Alex Distefano

L.A. native Emmanuel Masongsong knew he wanted to pursue a career in science after he got a book on his sixth birthday. But even with a full-time career in science, Masongsong finds an outlet as a musician, performing Indian music and jazz, classical and even black metal....

Through Conga Kids, an arts-based educational nonprofit, L.A. fifth and sixth graders learn dance styles including merengue, tango, swing and salsa. More important, they learn about working toward goals, expression through movement, and the fundamentals of teamwork....

Culver City resident and longtime ferret owner Megan Mitchell is one of the leaders in the fight to legalize domesticated ferrets as pets. She considers her pet ferrets, Kudzu and Krampus, to be family. “When I'm not working or advocating for ferrets, I just like to spend time with them,” Mitchell said. “They are very social animals and love to play."...