Universal Studios Hollywood and Bravo Team for the First-Ever Bravo’s Top Chef Food & Wine Festival on March 19-20, 2020.

Universal Studios Hollywood and Bravo Team for the First-Ever Bravo’s Top Chef Food & Wine Festival on March 19-20, 2020 Coinciding with the “Top Chef” Season 17 Premiere, Inaugural Event Invites Guests to Sample Dishes and Enjoy Cooking Competitions with Series’ Alums To Learn More and To Purchase Tickets, Visit The Website Here

Click Here for a Taste of the Bravo’s Top Chef Food & Wine Festival

Universal Studios Hollywood – Universal Studios Hollywood and Bravo team up for the first-ever Bravo’s Top Chef Food & Wine Festival on March 19-20, 2020, inviting guests on a culinary excursion featuring an all-inclusive eclectic menu inspired by the series, live challenges, food & wine pairings and panels with “Top Chef” Alums.

The two-day, separately-ticketed event will take place at Universal Studios Hollywood and feature dozens of food, wine, craft beer and spirit stations with a delicious array of dishes inspired by the Cheftestants’ creations over the years. Guests also will have a chance to watch “Top Chef” veterans battle it out in a series of live cooking competitions and enjoy panels with fan favorites from the series.

In addition to a general admission ticket to the event, guests can also purchase a premium VIP ticket option, inviting them to experience several first-class opportunities including an exclusive tasting and wine pairing hosted by a “Top Chef” Alum, intimate meet and greets with the Cheftestants, early access to the theme park, complimentary parking and a special commemorative gift.

The inaugural Bravo’s Top Chef Food & Wine Festival coincides with the Season 17 premiere of “Top Chef” returning Thursday, March 19 on Bravo with All Stars LA, featuring the fiercest group of competitors the show has seen with 15 finalists, front runners and fan favorites from seasons past who have all returned to finish what they started and battle it out for the coveted title.  

“We are thrilled to partner with Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ to introduce this exclusive Food & Wine Festival,” said Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood. “As an industry leader, we take as much pride in our culinary offerings as we do with our innovative rides and we’re excited that our Executive Chef will have the opportunity to collaborate with these acclaimed ‘Top Chef’ Alums to create this unique food and wine event, and we look forward to toasting the occasion with our guests.”

            “Bravo’s Top Chef Food & Wine Festival will give guests an opportunity to interact with their beloved chefs and try the culinary feast firsthand while also giving them a glimpse at the pressure the competitors face in the kitchen with the Quickfire Challenges,” said Ellen Stone, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Lifestyle Networks, NBCUniversal.  “Partnering with Universal Studios Hollywood is a natural extension of our brand and offers our incredibly engaged fans of Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ a unique chance to taste and experience a piece of the hit culinary competition series.”  

            To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit here.  More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

About Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, and the new mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride.” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.”  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

Six Flags Magic Mountain Shines During 2019 Annual HOLIDAY IN THE PARK.

Santa Clarita, Calif. – Six Flags Magic Mountain, the “Thrill Capital of the World,” lights up the season even brighter this year during its annual holiday extravaganza, Holiday in the Park. With more than two million lights and seven uniquely themed areas, the park will transform into a spectacularly lit winter wonderland for guests to enjoy this holiday season. The event will expand to 44 nights— the most ever presented—beginning November 23 through January 5. Holiday in the Park begins each day at 5 p.m., signaled by the first falling snow of the evening.

In addition, Six Flags Magic Mountain is bringing back the popular holiday themed food festival, Taste of the Holidays, December 14-29. From traditional holiday-inspired culinary delights to surprising and unique taste-bud-tempting, non-traditional treats, guests will find a wide variety of specialty holiday foods that run the gamut between delicious main courses and mouth-watering desserts.

“We are thrilled to once again present this magical, annual holiday event for all to enjoy,” said Park President Neal Thurman. “Now in its sixth year, Holiday in the Park offers many Six Flags holiday traditions our guests over the years have come to love, and for 2019 we are adding more days so that holiday revelers have more opportunities to visit. With well over two million lights, snowfall around the park, exciting holiday entertainment, and many delicious one-of-a-kind seasonal treats, including our Taste of the Holidays Food Festival, we are proud to present our annual winter spectacular.”

Park guests will experience seven innovative, immersive and one-of-a-kind Holiday in the Park themed areas, including:

  • Merry Lane, located in METROPOLIS™ featuring thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music and magnificent, larger-than-life 30-foot brilliant lit walk through ornaments. To add to the holiday festivities, families can roast marshmallows over a fire pit;
  • Santa’s Cottage is home to the jolly man with the white beard and red suit, along with crafts with Mrs. Claus and her merry elves. Visit Santa in his home next to Bugs Bunny World every Holiday in the Park operating day beginning at 1:00 p.m. until December 24;
  • Take a step back in time in the Gleampunk District: Steampunk Holiday experience. Thousands of lights will illuminate the tree-lined streets and planters of the largest themed area of Holiday in the Park. Guests will be transported into the 19th century with the sights and sounds of the industrial revolution. On the façade of Gearworks Theater, a fantastic journey will take revelers on a video adventure into the inner workings of the Steampunk Candy and Toy Factory. Additionally, guests will want a one-of-a-kind photo in an iconic steampunk sleigh;
  • As guests enter Holiday in the Park, the Six Flags Plaza area will be transformed into Holiday Square with a kaleidoscope of breath-taking color, featuring hundreds of thousands of lights on trees and buildings throughout the area while snowflakes delight guests as they enter this magical scene;
  • Snowy Nights, the live holiday show, will feature contemporary music and themed dancers on the Full Throttle stage;
  • Spiced-up holiday treats, falling snow and larger-than-life toy soldiers will be the focal point in the Winter Wonderland area, beginning on the midway past Viper and extending up through the Mining Town area of the park; and
  • DC UNIVERSE™ comes to life as Rockin’ Universe, featuring three dancing light shows, each customized to contemporary holiday music. As one of the largest programmed light shows on the West coast, each five-minute display will include multiple lighting variations with tens of thousands of lights synchronized to holiday musical favorites.

Holiday in the Park Operating Hours and Days:

10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. – November 23 – 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21- 29

10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. – December 30, 31, January 1-5

12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. – December 2-6, 9-13, 16-20

For more information on Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park, visit our website at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2020 Season Passes are currently on sale.  For a limited time, get a free upgrade to GOLD with purchase of four or more Magic Mountain Season Pass. GOLD Passes include admission to Hurricane Harbor (Los Angeles and Phoenix), as well as any other Six Flags branded theme park, plus free parking, special admission offers for friends, and many food and retail discounts. Additional Season Pass perks include park admission to Fright Fest®, Holiday in the Park®.  Season Pass are valid now through all of 2020 with no blackout dates. 

Six Flags Membership program offers guests a wide range of our most valuable benefits including preferred parking every visit, unlimited soft drinks, 50% off almost all food and merchandise in the park, and exclusive perks that are only available to Members. Members also receive priority entry, special appreciation days and exclusive ride times on some of their favorite rides and attractions. For more information, visit us online at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain

Members who sign up for Six Flags Membership Rewards, the company’s loyalty program exclusive to Members, earn points for almost everything they do at the park. Points can be redeemed for free food, merchandise, and special experiences.

Season Passes and Memberships can be purchased at the Season Pass and Membership Sales Center or save time and buy online at sixflags.com.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with $1.5 billion in revenue and 26 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 58 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

Holiday in the Park® is a registered trademark of Six Flags Theme Parks Inc.

Park visit photos by Margie Anne Clark/Los Angeles Life and Style

Universal Studios Hollywood Ushers in 2020 With EVE, Hollywood’s Biggest Party, Featuring Live Music, Dancing, Fireworks and a Night of Thrills on All Rides and Attractions!

EVE is Included in Theme Park Admission or Guests Can Upgrade to the Ultimate EVE Package, Offering Exclusive VIP Lounge Access, Gourmet Buffet Dinner, Private DJ Entertainment, Reserved Fireworks Viewing Area, Preferred Parking and Unlimited Universal Express Access Click Here to Purchase Tickets for EVE or Ultimate EVE Annual Pass Members Can Purchase Tickets Here .

Universal City, California, December 5, 2019 – Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to ring in 2020 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest party of the year, on Tuesday, December 31, with extended theme park hours to 2:00 a.m.  EVE is included in the price of theme park admission, or guest can enhance their celebration with the popular Ultimate EVE package.

Guests can visit Universal Studios Hollywood on December 31, 2019 and leave on January 1, 2020 after enjoying a full day and night of fun experiencing the park’s many thrill rides and attractions, including the all-new “Jurassic World—The Ride.”

EVE officially kicks off with a special park-wide celebration at 9:00 p.m., featuring multiple DJs and live music areas, that culminates at midnight with a traditional New Year’s Eve countdown and spectacular fireworks display. Giant, spirited photo op locations add to the festive environment, offering bragging rights to share with friends on social media.

To purchase tickets for EVE or the Ultimate EVE package, guests can click hereAnnual Pass members can also benefit from a variety of special incentives devised especially for these valued ticket holders. To learn more and to purchase tickets, Annual Pass members can click here.

The Ultimate EVE package takes the celebration to a whole new level. Package highlights include theme park admission starting at 6:00 p.m., VIP Lounge access with gourmet buffet dining and cash bars with specialty cocktails, private DJ and dance floor, reserved VIP viewing area for the dazzling fireworks display, a complimentary midnight champagne toast, commemorative 2020 party favors, preferred parking and unlimited Universal Express access to all rides and attractions.

At a glance, EVE begins at 9:00 p.m. with Universal Plaza, Simpsons Plaza located in Springfield™ and an area near “Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride” transformed into three uniquely-themed party areas, featuring a variety of music, from rock ‘n’ roll to electronic dance music to Latin pop, and the celebration will continue with enhanced DJ shows and after-party entertainment until 2:00 a.m.

A selection of food and beverages, including desserts, champagne, beer, wine and cocktails, as well as 2020 memorabilia will be available for purchase.

More information, including special EVE Preferred Hotel Packages, is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, an Annual Pass makes the perfect holiday gift, providing guests with the opportunity to experience the theme park’s thrills and adventures again and again.  Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details and to save up to $60 on an Annual Pass when purchased online. Offer valid through March 2, 2020; restrictions apply.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

About Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, and the new mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride.” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.”  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Opens Jan. 17, 2020, in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge now open at Disneyland Orland.

Anaheim, Calif. – Orlando, FloridaStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened today, Dec. 5, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and will open in Anaheim on Jan. 17, 2020, at Disneyland Park in California, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The rides will be among the most ambitious, advanced and immersive experiences ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering. The innovative new attraction will take guests aboard a full-size transport shuttle before they are captured by a Star Destroyer and wind up in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance. The harrowing adventure will blur the lines between fantasy and reality on a scale never seen before in a Disney attraction.

Prior to the Aug. 29 grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering released additional details about what promises to be one of the most thrilling experiences ever created for a Disney theme park:

  • Guests will join the Resistance and depart from Batuu in a transport ship to meet General Leia Organa at a secret rendezvous point. However, on their way to the hidden base, guests are intercepted and taken prisoner by the First Order as their ship is drawn into the hangar bay of a Star Destroyer. The action then ramps up as guests seek to escape the clutches of Kylo Ren and the First Order.
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will bring guests face to face with some of their favorite Star Wars characters, including Resistance heroes Rey, Poe and Finn, as well as Kylo Ren and General Hux of the First Order.
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the largest attractions Disney has ever created. Its massive show building is a world unto itself, housing two full-sized AT-AT walkers and a Star Destroyer hangar bay – complete with a TIE fighter and a garrison of Stormtroopers – plus more thrills and surprises.
  • Walt Disney Imagineering will combine multiple ride systems to tell the story of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. In one sequence, a new simulator experience will give the sensation to guests they are falling from space to crash land on Batuu.
  • During a portion of the experience, guests will race through a Star Destroyer in a trackless ride vehicle featuring an onboard droid that reacts to its surroundings.

Look for more information on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in the coming months at WDWNews.comDisneylandNews.com and DisneyParksBlog.com.

The City of Santa Clarita Ranked in the Top Five Percent of Cities in the California State Auditor’s Fiscal Analysis.

Santa Clarita, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita was ranked in the top five percent of fiscally healthy cities on a new interactive website posted by the California State Auditor that compares the fiscal health of 470 cities based on 10 financial indicators. Santa Clarita received a low-risk designation, and received perfect scores in the categories of liquidity, general fund reserves, and in both pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) obligations, receiving a total combined score of 92.77.

“Under the leadership and financial stewardship of our City Council, we pride ourselves on fiscal responsibility, and we continue to maintain a healthy and sustainable budget,” said City Manager Ken Striplin. “This report demonstrates that we have been successful. There is no doubt that the City is in good financial standing and we will continue to do all we can to ensure that it stays that way through our conservative budget practices.”

As part of the State’s high-risk local government agency audit program, the State Auditor aimed to identify cities that could be facing fiscal challenges, by assessing their levels of risks using various financial metrics primarily found in each city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year 2016-17. Some of these metrics included cash position/liquidity, debt burden, financial reserves, revenue trends, pension and OPEB obligations, among others.

Using information published by each city, the State Auditor placed high, moderate or low-risk designations on each city with regard to fiscal confidence. The analysis concluded with 18 cities receiving high-risk designations, while 236 cities received moderate and 217 cities received low-risk marks.

Universal CityWalk Announces the Arrival of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to Its Array of Diverse Dining Options, Opening in 2021.

Universal City, Calif. – December 3, 2019 – Decadent desserts, artisanal milkshakes and eclectic culinary inspirations are signature creations of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen™, an original concept restaurant, opening at Universal CityWalk in 2021.

            The visually stunning eatery will arrive to Universal CityWalk bringing an extensive menu of brunch, lunch and dinner items, sumptuous milkshakes and desserts and delectable confectionary treats to L.A. residents and guests visiting from around the globe.

Hearty items will feature palate pleasing twists on classic steaks, seafood and pasta entrees to gourmet burgers and sandwiches and all-day brunch.

The arrival of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen marks the ongoing celebration of Universal CityWalk and will be located adjacent to the popular Universal Cinema and joins recent dining establishment additions, including Antojitos Cocina MexicanaVIVO Italian KitchenJimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Voodoo Doughnut.

The spotlight continues to shine brightly on Universal CityWalk, one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers, which has boosted the city’s rhythm with a variety of memorable experiences for over 25 years.

More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter @UniStudios, Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood and Instagram @UniStudios.

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, and the new mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride.” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.”  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

DISNEY’S FROZEN, NORTH AMERICAN TOUR OPENS AT THE PANTAGES THEATRE WEDNESDAY December 4, 2019 – February 2, 2020.

Hollywood, Calif. – FROZEN, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, will celebrate its North American tour opening at the Pantages Theatre Hollywood; December 4, 2019 through February 2, 2020. 

DISNEY’S FROZEN, NORTH AMERICAN TOUR OPENS AT THE PANTAGES THEATRE WEDNESDAY December 4, 2019 – February 2, 2020. (Hollywood Pantages Theatre)

FROZEN, heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” quickly emerged as the biggest musical hit of last year’s Broadway season, smashing four St. James Theatre house records and placing it in the top 10 best-selling shows every week since opening in March 2018. FROZEN comes to Hollywood, from the producers of The Lion King and Aladdin.

DISNEY’S FROZEN OPENS AT THE PANTAGES THEATRE WEDNESDAY December 4, 2019 – February 2, 2020. (Pantages Theatre Hollywood)

A mysterious secret. A family torn apart. As one sister struggles with being an outsider and harnessing her powers within, the other sets out on a thrilling adventure to bring her family together once again. Both are searching for love, but they’ll learn that to find it they’ll have to look inside themselves first.

DISNEY’S FROZEN OPENS AT THE PANTAGES THEATRE WEDNESDAY December 4, 2019 – February 2, 2020. (Pantages Theatre Hollywood)

FROZEN is melting hearts on Broadway in an all-new production created for the stage by an award-winning team. It features the songs you know and love from the original film plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers. The creative team at its helm has won a cumulative 16 Tonys and includes Oscar® winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT-winning Robert Lopez (music & lyrics), Oscar-winning Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award-winning Michael Grandage (director) and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer).

An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, FROZEN is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.

FROZEN is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.

DISNEY’S FROZEN, NORTH AMERICAN TOUR OPENS AT THE PANTAGES THEATRE WEDNESDAY December 4, 2019 – February 2, 2020. https://www.hollywoodpantages.com/events/detail/frozen

Los Angeles Life and Style/Theatre

City of Santa Clarita Public Library to Host 13th Annual Family Literacy Festival, Dec. 7, 2019.

Community Invited to Participate in Free Event Celebrating Literature and the Arts.

The Santa Clarita Public Library is partnering with the SCV Education Foundation and SCV Water to host the 13th annual Family Literacy Festival, themed “Adventure by the Books.” This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Old Town Newhall Library, located at 24500 Main Street. The free event will celebrate literature, music, dance and crafts!

Santa Clarita Public Library to Host 13th Annual Family Literacy Festival, December 7, 2019.

The day will be filled with fun activities and performances that will inspire artistic expression. Christopher Ramirez, with Freedom Drum Circle, will kick-off the festival at 9:45 a.m., and performances by Mariachi Zapopan and other local musicians will follow. 

Local non-profits, schools, artists and education enthusiasts will host interactive stations, and attendees will have opportunities to win prizes and giveaways! Some of the activities will include storytime with the Mayor at 11:00 a.m., free face painting, bounce houses, costumed character photo opportunities, the Farmers Market and much more.  

No RSVP is required to attend, just show up! Free parking can be found at the Old Town Newhall Parking Garage, located at 2551 9th Street.

Community members are encouraged to join in during this fun-filled event. For more information about the 13th annual Family Literacy Festival and other Santa Clarita Public Library events, please visit SantaClaritaLibrary.com or call (661) 259-0750.