Native Intelligence

Observing and enjoying some downtown shows.

99th birthday photo by Gary Leonard.

The former Los Angeles County labor leader celebrated her election to the state Senate.

The big finale featured Mitchell herself coming out on stage and receiving a birthday cake.

'Dear Evan Hansen' and 'Quack' show the power - and the problems -- of viral social media in two otherwise very different productions.

The media mogul and former mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg at the observatory in Griffith Park. Click on...

Forging connection after the mass shooting in Pittsburgh.

Joel Bellman: I've been asking myself that question after attending not one, but two civic conversations this month dealing with the future of cities.

Gary caught up with Kwame Anthony Appiah, the philosopher, cultural theorist, and novelist, outside the Central Library.

The art of NASA is music to our ears.

Both photos by Gary Leonard.

The Lula Washington Dance Theatre performed as part of the LA Philharmonic's 100th birthday celebration.

Verdi's words remain relevant in these political times. Plus: Refik Anadol's electronic kaleidoscope of Philharmonic moments.

Joel Bellman: My male students tend to write about their insecurities around a loss of power; Women, the terror of a sexual assault or domestic violence.

Patt Morrison at the La Brea Avenue stand's 78th anniversary celebration

Don Shirley recommends "Native Gardens" in Pasadena, "The Cake" in Westwood Village and "Gloria" in Atwater Village.

There's a new scramble crosswalk in Hollywood.

CBS newsman Harvey Sachs was a different man on weekends. Since his passing, his table saw has cut the scenery for dozens of plays at the Fountain Theatre in Hollywood.

Gary checks out the crush at the new winery downtown.

City Hall protest of people and groups opposed to Trump Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Laurie Ochoa, wife of the late Jonathan Gold, with the plaque honoring him at Grand Central Market.

Like everyone, I was pissed to receive a jury summons. That was before I met the judge.

Take My Picture Gary Leonard appears each week at LA Observed.

Joel Bellman: As disappointing as "BlacKKKlansman" was, it triggered my curiosity about other films prominently featuring Klan storylines. There I discovered some interesting things.

Tear down at Temple and Beaudry downtown.

Gary photographed "Chinatown" screenwriter Robert Towne.

It's the season for outdoor productions that are worth the effort to go see.

The Democratic congressional candidate from New York was at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.

The scene in Silver Lake after the fatal shooting at Trader Joe's on Hyperion Avenue.

Harold Meyerson: Jonathan spoke for the new American food, but ultimately, more importantly, for that new America itself.