At Hot Yoga 1000, “We put people first,” says Kevin. “We encourage people of all experience and ability levels to achieve their best in and out of the hot room.”  

The studio aims to provide a framework of holistic healing modalities through yoga, therapeutic massage, and nutrition. In addition to co-owning the studio, Amy Mattison is an experienced bodyworker whose technique, The Mattison Method, combines integrative bodywork and brain-based coaching.

Hot Yoga 1000 hosts a full schedule of Bikram Method Hatha yoga classes daily, taught by a well-trained and dedicated team of Bikram graduates who all hold additional yoga training certificates. The environmentally controlled hot room averages 105 degrees Fahrenheit, while the humidity level ranges from 38 to 40 percent. During the 90 minute practice, yogis engage in the Bikram Method’s 26 asanas and two pranayamas (breathing practices). Don’t be alarmed to find Veronica the (stuffed animal) tiger lounging alongside the mats. She’s the studio mascot and toy whose role is to encourage students to maintain strength in challenging poses.

Hot Yoga 1000

Newbury Park

1714 Newbury Road, Suite P

Newbury Park, CA 91320

805-375-1113

hotyoga1000.com

Melissa Chua Miranda is a journalism graduate from Cal-State Northridge, avid Crossfitter and yogi. She enjoys inversions and arm-balancing asanas to challenge her practice. m.chua13@gmail.com 

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Hot Yoga 1000 in Newbury Park appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

The expanding vegan/vegetarian restaurant chain, Veggie Grill, is now serving Encino, making it the first location in the Valley and the ninth in LA County. “We have had many requests to open a restaurant in the San Fernando Valley and feel the area is a natural fit for us,” says Chief Energizing Officer Greg Dollarhyde.

Right along Ventura Boulevard, vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike are welcomed by a friendly staff providing excellent customer service. The popular chain features a flavorful variety of 100 percent plant-based soups, salads, burgers, hot sandwiches, home-style plates, desserts, and organic teas, all made fresh to order. “Since many of our guests are omnivores, our menu is developed with this in mind,” says Dollarhyde. “We have always focused on creating delicious plant-based meals that are appealing to both vegetarians and omnivores.”

Veggie Grill’s signature “chickin” items like “Chill Out Crispy Chickin’ Wings,” the “VG Rollers,” and the “Crispy Chickin’ Plate” have become instant personal favorites. It’s easy to forget you’re eating “fake” chicken.  The “Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’” sandwich and the “Buffalo Bomber” for spicy palates are bestsellers among non-vegetarians. The “All Hail Kale” salad is a must-try. Whatever you choose on the menu, rest assured that all items are meatless, dairy-free, eggless, cholesterol-free, and without animal or trans fats. Not only healthy and tasty, the vegan food at Veggie Grill is also affordable.

Veggie Grill Encino

16542 Ventura Blvd.

Encino, CA

Veggiegrill.com

Melissa Chua is a Los Angeles-based writer who enjoys arm balances, inversions and CrossFit. M.chua13@gmail.com

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Veggie Grill arrives in Encino appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Uttanasana

The new Encino studio provides a refuge to “come home to your self.” As an Encino resident, Matt wanted to create a space where his community could relax, rejuvenate and cultivate some introspection. “Rather than establishing an overarching ‘type,’ I wanted to establish excellence,” says Matt, who found yoga after a stressful career trading in the stock market. He continued his practice and eventually completed a teacher training in 2010.

Serving Encino and surrounding communities, the independently-owned Forward Fold welcomes students with an immaculate, chic, and open space graced with natural light shining on smiling faces who enter its doors. The beautiful studio has a large window that looks out into a garden, offering a connection to nature in the practice. Forward Fold also offers a retail section of yoga goodies and gifts. Make sure to share some love on the restroom walls by writing a message or a shout-out when you come to practice.

Forward Fold

17071 Ventura Blvd #104

Encino

(818) 817-7750

Forwardfold.com

Melissa Chua, is a Los Angeles-based writer and journalism graduate from California State University, Northridge with a love for yoga and CrossFit. 

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Forward Fold Opens in Encino appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Nestled along busy Ventura Boulevard, the new Equinox location in Encino is a red brick building with large panoramic windows that allow natural light to soar throughout its two stories. Equinox Encino offers all the high-end amenities you find at the club’s other locations, including Kiehl’s products, chilled eucalyptus towels, and a spotless fitness space.

Additionally, the Encino location has three dedicated studios hosting their signature group classes taught by top-rated instructors. One room is specifically for cycling. A main studio holds most of their innovative classes, including Buff Ballet Barre, Streamline Sculpt, and Tread and Shred (a fun and challenging treadmill class with effective coaching). The third room is a yoga studio tucked away in a corner, secluded from the rows of gym equipment and commotion. This private room allows for ultimate meditation and practice; a variety of yoga and Pilates classes are offered. Mats and yoga props are always available. The club also offers spa services and personal training.

“The Encino community has been waiting for a club that caters to people who want more than just a gym with weights,” says Encino manager, Michael Izzo. “If you’re looking for a boutique style studio with all the perks of a full service gym, Equinox Encino is for you.”

Equinox

16830 Ventura Blvd.

Encino

(818) 922-0799

Equinox.com

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Equinox Encino appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

By Melissa Chua

Simona Evoli (also known as Dharma Kaur) has traveled the world immersing herself in different cultures and sharing the practice of Yoga. Simona has a background in dance, theater, and painting, and with devotion, expresses her creativity. She has brought this spirit to Los Feliz where she has opened Simona Yoga, with the intention that it is a place where people can express their souls and be free, creative, and spontaneous.

The studio houses three rooms, each painted with a color to activate different aspects of consciousness. The green main room instills growth and transformation while creating peace and inner balance during yoga. The blue room inspires creativity and unlocks energy flow. The purple mediation room symbolizes knowledge, intelligence, and devotion.

Simona Yoga specializes in Shakti Dance®, a sacred form deeply rooted in the science of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Shakti Dance® implements insights drawn from Yogic philosophy to awaken and embody universal principles of harmonious movement. By incorporating dance styles, Shakti Dance® focuses breath, motion, and mindfulness to expand consciousness. Additionally, the studio offers Kundalini, Hatha, and meditation.

“I want to manifest my creativity clearly and share as much as possible with people who want to feed themselves with the energy of love, respect and compassion,” Simona says.

Simona Yoga, 4446 Ambrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027: Simonayoga.com.

By Melissa Chua, an LA based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balances and drinking new flavors of tea in her spare time. M.chua13@gmail.com.

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Simona Yoga Opens in Los Feliz appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

The Benenatis are active members of the Studio City community—serving on their children’s school PTA, volunteering to teach Yoga to the staff, and serving on the board of and coaching at Toluca Baseball.  “It just made sense that we have a studio where we spend most of our life,” says Anthony.

City Yoga in Studio City will offer the same great classes as their WeHo location including a variety of their beloved mixed level Vinyasa classes with specialty classes in Yoga therapy and prenatal Yoga. In addition to the regular classes, City Yoga offers 11^th Step Yoga, a 12-step recovery style meeting that incorporates basic Yoga and meditation, an initiative that stemmed from graduates of City Yoga’s teacher training program.  City Yoga also hosts “HIV+,” a yoga practice tailored specifically for HIV positive men and women. These individuals are invited to discover yoga’s healing powers for the immune system and the heart, while celebrating life through this unique practice.

“Our children are building their memories in Studio City, and we look forward to building a community with friends, old and new,” says Rebecca and Anthony.

City Yoga Studio City, 12265 Ventura Boulevard (corner of Laurelgrove): cityyoga.com.

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post City Yoga opens second location in Studio City appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

“In Sanskrit, Yasa means “good-hearted,” which is the spirit behind our mindful and balanced approach to practicing and teaching yoga at YASA Yoga,” says studio owner, Stephanie Besler. For the past five years, Stephanie and her husband Ryan Besler have been active yogis hosting teacher training programs, and launching and running Yoga studios. Opening their own studio was a natural progression on their Yoga journey.

Santa Barbara’s YASAYoga in a beautiful mission-style space on 22 West Mission Street, which is a landmark for many–as Charlie Chaplin’s Flying A Studio back in 1912, the former Green Dragon Cafe and then, a Buddhist meditation center. “Our space radiates energy that is ideal for a Yoga space,” says Stephanie.

At YASA Yoga, Stephanie and Ryan offer a wide range of styles including vinyasa, core fusion and power Yoga for all levels. Students can also enjoy deep stretch, candlelight flow, and yin and yang classes to help achieve balance in an active lifestyle. “Together, as a community, YASA Yoga hopes to inspire spiritual growth and cultivate positive change that makes a difference in our immediate community and globally by leading by example,” Stephanie says.

YASA Yoga, 22 W. Mission St. Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 yasayoga.com –Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Yasa Yoga Santa Barbara appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

SANTOSHA SPACE is a family-friendly, kid-welcoming, and stress-free zone for people in all stages of life located in Atwater Village on Glendale Boulevard. Santosha is a Sanskrit word that refers to a state of contentment described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: “When one reaches a state of happiness, Santosha is achieved.”

Studio owner and director Cat Macary seeks to evoke this feeling to all who visit the studio; she says, “Santosha Space is a sanctuary from the hectic lives we live and offers everyone a safe space to be in joy.”

This Yoga lifestyle center is not only a Yoga studio, but a retail store with merchandise featuring crafts from local artisans. It is also a healing oasis offering massage and Reiki services and treatments. Santosha Space hosts a variety of Yoga styles and blends including Hatha, Kundalini, and Iyengar along with Mommy and Me, Prenatal, and children’s classes; they refer Hot Yoga lovers to the nearby Bikram Yoga Silverlake.

At Santosha Space, students can discover a new class, product, healing modality, or friend. This nascent Yoga community also offers monthly workshops with topics such as living a vegan lifestyle and events including sound bath healings and meditations. “We welcome all to be well, be happy, and to be in Santosha,” says Macary.

Santosha Space, 3405 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039 www.santoshaspace.com

ORGANIC BAR AND BISTRO IN STUDIO CITY

Mare’ka organic bistro café & bar is the first certified organic bar on Ventura Boulevard.

An artist living in the Valley, Mare’ka Enlight was looking for late-night hang-outs that offered organic and health-conscious beverages.

They were scarce to nonexistent—especially in the Valley—so she created a solution.

Mare’ka Cafe and Bar is an intimate venue that showcases live local entertain-ment and offers a diverse and delicious selection of organic drinks including meal replacement smoothies, anti-aging elixir shots and Chinese herbal tonic drinks. In the near future, Mare’ka’s will feature alcoholic concoctions of their freshly-juiced vodka cocktails and imported and domestic microbrewed beers. Their support of entertainment extends to those making the music: Mare’ka offering musicians a 10% discount on all drinks.

The organic menu fare includes savory rustic Italian, French and Pacific Rim cuisine featuring soups and salads, sandwiches and pizzas that are not only eye candy in presentation, but heaven for your taste buds.

In the space, Enlight hopes to create a sanctuary for the arts in the Valley. She says, “Mare’ka will be an artistic home that fosters creativity in music and art while serving only enzyme-rich, organic drinks, and rustic bistro cuisine all in a unique setting.” Along with the arts, stay tuned for weekly vitamin meetings and monthly events and workshops on holistic living.

Mare’ka Organic Bistro Café & Bar, 12747 ½ Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 www.marekalive.com

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Community: Open Doors appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

HOT 8 YOGA is Santa Monica’s newest and largest hot Yoga studio located on 2nd Street and Santa Monica Boulevard. Partners Linda Kim and Vincent Nicoletta along with help from friend and Hot 8 instructor, Deanna Ainsworth, opened the studio in May. “Hot 8 Yoga will provide you with the healthiest, cleanest and most carefully monitored and regulated practice studio you will find anywhere,” says Nicoletta. Hot 8 makes an effort to care for the health of their yogis by ensuring that the air quality in the studios is well oxygenated, properly humidified and disinfected. The studio has a complete air purification system resulting in an odor, germ, chemical and allergen free-environment to practice asanas. Hot 8 Yoga offers six different styles of classes (five Vinyasa and one Bikram-style) instructed in two uniquely designed rooms with state-of-the-art climate control for hot Yoga. Join in on unique hot Yoga fusion classes combining power Yoga, ballet and Pilates.

“Yoga in the heated room allowed me to feel, think and see from a new perspective,” Nicoletta says. “By incorporating varying degrees of heat and humidity in each of our classes, you will be able to safely deepen into postures, boost metabolism and most importantly detoxify the body through the largest elimination system, the skin,” he added. Hot 8’s slip-resistant, hypo-allergenic flooring is specifically designed for hot and humid environments. Locker rooms complete with showers and towel service are available. Hot 8 Yoga, 1422 Second Street, Santa Monica CA 90401. hot8yoga.com

Green Beauty Shop in 90210

After three years running L.A.’s first eco-conscious beauty boutique in Venice, California, owner Jean Seo decided to name her new Beverly Hills eco-chic beauty boutique “Évolué” because it represents the next evolution of green. Nowadays, it’s becoming easier to say something is “green” or “natural,” but the ingredients in Évolué products indeed prove to be organic. With a degree in library science, Seo personally investigated every ingredient found in the products sold at Évolué to ensure they are nontoxic, sustainably produced, effective and deliver beyond the standard requirements of “natural.”

The new store carries sophisticated green products to fit every beauty need from head to toe. “Evolue aids women in finding customized regiments that show results for each individual person,” says Seo. “Evolue provides samples of every product on its shelves, so customers can try products first instead of purchasing products as bathroom ornaments,” she adds.

Some of the must-haves Seo recommends for summer include: Erbaviva organic deodorant in lemon and sage, Leonor Greyl’s Huile De Palme Treatment for Hair, an oil that treats and protects hair while in pool or salt water, and Arcona’s Youth Serum, an anti-aging serum that improves hyper-pigmentation issues and neutralizes sun damage. “Évolué aims to make every woman feel comfortable about their beauty concerns and provide a warm, honest and welcoming beauty sanctuary for them,” Seo says. Évolué, 357 1/2 S. Robertson Bl. Beverly Hills, CA 90210. evoluebeauty.com

Brazilian Yoga in Atwater Village

After living in Brazil for five years learning and practicing Yoga, Liz McDonald single-handedly opened up her own Yoga studio inspired by her Brazilian teachers. “I like to connect with my students the way my Brazilian teachers did, (so) I decided to call my classes Brazilian,” McDonald says. Since she missed the personal connection her teachers made with her on the mat, McDonald brought it back into her practice. At BRAZILIAN YOGA & PILATES, McDonald incorporates the Brazilian “hands on” experience to her own Yoga practice, which fuses influences from Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini and Anusara. Brazilian Yoga & Pilates offers Hatha, Vinyasa and restorative classes for all levels as well as Pilates and a combination of Yoga and Pilates in “Mat Mix.” The new studio tucked away in Atwater Village was designed to appeal to the senses with soft synthetic grass, a selection of calming teas and the aroma of scented candles in the reception area; not to mention the state-of-the-art dance floor awaiting an intimate Yoga practice. “A sensual environment helps people turn off the analytical cell phone brain easier and get into their bodies,” says McDonald.

In addition to spreading her Brazilian Yoga love, McDonald hopes to build a community to empower women. “Many women have been empowered by their Yoga practice, and since I have built this studio alone, I would love to help other women out there who also have dreams, but not necessarily the means to achieve them,” she says. Watch out for pajama sales at Tuesday and Thursday night “Pajama Yoga” to help support freeing women from sexual slavery in India. Brazilian Yoga and Pilates, 3191 Casitas Ave. 110, Los Angeles, CA 90039. brazilianyogapilates.com

Kids Yoga throughout LA

From the East to the West Coast, Yogi Beans is expanding to Los Angeles. The New York-based program offers Yoga classes for children in different schools, studios and facilities now throughout Los Angeles. Yogi Beans aims to foster children’s enthusiasm for learning, actively encouraging physical self-awareness and promoting a healthy lifestyle and emotional wellness, says founder Lauren Rosenfeld. As a certified Yoga and Pilates instructor, Rosenfeld always had an interest in healthy child development, which evolved into creating a program to enforce healthy growth at an early age through the benefits of Yoga. Yogi Beans cultivates a welcoming, non-judgmental culture to increase self-esteem through classes that encourage a child’s natural behavior. Children will gain awareness of their bodies, while allowing their minds to flourish in a nurturing and creative environment making the practice fun and interactive. The program also provides adult and child classes including mommy and me for infants and toddlers and family Yoga for ages five and up. Yogi Beans, (310) 604 – 3399; yogibeans.com

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Community: New Doors appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Anahatha Lara Sackey and Brian E. Plaster

After every class, there is an optional fifteen minutes dedicated to sharing your experience with fellow yogis and yoginis. “Often the transformation that can happen at an OLM class is profound and needs processing,” says Anahatha. “Here is when and where the magic happens for me because I get to receive the blessing of learning what the essence of my students is and what their own inner OLM (Original Live Movement/Music) is.” Stay tuned for regular monthly OLM classes that will be hosted at Ajaya Yoga in Laguna Beach and Universal Glass boutique in Garden Grove. OLM also plans to expand their list of permanent venues to the north Orange County area. OLM Yoga Project, Ajaya Yoga, 31658 Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651 and Universal Glass, 12951 Old Main Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840. ajayayoga.com; olmyogaproject.com –– Melissa Chua

Yoga and Indoor Cycling in West Hollywood
Studio owner Meaghan Townsend paired up Yoga and cycling classes to create West Hollywood’s new place to work up a sweat. UP DOG YOGA + CYCLING, located on Santa Monica Boulevard, offers a full schedule of Yoga classes for all levels and a number of cycling classes daily all throughout the day. As a seasoned yogini and Yoga teacher, Townsend always loved helping others connect to their bodies and experienced that through Yoga. She says her best friend, Adam Goldstein had a similar feeling while teaching cycling, so the “fusion was a natural progression.”

Up Dog Yoga & Cycling

 Up Dog’s Yoga practice varies in style. For those with a more active lifestyle and previous Yoga experience, Up Dog’s “Full Blast” classes will challenge and deepen your practice. “Wake Up Dog” morning classes will do just that – wake you up and get you flowing in a 60-minute session. Whether you want to break a sweat or wind down from a stressful day, Up Dog is well-equipped with classes for everyone. Get your heart rate going and burn around 450 calories in a 45-minute indoor cycling class. “At Up Dog, we have awesome classes and events that guarantee you’ll have fun doing it,” Townsend says. “I always wanted to build a space where the community could come together and get stronger.” Up Dog Yoga + Cycling, 8599 Santa Monica Bl. West Hollywood, CA 90069. updogfitness.com –– Melissa Chua

Karuna Yoga Moving – Not Yet
Word has been that Karuna Yoga in Los Feliz is getting ready to move. They’ve announced that they will be in their current location on Hillhurst Avenue through the end of April. Stay tuned for more news. Karuna Yoga, 1939 1/2 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027. karunayoga.net –– Felicia M. Tomasko

Creativity in the Heart of Downtown
The fifth chakra (throat chakra) represents creativity, community and freedom of expression, so it’s no wonder Downtown LA’s latest Yoga spot is named CHAKRA5. Studio owner McKenna Rowe says these are the qualities a Yoga studio should reflect. Chakra5 is a creative approach integrating music and technology for people to bond in a Yoga practice, she says. With Chakra5’s newest location at the Packard Lofts near the Staples Center, Rowe hopes to attract community members including local artists and musicians. Her vision is to showcase new sounds from local artists with live DJs to enhance her energetic Yoga practice.

McKenna Rowe of Chakra5

Being a singer, DJ and composer, music is a big part of Rowe’s life, which is why she feels, “Music is a vital and essential part of a Yoga class.” Regardless of if there’s a live DJ spinning or a recorded playlist on tap, Chakra5’s music is carefully selected to promote eclectic and indie beats from up and coming artists near and far. Chakra5’s unique mobile Yoga labs are meant to be easily accessible whether it’s traveling to your own home or to a studio near you. Chakra5 also offers private workshops at schools and businesses. In addition, Chakra5 reaches out to the community by promoting local businesses as well as partnering with rising musicians. Enjoy a colorful playlist or a live DJ while doing Yoga in a fun, comfortable and encouraging environment. The Chakra5 Yoga Lab@ the Packard Lofts, 1000 S. Hope St. Los Angeles, CA 90015. chakra5.la –– Melissa Chua

Kundalini in Echo Park
Photographer and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, Stephen Stickler decided to transform his working photo studio into Echo Park’s new Yoga oasis. In an area where Yoga studios are few and far between, ECHO PARK YOGA recently launched fourteen new classes. This space was originally a bowling alley in the Jensen’s Recreation Center, but from photo studio to Yoga studio, Stickler’s new venture is quickly becoming the community’s new Yoga center. “It’s mostly a community service and an opportunity to teach Yoga, which I enjoy doing,” says Stickler.

Echo Park Yoga

Echo Park Yoga offers different styles including Kundalini, Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga. As Stickler says, “Yoga is Yoga,” so he wanted to provide a blend of styles without focusing on a particular one. Whether you’re in need of a boot camp style Kundalini workout, a more meditative practice or something in between, Echo Park Yoga has something for everyone. Practice your favorite asanas next to a blazing fireplace during the night classes. You’ll also want to try the vibrational healing classes and relax to the sounds of the gong being played by Stickler. Echo Park Yoga, 1161 Logan St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. echoparkyoga.com –– Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is a journalist who loves checking out new Yoga studios and healing centers when she’s not writing: m.chua13@gmail.com

By Melissa Chua & Felicia M. Tomasko, RN

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Community: New Doors appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Perry Hoffman and Doug Smith exchanged rings on the momentous date of June 17 when California made history by becoming the second state to legalize same sex marriage. The status of thousands of weddings performed between June and the November election is now in question. Even after Proposition 8 passed, Smith says, “I don’t feel like they’re going to take away my marriage; that will be intact.” Hoffman says, “This issue is about tolerance and acceptance of everyone’s spiritual and religious convictions to marry the one they love regardless of race or gender. It is about the love of two people.”

Love Honor Cherish, a grassroots organization fighting against Proposition 8, is committed to a public education campaign focused on the freedom to marry and to the repeal of the proposition. “At Love Honor Cherish, we feel the campaign was ineffective for many reasons, but the greatest failure was not conveying to a wider audience the seriousness of what Californians were being asked to do and how deeply it would hurt friends, family members, and co-workers,” says Lester F. Aponte, a Love Honor Cherish member and chair of the LGBT committee of the Hispanic National Bar Association.

After nearly 39 years together, Sybil De Cenzo and her partner Sara Calkins said their “I dos” in October. “Because we live in California, a liberal state, surely people will not tolerate people’s rights being tramped on,” said De Cenzo.

But the votes were cast, so what’s next? “Whether we fight this struggle in the courts, through a proposition in 2010 to repeal Prop 8, or we do both, we must remain vocal, and we must continue having this conversation with everyone and at every opportunity,” says Aponte. He continues, “Our struggle for civil rights may be long and it will be hard, but we are not going away, and we will not give up until we are once again full citizens of the State of California. Our straight allies can do the same by speaking out about this important issue through attending rallies, writing letters to governmental officials and voicing out whenever possible.” Couples have already started filing lawsuits.

For more information, visit: lovehonorcherish.org

By Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua

Melissa Chua is an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. m.chua13@gmail.com

The post Proposition 8: The Hangover appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.