Guest Contributor

Vista Hermosa means “beautiful view” in Spanish, and on clear days, that’s just what this park provides. When the ten-acre park opened in 2008, it was the first new park in downtown Los Angeles in more than one hundred years.

One thing is for sure: the environment over at Occupy LA is never boring. Our Overheard in L.A. round-up this week includes overheard conversation on such thrilling topics as Occupy L.A. fashion, winter in L.A. and the taste of perspiration.

Even if Falls Canyon Falls isn’t a true year-round waterfall, and even if reaching it requires a little more than straight trail-hiking, it has the potential to be one of Los Angeles’s premier hiking destinations.

Californians are one step closer to voting on a ballot initiative requiring labeling of genetically engineered foods. Last week, the coalition It's Our Right To Know filed a ballot initiative with the California Attorney General's office. Volunteers must collect at least 850,000 signatures by April 2012 in order to place the initiative on the November 2012 state ballot.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall was packed to the brim on Sunday night for a concert by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. The evening’s main draw (for the mostly Baby Boomer and older audience) was a performance of post-minimal composer David Lang’s Pulitzer Prize-winning the little match girl passion, but the evening also featured the U.S. Premiere of renowned jazz flutist James Newton’s Mass.

Life's special moments demand the perfect soundtrack. Our Overheard in L.A. round-up this week includes overheard conversation from party-goers, foodies and vegetarians.

Screening today in Pasadena, The Other F Word documentary explores what happens when some of the L.A. punk scene’s leading men become fathers. Pennywise’s Jim Lindberg, who famously belted out “F--- Authority,” Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, among others, open up about their journey from anti-authoritarian punks to the ultimate authority figures: dads.

Mary Waldner, founder and owner of Mary's Gone Crackers, is passionate about only using organic, non-GMO ingredients in her gluten-free crackers. She founded the company in 2004 after discovering she had Celiac disease - an extreme allergy to gluten in wheat and other grains - and perfecting a delicious gluten-free cracker recipe.

Parents have a thankless mandate — to teach children right from wrong. In Beverly Hills especially, it must be exhausting to keep up with all the words children are supposed to steer clear of. Our Overheard in L.A. round-up this week includes snippets of conversation from the school pick-up line, one Wookiee's chance for break-out stardom and how to express emotions ironically in city limits.

Fresh air, exercise and recreation...all for a good cause: on Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 4pm, Orange County's parks are giving free parking to anyone who brings a can of food. This is a great opportunity for Orange County residents to get out and explore some of the natural areas just beyond the suburbs. Non-O.C. natives might also take this chance to come down and get a look at the huge variety of scenery in these parks.

Arguably one of the best things about living in Los Angeles is the proximity to its gorgeous beaches. As it turns out, not everyone is a fan. Laura Malcolm sent us this gem from Venice Beach: "See? This is why I don't live at the beach. Because sand is like dirt, and now I'm covered in dirt."

The story has a familiar ring to it. A young man from humble Midwestern beginnings moves west, seeking the fame and fortune that those before him have found in California. He starts a grocery store, builds a successful chain, and after selling it, plans his retirement. But there's a dark side to the California dream.