Category Archives: Article

Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 2

hat better way to fulfill your holiday shopping needs than with unique gifts from these Bruin-owned businesses? Explore what they have to offer, whether online or in-store, and find those perfect Bruin-inspired presents for family and friends.

Rabbit Air

Vice President of Business Development: Edwin Cheung ʼ94

Location: 125 N Raymond Ave., Suite 308, Pasadena, CA 911031

Phone: 888-866-8862

Website: https://rabbitair.com/ucla

Social: @rabbitair

About:

Founded in 2004, our Los Angeles-based company has dedicated its time, energy and resources to perfecting a product that improves quality of life: the air purifier. Our dedication to air purification has led us to become one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S.; we have been ranked as such from 2009 to 2022 by Inc. magazine.

Review:

“My husband is allergic to EVERYTHING! He takes 10-12 allergy pills daily, has been to several doctors, the whole nine yards. So, last resort, I purchased this air purifier, put it in our family room...and within hours he could really tell the difference…so I purchased another one for our bedroom. The first night was the first time in many years that he slept without pills and could breathe through his nose now; he takes no more than 2 allergy pills daily. I wish we got this years ago.” - Kathy B.

Eliqs

Co-Founders: Max Berg, MBA ʼ19, and Dave Goldman

Location: Gardena, California

Phone: 904-414-3643

Website: https://www.eliqs.com

Email: hello@eliqs.com

Social: @shopEliqs

About:

Eliqs enables the creation of personalized, custom-branded beverages for any and all occasions! Select from our pre-set templates that you can personalize or create a custom design by partnering with our in-house professional design team. Select a beverage from our curated list of craft offerings (beer, wine, hard seltzer, water). Then sit back and relax as we deliver your custom cans directly to you!

Review:

“Such an awesome gift! I've ordered a couple of times from Eliqs, both for birthday gifts. Both of the recipients loved it and I got so many compliments from others! These are such a unique and thoughtful gift for a beer lover in your life. Love that they also send you previews and updates about your order and the shipping is pretty fast as well. Will definitely order again!” – Chanel R.

The Honest Company

Co-Founders: Brian Sung Lee, J.D. ʼ96, and Christopher Gavigan, M.A. ʼ04

Website: https://www.honest.com/

Phone: 888-862-8818

Email: support@thehonestcompany.com

Social: @honest

About:

We’re a wellness brand empowering people to live happy, healthy lives. And we’re also people, just like you. When our founder, Jessica Alba, couldn’t find one brand to trust for all her everyday needs, she had to create it. And she knew that there had to be others out there looking for safe products, simple solutions and clear information about their choices, just like her. If you want trusted, effective products that work for your family, your home and yourself, you’re Honest, too.

Review:

“I have sensitive skin that gets oily easily. I’m always hesitant to order online. Due to COVID I’ve received several emails about how they are behind, which I wasn’t in a huge hurry anyways. But I still received my package in a timely manner. The products ordered and used were Prime + Perfect Mask, hydra gel and magic gel to milk. I already had the vitamin C serum and Everyday Radiance. My skin hasn’t felt this smooth and glowy in a long time. Love, love, love these products.” - Tori S.

Lollaland

Founders: Mark Lim, MBA ʼ08, and Hanna Lim, M.Ed. ʼ05

Location: 1825 Peck Road, Monrovia, CA 91016

Phone: 310-776-5655

Website: https://lollaland.com/

Email: hello@lollaland.com

Social: @lollalandusa

About:

Lollaland products were created by parents dedicated to providing safe, stylish and smart products for children and their families. Our award-winning products are premium quality, beautifully packaged and ready to gift. Lollaland is proudly funded by Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec through ABC's hit show, “Shark Tank!”

Review:

“These cups are great. 1. The straw is hidden; I don’t understand the ones where the straw stays up, especially during a pandemic. 2. Easy to disassemble and throw in the dishwasher—I’ve washed mine dozens of times and no fading or issues. 3. Durable—my tot has literally thrown one down a flight of stairs and no cracking. 4. Sure it is not leak proof but it also doesn’t take a ton of pressure to suck up liquid. It doesn’t just pour out either; my tot will literally hold the bottle upside down and shake it and several drops may come out. 5. Fun colors. 6. Great customer service. I can’t rave about these cups enough. I have one in every color.” - Mr. P.

Mana Life Energy

Founder: Dylan Price ʼ14

Website: https://manalifeenergy.com

Social: @manalifeenergy

About:

Our herbal proprietary blend replenishes your energy, mental clarity and focus without the crash or jittery feeling. Mana contains no artificial ingredients, and was specifically designed for you, whether you are an athlete, parent, student or a person who simply needs a boost of energy throughout the day.

Review:

“MANA is great! I have used it for a while now and I have found it to be better than coffee or energy drinks. It has all-natural ingredients that you can look up and are not just consuming random lab-engineered ingredients. If you are looking for a pre-workout intense supplement this is not it. It’s a subtle energy you likely won’t really notice but you no longer feel tired or like falling asleep. I often get tired driving while commuting after a long day and about 10 minutes after taking MANA you likely won’t even realize it but you just won’t be tired anymore. I have also taken it before the gym and it gives you a pump once you get going, without the jitters from a pre-workout.” - Alex L.

Rosen Skincare

Founder and CEO: Jamika Martin ʼ18

Locations: Various

Website: https://www.rosenskincare.com

Email: hi@rosenskincare.com

Social: @rosenskincare

About:

We're creating the next generation of breakout care. Traditional breakout solutions have often left diverse skin types and concerns out of the conversation, but we're here to change that. Our routines use clean-ical ingredients to focus on the prevention and repair of hyperpigmentation and breakouts in the acne aisle. All of our products and routines are developed through the lens of women of color, to ensure the diverse concerns we deal with are addressed in the acne aisle.

Review:

“I love the scent of the Super Smoothie Cleanser. It wasn’t too strong but did have a slightly sweet citrusy scent. It’s made with strawberry powder which helped to gently exfoliate my skin and provided a nice gentle cleanse. My skin was left feeling smooth after using it. The best part is that it didn’t dry out my skin. This is the only product that I finished during the 30 days and I was quite sad when I ran out. I can definitely see myself purchasing this product in the future.” – LaTayia B. (SoDazzlingBlog.com)

Caffé Luxxe

Co-Founder: Gary Chau ʼ90

Locations: Various in Southern California

Phone: 310-394-2222

Website: https://www.caffeluxxe.com

Email: hello@caffeeluxxe.com

Social: @caffeluxxe

About:

Established in 2006, Caffe Luxxe was the first cafe in Los Angeles to champion a move towards hand-crafted artisanal espresso and brewed coffee. Our dedication to serving the best individually crafted beverages has helped LA drinkers discover what fine coffees can taste like, earning us numerous accolades by customers and journalists alike. Hand crafting every single drink is our daily passion, and we strive to make each drink better than the last.

Reviews:

“Being Italian, coffee, lattes and expresso are my primary beverage and a variety of comfort food. Finding myself on Sunset Boulevard in the Pacific Palisades I noticed up ahead a new coffee shop, Caffe Luxe. They claim their coffee is "an artisanal expression". Well, I went for an expression and ordered an Americano. It was delicious! Great aroma, body, fragrance, smooth and not bitter. There was no sharp burnt after taste that so many expresso roasters produce. For a moment, I was transported to my favorite cafe in Rome. If you are a real coffee lover, you’ve got to try this brand. They are hitting home runs. I can't wait until my next fix!” – Vincent G.

MATTEO PARFUMS

Founder: Matthew Sánchez ʼ17

Website: https://www.matteoparfums.com

Email: help@matteoparfums.com

Social: @matteoparfums

About:

Nicknamed “Matteo,” I’m a Southern California native motivated to create products with purpose and establish a legacy. Self-taught in perfumery then a perfumer's apprentice, in October 2017, I became America's youngest Black male perfumer and youngest Latino perfumer. In my last year at UCLA, I knew I wanted to find ways to connect with others while fulfilling my entrepreneurial desires. I made full use of the fact that of all five senses, our sense of smell has the strongest connection to our memories and emotions. Therefore, I knew I could access peoples' lives through the power of scent and storytelling. This is my vision and desire for MATTEO PARFUMS: to influence the scent culture and multiple industries, inspire confidence and fellow visionaries, and immerse people into the global and imaginative world we live in.

Review:

“The visuals tricked my mind into thinking I was going to dive into relaxing light green waters. Quite the contrary, I am submerged in orange light and swirled around in a circle of spicy fire. A bright orange sun turns into a blood-red orange, spiked with cinnamon rays, making it even hotter as minutes pass. The juiciness of the orange is short-lived and it rapidly dries to a clove-spiked orange peel warmed on a radiator. Not long after, the leathery saffron comes into play, the spices bloom with sharp peppery edges and all slowly melt into a sweet, ambery, rich, wooden texture. Then hours pass and in the scent lingering on my skin, a deep, enveloping cinnamon is still the main character. Reasonably priced [at] $95, it’s the debut fragrance of MATTEO PARFUMS. If you want a cool–but–warm “urban lumberjack”, to embrace you in a thick cinnamon hug, give Celadawn a try.” – Nicoleta Tomsa (Senior Editor for ÇaFleureBon)

Tequila Cabal

Partner and CFO: Benjamin Gordon, MBA ʼ19

Locations: Various

Website: https://www.tequilacabal.com

Email: framers@mac.com

Social: @tequilacabal

About:

Tequila Cabal is a multi-award-winning tequila headquartered in Los Angeles, with roots tracing back to 1911. The word Cabal is rooted in the Spanish word for gentleman, caballero, which compels the idea that one must aspire to their full potential. The inspiration behind the horsehead bottle design is derived from the Charreria and horse culture in Jalisco. This ties into the very essence of Jalicense culture. We raise our horses and agave much like we raise ourselves, nurturing from a young age with passionate resolve to become both a noble steed and noble in spirit. It is our belief that the spirit in your glass should only be matched by the spirit of your company.

Review:

“Tequila Cabal is a perfect example of excellence expressed in liquid form. I judge any tequila by its blanco, the purest manifestation of this spirit. Only if the blanco offers a superior experience do I explore the reposado and añejo. I did indeed explore the aged Cabal offerings because the blanco was extraordinary, easily one of the finest tequilas I have ever tasted. And then things only got better from that very high standard, because the reposado, añejo and extra-añejo were pure pleasure. This is an extraordinary tequila.” Jeff S.

Gem Surprise Box

Co-Founders: Steve Ibbotson ʼ15 and Christine Lopez ʼ15

Location: Fallbrook, California

Phone: 661-236-7706

Website: https://www.gemsurprise.com

Email: Hello@GemSurprise.com

Social: @gemsurprisebox

About:

Gem Surprise Box is a gemstone and mineral subscription service, founded by Gemological Institute of America and UCLA alumni, that has a strong focus on STEM education for both adults and children with the goal of introducing the world to the science of mineralogy, sparking interest in the geosciences and sharing the wonders of our natural world one box at a time. We offer monthly memberships, specialty boxes and unique gifts for everyone. Every Gem Surprise Box is packaged with care in our signature black sustainably sourced gift box and tied with a black satin bow. All of our gemstones and minerals include mineral graphic cards with information on each new item with fun facts about how it formed, identifying characteristics, gemological notes of interest, and information on how people interact with that material.

Review:

“It’s like Christmas every month.” – Doug H.

Shef

Founder: Joey Grassia ʼ09

Website: https://shef.com/

Phone: 415-825-7433

Email: support@shef.com

Social: @ordershef

About:

At Shef, we’re rebuilding the food system from scratch, redefining who can participate in the food economy, and returning personal connection to the making, eating and sharing of food. We are an online marketplace for local, food safety-certified cooks to connect with customers in their community and earn a meaningful income selling homemade dishes. Homemade is the aroma of your childhood kitchen, the laughter around a family table, the taste of locally sourced produce; it is memories, nostalgia and tradition. It is building bridges between cultures and people that make us whole. More than anything, the power of homemade food comes from the love and care of those who make it, all opening up their hearts to provide the gift of a homemade meal to you.

Review:

“I just ate this a few minutes ago and it changed my life. It's as good as going to your Pakistani aunty's house for dinner. Super traditional dumplings that remind me of my grandma's.

I am really picky about my food and any purchase. I am 200% satisfied with Shef. Food was awesome. Quantity was really good.” - Cynthia C.

The Framer's Workshop

Co-Founder: Kirstie Bennett ʼ69

Location: 2439 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

Phone: 510-849-4444

Website: https://www.framersworkshop.com/

Email: framers@mac.com

Social: @the_framers_workshop

About:

The Framer's Workshop is a family-run custom and do-it-yourself picture framing shop located in Berkeley, California, serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1977. We specialize in fine custom framing, do-it-yourself framing, photo restoration and large format printing. We offer commercial onsite design, delivery and installation for businesses, designers and volume residential clients. We welcome wholesale accounts for art consultation and framing services. We also offer ready-made frames with free DIY fitting at The Framer's Outlet, a ready made frame shop directly connected to our main store.

Review:

“I've been a customer of The Framer's Workshop for over 15 years now and only have high, high praise for them. The work is excellent quality and they will take great care of your art. You can leave precious items with them without worry. There’s no upselling. They'll work with your budget and provide options without any guff or shaming. They have a wide variety of frames, mats, materials. You want something cool? They've got it. Premade frames at discount prices, cute greeting cards, pre-framed art for sale and DIY assembly options. They'll even teach you how to use the machines, so it's really like a free education. Communication has been excellent over the years with different staff, which means training is consistently solid.” - Sarah W.

***

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

All Bruin-Owned Business Articles

A Bruin’s Fight for Human Rights in Iran

CLA alumna Orly Hakimi ’03 wants people to know about the beauty of Iran. "I want people to get to know my country. The scenery is beautiful, the culture is amazing, the food is delicious. It has some of the best music, architecture, dancing, poetry, but the world doesn’t see it because of the human rights abuses.”

Hakimi has been outspoken in her support for the protests that followed the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian, who was detained by Iran’s so-called morality police for improperly wearing her government-mandated headscarf. When Amini died in custody, Iranians took to the streets in one of the country’s largest movements for human rights since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, when the religious Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran took power.

Iranian women have been at the forefront of civil rights protests, and Amini’s death sparked an uprising that soon spread worldwide, led by the chant “Woman, Life, Freedom” — “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” in Kurdish; “Zan, Zendegia, Azadi” in Farsi.

Hakimi shared the discrimination and lack of human rights women face in Iran, “They can’t ask for a divorce, can’t wear what they want, can’t travel abroad without a male guardian’s approval, can’t check into a hotel. Basic things that we take for granted are outlawed.”

Iran is one of the world's oldest civilizations, and Hakimi draws a contrast between current events and the country’s legacy as the “Cradle of Civilization.” She says, “2500 years ago Cyrus the Great wrote the first document on human rights. It’s so sad that the country that was the birthplace of human rights is now fighting for what a person wears.”

When Hakimi was 10 years old, her family left Iran and emigrated to the United States after the murder of her grandmother went unpunished because she was a woman murdered by a man. Today, as an avid runner, she has been raising awareness in any way she can. She runs while carrying an Iranian flag and wearing the message, “Running for a Free Iran.” She says, “I have gotten so much positive feedback, our message has been heard.” She has joined fellow activists to paint murals, marched through Los Angeles and formed a human chain with thousands of people. She has attended rallies, concerts and a protest where people chained themselves to LACMA’s streetlights installation.

"They can’t ask for a divorce, can’t wear what they want, can’t travel abroad without a male guardian’s approval, can’t check into a hotel. Basic things that we take for granted are outlawed."

Young people are the driving force behind calls for change in Iran. Brave women have removed their hijab and cut their hair in acts of resistance. Many protests are taking place at universities and schools, and the government has responded with force, beating and imprisoning thousands. It is estimated that Iranian security forces have killed more than 300 people and detained nearly 15,000, mostly teens, young adults, students, lawyers, journalists and activists.

Protesters shared their acts of defiance on social media, until the Iranian government blocked or slowed access to digital communication. Tech-savvy young people are finding ways to avoid the blockade, and get messages and video to a waiting audience.

Los Angeles has the largest population of Iranians outside of Iran, and the UCLA community is home to Iranian students, alumni, staff and faculty. Following the Iranian Revolution, an estimated two million people left Iran. UCLA scholars are helping to make sense of the news, hosting panel discussions and meetings.

When Hakimi was a UCLA student, she was president of UCLA’s Iranian Student Group (ISG). Recently, she has returned to campus to attend events organized by ISG and the Iranian Graduate and Professional Association, including a candlelight vigil and a march across campus. She says, “I feel so much pride; the students are doing an amazing job.” Members of the student group appeared on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" to spread awareness of the events in Iran. They also sent an open letter to Chancellor Block saying, “It is imperative our community be properly recognized, heard, and seen by acknowledging and addressing the dire circumstances in Iran.”

Chancellor Block shared his concern in his Fall 2022 Update, “UCLA stands firm in its commitment to women’s rights, to justice and equality, and to democratic norms of free, open and safe expression of dissent. We stand unequivocally against violence and repression.”

"This is a revolution now and has surpassed mere protests."

In Iran, the protests continue, as does the government’s violent response. The fate of protestors in Iran remains unclear, as courts have begun issuing protest-linked death sentences. In response, the United Nations Human Rights Council called its first-ever special session on Iran on Nov. 24 to address the country’s “deteriorating human rights situation.”

As the demonstrations in Iran enter their third month, they have intensified in size and determination. Hakimi says, “This is a revolution now and has surpassed mere protests.” For her part, Hakimi will continue to march, run, create and speak out in support of the people of Iran. “I’m hoping future generations think of these stories as history that won’t ever be repeated.”

BRUINS IN THE PROS: CHEER AND DANCE EDITION

CLA has enjoyed a rich history of producing professional athletes in a wide variety of sports teams. In this issue of Bruins in the Pros, we’re featuring eight recent graduates who are currently performing for professional cheerleading and dance teams in both the NFL and NBA. Next time you’re at a game, don’t forget to cheer for these Bruins when you spot them on the field or the court!

Alicia Beebe ʼ21

UCLA Degree: Physiological Sciences

Professional Team: Second season with Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“Beating 'SC at the Rose Bowl in 2018!”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“My time at UCLA taught me countless valuable skills and provided me with many resources both in and out of the classroom. These have enabled me to pursue my dreams outside of Westwood with confidence, professionalism, mentorship and experience.”

Claudia Borton ʼ21

UCLA Degree: Dance major, Spanish minor

Professional Teams: Los Angeles Charger Girl 2019-2020, Las Vegas Raiderettes 2022- present

UCLA Activities: Icarus Dance Company 2017, UCLA Dance Team 2018-2019, Junior Spirit Squad Coordinator 2018-2019, Student Representative at JWAC 2018-2021, WACSmash 2020, Spring Sing 2021 (Outspoken), UCLA Snow Team 2020-2021, Chi Omega Sorority 2017-2021 (recruitment chair 2021)

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“During spring quarter of my senior year, we held many Ski Team traditions, some of which honored and recognized the seniors on the team. We spent almost every weekend at Mammoth Mountain, laughing, sharing stories and, most importantly, shredding. My younger sister Sarah, who originally recruited me for the team, is now the president of the Ski Team for her senior year.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“UCLA gave me the tools to think critically about how I approach my goals rather than being narrow-minded on how to achieve a certain outcome. The people I met over my four years taught me that the process of growth is much more rewarding than reaching a desired outcome. UCLA continues to help me as I have relationships with my professors and peers that will last a lifetime.”

Chloe Quast ʼ22

UCLA Degrees: Political Science and Sociology

Professional Team: First season with Las Vegas Raiderettes

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team for three seasons

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“During my senior year, I had the opportunity to travel with the Men’s Basketball Team to Las Vegas, Portland and Philadelphia. The memories I made while cheering for the Bruins, spending time with teammates, and interacting with fans and alumni on these trips are invaluable to me.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“The guidance and experience I received on the UCLA Dance Team were critical to accomplishing my goal of cheering at the professional level. I will always be grateful for the connections I made at UCLA and the people who have supported me as I live out this lifelong dream.”

Emily Lin ʼ20

UCLA Degree: Communication Studies major, Environment Systems and Societies minor

Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team for four years, John Wooden Recreation Center supervisor, member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and Fraternity, Beta Delta chapter

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“I think it is hard to narrow all of my incredible experiences at UCLA down to one favorite memory, though I will say my first football game at the Rose Bowl in the fall of 2016, traveling to Shanghai, China, in 2017 to represent our school and athletic department internationally, and meeting my best friends through my many involvements at UCLA are a few of my favorites.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“Every time I stepped onto the field at the Rose Bowl, I was training for my professional career at SoFi Stadium. I owe it to my coach, Tiphanie McNiff, my teammates and the Bruin community for providing me with the skills and opportunities to train, learn and work with the best at the most prestigious collegiate level.”

Maddie Mapes ʼ20

UCLA Degree: Dance major, Food Studies minor

Professional Team: Three seasons with Las Vegas Raiderettes

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“Taking the field for the first time at the Rose Bowl while on the UCLA Dance Team. I always dreamed about cheering for the Bruins and it was such an honor to represent UCLA.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals? “Being on the UCLA Dance Team challenged me to become a stronger dancer and overall shaped me into the person and athlete that I am today. I am grateful for my coaches who helped me pursue my goal of dancing and cheering at the professional level. I am so proud to be a Bruin and will always cherish my memories from UCLA. Go Bruins!”

Mia Robertson ʼ22

UCLA Degree: Dance major, Film, TV, and Digital Media minor

Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders

UCLA Activities: Kappa Kappa Gamma

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“Finally being able to take classes in person because I transferred here during the pandemic.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“UCLA helped me achieve my goals because the dance major introduced me to a great community of people with similar goals and aspirations.”

Abbigail Roque ʼ21

UCLA Degree: Nursing

Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Laker Girls

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“The UCLA vs. SDSU game in 2019 was the very first football game [at which] I danced with the Spirit Squad. The Bruin pride that fuels the energy at the Rose Bowl Stadium is unmatched! There is nothing like a first game experience on the field and court.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“As the first nursing student on the UCLA Dance Team, I was able to continue chasing my love for dance while studying at one of the most prestigious nursing schools in the country. I have continued pursuing both of my passions, now practicing as an ICU nurse and professional NBA dancer.”

Aria Terango ʼ22

UCLA Degree: Dance and Neuroscience

Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders

UCLA Activities: WACSmash, Expressive Movement Initiative, MYUCLA Health Ambassadors, Mortar Board, Medicine and Art, and Premed Undergraduate Society

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“At graduation, I spent the whole day going to my favorite spots on campus, from Ackerman to Royce, with my family and best friends! It was the perfect culmination of all my hard work and allowed me to truly appreciate everything UCLA has offered me.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“I’m so grateful to UCLA for offering me such a high-quality education and encouraging me to stay curious and pursue my passions. For these reasons, I had the confidence to audition for this life-changing role.”

Lilah Haye ʼ22

UCLA Degrees: Public Affairs and Dance majors, African American Studies minor

Professional Team: First season with the Las Vegas Raiderettes

UCLA Activities: Regents Scholars Society, Alumni Scholars Club, WACsmash

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“Choreographing a dance for the WAC/D undergraduate show, WACsmash. I loved using all the tools I gained in the department to create work that I am both passionate about and proud of.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“UCLA has provided me with the connections and resources to achieve my goals. Without my mentors from the UCLA community, I would not be where I am today.”

***

If we missed any Bruins who are currently cheering or dancing with a professional sports team, please email us at connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

A Return to Rieber and the Good Ol’ Days

n a warm summer morning in August, an enthusiastic group of Bruins returned to UCLA. Fifty-five alumni, family and friends came back to campus from 14 different states. A shared bond on their journey to adulthood brought them together and more than 45 years later, the bond not only remains strong, but it continues to grow.

The weekend held laughter and love, with old friendships renewed and new ones formed. As students, the group had all lived, partied and studied together on the fourth floor, North wing of UCLA’s Rieber Hall between the years 1975 and 1978. But what mattered is that they supported and looked out for each other. Among the attendees, there were 16 with master's degrees, six Ph.D.s, three M.D.s and four J.D.s. They also collectively had 61 children and 31 grandchildren.

When Steve Heifetz ʼ79 arrived at UCLA in 1975, Captain & Tennille were on the radio singing "Love Will Keep Us Together," Tommy Lasorda played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and UCLA’s annual tuition was $630 for California residents; $2,130 for non-residents.

As the first in his immediate family to attend college, Steve had planned to work for his father. Accepted to UCLA, he was assigned a room on Rieber Hall 4 North (R4N). There, he found the community that gave him the determination to thrive in life. Steve’s bonds to R4N are strong — the dorm was where he met his future wife, Andrea (Halter) Heifetz ’80.

Steve Heifetz (Now) and Lorna De La Cruz

His floormates graduated in the years before cell phones or email, and many only stayed in touch with one or two friends. About 10 years ago, Steve began thinking about his UCLA days, “I miss my old friends, and I hardly ever see them.” The next time he was in Los Angeles for work, he arranged dinner with a small group. The evening ran late into the night, as the friends reminisced about their time at UCLA and how their shared experience during those formative years helped mold their lives.

Back in Minnesota, Steve dug out an old address list and started calling his R4N floormates. He set up a private Facebook group, which grew to 130 members, where the alumni post updates, share old photos and reconnect with friends — as well as rekindle romances. With the help of former UCLA Alumni Board member, John Gong ’80, Steve and Andrea began to plan and organize an in-person event.

"There was this moment in time that we all came together all those years ago. It was really terrific to be back with friends."

Miriam Loui ʼ80 traveled across the Pacific Ocean from Hawaii for the reunion. She is grateful to Steve, Andrea and John for getting the ball rolling, and describes the day as a gift. She says, “The best part of the reunion was that it even happened at all.” She felt happy and lucky to be there, and says, “There was this moment in time that we all came together all those years ago. It was really terrific to be back with friends.”

The excitement was infectious as the day started with a tour of the campus, including a stop at Rieber Hall. The group hired current UCLA students to lead the tours. Soon, alumni and students were sharing stories and swapping memories about Bruin life.

On The Hill, alumni marveled at how the dorm has evolved, with former doubles now sleeping three. When they were at UCLA, historic social changes were taking place across America. In keeping with new attitudes, UCLA began offering coed floors on the fourth and fifth floors of Hedrick, Rieber and Sproul Halls in 1973. Previously, a wall in the lounge between the two towers had separated men from women. Each floor had a bathroom at either end of the long hallway, one designated for men and the other for women.

The floormates voted to take these changes one step further and make their bathrooms coed after midnight, eliminating the need to take a long walk down the hallway late at night. And that’s where Steve met Andrea, brushing their teeth together after midnight. Several years later Steve and Andrea married, one of several marriages between R4N floor-mates.

Adding to the nostalgia of the day, UCLA Housing catered a delicious lunch. The meal was so wonderful that the alumni could not believe they were eating dorm food. The room also held two tables filled with memorabilia saved from their college days, including copies of the dorm newsletter “What’s Bru-in at Rieber.”

Steve shared a presentation he titled “How Did I Get Here?” He traced life from kindergarten to his career as a cardiologist, emphasizing how UCLA and R4N were central to his life’s pathway. He says, “Hold on to the things that are the most important part of your life … family and friends. They helped create who you are today.”

UCLA Alumni Director of Engagement Operations Sandy Nguyen ʼ10 delivered a talk on Chancellor Block’s Bruin Promise, followed by UCLA student and Alumni Scholar Jack Pearce exp. ʼ24, who gave an engaging presentation on his cancer research. Jack then shared another talent as the party DJ, spinning hit songs from the '70s.

"Looking back in the fullness of time, it’s part of me, and I’m really grateful to UCLA."

Elisa Lopez Stevens, Alfred Nunez and Marilyn Luzano Martin

Marilyn Luzano Martin ʼ78 was excited to reconnect with her long lost friends. She recalls that it felt like a family, “What resonates with me was the amazing group of people on the floor. Not everybody got along, but they were good, nice people with a sense of community and camaraderie.” The reunion brought back a flood of memories. “It was like no time has passed.”

Marilyn remembers dorm dinners in the cafeteria as a social event. From time to time, the group would get dressed up for a formal dinner at a nearby restaurant. She loved spending time with old friends. At the reunion, she reconnected with her roommate, Marla Walters. They have been talking and texting, and are planning a visit. She says, “I’m just hoping the next generation has the same experience.”

The day held one more special surprise. Steve created a one-hour video of photos that told the story of the floormates titled, “Return to Rieber.” Miriam says, “You could hear a pin drop. It was so wonderful to revisit college.” She remembers being a student, walking up Janss Steps thinking, “I’m here for a little while, make the best of it.” Now, she says, “Looking back in the fullness of time, it’s part of me, and I’m really grateful to UCLA.”

No reunion would be complete without a rousing 8-clap. When the party ended at 4 p.m., no one was ready to say goodbye. Half of the group moved to a private room at the Luskin Center's Plateia restaurant where they reminisced until 11 p.m.

The floormates agree that the day was a joyful and emotional success. They returned home grateful for the friends they made at a pivotal time in their lives, friendships that helped to determine their future plans. Seeing each other again was a reminder of how important these years had been, and that the bonds they made as Bruins are strong enough to last a lifetime.

Share with us your stories and the ways that you continue to connect with UCLA classmates, for a chance to get featured in a future article or social media post. Email it to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

Meet the Prez - Ann Wang

When Ann Wang ʼ13 won the UCLA Award for Recent Graduate Achievement in 2015, her future had limitless possibilities. At the time, she was co-founder and CEO of the socially conscious startup Enrou, an online marketplace that aims to create a positive social, financial and sustainable impact on global communities through the power of consumerism. The year prior, she had represented Enrou at the Forbes Under 30 Summit and won the "$400,000 Pressure Cooker" pitch competition. Notably, she was named a Forbes “30 Under 30” social entrepreneur in 2016, and she went on to build her own agency and creative studio that intersects entertainment, media, tech and nonprofits to generate lasting social and cultural change. That same year she joined the UCLA Alumni Association Board of Directors, and this past July, she became the first Asian American female and millennial to serve as the UCLA Alumni President.

Wang takes us through her journey from her early days as an uninvolved student to becoming the top officer charged with representing and engaging more than half a million UCLA alumni.

I chose UCLA because I wanted to focus on international development studies as well as have a city that had access to every industry and every opportunity. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I wanted to be in a university that had vibrancy of opportunity, and for me that meant access to a lot of different industries.

I didn’t really know how to fit in. I grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, which is an hour east of L.A. but culturally, it was a different universe. UCLA was very intimidating, because it’s a massive school and I had never lived away from home before. The first couple of years was a transition from a mental health perspective and in learning how to live independently.

As a student, I honestly wasn’t very engaged. I wasn’t part of many organizations, maybe a couple of clubs, but my main priority were my studies and being a student worker. My freshman year I started working for the UCLA Volunteer Center which was brand new at the time. It was built by these amazing, innovative women, who taught me the importance of how to create and innovate within the UCLA ecosystem, which can be pretty bureaucratic at times. After a couple of years of learning and growing, I became a UCLA External Affairs intern under Rhea Turteltaub (Vice Chancellor for External Affairs), which was where I really honed my professional skills — by watching these powerful women move people forward towards impact. This set me up to be an entrepreneur.

By the time I was a senior, we accidentally built this company that was later called Enrou. I grabbed my best girlfriend (co-founder Jessica Wilson ʼ13) and gathered a group of passionate and talented Bruins to build within our own space in the UCLA ecosystem. The idea was to source these amazing products from developing countries that had a story behind them, and then create an online marketplace where socially conscious people can invest in artisans and makers through microfinance, supporting education and providing scholarships. Ideally, these financial investments would have a social and cultural impact in those regions.

Obviously, we had no idea what we were doing. We didn’t know how to find investors. We didn’t know how to put a business plan together. We didn’t know how to pitch anything. We eventually got into StartUp UCLA and started learning about pitching, how to raise money and how to think about our product. On a whim, we applied off Twitter for this pitch competition at Forbes Under 30 Summit in Philadelphia. The top prize was $400,000. We found out we got the opportunity to compete only 48 hours before the conference, so I slept very little trying to prepare. We pitched in front of a thousand people — and we won.

UCLA, Startup UCLA and our community of Bruins prepared us every step of the way without us even knowing it. Without the knowledge and support we gained from UCLA, we could not have told that story on stage. I credit this accidental catalyst that happens at UCLA when you are passionate, optimistic, impact-driven and you can bring people together.

After Enrou experienced rapid growth, capital raise and our fair share of challenges, we decided to slow down our build. And in a few years I knew it was time for me to step away. Once again, I was in a period of transition much like my entry into collegiate life. It was that first transition where I learned to prioritize a deeper level of self-awareness and my mental health, which is an important life lesson that I carry with me to this day.

I am now a creative consultant in a lot of ways. I built an agency and creative studio called Mindful Ambition where I work with artists, corporations, organizations to think about both their social impact and their tech investing strategy. I love trying to move the needle on really big social or cultural issues like mental health, API discrimination (Stop Asian Hate), recidivism and incarceration. I try to build bridges among different industries — entertainment, tech startups, nonprofits or corporations — so they can all work together towards those particular goals.

I wasn’t a rah-rah Bruin, but my connections to UCLA ran deep. My first job out of college was assistant director with Alumni Scholarships. After I left to work full-time with Enrou, we continuously hired many Bruin interns. We had customers and investors, venture capitalists who were alumni. My mentors Rhea (Turteltaub) and Julie (Sina, Associate Vice Chancellor of Alumni Affairs) were very big supporters, and it was then that I was nominated to join the Alumni Board. UCLA had given me so much and was critical to the position where I found myself — how could I say no? I was only 23 years old when I sat on my first board.

I felt like an impostor on this board of incredible, but slightly wiser, slightly older individuals. It took some time to get my footing and understanding of where my value was and how my voice and skill sets could be impactful. When I first joined there was no one on it who had graduated within 10 years, so I was the lone millennial voice. I was tasked with working with the Careers Committee where we established an Entertainment Industry Cabinet that connected top tier entertainment professionals with alumni and students. Later, as more young alumni joined the board, we moved towards new forms of innovation and engagement with alumni in the post-COVID era, where I was able to utilize my knowledge of tech. I didn’t want a ton of leadership roles, I just wanted to find a place that I felt I can make the most impact.

After six consecutive years, I was about to term off the board, when I felt this deep feeling that my work was not yet done. We are in this unprecedented post-COVID era with unique alumni and student needs. Our University, our amazing Association staff and the collaborations happening across campus have never been this strong and innovative, so pairing that with this season of need will redefine how alumni engagement works for the next generation. Focusing on meeting their needs was the catalyst for me to want to lead the board in the next couple of years. We’re about to embark into a period of innovation, building and resources, driven by technology, driven by data and driven for alumni across their lifespan. So that’s why I raised my hand (to run for president).

As the first Asian American woman to serve as president, I have a platform. Sure, outside of those labels I am who I am and my mentality has always been how can I be valuable; how can I be impactful? But I have also been on this journey of embracing, understanding and elevating my voice as an Asian American woman. That was not the case for me growing up. I never wanted my Asian identity to be this source of loud amplification of who I was. But I came to realize that I now have this ability to serve the University and our alumni, while representing the young, female Asian American voice who is not afraid to show up and fight for the amplification of our multi-cultural community and for the challenges we face, whether it’s discrimination, access, equity or whatever the needs may be. I accept this responsibility with great joy, and hope to make an impact through the Association Board and as a future UC Regent.

What impresses me most about alumni is how diverse and humble we are as a group. We are passionate and optimistic. We showed up for each other during the pandemic. We’re committed to solving some of the world’s biggest challenges and contribute in ways that are impactful, driving culture and society towards progress and evolution. But given all that, there’s not a lot of verbal shouting of all that we do. There’s an opportunity for us to share our stories more broadly and with pride. It’s a consistent theme that I’ve seen with alumni whom I’ve met who are change-makers and impact-drivers, and yet who are still pretty humble about it.

The next two years will be driven by our board’s commitment to the strategic plan. The environment we’re in right now is the needs of alumni have changed the last couple of years and continue to change. Our goal is to identify and address those needs across their lifespan. With the Chancellor’s Bruin Promise, we’re offering opportunities for lifelong learning and open access to UCLA’s resources. The two main priorities are: 1) Align and amplify the Alumni Association identity, and 2) Reimagine alumni engagement. We’ll be utilizing research data and technology to achieve these goals. We aim to elevate alumni relationships with each other, with UCLA, with the community and have a bigger presence globally.

At the end of my term, I want my legacy to be a noticeable change in how alumni perceives UCLA and the Alumni Association. I want alumni to feel a clear difference in how the University and the Association are showing up to support them. Secondly, I want alumni to feel seen and empowered by the UCLA story; for UCLA to not be perceived as just a bubble, but as one that reaches out to different industries, makes new partnerships, engages new alumni communities, so that their identity and their story is also the UCLA story.

Bruin-Owned Photography

Photo by Karina Wang

hese Bruin-owned businesses showcase the work and art of Bruin photographers. Whether it’s for grad portraits or engagement shoots, corporate events or commercial ventures, you can support the arts and Bruin entrepreneurship by booking a shoot, buying prints or following them on social media to see their current and upcoming projects.

Antoine Delcayre '20

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://photosby.antoinedelcayre.space/

Social: @monsieurrr_delcayre

I bought my first camera the summer before my first year at UCLA and my camera guided me through most of my college experience. It was the creative outlet that kept me sane through my astrophysics studies. I'm thankful for all the opportunities it allowed me to pursue, such as being a press photographer for L.A. concerts and being hired as photo manager for UCLA Housing.

After spending four years at UCLA I've definitely found my home in Los Angeles. I decided to pursue a master's in computer science at Johns Hopkins, which I work on remotely from L.A., and I'm hoping to graduate soon! I see computer science as a happy medium between the quantitative technical nature of physics and my creative hobbies.

I still like to take photos when I have time, though I've preferred to take analog photos using my Polaroid these days. In addition to photography, I'm passionate about cooking and eating, playing soccer, and programming lightshows! I try to keep an online footprint of all my pastimes and you can find links to all of them through my Instagram.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: This is one of my favorite image sets. There are a few things I like to capture in my photos and I think these photos encapsulate all of them. I like my photos to feel slightly surreal - I like quiet and empty spaces that invoke something between unease and serenity. To accentuate this I try to use a minimal amount of colors in an image. I want people to feel like they are looking at a memory or a dream; for there to be a softness and silence to my photos. I did this shoot at the Hitch basketball courts because I loved the plain blue pavement with the strong white lines.

Karina Wang '18

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://www.karinapjwang.com/

Social: @karinapjwang

My name is Karina Wang and I graduated in 2018 with a B.S. in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics. My journey with photography began and has been influenced heavily by UCLA and the amazing people that I have met there. While landscape, greens and nature first gravitated me towards the medium, I initially gained courage to explore photography through portraits with a friend, whom I met at my first-year dorm floor. I owe a lot of gratitude to my friends who have helped me model for editorial projects, new friends who I have met through graduation portraits and to the many others in the UCLA/Westwood community who have trusted me with my vision.

Specifically, I am grateful for the UCLA campus and Westwood neighborhood for they have given me a beautiful space to simply explore and find my style. Since then, I am fortunate to have learned so much about the art, and it is something that I will continually grow with and always hold near and dear to my heart.

Currently, I am in medical school but continue to shoot in my spare time. I am constantly seeking indie BIPOC artists and/or small businesses that could benefit from a photoshoot collaboration. In my near future, I plan to take on more photo trips and to delve into photojournalism as well!

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: Pictured are the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy. While I love many genres of photography, my heart will always be with landscapes, specifically with the mountains and endless fields of green. Photo trips are my favorite, because they are a unique type of adventure. Right after graduation, my friends and I flew out and definitely had one filled with sunrises, amazing food and accidentally getting lost in these ranges!

Tia Liu '19

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://www.tialiu.com/

Social: @tea.ah

My name is Tia Liu and I am a portrait, wedding/couples, commercial and lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles. I have more than 10 years of portrait photography experience and am a New York Times published photographer. As a self-taught photographer since high school, I have been involved in the influencer industry on social media, gaining the likes of YouTubers and "The Bachelor" contestants. I’ve also spent the last seven years shooting a full three-month (and year-round) grad season at UCLA and other SoCal campuses.

Photo Showcase:

**Description:** Many people in the UCLA network know me for my grad work of over seven years, but I also shoot couples and weddings as well! Hope to continue to connect with more Bruins and gain more alumni clients!

Jordan Angulo '18

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Social: @acideo

I am a queer Latinx photographer from Los Angeles with family descending from El Salvador. I have been exploring portraiture for over 15 years. My passion for photography existed ever since I was a child and wanted to use the cameras used by my father and grandparents. I purchased my first "professional" camera in high school and started shooting portraits of classmates and friends. I later learned my late paternal grandfather had his own collection of cameras and shot landscapes as a hobby, further cementing photography in my family history.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: I created this image at the beginning of 2021 when the COVID-19 vaccine started to become widely available and it felt safer to meet in person for portrait sessions. I wanted to continue my work which allows people to escape and become someone else for a moment, taking on a character or adopting a person they otherwise would never attempt in their daily life. Decorative masks and head pieces have been a staple in my previous work and it felt necessary to continue their inclusion in our current moment. I enjoy combining elements of whimsy or beauty with lurid details or pointing at subversive ideas, to create a dissonant image that can be easily accessible, but also cause an uncanny feeling to the viewer.

Ruben Viramontes '19

Current City: Berkeley, California

Website: https://rubenviramontes.com

Social: @rubenviramontes_

In high school, I fell in love with music videos and the process of people making them. I started to take videos of random things, found beautiful music and started coming up with my own music video ideas. I created my own storyboards for a certain song and then filmed my videos. I learned a lot about video and color editing, and composition. At UCLA, I made a friend, Kelly Ma, who worked part-time as a professional photographer. I learned more about portraiture from her and finally bought my first DSLR, something I wanted to do since high school. Kelly taught me so much. I thought I was going to enjoy taking more landscape pictures, but I soon learned that I loved capturing people's smiles, people feeling joy, even if for just a moment. I begged my friends and family to let me photograph them, and most would begrudgingly agree, but they would be happy with the way I took their picture. And it made me happy to see that I was able to cheer up someone and make them feel confident in an image. I grew curious of Kelly's grad shoots and she invited me to one of them. I took pictures for free for the seniors. I had so much fun. Directing people, asking them to smile and try different poses, catching the right light for them, getting the exact setting I wanted (manual mode always) - all of it brought joy to me. Around this time, Karina Wang, another UCLA friend, was also beginning her portraiture journey. We eventually linked up, talked about photography and started modeling for each other. I learned so much from Karina. We have different styles and the way she chooses composition was never what I would first think to do; she has such gorgeous results. She was always down to take pictures and plan a shoot together. We also gushed over the highly requested UCLA grad photographers, and other L.A. portrait photographers. We always texted about photography, and we've grown so much since.

Photo Showcase:

Grad Photo-Ruben-Viramontes — **Description**: This was my first time taking grad pictures of a group with popping confetti! I was always in awe over all the beautiful grad photos with confetti from other photographers, and I was excited to finally have that opportunity with a group of people. It was a cloudy day, and I understand it's normally not ideal for most grad pictures, but I love the challenge of bringing warmth to grad pictures when it’s overcast. I'm proud of this image. It brings me joy that I captured this image, and I found the right coloring for it too.

Gavin Holt '03

Current City: San Dimas, California

Website: https://judyandgavin.com/

Social: @judyandgavin

As a computer science engineering major, I found out quickly that I was not happy as a computer programmer. I had a side job capturing club videography, which turned into a small business for wedding videography. Photography came soon after in 2006. I have been self-employed since 2005 and run the business with my wife, Judy.

Photo Showcase: Remy Xmas

**Description**: This is what we did for our Christmas card with our first child (at nine months old). It is not Photoshopped. It was the first time our daughter saw a Christmas tree, and she was old enough to reach up and try to touch it. I love the image for the wonder that it inspires, along with the deep personal attachment we have to that moment.

Luis Motta '22

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Social: @luisabndnher

My name is Luis Motta. I'm an artist born and raised in Los Angeles. I started taking photographs at Art Division, a nonprofit program located in the Westlake district. Then I started getting more technical in the darkroom while attending Los Angeles City College. Early on, I was very into the documentation of friends and would carry a camera at every party or band show. I started to invite friends into studios for portraits, and this transitioned into an interest in still life.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: I created A fictional planet that has gone through a world-ending catastrophe. Planet "C" is made of concrete, barbed wire and fencing material. The items found are constructed out of the same materials. I've used family records like my mom's cancer test to create fictional documentation. This series of photographs comes from my experience of feeling lost and coming to terms with structures coming to an end. The series is also a meditation on how ruins of a past time and event create an identity. After many journeys and migrations, the few fragments we have through photographs and documentation are what we hold on to to define our present and can decide our future.

Jintak Han '20

Current City: Athens, Ohio

Website: https://www.jintakhan.com

Social: @jhancamera

I am a freelance photojournalist currently based in Athens, Ohio, as I pursue my master's degree at Ohio University's School of Visual Communication. You can find my bylines on news agencies around the world such as ZUMA Press, the Associated Press and the Denver Post, where I recently finished a summer internship. I have a strong interest in the topic of discrimination, especially among minority and immigrant communities. I started photography as a hobby towards the end of middle school, but it wasn't until college that I took up photojournalism, when I joined the Daily Bruin in my first quarter at UCLA in 2014. I started working as a photojournalist while in school in 2019, hungry for opportunities beyond the Bruin, with no formal education in photography. I spent the year after I graduated in 2020, photographing the racial injustice protests in Los Angeles and working in an internship at a daily newspaper in South Korea, but returned to school in 2021 to focus on my interest in long-form visual storytelling.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: Guests pick out free flower bouquets at a Walmart in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. The Walmart location offered the flowers to the local community after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at the nearby Robb Elementary School two days prior. Town residents placed the flowers at the school entrance and a memorial set up in the Uvalde town square. I was traveling through Houston when I received the alert about Uvalde. I immediately rushed over there, arriving a few hours after the shooting, and spent eight days trying to document the resilience of the small grieving Texas town that would soon send its children back to school. There are thousands of more dramatic and traumatic scenes that I documented in Uvalde. I chose this photograph instead because it tells the story quietly.

Chang Liu '17

Current City: New York, New York

Website: https://changliu.io/

Social: @shampliu

I'm a freelance creative developer who recently moved to New York from California. In high school, I would make skate videos with my friends and that transitioned into photography once I got a better camcorder that could take decent photos as well.

Photo Showcase: Maximalism

**Description**: This is a PhotoShopped image of a viewpoint from a bar in New York. I think this illustrates the kind of style I gravitate to - heavily texture-based, abstract landscapes that include some subject or subjects in the foreground. I like to emphasize the background/texture more and have the subject in a less prominent light so the photos can be more relatable.

Hon Hoang '14

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://www.honhoang.com/

Socials: @honnnhoang

I was born in Vietnam and grew up in Los Angeles (Rowland Heights), California. Shortly after graduating from UCLA with a degree in psychology, I pursued photography and started making short films a few years after that. My experience in psychology has continued into my photography and films because of my curiosity in people and cultures. I create photographs to get a glimpse of humanity and pursue films as an exploration of it. Some of my previous short films include: “Taciturn Tango,” “Fall With Me” and “Calling,” which won Best Short film at ECAASU 2021 and the Audience Award at Viet Film Fest 2021. In between films, projects and photoshoots, I try to fill in gaps with moments in street photography - walking around Los Angeles or wherever I may be traveling, trying to capture beautiful moments within what seems to be a gritty landscape.

Photo Showcase: Fall With Me

**Description**: The photo is from a series called "Fall With Me" (2017). It was taken on set during the making of my first short film of the same name. I want to showcase this image because it represents a moment where my photography converged with my ambitions to make films. After a few years of learning photography, I knew I wanted to create more narratives so I started exploring filmmaking to tell these tales. It was helpful for me to use the years of experience with photography as it translated well to cinema. It was a small project, it was me, a buddy with a camera, another friend with a handheld light, and two actors/models. We just went out and filmed something. You can watch the short film at https://www.honhoang.com/fall-with-me/.

If you are a Bruin photographer, send us an email at connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu for possible inclusion into this page. Include your website, social handle, class year and a short one-paragraph bio. We will follow up to request additional info.

All Bruin-Owned Business Articles

What Happens When a Student Tests Positive

Testing Positive for COVID-19

Naturally, this is never the best news to receive, but what truly happens when a student gets this piece of information while living many miles away from home with potentially several roommates? The test results are first uploaded into the UCLA COVID-19 Action Center and the COVID hotline (310-206-6217), which is run by the UCLA Exposure Management team, is notified. Depending on the time of day the hotline is contacted, it is possible to have to leave a message and wait for a call back with further instructions, though the student needs to isolate immediately! Once the student is in touch with a representative through the hotline, they are given further info on next steps such as how to move into isolation housing and what to expect during their stay. Shortly thereafter, the positive student moves into isolation housing.

Isolation Housing

As unexciting as isolation housing sounds, the first impression isn't as bad as it seems. A room is provided in on-campus housing, which includes a private bathroom. It is stocked with basic necessities, such as towels, toiletries, a mini-fridge, a bed, a desk and storage for belongings. They are allowed to bring pretty much anything that they think they will need while in isolation, so long as it complies with UCLA Housing policies. They should bring along enough personal belongings for 10 days. Once they enter the room, they are unable to leave until cleared by UCLA isolation protocols. The keycard provided to enter the room is a one-way access card. Once it has been scanned for the first time, it will no longer work to open the door to that room should the student leave before they’ve been cleared to do so.

Meals

Since the majority of correspondence with the outside world takes place virtually, same goes for the meal order. Every day while in isolation, they are instructed to fill out a form containing different meal options, such as sandwiches and salads for lunch, pasta and chicken for dinner, and most importantly, big chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Along with every meal comes a side of fruit or chips and a massive bottle of water. Every day, a punctual knock is heard on outside the door signaling that the meal has been delivered: breakfast around 8 a.m., lunch around noon and dinner around 5 p.m.

Classes

Handling classes can be a bit tricky while in isolation, especially considering that the student probably isn't feeling very studious while they’re ill. However, many professors understand that this comes with the territory of having COVID. Given that the majority of assignments can be completed virtually, it is possible to still to keep up with schoolwork. It can vary by the type of class and professor, but many instructors have been very flexible and willing to work with students while they are ill in order to help prevent them from falling behind. Instructors are informed that students’ absences due to isolation or quarantine should not factor into any attendance component of their final grade.

Supplies

Aside from basic necessities listed above, students are responsible for bringing any supplies and items that they may need during their stay for up to 10 days. It is possible to receive deliveries from friends and family, like food, care packages or anything to help make your stay more comfortable, but this depends on staff capabilities and isolation capacity levels. During very busy periods, deliveries may be delayed.

Communications

Almost all communication students have with the outside world while in isolation is done virtually. The UCLA Arthur Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center (ASHE) checks in on ill students every few days and monitors their symptoms to the best of their ability. While there isn't any communication between housing floor mates in isolation, an orange door sign indicates that a room is occupied. This small piece of paper serves as a visual reminder that even though they are physically isolated during this period, they are not the only ones going through this experience.

Rules for Release

Students have to isolate for 10 days. However, there are certain instances where they can be released from isolation earlier than 10 days.

If they are symptomatic, they can be released early if:

Their symptoms have improved

They are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of any fever-reducing medications

They take a rapid antigen test on Day 5 or later and receive a negative result

If they are asymptomatic, they can be released early if:

They’ve remained asymptomatic

They take a rapid antigen test on Day 5 or later and receive a negative result

Upon completing the 10-day isolation or qualifying for early release, they can confirm their completion through the UCLA COVID-19 Action Center form in order to receive clearance and resume normal activities on campus.

Sources:

Student testimonials

COVID-19 Information for Students

COVID Hotline Exposure Management

Reporting Positive Cases

Isolation and Quarantine Procedures

Bruin-Owned Art Galleries and Collectives

ur Bruin-owned businesses series continues with a feature on art galleries and collectives which showcase the classic and contemporary works of both Bruins and non-Bruins alike, as well as that of their founders. Support the arts and Bruin entrepreneurship by planning a visit or following them on social media to see their current and upcoming exhibitions.

Giant Robot 2 GR2 Gallery

Founder: Eric Nakamura ʼ93

Location: 2062 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

Phone Number: 424-246-7626 Text Only

Website: https://www.giantrobot.com/

Social: @giantrobotstore

About:

GR2 Gallery features art exhibitions by notable artists like Katsuya Terada, Luke Chueh, David Choe, Mari Inukai, Deth P Sun, Rob Sato, Ako Castuera, Sean Chao, Yoskay Yamamoto, Uglydoll and countless others.

Crenshaw Dairy Mart

Co-founder: Patrisse Cullors ʼ12

Location: 8629 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305

Website: https://www.crenshawdairymart.com/

Social: @crenshawdairymart

About:

Home to an artist collective and art gallery dedicated to shifting the trauma-induced conditions of poverty and economic injustice, bridging cultural work and advocacy, and investigating ancestries through the lens of Inglewood and its community.

The LA Art Box

Founders: Bernie Bernardo ʼ92 and Mar Dumlao ʼ94

Location: 8020 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046

Phone Number: 323-612-8112

Website: https://thelaartbox.com/

Social: @thelaartbox

About:

A Filipina- and minority-owned cultural gallery showcasing exhibits and events that highlight artists from communities of color.

TW Fine Art

Founder: Gary Leonard ʼ73

Location: 717 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954

Phone Number: 929-298-2611

Website: https://www.tw-fineart.com/

Social: @tw_fineart

About:

TW Fine Art practices a hybrid model of fine artist representation and art collection management. Their in-house fine artist agency services entail managing an artist's career, along with the business backend required to produce and sell art.

Take My Picture

Founder: Gary Leonard ʼ73

Location: 109 W. 9th St., Los Angeles, CA 90015

Phone Number: 323-559-1973

Website: https://takemypicture.com/

Social: @tmpgaryleonard

About:

Take My Picture is a gallery on Broadway Avenue in downtown Los Angeles dedicated to Gary Leonard’s photographs, documenting the public and private culture of Los Angeles with significant guest collections.

Machine Inspired Art

Founder: Behn Samareh, M.A. ʼ97

Location: 530 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Phone Number: 213-221-7076

Website: http://www.machineinspiredart.com/index.php

Social: @MIAGallery

About:

Machine Inspired Art is a design studio and fabrication workshop. They specialize in artwork and large-scale installations for the hospitality and entertainment industries.

Advocartsy

Founder: Roshi Rahnama ʼ89

Location: 434 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048

Phone Number: 213-372-5096

Website: https://advocartsy.com/

Social: @advocartsy

About:

Advocartsy is a contemporary art platform specializing in Iranian contemporary art.

Art + Practice A+P

Co-founder: Eileen Harris Norton ʼ74

Location: 3401 W. 43rd Place, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Phone Number: 323-337-6887

Website: https://www.artandpractice.org/

Social: @artandpractice

About:

Art + Practice A+P supports L.A. transition-age foster youth through their collaboration with nonprofit social service provider First Place for Youth and provides Angelenos with free access to museum-curated contemporary art.

Blum & Poe

Co-founder: Tim Blum ʼ87

Locations:
2727 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-836-2062

19 E. 66th St., New York, NY 10065
212-249-2249

Harajuku Jingu-no-mori 5F1-14-34 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
+81-3-3475-1631

Website: https://www.blumandpoe.com/

Social: @blumandpoe

About:

Blum & Poe was founded by Tim Blum and Jeff Poe in Santa Monica in September of 1994 as a space to show local and international contemporary art in all media.

Rough Play Collective

Co-founder: Emily Sudd, M.F.A. ʼ14

Locations: Los Angeles and Joshua Tree

Website: https://www.roughplay.net/

Social: @roughplayprojects

About:

Rough Play Collective was born out of a dialogue that began with a debate on the increasing demand in contemporary art for the artist to combine artistic practice with academic research.

3B Collective

Founders: Adrian Alfaro ’15, Aaron Estrada ʼ16, Oscar Magallanes ’17 and
Gustavo Martinez ʼ15

Locations: Los Angeles and San Diego

Phone Number: 323-686-1846

Website: https://3bcollective.com/

Social: @3bcollective

About:

3B Collective is a Los Angeles-based group of artists and designers who met while doing their undergraduate studies at UCLA. Their works reflect their commitment to providing an inclusive platform that encourages pride and recognition of the different facets of communities.

Malibu Contemporary Art Gallery

Founder: Lori Mills ʼ86

Location: 2 Dole Dr., Westlake Village, CA 91362

Phone Number: 310-359-3895

Website: https://www.malibucontemporaryart.com/

Social: @malibucontemporaryart

About:

Malibu Contemporary Art Gallery, a gallery featuring contemporary works exclusively by Southern California-based artists, featuring contemporary works by established artists who exhibit internationally and in museum collections.

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

Previous Articles

Women of Westwood and the Legacy of Title IX at UCLA

he world’s greatest female athletes have competed for UCLA — Olympic gold medalists, record setters and national champions. This year, UCLA recognizes the 50th anniversary of Title IX and celebrates the legacy of UCLA’s first female athletes to compete at the intercollegiate level, women who blazed a new path and inspired thousands of young girls to dream about following in their footsteps.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee ʼ86 — One of the greatest athletes of all time, winner of three gold, one silver and two bronze Olympic medals in track and field

Ann Meyers Drysdale ʼ79 — UCLA’s first female athletic scholarship recipient and the first woman inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame

Terry Condon ʼ76 — Winner of two national titles and one of the greatest volleyball players in Bruin history

Before Title IX, contending — and winning — at the championship level would have been out of reach for female athletes. The landmark legislation prohibited sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and had a huge impact on programs across colleges and universities, transforming women’s sports and creating a future unthinkable even one generation earlier.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
– Title IX

Before Title IX, women could join intramural or club teams, which received a fraction of the men’s sports budget and none of the spotlight. Michele Kort ’71, MBA ’75, played basketball at UCLA before Title IX and described her experience: “We didn’t have very good coaching, wore ridiculous stretchy-blue uniforms and never traveled further than Fresno to play another school.” Even with the limitations, Kort loved the experience. She said, “At last I was competing.”

Title IX was signed into law in 1972, but schools had until the 1978-79 school year to comply. The UCLA Student Legislative Council voted in support of the changes, noting that, at the time, women’s sports received $28,000 in funding in comparison to the men’s $275,000. Significantly, UCLA Chancellor Charles Young, M.A. ’57, Ph.D. ’60, supported the new programs and chose not to wait, establishing the UCLA Department of Women’s Intercollegiate Sports in 1974. One of the first of its kind at any university, the program began with 10 women’s varsity teams and a coed badminton squad.

Jan Palchikoff ’75 competed on the women’s rowing team as it transitioned from a club to a varsity sport. Palchikoff formed the Union of Female Athletes to advocate for better conditions for UCLA women’s teams. She said, "Experience tells me that the only way to get what we want is to demand it, especially where women's rights are concerned." While no changes were made at the time, UCLA established an athlete’s advisory council and Palchikoff received the UCLA Alumni Outstanding Senior Award in recognition of her efforts. In addition, the Daily Bruin agreed to stop referring to UCLA’s women’s teams as “Bruin Dolls.”

Vice Chancellor Norman Miller, in charge of hiring the program’s new director, stirred up controversy when he told the Daily Bruin, “Fun and physical conditioning should be the end purpose, while education should be the primary goal,” stating that “women do not get the same type of injuries as men” and therefore would not need similar facilities. Many shared similar concerns that the passage of Title IX would strip funds from the men’s sports programs.

Dr. Judith Holland took on the challenging role of director, running the women’s athletics program from a makeshift green trailer outside the Women’s Gym. She made the most of her $263,000 budget, hiring coaches at part-time salaries and allocating the bulk to scholarship support for 188 student-athletes. UCLA became the first university in the country to offer a full-ride athletic scholarship to a woman, recruiting high school basketball star Ann Meyers. Holland retired in 1996 after building one of the best nationally renowned women’s athletics programs in the country.

All-American outfielder Sue Enquist ’80 was the Softball team’s first scholarship recruit. The NCAA began awarding championships for women’s athletics in 1981-82, and that year, the Softball team won UCLA’s first NCAA championship. Enquist went on to coach the Softball team, winning a total of 11 titles as a player and a coach. The Bruin softball team has dominated the sport, leading all schools with 12 NCAA championships.

The UCLA Women’s Track and Field team won the other early NCAA championship. The team included a historic trio of world-class athletes, including 100-meter star Jeanette Bolden ʼ83, who went on to coach for UCLA, sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner ʼ83, who still holds the world records in the 100 and 200 meters, and Joyner-Kersee, one of the all-time great long-jumpers and heptathletes.

Successful from the start, the early years of the program were memorialized in the 1983 yearbook: “All of UCLA's ten women's sports — basketball, coed badminton, crew, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, cross-country and volleyball — are nationally recognized. In 1981-82, softball and track and field won the school's first NCAA titles; tennis, volleyball, golf and gymnastics all earned top seven finishes.”

With the NCAA spotlight came a larger audience, increased funding and more recognition as UCLA merged the women’s and men’s teams into the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Bruin excellence inspired others, a story that repeats throughout UCLA history. Joyner-Kersee, the most decorated woman to ever compete in track and field, has said her hero was Evelyn Ashford (1976-78) one of the first women to be offered a UCLA Track and Field scholarship, saying, “It was incredible to see someone who looked similar to me.”

UCLA’s current generation of student-athletes have benefitted from the brave women who broke new ground in the ʼ70s, and they continue to build a legacy for the generations who will follow.

UCLA Gymnastics makes headlines with routines that entertain millions of viewers. Katelyn Ohashi ʼ19 went viral with a dazzling perfect 10; Kyla Ross ʼ20 earned a "Gym Slam," a perfect 10 score on all four apparatuses in one season; and Nia Dennis ʼ21 competed with a Black Excellence floor routine that captivated audiences. She has said the routine "definitely reflects everything that I am today as a woman."

"From our legendary alumni to our current student-athletes; when women are supported, everyone benefits."
– Martin Jarmond, UCLA AD

Women’s Basketball consistently sends players to the WNBA, among them number four scorer in program history Michaela Onyenwere ʼ21, the 2021 WNBA Rookie of the Year with the New York Liberty; all-time leader in blocks Monique Billings ʼ18, who plays for the Atlanta Dream; and UCLA’s all-time assists leader Jordin Canada ʼ18, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft and now plays for the Los Angeles Sparks.

UCLA’s female head coaches Stella Sampras Webster, Cori Close, Carrie Forsyth and Kelly Inouye-Perez.

UCLA Women’s Volleyball began competing in 1965. Liz Masakayan ʼ84, who still holds career records in the sport, led the team to its first national win in 1984. Masakayan went on to an assistant coach role, helping the Bruins bring home another championship in 1991, their second in back-to-back seasons.

UCLA’s coaches have contributed to the legacy of Title IX. Women’s Tennis head coach Stella Sampras Webster ʼ91, who enjoyed a successful four-year career as a Bruin player, has since led two teams to NCAA championships. Softball coach Kelly Inouye-Perez ʼ93 played under Coach Enquist and Sharron Backus, and is following in their winning footsteps. Women’s Golf Coach Carrie Forsyth ʼ94 led the Bruins to a pair of NCAA championships, and Cori Close, M.A. ʼ94, uses the lessons she learned from her friend and mentor Coach John Wooden to help her players grow on and off the court.

Today, there are more than 350 female student-athletes at UCLA, and our women’s teams have brought home 56 national championship trophies. During this landmark year, UCLA is celebrating our female student-athletes, alumni and coaches through "Women of Westwood," an endowment to support women's sports. Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond says, "From our legendary alumni to our current student-athletes; when women are supported, everyone benefits."

Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 2

ow is a great time to come out and enjoy a delicious meal with good company, while helping a Bruin business. In a sequel to the restaurants installment of the popular Bruin-owned Businesses series, we’re once again tantalizing you with the mouth-watering dishes being served up by your fellow alumni. Bon appétit!

Pinches Tacos

Co-Owner: Miguel Anaya Jr. ʼ96 and Family

Address: 1030 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Phone Number: 310-361-8566

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: https://pinchestacos.com/

About:

"Our mission is simple: to provide you the best taco experience by using high quality meats and seafood, fresh garden vegetables, handmade tortillas and high quality artisan breads. Our father, Miguel, hand picks those ingredients every morning. We could have made it complicated but choose not to, because we have found through experience, that keeping things simple is a good recipe for success and happiness. It's also a good recipe for a pretty tasty Pinche Taco. We hope you agree."

Review:

“We live in Maryland but miss the West Coast food…this was the best taco plate in L.A.! It came with three tacos of my choosing; I had a shredded pork, asada and shrimp…all three so amazing! Looking forward to their breakfast.” - Liz R.

Bella Pita

Owner/Founder: M. Yahya “Medy” Sanadidi, Ph.D. ʼ82

Address: 960 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Phone Number: 310-209-1050

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: https://bellapita.com/

About:

Dr. M. Yahya “Medy” Sanadidi, retired professor of computer science at UCLA, founded Bella Pita in 2006 in partnership with his son, Ezedin Sanadidi. Originally from Egypt, they were thrilled to find growing demand for Mediterranean cuisine everywhere they traveled. After years of perfecting Bella Pita menu items at home (2003 to 2006), Bella Pita opened its doors for customers in Westwood in March of 2007.

Review:

“I have nothing but good things to say about this place. I mean, it’s criminal to be in this area of UCLA hospital and not stop here and get a pita. My favorite is the black bean wowshi with all the fixings and the icing on the cake for this place is all the delicious sauces!” - Blaqc R.

Asterid

Co-Owner/Founder: Ray Garcia ʼ00

Address: 141 S Grand Ave., Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone Number: 213-972-3535

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Website: https://www.asteridla.com/

About:

Inspired by Chef Garcia’s Angeleno experience, Asterid lives to discover and celebrate Los Angeles’ mosaic of diverse cultures and culinary richness through vibrant, ingredient-driven menus in a warm, lively atmosphere. Authentically from and for Los Angeles, Asterid features Chef Garcia’s California-inspired menu and bar program that celebrates the spirit of L.A. It has a lively, intimate outdoor and indoor gathering place featuring sophisticated décor and a private dining room.

Review:

“Very rarely do I get to try a new restaurant and have EVERY SINGLE dish be perfectly balanced and delicious. We ordered the following:

Sunchoke rosti - perfectly crispy. The unassuming spice in the jam on top of the creme fraiche was perfect.

Chicken liver mousse - surprised how well the cherries on the mousse helped balance the dish out. The cherries were perfectly sweet and slightly tart.

Burrata - DELICIOUS. All the vegetables that accompanied the burrata were perfectly crisp with the perfect amount of acid.

Maitake mushrooms - without feeling heavy, perfectly fried with the mild aioli that came with the mushrooms. Perfectly paired.

Striped bass - the cannellini beans were perfectly soft and light as was the bass.

Short rib - this was comfort in a bowl. I could have eaten 10 of these.” - Young C.

Cassia

Co-Owner: Bryant Ng ʼ00

Address: 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone Number: 310-393-6699

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: http://www.cassiala.com

About:

Cassia is a member of the Rustic Canyon Family and is a partnership between husband-and-wife duos Bryant Ng & Kim Luu-Ng and Josh Loeb & Zoe Nathan. Taking its roots from Bryant and Kim’s culinary heritage and experiences, Cassia celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia, striking a unique balance of soulful, ancestral cuisine and a California sensibility, utilizing the best quality ingredients from local farmers. Since opening in 2015, Cassia has earned critical acclaim from the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Bon Appétit, GQ and more.

Review:

“Hands down my favorite restaurant on the Westside! It's a beautiful restaurant for a night out, and the Asian fusion flavors are to die for. My favorites are the sea bass, grilled lamb breast, sunbathing prawns and the scallion clay oven bread. Just absolute perfection! Their cocktails are also strong and delicious. Tried to DoorDash it once due to a last minute craving, but sadly it didn't do the food justice. Dine in and make sure to make a reservation in advance!” - Tiffany T.

Maple Block Meat Co.

Co-Founder: Daniel Weinstock, MBA ʼ07

Address: 3973 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230

Phone Number: 310-313-6328

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: http://www.mapleblockmeat.com

About:

Maple Block Meat Co. is a tribute to the craftsmanship of butchering, smoking and grilling meat, paying respect to the deep-rooted traditions of American barbecue. We’re a neighborhood restaurant and bar serving wood-smoked meats and great eating food. We specialize in authentic, wood-smoked meats prepared with the classic technique of smoking and incorporating a variety of subtle flavor profiles that we love. Guests can expect a familial casual atmosphere, friendly attentive service, seasonal menu based on the traditions of American barbecue and a bar featuring craft beers, interesting wines and handmade sodas.

Review:

“Wow!!! Good service and healthy meat selection is hard to come by in Culver City! Amazing service, the owner came out as well to ask if we enjoyed it and thanked us for coming in. The lettuce pork wraps to the nachos and brisket and ribs - phenomenal! Mac 'n' cheese, salad, breads, all so tasty, collard greens and salmon were cooked so well and had so much flavor. I'd definitely recommend stopping in. Great atmosphere and outdoor dining as well with heated lamps. Very cool spot.” - Cyndi I.

Porto's Bakery

Co-Owners: Betty Porto-Magadan, M.A. ʼ83, and the Porto Family

Address: Buena Park, Burbank, Downey, Glendale, Northridge, West Covina

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Website: https://www.portosbakery.com/

About:

Established in 1960, Porto's Bakery was born out of Rosa's love for sharing her wonderful cakes and pastries with friends and family. When the family immigrated from Cuba to Los Angeles, they sold pastries and cake out of their house. As the little bakery started picking up steam and the line of customers lining up outside their door grew, Porto’s opened its first location in Glendale in 1975. Today, Porto’s Bakery is run by three siblings: Raul, Betty and Margaret Porto. The family is still committed to using the finest ingredients from all over the world, ensuring that quality remains the cornerstone of the Porto tradition. Rosa Porto has passed, but her recipes and her high standards remain, including her motto "Quality is the number one ingredient in everything we do."

Review:

“Ooo Porto's! Such a solid institution in the SoCal area that a visit almost doesn't feel complete without one of their signatures to take home. Having worked near the Porto's in Downey, I made many-a-trip to this specific location. Everything on the menu hits that perfect spot where affordability and taste collide so that you really can't go wrong with anything you order here. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the lines but they do tend to go by really quickly so as long as you are patient, you should not really have to wait too long. In terms of my usual orders, I usually will order several guava cheese or plain cheese rolls to take back home. I would also like to shoutout to their savory offerings as well! For a simple light lunch offering, their Cubano or Medianoche sandwiches hit the spot for me. This last visit I got the ropa vieja and it was not only pretty good, but also super filling at $10! Otherwise, you can also order one of their potato balls which are small but are filled with enough meat and goodness. Overall, Porto's Bakery is one of my favorite places to visit in SoCal! It is not just the nostalgia, but the great value and food that they offer!” - Patrick S.

The Jetty

Owner: Brian Huskey

Address: 3029 Ocean Blvd., Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Phone Number: 949-723-0174

Yelp Rating: 5 stars

Website: https://thejettycdm.com/

About:

The Jetty is the epicenter of fresh, delicious food. We provide our community with quick, flavorful, unique flavors that appeal to the masses, and are inspired by local and sustainable purveyors in order to deliver the best quality meal. The Jetty is our interpretation of community through food and beach vibes. We source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets. No matter what time of year, you can be sure you're eating the best of the season.

Review:

“Located on the beach of Corona Del Mar, nestled along the sand, there's this cute little food spot called The Jetty. Everything I've ever ordered has been fresh, and packed with so much flavor! My all-time fave is the shrimp roll. Refreshing, and not too heavy. My hubby had the Korean bbq hamburger which was delish! Served with seasoned fries and baked chips. Customer service is on point! They are always so friendly and welcoming - they'll even help you decide if you're in that indecisive mood.” - Mia A.

Himalaya

Owner: Anup Rimal, Anderson Cert. ʼ07

Address: 35 W. Main St., Suite A, Ventura, CA 93001

Phone Number: 805-643-0795

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Website: https://www.himalayacuisine.com/

About:

Rich with woods and traditional décor, a step into Himalaya Restaurant is reminiscent of a step into a Tibetan monastery perched high in the mountains: The greeting is warm, the soup is hot, and you've arrived at the place you're meant to me. Proudly recognized as a multi-year repeat winner of "Best Indian Food in Ventura County," Himalaya is also a California Green Certified business committed to sustainable best practices. Our large diverse menu showcases delicious cuisines from India, Tibet, and Nepal and holds many vegetarian, vegan, paleo, keto and gluten-free dishes! Everyone is welcome here, and every diet too!

Review:

“We have been coming here for years and we always love it! It is the best Indian food restaurant in town. The people who work here are always super nice. Their tikka masala is to die for. My husband gets the chicken briyani at the hottest level because he is crazy but it is filled with so much flavor. I always end up mad at him for ordering so spicy because it's hard not to eat it for its great flavor. Garlic naan is a must to dip into the sauce, sooo good.” - Rosa D.

626 Hospitality Group

Co-Founder: Waldo Yan ʼ13

Location: Southern California

Website: https://www.instagram.com/626hospitalitygroup

About:

Growing up as a restaurant kid, Waldo Yan's heart was never far from the kitchen. If he wasn't thinking about food, it was because he was already eating it. His immigrant parents endured the hardships of restaurant work to offer him a chance at a better life in a new country. But, shortly after graduating from college, Waldo would defy his mother's last wish and return to the family restaurant with a renewed hope to commemorate her. Waldo was joined by close friends and relatives to form Tasty Food 626, a hospitality group with a focus on ice cream and special events planning, which eventually changed its name to 626 Hospitality Group. This collective of cooks, who were displaced by the pandemic, came together to serve their local neighborhoods through pop-ups and special events catering.

Review:

“626 Hospitality Group is like a great cheese or wine. They only get better as time goes on. When I first found out about the dynamic duo, Waldo & Amber, I fell in love with their amazing Hainan chicken. What was already an amazingly strong first impression only began to grow to an almost fanatical fanboy level of adoration for their food. From the most tender melt-in-your-mouth beef skewers to the creamiest and most dialed in ice cream/sorbet flavours, they have never disappointed. I have been privileged enough to get to know the team behind these amazing eats more personally and I cannot stress enough how much love, intention and effort they put into their artistry.” - Tim H.

Giada

Owner: Giada De Laurentiis ʼ96

Address: 3595 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Phone Number: 855-442-3271

Yelp Rating: 3.5 stars

Website: https://www.caesars.com/cromwell/restaurants/giada

About:

Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian entrées with a California twist have been a favorite for years. Enjoy dishes like lemon spaghetti and Marsala herb chicken meatballs in a warm and inviting space with fantastic strip views. Don’t skip the bread basket.

Review:

“We enjoyed our time at Giada's. We had reservations and were seated promptly, we had a window view of the strip. Our server was very informative and attentive. Food and cocktails were delicious.” - Diane B.

INTERVAL

Co-Founders: Joshua and Caleb Ng

Addresses: Shop Unit 207, the Arcade Cyberport, No. 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong

Shop Unit 417, The Lohas, No. 1 Lohas Park Road, Tseung Kwan O

Phone Numbers: +852 23803498 (Cyberport) - +852 26388904 (Lohas)

Google Rating: 4.2 stars

Website: http://www.twins-kitchen.com/interval-coffee-bar

About:

An all-day dining cafe-restaurant focusing on each guest’s experience by creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for them to have a break from their everyday lives - a place to connect with themselves and others, curated by Twins Kitchen in Hong Kong. Artisanal coffee, low-intervention and organic wines and honest food are at the core of the hospitality and the passion of the people who are part of INTERVAL. The Cyberport address also features an urban farm within the restaurant, a collaboration with Farmacy HK, an urban farming technology company where seasonal micro greens, edible flowers and vegetables flourish and are harvest for cooking at the restaurant.

Review:

“A coffee shop that does excellent pizza and pastries, I've been here more than a dozen times and I am here regularly for filters, and coffee beans (from Denmark roasters coffee collective). Their coffee is smooth and delicious, the pastries are a delight (highly recommend the pain au chocolat or the custard Danish). The staff have always been friendly and they're knowledgeable about what they do. Get pour over coffee if you have the time and try their pizzas. Good value and a usually quiet spot. Plenty of outside seating.” - Mr. Plau

Gao Dumpling Bar

Co-Founders: Joshua and Caleb Ng

Address: Blågårdsgade 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark

Phone Number: 45-34-12-46-26

Yelp Rating: 3 stars

Website: http://www.twins-kitchen.com/gao-dumpling-bar

About:

GAO is a bridge between the traditional and the modern. Expect classic dumplings styles with a twist; Chinese chefs along with international students; low seating and heavy beats. For us, the beauty is in the mix of it all. And everyone’s invited. From the beginning of our journey, the goal has been to make dumplings more accessible in urban neighborhoods. We do that by producing centrally, so that all our locations, big or small, can deliver the same quality everyday. Our dumplings are made as traditional "jiaozi" with a wheat dough and a variety of fillings: authentic styles with a twist - both vegan and meat-based - always with flavor in focus.

Review:

“VEGETARIANS!! The vegetarian/vegan dumplings here are so freaking delicious. The vegetarian soup was also just as good and I definitely can't leave out the crispy tofu! Mushroom dumplings for the win with a side of their chili sauce. You cannot try this place without asking for the side of chili sauce. It's amazing. The quality and flavors were on point with traditional Chinese food. The texture of the dumplings is so perfect that it will give you a foodgasm along with everything else this place has to offer. True gem of Copenhagen.” - Foodie E.

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

Previous Articles

Category Archives: Article

Recent Articles

Recent Articles

Alicia Beebe ʼ21

Claudia Borton ʼ21

Chloe Quast ʼ22

Emily Lin ʼ20

Maddie Mapes ʼ20

Mia Robertson ʼ22

Abbigail Roque ʼ21

Aria Terango ʼ22

Lilah Haye ʼ22

Recent Articles

Recent Articles

Recent Articles

Photo Showcase:

Photo Showcase:

Photo Showcase:

Photo Showcase:

Photo Showcase:

Photo Showcase: Remy Xmas

Photo Showcase:

Photo Showcase:

Photo Showcase: Maximalism

Photo Showcase: Fall With Me

Recent Articles

Recent Articles

Recent Articles

Recent Articles

Recent Articles

Alumni Links

The University