Re-Experiencing Los Angeles: Historic Downtown Core (Part I)

Two years ago I was back in Los Angeles and I took some time to walk around and explore the Historic Core in downtown. This is Part I of a five part series:

I found street parking in front of Raw Materials on Main Street (in between 5th & Winston Streets). Raw Materials is, of course, an art store. But the name also symbolizes what the Historic Core of downtown Los Angeles represents. 

Next door was the Local Leaf Cafe. 

I headed north (technically, northeast) along Main Street. The "raw materials" of the historic core consist of hundreds of older buildings, most with retail spaces at the street level. Los Angeles has the advantage of some of the most stellar weather in the world. How about a cup of coffee outside in November?

Blossom Vietnamese Cafe, located at the corner of Main and Winston. Most of the street level retail was alive and active. 

What could pass for New York or Chicago. Got to love the old school (and very functional) metal fire escape. 

Crewest Gallery. The gentrification of downtown - of course - means art galleries. 

Contrast the number of people out and about on the city streets to, say, Los Angeles' Century City or even the financial district of downtown L.A. 

Across the street was Big Man Bakes. This was two years ago: they're still around. From the sign, I'm guessing they jumped on the cupcake craze that started about 2010. 

Looks like Big Man Bakes is right next to entrance to a parking garage. Fortunately, there's still some retail at the street level.

Street level outdoor dining along Main Street at Baco Mercat. This was about 3pm. I'm curious what this place is like at, say, 8pm? 

Outdoor along the street, yet with some privacy. This is not how most people envision Los Angeles. I certainly don't. Looks more like Paris, right? Someone had a vision. 

The entrance to the San Fernando Building - located at 400 S. Main. This seven story loft apartment building was renovated 15 years ago as part of the Old Bank District development - at, and around, this intersection. 

More street level outdoor dining at Ledlow - located at Main and Fourth (or is it, 4th?) Streets. 

Across the street, you can see much more the San Fernando Building, built in 1907. At the time, it was considered the finest office building in the city. Like much of downtown Los Angeles, it hit hard times in the 1950's, but - like dozens of other buildings in the area - has now come back as residential rental units. 

As a Christian, I'm always curious what makes a great city. What elements, what public policy, what sort of planning, zoning, and design elements make for a truly great city? How are neighborhoods laid out? Roads, parking, public transportation? How does this affect the poor or economically marginalized - as well as the general populace? What can we learn from other places -- and from history? How does a Christian world-view affect this, if at all?

Historically, Los Angeles - much more so than cities like New York or Chicago - grew out rather than up. There were numerous reasons for this. One hundred years ago, a sprawling, low density city was considered the wave of the future. Today, not so much. 

I headed west (technically, northwest) on 4th Street past the Farmers and Merchants Bank Building towards Spring and Broadway Streets. In the distance are the office towers that run north/south along streets like Figueroa, Hope, and Grand. 

More next time in Part II. 

© 2015 www.experiencingla.com

Under the Rainbow

photo credit: Puya Partow, LAist.com

I wish I could claim credit for this striking photo: Los Angeles resident Puya Partow was in the right place yesterday after the first (of hopefully many) rainstorms this season. 

Love it. 


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Historic Tall Ship "Lady Washington" in the Santa Monica Bay

Back in late Fall of 2007, my wife took our two kids on a field trip aboard the Lady Washington, a full-scale replica of the eighteenth century American sailing ship by the same name.

The original Lady Washington was the first American vessel to travel around the tip of South America, arriving on the West Coast in 1788.

An advantage of home schooling is being able to take your kids on cool field trips.

An advantage of living in Los Angeles is being able to experience something like the Lady Washington out on the open ocean (sorry Denver, sorry Dallas, sorry Atlanta).

And, another advantage of living in Los Angeles is being able to do this in short sleeves in December (sorry Chicago, sorry New York, sorry Boston).

The Lady Washington is based in Aberdeen, Washington and sails up and down the West Coast. She (why are ships called "she"?) will be in back in Los Angeles at the Long Beach Harbor December 10-14, 2015. Here's a link with more information.

The Lady Washington was built in 1989, and is an exact replica of the original ship.

It was a fun opportunity the kids and adults there to experience what life was like aboard a 18th Century ship. The crew is very hands on and works to communicate with the kids - it really is an educational experience.

And, apparently, older kids are given jobs to do. Nice.

One of the crew explaining what life was like down below.

The whole experience was about three hours (yeah, I know, time to start humming the theme song from Gillian's Island). When my wife and kids went, the ship was docked in the Marina del Rey, and went out into the Santa Monica Bay up the coast along Venice, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades - and back.

Apparently, the ship was been used in several films, including "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl."

Hats off the crew that works to make this experience come to life.

My son - age eight at the time. He's currently about a month away from getting his drivers license. Only three more years until he's off in college - yikes! The past eight years have gone by so quickly! 

Whatever education choice you make (public school, private school, or home school) make time with your kids - or nieces or nephews, or little brother or sister. Or, if you're an adult without children or extended - get involved with kids in your church or in your community - or a program like Big Brothers Big Sisters. The years go by very quickly!

The Ports O' Call Village shopping center in the Marina del Rey - almost home.

A final view of some of our homeschool friends - they all look like they're saying "arg".

Thought it would be good to dig and find some photos I've never posted (feel like the last few months, I've relied too much on other people's photos or video clips). I still have a few of my own from our five year adventure living in Los Angeles. 

I told a friend that I'd stop posting when I ran out of photos from our time there. Still have a few more left - but getting towards the bottom of the barrel. Mostly, now, it's a time issue. I'd rather be spending time with my 13 and 15 year olds, rather than posting photos. But, of course, it's fun to take a few minutes and post something from a few years back. 

And now, back to work ...

-© 2015 www.experiencingla.com

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Experiencing Los Angeles - in the San Fernando Valley

image credit: eyeball overload.com

One of the most overlooked areas of Los Angeles is the massive San Fernando Valley. 

It comes as a surprise to many that most of the San Fernando Valley (or simply "the Valley") is part of the City of Los Angeles. The Valley is separated from the rest of Los Angeles by the Santa Monica Mountains, which for all intents and purposes divides the city in two. With 1.8 million residents, the Valley has its own climate, history, culture, and vibe. 

The Valley doesn't usually come to mind when people think about Los Angeles, which is ironic because it's home to half of the six Major Studios: Warner Brothers, Disney Studios, and Universal Studios. (The other three are Columbia in Culver City, Fox in Century City, and Paramount in Hollywood. Paramount is the only studio actually located in Hollywood). 

I came across this wonderful montage of images from throughout the Valley from EyeballOverload.com.  

OK, all you fans of the SFV, what are the best things in the Valley to see or do?




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Vadim Tereshchenko and Ian Wood's Los Angeles videos

Here's a couple of outstanding Vimeo videos highlighting different aspects of Los Angeles:

First, Vadim Tereschchenko's Los Angeles Hyperlapse/Timelapse Compilation, which took him two years to create:


 
Los Angeles Hyperlapse/Timelapse Compilation from Vadim Tereshchenko on Vimeo - and a link to the laist.com site where I found Vadim's video.


Second, Ian Wood's equally amazing six minute compilation of drone flyovers all over the city.

Los Angeles from Ian Wood on Vimeo - and a link to la.curbed.com where I found this video.

Wow: both excellent, amazing work.

Which one do you like better?

Is there a short L.A. video you think we need to add?

Make a suggestion in the comments below.

(back to work)
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Zach King at Biola University: "Invisible Man" video

Here's a post of student filmmaker Zach King's "Invisible Man" video. Clocking in at just under a minute, it's very fun and very creative. 



Zach King is a 25 year old film maker, based in Los Angeles. Here's a link to his website: King Film School. 

The video was filmed on the Biola University campus. Biola is a Christian liberal arts university, located approx 30 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. 

photo credit: Biola University

If you live in Southern California, perhaps you've seen Biola's recent promotional campaign: "Think Biblically About Everything" - the idea that Scripture impacts all of life, not simply religious things. 

photo credit: www.collectista.com

Little known fact: the large, neon "Jesus Saves" sign a top the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles ...

photo credit: http://jesussavessign.blogspot.com

 ... was originally part of Biola University at the school's original location in downtown L.A. at Sixth and Hope. Here's what the school looked like up until the 1950's Biola relocated to the 95 acre La Mirada campus in 1959. 

My personal connection is that I attended and received my graduate degree from Biola back in 1990. Certainly a different experience than my earlier undergraduate days at UCLA. 

Nice work, Zach King. Just another part of experiencing Los Angeles. 


-© 2015 www.experiencingla.com

Star Wars: Invasion Los Angeles (May the 4th)

Filmmaker Kaipo Jones has once again done an impressive job, this time with a Star Wars invasion of sunny Los Angeles. Mindless, but fun.

Seemed an appropriate - and very quick and easy - post for May the 4th. Enjoy.






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Experiencing L.A. - Temescal Ridge and Paseo Miramar Trails (Pacific Palisades)

What do I miss about our time in Los Angeles? There are a lot of things - but early morning hikes in Topanga State Park is definitely on the list. 

One of my two favorite hikes was the Upper Temescal Ridge trail - accessible from the top of the Palisades Highlands community of Pacific Palisades. 

The solitude - especially just before sunrise - is incredible. 

As well as the early morning coastal fog. This is looking west towards Topanga Canyon. 

And south towards Paseo Miramar trailhead. On a clear day, the Pacific Ocean is visible in the background. 

This is looking east along the ridges of Brentwood, Beverly Hills and Hollywood. The massive San Gabriel Mountains are in the distance. 

Another view of the Paseo Miramar trailhead, which has a much steeper trail and is a great workout, and my second favorite hike. More on that in a bit. 

Sunrise. Good time to hiked back to my car. What I love about this hike is the solitude. It was a Saturday morning and I didn't see anyone else until getting back to the parking lot. 

I consider the Upper Temescal Ridge ridge trail to be one of the very best hikes in Los Angeles. Here's a link to more information on a previous post. 

It was early and I had enough time to drive over to the Paseo Miramar trail, located off of Sunset Blvd, about 15 minutes away. Starting at lower elevation, I was shrouded in cool, coastal fog. Here's a link with more information on the Paseo Miramar hike from a previous blog post. 

I eventually popped out of the fog and into the brilliant sunshine of a summer morning. 

Love the look of fog against the hillsides. 

Years earlier while living in L.A., I had a chance to hear a professor at Cal State Northridge speak on Christian stewardship of the environment. He made some convincing arguments, including a statement I had never thought of before: the ability to see and enjoy the creation helps point individuals to the Creator.

The New Testament states that "For his [God's] invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made." 

The complexity and design of life on our little planet clearly pointers to a Designer. 

Los Angeles has both wonderful climate, beaches, the ocean, mountains, palm tree lined boulevards .... as well as a sprawling and sometimes gritty urban environment. 

I appreciate the work of men and women who worked tirelessly to see places like Topanga State Park become a reality. It didn't just "happen." Helping improve not only the quality of life, but the ability to see and enjoy the Creator's handiwork. 

I like to think of the Santa Monica Mountains as Los Angeles' backyard. Sure, coming from other parts of the city - it's a bit of a drive. But sooo worth it. 

Here's a couple links some additional "fog and mountain" photos from previous posts. 

Above: looking east towards the Temescal Canyon Ridge trail - where I was hiking an hour earlier. Either of these two hikes would be great. It's amazing to remember that they're both within the city limits of Los Angeles. And how cool was it to enjoy both of them in a single morning? 

Back down to my car, I dropped back down into the fog. Unlike the Upper Temescal Ridge, the Paseo  Miramar hike if fairly popular - so plan on hiking a couple of blocks to the trailhead. And regardless of what time of day you're there, please be considerate of the neighbors. 

© 2015 www.experiencingla.com



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Easter at the Hollywood Bowl

For almost 100 years, Easter at the Hollywood Bowl has been a Los Angeles tradition. The above photo from the Vintage Los Angeles Facebook Group dates from 1948.

The traditional sunrise service has given way to a 11am multi-church Easter Sunday gathering - and still attracts thousands of Angelenos.

If you missed it this year, make your calendar for 2016. Here's a link to when my wife and kids and I attended Easter at the Hollywood Bowl a few years back. Great, very meaningful experience. We totally recommend it to others.

Christ is Risen: He is Risen, indeed!

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter.



© 2015 www.experiencingla.com

Aerial Los Angeles, Santa Monica and the Bay

photo credit: ExperiencingLA.com

Aerial Los Angeles: flying out to LAX a few months back, I grabbed a couple photos out the window via my phone.

Lower left is Pacific Palisades. Following the coast south, where it starts to become urban, is Santa Monica. The buildings along Wilshire Blvd can be seen as they snake their way up through Brentwood, Westwood Village, around Century City, through Beverly Hills, Hancock Park, Koreatown, and into downtown Los Angeles.

photo credit: ExperiencingLA.com

From this angle, Hollywood is directly north of Pacific Palisades, about two thirds up the photo. The little white dot in the hills is the Hollywood Sign. Malibu begins at the very lower left. In the distance are the San Gabriel Mountains. As an aside, 40 years ago smog would have made this photograph virtually impossible. Today, of greater concern is traffic congestion.

Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and downtown Los Angeles. Thanks to the entertainment industry, the influence that this swath of land has on the rest of the planet is incredible.

I like this quote from urban planning expert Dan Rosenfeld from this weekend's Los Angeles Times:

"We live in the greatest concentration of human talent in the history of the world. We spawn popular culture — film, fashion, food, even finance — for the entire planet. Further, we are the urban laboratory for the future world. Solutions to megacity challenges such as water scarcity, recycling, mobility, diversity and income inequality — those solutions will be invented and tested here. L.A. can be messy, crowded and hard to manage, but it's a good place to be relevant."

© 2015 www.experiencingla.com



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McClure Tunnel, Santa Monica: End of One World, Beginning of Another

image: Susan Haskell

I recently came across Los Angeles area artist Susan Haskell's painting of the McClure Tunnel.

Beautiful work that captures the awe of coming out of the tunnel at the end of the Santa Monica Freeway and out onto the Pacific Coast Highway.

There are many stunning views in Los Angeles, but in terms of views that can only be experienced while driving, the view at the end of the McClure Tunnel ranks at the very top.

image: McClure Tunnel Santa Monica (photos.wikimapia.org)

The Santa Monica Freeway, which starts 2500 miles (4000 km) away in Jacksonville, Florida - ends at the tunnel, which curves and opens up of the Pacific Ocean. The tunnel was actually built in 1935 and is only 400 feet long. The curve, keeping the ocean from view until you emerge from it, is what makes it so unique.

I remember the first time coming through the tunnel at age 7, when my family moved from Chicago to Los Angeles. Seeing the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains for the first time was stunning then. And it's still stunning.

Sort of. I would NEVER recommend trying to take a photo coming out of the tunnel while trying to navigate a dark curving tunnel with traffic - very dangerous. Google street view is the next best thing.

What was once one of the most stunning views in Los Angeles is marred by Cal Trans decision to place a work yard, complete with large metal storage bins, right at the mouth of the tunnel. Really? Los Angeles is a huge place. They couldn't find another place for this?

Here's an ariel shot. Gives a better idea of what seems like an incredibly stupid decision. Like other major cities Los Angeles faces a list of challenging problems. I'm sure "marring the view coming out of the McClure Tunnel" is not on the top of the list. On the other hand, it's the hundreds of little things like this that can make living anywhere delightful or loathsome. Kind of like graffiti or trash along the road.

image: Susan Haskell 

Susan Haskell obviously knows a beautiful subject when she sees it. Here's the same shot, only a sunset. And here's hoping that the Cal Trans storage yard will find another home. And this one small part of experiencing Los Angeles will be restored to how it was originally envisioned. 

© 2015 www.experiencingla.com

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Frank Gehry House, Venice Beach

The Frank Gehry House is located at 2509 Ocean Front Walk in Venice.


The scaffolding on the right is NOT part of the house. Everything else is.

A little (OK, very) strange, odd. But it honestly fits in with the rest of Venice Beach.

The Obama 2008 posters is a reminder that this was taken back in late 2008, early 2009.

Short post - lots of things going on this weekend.

Here's a link with more info.

© 2015 www.experiencingla.com




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