The action on this month’s epic episode surrounds two events: a Los Feliz Business Improvement District mixer (at Messhall Kitchen) and the opening of the 28th City of Los Angeles Independent Master Artist Project at the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery!

(photo by Larry Underhill)

Local icon and current president of the Los Feliz Busineness Improvement District (aka the Los Feliz BID) Dora Herrera gets the ball rolling, telling host Phil Leirness how she is dealing with the grief over the death of her beloved mother Socorro (“Mama Yuca’s”), and explaining the important work of the BID.

Next up, Phil chats with Ermanno Neiviller of Il Capriccio about his father, about Sarno’s, about his own restaurant, Il Capriccio, and about the changes he would like to see in the neighborhood.

Then, the subject turns to art with the longtime proprietors of The Wizard of Art, teachers Donna Zweig and Paul Eventoff. Phil makes the pivot from art to law as he sits down with local attorney Raymond Hovsepian. Ray shares some wise words of counsel as well as heartfelt wishes for the neighborhood he has long called home.

Before saying farewell to the Los Feliz BID mixer, Phil learns all about the newest eatery in Los Feliz, Casa Leo, from owner and chef Joshua Whigham.

Finally, Phil heads up to Barnsdall Park for an in-depth conversation with L.A. Municipal Gallery curator Hugo Cervantes. They discuss the just-opened COLA IMAP exhibit, its artists, their work, and the exhibit’s importance. It’s a fascinating, insightful, inspiring and nourishing conversation about intimacy and community.

As ever, Phil receives steadfast comedic support from his trusty announcer Marc Hershon and brilliant musical support from Jon Lawlor.

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