A Fond Farewell to LA Life
It’s been quite a run over the past 11½ years as your curator, highlighting the fab places, iconic landmarks, and exciting events in Los Angeles. Since I began writing about all the cool things to do and see in LA and the surrounding areas, I’ve grown to love—actually adore—our incredible City of Angels even more.
Curating the newsletter and webpage has deepened my appreciation not only for the city but also for the remarkable people who live here. What a beautiful and enduring spirit we share. Through the years, I’ve become more attuned to that unique energy—creativity, innovation, compassion, strength, and resilience—that defines LA. This spirit especially rose to meet the moment during one of our most difficult years. We all remember too well the devastation of the fires in Altadena and the Palisades. And as if that weren’t enough, we continue to witness destruction and cruelty inflicted upon our beloved city and Angelenos from outside forces—in our streets, parks, hospitals, and courts.
So, after an incredibly fulfilling 11-year journey writing and curating The Three Tomatoes LA Life Newsletter, I’ve decided it’s time to turn a page. I’ll be moving into the world of activism and using my voice in a new way. I also look forward to finally exploring other long-awaited pursuits.
To my talented contributors: I cannot thank you enough for generously sharing your gifts with the LA Life community. You’ve not only offered your expertise—you’ve opened windows into your creative souls, and that has been priceless. I am deeply grateful to have had you as part of the team: Thank you
for your marvelous photos and the powerful stories behind them that showcase LA in the best light.
for your dazzling fashion ensembles and expert advice reflecting our city’s ever-evolving style.
for your wit and insight as Lady Penelope, delivering Sonnets from Suburbia that both stings and sings.
for your supreme guidance on the city’s most delectable culinary gems.
for your stunning, imaginative art that brought joy to every page.
Laura Foti Cohen (LA Life Theatre Buzz) &
for your top-notch theatre recommendations that kept us all in the know.
And to you—our wonderful LA Tomato subscribers—thank you for your readership, your support, and your spirit. It has meant the world to me.
A special thank you goes to the incomparable Cheryl Benton—a true force of nature, the Head Tomato, the founder, the creator, and the inspiration behind everything The Three Tomatoes stands for and does for women. Cheryl trusted me to launch the Three Tomatoes LA Life newsletter in 2013, with our very first issue in January 2014, followed by a fabulous launch party with fantabulous LA Tomatoes in February. What a ride it’s been—so many newsletters, so many events, so many memories.
Until a new writer is found, I hope you’ll continue to explore the Three Tomatoes LA Life webpages and find inspiration to fully enjoy this city we call home. Because Los Angeles rocks—and so do all of you, our fabulous LA Tomatoes.
With gratitude and love,
Debbie Zipp,
Writer & Curator of The Three Tomatoes LA Life January 2014 – June 2025
I leave you with:
- Use fav cover photo here. One of my favorite cover photos and stories from Lorraine Devon Wilke, LA Life Photographer
- A standout fashion column from Felicia Arlin, LA Life Fashion Stylist
- The first restaurant I’ll try from Molly Cheek’s, LA Life Tasting Tomato, recommendations
- A favorite sonnet from Penny Peyser, aka Lady Penelope, LA Life Poetess
- A treasured artwork by Annie Wood in Artist Corner
- And one of the best theatre interviews from Laura Foti Cohen, LA Life Theatre Maven
- And two of my favorite articles that are close to my heart, Going Native by Moi & Debbie Does 70 co-written with Felicia Arlin.
The Three Tomatoes LA Life editor, Debbie Zipp is your friendly guide to the best of everything in LA with a tomato style perspective. Debbie is an actor, producer, and writer. She is best known for her recurring role as Donna on the CBS series "Murder She Wrote" starring Angela Lansbury. She has had many other TV and stage roles and has starred in over 300 national TV commercials. As head of In The Trenches Productions, Debbie produced, directed, acted in many short films for her company. Her book, The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known was recently published.
Buy her book: The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known
Congrats to you Debbie. It’s been quite a ride! Many Thanks for all your creative input through all the years.
Wonderful work.
Thank.you.