As the legal hemp market expands, more manufacturers are developing ways to extract the max cannabinoids and terpenes from this fascinating plant. CBD-rich concentrates like shatter, diamonds, and budder have become top sellers in many dispensaries. However, only live resin has earned high praise as the “champagne” of hemp concentrates.

Unlike many other hemp concentrates, live resin isn’t best known for its high cannabinoid concentrations. While the CBD levels in live resin are high, they aren’t the reason this extract has gained such significant attention. Anyone interested in the latest innovations in the CBD concentrate space must learn what CBD live resin is all about.

What Makes CBD Live Resin So Special?

Live resin is a relatively new hemp extract best known for its exceptionally high concentrations of aromatic terpenes. The reason live resin has such a strong flavor profile is due to a special “flash-freezing” technique. First developed in Colorado, this extraction process involves quickly freezing fresh hemp flowers before putting them through a butane extraction chamber.

Hemp terpenes are at their peak concentrations immediately after harvest. Since these compounds are so volatile, many will inevitably wear off during drying, curing, and manufacturing. The only way to keep these terpenes intact throughout the extraction process is to freeze fresh flowers and use specific temperature-controlled extraction procedures.

All of this hard work results in the most flavorful CBD extract in the industry. Live resin usually has a “saucy” consistency that makes it highly versatile in vaporizers, dabbing rigs, and as a flavorful addition to hemp joints. While live resin sacrifices some of CBD’s potency to preserve terpenes, it should contain a higher amount of this cannabinoid versus hemp prerolls and flowers.

Who’s The Best Customer For CBD Live Resin?

Like other CBD concentrates, live resin is better suited for customers with prior experience using standard CBD extracts like CBD oils, edibles, and topicals. CBD concentrates always have higher-than-average CBD percentages, which can be disorienting for first-time users. While CBD won’t make you feel “high,” the high potency of live resin can result in undesirable side effects if your body isn’t used to CBD.

Please also remember that CBD live resin tends to be the priciest extract in the hemp industry. Since it takes so much equipment and expertise to make CBD live resin, you’ll probably pay extra for this product. However, if you’re most interested in terpenes and flavor-forward experiences, it’s challenging to find a CBD item superior to live resin.

Due to live resin’s flavor-forward profile and higher price tag, it’s typically reserved for special occasions. While you could use live resin “on the fly,” most customers savor this product in a comfortable setting as they would a fine wine or high-end cigar.

Find Fantastic CBD Concentrates On Real Tested CBD

Since concentrates like live resin go through advanced solvent extraction procedures, customers must review the lab results for these CBD items. If extractors aren’t careful, some of this solvent residue could end up in their final product. Not only will this make your CBD concentrate taste bad, it could trigger significant side effects.

Please research all lab resorts and unbiased CBD reviews on Real Tested CBD’s website. We also have a portal for those interested in learning more about alternative cannabinoids like delta-8 THC and CBG. You can find plenty of reviews on Real Tested CBD for whatever hemp extract you’re interested in.

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The post The Hemp Live Resin Revolution — What’s The Big Deal With CBD Live Resin? appeared first on LA Weekly.

Shopping online is easy, but the experience of walking into a store, especially a small independent one that’s been lovingly curated, stocked and decorated, will always be more special. Our favorites, especially for alternative style and fashion, happen to be women-owned, and it is their vision, taste and drive that’s helped their spaces not just survive but thrive. Retail in general is still bouncing back since the pandemic, and these ladies, some new to brick-and-mortar shop life, others working at face-to-face businesses for decades, deserve our support. It’s easy to give because their shops rock, and so do they. 

Larissa Blintz (Juliette Davis)

Inside the Eye (Larissa Blintz)

The Miracle Eye seamstress team including Larissa’s mom Gloria (Larissa Blintz)

Today’s fashion lacks the whimsy and pizzazz of the past, and often, the quality. But small designers like LA’s Larissa Blintz are changing that. With her vibrant retro wonderland Miracle Eye, she’s created a Latina-owned family business to be proud of. The house of groovy ‘60s and ‘70s clothing is “lovingly and ethically handmade-to-order” in downtown LA by a small team of seamstresses. Jumpsuits, mini and maxi dresses, and hotpants to make Marcia Brady and Austin Powers drool are created with vintage deadstock and zero-waste recycled fabrics. They’re also made to last, solidifying Blintz’s commitment to “slow fashion” (versus fast and cheap) and long-lasting styles from simpler times. 1031 N Broadway, Downtown. shopmiracleeye.com

Ratstar sellers from left to right Hannah Hayward, Donna Villarino, Emma Harris, Maddie Lee (Courtesy Ratstar)

(Courtesy Ratstar)

Like everything else about Gen-Z, fashion and what is cool and stylish is a fluid thing right now. And that means it’s basically more fun than ever, especially for edgy, punky funky types who like to stand out when they go out and wear things in unexpected ways. Selling vintage online for over five years, Emma Harris opened Ratstar two years ago to share her love of thrifting and restyling clothing in person. She wanted the store to feel just like the excitement she gets from “finding the perfect vintage piece in a pile of… well, not so perfect pieces.” The 26-year-old, who also has three published poetry books that she sells in store, has gathered a collective of sellers and friends, each of whom curate secondhand and repurposed pieces that Harris hopes customers will “cherish in your closet forever.” Ratstar also collaborates with local artists and designers who have online shops, offering a space where they can let people try on their pieces in real life. Sizing is inclusive and there’s a range of price points. “Ratstar rides for shopping sustainably,” says Harris. “And being true to you.” 718 N Virgil Ave. shopratstar.com

Jessica Hinkle (Courtesy Proud Mary)

Proud mary tees (Jessica Hinkle)

Proud Mary might be the coolest name for a fashion boutique ever, and the fact that it provides chic and unique plus-size fashion makes it even more perfect. Mary was the name of owner Jessica Hinkle’s grandma, who taught her all about fashion and vintage hunting. Hinkle had a successful online business via Etsy before moving to LA to open her Highland Park shop, which features upcycled pieces in bigger sizes and small-run in-house designs all with a “fat-pride” vibe. Hinkle’s aim to create colorful, sexy and sassy looks for plus-size women like herself let her create more than large clothing, she created an XL community that is thriving more than ever since retail has gotten past pandemic restrictions. Now in its fourth year, the store has become an events space as well as a store, hosting parties, full-figured drawing classes, flower arranging and more. Check out their upcoming plus-size closet sale featuring one of a kind fashion from creators, models, Hinkle’s stylish friends, on Friday, Sept 29, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 5335 N. Figueroa St. 323-250-6322. proudmaryfashion.com

Alternative retail legend Nancy Hunt (Courtesy Brat Store)

Nancy Hunt founded NaNa Trading in 1976, and the store was a seminal pitstop for hip, punk, new wave, metal, rockabilly fans and beyond. It also was the first and primary U.S. distributor of Doc Martens. Her groundbreaking eye for trends and style saw the company grow with stores from coast to coast and a booming wholesale business, throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. With The Brat Store, Hunt has continued to provide her customers with eclectic and eccentric looks, gifts and goodies. Hunt, who was profiled in our 2019 People issue, describes her vibrant store as a space that encourages “creativity, individuality, and style in everyday life” for everyone, from “kids to older fashion risk takers.” 1938 14th St., Santa Monica, 310-452-2480. instagram.com/bratstore

Micheline Pitt shot at Vixen Burbank for LA Weekly’s People Issue 2019 (Danny Liao)

Micheline Pitt created Vixen in 2016 and the pretty pink Burbank showroom and store is a true glam gal’s dream. With a nod and batted eyelash at “1950s bad girls, vintage aesthetic, and ‘80s flair,”  Pitt’s pinup and bodacious bombshell pieces are seductive, whether the cuts and fabrics are sweet or sexy. All are attention-grabbing and made for all sizes (from xs-4x). When we interviewed Pitt for our People Issue in 2019, we learned of her love of horror movies, which also is evident in her designs. She’s had partnerships with Pet Sematary, Ghostbusters, It and It- Chapter 2, while her sister company La Femme en Noir has joined forces with Sleepy Hollow, ALIENS and Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride. Her store and websites are must visits this Halloween. 2317 Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. michelinepitt.com

Yaffa Sakhai loves her out of town customers, like members of the band The Besmirchers from Arizona. (Courtesy Posers Hollywood)

What’s up Doc? Posers has quote the DM selection. (Courtesy Posers Hollywood)

Before the internet provided punk people with endless portals for shopping (and copying) fierce pit fits from the UK and beyond, the original Poseur store on Melrose, and later, Hollywood Boulevard offered everything one might need to get audaciously and aggressively adorned. It might be easier to find combat boots, bondage gear and leather accessories online these days, but the in-person shopping experience is missed by many. Yaffa Sakhai has been running Posers — her own store in the same space that Gen-Xers might remember — for well over three decades now. Though not exactly the same as the British-owned original shop from way, way back, Posers has earned a rep in its own right, with a huge selection of crust, mod, alternative classics: Doc Martens, creepers of all colors, Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Trip NYC, spikes, etc. Sakhai and her staff are known for attentive service online and in person, which keeps her customers loyal and coming back again and again, even when they grow up and become normies. Though Docs — or as we used to call them, DMs — are so ubiquitous they’re considered footwear basics these days, you’re still sure to find some unusual ones at this packed store. While you’re there, say hi to Yaffa and take a picture with her; you might just see the shot on the store’s socials soon afterward. 7417 Melrose Ave. 323-653-4393. weareposers.com

Michi Sharples and young customer (Courtesy Vintage Vortex)

(Courtesy Vintage Vortex)

Formerly in Los Feliz Village, Vintage Vortex moved a bit west to Thai Town several years ago and it’s still going strong thanks to owner Michelle “Michi” Sharples energy and passion for fashion’s past. You’ve probably seen the outdoor sales racks driving through the busy neighborhood (the store is right next to Harvard and Stone bar, across the street from the Greenhouse cannabis shop and down the street from Jumbo’s Clown Room, not to mention surrounded by the best Thai food around). Set up like a vintage mini-mall, there are treasures galore to be found every week; one of our favorite ‘70s maxi dresses was bought here. Local vendors rent spaces in the store, bringing in their collections and decorating their individual spaces, all of which create a multifaceted environment that’s fun to shop in. You’ll find threads and doodads from the ‘40s to the ‘90s, all at affordable prices. 5213 Hollywood Blvd. 310-497-9976. instagram.com/vintagevortexvv

Riled Up’s Lisa Riley and Classic Hardware’s Karyn Cantor (Courtesy Riled Up)

Upcycled clothing might be the best way to ensure that fashion is individualized and one of a kind — it also happens to be highly creative and relatively affordable. At Riled Up in Burbank, customization is key. Owner Lisa Riley showcases DIY threads by local artists and she creates her own designs inspired by music, movies and culture. In the space shared with another inspiring female entrepreneur, Karyn Cantor of Classic Hardware jewelry company, the punky wares also include candles, accessories and stuff you didn’t know needed, but will definitely want. 3206 1/2 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. instagram.com/riledupboutique.

Oufitter Wig’s Bebe McPherson (Photo by Amy Darling)

Wigs of Fame (Courtesy Outfitter Wig)

Outfitter Wig has been keeping heads in Hollywood glamour for over 50 years. The legendary wig shop, established in 1969, is one of the oldest of its kind in LA. Customers looking for costumes, a special event do, and drag ensembles have been coming here for years, and thanks to its new owner Bebe McPherson (an employee since 2016), the shop is more fabulous than ever. Many of the handmade and hand-styled wigs are created by wig artists who work with the store and it’s got a lot to choose from. From synthetic fiber to lustrous human hair in a variety of lengths and colors, to hair pieces, extensions, falls, clip-ins, bangs, and more, the space is brimming with head makeover magic and vintage allure. Bebe also works with the houseless and sex worker community and offers discounts to low-income shoppers. She has plans to make the store more of an events space with open mic nights and burlesque, too. 6626 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 323-461-7822 outfitterswig.com

Tuesday Hammerl  (Courtesy Eclipse Emporium)

(Courtesy Eclipse Emporium)

Celebrating its one-year anniversary this month, Eclipsed Emporium’s owner, Tuesday Hammerl, is continuing to build a fiendish following. Her Long Beach boutique offers alternative and dark-aesthetic clothing, home decor and more. As an established makeup artist with more than two decades of experience in the beauty industry, Hammerl also has been involved in the goth scene since 1993. She hosts family friendly events for the goth and dark alternative club and music communities on the first Friday of every month. “I’ve always had a longstanding fascination with dark fashion and art and decided to transform my passion into a full-fledged business,” says Hammerl, who also says her business is a welcoming space for individuals from all walks of life that is size-inclusive and caters to “ladies, gents, and all bats in between.” 4376 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach. 562-426-6222. eclipsedemporium.com

If you know of a cool small, independent woman-owned store in Los Angeles, message us with info here.

Editor’s note: The disclaimer below refers to advertising posts and does not apply to this or any other editorial stories. LA Weekly editorial does not and will not sell content.

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The post Ten Alternative Women-Owned Stores in LA to Visit Right Now appeared first on LA Weekly.

Smoking hemp flowers hasn’t overtaken the CBD oil or edibles markets, but it has seen tremendous growth in the past few years. Recent estimates suggest the CBD smokable market is already around $80 million, and it could grow to the billions as more people try these products. Surveys also suggest more cigarette smokers are turning to CBD-rich hemp flowers as an alternative to nicotine-containing tobacco.

If you’re one of the many customers interested in CBD flowers and prerolls, you may wonder how to choose from the wide variety of CBD strains. Similar to cannabis, there are countless CBD hybrids on today’s market. People new to smoking CBD hemp joints should consider the following tips when shopping for a strain.

How To Pick Sublime Smokable Hemp — Tips For Beginners

Stick With A Reputable CBD Hemp Farm

The first step when shopping for any CBD hemp product is to carefully screen your intended company. If your CBD hemp farm doesn’t publish third-party lab reports, you shouldn’t do business with them. These Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are the only way you can verify a company’s CBD hemp has zero traces of pesticides, contaminants, and heavy metals. You could also double-check the cannabinoid and terpene percentages in a hemp company’s COAs.

After reading your company’s lab results, see what customers say about your CBD brand on reputable hemp forums. You should also look at the unbiased reviews on Real Tested CBD to see how your CBD brand stacks up against the competition. Taking the time to thoroughly review each hemp brand will save you the aggravation of ordering subpar CBD products.

Find Your Favorite Flavors & Effects

Once you’re confident your CBD brand is legit, it’s time to look closely at the cannabinoid and terpene percentages in different hemp strains. While all hemp flowers have high amounts of CBD, they have varying degrees of rare cannabinoids and aromatic terpenes. The concentrations of these secondary compounds can significantly alter the effects of a CBD strain.

For example, CBD strains with high amounts of the terpene myrcene tend to have a greater potential for sedation. By contrast, strains with extra limonene often have a reputation for “energizing” properties better suited for the daytime.

There are also many reports that various secondary cannabinoids have unique properties. Most notably, many hemp smokers claim CBN is associated with sleepy sensations. While CBN isn’t psychoactive, many insomnia patients gravitate to CBN-rich products for help unwinding later in the day.

If you’re unfamiliar with the common effects of secondary hemp cannabinoids or terpenes, please review Real Tested CBD’s blog. We have dozens of educational articles detailing the most prominent hemp chemicals.

Read Plenty Of Hemp Strain Reviews

The most precise way to get a “preview” of your hemp strain is to review the cannabinoid and terpene percentages. However, most prominent hemp cultivars have a set of “standard effects.” It’s getting easier to find reviews from hemp flower fans on websites like Reddit. Many reputable cannabis sites like Leafly, AllBud, and Wikileaf have detailed reviews of CBD-rich hemp strains.

Please take your time reviewing the properties associated with various CBD hemp strains and note which ones best suit your preferences.

Bonus tip: Hemp strains with high sativa genetics tend to be more “uplifting” than indicas. By contrast, indica hybrids have a close association with deep relaxation. While CBD doesn’t induce psychoactive effects, the sativa/indica distinction is worth keeping in mind while researching various strain names.

Start Your Hemp Flower Search On Real Tested CBD

Real Tested CBD has seen a surge of demand in the smokable CBD hemp flowers market. To meet this increased interest in CBD strains near me, we’ve decided to test all of North America’s biggest hemp flower brands. You can find detailed lab reports and reviews of many CBD hemp flowers, prerolls, and joints on our website. Be sure to peruse our unbiased reviews before deciding which CBD flower fits your needs.

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The post How To Choose A CBD Hemp Strain — Tips For Picking The Perfect Hemp Flower appeared first on LA Weekly.

It’s been 10 years since Chance the Rapper dropped his underground hit mixtape, Acid Rap and he chose the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood as one of three destinations to celebrate the anniversary Thursday, September 21.

The Chicago rapper had just turned 20 when Acid Rap made its way to free digital streaming platforms such as SoundCloud and DatPiff. The album served as a key piece of what was known as the “blog era” of music and built a cult following before the term “SoundCloud rapper” became a derogatory term.

Joined by fellow Chicagoan Vic Mensa, who was also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his Innanetape, a sold-out Forum was treated to what can only be described as an aggressively 2013 night.

The Kia Forum pillars decorated with the Acid Rap tracklist and original release date. (Isai Rocha/L.A. Weekly)

From the moment you parked your car, you could hear early Drake and Ty Dolla Sign hits blaring from the outdoor speakers. Upon entering the famous Inglewood arena, the DJ pumped out more music from the early 2010s, setting the tone for the night.

Chance seemingly blew most of his production budget on the opening song, “No Problem,” as he started singing the hook from backstage to build anticipation, before hitting the stage to confetti, streamers and continuous pyro.

He didn’t run straight through the Acid Rap tracklist, but Chance made sure he got to every song throughout the night.

While Chance performed with an abundance of energy, at 30 years old, he did not showcase the literal sprint across the stage that became a staple during his 2016 Coloring Book Tour and made crowds go crazy at festivals such as Coachella and Life is Beautiful. Instead, he got the crowd going with an apparent vendetta against his microphone stands, burning through at least five, and oddly breaking each one in different ways, with a crescendo that led to the last mic stand which he snapped in half over his knee with total disregard for his ACL.

Backing him up instrumentally was his best friend Nico Segal, who helped create the signature trumpet-heavy sound that has become synonymous with Chance. As a whole, the Social Experiment band is made up of Chance’s closest friends, who have toured with him his whole career.

It looked like Chance was having fun with music again. He was once considered the future of hip-hop, earning high praise from artists such as Common, Lil Wayne and a not-yet-completely-unhinged Kanye West. The rocket that was strapped to his back blew up mid-flight in 2019, as his official debut album The Big Day, was met with mixed reviews and became subjected to fairly harsh memes that made fun of how much he rapped about loving his wife.

Chance did not play a single song from The Big Day for the Kia Forum crowd, instead filling the setlist with covers of Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop,” Tupac’s “Keep Ya Head Up,” and an unexpected gospel-style cover of the Arthur theme song. Yes, THAT Arthur. The anxiety-ridden cartoon aardvark from your childhood, whose theme song was famously performed by Ziggy Marley. You would have to be a deeply involved fan to remember Marley, Chance and Jon Batiste jokingly performing the theme on a 2017 episode of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

The highest points of the night came when Chance performed fan favorites from the Acid Rap album, such as “Cocoa Butter Kisses,” “Paranoia,” and “Juice.” Chance also performed his verse from Kanye’s Grammy-nominated record, “Ultralight Beam,” which was a treat considering the rocky relationship between the two artists, who have not been seen together publicly since a 2021 viral video of Kanye scolding Chance before the infamous Donda album listening party in Chicago.

A couple of notable special guests made appearances, with Los Angeles native Ab-Soul performing his verse from “Smoke Again,” and Sampha joined to sing the hook on “Angels.”

 

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A post shared by Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper)

While the Forum might not have the same mystique as it did in the 80s and 90s when the Lakers made their championship runs, throughout the night, Chance explained that selling out the Forum meant a great deal to him. At one point, he asked for a spotlight to be lit in the very back of the top section of the arena and you could see the disbelief in Chance’s eyes that every single seat was filled.

 

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A post shared by Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper)

The three Acid Rap 10-year anniversary concerts in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York could serve as a launch pad for Chance. He revealed to the L.A. crowd that an album was forthcoming before performing a song off the album called, The Highs & The Lows, featuring Joey Bada$$.

The concert showed that there was still a demand for Chance and his music. If the coming album is received well, maybe it will get its own anniversary show someday. If not, there’s always the 20-year Acid Rap anniversary to look forward to.

Editor’s note: The disclaimer below refers to advertising posts and does not apply to this or any other editorial stories. LA Weekly editorial does not and will not sell content.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Chance The Rapper Celebrates 10 Years Of ‘Acid Rap’ At The Forum appeared first on LA Weekly.

Embark on a Thrilling Odyssey with “Road To The Dark Path”

In a literary escapade that juxtaposes the quaint serenity of small-town life with the menacing undercurrents of obsession and danger, “Road To The Dark Path” offers a unique narrative that will take readers on a heart-pounding journey leaving them at the edge of their seats. This electrifying novel paints a riveting chronology against the backdrop of Dalton’s Grove—a seemingly idyllic town where nobody is truly safe.

Beneath the picturesque facade of Dalton’s Grove lies a dichotomous society, meticulously split between the haves and have-nots. The affluent wield their power to control not only the town itself but also the very laws that govern it. The result? A simmering pot of tension that can erupt into chaos at any moment.

We meet Tana Hayes, a seemingly ordinary resident of the Grove, who finds her life taking a perilous turn when she unwittingly becomes the object of Dev Bradley’s dangerous fixation. Dev, heir to one of the town’s wealthiest families, spirals into an obsession that morphs into a deadly cat-and-mouse game. The chilling twist? A cunning killer who claims to love Tana beyond reason and is ready to go to any lengths to keep her at his side.

As the pages turn, the reader is plunged into a race against time. Tana’s life hangs in the balance, teetering on the precipice of becoming another victim in Dev’s twisted game. The clock ticks relentlessly, her fate intertwined with that of a cunning killer who seems unstoppable. Could she escape before it is too late?

But as darkness threatens to consume her, Tana discovers an unbreakable ember within. Pushed beyond her limits, she transforms into a beacon of resilience and defiance. With an unquenchable fire of vengeance burning within her, she embraces an unexpected role—warrior. Determined to protect herself and seek revenge for the ones she loves, Tana’s journey takes an exhilarating turn, leading readers to be spellbound by the firm and bold narrative.

“Road To The Dark Path“ is a riveting rollercoaster ride that defies convention at every twist and turns. With a setting that brims with contrasts and characters that shatter stereotypes, the compelling book has crafted a tale that digs deep into the darkness that can lurk beneath even the most charming of facades.

The pages burst with originality, captivating readers with a narrative that moves seamlessly between the extraordinary and the ordinary—between fiction and reality. Moreover, with a narrative voice that is both wittily unconventional and vociferously inquisitive, the story explores the boundaries of human endurance, obsession, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.

Prepare to be enthralled, surprised, and relentlessly engaged as you step onto the “Road To The Dark Path.” Because in Dalton’s Grove, danger and bravery entwine in a manner that leaves readers guessing until the very last page.

For those who seek a read that challenges conventions and celebrates the power of the human spirit, “Road To The Dark Path“ is an unmissable masterpiece. Get ready to be transported into a world where nothing is as it seems and where one woman’s journey becomes an allegory for the untamed strength within us all.

About the author:

128. A. Welton lives in Aloha, Oregon, with her husband, children, and three fur babies. She has an MBA from Ana Maria College of Paxton, Massachusetts, and has worked as a CFO for many years in the advertising industry. She has always been a storyteller. “Road to the Dark Path” is among her debut book, along with “Mylo128.”

Contact Information:

mike.ramos@amazonpublishingpros.co
If you wish to reach T.A. Welton, you can reach out to his publicist Mike Ramos.

“Road To The Dark Path” is out now on Amazon and at the major online bookstores. Do not miss up on this opportunity to purchase copies of this masterfully written work of literature and savor a book that is well worth your time. A treat for mystery and thriller fan—indeed!

Book Name: Mylo128

Author Name:  Tammy Welton

ISBN Number: 978-1088200513

Ebook Version: https://www.amazon.com/Mylo128-Tammy-Welton-ebook/dp/B0CC3X44YM

Paperback Version: https://www.amazon.com/Mylo128-Tammy-Welton/dp/1088200516

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.

The post A Treat For The Mystery Seekers—Unveiling the Secrets of Dalton’s Grove appeared first on LA Weekly.

In the realm of literature, certain settings have become synonymous with adventure and intrigue. One such place is Ivywood Castle, the enchanting backdrop of the captivating novel ‘Blackwood‘ by author N. Dominic. With its rich tapestry of secrets, hidden passages, and a cast of captivating characters, Ivywood Castle draws readers into a world where every corner holds the promise of discovery.

The fearless and witty protagonist, Moira Finglas, is at the heart of ‘Blackwood.‘ Unlike traditional heroines, Moira defies conventions and embarks on a journey that transcends the ordinary. Her sarcastic charm and unyielding spirit make her a captivating character who leaves an indelible mark on readers’ hearts. As we delve into the depths of Ivywood Castle, we find ourselves irresistibly drawn to Moira’s story, eager to join her on her quest for truth and adventure.

Ivywood Castle itself is a character in its own right—a sprawling edifice shrouded in mystery. With its towering spires, labyrinthine corridors, and opulent grandeur, it serves as a perfect backdrop for the tale that unfolds within its walls. Every room holds secrets, every hallway echoes with whispers of the past. As readers navigate the castle’s chambers alongside Moira, they become engrossed in the hidden nooks and crannies that hold the key to unlocking the castle’s deepest mysteries.

The allure of Ivywood Castle lies not only in its physical grandeur but also in the intricate web of intrigue that surrounds it. The courtly politics, the clandestine affairs, and the simmering tensions between characters create a sense of anticipation that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Each encounter, each revelation adds another layer to the complex tapestry of the castle’s history, leaving readers craving more.

Its masterful blend of classic adventure elements with a modern twist sets’ Blackwood’ apart. Author N. Dominic has deftly reimagined the traditional adventure novel, infusing it with fresh energy and unexpected twists. The story is propelled forward by a relentless pace, ensuring readers are on the edge of their seats. Every chapter is filled with pulse-pounding excitement, from daring escapes to nail-biting confrontations.

One must acknowledge the impeccable character development that brings the story to life before one can talk about ‘Blackwood.’ The supporting cast, including enigmatic outlaws and duplicitous courtiers, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Each character has their own motivations, secrets, and part to play in Moira’s journey. It is through these multifaceted characters that the true nature of Ivywood Castle is revealed, layer by layer.

Beyond the gripping plot and compelling characters, ‘Blackwood‘ is a celebration of the power of imagination and the enduring allure of adventure. It reminds us that within each of us lies the potential for bravery and the thirst for exploration. Through Moira’s escapades, readers are transported to a world where endless possibilities, courage, and resilience triumph over adversity.

As we reach the final pages of ‘Blackwood,’ we are left with a sense of satisfaction and a yearning for more. The journey through Ivywood Castle may come to an end, but the memories of its enchantment linger. N. Dominic has crafted a tale that captures the essence of classic adventure novels while infusing it with a fresh and modern sensibility.

So, dear readers, if you seek a thrilling escapade, a journey filled with twists and turns, and a heroine like no other, look no further than ‘Blackwood.’ Immerse yourself in the irresistible allure of Ivywood Castle and prepare to be swept away into a world of mystery, danger, and undeniable charm. Let the pages of ‘Blackwood‘ be your gateway to a timeless adventure that will leave you captivated until the very last word.

Book Name: Blackwood (The Blackwood Series)

Author Name:  N Dominic

ISBN Number: 978-1916540286

Ebook Version: https://www.amazon.com/Blackwood-Book-1-N-Dominic-ebook/dp/B0BYW3S7GN

Paperback Version: https://www.amazon.com/Blackwood-N-Dominic/dp/1916540287

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The post A Classic Adventure Reimagined: The Irresistible Allure of ‘Ivywood Castle’ appeared first on LA Weekly.

Last year the California Air Resources Board approved the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, which outlines a roadmap to sustainability in the state by mandating that all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the state will be fully electric vehicles that produce zero carbon emissions. This is one of the many steps the state is taking in the push towards renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.

The recent mandate is hailed as the logical next step in the state’s reduction of carbon emissions, but it presents a unique set of new challenges. As more electric vehicles are introduced to the roadways of California it will put a new strain on the energy grid, of which the obvious solution is to utilize solar energy for powering homes and electric vehicles. The state already has 20% of its power coming from solar energy and much of that comes from solar panels installed on peoples’ homes.

As California continues to be the highest adopter of solar energy throughout the country, it still has the responsibility of maintaining its power grid. Over the years California has enacted what is called net metering as a way to balance the use of solar-powered energy in homes with the energy not being used by the power grid. Recently, the public and utilities commission approved net metering 3.0, which has reduced the credits for excess energy by as much as 75%. This was done as a way to incentivize people to install storage and battery backups, but for homeowners it has doubled the cost of switching to solar energy.

This has led to many solar companies going out of business as they are unable to adapt to the changing marketplace. As more companies who install solar systems go out of business there will be an even larger need for maintenance services on existing and new solar panels on residential homes. Currently, in the state of California alone there is a large problem for people not servicing their solar system, which leads to unforeseen problems arising in the present or future.

EnergyAid, a California-based provider of high-quality service, maintenance, tune-ups, and system evaluations for residential customers, is on a mission to provide education, consumer awareness and their solar system maintenance services to people throughout the state. The company was founded in 2012 and began offering solar and battery maintenance work two years ago. Currently, EnergyAid completes 550 services every week with six offices spread out through California.

EnergyAid Logo

In just two years the company has grown to be the leading provider of solar services in the state and is currently in the works of expanding into other states. According to Bryan Jackson, VP of Sales at EnergyAid, one of the biggest issues people have with solar systems is they are unaware of the maintenance required to ensure they are functioning properly and providing power.

“We recently began providing our services to a woman who had a solar system installed on her home and the company that installed it promised her there wouldn’t be any issues and there would be nothing required of the system and that she would never have to pay an electric bill again. All of a sudden she got an electric bill for $5,000 and it was only after contacting her utility company that she found out the solar panels on her home stopped working more than a year ago. She was being charged for using electricity the whole time,” says Jackson.

These are the types of issues that EnergyAid is working to prevent. With a team of dedicated technicians the company has made it a priority to work with people who have solar panels installed on their homes and ensure they are operating efficiently. EnergyAid provides a number of solar and battery services with two of the most important being the cleaning of panels and the maintenance of inverters and monitoring systems. Many of the newer systems require internet connections and stable communication between various components especially with panels that have optimizers and micro inverters.

Jackson says that EnergyAid will continue to work towards working with solar system owners throughout California and help with the push towards sustainability.

“As solar companies continue to go out of business more people will need to have their solar systems repaired and maintained and currently there are almost no companies except EnergyAid who provide this kind of service,” says Jackson. “Our mission is to provide awareness and help as many people as possible contribute to sustainability, so the best way we can do this is to keep expanding our services and reach as many solar owners as possible.”

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Tragic Pedestrian Crash on Mira Mesa near Pacific Heights Boulevard Claims Life of 57-Year-Old Woman 

SAN DIEGO, CA (September 22, 2023) – On Wednesday evening, a devastating pedestrian crash on Mira Mesa Boulevard resulted in the unfortunate loss of a 57-year-old woman’s life.

The collision occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m., at the intersection of Mira Mesa Boulevard and Pacific Heights Boulevard.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the woman was walking southward on Pacific Heights Boulevard when she attempted to cross the street against a red traffic signal. Tragically, at that moment, a 40-year-old man operating a 2016 Chrysler Pacifica van, traveling east on Mira Mesa, collided with the pedestrian.

Swiftly responding to the scene, first responders determined that the female pedestrian had succumbed to her injuries, pronouncing her deceased at the accident site. However, her identity remains undisclosed to the public pending notification of her next of kin.

In response to the incident, authorities temporarily closed both directions of the roadway, specifically between Lusk Boulevard and the intersection of Sequence Drive and Huennekens Street. The San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Division has assumed control of the ongoing investigation.

In this sorrowful time, the Sweet James team would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim.

It is important to have strong legal representation on your side when losing a loved one in a pedestrian crash. Reach out to the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet James today. With 20 years of experience in the field, they know what it takes to help you win your case. Their team understands that nothing can alleviate the emotional pain of the death of a loved one, but they can help you seek justice and compensation. Call their office at 1-800-900-0000 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach them 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through email, text, and online chat.

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Serious Injury Reported in Hit-and-Run Bicycle Collision on Kings Canyon Road near De Witt

FRESNO, CA (September 22, 2023) – On Wednesday night, a collision between a bicycle and a vehicle on Kings Canyon Road resulted in a bicyclist being transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

The incident unfolded shortly before 9:00 p.m., near the intersection of Kings Canyon Road and De Witt.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), an initial report indicated that a driver struck a bicyclist in the vicinity and then left the scene.

However, shortly thereafter, the driver was reported to have returned to the location of the incident. Promptly responding to the scene, medical personnel attended to the injured bicyclist and subsequently transported them to a local hospital for treatment of significant injuries.

As of now, the identities of the parties involved and the exact circumstances surrounding the collision remain undisclosed to the public. Law enforcement authorities do not suspect alcohol or drugs to have played a role in the incident. Those with any additional information pertaining to the Kings Canyon Road bicycle collision are urged to contact local authorities promptly.

It is crucial to remember that injuries resulting from bicycle-vehicle collisions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting a person’s physical, financial, and emotional well-being. This underscores the importance of exercising due care and adhering to all traffic laws, whether you are operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle. Drivers should remain vigilant and watch out for bicyclists at all times, refraining from engaging in activities that could lead to distraction. Meanwhile, bicyclists should take precautions such as slowing down or yielding when vehicles are turning into their path and making efforts to ensure their visibility through eye contact and hand signals.

It is important to have strong legal representation on your side when injured in a bicycle crash. Reach out to the bicycle accident attorneys at Sweet James today. With 20 years of experience in the field, they know what it takes to help you win your case. Their team understands what you are going through, and they are here to help you seek justice and compensation. Call their office at 1-800-900-0000 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach them 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through email, text, and online chat.

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