Alan Santana, author, businessman, entrepreneur, and mentor to youth, was recently honored with induction into the Huntington Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary. With family and a few friends in attendance, the 62nd Coast Guard Auxiliary Inducted Boxing Hall of Famer Alan Santana and three others into the local auxiliary during a meeting led by Commander John C. Aden.
Santana is known for his philanthropic work throughout Southern California and for mentoring youth. Alan uses his experience as a husband, father, athlete, author, and businessman to address the challenges affecting youth and communities today. He is the author of the best-selling book Unprotected.
The U.S. Coast Guard plays a crucial role in protecting our shores. It is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and maintaining navigational aids. The Coast Guard’s mission is to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests and environment, both domestically and globally, from natural and man-made threats.
Alan Santana successfully passed the rigorous security qualifications to join this prestigious organization, much to the delight of Commander Aden, a longtime friend. His induction is a testament to his commitment and dedication to serving his community.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has a storied history. On June 23, 1939, Congress passed legislation establishing the Coast Guard Reserve, its volunteer civilian component, to promote boating safety and facilitate the Coast Guard’s operations. Today, Flotilla 06-02, Huntington Harbor, is part of Division 6—District 11 Southern region, a division of Homeland Security.
As a uniformed volunteer agency, the Coast Guard Auxiliary supports the Coast Guard with harbor and coastal waters safety and enforcement. This includes vessel safety inspections, licensing, boating classes, recreational boating safety, and various paddling sports. Auxiliary members train to patrol coastal waters, saving lives and property, assisting in marine safety and environmental protection, radio watch standing, educating the public about boating safety, and much more. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary operates in any mission as directed by the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard or Secretary of Homeland Security.
Over the years, Auxiliary programs have kept pace with boating trends. Members helped implement the provisions of the 1958 Federal Boating Act. In the 1970s, they formed flotillas in sole-state waters to meet local demands for water safety. Auxiliarists receive many awards and recognition for their training, service, and accomplishments. As members of the Auxiliary, they also receive many benefits that are afforded to military personnel.
Alan Santana’s induction into the Coast Guard Auxiliary is a proud moment for his family, friends, and community. His commitment to public service and safety exemplifies the values and mission of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Alan will use his experience and training to mentor and encourage youth to learn about the pride of being a Volunteer Coast Guard and community service.
The Family of Funk Kicks off the Soul Party: A Night to Remember Vernan Hicks and Stowe Village Entertainment produced an unforgettable show recently at the Universal Bar and Grill. Jessica Saavedra hosted and directed the show, using her comedic talents to keep the audience entertained and laughing until it was time to start the music.
The Universal Bar and Grille was the perfect setting for this unique venue in LA, known for its good music, delicious food, and convenient location; added an extra layer of fun to the evening as the friendly staff made sure the patrons enjoyed an array of wines, beer, and spirits creating an ambiance of a pub friendly environment.
What really kicked off an unforgettable evening was the anticipation of hearing the incredibly show-stopping sounds of the Family of Funk.
While the patrons began to fill the bar, seats, and standing room only, talented musicians. Jason Maye and Isaac Guiden appeared on stage, bringing their pop and R&B flavor with spine-tingling compositions.
Guitarist Maleek Deering and pianist James Morgan showcased their mastery of their respective instruments with unique approaches. Adding to the night’s musical lineup was the popular local rock band Anita Squeeze, performing as a trio to an enthusiastic crowd.
The evening’s headliner, The Family of Funk, stepped onto the stage with rousing applause as many fans took out their cell phones to capture the incomparable sound of Frank Greenfield, Mia Dunn, Sheree Dunn, and Waymon Starks. The group members can boast of their past experiences within the recording industry in the genres of Pop, R&B, Funk and HipHop as writers and record producers achieving gold and platinum records, Grammy nominations, and Golden Globe Awards. Members of the group have also toured with top entertainment acts. In addition, they create and perform radio-friendly songs about unity and love, blending those styles with a modern edge. Kori Lewis is on drums, Joseph Love is on bass guitar, and Walter Thompson is on the keyboard, rounding out the group.
The Family of Funk is more than just a group of amazing performers. They are an international composition of artists who bring their multi-cultural backgrounds to the forefront of every performance.
The band members exude a stage presence that can’t be ignored. And what a sense of style! Fresh off the success of their hit song “EITM feat: LISO,” which has enjoyed months of radio play and broke into the top 100 charts on adult radio, the band has been approached for several tours in Europe, Hawaii, and across the US into next year.
Upon interviewing a few members, I learned that their short—and long-term plans are based on strong business sense. They continue to write new material, produce other artists and are very involved in fashion.
The Family of Funk brought together various talents, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees. If you ever see The Family of Funk live, don’t miss out—you’re in for a treat!
You can find out where their next performance will be by joining their mailing list: thefamilyoffunk.net.
I had a discussion recently with a friend about the upcoming (or morally downsliding) US Presidential election. He said that he couldn’t vote for Trump because Trump was immoral and a criminal. My answer was that every politician, except, perhaps, Washington, Lincoln, and Truman has engaged in immoral offenses and criminal behavior. He agreed but then retorted, “That’s like saying to a police officer, “Everybody speeds so why stop me?”
My answer to that is found in questioning our own personal and political standards. If “everyone” speeds or if “every” presidential candidate or president (again, with the exception of Washington, Lincoln and Truman…and yes, I’ll give you Carter, who only lusted in his heart) has engaged in immoral behavior and criminal activity, why aren’t we proud to admit that our moral and legal standards, as a nation, are in the gutter?
If our moral compass isn’t working, to the point that we tolerate immoral and illegal activity among those who are supposed to serve us, why pick on one person as an example of our holier than now attitude? Why not, instead, admit to the world that we have no standards and just give everyone a pass?
I think the answer is that (as a nation or as a decaying society) we don’t want to admit we’re very flawed. Wanting to appear to the world as adherents to morality and legality, we make a sacrificial lamb out of one person to hide behind our own highly decadent tolerance levels.
This low class brand of tolerance mirrors the ICC (as the holier than thou war crimes standard bearer for the world) blaming Netanyahu for the war that Hamas started. This is clearly the result of anti semitism. When the Jews didn’t fight back against the Nazis the world blamed us. Now that we fight back against the new Nazis (re born from the old clan…check out history, folks), the world blames us. No matter what we do, the constant rallying refrain is to “blame it on the Jews”. This is clearly evidenced by the fact that the ICC says nothing about war crimes by other countries and groups within them, such as the Janjawied in Sudan and Darfur (finding “not enough evidence”), Russia against Ukraine, and by Hamas Inc. before and on October 7th, to name just three among thousands going on every nanosecond the planet turns.
The current disgusting double standard of decency means the ICC has absolutely no standards about war crimes. But to cover that fact up, it selectively chooses, for its own aggrandizement, to put on a sacrificial lamb show against Israel, led by none other than Mrs. George Clooney (who should be ashamed of herself) while praised by Hamas, as her Hollow-wood cronies and our so called “democratic” (as in democrats) politicians remain deafeningly silent.
The only way to hold ourselves accountable for our outwardly stated (but inwardly corrupt) beliefs that we adhere to moral and legal principles is to clean up our own messes and “throw all the bums out”.
Lacking the willingness to do so, let’s just admit we’re drunk on decay, allow every head of state and every politician to act according to our no-standard policies, and do away with public shaming so that Trump can try to do his job, to make an attempt to defend us. If he’s not allowed that chance, G-d help us as Jews and all others who will also be seen as infidels.
Finally!! For your exciting senior living pleasure, located at Rivers Edge Retirement Community, which is on the corner edge of sanity and confusion:
NEW ROOM AVAILABLE (pictured above) with an exclusive view of the comings and goings of life on the edge.
A “river” view—complete with sitting ducks, stray cats doing what stray cats do, fish (that smell fishy…which this ad is tending to be) and snakes can be made available, but the same will require expensive renovations, to enhance the pockets of the brother-in-law of the decorator who brought you the last edgy wreckovation.
Straps on the bed-centered units (as shown) are now readily available for vivid, imaginative public displays of pleasure. The lower price of a strapless bed unit may be attractive to some, but management assumes no responsibility for fallen women (or men) in any of those units.
Two public bathrooms are on the same floor of these unique units (which become private if your memory serves to lock the door), and you’ll be happy to know that one of the bathrooms on each floor is usually working.
If both are out of order, one elevator to other working and broken facilities is sometimes available but, if not, the one stairway provides excellent exercise potential.
If a resident is not into using the 24/7stairway exercise program, watching the employees perform it often enough allows eyes to dry out and (not at the same time) the ability to encounter dry eye water weight loss from that exciting spectator sport, without ever having to move from the comfort of your strapped or strapless bed.
Other on site exercises include:
rocking in chairs,
watching for snakes,
calling for help to kill them (the snakes…not the residents, also rocking in chairs…those off their rockers are on their own as far as protection goes)
and
making sure they’re not on the menu. By “they’re” not on the menu, reference is to the snakes, again, and not the residents off their rockers.
However, while on the topic of meals (although we weren’t on the topic we should be by now) since we are what we eat, be aware that although our wonderful kitchen crew has been instructed not to cook residents off of their rockers, if the kitchen staff is overly busy, and such a resident wanders in, dressed in a chicken costume, the staff is not responsible for confusing said resident with chicken parts delivered by the lowest food service bidder, and then cooking and serving the same under the guise of a fabulously fabricated fancy chicken dish name, containing chicken ingredients used before in other recipes, but with uniquely different names from previous menu fare, designed by corporate nepotism offspring, who majored in nutrition but couldn’t find a job that paid as well for an imaginary career, to tempt those with bigger appetites than brains into mealtime excitement, as long as ice cream for dessert is also on the menu.
That was a very long sentence which the reader is warned not to even try to say in one breath, as management assumes no responsibility for those not strapped down and then falling over from exhaustion, while reading that (as well as this) sentence aloud.
Pricing, which changes by the nanosecond, for these amazing amenities is available upon written request. Immediate answers will be returned during nanoseconds when the market is at its highest rate.
For questions see the author of this advertisement, a resident whom you will recognize as the only one often walking for exercise while writing blogs on her phone, having constant episodes of ADDDDDD (which is a very easily and often distracted state of mind for her peace and piece of mind, such as it is is is is…until turned off by autocorrect), wandering before, during, and after meals from table to table and then to the coffee station, back again for something forgotten, and beyond, clearly far from any rocker.
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, published fifty years ago, is a work of nonfiction that concerns the author’s experiences in a wild region of Virginia. But the narrative ponders matters that go far beyond the locale indicated by the book’s title. More than anything else, I would say, this is a book about seeing; that is, seeing the water, the trees, the sky, the insects, the micro and the macro, the creature and the Creator.
Along with a superlative ability to see the world around her, the author could write with exceptional clarity. She was a prose-poet in the truest sense of that term, and this comes through on every page. For example:
“It is sheer coincidence that my hunk of the creek is strewn with boulders. I never merited this grace, that when I face upstream I scent the virgin breath of mountains, I feel a spray of mist on my cheeks and lips, I hear a ceaseless splash and susurrus, a sound of water not merely poured smoothly down air to fill a steady pool, but tumbling live about, over, under, around, between, through an intricate speckling of rock.”
But Dillard saw things with a truthful gaze. Nature is not sentimentalized; it is shown to be as brutal as it is beautiful. The first paragraph of the book describes a tomcat with bloodied paws that used to jump through an open window to pay the author a number of late night visits.Elsewhere she describes the voracious, sometimes cannibalistic, eating habits of the praying mantis.
In Chapter 6 (“The Present”) the author details something that happened during a stop at a gas station. The young attendant’s puppy befriends Dillard and follows her outside where she pauses, petting the animal while gazing at a nearby mountain. The mountain undergoes a mysterious transformation, along with everything else:
“This is it, I think, this is it, right now, the present, this empty gas station, here, this western wind, this tang of coffee on the tongue, and I am patting the puppy, I am watching the mountain. And the second I verbalize this awareness in my brain, I cease to see the mountain or feel the puppy.”
The description continues in the same vein, but what strikes me is that the author probably experienced on this occasion what Zen Buddhists call satori—that is, enlightenment.That it passed away or dimmed does not matter. It was a glimpse of a transfigured or eternalized present.
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is one of those rare books that one can keep close to and profitably peruse for a lifetime. By the power of the written word it can draw the reader into intimate communion with the natural world. More than that, it can guide one into a form of seeing that transcends the merely human, into what might be described as a participatory involvement in the very act of creation:
“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).
Love gospel music? We have the best new show around with Carmen’s Love Brunch located in The Composers Room, off strip, on Sundays for lunch. Skye Dee Miles has entertained in Las Vegas for years and always has the best shows. Well, this new show was immensely entertaining and I can’t help but recommend.
Introducing Skye Dee Miles, the electrifying resident performer at The Composers Room in Historic Commercial Center. With a boundless repertoire spanning all genres, Skye Dee Miles is a captivating force, infusing each performance with her signature charisma and a deep-seated passion for storytelling through entertainment.
At Carmen’s Love Brunch, Skye Dee Miles delivers a loud and wildly entertaining experience unlike any other. Starting with a lovely brunch with plenty of soul food dishes, the totally remodeled Composer’s Room was filled to the brim with mostly locals this last weekend for her performance there. Her group of gospel singers and backup musicians entertained us for a good hour. I was thrilled to attend after not seeing her for the last few years, and I cannot tell you how great the show was! Her voice can carry for miles around and her group gives us the most enthusiastic performance I have seen in years. Non-denominational, family-friendly gospel experience is the best. Welcoming all without regard to religion, Carmen’s Love Brunch invites every soul to partake in the uplifting atmosphere each Sunday afternoon.
Skye Dee Miles’s journey in Las Vegas is one of triumph and acclaim. Originally drawn to the city as part of the renowned show “Menopause“, she has since garnered numerous accolades, firmly establishing her as a luminary in the entertainment community. Her achievements include her crowning as the “One Woman Show” winner at the prestigious Best of Las Vegas Awards in 2023 and her induction into the Nevada Chamber of Commerce’s esteemed Woman’s Hall of Fame on March 22, 2024, among countless others.
With her magnetic stage presence and unparalleled talent, Skye Dee Miles continues to captivate audiences. Always full of life and happy to please, I absolutely recommend her show. Starting at noon, Sundays only, come out and have a wonderful afternoon.
It was about 7 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2024, on Gandy bridge. Heading eastbound between St. Petersburg Fl. and Tampa Bay Fl., I saw a brother stopped on the shoulder. By himself. Helmet on ground. Head looking down. His Ducati 1199 up. A helmet on the ground is the international rescue signal of the biker code123. If you observe a biker on the road with the helmet on the ground, you should stop and bring him help. All seemed okay, but something told me to stop.Named Orlando aka “Orly”, our conversation went as follows;
Me: “Are you okay, bro?”
Orly: Still looking at the ground and pointing at what looked like skid marks he said, “My buddy died right here on this spot last night.”
My heart sank. I was speechless. What to say in this situation? Flashbacks and memories of my tour in Baja Mexico when I found my best friend on the ground…lifeless. My mind was all over and my heart was racing.
Me: “I’m so sorry, bro. Do you need anything? How long have you been here? What happened?”
Orly: “I’m okay, thanks.I [sic] been here for three hours now. Looks like he tried to pass someone and it did not go as planned.”
As I looked down observing the skid marks leading to what seemed to be one of the points of impact on the concrete barrier, it became clear this was a bad one. Are there ever any “good” ones? From that point, the skid marks continued showing the likely mangled bike’s trajectory to the other side about 40 yards away. At the end was a large pitch-dark black spot on the road. I suspect by all indications and as reported, this Kawasaki ZX14 went up in flames.
Orly: Looking back at me says,“We just never know do we? And we just keep doing it.”
Me: “Yeah man, I can’t stop. I just can’t. It’s my oasis. Do you want to head out, bro, and clear your mind?”
Orly: “Nah. Thanks, man.”
That’s when I knew the man needed alone time on top of the three hours he had already spent there.We exchanged numbers and agreed to ride together one day.
I don’t know about you, but these types of circumstances always trigger deep reflection within me. If I am honest, much “needed” reflection too! Needless to say, the ride to my next favorite stop—the Epicurean Lounge in Tampa—was pretty defensive.As I reflected, still unaware of the rider’s identity, I concludedthis rider must have been one solid guy. He had to be. Prompting a loyal friend to pay his respects by standing for three hours in the spot he died certainly points in that direction. If I live my life and a few good souls pay respects like that for me, I think I will have lived right. I still got some work to do. Don’t we all?
As it turns out, I found through my exchange with Orly, the rider who passed that Saturday night was American mixed martial artist Geane Herrera aka “La Pulga” (The Flea). It has been reported that Geane Carlos Herrera, May 27, 1990 – May 18, 2024 was an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Flyweight division. He is probably best known for his stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Herrera made his professional mixed martial arts debut in March 2011. He competed primarily for regional organizations in the Southeastern United States where he amassed an undefeated record of 8–0, before signing with the UFC on the heels of a first round finish of Josh Rave in July 2014.
Herrera made his promotional debut against Ray Borg on August 8, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 73. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Herrera was tabbed as a short notice replacement to face Joby Sanchez on December 11, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale, where he filled in for Justin Scoggins. After a back-and-forth two rounds, Herrera earned a TKO finish in the final minute of the second round. Herrera next faced Ali Bagautinov on June 18, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 89. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Herrera faced Ben Nguyen on November 27, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 101. He lost the fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the UFC.
A fighter spirit never ever gives up.Over a year removed from his release, Herrera would go on to face Darren Mima at ACB 85 on April 21, 2018. He won the fight via first-round submission.In 2019, Herrera participated in BKFC tryouts and received a contract to the organization. He was scheduled to make his debut against Abdiel Velazquez at BKFC 8 on October 19, 2019. However, the bout did not materialize due to an unknown reason. Herrera eventually made his debut on July 23, 2021, at BKFC 19. He faced Abdiel Velazquez and won the fight via TKO in the second round.
Orly tells me he trained with Geane, knew him for about 10 years and helped buy a mini bike for Geane’s son. “Geane was all in at all times, no holding back in life. He loved life full force. We loved riding together. We helped each other be safe. We had this bond which we felt free to give each other warnings to ride safer.” That, my good friends, is true authentic brotherhood (sisterhood); the kind of bond we should all aim for in our friendships.
This is not about “policing” each other or nagging.It’s about looking out for each other. If someone gives you a tip you need to see it for what it is, “good intentions”, and welcome it regardless. If you can’t understand that or if you are the type who is unteachable, un-coachable then you will likely finish like a stat.
This encounter caused me to reflect carefully about my riding. I reconsidered areas of improvement. It also triggered hard convos with dear brothers who I love riding with as well;“I say this to you because you matter to me brother. I want to ride for years to come with you and share some good laughs. I don’t want to stand on a curb for three hours because I lost you buddy. Not one of us wants to.”
If you ride and you read this, please take heed. I am certain, both Geane as well as Orly would throw a few punches at anyone today talking cocky and lightly about riding safely. Herrera leaves behind a 16-year-old son, 3 months pregnant girlfriend, his parents, and siblings. Herrera was a proud Colombian-American. His family has launched a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses;Fundraiser by Melisa Herrera : Support Geane’s Family in Their Time of Grief (gofundme.com).So far about $25,000.00 has been raised.
Las Vegas’s Palace Station welcomed the newest restaurant to their property last week. This new addition brings the renowned flavors of Lindo Michoacan’s authentic cuisine to the heart of the hotel and was absolutely filled to the brim with regulars from Las Vegas for opening night. Their festive and fun atmosphere brought everyone out to see one of the best-known Mexican restaurants in town. Starting with a lovely Sangria, the food was hot, fresh, and absolutely terrific!
Located in the former Tacos & Tequila space, they can accommodate 106 guests, offering plenty of cozy booths. The walls are covered in classic Mexican flair, with pots and light fixtures directly from Mexico .
● Patrón margarita ($12)
● Bulldog, Coronorata made with Patrón Silver ($14)
● Bottled Beer and Patrón Silver shot ($14)
● Bucket of mix and match beers ($28) including Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Corona Extra, Corona Premier, Pacifico
We enjoyed many delicious appetizers, including an assortment of both shrimp and fish ceviches, and a marvelous guacamole. A delightful Mexican band provided the entertainment.
The first Lindo Michoacan opened in 1990 and has been booming ever since.
Lindo Michoacan at Palace Station is their 7th establishment and fourth Lindo Michoacan location in the Las Vegas valley. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Palace Station is one of the few hotels left in Las Vegas that has free parking; just blocks off the strip.
Back again! The fabulous Divas show with headliner Frank Marino is doing shows at Virgin Hotels 24 Oxford in Las Vegas. Frank has been doing his show for 40 years and has starred all over the country bringing laughter, fun, and happy people to watch his ever-changing impersonator Divas.
This time around he has guest stars Lady Gaga, Cher, Diana Ross, Beyonce, Britney, Lizzo, and Pink. Marino, himself, is staying as the ever exuberant Joan Rivers. Frank always knew he would be a star and has won tons of awards for his portrayal of Rivers. Every stitch of his costumes reflects his wit and style.
For 30 years Marino headlined on the strip, where over 10 million people have seen him perform. He has written books that have become bestsellers and made his movie debut in the film Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous with Sandra Bullock. The mayor of Las Vegas has proclaimed a Frank Marino Day and has given him the key to the city.
Frank’s next performances are July 14 and 21. Don’t miss this show if you are in Las Vegas—4 p.m. show time. Funny, witty, awe-inspiring. Free parking at Virgin Hotel.
X Burlesque, Las Vegas’ sexiest and most provocative female revue, celebrated its 22nd anniversary on the famed Las Vegas Strip. At the Flamingo Casino it is set in an intimate, cabaret-like environment, running 75-minutes. This female revue seats you up close to the stage for its beautifully staged production and high energy performance. Bathtubs, boas, tassels, and more, as the X Burlesque ladies show pretty much all, while playing to members in the audience. My number one show in Las Vegas for burlesque holds 10 shows per week at the X Burlesque Theater.
In honor of its anniversary, X Burlesque has brought in new costumes and eight new dance numbers. The world-renowned, Emmy Award-winning choreographer Chucky Klapow, whose credits include the High School Musical films, Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” and Mick Jagger has joined the team. The beautiful “X Girls” will tease and seduce audiences in a variety of new dance numbers. The production is produced from long-time friends Matt and Angela Stabile.
Stabile Productions also have the “Piff the Magic Dragon” who share the same casino along with “X Country”. Angela was originally a showgirl and Matt runs a whole production company. The celebration began with drinks and appetizers at Bugsy and Meyers, a true Italian restaurant.
