December 17th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Author: Carita Rizzo
Photo: John Russo
Information provided by: Angeleno
With high-profile parts in Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken and next summer’s Terminator: Genisys, Jai Courtney locks in his role as Hollywood’s rising action star.

A custom Bratstyle 1976 Honda motorcycle pulls up outside of Foodlab, a gourmet deli in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, making heads turn as its engine loudly revs. Jai Courtney, looking every bit the action hero he portrays on screen, enters the cozy eatery wearing a black T-shirt that shows off ripped arms and a few tattoos. His scruffy beard gives off an air of nonchalance, as if he might be too busy maiming bad guys to shave, while his dark blond curly hair seems to have immunity from helmet head. “I’m Jai,” says the handsome 6-foot-1-inch Australian, extending said muscular arm and mentioning that he would love to grab a bite to eat while we talk. Will he order a slab of bear meat? A triple bacon cheeseburger? What exactly does post-apocalyptic soldier Kyle Reese, the starring role he plays in next year’s highly anticipated action blockbuster Terminator: Genisys, eat for lunch? “Can I have the arugula salad, please?” he politely asks the server once we are seated. Wait, what? Arugula? “I’m an eater. I know how to eat, but somewhat foolishly, I took a campaign back in Australia for a [clothing] company called Bonds,” he tells me with a chuckle. “It means that I’ve got to get photographed in my underpants.”
It turns out that the arugula speaks less to Courtney’s culinary preferences than it does to the discipline he applies to his career. But with notable turns as an American soldier in this month’s WWII drama Unbroken (directed by none other than Angelina Jolie); the Divergent franchise, in which he plays the brutal leader of Dauntless, who constantly challenges Shailene Woodley’s character (the second film in the series, Insurgent, debuts in March); and as the leading man in next summer’s Terminator reboot, it looks like Courtney will have to maintain this fierce commitment to his extreme physique for a while.
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December 17th, 2014 at 10:00 am

Irina Silvestrova / Shutterstock.com
What:
Experience the holidays, SeaWorld style! Partake in exciting activities such as Shamu Christmas Miracles, Dolphin Island Christmas, Santa’s Christmas Village, SnowWorld, The Pets Rule Christmas and Reindeer Training Academy, all in the festive holiday atmosphere that includes more than 1 million lights and a 40-foot tree with an animated light show. Plus you can view Southern California’s largest Christmas tree, the 320-foot Christmas Tree of Lights that shines from sunup to sundown.
Where:
500 SeaWorld Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
When:
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December 17th, 2014 at 9:00 am

Although those of us in sun-soaked Southern California don’t experience the same frigid temperatures as other parts of the United States, that doesn’t mean we should miss out on one of the best fashion trends of the season. The winter weather gets just cool enough to incorporate our favorite winter accessory: the scarf. This wonderful wardrobe addition can make our outfit go from average to astonishing. The way you wear it or style it can bring a whole new look to your favorite ensemble. Whether you prefer to go with a simple neck tie or wear it as a classic headscarf a la Grace Kelly, it’s your not-to-forget fashion piece this season.
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December 17th, 2014 at 8:00 am

What:
Many of us have seen the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” but fewer have seen “La Pastorela” (”A Shepherd’s Play.”)This production dramatizes the battle between good and evil. It was transcribed in the mid-19th century by Pablo de la Guerra. This particular production will be in Spanish.
Where:
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
123 E. Canon Perdido St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
When:
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December 16th, 2014 at 4:00 pm

What:
Experience an exclusive afternoon of special tastings and lunch while taking in the breathtaking scenery and views at Sanford Winery. A tasting of Sauvignon Blanc starts the day off right, followed by a private picnic lunch complemented by a Pinot Noir or Chardonnay overlooking the Santa Rita Hills American Viticultural Area. The day ends with another sampling of select wines at a grand discount for all our guests.
Where:
Sanford Winery and Vineyards
5010 Santa Rosa Road
Lompoc, CA, 93436
When:
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