Wednesday, January 29, 2025

January 29th at 9:30am - L.A.’s legendary retired meteorologist Fritz Coleman shares details about his current Residency at THE EL PORTAL MONROE FORUM - a special performance to benefit California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund



Fritz Coleman invites you to an afternoon of Comedy
at the El Portal Theatre February 23rd, March 30th, and April 27th


El Portal Theatre, in the intimate Monroe Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd.,
North Hollywood, CA 91601




WHAT/WHO: Unassisted Residency. Live comedy performance by beloved TV personality Fritz Coleman, with special guests.


WHERE: El Portal Theatre, in the intimate Monroe Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.


WHEN: Sundays at 3 p.m. on January 26, February 23, March 30, and April 27, 2025. Further 2025 dates to be announced.


ADMISSION: $40 general admission; $50 cocktail table seating.


ONLINE TICKETING: https://www.elportaltheatre.com/fritzcoleman.html


Fritz Coleman’s monthly engagements at the Monroe Forum in North Hollywood have consistently been selling out, and his run at the intimate venue is extending into 2025. Fritz Coleman’s Unassisted Residency is the El Portal’s longest-running attraction, and tickets to this show make a great holiday gift idea.


Coleman has accrued a base of devoted fans throughout Southern California thanks to his four-decade, Emmy®-winning career as a weatherman and newscaster for NBC and his designation as honorary mayor of Toluca Lake. But he also had careers as an actor, writer, and comedian.


Fritz has done live solo comedy shows before (The Reception; It’s Me, Dad!). His newest show, Unassisted Residency, gives him a platform to talk about those topics which emerge from his current perspective: that of a still vital seventy-something. His show for “woke boomers” will cover things like Zoom school, retirement, becoming vegan, pharmaceuticals, celebrating growing up, and growing old. The show will also feature some of his favorite stories and observations about modern life.


Fritz will share the stage with a special guest each month.


The shows are all matinee performances. Fritz says, “The show starts early…because I’m trying to be sensitive to the needs of my particular demographic….old people and their parents…I promise to have you home by dark.”

Plying his trade with a gentler touch than some of his contemporaries, Fritz performs clean comedy.

“Beguiling and very funny…Recommended.”---Stage Raw

“Coleman is always welcoming…We DO need a weatherman to know the way the wind blows.”---Showmag.com

“Each show will continue to have the audience reflecting on their own life, while rolling in laughter…Wonderful.”---L.A. Splash.

Please make your reservations early to avoid disappointment, as this show will continue to sell out. Fritz wants to welcome you.















Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Joining Janeane on Wednesday January 22nd at 9:30am is Mikey Latner Founder | Executive Director of Project: Camp


Project:Camp is a disaster response nonprofit that pops up free, trauma-informed day camps for children impacted by disasters. We're currently running multiple camps in and around Los Angeles to support families impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.





Project:Camp’s MIssion

Care for children, relief for families, resilience for communities

Mikey Latner
Founder | Executive Director

A former camp director with two decades of camp experience under his belt, Mikey founded Project:Camp with the idea that camp and childcare professionals have critical skills to offer in times of emergency. In developing our pop-up camp model, Mikey sought to use the structure of camp as a vehicle to bring joy, safety and peace of mind to children and parents impacted by natural disasters. He hopes this work leads to a seismic shift in the disaster response ecosystem, creating a more holistic, trauma-informed and community-driven model that prioritizes the needs of families during emergencies.


Wednesday January 22nd at 9:00am - Dr. Linda Eckert, author of ENOUGH - Because We Can Stop Cervical Cancer, and internationally recognized expert in immunizations and cervical cancer prevention.


Dr. Linda Eckert, author of ENOUGH in the New Year. Internationally recognized expert in immunizations and cervical cancer prevention, Dr Eckert has worked as a consultant with the World Health Organization on global cancer prevention for the last fifteen years, facilitating policy development for the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening. She is a Professor of obstetrics and gynecology with an Infectious Disease Fellowship at University of Washington’s Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Global Health.

For over thirty years, Dr. Eckert has been based at Seattle’s Harborview Hospital, the largest public hospital in the Pacific Northwest, serving people from all over the globe who represent a broad spectrum of economic means and disease symptoms. 

She has also been able to work in multiple countries above and below the equator, seeing patients, doing policy development, and assisting health ministries to plan for cervical cancer screening, or HPV vaccine introduction – most recently in Pakistan.

Cervical cancer kills nearly 350,000 women globally each year. What’s more horrifying is that millions have died of this disease that's nearly 100% preventable.
 

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, an ideal chance to raise awareness of cervical cancer and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer. 

Reviews:

“Beautifully written, Enough is a searing call to arms, for too many women are dying of cervical cancer when we have the tools to save their lives. The unnecessary human cost of cervical cancer is a scandal, and one that Dr. Eckert is determined to fix.” Nicholas Kristof, Columnist, The New York Times and co-author of Half the Sky

“Eckert presents an urgent and powerful call to action to save lives, based on her decades of practice and research around the world. Enough is an essential resource for anyone concerned with public health, women's rights, and addressing racial and national inequities in healthcare.” Anjli Parrin, Director, Global Human Rights Clinic


Cervical cancer kills nearly 350,000 women globally each year. What’s more horrifying is that millions have died of this disease that's nearly 100% preventable. It's no secret that healthcare is full of inequities, with a severe lack of accessible screening programs. But women's health care is also impeded by cultural, gender, and political barriers, issues that have combined to create devastating consequences.

A leading expert in cervical cancer prevention, Dr. Linda Eckert takes her years of practice and weaves it together with the voices of the courageous women who use their own experience of cervical cancer to advocate for change in this passionate call-to-action. Publishing to coincide with Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, this heart-breaking yet hopeful book takes you through the world of cervical cancer, with evidence-based information, personal stories, and actionable outcomes, covering topics like:


The power of prevention

The deadly link between inequality and cervical cancer

Obstacles to vaccination, screening, and treatment

And how readers can help in their own communities.


Society flourishes when women have access to safe and affordable healthcare. Together we can make this need a reality and eliminate the world's most preventable cancer.


About the Author

Dr. Linda Eckert is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology with an Infectious Disease Fellowship at the University of Washington and an internationally recognized expert in immunizations and cervical cancer prevention. For over thirty years, Dr. Eckert has worked at Seattle's Harborview Hospital, treating people from all around the world. Frequently in the spotlight for her expertise in HPV vaccinations and cervical cancer screenings, Dr. Eckert is passionate in her drive to eliminate this deadly disease.

Information and resources for those impacted by the LA County Fires. Here is a partial list of where to get free food, resources and other care information.



Current Wildfire Information
latest updates on the fires, evacuation orders, shelters, and other essential services.
https://211la.org/LA-Wildfires

The following list will continue to be updated. You can find details about free meals provided by World Central Kitchen, resources, FEMA vouchers for rent, resources for finding a lost pet, and free items donated by communities far and wide.


9ThirtyLA: This event venue in downtown Los Angeles is offering free meals
to first responders and fire evacuees.
Until January 31, 2025, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

---------------------------

Shoutout to My Modern Metfounded by California natives and based in Orange County, California. As a way to contribute to their own community, they pulled together a list of local resources to help anyone who may be in need of aid and essentials, whether it be clothing, shelter, food, or anything in between.
                  Local Resources to Help Los Angelenos Affected by the Fires

--------------------------------





Fellow Angelenos- If you're looking for a way to help out those affected by the fires, see below.

This week, Jimmy Kimmel Live is hosting a donation center at their backlot in Hollywood, where they are distributing essential items to those in need.
Jimmy Kimmel Live Donation Center
Monday, January 13- Friday January 17
10am - 6pm
6901 Hawthorn Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Accepted Items:
Bottled Water & Gatorade
Baby Food
Pet Food
Non-perishable Food Items – canned goods or individually wrapped snacks (like bags of pretzels or chips)
New Toiletries/Hygiene Products
New Socks/Underwear
Diapers
Baby Wipes

 













If you’ve lost a pet in the wildfires or were forced to evacuate without them, local animal organizations are here to help.
There are teams that have official approval to go into the burn areas to rescue animals that are injured, sick, trapped, or otherwise need help.
Here's a running list of resources:
- Pasadena Humane
- Cleo’s Critter Care
- Boomer's Buddies Rescue
Makenna Sievertson
David Ryder/Getty Images North America



FREE MEALS provided by World Central Kitchen

























Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network

Group Directory

A collection of mutual aid groups across the greater LA area



Here is a link to companies donating free items for those impacted by the horrific fires in the Los Angeles community:

MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources - Google Drive







Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Coming up Wednesday January 15th at 9:00am - Ali Weinstein, co-founder of the Hollywood Climate Summit joins Janeane live on KUCI 88.9fm


LISTEN
to today's show
featuring Ali Weinstein

Ali Weinstein is a queer TV writer, climate storytelling expert and co-founder of the Hollywood Climate Summit, where she's programmed dozens of panels with high level talent and experts, educating Hollywood on the power of culture to solve the climate crisis. 

She recently accepted a position as Content Lead for the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, advising on climate storytelling content strategy for coalition member studios like The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery and more. 

As a writer, she firmly believes every story is a climate story, which is evident in her previous work on NBC’s “Law & Order: For the Defense,” Netflix’s “Glamorous,” AMC's “Orphan Black: Echoes” and the Web3 video game "Wildcard." 

Ali has been a speaker at cultural hubs like COP28, SXSW, and NYC Climate Week, and featured in the Atlantic, Forbes, Newsweek, L.A. Times, NPR, The Hollywood Reporter and Rolling Stone for her climate storytelling efforts in Hollywood.


About the Hollywood Climate Summit

The Hollywood Climate Summit is a nonprofit organization that produces unique immersive learning experiences and coordinates collective social impact and narrative strategies between the climate movement and Hollywood.

Now in its fifth year, the Hollywood Climate Summit organizes high-energy events and coordinates creative partnerships for cross-sector media professionals to level up their climate knowledge, align strategies, deepen intersectional values, showcase innovation, and lead a cultural movement of sustained climate action. In short, we’re bringing climate solutions to the mainstream and creating a bit of healthy FOMO along the way. 






Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Coming up 1/8/25 - Director Haley Watson is known for films exploring human experience. Her storytelling prowess was exemplified when she pitched the original story for the Oscar-winner, "The Queen of Basketball." Watson's journey through the camera department includes recognition from AFI and ASC. She now debuts the short documentary she directed, "Motorcycle Mary." Haley joins Janeane on KUCI 88.9fm.






LOGLINE

In the 1950s, Mary McGee found her sense of freedom when she became the first American woman to race motorcycles. Mary’s pioneering journey of conquering sexism and her own fears paved the way for the next chapter in motorsports.


SYNOPSIS

The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee, MOTORCYCLE MARY brings to light, with stunning never-before-seen archival footage and stills,
an undaunted racing career spanning thirty years that saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines.



Born on the eve of World War II, Mary’s early life is riddled with fear, but with
her older brother Jim’s guidance, Mary conquers her apprehensive nature and discovers the art of composure—a skill that serves her to take on the racetrack. Following in her brother’s footsteps, Mary's remarkable racing odyssey begins
in the world of cars, where she outshines her male competitors, only to later discover her greatest sense of freedom racing motorcycles.



Confronted by sexism and personal tragedy, Mary perseveres, pushing herself to greater and greater heights—culminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Attempting to become the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle.

ABOUT DIRECTOR HALEY WATSON

Haley Watson is a director known for crafting intimate films that delve into the depths of the human experience. Her keen storytelling prowess was exemplified when she discovered and pitched the original story for the 2021 Academy Award-winning "The Queen of Basketball." Haley's journey began in the camera department, where she honed her filmmaking skills while on set with luminaries like Lynn Shelton and David Lynch. Transitioning to a director of photography, her exceptional talents earned recognition from institutions like AFI's Cinematography Intensive for Women and ASC's Vision Mentorship Program. Subsequently, she ventured into directing; helming independent narratives and commercials for clients like Puma and Microsoft. Haley now marks her short documentary directorial debut with "Motorcycle Mary".


DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Motorcycle Mary is a resounding reminder that women can do anything.


This film reflects Mary McGee’s life and her resilience in the face of adversity.
Mary never let anyone stop her from doing what she loved most in this world: racing. Along with her extensive list of glass ceilings broken for women in
various motorsport disciplines, including transcending gender and becoming
the first person to ride the Baja 500 solo on a motorcycle, Mary demonstrates unmatched courage.


I wanted to make this film because it is important to shed light on a story
that is more than just ‘firsts’ or a list of accomplishments for an athlete.
It is the mentality behind the wins and losses that makes Mary triumphant
in the face of tragic loss, injury, misogyny, all while riding on trails described
to be “designed by the devil himself.” During her racing career, Mary was
never fully recognized for the roads she paved, yet she still found optimism
in everyone and everything. 

Why wouldn’t anyone want to be able to find levity in the face of a challenge?
This holistic sense of peace, while remaining under the shadow of her male
peers, kept Mary in balance to chase her passion and never let anyone stand
in the way of her happiness.


While riding under the radar, Mary is still able to find a sense of grace on the
track. You can replace a motorcycle with any other discipline in a male-dominated field, and you will find incredibly courageous women. Women that, by their presence, make a statement of saying ‘I belong.’ In a world where women
still fight for access to their own bodies, I hope women are inspired by
Mary’s story. I hope anyone can learn from her impervious optimism.


This film paves the way to celebrate a racing pioneer in motorcycle road racing,
car racing, motocross, and the grueling Baja Peninsula races. Above all, Mary chose to face her fears, breathe, and ‘just say yes’ to life.


– Haley Watson, Director




KEY CREDITS

Featuring Mary McGee

Directed by Haley Watson

Produced by Rachel Greenwald, Haley Watson

Executive Producers Lewis Hamilton, Ben Proudfoot

Edited by Cody Wilson

Cinematographer Haley Watson

Sound Supervisor & Re-Recording Mixer Sean Higgins

Color by Stephen Derluguian

Original Score by Katya Richardson 





ABOUT ESPN FILMS

ESPN Films has been an industry leader in documentary filmmaking since its inception in March 2008, producing more than 100 documentaries that have showcased some of the most compelling stories in sports. The high quality of storytelling, highlighted by the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for
30 series and the Academy-Award® winning documentary “O.J.: Made in America,” has led to record viewership as well as multiple honors and critical acclaim. Additional projects from ESPN Films over the years have included
30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX, SEC Storied and Emmy award-winning docu-series “The Last Dance.” ESPN+ is the exclusive home for the entire 30 for 30 library.


ABOUT BREAKWATER STUDIOS

BREAKWATER STUDIOS is a two-time Academy Award® winning filmmaking company dedicated to championing short documentaries and the works they inspire. Breakwater Studios’ work has been recognized by the Sundance Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, SXSW, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Emmy Awards, James Beard Foundation Awards, and the Peabody Awards, among many others.


2024 AWARDS


Nevada Women’s Film Festival

Winner – Best Female Protagonist


Cordillera International Film Festival
Winner – Best Nevada Short Documentary


Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival

Winner – Best Short Film

Winner – People’s Choice Award


Hot Springs Documentary Festival
Winner – Grand Jury Special Mention


Newport Beach Film Festival
Winner – Audience Award: Best Action Sport Short



2024 FESTIVALS


Tribeca Festival – World Premiere


DOC NYC: Short List Shorts


Nevada Women’s Film Festival


Walla Walla Movie Crush


Indy Shorts International Film Festival


Hollyshorts Film Festival


Atlantic International Film Festival


Camden International Film Festival


Nashville Film Festival


Cordillera International Film Festival


Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival


San Diego International Film Festival


Chicago International Film Festival


Newport Beach Film Festival


Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival


Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival







In honor of the recent passing of Richard M. Cohen, Janeane re-airs her conversation with the bestselling author and award-winning journalist. In this conversation from 2018. Richard shares his journey with multiple sclerosis and the world of stem cell research in his latest book, Chasing Hope - A Patient's Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith and the Future



About Chasing Hope
Richard M. Cohen struggles with failing limbs and is legally blind due to his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. He has survived two bouts of colon cancer and a life-threatening blood clot in his lungs. After enduring decades of harsh treatments and invasive therapies, Cohen decided to trade in his life as a patient. Cohen chronicles his journey with humor, self-deprecation, and incredible insight in his new memoir, CHASING HOPE: A Patient’s Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith, and the Future.

In 2012, Cohen and his wife, Meredith Vieira, were invited to host and chair an adult stem cell conference at the Vatican. Scientists would be gathering in Rome to discuss stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, including MS. A believer in the power of denial and determination over faith and hope, Cohen was caught off guard by what he learned. Medical technology had advanced further and more quickly than Cohen had known. Could there be a chance his health could improve? Could MS be cured? As Cohen took part in a pioneering stem cell protocol, he opened himself to the possibility of hope for the first time in his adult life.

On today's show, Richard discusses:

· His experience with Stem Cell therapy: what he did, and how he’s doing now

· How he and his family deal with the everyday reality of his ever-changing health status

· Why he decided to end his traditional treatment, and how his doctors reacted

· His thoughts on faith and religion, and how his friends’ and colleagues’ faith inform his own thoughts on religion

· Cohen’s own thoughts on the difference between hope and faith and what that means for patients with illness.

Cohen's deep dive into the cutting-edge world of stem cell research and his journalistic investigation of hope includes interviews with doctors, scientists, and religious leaders, as well as conversations with others living with chronic conditions, all with the goal of understanding a hope that is both elusive and alluring.


About Richard M. Cohen
Richard M. Cohen is the author of two New York Times bestsellers: a memoir, Blindsided, detailing his struggles with MS and cancer and his controversial career in the news business; and Strong at the Broken Places, following the lives of five individuals living with serious chronic illnesses. His distinguished career in network news earned him numerous awards, including three Emmys and a Peabody. Cohen lives outside New York City with his wife, Meredith Vieira. They have three grown children

If you lost your instruments or gear in the LA fires or even some of your beloved vinyl collection, Altadena Musicians Registry is free!

  Register to replace your lost instruments Altadena Musicians Registry is free – get started If you lost your instruments or gear in the LA...