Sexism and Comic Cons, Nathaniel Ayers, Foreign Restaurant Chains, Hijabistas

"SoCal Connected" steps inside the fascinating world of comic book conventions. The growing popularity of comic cons has triggered cases of harassment of women dressed in costume. Reporter Cara Santa Maria explores the culture and recent measures taken to prevent harassment, as well as the surprising changes in comic book characters themselves as more female artists and writers make their mark on the traditionally male-dominated world of superheroes.

If you've seen the Jamie Foxx-Robert Downey Jr. drama "The Soloist," you know the bittersweet story about a homeless musician befriended by a newspaperman. Nathaniel Ayers received formal training at the finest music conservatory in the country and then fell victim to mental illness and homelessness. Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez brings you Ayers' remarkable story.

Conor Knighton explores how more and more foreign restaurant chains are breaking into the U.S. market through the gateway of Southern California. With immigrants from all over the world, L.A. has become prime territory for foreign chains looking to serve a bit of home.

"Hijabistas" -- hijab-wearing fashionistas -- gained traction a few years ago when young Muslim women around the world realized they could follow the Islamic rules for modest dressing without stifling their creative expression. Tasneem Sabri and Marwa Atik, co-founders of Fountain Valley-based fashion company Vela, take you inside the world of contemporary Muslim-American fashion.