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Growth Industry: LA’s 60,000 homeless

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360 Magazine Culture Editor Tom Wilmer reports from Skid Row at the Cardinal Manning Center Los Angeles

A tale of two cities—a far cry from the best of times for Los Angeles County’s 60,000 homeless

Skid Row in Los Angeles is home to more than 2,000 homeless who sleep on the streets, in doorways, alleys, under bridges, and on streetcars.

Skid Row Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Jimmy Cheng

CLICK HERE to listen to Tom Wilmer’s NPR.ORG/KCBX podcast interview with Lawrence Hurst, Director of Social Services, and Njambi Kingori, Deputy Director of Social Services at the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s Cardinal Manning Center, located in the heart of Skid Row.

Skid Row is just a slice of a larger population of homeless in Los Angeles County with a total homeless population of around 60,000. And this does not include the cities of Glendale, Pasadena, and Long Beach—three of the County’s larger towns.

Skid Row Los Angeles home to more than 2,000 homeless. Photo Credit: Jimmy Cheng

More than 30 percent of the homeless population is mentally ill, not to mention the drug addicted and alcoholics. Los Angeles County witnessed a 20 percent increase in homelessness in the past year.

Skid Row Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Jimmy Cheng

From January 2016 to January 2017, the homeless count rose from an estimated 46,000 to 60,000.

And a dominant driver has been the skyrocketing rents in LA County that averaged a 20 percent increase in rental costs over the past two years alone.

Less than two blocks from the heart of LA’s Skid Row is a different world–where wealth abounds. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

The new growth industry in homelessness is not necessarily drugs and alcohol but people being evicted from their homes due to an inability to pay exorbitant rents.

There are approximately 1,270 mission and 24-hour shelter beds in the Skid Row area, but there are often more than 2,400 homeless camped out in the greater Skid Row neighborhood.

Thankful diner at Thanksgiving Dinner at Cardinal Manning Center in the heart of LA’s Skid Row.

Among the numerous agencies caring for LA County’s homeless is the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

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Thrifting at Saint Vincent de Paul

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Culture Editor Tom Wilmer takes us on an insider’s tour of Saint Vincent de Paul’s trendy Thrift Store in the heart of downtown Los Angeles

Saint Vincent de Paul’s downtown Los Angeles Thrift Store. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

Saint Vincent de Paul’s downtown Los Angeles Thrift Store, the largest in Los Angeles County and one of the largest thrift stores in America, provides quality merchandise to those in need as well as a burgeoning trade with millennials and Gen Z.

CLICK HERE to listen to the NPR/KCBX podcast with Alfred Rodriguez, Director of Operations, and Carla Contreras, Deputy Director of Store Operations

The secret is out that this is the place to score a great bargain—and it’s a win-win as all proceeds go to support Saint Vincent de Paul’s various programs including the Cardinal Manning Center in the heart of Skid Row.

Cardinal Manning Center in the heart of Skid Row, downtown Los Angeles

The Cardinal Manning Center includes overnight accommodations for sixty five homeless folk. Saint Vincent also operates a summer camp in the hills above Santa Barbara.

In addition to a vast section at the Thrift Store filled with clothing, shoes and related apparel, there’s an entire section filled with furniture.

The Thrift Store is ardently supported by individual donations, as well as brand new items donated by regional manufacturers.

The old song in the world of thrift stores is “gently used” but at Saint Vincent de Paul you’ll also discover brand new items donated by manufacturers–from shoes to clothing that were earmarked as production overruns or last year’s trends.

Brand new shoes are just a sampling of the super deals at Saint Vincent de Paul’s Los Angeles Thrift Store

The sale sticker prices will cause reverse sticker-shock as the prices are jaw dropping inexpensive.

Antique pump organ for $99 at Saint Vincent de Paul’s Los Angeles Thrift Store

For example, how about a pair of brand new tennis shoes for $5, an 1890’s antique pump organ for $99 (try same item in a Malibu thrift shop for $1,000 to $1,200), a three-piece gently used, elegant leather couch-ensemble for $350.

The customer demographic includes much more than low-income earners.The store maintains a passionate following by those with a passion for green, environmentally conscious living, shabby-chic-trenders, and young start-out couples on a limited budget.

Wealthy customers often roll up in their Mercedes with a large stack of donations and subsequently walk out with an armload of purchases.

Alfred Rodriguez, Director of Operations at Saint Vincent de Paul’s Los Angeles Thrift Store

Even Hollywood studios gets in to the act at Saint Vincent de Paul. Set decorators frequently purchase furniture, clothing, miscellaneous décor, and more to outfit an entire set.

Carla Contreras, Deputy Director of Store Operations at Saint Vincent de Paul’s Los Angeles Thrift Store

And then when filming is a wrap, the set designers drive up in their trucks and donate all of their purchases back to the thrift store…a classic win-win.

Saint Vincent de Paul Los Angeles has been serving the poor and homeless community since 1904.

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You are invited to subscribe to the Lowell Thomas award-winning NPR Podcast travel show Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer via:

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Big Island Romantic Dining

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Culture Editor Tom Wilmer reports from the Big Island of Hawaii where he discovers a romantic dining destination at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast.

Manta is the Mauna Kea Resort's fine dining restaurant overlooking Kauna’oa Bay

Manta is the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s fine dining restaurant overlooking Kauna’oa Bay

Everyone I’ve ever met who’s stayed at the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii —invariably speaks in reverential tones about the place, and they’re quick to voice a desire for a reprise visit. And those who’ve never had the pleasure of making a date with the Mauna Kea, often mention the resort as tops on their must-do list—typically inspired by the raves of their friends who who’ve been there, done that.

Kauna’oa Bay at Mauna Kea Resort. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

Kauna’oa Bay at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a special destination-resort that touts an astounding multi-generational fan base. There are many who’s grandparents stayed there in the 1960s, and their parents first took them there as kids, and now they are making pilgrimage-holidays with their kids at the Mauna Kea.

Tranquility envelops the spirit upon entering the Mauna Kea’s guest check-in reception area Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

The centerpiece of the resort’s setting is the seductive beauty of crescent-shaped Kauna’oa Bay–and the fine-dining establishment, Manta, overlooking the bay with ultra-romantic al fresco dining.

An LGBT couple enjoys brunch at Manta Restaurant at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island, Hawaii. zachstovall.com

Brunch at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Manta restaurant out on the Pavilion. zachstovall.com

Whether or not you’re staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Manta is a killer place for a bayside buffet breakfast, Sunday brunch, and of course a romantic dinner date—ideally out on the pavilian overlooking the bay, framed by palms and plumeria.

That’s the big story—the nuances that make Manta a must-do are predicated on the chefs’ culinary philosophies that honor and meld the multi-ethnic roots of the islanders, along with paying homage to the Hawaiian’s Polynesian roots through utilization of “canoe crops”.

Manta and Pavilion Wine Bar sunset dining

Manta is Mauna Kea Bech Hotel’s fine dining with sunset a most romantic time

Sourcing local/fresh from the farmer and sea are anchors of the culinary arts at Manta.

Manta sources everything imaginable from Big Island farmers, and the restaurant even put on special dinners—shades of a wine maker dinner–where a farmer or two will join the festivities and talk-story about their passion for producing fresh, local, healthy food with Manta’s dinner guests.

Seafood doesn’t get any fresher, as the local fishermen’s catch is delivered daily to the kitchen’s back door.

Mauna Kea Resort's Rio Miceli, Executive Sous Chef. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Rio Miceli, Executive Sous Chef. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

Executive Sous Chef, Rio Miceli was raised on the island but honed his craft in Healdsburg, California, and subsequently fine tuned his skills at the New England Culinary School before returning to settle in on the Big Island.

Miceli’s duties include menu development, and innovations at Manta as well as the resort’s other dining venues.

A taste of Manta’s culinary offerings include a killer Kona Kampachi Sashimi and the Keohole Lobster Papperdelle with garlic cream, summer squash and pork belly lardon for starters.

Tempting entrees include Hawaiian Sweet Potato Encrusted Ahi, and the Mac Nut Encrusted Mahi Mahi.

Wendle Lesher Director of Food & Beverage at the Mauna Kea Resort and neighboring Hapuna Resort

Wendle Lesher, Director of Food & Beverage at the Mauna Kea and the neighboring sister property Hapuna Beach Resort, works with Miceli developing innovative new dishes.

Lesher also drives creativity in partnership with the mixologists, and plans special culinary events. Lesher’s latest passion is working with local beekeepers.

In addition to doing his part to provide onsite beehive habitats, the distinctive and incredibly flavorful Mauna Kea honey is utilized by the chefs and is available for purchase by the guests.

Click here to listen to Rio Miceli and Wendle Lesher talk about their culinary passions on the KCBX/NPR podcast.

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You are invited to subscribe to the Lowell Thomas award-winning NPR Podcast travel show Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer via:

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Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer winner of the Lowell Thomas Award 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013

Manta and Pavilion Wine Bar at Mauna Kea Resort

From Super Model to Mobster’s Wife

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360 Culture Editor Tom Wilmer met up with Georgia Durante, the author of the best-selling book, The Company She Keeps–chronicling her amazing life journey from the most photographed woman in America to mobster’s wife to Hollywood stunt driver.

The Company She Keeps book cover

Georgia Durante grew up in Rochester, New York where her modeling career commenced when she was just 13 years old. Before long her stunning looks propelled her to cover-girl stardom as the most photographed young woman in America—and became known nationwide as “The Kodak Girl”.

Georgia Durante–once known as “the most photographed woman in America

Georgia Durante as the Kodak Summer Girl–recognized nationwide

CLICK HERE to listen to Georgia Durante’s NPR/KCBX podcast interview

By happenstance, she got involved with the mob. Durante says “growing up in Rochester, most all of my friends were Italian.” She says “Everyone knew guys who were involved in the mob, and it was just part of the social fabric and taken for granted. We really didn’t think much about it.

Georgia Durante at height of her modeling career

In her late teens legendary mobsters such as Carlos Gambino, and Sammy Giancana took Durante under the wing. And that’s how she came to marry a mobster, and earned a reputation as a skillful, in-demand mob getaway driver.

Georgia Durante and her mobster husband Joe

Durante’s life took an ugly turn when she realized too late her husband was a ruthless and abusive person who had no problem holding a pistol to Durante’s head to play a game of Russian roulette. She eventually escaped from her life as a mobster’s wife. But her modeling career came to a crashing halt when she realized she now had to live a life totally out of the limelight—to hide from the mob and her evil ex.

Durante found the perfect place to live under the radar—she repurposed her mob getaway driver skills by hiring on as a Hollywood stunt car driver, and quickly earned a reputation as one of Tinseltown’s most skilled and daring stunt car drivers.

Georgia Durante at work in Hollywood as a stunt driver

Today, Durante lives in LA where she dedicates her time to speaking before battered women’s groups and running her magical hideaway, Enchanted Manor—an 18,000 square-foot facility situated in the quiet Los Angeles, Valley Village neighborhood cul-de-sac, not far from North Hollywood. 360-degree View of Enchanted Manor

Georgia Durante’s Enchanted Manor in Los Angeles

The Manor is a popular destination for private parties, weddings, gatherings and meetings. It’s also a popular location site for films, music videos, and productions including Lifetime’s production “William and Kate”.

Georgia Durante with her granddaughter at Enchanted Manor

You are invited to subscribe to the Lowell Thomas award-winning NPR Podcast travel show Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer via: Apple Podcast NPR.ORG Podcast Directory

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National Civil Rights Museum

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Culture Editor Tom Wilmer reports from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee

Faith Morris External Affairs Officer at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

The Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 serves today as the powerful anchor of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.

Cick here to listen to the KCBX/NPR podcast with Culture Editor, Tom Wilmer and Faith Morris, External Affairs Officer at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Lorraine Motel-Room 306 where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

Martin Luther King delivered his last speech at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee on March 3^rd 1968. The next day King was assassinated while standing on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Motel.

Twenty-three years later, the National Civil Rights Museum was unveiled on the site of the old Lorraine Motel.

Through powerful exhibits and interpretive displays the history and legacy of civil rights is showcased–from the arrival of the first slaves on the shores of America to lynchings, sit-ins, the Freedom Riders, Rosa Parks in Birmingham, Brown Vs. Board of Education, and the perpetuation of Jim Crow today.

Freedom Riders Greyhound bus firebombed by white supremacists in Alabama in 1961

Charred hulk of the firebombed Greyhound bus on display at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

The façade of the iconic Lorraine Motel was preserved chillingly intact complete with vintage autos parked out front, but on the inside of the motel rooms, past the curtains, is the massive museum.

Poignant displays include an intact burnt out Greyhound bus that was firebombed by white supremacists during Freedom Summer in 1961, and the original lunch counter from a powerful student sit-in that was captured on film in 1960.

School field trip to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

The museum is located on Mulberry Street in the heart of the South Main Arts District in downtown Memphis, six blocks from the Mississippi River.

If you go plan on spending a minimum of two or three hours to experience the highlights, but with dozens of historic films playing continuously, you could easily spend an entire day at the museum.

http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/

You are invited to subscribe to the Lowell Thomas award-winning NPR Podcast travel show Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer via:

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Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer winner of the Lowell Thomas Award 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013

Child star recalls filming “It’s a Wonderful Life”

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Culture Editor Tom Wilmer visits with child star in film classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Back in 1946 six year-old Jimmy Hawkins played the role of Tommy in It’s a Wonderful Life. Decades later the film was voted the most inspirational movie of all time by the American Film Institute.

When It’s a Wonderful Life hit silver screen for Christmas season in 1946, it was a box-office flop and lost more than $500,000 even though it was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. At the time, producer Frank Capra did not think of his movie as a Christmas-themed story. The association gained momentum over the years.

I recently visited with Jimmy Hawkins and he recalled his role as Tommy, insights about Frank Capra, Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and other cast members. His recollections were as vivid and fresh as if the movie was filmed a year ago, rather than 71 years ago.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE KCBX/NPR.ORG PODCAST

Film clip from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Hawkins also talks about his subsequent roles as a teen heartthrob on the Donna Reed Show and other television series.

He starred in the first Elvis movie, Girl Happy, and subsequently worked as a Hollywood producer. During the course of his career, Hawkins starred in or produced more than 500 movies and television shows.

Hawkins also shares the secret of the belated success and cult-like love of It’s a Wonderful Life that didn’t take off until the 1970’s when someone forgot to renew the copyright.

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The Big Island’s Luau at the Mauna Kea Resort—a reverence for Hawaiian song and dance

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Culture Editor Tom Wilmer reports from the Big Island of Hawaii–

The Lim family Luau has been performing at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel since Laurance Rockefeller opened the resort in the mid-1960s. Today the luau is the oldest, continuously operating show on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Lorna Lim talks story about her family’s passion (3^rd generation) for performing authentic song, hula dance, and tales of old Hawaii. You don’t have to stay at the Mauna Kea to attend the luau, but the resort hotel is a highly recommended place to stay if you’re planning a visit to the Big Island.

Located on the Kohala Coast approximately 24 miles from Kailua/Kona Airport, the Mauna Kea has the insular feel of a private island oasis.

Highlights of the resort include its eye-catching mid-century architecture that has deftly not only stood the test of time, it remains a classic, and its lines are timeless. A big draw is the location, as the resort fronts on one of the Big Island’s most beautiful beaches. The beachfront is wide and sprawling but intimate at the same time.

Sundown at the Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

Culinary offerings are outstanding as well. Manta is the fine dining establishment, but like everything in the islands, casual is the rule. Back in the day, ties for men were requisite for dinner…but fortunately that’s a page from the past.

Speaking of dining, the luau includes a killer buffet dinner. The sprawling array of fresh, local faire is worth the price of admission all on its own.

The offerings are equal if not better than what you’d find at a fine sit-down restaurant almost anywhere on the island.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST INTERVIEW

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: Dancers capture essence of old Hawaii at Mauna Kea Resort’s luau. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

: Fire dancer at Mauna Kea Luau. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

: Lim Family Luau dance with joy at Mauna Kea Resort. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

: The Luau at Mauna Kea Resort pays homage to a long vanished Hawaii. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

: A reverence for old Hawaii at Lim Family Luau at Mauna Kea Resort. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

: Stunningly enchanting crescent shaped beach at Mauna Kea Beach Resort. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

: Mid-Century architecture at the Mauna Kea Resort Hotel is truly timeless and remains fresh and inviting a half-century later. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

: Manta– Mauna Kea Resort’s fine dining restaurant–casual elegance. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

: Lorna Lim talks story about her family’s half century of producing the luau at Mauna Kea Resort Hotel

: Lim Family Luau dancers at the Mauna Kea Resort Hotel

Jordan Winery and Vineyards—a taste of France in California’s Alexander Valley

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Tom and Sally Jordan pioneered producing Bordeaux-style California Cabernet Sauvignon in Alexander Valley back in the early 1970s. Join Tom and Sally’s son, John Jordan and Chef Knoll for a visit at the winery.

LISTEN TO John Jordan & Chef Todd Knoll NPR.ORG podcast

Jordan’s massive wine cellar is awesome Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

The Jordans crafted a chateau winery that has remained as an elegantly distinctive destination for discerning visitors to the famed Alexander Valley on the outskirts of Healdsburg for decades.

Pure elegance at Jordan Winery in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

There’s no tasting room at Jordan, but there is tasting by appointment, as well as elegant four course meals prepared by Chef Todd Knoll previously with the Ritz Carlton.

Chef Todd Knoll at Jordan Winery in Alexander Valley. Photo Credit Tom Wilmer

Jordan is a memorable destination that will make you feel like you have been instantly transported to the French countryside.

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Gulf Shores, Alabama—America’s finest oysters and a trendsetting culinary scene

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Culture Editor Tom Wilmer reports from Gulf Shores

King Neptune’s diner in Gulf Shores showcases killer selection of fresh oysters

The Annual Oyster Cook Off at the Hangout held every November in Gulf Shores, Alabama is just one of the many events that draw thousands of visitors to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Join Kay Morgan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism’s Public Relations Manager at the Cook Off followed by a visit with award-winning chef, Chris Sherrill, one of Coastal Alabama’s noteworthy culinary wizards, at Salt restaurant, San Roc Cay Marina.

The annual Hangout Oyster Cook Off in Gulf Shores, Alabama draws more than 70 local, regional and national chefs, competing in three categories: raw, Cajun, and Rockefeller.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE NPR/KCBX PODCAST

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Thousands flock to taste the best of the best, listen to live country music, and down some beer.

Baskets of batter-coated shrimp-and-fries is old-school here as the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach food scene is raising the bar nationwide with trend-setting, locally sourced, organic and sustainable cuisine.

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