Nichols Canyon

P1050427Another walk courtesy of the Santa Monica mountains conservancy.  Nichols canyon is one of many in the Hollywood Hills. Which means that alongside old rusting drainage pipes, one can see incredible views.P1050428A woman and her dog, looking down on Hollywood.P1050429Our trail had very few people, but this being LA, one is never completely alone.  Across the canyon we were looking over the intrepid hikers on the western side of Runyon Canyon. That is the busiest of the Hollywood hill walks. What we were seeing is the harder steeper trail, so actually a lot less people than on the eastern side.P1050438A glimpse of the Griffith Park Observatory. P1050430Downtown, one must have views of downtown.P1050425Turning to the west, Century City with the ocean gleaming in the background.  The neighborhood in the foreground is Mt. Olympus – but that is a story for another post.P1050446Looking down into Hollywood, The Capitol Record building as well as the enormous mural on the back of the Renaissance Hotel at Hollywood and Highland.joel and leahThe happy hikers. Joel always brings his walking stick, I’m starting to do the same,  although this was a short hike, there were some steep slippery parts.P1050440Patriotic agave.P1050449And the strangest thing of all. I’ve seen many of these manhole covers,  but this is the first time I’ve seen one that proudly proclaims it was made in India.  This may be from the 40s’, who  knew that we had our manhole covers brought in all the way from India.

Leah

Lemon Tree very pretty….

Sorry,  I’m humming the tune to an oldie called Lemon Tree.P1050375“Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower’s sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.”  Well, my tree is OK, and I have Meyer Lemons so they are sweet.P1050376We planted the tree when we moved into this house 8 years ago, I clearly have rust and other problems. These days I sort of ignore the garden and guess what – results, after all this time, the tree is finally producing more than just one or two lemons.P1050379Pity it’s a little too chilly for lemonade, but I cook with lemons all times so these will be put to good use.

Leah

We ‘heart’ Garden Apartments.

Every year the Los Angeles Conservancy organizes a special tour that focuses on one topic. This year it is Garden Apartments.  This was a difficult tour to organize since we were visiting three locations that are far apart, from the Valley to Venice to mid-city – Baldwin Hills. I decided to pay my money and simply go on the tour.

First stop, right in my back yard, Chase Knolls in Sherman Oaks.  I have driven by this complex for over 20 years and have never set foot inside. It was very surprising how quiet and pastoral I felt once on the grounds.P1050178The concept of Garden Apartments came about during WWII, a need to build quick housing  both during the war and after. Have the buildings set in a lovely park setting with common green space for the residents to enjoy.P1050177It works very well here, the trees have matured, the knoll, is lovely.P1050183This complex has a road on the exterior with parking away from the actual units. They also have laundry rooms. A few years ago the owner wanted to tear this down and build a much denser apartment complex. The Conservancy and the residents fought back and now a new owner is in place. The building were repainted in the original pastel colors. The apartments upgraded and are very pleasant.

Then it was a long drive down to Venice to a much larger complex, Lincoln Village.  This was my least favorite. Streets run through the complex, although there is greenery between the buildings, there is not a lot of common space.P1050199Also, not a lot of big mature trees, I guess they just weren’t part of the landscaping design. If this picture looks like the buildings in Chase Knoll it’s because they had the same team of architects.P1050203The old clothes lines getting good use, I think someone may have ridden their bike down to the beachP1050198A number of years ago the owners illegally tore down 8 of the buildings, after a long legal battle, Aimco bought the property and probably saw the tax benefits of maintaing the old buildings while erecting new ones. Here you can see how the new is different but fits in with the feel of the old buildings.  Streets run through the whole complex, so there isn’t that pastoral feeling.P1050201This is the largest public area, there are bbqs along the perimeter, but no tall trees. It’s hard to see but there are dog frisbees on the grass, so dog owners do come out here. P1050204Another new addition is a pool, a gym and a community room.P1050209Public rooftop atop the community room.P1050213Nice new modern kitchens in the apartments.   I’m glad that this complex was saved and even had upgrades, so now it is a place close to the beach for many new residents.

On to the third and my favorite garden apartment. The Village Green in Baldwin Hills.P1050217There are a number of big differences,  very big open public spaces and this complex went Condo 30 years ago, so the residents really really care about their homes.P1050219I saw many parents with young babies. I understand that the community has a lot of activities together as well.P1050221I LOVE these  big mature trees.

We were able to visit three homes, not model homes like the other locations.  They  were all very different and wonderful. P1050231People also personalize their outdoor space. P1050230A local resident.

So for any Los Angeles residents, go to the Conservancy website and check out the tours, this is a wonderful way to learn about the city.

Leah

Rocky Peak Trail

Continuing our Sunday tradition, we went out looking for a local hike. We found it in the northwestern section of the San Fernando Valley, right on the border with Simi Valley.  Rocky Peak TrailRP11True to it’s name, the trail was steep and had little vegetation but a lot of very interesting rock formations.RP1From certain vantage points the sky really was that blue.RP2RP4We did have a few clouds in the sky, not enough to give us any shade but since we don’t see them often, I find clouds are fascinating.RP9Not all rock formations are made by nature.
RP3Despite being the end of October, it was hot.RP6This is a view of the San Fernando Valley we rarely see, I think out house is far off in the haze.RP5Simi Valley on the other side, once ranch lands, now a far flung suburb.RP7Once again, we weren’t alone. A group of Fire fighters were out on a hike. I have no idea if they are LA county or Ventura country, we were straddling the county line.RP8Not everyone was hiking. I’m impressed that with the views she was able to concentrate on her book.RP10Hikers, mountain bikes, just another lovely Sunday in Southern California.

Leah

Panama Day

For the third year in a row, I happen to be giving a tour downtown on Panama Day.  There is a colorful music filled parade, I had my small camera, so unfortunately – not great shots. When I got home I realized that it was on manual – since I use this as point and shoot – that was a bad idea.PR dayGot to love, everyone with their smart phone.IMG_4215I don’t know what the black ribbon is for and I had no idea that the Virgin of Guadalupe is also important in Panama, I thought she was the Saint of Mexico.PRThe queen and her court?  A bright red convertible is better than a white horse.IMG_4201IMG_4212So sorry this is completely out of focus, but I just love the composition, the colors and the movement, so it stays.

Leah

Ventura Blvd, main st. of the Valley

For many Angelenos The Valley is somewhere they never go or somewhere they escaped from. The original suburbia, tract homes and swimming pools. I live here and as much as I love exploring other parts of the city, I am very happy to be here.

Ventura Blvd is our main street, it runs for 18 miles from Studio City out to Woodland Hills.  Mostly a commercial thoroughfare, it changes personality as it moves west.

Today I was in Woodland Hills and noticed this wonderful restaurant sign.IMG_0446I have no idea what the food is like, but as far as signage is concerned, it sure beats the Chinese restaurant next door.  I have no idea how long they have been in business, one doesn’t see this kind of signage anymore.  I could only find restaurant reviews – some good, some bad, but no one mentioned our little Thai boy. I guess I’m one of the few who actually looks up.IMG_0445Just like people in the city distain the Valley, we have a way of looking down on the newer suburbs, not that it stops them from advertising right on our main street.

So on my drive home, I stayed off the freeway and stopped to capture some other great signs, that may not be here for long.IMG_0449This Bar-B-Q joint has been here for more than 50 years and seems to be going strong according to the reviews I read. One thing they have going for them is their real estate.IMG_0454Even in the Valley having such a large privately owned parking lot is quite a luxury. IMG_0451Right down the street is a store selling BBQ equipment, not sure how functional this is…IMG_0452…but it sure is cute.

Back in the car and on to another Ventura Blvd landmark.IMG_0455My kids used to go to parties here, there is a bowling alley closer to us, so this wasn’t our regular hangout.  I love the 1950s’ sign.IMG_0458It was the middle of the day,  they do turn on the neon at night.IMG_0460I can just see the Jetson’s coming in for an evening of fun.

Leah

Art Deco on Wilshire Blvd.

For my 36th anniversary (how did that ever happen! (Ok let’s say I got married at 15), Joel got me a new IPad. I had been using the original first generation, no camera, super slow.  I am having so much fun! I went to Mood to buy fabric (more about that in another post).  I’ve been thinking of the many pictures I can take in this city, having my iPad with me, as well as a good 45 minutes on the meter I went exploring. Desmond dept storeThis is the corner of Wilshire and La Brea, big busy intersection. I have no idea if Samsung still has anything to do with this incredible Art Deco, but their big blue sign sure disrupts the view. In the 1930’s Los Angeles was marching westward. This section of Wilshire is known as the miracle mile, it used to all be Art Deco. This was Desmond’s Dept store, this being the heyday of such stores. imageView from the front.imageRight across the street is this new mixed use building. As wonderful as Art Deco is, it can’t all be saved. Btw, this is what we use umbrellas for here, as sun protection.The DecoRight next door to the Desmond is this wonderful little gem known as The Deco.imageWonderful details, this little jewel was designed by Stiles O. Clements, maybe he had leftover tile from the Atlantic Richfield building downtown. That masterpiece was torn down in the 70’s when people were completely bored with Art Deco. So having this small example around is wonderful. image
The black and gold  in the ARCO building represented black gold – oil.  Which is why I think he must have had some left over, just enough for a small building.imageLike most of these buildings, the public facade is gorgeous, the side of the building, drab, and utilitarian. I went inside and asked to take pictures. I was told that wasn’t posible, I was very polite and commended them for taking such good care of this gem.imageA block up, on La Brea one can see this wonderful tower, View from Sycamore Ave over the roofs of old Spanish style homesimageToday this is a modern bistro, For years it was Campanile, and before that, an office building built in 1929 by Charlie Chaplin.  His studios were just up the street. imageOnce again, drab side but a nice view of the tower.

Leah

A walk by the LA river.

Yes, we have a river, no we are not a desert. We live in a Mediterranean climate, which means, seasonal rains (winter) and a certain amount of running water.   The river is the whole reason the Spanish started a settlement in 1781.  One problem with such rivers is that when we have rainy years, it would flood, kill people and destroy property. In the 1940s this became the largest project for the Army Corps of engineers, they  encased most of the 48 miles in concrete and basically turned it into a very big storm drain.

For this walk I went with Charles Fleming and his many  followers. Years ago he wrote a wonderful book, Secret Stairs and then he started leading walks along those routes.  This time only about 30 people showed up, nice size group.William Mullholland Memorial FountainWe met at the foot of this fountain. The William Mullholland memorial fountain.  He was the designer of the aqueduct that brings water from 300 miles away in the Owens Valley to LA and allowed the area to become the megalopolis it is today.P1040519We crossed a pedestrian bridge over the busy 5 freeway. Notice how it is completely enclosed, no jumpers here please.P1040469Early on a Sunday morning there is very little traffic. On weekdays  all 10 lanes are solid with cars.P1040484Down to a very bucolic river.  Three miles of the river, known as the Glendale narrows were never paved. This area was below the level of the water table, so it has been able to flourish has a natural river.P1040492The banks are slopping concrete,  a bridge connects Silverlake to Atwater Village.  A wonderful bike path runs along the top. the small bridge on the left is for bikes and pedestrians to cross Los Feliz Blvd easily.P1040483I love these older industrial elements of this bridge, and the power lines are fine as well. I wouldn’t be blogging without them.P1040506Nature is doing it’s best to reclaim the concrete walls.P1040497A White Heron.P1040498Taking flight. I’m amazed at how good this picture is. Dumb luck,  point the camera and shoot!  What I love about digital cameras – I can shoot and just keep the good pictures.P1040509Birds and fish flourish here. In the summer kayakers come out as well.P1040513The lock on bridges tradition that started in Paris has sprouted up on many bridges these days.P1040515I hope the dates don’t indicate the beginning and end of E&D’s relationship.

Leah

A house comes down

I should have taken a picture while the house was still standing, but I never did, just another small two bedroom ranch style house build in the Valley in the late 50’s.

Six years ago some amateurs who had probably seen too many shows on flipping houses, bought this house and did some cosmetic work inside. They proceeded to rent it out to various tenants since no one wanted to buy it. Then it sold suddenly and someone moved in – which really surprised me. A few weeks ago they left and  some strange markings showed up on the street. One day my internet went down, turns out the gas company came and cut off the gas supply to the house, they also cut our AT&T wire.

This is what I saw next.P1040145A green fence went up and while I was out, half the house was gone.  My grandson remarked – house broken, not working – nope – that is a non-working house.P1040149I guess I’m a little boy at heart, I can watch heavy machinery for hours. To me this looks like a dinosaur gobbling on the house.  It’s rather sad to see how flimsy our houses really are.P1040150Wood and doors into a big pile.P1040172Moving the wood into one bin after another.  I talked to the workmen, they are a highly professional demolition team. They told me that all the wood will go north to a recycling plant that turns this wood into chips that will line the freeways. Glad to it’s not all going to the dump.P1040175At this point the house is down, all that’s left is the chimney and the garage.P1040218These bins were coming and going all day, at this point I think the debris is going to the landfill.P1040173Love the juxtaposition of the cyclist and the heavy machinery.P1040226All done! Five days of intense work and the lot is cleared and graded. I don’t know if the tree will remain or not.  It’s interesting to get a wider view of the freeway sound wall.

It will also be interesting to see what they build here. Because of the freeway I’m thinking that a two story house is out of the question, but what do I know? Time will tell.

Leah

Another Sunday hike

Have I mentioned how many wonderful hikes there are either in the city or right outside it. This time we headed out to Malibu Creek State Park. It has probably been 15 years since I’ve been here. In those days parking was free, now it costs $12 to park.  Still worth it.P1040248View into the Santa Monica mountains from the parking lot. A wonderful sky, we actually had clouds on this wonderful fall day.P1040252One thing we absolutely love here in So Cal, is running water.  Any open body of water will attract people.P1040255We walked by this rusting old water tower.P1040306Later I got a fuller view, yes even out in nature people think that defacing objects with graffiti is a good thing to do. Unfortunately they do it on trees as well.  Oh well, and you wonder why I am completely opposed to ‘celebrating’ graffiti as some kind of art form.P1040264Another thing we love is big trees that cast shade on our paths.  There were a lot of people walking or picnicking.  P1040256We shared the road with a cantering horse.P1040258Someone mentioned that this is a mule, because of the ears, all I know is he was moving fast.

We were hoping for a quiet peaceful country walk, that wasn’t meant to be.P1040262Right as we started our walk a slew of emergency vehicles came by.P1040263And left us in their dust.P1040274Even a helicopter came over head.

P1040275Which was very very appropriate since our destination is the film location for M.A.S.H. We spoke to the rescuers, someone had fallen, more on that later.P1040276Soon we were off the road and onto a rocky path through chaparral – this is the low native growth here in So Cal.P1040280We turned a corner and there it was! The M.A.S.H site!  Today most filming seems to be done on sound stages, with a few outside shots just for authenticity. But with this show they built the whole camp out here and a few relics remain. I’m thinking someone may have done some touch up work on this ambulance.IMG_2746How they convinced anyone that this dry, arid environment is actually in Korea is beyond me.P1040285Here is a ‘burnt out’ vehicle. There are a number of information placards that show maps and details of where everything was on this set.P1040281Even the shed has it’s obligatory bullet holes.P1040288Iconic signpost, this looks too new and clean, someone must come and replace it from time to time.P1040293On our way back we stopped at the ‘lake’, this is where the rescue had taken place. If you think this is some large lovely lake, think again, the camera makes things look so much larger. I do love the reflection, clouds are rare around here.P1040294This area is well known for rock climbers, I assumed that one of them fell (we were told it wasn’t a serious injury, probably broken bones) but no, the people by the lake told us that a kid was goofing off on the dam and fell.  Yes there are signs telling you not to climb on the dam, but really who reads or pays attention to signs??P1040298I have no idea if the state stocks this lake or if this father and son are just enjoying the act of fishing without ever catching anything.P1040302We also walked by the visitor center, it was already closed.P1040304This is what river beds really look like around here.P1040307Final shot, a family enjoying the pond.  Can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon

Leah