Each month we share five unmissable things to see and do in the Golden State. You heard it here first.
Words by DAVID NASH and ELIZABETH VARNELL
L.A.
An Exhibition Embracing SoCal Sunsets and the Subtlety of Seduction
“Seductive” may be one of the best words to describe Los Angeles, particularly in the context of a new FAHEY/KLEIN GALLERY exhibition that explores the city’s youthful allure and cinematic landscapes as captured through the lenses of two American photographers whose careers are forever entwined with the City of Angels. Fade to West: Paul Jasmin & Todd Weaver pairs Jasmin’s evocative portraits and cinematic vignettes with Weaver’s exquisite images of nature that offer a “dual portrait of a place defined by light, youth, and transience.” Developed in collaboration with Jasmin (who died in May at age 90), the show serves as a celebration of his artistry and unending love for L.A. Juxtaposing the photographer’s sensuous and languid images, Weaver’s work transforms familiar vistas through analog processes and in-camera experimentation to create meditations on movement and time. Together they turn ideal and illusion into tangible, everlasting moments. July 10–Sept. 6. 148 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323-934-2250; faheykleingallery.com. D.N.
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SANTA MONICA
A Seafood Hot Spot Pops Up on a Westside Rooftop
From the banks of the Los Angeles River in Central L.A.’s Elysian Valley (lovingly referred to as Frogtown) to a perch overlooking the Pacific Ocean, LORETO expands its reach this summer by joining forces with the SANTA MONICA PROPER HOTEL for an exclusive culinary collaboration on the property’s stunning Calabra Restaurant & Bar. Paco Moran, executive chef at Loreto, brings his signature dishes to the hotel’s rooftop — which has breathtaking panoramic coastal views — for a seasonal pairing that’s as much a feast for the eyes as for the soul. Moran introduces a highly curated menu (with purposefully sourced ingredients and free of seed oils) that includes his crowd-pleasing ceviches, crudos, and stratified tostadas to the Westside, along with a golden hour cocktail menu crafted by Lorento Group bar manager Ari Davis. Reservations suggested. June 20–Sept. 1, Thurs.–Sun., 12–8 p.m. 700 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica; properhotel.com. D.N.
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WEST HOLLYWOOD
Staud Adds a Stylish Flagship to Its Burgeoning Fleet
Sarah Staudinger, born and (mostly) raised in Los Angeles, is adding a new outpost in her hometown that’s spacious enough to showcase ready-to-wear, shoes (including a collaboration with Birkenstock), handbags, clutches, carryalls, accessories, and her sea-inspired swimwear and resort looks. Inside the new flagship, rugby stripes appear on shirts and dresses with a nautical bent, while filmy cotton poplin maxi dresses and sequined minis meant for nights on the town join sporty gear for sunrise workouts and casual pants for afternoon coffee runs. As the line, founded 10 years ago by Staudinger and George Augusto, continues to expand, STAUD ceramics and candles made especially for the boutiques are joining the in-store lineup. The new spot is also slated to be a hub for community events and home-grown launches. 8816 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 424-777-0090; staud.clothing. E.V.
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NAPA VALLEY
Napa’s Annual Arts Festival Strikes a Chord
“All the world’s a stage” may be an oft-quoted Shakespearean metaphor, but it couldn’t be more fitting for the arrival of FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY, NorCal wine country’s popular showcase of internationally recognized and emerging talent across classical, jazz, opera, contemporary, and dance, along with unrivaled food, wine, and hospitality experiences throughout its 16-day schedule. The 2025 Summer Season features more than 200 artists, including mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, celebrated French conductor Stéphane Denève, ballet dancer Tiler Peck, the renowned Pacific Symphony, and the North American debut of the Versailles Royal Opera. The lineup includes daily admission free concerts and performances, as well as ticketed events such as coveted Vintner Luncheons and Patron Dinners. One of the most popular happenings, the Arts for All Gala, welcomes Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Jon Batiste as its headliner on July 13 at Nickel & Nickel Winery, with proceeds benefiting arts education and scholarship programs. July 5–20. festivalnapavalley.org. D.N.
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ORANGE COUNTY
A Teen-Driven Takeover at Orange County Museum of Art
Life as a teen, as depicted in photos, drawings, zines, and more, is the subject of the ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART’s new show, California Biennial 2025: Desperate, Scared, But Social. OCMA chief curator and director of programs Courtenay Finn says the exhibition is a meditation on an uncertain future and an embrace of youth’s creative energy. Juvenilia from Laura Owens, Miranda July, Seth Bogart, Brontez Purnell, and Joey Terrill joins recent work of Deanna Templeton and Heesoo Kwon riffing on their teenage years and childhoods. Griselda Rosas created new textile drawings for the show with her son, and there’s a film by Stanya Kahn, new sculptures by Woody De Othello, and installations by punk rock bands Emily’s Sassy Lime and The Linda Lindas. June 11–Oct. 12. 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, 714-780-2130; ocma.art. E.V.
July 2025
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