CivitasLA

Best-selling author Steven Rowley is quoted as saying: “There are times when Los Angeles is the most magical city on Earth. When the Santa Ana winds sweep through and the air is warm and so, so clear. When the jacaranda trees bloom in the most brilliant lilac violet. When the ocean sparkles on a warm February day and you’re pushing fine grains of sand through your bare toes while the rest of the country is hunkered down under blankets slurping soup.” Join CivitasLA in this mini-episode as we are reminded by previous guests (including Mayor Joy Belmonte, Christian Huebel, Kacy Keys, Ayahlushim Getachew, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Kevin Demoff, Leticia Rhi Buckley, Josefina Lopez, Alfred Fraijo Jr., Arturo Sneider, Dani Klein Modisett, LeAnn Jones, Leslie Jones, Lia Jones, Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma, and Rabbi Mari Chernow) of a few of their favorite places to take a visitor to enjoy some of the magic our region has to offer. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

The Economist magazine, in a holiday special from December 2021, entitled “The Pleasures of The Table” – discussing how restaurants came to be and how the pandemic may change them – noted: “Being deprived of restaurants has made people realize how much they value them. Eating out fulfills needs which seem fundamental to human nature. People need to date, to seal deals and to peer at their fellow humans. At a good restaurant you can travel without traveling, or simply feel coddled.” Are you ready to be “coddled?” Join CivitasLA for this mini-episode as we hear from previous guests (including Kacy Keys, Ayahlushim Getachew, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Leticia Rhi Buckley, Josefina Lopez, Arturo Sneider, Dani Klein Modisett, Lia Jones, Leslie Jones, LeAnn Jones, Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma, Rabbi Mari Chernow, and Kevin Demoff) as they remind us of some of “their” favorite restaurants across our region. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA)

Author David J. Wolpe, in “Why Faith Matters,” states “On balance, religion increases social stability, enabling people to live happier, more productive and better lives. That does not demonstrate religion’s truth. It does remind us, however, that we are creatures designed to flourish – to heal and to help – when we believe.” Exploring the state of our local faith community, CivitasLA is joined by two of our region’s most noted faith leaders, Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma, Senior Pastor of Hollywood United Methodist Church, described as “…one of the most famous churches on the Pacific Coast” and Rabbi Mari Chernow, Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel of Hollywood, “a historic reform congregation in the heart of Los Angeles that serves as a vibrant hub Jewish life” as we discuss the central role their respective institutions have played in nurturing faith and their engagement in the civic life of the Hollywood community and of our region. To learn more, please visit: https://hollywoodumc.org/; https://www.tioh.org/ And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

From an article by Meredith Wood, entitled: “What Is Crowdfunding? Definition, How It Works, Types,” she notes “Crowdfunding is a form of financing a project or business venture by raising small amounts of money from a collective of individuals. There are over 600 different crowdfunding platforms in the world that make it easy for entrepreneurs, investors, and people to connect. Anyone with an idea has the chance to pitch it to available investors. It’s a young, yet popular form of both crowdsourcing and alternative financing.” As CivitasLA continues its recognition of National Entrepreneurship Month, a time – as shared in a White House proclamation – to celebrate entrepreneurs who “combine passion, resilience, and ingenuity to solve hard problems and create products and businesses that improve our lives,” we’re joined by Quentin Strode, President and CEO of NEW Community Investments as he shares a new resource, Impresario, an innovative crowd-sourced capital access solution aimed at furthering their mission of building economic development and financial sustainability among women, minority, and veteran-owned entrepreneurs in underserved communities. To learn more, please visit: https://impresariobynew.org/ And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

In a report from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor entitled “Women’s Entrepreneurship 2020/21, Thriving Through Crisis,” it states: “Entrepreneurship is an essential driver of societal health and wealth. It is also a formidable engine of economic growth.” It further notes: “Women entrepreneurs are making significant contributions to the global economy and society. Based on the countries in the GEM 2020 survey, an estimated 274 million women globally are involved in business startups in addition to 139 million women owners/managers of established businesses and 144 million women informal investor globally.” As CivitasLA celebrates National Entrepreneurship Month 2022, we’re joined by three entrepreneurial sisters – Lia Dias, Owner of Hype Hair Magazine and Girl Cave LA, and LeAnn and Leslie Jones, Co-Founders of 1010 Wine Bar & Events, the first wine bar in Inglewood – as they share their journey growing up in Inglewood, their respective paths to entrepreneurship, and how they work to engage, inspire and serve community through their respective entrepreneurial endeavors. To learn more, please visit: www.girlcavela.com; www.hypehair.com and www.1010wineandevents.com. And, to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

As we recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (November), a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, which affects more than 6 million Americans, and recognize National Entrepreneurship Month (also November), a time -- as shared in a proclamation from the White House – to celebrate entrepreneurs who “combine passion, resilience and ingenuity to solve hard problems and create products and businesses that improve our lives,” CivitasLA is joined by Dani Klein Modisett, Founder and CEO of Laugher On Call. Founded in 2019, Laughter On Call (LOC) was created in order to pair comedians with those experiencing Alzheimer’s and to create connections through shared laughter. Since then, LOC has expanded their services to the broader corporate community and their employees, having facilitated over 450 such corporate events. Join us in conversation with Dani as she discusses the founding and evolution of LOC – first in the health care space addressing Alzheimer’s patients to expanding their work in the corporate arena, with a mission of fostering greater mental health and wellness through shared laughter. To learn more, please visit: www.laughteroncall.com. And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

As CivitasLA continues its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re joined by Arturo Sneider, Founding Partner & CEO of Primestor Development Inc. With no prior experience in the sector, but inspired by a desire to revitalize neighborhoods through real estate, Arturo joins CivitasLA to discuss Primestor’s mission of managing and developing properties that empower the communities they operate in; how they promote excellence; and share their model for success achieved operating in serving diverse communities in South and Southeast Los Angeles, amongst other locations. Established in 1992, Primestor Development Inc. has emerged as a retail sector leader, focused on leasing, property management, development, construction management, rehabilitation and acquisitions. They have developed, managed, and acquired several million square feet of space across four states and currently oversee a portfolio in excess of $750 MM. To learn more, please visit: http://www.primestor.com/ To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

It’s been said, by Jorge N. Neal, co-curator and museum educator at the Boyle Heights Museum, that “all roads lead to Boyle Heights, it’s a place of intersection.” Boyle Heights, part of the original Spanish land grant that established the city of Los Angeles in 1781, covering roughly 6.5 square miles located 3 miles east of Downtown, is one of LA’s oldest and most historically significant communities in the region. Historically, it’s been home to generations of immigrants (being called the Ellis Island of the West), serving as home to some of the largest populations of Japanese and Jewish residents in Southern California. As CivitasLA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, we’re joined by Josefina Lopez, Founding Artistic Director of Casa 0101 Theater and screenwriter, and Alfred Fraijo Jr., attorney and community leader --- both raised in Boyle Heights and actively engaged in the civic and business life of the community -- for “Community Spotlight: Boyle Heights” as we explore this unique community; consider its rich history, its place at the center of the Latino experience in LA and central role in Chicano culture and social justice movements. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

The story of Los Angeles is the story of the Mexican, Mexican American, and Latino experience in the region. Sharing that story is the work of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, based in Downtown Los Angeles, which seeks to honor the past, inspire the future, and recognize the enduring cultural influence of Mexicans, Mexican Americans and all Latinas/Latinos in Los Angeles through transformative exhibitions, programming and educational experiences. As CivitasLA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, we’re joined by LA Plaza’s new CEO, Leticia Rhi Buckley, the first Latina to hold this position, as we discuss their work exploring the Mexican and Mexican American history of Los Angeles, and efforts to build and serve community through an extensive array of programs in music, dance, films, art, history, culinary arts, topical events, nature, and much more. (https://lapca.org/mexican-american-history/) A well-respected arts advocate and administrator, Leticia has served with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission (now Department of Arts and Culture), as Vice President for Californians for the Arts/California Arts Advocates, and as an Adjunct Professor at the Center for Business and Management of the Arts at Claremont Graduate University. To learn more, please visit: www.lapca.org. And, to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

From an article entitled: “The Importance of Sports in Society,” it notes “Sports are a telling reflection of a society's values, and they are a significant contributor as well, especially in the United States. Sports impact our culture, our other sources of entertainment and our economy.” Join CivitasLA in discussion with Kevin Demoff, Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Rams, as we discuss the role that sport plays in building community, the extensive civic and community engagement undertaken by the Rams since their return to the region, and the impact winning the Super Bowl has on their continued reintegration into the fabric of the Los Angeles community. Serving in his 14th year as COO, Kevin has been responsible for re-organizing the club's business efforts with a focus on delivering a better overall experience for fans, building a team that reflects Los Angeles, and increasing the club's presence in the community. Since the team’s return, in 2016, the Rams have been the third winningest team in the National Football League; completed the development of SoFi Stadium (the most cutting-edge sports facility in the world), are investing billions in additional residential, commercial and mixed-use development in Inglewood; and have hosted – and won – Super Bowl LVI. To learn more, please visit: https://www.therams.com. And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. We hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

Reports suggest that approximately 10% of all American businesses are Black-owned. However, this community of businesses witnessed the sharpest decline due to the COVID 19 pandemic, with 41% of businesses closing, according to April 2020 census data. Since then, Black-owned businesses have rebounded, with 2021 showing the strongest creation of small businesses in the past two decades. As CivitasLA celebrates Black Business Month, a time to acknowledge the contribution of black business owners and entrepreneurs, and the contribution of black-owned business to our economy, we are joined by Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, the inaugural President & CEO for The Center by Lendistry, as we discuss the state of Black business in our region and their work providing the critical tools and resources to impact small businesses in underserved communities. Ms. Thrash-Ntuk is a seasoned community and economic development practitioner with more than 15-years of experience in both non-profit and private sectors. Her strengths range from community advocacy, to asset, and real estate development around neighborhood revitalization. To learn more, please visit: https://thecenterbylendistry.org/about-us/ To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

In an article entitled “Women are underrepresented in CRE – Here’s how we change it” the author notes “while 64% of all residential realtors are women, in CRE (commercial real estate), that number is roughly 36.7%. Zippia.com, which tracks real estate developer demographics, the numbers further show that amongst developers, women represent 33% versus 67% for men. And, that Black or African American developers represent roughly 9% of all developers. And these numbers are significantly lower for Southern California. Navigating the competitive world of commercial real estate development, Ayahlushim Getachew, Principal of the T.A. Group and Kacy Keys, Founder of Praxis Development Group join CivitasLA to share their respective journeys as real estate and economic development professionals before launching their development firms, offering their perspectives as women and how their experiences have shaped how they approach projects and engage in the work of building communities in which they operate. To learn more, please visit www.praxisdevgroup.com. And, to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

Building bridges between Los Angeles and the world, the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA) plays a crucial role in creating international connections; cultivating local innovation; and activating global potential. For more than 40 years, IVCLA has facilitated countless leadership exchanges and cross border programs in close coordination with the U.S. State Department, helping to advance U.S. global objectives. Many of the international visitors that have participated in IVCLA programs have become leaders in and of their respective governments. CivitasLA is thrilled to have Janet Elliott, President & CEO, International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, return to the podcast and to be joined by two international guests currently participating in the International Visitor Leadership Program’s “Summit for Democracy IVLP Initiative” – Mr. Christian Huebel, City Director, Department for Democracy & Strategy, City of Mannheim, Germany and Hon. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City, Philippines. Join us as we discuss the work of creating, building and serving community; and the work of fostering civic knowledge and engagement – from a global perspective. To learn more about these cities, please visit: www.mannheim.de or www.quezoncity.gov.ph. And, to learn more about the work of IVCLA, please visit www.IVCLA.org. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

In a December 2021 article by Time Out magazine, it noted about Los Angeles: “This city is big—and stuffed with so many worthwhile experiences that you’ll never be asking yourself what to do—so expect to put in the miles taking in everything it has to offer, from the beaches of Santa Monica to the vibrant historic streets of the Arts District and super-hip Silver Lake. There are so many great places to visit and things to see, it can be hard knowing where to start and what to fit in.” Join CivitasLA in this mini-episode as we are reminded by previous guests (including Patty Lombard, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, Mike Feuer, Nora Houndalas, Claire Risoli, Robert Schwan, Adel Hagekhalil, OG Chino, Alia J. Daniels, Christopher J. Rodriguez, and Lorri Jean) as they remind us of a few of their favorite places to take a visitor across our region. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

From a report in “Restaurant Business” -- Beverages play an important role in our everyday lives. Besides the obvious importance of hydrating our bodies, the drink is a social gathering tool. Whether sharing an ice cream soda, toasting a new bride and groom with champagne, celebrating a promotion with a fine vintage, or meeting friends for coffee, the drink provides the social background. Join CivitasLA in this mini-episode as we are reminded by several of our previous guests (including Patty Lombard; Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Jasmine Willis, David Carlisle, Denise Diaz, Lindsey Horvath, Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, Claire Risoli, Craig Greiwe, Alex Valente, Janet Burt, Alia J. Daniels, Christopher J. Rodriguez, and Lorri Jean) of a few of their favorite places to take a sip across our region. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

Television writer Philip Rosenthal is quoted as saying “A good restaurant is like a vacation – it transports you, and it becomes a lot more than just about the food.” Are you ready to be transported? Join CivitasLA for this mini-episode as we hear from previous guests (including Marqueece Harris-Dawson; Karen A. Clark; Jasmin Willis; David Carlisle; Lindsey Horvath; Lorna Little, Nora Houndalas; Craig Greiwe; Alex Valente; Alexander Kim; Alia J. Daniels; and Lorri Jean) as they remind us of some of “their” favorite restaurants across our region. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

As CivitasLA celebrates Pride Month 2022, we are joined by Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, recognized as one of the most seasoned and effective LGBTQ leaders in the country. Starting from humble beginnings, with a budget of just under $8 million in 1993 when she arrived, her leadership has witnessed an exponential growth in resources to the Center and a significant growth in services to the community. Since 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center (www.lalgbtcenter.org/about) has celebrated and championed LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region, with a team of nearly 800 professionals serving community across ten locations, supported by a budget of nearly $150 million. As she prepares to retire, Lorri reflects on her decades of advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and her leadership in elevating the LA LGBT Center to becoming one of the most significant non-profit organizations in the U.S. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

In a report from Project Child entitled “Why Diverse Representation Matters,” it notes: “How often do you see an accurate depiction of yourself? How often can you pick out a character from a cast and be able to relate to their identity or cultural background? Are those questions even relevant enough to ask? The short answer: yes.” As CivitasLA celebrates Pride Month 2022, we are joined by Alia J. Daniels, Esq. and Christopher J. Rodriguez, Esq., Co-Founders of Revry (www.Revry.tv), the world’s first global queer streaming network to discuss their work in advancing LGBTQ+ representation and stories. Revry offers members a uniquely curated selection of domestic and international content that includes iconic narrative and documentary films, cutting -edge series, groundbreaking podcasts, music albums and videos, and the most original queer-focused content in the world, embracing points of view and stories often overlooked and underrepresented in traditional media. With a mission to create a space for true belonging, Revry’s presence has grown to reach a global audience in over 130 countries and more than 250 million homes. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA)

During the 1970s, after the United States relaxed immigration restrictions, more Koreans began to settle in what became Los Angeles’s 2.7-mile neighborhood of Koreatown. Over time, this enclave of Korean immigrants has become a hotbed of Korean culture – from Korean BBQ to K-Pop – making a significant impact on the culture and economy of our region. As CivitasLA celebrates Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we are joined by three community and civic leaders, Janet Burt, Director of Diversity and Business Development, Lewis Brisbois; Alexander Kim, CEO, Three Kings Public Affairs; and OG Chino, Owner, Escala K-Town as we discuss the history of this neighborhood, the evolution of Korean American civic and political participation in our community, and the economic and cultural impacts on our region. To learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

With a goal to better understand the diverse communities and property types he was responsible for building across the region as a developer, Alex Valente, SVP, Trammell Crow Company, joins CivitasLA and shares his unique experience during the pandemic of decamping from his home and living in five different neighborhoods and multi-family property types across the region (over the course of 18 months!) Hear Alex’s journey as he experienced the distinct communities of Marina Del Rey, Chinatown/El Puebo, Bunker Hill, Koreatown, Santa Monica, and then Hollywood. Alex shares his take on these very different communities; perspectives on Los Angeles; and lessons learned and how it informs his work as a developer. To learn more, please visit Trammell Crow Company at www.trammellcrow.com. And to learn more about CivitasLA, we invite you to visit www.CivitasLA.com. And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).