Nahla Kayali of AccessCal Named by the White House a Cesar E. Chavez “Champion of Change”

Nahla Kayali, founder and executive director of the Anaheim nonprofit Access California Services, is being honored by the White House today as a Cesar E. Chavez “Champion of Change.” To be clear, that's Barack Obama's White House, not Bruno Serato's (speaking of champions for change). Kayali is one of 10 community leaders nationwide to be …

Provenance in Newport Beach Now Open; Q & A With Chef Cathy Pavlos

Cathy Pavlos, chef/owner of LUCCA Cafe in Irvine, opened her second concept yesterday in the Eastbluff neighborhood of Newport Beach. There's much to say about Provenance, but I got Pavlos to discuss her sophomore effort, answering all those questions you're thinking. Take it away, Cathy! What is the inspiration for Provenance? Our culinary inspiration comes …

Jonny '2 Bags' Wickersham Temporarily Sheds His Social D Sideman Role to Go Solo

For Social Distortion guitarist and longtime SoCal punk stalwart Jonny 2 Bags, finding a review of his debut solo LP, Salvation Town (set for release this week on Isotone Records), printed in Rolling Stone magazine came as a surprise. The fact that it was a favorable write-up, albeit backhanded–reviewer John D. Luerssen dubs it an …

Inspiring Story of Anaheim's First Children's Orchestral Program in 30 Years

In times of economic hardship, it is a given that school arts programs are the first to get the shaft. Naturally, the three R's are paramount, and, typically, sporting events are shown greater respect due to the social customs that accompany their practice; however, it is tragic that the arts, which offer the greatest contributions …

Jay Baldemor's Gruv Gear Creates Accessories for the Smart, Working Musician

Was it Frank Zappa who said, “Necessity is the mother of invention”? Well, actually, no. This old proverb traces its roots back to Plato. But attributing SoCal's greatest rock & roll pioneer sounds best when it comes to the story of a young Yorba Linda music equipment startup called Gruv Gear. Let's start with the …