Patrick Range McDonald

L.A. Pride parade in 2009; Credit: Patrick Range McDonald

Will L.A. Gay Pride Change With (Sort Of) New Leadership?

Patrick Range McDonald
Will L.A. Pride, the gay pride event that's held in West Hollywood every year, really change? That's the big question now that Christopher Street West President Rodney Scott has stepped down and been replaced by two CSW board members, Patti DiLuigi and Steve Ganzell. Christopher Street West produces L.A. Pride......
Chris Shabel; Credit: Gregory Bojorquez

Chris Shabel, Dedicated Citizen Activist, Has Died

Patrick Range McDonald
Chris Shabel was not a TV reality star, a famous actress, or a one-time pop singer. She also never held elected office or was considered a political insider at L.A. City Hall. But for decades, she did something very important. As a determined neighborhood activist in Hollywood, Shabel actively used......
River Phoenix in Running on Empty

How River Phoenix Inspired a Generation

Patrick Range McDonald
Twenty years ago in the early hours of October 31, River Phoenix, the brooding, talented actor who seemed more interested in creating great art than scoring a box office blockbuster, died at the age of 23. When I heard the news about his death in 1993, I was angry, shocked,......
Credit: Kevin Scanlon

Hollywood Still Discriminates Against Queer Actors, UCLA Study Says

Patrick Range McDonald
UCLA and SAG-AFTRA recently released a condemning report that shows LGBT actors believe they still face discrimination in the workplace, particularly by casting directors, directors, and producers. "The survey results show both progress and indications that more work will be necessary to make the workplace an equal and fully welcoming......
Credit: Franco Bouly /Flickr

Does Facebook Help Prevent HIV?

Patrick Range McDonald
Facebook has been blamed for everything from causing narcissistic behavior to influencing teens to smoke and drink more. But UCLA has revealed that Facebook can also do some good. In a recent study by UCLA researchers, it was found that using behavioral science methods as well as social media such......
Do you want to put these landscapers out of work?; Credit: Elvert Barnes/Flickr

Will 'Time Bank' Put People Out of Work?

Patrick Range McDonald
So there's this thing that's growing in popularity among the brainiacs and do-gooders in Silver Lake these days, and it's called a "Time Bank." The idea of it sounds groovy and interesting, but an unintended consequence of the Time Bank is that it may put you, me, and a whole......
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly; Credit: L.A. Dodgers

Dodgers Go Gay: First LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium

Patrick Range McDonald
The first place Los Angeles Dodgers are all set to recognize their gay, bisexual, and transgender fans at the organization's first ever LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium on September 27. If you remember, two lesbians, Danielle Goldey and Meredith Kott, were kicked out of Dodger Stadium in 2000 for kissing......

Sherman Oaks Residents Enraged Over Fire Station Secrecy

Patrick Range McDonald
Outside Room 1060 in City Hall, the neighbors from the Valley aren't happy. In fact, Mary Beth Schwartzenberger, Lori Lynn and the others are steaming — they're ripping into Carolyn Ramsay, chief of staff to Councilman Tom LaBonge, about an under-the-radar move to erect an often-deafening, potentially toxic fire station......