Searching SoCal

Episode 19: Nikolay Voronovich of Dance Street Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Nikolay Voronovich, the owner of Dance Street in Pasadena, CA. Nikolay shares his incredible story of growing up in Russia, becoming a competitive dancer, meeting his wife, Maria, and then moving to the U.S. and opening Dance Street. This beautiful studio is the perfect place for all ages and all abilities to learn a variety of dances, whether you are looking to just have fun and move your...

Episode 18: BECKY LYTHGOE OF LYTHGOE FAMILY PANTO Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by producer Becky Lythgoe of Lythgoe Family Panto to talk about their 10 years of shows and this year’s production at The Pasadena Civic, A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS! The fabulous cast includes Neil Patrick Harris, Michelle Williams, and Olivia Sanabia, and the show runs through December 22nd. By the way, A panto is a fairytale with modern music and jokes, and is very family-friendly and...

Episode 17: Kimberly Jaffe of L.A. Any Day Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Kimberly Jaffe, the owner of L.A. Any Day. Kimberly is a Los Angeles entertainment concierge who provides personalized itineraries for people who vacation and staycation in L.A., and in this episode she shares 5 of her hidden favorites: The Spa at the Four Seasons Westlake (Hotel Spa) Alamo Drafthouse (Movie Theatre) Adventure City (Theme Park) Veranda Restaurant at the Georgian Hotel...

Episode 16: Mychal’s Learning Place Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Ed Lynch, the founder of Mychal’s Learning Place in Hawthorne, CA, to talk about their mission of presenting opportunities to children and adults with developmental disabilities that build self-esteem and independence, creating long-term success for life, a mission that was inspired by his daughter. Ed also discusses volunteer opportunities at Mychal’s, along with The California Great Santa Stroll,...

Episode 15: Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Kimberly Dodson, an ensemble skater with Disney on Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, which opens in Southern California on December 12th. Kimberly talks about what it’s like to tour with Disney on Ice, learning to do aerial tricks, and what the audience can expect in this fun and interactive show, where we all get to help our Disney friends search for clues. Here’s the...

Episode 14: Chinese Lantern Festival Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Vanessa Accetturo, Operations Manager at Hanart Culture, to talk about the Chinese Lantern Festival, which is coming to the Fairplex in Pomona, CA, November 21st—January 5th. This magical festival will be lighting up the night in Southern California with its brand new theme, Blooming Seasons. It’s a family-friendly walk-through event, with awe-inspiring lantern displays that tower up to 30 feet high...

Episode 13: Century Stadium 25 and XD Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Jennifer Wood, Marketing Manager for Cinemark Theatre, to chat about the newly-remodeled Century Stadium 25 and XD in Orange, California. From super-comfortable seats (wait until you hear about the unique feature they have) to their two XD theaters to their bar and cafe area. It’s a wonderful place to check out an upcoming holiday movie season blockbuster, like FROZEN II or STAR WARS: THE RISE OF...

Episode 12: South Coast Botanic Garden Audra Platz, Director of Development for South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation, joins Lara in the studio to talk about the 87-acre South Coast Botanic Garden, which is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. From the Banyan Grove to the Children’s Discovery Garden, there is something for everyone. Audra also talks about the Gardens popular overlays, like The Great Pumpkin Hunt, which is on through November 30th. FIND...

Episode 11 - Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Richard Schulhof, Chief Executive Officer of the LA Arboretum in Arcadia, CA. Richard discusses the peacocks (yes, peacocks!) that roam the grounds, the different areas that families can explore, Hollywood productions that have been filmed there, and the Moonlight Forest Magical Lantern Art Festival, whichm runs from November 9-January 12. FIND THEM: LA...

Episode 10 : SkyPark at Santa’s Village Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Bill Johnson, the General Manager and Owner of SkyPark at Santa’s Village, an outdoor adventure park located just a few minutes away from Lake Arrowhead. Bill shares his journey from working at Santa’s Village as a teenager, to buying it (with his wife) as an adult and bringing it back to life. He also talks about their Pumpkins In The Pines event (happening on October 26th and 27th), the...

Episode 9 - Underwood Family Farms Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Suzannah Underwood to talk about the Fall Harvest Festival that’s happening at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark through October 31st. Tractor-drawn wagon rides, a corn maze, the Pumpkin House, access to Pick-Your-Own fields and Pumpkin Patch, hay pyramids and lots more are all included with weekend festival admission. Children under 2 are free, and there is free parking! FIND...

Episode 8: Sesame Street Live: Make Your Magic Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Brandon Wagner, who plays Big Bird in SESAME STREET LIVE: MAKE YOUR MAGIC. Brandon shares what parents and kids can expect at this magical all-ages show, his path to playing an iconic character, and what he’s learned from playing Big Bird that can change our lives, too. FIND THEM: SESAME STREET LIVE: MAKE YOUR MAGIC will be in Ontario on November 5th and 6th, and in Long Beach on...

Episode 7 - Lil' Pinkies Up / Cooking Classes for Picky Eaters Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Allison Rinehart, the founder of Lil' Pinkies Up. Allison talks about her fall cooking classes for kids, which feature her picky to persuadable method. Allison’s methodology focuses on food, fun, and fostering an inclusive process that includes the children’s opinions. With that, a foundation of mutual respect is formed where kids can naturally expand their palates without...

Episode 6 - Fall Family Favorites at The El Capitan Theatre Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Sharon Goldstein, Senior Manager of Ticket Sales and Theatre Operations for Walt Disney Studios and The El Capitan Theatre. The El Capitan’s Fall Family Favorites series is in full swing with HOCUS POCUS and COCO, and MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL opens on October 17th. Sharon gives her best tips for visiting this historic movie palace in the heart of Hollywood, along with info on...

Episode 5: Casa Lumina at Casa Romantica Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Berenika Palys, Executive Director at Casa Romantica in San Clemente, CA, to talk about Casa Lumina, a nighttime art experience unlike anything else in Orange County! Casa Lumina is a walking tour through the Casa’s beautiful Native Bowl garden, filled with native plant species, sculptures, and AMAZING MULTICOLORED LIGHTS around every corner, with unique lighting effects and projections to make the...

Episode 4: LA Harbor Boat Show Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Duncan McIntosh, producer of the LA Harbor Boat Show. The 4th annual LA Harbor Boat Show is happening at the Cabrillo Way Marina September 19th—22nd with a selection of new boats, brokerage vessels, products and services. Duncan discusses the show and also talks about growing up on the water and how his love of boats led to what he does now! FIND THEM: www.laharborboatshow.com FB: @laharborboatshow IG:...

Episode 3: Old Town Music Hall Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Oscar-winning filmmaker James Moll, who is also a volunteer at Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, to talk about the theatre’s classic horror film lineup in October. OTMH is a historic theatre that shows classic films on the big screen every weekend, and also presents live concerts by some of the world’s finest performers of jazz, ragtime, and popular music from the past. Old Town Music Hall opened its doors in...

Episode 2: NostalgiaCon 80s Pop Culture Convention Co-Hosts Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Manny Ruiz, CEO of NostalgiaCon. NostalgiaCon’s Ultimate 80s Reunion invites 80s fans of all ages to rediscover these 10 iconic years in fresh, fun and innovative ways. Anchored in Anaheim, CA, over two days, The Ultimate 80s Reunion consists of film and TV show reunions, pop culture sessions, celebrity meet and greets, breakdance and lip synch battle competitions, and a massive...

Episode 1: Carved at Descanso Gardens Lara Scott and Michelle Rivera are joined by Jennifer Errico, Public Relations Director and Marketing Manager at Descanso Gardens, to talk about Carved. For five nights only, one thousand professionally carved pumpkins—some as large as 100 pounds and all of them real —will line a one-mile walk through the Camellia Forest and Oak Grove. Carved is a family-friendly event for all ages! Join Descanso from October 23–27, 6:30– 10:30pm. All ticket...