Universal City, CA, July 23, 2019 – Universal Studios Hollywood ushered in its new mega attraction, “Jurassic World—The Ride” with a grand opening celebration on Monday, attended by stars of the JURASSIC WORLD films and of the new thrill ride, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard along with the film’s Director/Screenwriter Colin Trevorrow and Producer Frank Marshall. They were joined by Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal; Tom Williams, Chairman, Universal Parks & Resort; Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Studios Hollywood, and Mark Woodbury Vice Chairman, Universal Parks and Resort & President.

Inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s JURASSIC WORLD blockbuster films, this spectacular new adventure features Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and BD Wong reprising their film roles as Owen Grady, Claire Dearing and Dr. Henry Wu. It soars to new heights with the addition of iconic dinosaurs from the movie, including the colossal Indominus rex and the magnificent aquatic Mosasaurus.

“Jurassic World—The Ride” captures the essence of the blockbuster movies and comes to life in collaboration with the award-winning and inspired minds at Universal Creative, the Academy Award^®-winning special-effects visionaries at Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd., Universal Pictures and acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow and Frank Marshall.

The experience is further enhanced by the all-new elaborately themed “Raptor Encounter,” where Blue, the beloved Velociraptor from the JURASSIC WORLD movies, engages with guests in daring face-to-face encounters, along with the addition of two new realistic dinosaurs – Baby Raptor with her handler and a life-size, life-like Triceratops. A new interactive “Dino Play” area invites children of all ages to explore and excavate giant dinosaur fossils.

Costa Rican-inspired cuisine and flavorful Tiki cocktails served at Jurassic Café and all-new tropical Isla Nu-bar add to the dynamic guest experience while an array of souvenir collectible, limited edition and one-of-a-kind dimensional dinosaur sculptures from the Jurassic Outfitters store invite guests to savor a piece of this exciting thrill ride even after they’ve gone home. 

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the California Neighbor Pass invites guests to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

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

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….

Santa Clarita, Calif. – Get ready for Queen Nation to rock your world on Saturday, July 27! The Queen tribute band will perform during this year’s Concerts in the Park series,presented by Logix Federal Credit Union. The free concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road.

This is real life, it’s not just a fantasy. Queen Nation really does put on amazing performances that pay homage to vintage Queen with their accurate costumes, unbelievable sound and energetic stage presence. Each of the four band members come from musical backgrounds and collaborate to recreate the magic of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Queen Nation celebrates everything Queen did for the rock genre as they play the band’s biggest hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are the Champions.”

Don’t bite the dust and miss out on this rocking performance! Remember to bring blankets and lawn chairs so you can sit back and enjoy the show. Attendees can also picnic at the park with snacks from the different food vendors that will be on site.

For more information about Concerts in the Park, and to view the rest of this summer’s lineup, please visit santa-clarita.com/concerts.

Hollywood, Calif. – The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that director, choreographer, and producer Kenny Ortega will be honored with the 2,667th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star will be dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures at 6243 Hollywood Boulevard next to the historic Pantages Theatre.

 “Kenny Ortega has been part of the history of films and television that many fans have grown up with and those same fans have children that continue to enjoy his work and will continue to pass on the love of his films for generations to come!” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Helping Emcee Rana Ghadban, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to unveil the star will be actors Kathy Najimy, Jennifer Grey, and Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer Disney Channels Worldwide.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which administers the popular star ceremonies encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Kenny Ortega is a multi-award-winning director, choreographer, and producer.  He was born in Palo Alto, California, the son of Madeline, a waitress, and Octavio “Tibby” Ortega, a factory worker.  

Initially, Ortega came out of the San Francisco Arts scene, working with the Tubes. In 1979, Ortega was contracted to work with KISS on their Dynasty Tour. He became more recognized after working with dancer and choreographer Gene Kellyon the film Xanaduand he went on to choreograph the dance for the Menudovideo “Hold Me”, as well as the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, and has won awards for choreography in music videos, such as Madonna‘s “Material Girl“. He also continued to work with The Tubeson their stage shows and directed the video for “She’s a Beauty“, as well as the choreography for Styx‘s “Mr. Roboto” video.

In 2002, Ortega was honored with Directing and Choreography Emmy Award for his work as supervising chorographer and co-artistic director of the Salt Lake Olympic Ceremonies and in 1996, he earned an Emmy and American Choreography Award for the Atlanta Olympic Ceremonies.

One of the top creatives in television and film today, Ortega is known for the “High School Musical” franchise, which earned him an Emmy Award and Directors Guild of America Award. He is also the executive producer for the movie’s multi-platinum soundtracks. In 2008, Ortega directed and executive produced “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (HSM 3) for Walt Disney Studios, which at the time of its premiere, was the biggest theatrical box office opening for a musical in history.

Widely acclaimed for his genre-bending work in musicals, drama, comedy, and kids and family programs, Ortega has directed and/or choreographed global hits including the “Descendants” trilogy, “Newsies,” “Hocus Pocus,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Pretty in Pink,” and the Michael Jackson “This Is It” documentary, among others.

He is executive producer, director and choreographer of “Descendants 3,” of the hugely successful Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, which will premiere Friday, August 2^nd. His other recent work include “A Change of Heart” (winner of the OUTshine Film Festival Audience Award for Best Feature),“The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again” for FOX, and The Hocus Pocus 25^th Anniversary Special for Freeform. He also directed and co-choreographed the Award-Winning Australian Arena Tour of the Boy from Oz starring Hugh Jackman and concert tours for artists including Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Cher, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Olivia Newton John, Gloria Estefan, The Pointer Sisters, Kiss, The Tubes, and Chaka Kahn.

Ortega has also received The Fred & Adele Astaire Lifetime Achievement Award, The Bob Fosse Award, an American Choreography Lifetime Achievement Award, an MTV Video Music Award, an American Music Award, Billboard Award, and an NAACP Image Award, among others. 

Ortega is involved with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Santa Clarita, Calif. – On Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Old Town Newhall Library, a free event will be held with Larry Loftis, author of the best-selling nonfiction books “Into the Lion’s Mouth: The True Story of Dusko Popov: World War II Spy, Patriot, and the Real-Life Inspiration for James Bond,” and “Code Name: Lise: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII’s Most Highly Decorated Spy.” This one-of-a-kind event is presented by Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library.

Larry will discuss his two novels, followed by a Q&A session and a book signing. “Into the Lion’s Mouth: The True Story of Dusko Popov: World War II Spy, Patriot, and the Real-Life Inspiration for James Bond” is an international bestseller and tells the story of Dusko Popov, a globe-trotting double agent during World War II who inspired the character of James Bond. “Code Name: Lise: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII’s Most Highly Decorated Spy,” covers the extraordinary true story of Odette Sansom, the British spy who operated in occupied France and fell in love with her commanding officer during World War II. Copies of both books will be available at the event for purchase or could be purchased at your local Barnes & Noble.

The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library support the library through advocacy, volunteer service, supplemental funding and fostering a close relationship between the library and the community. All proceeds from three bookstores and fundraising efforts support programming for the Santa Clarita Public Library.

The Old Town Newhall Library is located at 24500 Main Street in Newhall. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. No reservations are required to attend.

For more information, please visit SantaClaritaFOL.com or contact the Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library by email at friends@santaclaritalibrary.com

Los Angeles, Calif. – Nominations for the 71st Emmy Awards were announced by the Television Academy, presenting the widest array of first-time performer nominees since 2011.

Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma hosted the announcement, with presenters Ken Jeong (The Masked Singer) and D’Arcy Carden (The Good Place). New faces and a fresh group of shows were prominently recognized in the nominations, together with acclaimed, veteran television programs.

HBO’s Game of Thrones secured 32 nominations, the most for any program in a single season, beating a 25-year standing record set by NYPD Blue. Over its eight-season run, the series has received a total of 161 nominations.

Game of Thrones was followed by The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (20), Chernobyl (19), Saturday Night Live (18), Barry (17), Fosse/Verdon (17) and When They See Us (16). In addition, overall cast contributions were acknowledged with Game of Thrones‘ 10 nominations across five performer categories, and eight nominations across four performer categories for When They See Us.

“It’s great to see such an array of new talent honored for their excellent work,” said Scherma. “While our voting membership recognized several returning, acclaimed programs, there are many Emmy categories that feature fresh shows and emerging talents, celebrating the opportunity and continued creative growth offered by television.”

Of this year’s eight nominees for Outstanding Drama Series, five were new to the category. Newcomers, spread across a variety of distribution platforms, include Bodyguard, Killing Eve, Ozark, Pose and Succession. Better Call Saul, Game of Thrones and This Is Us return to the category.
 
Among this year’s seven Outstanding Comedy Series nominees, there are four first timers representing a wide range of storytelling. Fleabag, The Good Place and Schitt’s Creek, along with freshman show Russian Doll, join returning hits Barry, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Veep. 

Emilia Clarke, Mandy Moore, Jodie Comer and Laura Linney received their first Lead Actress in a Drama Series nominations, joined by returning nominees Robin Wright and Sandra Oh, and previous Emmy winner Viola Davis. Lead Actor in a Drama Series nominees Kit Harington and Billy Porter are new to the category, joining previous category winner Sterling K. Brown and returning nominees Milo Ventimiglia, Jason Bateman and Bob Odenkirk. 

Michael Douglas and Eugene Levy are new to the Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category and join previous nominees Don Cheadle, Anthony Anderson and Ted Danson, along with last year’s category winner Bill Hader. Nominees for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series include first-time Emmy nominees (in this category) Natasha Lyonne, Catherine O’Hara and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who join previous category nominee Christina Applegate, last year’s winner Rachel Brosnahan and 11-time Emmy winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Other first-time performer nominations include Amy Adams, Anthony Carrigan, Gwendoline Christie, Sian Clifford, Paul Dano, Benicio del Toro, Hugh Grant, Michael McKean, Kumail Nanjiani, Chris O’Dowd, Rosamund Pike, Sam Rockwell, Kristin Scott Thomas, Rufus Sewell, Stellan Skarsgård, Sophie Turner, Emily Watson and Michelle Williams among a long list of distinguished and beloved performers.

https://www.emmys.com/events/71st-emmy-nominations-announcement

Multiple Emmy nominees across different properties include: six-time Emmy winner James Corden secured nominations in multiple categories, including Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Competition Program (The World’s Best) and for his work on Carpool Karaoke and The Late Late Show with James Corden franchises; Sandra Oh (Killing Eve, Saturday Night Live); RuPaul (RuPaul’s Drag Race, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked); Patricia Arquette (Escape at Dannemora, The Act); Adam Sandler (Saturday Night Live, Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh); as well as first-time nominee Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve, Fleabag). First-time nominee Marie Kondo received two nominations for Tidying Up With Marie Kondo. Ava DuVernay was nominated for Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Directing for When They See Us.

Leading the nominations in totals by platform were HBO (137), Netflix (117), and NBC (58). 
 
Nomination rosters will be finalized from July 16 to July 30, 2019. The rosters may be revised in cases where names or titles are incorrect, or appeals for changes—including the addition or removal of names—are approved by the Primetime Emmy Awards Committee. Producer eligibility is based primarily on title; the producer nominees in certain program categories will be announced later this month. Final-round online voting begins August 15, 2019. 

The complete list of Emmy nominations, media credential applications, and other Academy news are all available at Emmys.com.

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will air Saturday, September 21 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on FXX, and will be executive produced by Bob Bain.

The 71st Emmy Awards, will air live coast-to-coast from the Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 22 (8:00-11:00 PM ET live/5:00-8:00 PM PT live) on FOX. Don Mischer Productions and Done+Dusted will co-produce the telecast.

Jodi Taffel shows the public how to create advanced culinary dishes in Walmart recipe series. 

La Puente, Calif., – The world’s largest Food Sport event, the World Food Championships (WFC), has partnered with the world’s largest retailer for a series of free food, fiery entertainment and at-home cooking tips at a La Puente Walmart near you. 

Jodi received her ticket into the Food Sport world by being crowned the champion of a Grilled Cheese contest. Little did she know, that grilled cheese changed her life … well, sort of. Since then, Jodi has been given the nickname “The Bacon Babe,” served on the Ambassador Council of the World Food Championships and competed for the 2018 Bacon World Champion title in November.

When Jodi is not competing, she is traveling the nation sharing her Bacon Babe tips and tricks with Walmart shoppers! Catch the Bacon Babe while you can and schedule an exclusive interview! 

WHO: The Bacon Babe, Jodi Taffel, will be hosting an interactive cooking demonstration 

for consumers to give them tips on how to create competition-grade dishes at home. 

WHEN: Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

WHERE: Walmart Store #5639 

1425 N HACIENDA BLVD LA PUENTE, CA 91744 

HOW: This event is FREE to the public. No RSVP is required. 

WHY: This culinary expert shows consumers how to create competition-quality dishes 

from the convenience of their own kitchens without breaking the bank. 

Interview Opportunity: 

● World Food Championships’ Competitor, Jodi Taffel 

○ The Bacon Babe 

○ Most recently seen on: 

■ Guy’s Grocery Games: Big Bacon Battle 

■ Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen–Winner 

■ Cooking Channel’s Farmer’s Market Flip 

About the World Food Championships The 7th Annual World Food Championships (www.WorldFoodChampionships.com) featured 450 culinary teams from 13 countries and more than 40 American states. The event, which provides a level playing field for home cooks, pro teams and chefs, uses a tournament-style format to narrow its field to 10 category champions. With three national TV programs since its inception and almost $2 million awarded in cash and prizes, WFC is the largest and fastest growing platform in Food Sport for aspirational culinary artisans that are seeking fortune and fame. The main event will be held in Dallas, Texas in 2019. The Top 10 Category Champions will be crowned to see who will qualify for WFC’s Final Table and a $100,000 prize purse. For all WFC updates, follow World Food Championships on Twitter (@WorldFoodChamp), and Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships).

Simi Valley, Calif. – The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is proud to present The World of da Vinci, featuring 2 rare folios of the authentic, 500-year-old Codex Atlanticus.

This remarkable exhibition also features over three-dozen reconstructions of Leonardo da Vinci’s fantastic machines, including over a dozen that are built life size including his Mechanical Lion, Mechanical Bat and Great Kite. The Reagan Library is also showcasing the worldwide premiere of da Vinci’s Double Continuous Organ, which is one of his most functional projects!

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The two authentic folios on display, known as 710 and 897, are shown alongside their real life, reconstructed counterparts (The Flying Bicycle, Flying Tandem and Mazzocchio) and allow you to explore the true artistry and virtuoso of da Vinci.

Come discover the true Leonardo da Vinci through these sources of inspiration: a workshop of ideas and designs for everyone.

In The World of da Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous art also comes to life with digitally restored, (life-size) reproductions of The Mona Lisa, Vitruvian Man, The Last Supper and Lady with an Ermine. Each are displayed alongside interactive kiosks where you can learn more about the artwork, learn how the artwork has been restored over the years, and more!

https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/online-ticket-sales/

Santa Clarita, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita is excited to partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to host a series of Smart Gardening Workshops that promote environmentally friendly ways to maintain your garden. Multiple workshops will be held at two local library branches – the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library and the Valencia Library.

For gardeners just starting out, beginner workshops will cover the basic techniques of composting, worm composting, water-wise gardening and grasscycling.

For advanced gardeners with a green thumb, the advanced workshops will include tips on organic gardening, landscaping with native, drought-tolerant plants and integrated pest management.

Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library – 18601 Soledad Canyon Rd

·         Beginner Workshop – Saturday, July 20, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

·         Advanced Workshop – Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Valencia Library – 23743 West Valencia Blvd

·         Advanced Workshop – Saturday, September 28, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more information about the Smart Gardening Program, including instructional videos on gardening tips and a full list of workshops, please visitGreenSantaClarita.com.

Relive the momentous experience. FREE at The Paley Center!

Saturday & Sunday, July 20 & 21, 2019, in New York & Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Calif. / New York – Eight years after President Kennedy committed the country to the goal of landing a man on the moon by the end of the decade, NASA fulfilled that mission on July 20, 1969 with more than a half a billion people watching live around the world. The Paley Center honors this historic achievement by screening the first hour of the moon walk, along with two documentaries and a scripted program that illuminate the enduring legacy of our first journey to the moon.

TICKETS

Screenings are FREE and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance ticketing.

The Paley Center for Media in New York
25 West 52 Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues.
More information about visiting the Paley Center in New York.

The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles
465 N. Beverly Drive, at S. Santa Monica Blvd.
More information about visiting the Paley Center in Los Angeles.

Highlights from the Paley Archive

12:15 and 4:15 pmEpic Journey of Apollo 11: Moonwalk

Here is what the world was watching live the evening of July 20, 1969. History is made when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, one at a time, climb out of the lunar module and walk on the moon. This momentous segment ends with the astronauts placing an American flag on the lunar surface, which Aldrin described as “magnificent desolation.” (CBS; 1969; 52 min.)

1:15 pm
The Day They Landed; July 20, 1969

The documentary special was produced on the ten-year anniversary of the moon landing, creating a concise history of the US Space program. There are interviews from all three Apollo 11 astronauts and other figures from the era reflecting on the significance of the landing. (NBC; 1979; 60 min.)

2:15 pm
From the Earth to the Moon: Mare Tranquilitatis

Part 6 of a twelve part series, the episode presents the Apollo 11 mission through the lens of Buzz Aldrin, played by a pre-Breaking Bad Bryan Cranston. (HBO; 1998; 56 min.)

3:15 pm
ABC News Special: Infinite Horizons: Space Beyond Apollo

For fans of science, both fact and fiction, this special provides a fascinating look into the future of space travel with topics ranging from lunar colonies to intergalactic travel. Hosted by acclaimed science fiction writer Ray Bradbury with an appearance from Isaac Asimov, the program presents a look at both the future of space exploration and what the U.S. of late seventies thought about that future. (ABC; 1979; 60 min.)

Photo credit: Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong; image credit: NASA

The Paley Center in New York
25 West 52 Street 
New York, NY 10019 
212.621.6600The Paley Center in Los Angeles
465 N. Beverly Drive 
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 
310.786.1000