Who knew that the Nike+ 10K Human Race would be a reunion for 90210? Former cast members like Tiffany Amber Thiessen and Jason Priestly ran in the event on 8/31/08 as well as the new cast of faces like Jessica Stroup, Dustin Milligan, Tristan Wilds and Michael Steger. This was a star-studded event with Randy Jackson as the host. Other actors from Jerry O’Connell to Pooch Hall also took part in the run, and athletes like Brandi Chastain, Lisa Leslie and Sarah Reinerstein were in attendance (some participated).

The purpose of the Nike+ Human Race was to see who had the fastest man and woman in each city/country, and to find out which city/country is the fastest on average. With over 25 cities participating and over one million runners running, this historical event contributed a portion of the funds to three casuses: Lance Armstrong’s Cancer Foundation (livestrong.org), ninemillion.org and WWF (the global conservation organization).

Munich had the fastest runner at 29′25″. The top 3 fastest cities included Taipei at #1, followed by Austin and Mexico City. Los Angeles came in 21st with our fastest man, Christian Hesch, at 30′41″ and fastest woman, Grace Padilla, at 36′35″. The race began at 8:31:08 p.m. and ended with a performance by Kanye West and Common. Kanye took the stage just after 10:00 p.m. and rocked the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for an hour. The night ended just how it began–with a big bang, as fireworks lit up the night sky.

It was great to be part of history, even if I wasn’t running! For complete global race results, click here.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa starts the race.

Los Angeles City Council members Jan Perry and Bernard Parks are joined by LA Sparks stars DeLisha Milton and Lisa Leslie, along with Randy Jackson (”American Idol” judge and Nike+ Human Race LA host).

Kanye West. Photography by Bill Karz, click here to download hi-res image.

Kanye West. Photography by Bill Karz, click here to download hi-res image.

Kanye West. Photography by Bill Karz, click here to download hi-res image.

Kanye West. Photography by Bill Karz, click here to download hi-res image.

Kanye West. Photography by Bill Karz, click here to download hi-res image.

Kanye West mob scene.

Before this weekend, all I knew about the Pacific Palms Resort was that it was located in the CIty of Industry or Industry Hills– according to their address– set high on a hill overlooking the city with 2 golf courses and a new spa. But after my stay, I have to say that I felt like I was on vacation at a tropical island.

As you drive up the hill, palm trees line the street, like a scene shot from Santa Monica’s Ocean Street. There’s a driving range, putting green and 2 lush, ESPN-rated golf courses (Ike and Babe). The hotel is newly renovated with a beautiful full-service spa and a restaurant called RED that serves lunch and dinner. There’s a huge fire pit outside of RED that’s popular to gather round at night. If pool is more your style, there’s a table inside or you can watch a pool tournament on one of their many flatscreen t.v.’s situated throughout the restaurant.

The rooms are comfortable with stunning views of the golf course and the San Gabriel Mountains. If you’re a lover of seafood, then check out CIMA on Saturday night with a buffet of lobster tails, crab legs, shrimp, sushi and roasted pig which rivals that of most Vegas buffets. Be sure to get there early and make a reservation.

Overall, my weekend stay was pretty amazing. I didn’t feel like I was in the city but rather at an oasis.

Are your fingers and toes in need of a little TLC? Take a drive to l.a. vie l’orange . This spa retreat for your hands and feet is located on Robertson between Melrose and Santa Monica. But make sure you don’t blink because you just might drive past it. Tucked away in a courtyard and hidden from paparazzi—step foot into l.a. vie l’orange and the stress of your daily life will be a memory…well, for at least an hour. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, almost zen-like. So don’t expect oversized and loud massage spa chairs here because wicker pod chairs line the walls for each manicure/pedicure station. The chairs feel private from your neighbor so sit back, relax and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne while you read the latest celebrity gossip from their selection of magazines. But wait! Is that the smell of fresh baked cookies? A tray of warm chocolate chip cookies is passed around to temp your sweet tooth.

l.a. vie l’orange also sells it’s own line of products of lotions and candles. And is also an authorized retailer of Havaianas, the must have flip-flop for everyday wear. They are open 6 days a week, closed on Mondays. Visit the website www.lavielorange for daily specials. Experience it for yourself and give your hands and feet the treatment they deserve.

What are tapas? Spanish for a wide variety of appetizers, tapas can be anything from paella to bacon wrapped dates to a variety of cheeses served at the same time and to share with your friends or lover. I’ve eaten tapas at several different Tapas Restaurants in LA. And I’d have to say the following three are my favorites:

The Courtyard (located at 8543 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood) has an unassuming entrance, but as you walk down the steps you are literally transformed into a lovely courtyard in Spain. With a fountain in the center and plenty of tables and chairs for a couple or a large group, you would think that you were sitting alongside the streets of Granada. The menu includes such signature plates as Pupusas, Paella and Croquetas, and don’t forget to order a pitcher of sangria with flavors from peach to blueberry-lemonade…you will certainly find your favorite. Prices range from $6-24, so it’s not a bad option for an inexpensive night out. Visit the website for more information www.thecourtyardla.com

Cobras and Matadors in Hollywood (7615 Beverly Blvd.) has a different Spanish flair. With it’s rich, dark woods and dim lighting, the atmosphere is cozy and intimate especially with the a wood-fire oven in the corner. Keeping true to the tapas menu, Cobras offers an authentic selection of Fire Roasted Sobrasada (ground chorizo sausage on olive oil focaccia); Spanish-style barbequed Skirt Steak marinated in Orange juice and paprika; and the Baked Spanish Goat Cheese with Port wine syrup and tostado–unbelievable! Don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle of Spanish wine because they won’t charge a corking fee. Be sure to visit their other location in Los Feliz at 4655 Hollywood Blvd.

Ole Tapas Bar (www.oletapasbar.com) in Studio City has my favorite martini in town — Fireside — a combination of Kettle One, pomegranate juice, champagne and triple sec. After a couple of these, you’ll want to clear away the lounge area and create your own dance floor. From the moment you walk through the large wood double doors, your eyes immediately see the red walls lined with bullfighting artwork and black leather bench seating surrounding the restaurant. The large cherry wood bar is a great place to sit with your significant other to share in their eclectic menu. The Seared Tuna Carpacio, Croquetas de Patata y Jamon, and Beef Empenada are my favorite dishes. But you can’t forget to order dessert—–Fondue de Chocolate —–served with fresh fruit and sponge cake…well worth saving room for this decadent treat.

If you love tapas as much as I do, I hope you’ll visit one of my favorite tapas restaurants. I’m sure there is one nearby you. If so, let me know what I’m missing.

Those days of paying full price for perfume at a high-end Department Store are history. Today, you can venture Downtown to Santee Alley and find designer perfumes for $20-$30 less than what you would pay retail. I purchased a bottle of Vera Wang’s Truly Pink for $59 and it retails in Sephora and Macy’s for $87. There are lots of immatation stores out there in the Alley, so be sure you visit Parfumeria France, Inc. at 1147 Santee St. The staff is helpful, the product is real and the price is right, but be sure you’ve done your research. When you check out the price tag, you will see retail and sale price but make sure you to tell the friendly sales rep that a friend told you about the “price” on the back of the tag. Once the representative flips over the tag, you will see the wholesale price—you’ll feel like you hit the jackpot!