Neighbors who stroll down 3rd Street may find themselves lured by the scent of sizzling bratwursts and the hum of conversation spilling out of Wurstküche. Amid the clinking of glasses and the buzz of happy diners, one figure stands out—a man in an apron, always moving and always smiling. That’s Federico Vergara: the silent backbone […]
One morning in 2004, Adam Normandin woke up before the sun to search the city for inspiration. This time, he wanted to visit the train tracks by the 4th Street Bridge. Adam set his camera up and took a photo of the still trains, an image that would later serve as a reference for his […]
“You know, there’s a saying that opposites attract. We are opposites in a lot of ways. There’s friction, but maybe we like friction.” Valerie arranges a snack for them in their living room. The walls are adorned with Tim’s paintings and photographs, telling a story of their lives. Their part-Norwegian Forest cat Byrdlady mews affectionately […]
Like many people, J.W. Pippen, moved to Los Angeles in search of something new. After spending one year in LA, Pippen packed up his belongings and took an architectural job in New York, vowing never to return. However, after a series of unexpected events, Pippen found himself back in California—living in his van in Malibu. […]
Deborah Meadows and her husband Howie were first drawn to the Arts District in 2009. They were enamored with its vibrant art galleries, the creativity of its adaptive reuse buildings, and the melodies of live music echoing on 3rd Street. Now, 15 years later, Deborah is a prominent figure in the neighborhood’s cultural landscape. She […]
Situated between breweries and coffee shops, sits a 5,000 square foot building with a sheet metal facade. Above the entrance is a depiction of the Mona Lisa lit up with neon lights. This is Lili Lakich’s art studio. Inside soft hums of neon bulbs reverberate through the room. In the corner, Bongo, Lili’s dog, lets […]
Despite hundreds of people passing by Commercial and Vignes Street on a daily basis, only a few ever notice the commemorative plaque affixed on the sidewalk just south of US Route 101. Even less people read it and learn the story about the Aliso Tree. Believed to have been 400 years old, the Aliso Tree, […]
Tom resides in his Arts District loft with his fashion designer wife Annie, his cat, and surrounded by his oil paints and easels. Over the past 15 years, his loft has witnessed the creation of countless works of art, each a reflection of his artistic dedication and vision. Since childhood, Tom always knew that art […]
Local resident, business owner, and Sci-Arc alumni Tim is a common sight in the neighborhood. On a beautiful spring afternoon, he was spotted driving his 1941 Mercury Station Wagon to the post office. When he’s not riding his bike back from the YMCA in the early morning, or driving an old vintage car down Hewitt […]
