There is a part of Orange County that has fascinated me every time I pass by on my way from LA to San Diego: the first time you see the Pacific Ocean heading south on Interstate 5. It has always…

As a band tour manager for more than 15 years, Rick Marino was always eager to explore the hidden gems and roads less traveled of the cities he visited. Late-night concerts and life on a tour bus didn’t allow for…

You might say to yourself, Yuma? Yes, Yuma – because it’s how my road trip started on a trip to Lake Havasu earlier this year. I suddenly found out that one of my gigs was postponed a couple of days,…

As a band tour manager for more than 15 years, Rick Marino was always eager to explore the hidden gems and roads less traveled of the cities he visited. Late-night concerts and life on a tour bus didn’t allow for…

When autumn is on the horizon, it conjures up visions of New England – leaves changing, apple harvests, pumpkins and jacket weather – fall stuff. As a native Southern Californian, I have always wished I lived in a city with…

One of my favorite under-the-radar Southern California is the amazing open oak “Santa Maria” barbecue style of the Central Coast. This month for Desert Magazine, I hit up Jalama, Pismo Beach to Buellton and beyond for some of the best…

In the Summer to Fall in Sea of Cortez, swimming with Whale Sharks in Bahia de Los Angeles  is a once in a lifetime experience. Whale Sharks : In the Bay of LA In all the years that I have…