FROM LEFT: Jennifer Cooke, Radha Arora, Alison, and Sandy Climan at Los Angeles Confidential’s May/June cover party at XIV; Hugh Hefner and girlfriends Crystal Harris and (FAR LEFT) Karissa and Kristina Shannon are all smiles celebrating Hefner’s birthday; Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gerber family, who lost Jordan “Jordy” in April. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will always be remembered fondly.

Causes to Celebrate

Our glorious summer months have arrived, and they are my favorite time of the year in Los Angeles. What’s better than soaking up the sun at a favorite outdoor venue—be it in the city or along the coast? In this issue, we highlight some of our favorite outdoor living spaces, which should give you plenty of ideas for gathering and indulging with family and friends this sunny summer season.

Recently Los Angeles’ social calendar has been packed with exciting new openings, such as the Malibu Lumber Yard, Chloé, Steinway Lyngdorf and Esprit. And our many great philanthropic efforts are heating up as well, with galas like Rally for Kids with Eva Longoria Parker, Nancy Davis’s inspiring Race to Erase MS at the Century Plaza and the equally compelling Step Up Inspiration Awards honoring Marcia Cross this year. Likewise, the efforts to raise awareness about the thousands of US children in the foster-care system and the fight to end childhood hunger with the Vintage Hollywood and Taste of the Nation events were amazing. The evenings were not only delicious but eye-opening and featured food from such acclaimed restaurants as XIV, Campanile, AOC and Il Grano. How uplifting to come together in support of these deserving causes at a time when charitable needs are greater than ever.

It was my pleasure to see all of our fabulous friends and supporters at the launch party for our May/June issue, held at Michael Mina’s utterly fabulous XIV on the Sunset Strip. A great evening was had by all, including our new “cast” of contributors, who represent some of the most dynamic, influential and recognizable personalities around. I couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome to Los Angeles Confidential, and I look forward to future opportunities for the magazine to contribute to both our community and other worthy causes. Here’s to a festive and prosperous summer in LA!

Cheers,
ALISON MILLER
GROUP PUBLISHER