a hobby. Something that I do because it's fun and I love it. A career to me is a legacy, and for me, I hope that's my food and culinary career."

what are some stand out moments from your career so far?

"Well touring was pretty cool. But that didn't last very long at all."

how would you describe your style of performance? what makes your shows worth seeing?

There was a grimace that spread across the man's lips, quickly erasing his smile. In that moment, he really wished that Ash was there. Or hell his aunt. Anyone who could feed him lines. "I think we have a good energy", the man thought on his feet. "I try and interact with the crowd as much as possible, and I know Ash does too."

what are you still hoping to achieve in your career?

"Honestly, I'm not wanting much more from my music career. Wallets was something I just did with my cousin. It's fun and all, but it's not my passion anymore." I just use being in a band to get laid really, the man silently added. Knowing more then enough not to let that thought slip past his lips.

what’s next for you?

"Uh well", Dallon paused to think. "My main goal right now is to actually focus on my business. About six months ago I officially opened a food truck called Blazed. We're the only food truck in LA that currently sells cannabis infused food. But we sell regular food too, because there is such thing as too many edibles."

PART TWO: BACKGROUND:

will be added

[polijakefim]

Outside Magazine, November 2016 | Travis fimmel, Vikings actors, Happy play

Travis Fimmel’s Minimalist Broasis

Vikings star Travis Fimmel has exactly three possessions: his trailer, his pickup truck, and his horse

I’d been told to meet the Australian ­actor Travis Fimmel, best known for his role as Norse warrior Ragnar Lothbrok in the ­History channel’s Vikings series, at his ranch outside Los Angeles. Given the popularity of the show—four seasons, an Amazon Prime ­release, and season five in the works—I had assumed that Fimmel’s pad would be some secluded midcentury hideout with a well-stocked kitchen and a gym worthy of a broadsword slinger who’d also recently anchored a Warcraft film adaptation that made nearly half a billion dollars worldwide

But the address led to a dusty outdoor riding arena just off the highway, where Fimmel, barefoot in a pair of camo cargo shorts and a surf tee, greeted me from the back of his 15-year-old chestnut quarter horse, Wanker.

“I’m just getting him warmed up so he doesn’t buck you off,” says Fimmel, who is 37 and was raised on a dairy farm in Echuca, Australia. He grew up working in his family’s cherry orchards, camping and fishing with his two older brothers, and surfing behind dirt bikes in irrigation canals. He came to L.A. when he was 21, after being scouted by a modeling agency and dropping out of architecture school. Almost immediately, he was stopping traffic on billboards modeling Calvin Klein underwear

"Among a generation who’ve shunned material possessions, Fimmel has achieved an advanced state of stoic minimalism."

Still mounted, Fimmel led me in my rental car up to his broasis, which, it quickly became clear, was actually a dilapidated 18-foot beige and white Nomad travel trailer parked permanently in the shade of a pepper tree between a water tank and the tack shed. 

“Got it real cheap, over in Phelan,” says Fimmel. “Towing it back, the side panels were flapping, and the back door fell off.” The ranch belongs to longtime stunt coordinator Walter Scott. Fimmel showed up in 2010 looking for riding lessons ahead of a big-screen remake of the 1960s TV show Big Valley. Most of the work around his family’s farm was performed on ATVs, so he was a novice horseman.

“Just ask me about when I first met him,” says Scott. “He says he knew about horses—everything he learned right here, on that horse. Roping and everything. Him and another guy came. He never left.”

The film went down in flames after the director was convicted of committing tax-credit fraud on a previous project, but Fimmel stuck around the stable and now squats there when he’s not traveling. “Out here it’s just good people. No industry,” Fimmel explains. “Just the stunt boys.”

Among a generation who’ve shunned material possessions as barriers to life experience, Fimmel has achieved an advanced state of stoic minimalism. According to him, his only worldly possessions are Wanker, the Craigslist trailer (which now has air-­conditioning), and a red 1982 GMC stepside pickup with a ’73 bed (which does not). ­Before the trailer, he lived in an old Ford Econoline with a pop-up bed. 

“It got taken off me,” he says. “It wasn’t road worthy.” Unlike the cool kids who gussy up Sprinter vans and Westfalias, Fimmel only recently upgraded from a flip phone to an iPhone 4, does no social media, and rarely checks his e-mail. “I’m always getting texts asking why I’m not responding on Instagram or Facebook, and I’m like, ‘It’s not me. You’re writing to some stranger.’ ” 

Fimmel helped me into the saddle, and we headed out for a hack on a trail behind the property, him riding Scott’s horse Josey. It was hot, and Wanker wanted to stop in the shade. Fimmel’s ultimate goal is to save as much money as he can and end up back in Australia on a nice spread—“with three or four wives,” he jokes, though at the moment he says of the opposite sex, “They all hate me, although it’s not for lack of trying. When you do a lot of traveling, it’s hard.” 

He eats what he wants, works out only when he’s forced to, and does his drinking at the local VFW hall. But for a guy who regrets his modeling days and says he wasn’t looking to get into acting—“Still not looking to, mate”—he’s stripped away everything else. If he could, he’d spend three months studying for each of his parts. “You get sucked into it, trying to be good at it,” he says. “I wish you could make money and people never saw what you did. Then you could relax and not care about how bad you are.”

It’s the proper amount of self-hatred for an action hero who’s actually good at his craft—more Viggo Mortensen than Chris Hemsworth. He starts shooting a blockbuster bank-heist film, Finding Steve McQueen, in September, starring alongside Kate Bosworth and Forest Whitaker. 

Fimmel is extraordinarily soft-spoken—introverted, even—for a guy at risk of being typecast as a barbarian. At an interview with three of his Vikings castmates at Comic-Con in July, Fimmel managed to get through the entire Q&A saying exactly zero words. But he’s only now being tested in parts with more range, like his supporting role as a bearded-hipster pickle entrepreneur in the 2016 roman­tic comedy Maggie’s Plan and a loving, alcoholic father in an adaptation of the horse-racing novel��Lean on Pete that was shot in Oregon and wrapped this summer. On that project, he ducked out for a few days to reel in his first steelhead with a friend at the mouth of the Chehalis River. 

It was nearly 100 degrees on the trail. The Blue Cut Fire had just broken out in San Bernardino, and disaster-relief crews were a constant presence on the highway. Each of the past three summers, Fimmel has escaped this kind of heat, shooting Vikings in the cold mists of Ireland. The Ragnar role even landed him an endorsement deal as the face of high-end down-jacket company Canada Goose, which photographed him earlier this year among the icebergs of Newfoundland. 

Here, though, it was just really hot. We put the horses up, Fimmel hosed Wanker down, and we went for a Bud Light at the VFW. If any of the vets and bikers recognized him, they didn’t show it. This time next year, it may not be so easy.

Lead Photo: Jeff Lipsky

[gloriouswhispers]

MARGO BROOKS

Age & Birthday: 24 years old, January 21st

Gender/Pronouns: Ciswoman she/her

Birthplace: Clearwater, FL

Job/role in LA: Skater / Co-Owner of Surf n Turf

Positive personality traits: resourceful, benevolent, energetic

Negative personality traits: stubborn, aimless, crass

BIO.

Margo was born and raised in Clearwater to a large and chaotic family. It was normal to never know if their parents were together, separated, hated one another. As a result most of the Brooks kids spent more time playing on the streets than ever inside their own home.

Just like her brothers, Margo got up to mayhem and found some sort of sport or activity to keep her mind busy. She gravitated to skateboarding, rollerblading and surfing, loving the beach and always having swimming lessons from her older brother Tyler.

Mars didn't mean to be another sibling that followed him to Los Angeles, but she did. She's always been trying her hardest to keep up and not be left behind, after all.

But, Margo made a point that Tyler's success wasn't going to be something she used. She asked him to go into business with her, opening up Surf n Turf on Venice Beach. A surf and skateboard shop which she usually is on shift within herself, not caring to work every hour under the sun if she has to.

She can't deny that Tyler's new connections have helped her, though and Margo isn't above networking just a little with some of his star studded contact list.

[sibylsleaves]

some things fall when they're meant to fall

25k | rated T | read on ao3 | COMPLETE Eddie’s gaze drop to Buck’s lips—pink, like his birthmark. Eddie wants to taste those lips, and he wants it with a fierceness so sudden it shocks him. “I’m, uh,” Buck stammers. “Last night. When you saw me and Tommy…we—we were on a date.” Everything inside Eddie goes still. If his heart is a kite, then this is the moment it plummets back to earth.

or, Buck tells Eddie some news. Eddie breaks up with his girlfriend. Not necessarily in that order. written for @burnthatbridge

Eddie collapses down on the sofa, propping his ankle up on the coffee table. It’s pretty much completely healed by now, but it still twinges a bit when he’s been on his feet all day. Marisol drops onto the couch next to him and kicks off her heels.

“Man, that was such a funny coincidence, seeing Buck and Tommy at Pizzana,” he says.

She hums noncommittally. “It’s a pretty popular spot, isn’t it?”

Eddie wouldn’t really know—Buck’s the one who picks the restaurant when they go out, always excited to try whatever new place he saw on instagram or the Los Angeles food subreddit. Now that he thinks about, Buck is definitely the one who first mentioned Pizzana to Eddie, so maybe it wasn’t such a coincidence.

“Well, I’m glad he and Tommy are hanging out. I knew they’d hit it off if Buck just gave him a chance.” It had been a surprise to see them out together, but a good surprise. After the basketball incident, Tommy had told Eddie he wanted to clear the air with Buck, and it seems the air was successfully cleared.

They’d been done with their dinner, but Eddie had convinced the two of them to stay for another drink while he and Marisol waited for their own pizza. It had been fun—he likes Tommy a lot, and now that Buck’s let his guard down he can see he likes the guy, too.

It kinda reminded him of how Buck was when he first met Eddie—territorial, at first, but then once Eddie had proved he wouldn’t be so easily put-off by Buck’s barking he’d sort of…melted. That was the only word Eddie could think of to describe it, the way he’d smiled and just opened up, like a dog rolling over to show his soft belly, blushing pink as a flower unfurling into full bloom.

Anyway, it would’ve been a nice night, with the four of them—and on the surface, it had been. They’d laughed and joked and recounted the entire hurricane rescue for Marisol. But something had felt…off with Buck. It had been bothering Eddie all night. Not quite the same way things had felt off with him before the basketball incident. Something else. He’d been…nervous, almost? Eddie had been thrilled to run into them, but for a minute when his gaze landed on Buck, Buck had looked…guilty, almost.

He had no reason to be. He’d already apologized to Eddie for the whole thing, and Eddie had reassured him and gently chided him for not just telling him he was feeling left out, and they’d been fine since then. More than fine. They had plans to take Chris to his surf lesson tomorrow, for god’s sake.

“Eddie,” Marisol prods gently. “What are you thinking about?”

Eddie turns to her, his easy-going smile already in place. Her own smile flickers and he knows he’s made a mistake.

They’ve been talking about this, is the thing. A few days ago, she sat him down and told her how it bothers her that Eddie doesn’t—hasn’t—opened up to her. He can’t really deny it. He hadn’t told her much at all about the hurricane rescue until it had come up tonight. He hadn’t told her much about Shannon, or about what Chris had been going through a few weeks ago. He doesn’t know why—he’s not that guy that just bottles up his feelings anymore. He’s not.

So he takes a breath, and he says, “I guess I’m just thinking about Buck.”

(keep reading on ao3)

[myxtorturedxheart]

Letting out a happy sigh, Wyatt leaned into Callum, taking a sip of her champagne as she watched the waves hitting the shore. She had been in Los Angeles for almost ten years now and never in her wildest dreams had she imagined she would get this lucky, to have an incredible job, an amazing person who she loved and who loved her in return and now, this place to call home, it was better than she had ever hoped for. "I can't surf either. They'll have to take lessons."

Callum came back in with two glasses of champagne for them, he knew he would have to wait until they'd eaten and relaxed for the night before he proposed. He could just picture the delivery man coming whilst he was in the middle of trying to ask her. He wrapped an arm around her as they looked out at the ocean, kissing her hair softly. "Think this is a view we'll ever get used to?" He asked, the sound of the waves was calming. He hoped he never got used to it. "I can already see our future here, swimming in the ocean. When we have kids one day, teaching them to swim or surf. Though I guess I need to learn how to surf first."

[daastane-musafir]

Venice Beach Unveiled: A Complete Guide

Title: Venice Beach Unveiled: A Complete Guide

Introduction :

Venice Beach, a vibrant and iconic neighborhood nestled along the shores of Los Angeles, is a destination like no other. Known for its stunning beach, bustling boardwalk, artistic spirit, and diverse culture, Venice Beach offers a unique experience that attracts visitors from around the world. In this complete guide, we'll take you on a journey through Venice Beach, exploring its rich history, must-visit attractions, outdoor activities, dining options, and more.

**A Brief History of Venice Beach :**

Venice Beach was founded in the early 20th century by Abbot Kinney, who aimed to create a "Venice of America" complete with canals and a Mediterranean flair. While the canals no longer exist, the area's artistic legacy and Bohemian atmosphere live on. Venice Beach became a hub for artists, musicians, and free spirits, contributing to its unique character. Today, it's a mix of the old and the new, a place where creativity and individualism flourish.

**Must-Visit Attractions :**

1. **Venice Beach Boardwalk:** Stroll down the legendary boardwalk, where you'll find a myriad of street performers, vendors, and artists showcasing their talents.

2. **Muscle Beach:** Watch bodybuilders pump iron in the outdoor gym that has been an icon for fitness enthusiasts for decades.

3. **Venice Canals:** While not as extensive as Kinney's original vision, the charming canals still provide a picturesque, tranquil area to explore.

4. **Venice Skate Park:** This world-famous skate park draws skaters from all over and offers a vibrant atmosphere for spectators.

5. **Abbot Kinney Boulevard:** Shop and dine on this trendy street lined with boutiques, galleries, and fantastic eateries.

**Outdoor Activities :**

Venice Beach offers an array of outdoor activities for the adventure-seekers. You can try:

1. **Surfing:** The beach is perfect for surfers of all skill levels, with numerous surf schools offering lessons.

2. **Biking:** Rent a bike and cruise along the Ocean Front Walk or explore the Marvin Braude Beach Trail.

3. **Basketball:** Join or watch a game at the famous Venice Beach basketball courts.

4. **Skating:** Rollerblading and skateboarding are popular pastimes here.

5. **Beach Volleyball:** Play a game on the sandy courts, often hosting local tournaments.

**Art and Culture :**

Venice Beach's artistic and cultural scene is alive and thriving. Don't miss:

1. **Venice Beach Art Walls:** Admire the ever-changing street art displays that line the boardwalk.

2. **Venice Beach Freakshow:** For a unique and eccentric experience, visit the Freakshow, a museum showcasing oddities and curiosities.

3. **Street Performers:** Catch live performances from musicians, magicians, and other talented individuals throughout the boardwalk.

4. **Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center:** Attend readings, workshops, and events at this literary hub.

**Dining Options :**

Venice Beach boasts an eclectic food scene. Enjoy:

1. **Food Trucks:** Try a variety of international cuisines at the many food trucks scattered along the boardwalk.

2. **Beachside Cafes:** Savor fresh seafood while gazing at the ocean at one of the numerous beachside cafes.

3. **Abbot Kinney Restaurants:** Explore trendy restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine, innovative cocktails, and more.

4. **Canal-side Dining:** Dine with a view of the canals at picturesque waterfront restaurants.

5. **Street Vendors:** Taste local specialties like churros, acai bowls, and fresh-squeezed juice from street vendors.

**Shopping :**

Venice Beach offers an array of shopping options. Find unique and stylish:

1. **Boutiques:** Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a shopping mecca with trendy boutiques selling fashion, art, and jewelry.

2. **Venice Beach Flea Market:** Shop for vintage clothing, art, and antiques every Sunday.

3. **Artisanal Crafts:** Explore local shops selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and other one-of-a-kind items.

4. **Boardwalk Vendors:** Browse through a variety of items from jewelry to clothing at the boardwalk stalls.

**Conclusion :**

Venice Beach is more than just a destination; it's a way of life. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and a wide range of activities and dining options, it's a place that captivates the soul. Whether you're a visitor or a local, Venice Beach promises an unforgettable experience where artistic expression and individualism thrive by the ocean's edge. Come, explore, and unveil the magic of Venice Beach.

[manhattanlawyersfarm]

Embark on Thrilling Adventures in Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach, California, a coastal gem for Natural Beauty in the heart of Los Angeles County, offers visitors diverse, adventure-filled experiences. From the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean to the exciting activities at AdventurePlex, this vibrant beach town caters to adventure seekers of all ages. Whether you're a water sports enthusiast or simply looking to soak up some sun, Manhattan Beach has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the adventurous side of Manhattan Beach, highlighting the exhilarating opportunities at One Wave Surf School and the family-friendly fun at AdventurePlex.

Surf's Up at One Wave Surf School

Surf School in Manhattan Beach, California Manhattan Beach is synonymous with sun, sand, and, of course, surf. If you're looking to ride the waves or dip your toes into the world of surfing, One Wave Surf School is the place to be. Located conveniently near the beach, this surf school offers an excellent opportunity to learn the art of catching the perfect Wave.

Surfing for All Levels One Wave Surf School caters to surfers of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced riders. If you've never stood on a surfboard before, don't worry; the instructors at One Wave will have you riding waves in no time.

Expert Instructors The heart and soul of One Wave Surf School are its experienced instructors. They are passionate about sharing their love for surfing and ensuring that each student has a safe and enjoyable experience in the water. Whether you're a first-timer or seeking to improve your technique, you'll receive expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Quality Equipment One Wave provides top-notch surfboards and wetsuits, so you can focus on the waves without worrying about gear. Their equipment is well-maintained and suited for all levels of surfers, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.

Private and Group Lessons One Wave Surf School offers both options, whether you prefer one-on-one instruction or the camaraderie of a group lesson. Private lessons are ideal for personalized coaching, while group lessons can be a great way to make new friends and share the excitement of catching waves together.

Safety First Safety is paramount at One Wave Surf School. Instructors will teach you about ocean safety, wave conditions, and proper surfing etiquette, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable time in the water.

Adventure Awaits at AdventurePlex

Recreation Center in Manhattan Beach, California AdventurePlex is a haven for families and individuals seeking a wide range of adventure-packed activities right in the heart of Manhattan Beach. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or looking for a fun day out with the kids, AdventurePlex has something for everyone.

Indoor and Outdoor Adventures AdventurePlex offers indoor and outdoor activities, making it a year-round destination for adventure seekers. Rain or shine, you can find excitement here.

Rock Climbing Test your climbing skills on AdventurePlex's indoor rock climbing walls. With various difficulty levels, it's suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. Safety harnesses and trained staff ensure a secure climbing experience.

Interactive Play Zones AdventurePlex boasts interactive play zones encouraging children to explore, learn, and have fun. From obstacle courses to imaginative play areas, kids can burn off energy while developing essential motor skills.

Fitness Classes For those looking to stay active, AdventurePlex offers fitness classes suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Join yoga sessions, strength training, or group fitness classes to stay in shape while having a blast.

Birthday Parties and Events AdventurePlex is a fantastic venue for birthday parties and special events. With a range of party packages, you can celebrate in style with a day filled with adventure.

Healthy Eating Options After a day of thrilling activities, refuel at the AdventurePlex Café, where you'll find various healthy eating options to satisfy your appetite.

Exploring Manhattan Beach's Natural Beauty

Beyond the adventure hotspots, Manhattan Beach offers natural beauty perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Take a break from the excitement and discover the serene side of this coastal town.

The Strand Stroll or bike along The Strand, a picturesque path parallel to the beach. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, and take in the salty sea breeze as you explore this scenic route.

Beach Volleyball Join a friendly game of beach volleyball on the public courts or watch the pros at play. Manhattan Beach is known for its vibrant beach volleyball scene, and you can often catch professional tournaments here.

Surf Fishing If you prefer a more relaxed adventure, try surf fishing. Cast your line into the Pacific and see if you can reel in a catch. It's a peaceful way to connect with nature while enjoying the beach.

Sunset Spectacles Take advantage of the incredible sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Find a comfortable spot on the beach and witness the sky painted in shades of orange and pink as the sun dips below the horizon.

Plan Your Adventure in Manhattan Beach Before embarking on your adventure in Manhattan Beach, it's essential to plan. Here are some tips to ensure your visit is memorable:

Check Operating Hours and Reservations One Wave Surf School and AdventurePlex may have specific operating hours and reservation requirements. Check their websites or contact them directly to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Pack Essentials Pack essentials such as sunscreen, swimwear, comfortable clothing, and water bottles, depending on your adventure. One Wave Surf School provides surfboards and wetsuits, but you may want to bring your beach essentials.

Respect the Environment Manhattan Beach is a beautiful natural habitat. Please be mindful of the environment, pick up after yourself, and follow any posted rules or guidelines.

Stay Safe Safety should always be a priority. Follow the instructions of instructors at One Wave Surf School and AdventurePlex staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Conclusion: Manhattan Beach's Adventure Oasis

Manhattan Beach, with its One Wave Surf School and AdventurePlex, offers a diverse range of adventures, from conquering the waves of the Pacific to climbing indoor rock walls and exploring interactive play zones. This coastal town welcomes visitors of all ages to experience thrilling activities and soak up the beauty of its natural surroundings. So, whether you're seeking an adrenaline rush or a family-friendly outing, Manhattan Beach is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Explore, learn, and make memories in this vibrant coastal paradise.

About Manhattan Lawyers Farm:

Manhattan Lawyers Farm Your trusted local legal team in Manhattan Beach. We're a close-knit community of dedicated lawyers, committed to serving our neighbors with top-notch, personalized legal solutions. Specializing in various legal areas, we prioritize your best interests. We proudly collaborate with trusted partners like The Ryan Law Group to offer comprehensive support. At Manhattan Lawyers Farm, our mission is clear: protect your rights and promote justice within our community.

Support our local members:

We highly appreciate your support to our local members. It means a lot to us. Support us here:

The Ryan Law Group Address: 317 Rosecrans Ave 2nd Floor, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 United States Phone: +1 310-321-4800 Website: https://theryanlawgroup.com/

[jamesbroaddus]

Discover 10 Exciting Fitness Activities in Los Angeles

With its warm climate and focus on well-being, Los Angeles is a hub for a wide variety of fun workout activities. There are lots of ways to stay in shape while taking advantage of everything the city has to offer, whether you’re a local or just a guest. Let’s explore ten fitness activities you may attempt in LA, from daring outdoor workouts to cutting-edge “Los Angeles personal training” alternatives.

Table of Contents

1. Hiking at Runyon Canyon

The hiking paths in Runyon Canyon are renowned for their breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Regardless of your hiking experience or skill level, you can discover a trail that is appropriate for you.

2. Training with a Personal Trainer Virtually

Nowadays, many people in LA prefer working out from home, making virtual personal training a popular option for people who prefer working out from home. Which offers a virtual 1-to-1 experience with expert fitness trainers in LA, providing convenience, customized workouts, and access to a wider range of educators. With real-time feedback and scheduling flexibility, virtual training helps ensure proper form, prevent injuries, and maintain consistency for fitness benefits.

3. Venice Beach surfing

All skill levels of surfers frequent Venice Beach. Surfing is a fantastic way to enjoy the water and get a wonderful full-body workout. If you’re a beginner, there are many surf schools in the region.

4. Santa Monica Beach Yoga

Join a beach yoga session in Santa Monica to take advantage of the lovely weather in Los Angeles. Your yoga practice will be enhanced by the soothing sea wind, the warm sun, and the sound of the waves.

5. toney Point Outdoor Rock Climbing

Outdoor rock climbing is a common activity at Stoney Point in Chatsworth. A difficult activity that increases strength, flexibility, and confidence is climbing.

6. Using the LA River Bike Path to bicycl

While taking in vistas of the Los Angeles River, this cycling trail offers a great cardio workout. The 7-mile-long trail provides a stunning and peaceful ride.

7. Paddleboarding in Marina Del Rey

Paddleboarding at Marina Del Rey is the ideal option if you want to engage in a calmer water activity. It’s a wonderful way to strengthen your core and improve your balance while taking in the tranquil views of the harbor. To make the most of this experience, be sure to use the best paddleboard available.

8. Training in Griffith Park

You may improve your fitness by taking part in a bootcamp at Griffith Park. These intense exercises work the entire body by including both strength training and cardio. Additionally, you get to take in the lovely park surrounds.

9. Hollywood Dance Classes

There are numerous dance studios in Hollywood where you can study anything from salsa to hip-hop. Attending dance classes is a great way to lose weight and pick up some new movements.

People who enjoy dancing congregate in Hollywood. Numerous dance studios there teach a variety of dance forms, from salsa to ballet, hip-hop to modern. A dancing lesson in Hollywood is a fantastic cardio workout as well as a chance to experience the lively culture of the city.

10. Instruction in martial arts

There are many martial arts schools in Los Angeles that offer instruction in styles including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, and Muay Thai. Your strength, agility, and self-defense abilities can all be improved by martial arts.

Conclusion

Fitness activities are many and entertaining in Los Angeles. There is something to satisfy everyone’s preferences, from the innovation of virtual personal training to the natural beauty of hiking trails and the seaside. So why not branch out from the gym and try some of these exercise activities? Whether you’re a local or just passing through, getting a taste of Los Angeles’s fitness scene will enrich your quest for fitness. Keep in mind that staying active in LA can be both fun and advantageous because to the wide variety of activities accessible.

 Source: networthexposed

[calilili]

🪷 “resting happy face 😊🪷 “ by cali lili @CaliLiliIndies™️

Juneteenth, Summer Solstice and Unmitigated Joy ; meditation on independence

As a kid, yoga brought me healing from the “toxic stress” of an abusive childhood home. As a dancer I had already found tremendous joy in my art but something about the rabid competition in the entertainment world led me to seek solace in yoga, not as a replacement for dance, but as a companion for life as an artist in the 21st-century. Yoga also accompanied me on many NYC subway rides and it was a land-based version of surfing my beloved oceans, whenever I am too far away from water. I am a water creature and yoga helps me cope with land based behaviors.

Ironically it seems that yoga has now become a competitive space in some social media and live places. LOL the joke will always be on us if we choose to worship disposable culture we will continue to be treated as disposable humans. There is so much more value in honoring timeless eternal values, we ignore our own inherent non-commercial value at our own peril.

As soon as I saw the “asanas” (yoga poses) from photos in hatha yoga books I knew this ancient body architecture was for me, especially when I found myself too far from the sea. Whenever I’d practice the meditative technique of dropping my mind into my heart space, I’d visit my voice box and I’d discover sadness but still, I was happy for no reason. Eventually I discovered my speaking and singing voice too.

Some people told me that I was being “phony “ if I was just generally a cheerful person. Those types of negative haters would tell me I was just “acting” because I'm an actress (fyi good acting is not lying ). Now that I’m sort of a grown up it’s easier to spot the negative types even from a distance. These are the people who will immediately criticize the lifestyles of others, even if those lifestyles don’t impact their own lives. They are the people who will immediately put down ideas they don’t understand, instead of asking questions, or opening up a moment of curiosity. Those who drive by something unique like a unique house, built in an unusual style, and they will immediately begin petitioning against it in order to destroy it. I’ve encountered these people often because there are several areas of my life where I don’t conform to norms whether it’s clothing or speech or lifestyle. Gentrification in Venice Beach, Los Angeles brought us into proximity with such ugly haters who actually attempted to take people’s homes away from them in order to suit both the empty-handed bullies and the billionaires who fund the bullying. In some cases, they succeeded but not when people united and stood up to them.

While it's quite possible to learn how to fend off such rude, loud haters, and refuse to allow them to deter us, they can potentially waste our valuable time and affect our health, both of which are our most valuable resources. The bully’s intention is to throw a wrench into our peace and into our family’s sacred spaces.

That’s why fending off bullies should not be left to individuals alone. This kind of thing is mutating as the virus it always was, now encouraged by craven bestial whistles from public servants who mirror and goad outrageous, psychotic, sociopathic, behavior in places like school board meetings, and other places that are meant as civilized constructive public spaces. Their intentions are corrosive to healthy cultural societies.

We need public service announcements incorporating history lessons, showing the very simple trajectory from normalized public malevolence toward authoritarianism, which, is abuse.

Abuse of power is the same as any other abuse : child abuse, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, animal abuse, environmental abuse etc … In a democracy with rule of law, all abuse requires intervention.

Doing Nothing is not an option because the law requires protection of the vulnerable among us. These days that group is growing but we can turn this toward our mutual advantage by uniting against the bullies.

During my yoga practice, as a kid, I worked through the sadness in my heart, placed there by abuse until recently, I was able to practice the meditation technique of dropping my mind into my heart space, as taught by my first Thai Buddhist and suddenly a new journey began.

As a result of so much chaos in the world I reclaimed my meditation practice and recently I dropped my mind into my heart and a very funny thing happened - I felt so ticklish that I literally burst out giggling then, laughing as in “laugh out loud” until I realized that ticklish feeling is just plain bliss! That same feeling I get when I’m in the ocean! Pure bliss! From within. I was familiar with this feeling, but it never occurred to me to try to call it up consciously. Now it felt like a superpower.

The spiritual practice of meditation, whether it be in yoga or other disciplines, is a healing practice that re-aligns us to our internal compass and reconnects us to our natural born joy.

It doesn’t matter anymore if anyone thinks of this meditation joy or any other joy - female joy, black joy, multi-cultural joy, lgbtq joy, intellectual joy etc … You know, the joy that always seems to get on the authoritarian abusers’ nerves, is “phony “ or “acting “ (again, the art of a good actor is working from a sense of truth not a bunch of lying).

The lesson I discovered in meditative “bliss” is equivalent to the lesson we must all learn as we grow up. Remaining unperturbed or at least undeterred as result of abuse or criticisms & unreasonable cruel negativity expressed by others.

Unfortunately we live in a time when some of us condone, even encourage the kinds of abusive, even violent behaviors that would previously have caused most communities to unite and fight back together, in spite of political differences.

It’s time to unite.

As I’ve written elsewhere :

The 21st Century is “A Time of Useful Consciousness”

https://crankyyank.com/2022/11/07/midterms-are-a-time-of-useful-consciousness-by-guest-blogger-calililiindies/

In my Oscars Contender “eVe N’ god this female is not yet rated” many images and concepts explore these themes, posing questions and positing hopes for healing.

I hope you will check it out and give us a good rating / review on any and all platforms including IMDB, Youtube Movies, Apple TV, iTunes Store Movies, Google Play Movies and Vimeo.

Lyrics to my debut album / original soundtrack “Cali Lili This Female Is Not Yet Rated” also explore these themes and can be heard everywhere music streams including Youtube, Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal Music, Pandora music, iHeart Radio etc…

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOo3oJVjWZYRDQiH5tqzjBaKdfYmMcuc6

And snippets of the songs can be found on social media sites like instagram, tik tok, tumblr etc …

As we work on the NEXT movie and album we so appreciate your positive likes and shares!

Please help us share my sustainable, empowering projects

We are “HandMade To Make A Difference” ™️

And we invite you to join us, share the love, join us already underway surfing the waves in Currents Leaps N’ LandingZ️ ™️ onward toward our next release.

Truli*CaliLili™️

Cali Lili

@ Cali Lili Indies ™️

Pictures

Words

Music

In

Motion ™️

feMt0™️studi0

Cutting Edge Of The Pacific ™️

[movingcompanylamvrs2]

Best Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles

Introduction

Los Angeles is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and year-round accessibility to outdoor activities. Whether you're an experienced athlete or just want to try something new, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of the great outdoors in LA!

Beach

The beaches of Los Angeles are great for swimming, sunning, and surfing. Popular LA beaches include Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Hermosa Beach.

If you're looking for a fun way to spend your time during the day or just want to get some exercise while exploring the city's surroundings then head out on one of its many bike paths that run along both sides of the beachside highway (PCH).

Hike

Hiking is a great way to explore nature and get exercise. Hiking can also be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or ability. There are many trails in Los Angeles that offer beautiful views of the city, as well as opportunities to see wildlife such as birds, rabbits, and other small animals.

If you're new to hiking or want some recommendations on where to go with your kids (or without them!), check out these 10 hikes around Los Angeles:

Bike

Biking is an excellent way to explore Los Angeles, whether you're looking to get in shape or simply take in the sights. There are several bike trails throughout the city, including Santa Monica's beachfront promenade and Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Bike rental shops are also plentiful; if you'd rather not bother with rentals, check out Metro Bike Share or LimeBike instead!

If you're interested in learning more about biking culture in Los Angeles, check out our list of favorite shops below:

Run

Running is a great way to get fit, and there are many places to run in Los Angeles. The best time to run in LA is early morning or late afternoon. Before you set out on your next jog, make sure you're prepared with the proper gear--including comfortable shoes!

Swim

Swimming is one of the best ways to cool off in LA. If you want to get your feet wet, there are plenty of options.

The beach has been a popular spot for swimming since it was first discovered by humans. You'll find some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth here in Southern California and they are all worth visiting at least once during your stay in Los Angeles.

The lake isn't just for boating anymore! Lakes offer some great opportunities for swimming as well as fishing or kayaking if that's more your style. The water will be cooler than ocean temperatures but still warm enough for comfort on hot days like today (it's 90 degrees out!). We recommend visiting Lake Balboa Park which has several beaches where families can enjoy themselves together without worrying about dangerous currents or strong waves hitting them unexpectedly while swimming out into deeper waters farther away from shoreline protection provided by rocks along coastlines further north up north towards Santa Barbara County where these types conditions exist naturally due to proximity between land mass vs open ocean space where waves break against rocky cliffs instead

Surf

Surfing is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. It's also a great way to get in shape, as surfing requires strength, endurance, and coordination.

If you're interested in learning how to surf, there are many places where you can find equipment rentals or lessons. The best place for beginners is probably Santa Monica Beach because it has gentle waves that are easy on your body while still being challenging enough for newbies who want some practice before heading out into bigger waters (and bigger waves).

Alhambra

When looking for outdoor activities in Los Angeles, Alhambra is the place to be. Located just 18 miles east of Downtown LA, this small city offers visitors a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being close enough to enjoy all that Los Angeles has to offer.

Alhambra's most popular attraction is undoubtedly its historic Mission Revival-style architecture--the oldest examples of which can be found at the Alta Vista Park Historic District (8400 N Garfield Ave). This neighborhood was built between 1886 and 1930 by wealthy railroad tycoons who wanted their homes built in Spanish Revival style so they could fit in with their neighbors' homes but still stand out as unique architectural gems themselves. If you're interested in seeing how some of these mansions were decorated inside during this period, check out The Gamble House (1001 E Washington Blvd) or The Marston House Museum (1504 N Marengo Ave).

Conclusion

There are so many options for outdoor activities in LA, and we hope that this list has helped you narrow down some choices. We know that everyone has different preferences when it comes to what they like doing in their free time and with their family, but we think there's something here for everyone!

Movers 

Movers can be a great help to anyone who is looking to move their office and wants to put the process in the hands of professionals. These types of moving services are perfect if you need any equipment or furniture moved as well because they will take care of everything! are very strong and can help you move from one office to another quickly and efficiently. Affordable Los Angeles Movers offer affordable moving services that are perfect for anyone in the Los Angeles area who is looking to move. They offer competitive rates and will make sure that your belongings get moved safely from one place to another. Movers are a great way to move your office and have it done quickly and efficiently. If you need help moving your office, don't hesitate to contact Affordable Los Angeles Movers today or you may find us online using these keywords Los Angeles Movers, movers in Los Angeles, movers and packers Los Angeles, LA Last minute movers, Los Angeles Moving company, Los Angeles moving services, Los Angeles office movers, Los Angeles Long Distance Movers, and Long Distance Movers.

Affordable Los Angeles Movers

106 Judge John Aiso St #121, Los Angeles, CA 90012

(323) 692-1060

https://www.google.com/maps?cid=201830528184251607

[newstfionline]

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Los Angeles area still blanketed by snow in rare heavy storm (AP) A powerful winter storm that swept down the West Coast with flooding and frigid temperatures shifted its focus to southern California on Saturday, swelling rivers to dangerous levels and dropping snow in even low-lying areas around Los Angeles. The National Weather Service said it was one of the strongest storms to ever hit southwest California. After days of fierce winds, toppled trees and downed wires, more than 120,000 California utility customers remained without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us. And Interstate 5, the West Coast’s major north-south highway, remained closed due to heavy snow and ice in Tejon Pass through the mountains north of Los Angeles. Multiday precipitation totals as of Saturday morning included a staggering 81 inches (205 centimeters) of snow at the Mountain High resort in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles and up to 64 inches (160 centimeters) farther east at Snow Valley in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Student violence (SF Chronicle) In March of 2022, Yana, a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl, and her mother fled to escape Russia’s invasion and went to San Francisco, where Yana’s aunt lived. This January, Yana began attending eighth-grade classes at Marina Middle School despite speaking little English. While she’d seen idealized versions of U.S. schools in movies, she wasn’t prepared for what she would experience in real life. Within her first two days at school, she saw classroom behavior that she never would have dreamed of. Students interrupted lessons, jumped on desks, and cursed at teachers. “After one week,” she recalls, “I understood that was normal.” Soon, she became the target of bullying. Her phone was stolen, and when she confronted the thieves, they began “yelling and cursing and moving toward her.” Luckily, a counselor intervened, but the damage was done—Yana hasn’t returned to school since. Yana, understandably, just wants to go back home to Ukraine and the life she knew. Her experience with the post-pandemic education system isn’t unique. According to a survey by education research firm EAB, teachers feel that student violence has increased since the pandemic and that they’re “increasingly the target of disruptive behavior in the classroom.” 84% of teachers surveyed also said current students lack the ability to self-regulate and build relationships when compared to students before the pandemic. 87% of public schools have reported that the pandemic negatively affected student socio-emotional development and behavioral development.

Sports (Sportico) Americans are more active than they were six years ago, with the percentage of Americans who do no physical activities at all declining from 27.3 percent in 2017 to 22.4 percent in 2022. The effect was most remarkable among kids and among those over the age of 65. About 51.7 percent of the country participates in at least one particular physical activity with frequency. Comparing the growth in popularity of different specific sports from 2019 to today, individual and racquet-based sports are up big, including bicycling (up 10.6 percent), trail running (up 21 percent), skateboarding (up 36 percent), surfing (up 25 percent), and naturally pickleball (up 159 percent). Interestingly, tennis participation was up 33 percent, and added 6 million new participants since 2019, more than the 5.5 million who picked up pickleball over the same period. Less popular over the course of the pandemic are various group aerobics, including stationary cycling, cross-training, and boot camp-style training.

Two Pakistanis leave Guantanamo after 20 years without charges (Al Jazeera) Two Pakistani brothers held by the United States at Guantanamo Bay military prison for two decades have been freed by U.S. officials and have returned home. Abdul Rabbani, 55, and his brother Mohammed, 53, will be reunited with their families after a formal questioning by Pakistani authorities, which said the two were “innocently imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay for 21 years”. They were the latest inmates to be released from US custody as the country moves towards emptying and shutting down the prison.

Chile’s earthquake readiness (Foreign Policy) Chileans looked on empathetically as a massive earthquake hit southeastern Turkey and northern Syria on Feb. 6, killing more than 47,000 people. Chile is also prone to earthquakes thanks to its location along the belt of faults and volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean known as the Ring of Fire. As recently as 2010, Chile experienced an 8.8 magnitude quake, a full point above Turkey and Syria’s recent disaster on the Richter scale. But in that Chilean quake, a far smaller number of people—some 500—died, in large part because the country has adopted—and enforced—strict building codes, the Washington Post noted last week. The government in Santiago began researching and enacting those codes after the largest earthquake of the 20th century occurred off Chile’s coast in 1960, killing more than 1,600 people.

Non-salad days (Reuters) Britain is running low on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, cauliflowers, raspberries… and leeks. Bad weather in southern Europe and northern Africa is to blame. So is the government for stiffing its farmers, the former chief of Sainsbury's says. Justin King, who was CEO of Sainsbury's for a decade to 2014, said Britain was uniquely exposed to imports at this time of year because the government had chosen not to help UK growers with their energy bills. "There is a genuine shortage but we did rather bring this problem upon ourselves," he told BBC radio. "We could have chosen to subsidise the energy this winter as we have done for other industries."

US commits $2 billion in drones, ammunition, aid to Ukraine (AP) The Pentagon announced a new package of long-term security assistance for Ukraine on Friday, marking the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion with a $2 billion commitment to send more rounds of ammunition and a variety of small, high-tech drones into the fight. The announcement comes just days after President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Kyiv and pledged America’s continuing commitment to Ukraine. In a statement Friday, the Pentagon said the aid includes weapons to counter Russia’s unmanned systems and several types of drones, including the upgraded Switchblade 600 Kamikaze drone, as well as electronic warfare detection equipment. Including this latest package, the U.S. has now committed more than $32 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.

Quake Hardships Pile Up (NYT) After powerful earthquakes struck southern Turkey, Eylem Sahutoglu and her family endured two weeks of freezing nights under a blue tarpaulin. Then word came from government engineers who had inspected their building: They could return home. But on Monday night, before they could move back into their house in Hatay Province, the earth began shaking again. Another powerful quake had hit the region. “My legs went numb,” Ms. Sahutoglu said, recalling how she had fainted in her front yard as the house crumbled at her feet. Despite the flow of international aid into Turkey, the nearly 1.7 million displaced people in the quake zone face the almost impossible challenge of rebuilding their lives in squalid conditions. About 750,000 are sheltering in tents, breathing air thick with pollutants unleashed from tombs of rubble as tectonic plates continue to rumble, reminders that a fresh disaster could strike at any moment. The extensive damage to infrastructure is swiftly turning hard-hit communities into petri dishes for disease, according to health care officials and residents. Thousands of engineers have fanned out across the wrecked areas to assess the safety of buildings left standing, as residents wait in shelters, many too afraid to enter their homes even if they are intact.

Erdogan irked (Guardian) Almost three weeks out from a massive earthquake that caused widespread damage in Turkey, the country is struggling to respond to the disaster effectively. As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has faced increasing criticism over his government’s response to the quake, the state has lashed out by fining three media outlets for reporting on government shortcomings in handling the disaster. Halk TV, Tele 1, and FOX were all fined by Turkey’s media regulation agency for coverage critical of Erdoğan’s government. Halk TV and Tele 1 were told to stop one of their daily programs and fined 5% of their January revenues for their coverage, and FOX and Halk TV were fined 3% of January revenues for a separate infraction. Reporters Without Borders, an international nonprofit dedicated to freedom of press, ranked Turkey 149 out of 180 in terms of press freedoms last year.

Chinese fighter jet flies within 500 feet of U.S. patrol over South China Sea (NBC News) The U.S. Navy plane had been in the air over the South China Sea for a few hours when a warning came crackling over the radio. “No approaching any more or you will pay full responsibility,” said a voice from a ground station belonging to China’s air force. Soon after, a Chinese J-11 fighter jet appeared about 500 feet off the left wing, flying beside the American P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for well over an hour as it passed over mostly uninhabited islands that are claimed by both China and its neighbors. U.S. officials said encounters like the one witnessed by NBC News on Friday, though professional, are becoming more frequent as Beijing and Washington step up their campaigns for influence in the Pacific. The strategically important South China Sea is an increasingly prominent stage for the spiraling tensions between the world’s two largest economies, which have clashed over everything from Taiwan to the war in Ukraine.

This popular destination will pay tourists to visit (CNN) As travel returns with a bang, but rising airfares are making long-haul journeys difficult for many, destinations are doing all they can to encourage visitors to come and boost their economies. The latest is Taiwan, which is planning to offer tourists $165 each to vacation there. Cash rewards will also be offered to tour groups to encourage them to visit the island. Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen announced Thursday that the government aims to attract six million tourists in 2023, doubling that figure in 2024 and aiming for 10 million visitors by 2025.

Ahead of Crucial Election, Security Crises and Kidnappings Plague Nigeria (NYT) A 61-year-old civil engineer was supervising a digging project on a farm in southern Nigeria when five young men carrying AK-47s stormed the place and dragged him into the bush. For five days, the kidnappers held the engineer, Olusola Olaniyi, and beat him severely. Only after his family and employer agreed to pay a ransom was he released, in the middle of the night, on a road a few miles away from where he had been kidnapped. Nigeria has faced an outbreak of kidnappings in recent years, affecting people of all ages and classes: groups of schoolchildren, commuters traveling on trains and in cars through Nigeria’s largest cities, and villagers in the northern countryside. With youth gangs and armed bandits finding that kidnapping for ransom produces big payoffs, such crimes have only multiplied. As Nigerians go to the polls on Saturday to choose a new president, insecurity is the top issue facing the country, according to a survey by SBM Intelligence, a Nigerian risk consultancy. Between July 2021 and June 2022, more than 3,400 people were abducted across the country, and 564 others were killed in kidnapping-related violence. “Insecurity has become a function of Nigeria’s economy,” said Mr. Olaniyi, whose family paid about $3,500 in ransom after he was kidnapped in 2021. “Many young men see kidnappings as a job.”