Winter Rain, or Lack of It: Experiencing L.A.

Winter Rain. It's something Los Angeles, and the rest of California needs badly.  

Los Angeles' Mediterranean climate is found in five places on earth: Southern California, Central Chile, Western/South Australia, South Africa, and - of course - the Mediterranean. Historically, it means cool, wet winters ... and warm dry summers. 

I say historically, because Los Angeles, along with the rest of California, is in the middle of an extreme drought. While the rest of the nation is dealing with an arctic vortex, Angelenos are basking in warm, sunny days - and the worst drought in over 100 years. 

These photos were taken along Main Street in Venice and Santa Monica a few years back. 

The Clown Building, located at the corner of Rose and Main in Venice. 

Starbucks (yes, they're everywhere), corner of Hill and Main in the Ocean Park district of Santa Monica. 

Pouring rain. Yes, it really rains in Southern California. I like how everyone is in a state of denial, just sitting outside. What is this, Florida?

That same day I continued on a few more mile up the coast to enjoy a hike on the Paseo Miramar trail in Pacific Palisades. Steep hill, great workout, and incredible views - especially after a rainstorm.

"Divine Providence" is the term used to describe God's provision - in terms of rain and everything else. In addition to normal rainfall, drought and flood are also part of the created order - and the natural cycle of life.

It doesn't negate a trust in God's provision to build reservoirs and plan for years with little to no rain. In the mean time, regardless of one's theological beliefs, it's important not to not waste what we have. Water is a very precious commodity.

Of course, if water was more expensive, you'd see a lot more conservation. My wife, kids, and I lived in L.A. for five years. Water - most of which is piped in from elsewhere - was relatively cheap. If fact, as crazy as it sounds, thousands of small apartment buildings in L.A. have one water meter for a 6 or 8 or 10 unit building. Water is just part of the rent, regardless of how much you use. So, at least in apartments, what incentive is there for the average Joe (or José) to conserve?

Meanwhile, along the California central coast, where we now live, water is four times more expensive. No one needs to be reminded to use water sparingly. It's too expensive to waste.

The Paseo Miramar hike trailhead is located at the end of Paseo Miramar in Pacific Palisades. Great hike. I highly recommend it. Parking is along the street, which can get very full on weekends. Please be respectful of the neighbors, and watch for no parking zones. 

© 2014 www.experiencingla.com

Experiencing L.A. - UCLA Gourmet Food Trucks

Gourmet Food Trucks, while not unique to Los Angeles, have definitely become part of the city, including the UCLA campus. 

Apparently the university allows (or allowed - these photos were taken a while back) four different food trucks on different days in the Court of Sciences. This is The Grilled Cheese Truck.

The Border Grill Truck. Although it was later in the day, both these trucks had customers waiting in line. And, yes, both these trucks have their own websites. 

Another view of the Grilled Cheese Truck. With bright colors and a fresh menu, these trucks have breathed new life into the standard taco truck. 

Here's a link to a previous post on my first experience of a gourmet food truck - just a few yards off campus in Westwood Village. 

These trucks were out and about while the Court of Sciences food court - a below ground fixture known as "The Bombshelter" - was undergoing a major renovation. That was three years ago. Time goes by fast: any Freshman in these photos are now Seniors; I'm curious if these trucks are still around. 

If you're visiting Los Angeles are REALLY want to find a gourmet food truck, you can't go wrong on Abott Kinney Blvd in Venice - or try this website to track down your favorite truck. 

UCLA's Court of Sciences is surrounded my MASSIVE research facilities, facility offices, and classrooms. The campus, which sits on 419 acres and is surrounded by some of the most expensive real estate in the nation, continues to go vertical. 

This walkway is normally packed with students heading to or from class. Not sure if it was the rain, or just later in the way, but the walkway was surprisingly empty. 

Immediately off the Court of Sciences is the incredible California NanoSystems Institute. 

This is one of the most amazing "unknown" buildings in Los Angeles and is absolutely worth seeing if you're any where near the UCLA campus. Here's a link to a re-post on the NanoSystems Institute, with more photos and additional information.

© 2014 www.experiencingla.com




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Small Worlds & Bridges: California NanoSystems Institute UCLA

One of the most unique modern buildings buildings in Los Angeles is the California NanoSystems Institute located on the UCLA campus.

I walked by the exterior of this building for years - having no idea what the interior courtyard (pictured) looked like.

Taking a shortcut while on campus - I discovered the CNSI's interior courtyard with it's six different bridges connecting different random floors and parts of the building to each other.

Here's a arial view from google earth, where you can see the six different bridges. To the right is the UCLA south campus "court of the sciences."

The interior courtyard isn't really a courtyard.

This being Los Angeles, it's a parking lot.

You can see how the entire western side of the building cantilevers over the parking lot area - a pretty impressive feat of engineering.

Another shot of the bridges. It felt like a movie set.


From up above, you get another perspective. As this is a working research facility, access to several of the bridges was limited. I think it was OK walking around and taking pictures, but I didn't want to walk across a bridge only to find the door on the other side locked.

Thinking about it, I don't think I saw anyone walking on any of them the entire time I was there. That doesn't mean they're never used - but they did seem under used.


A final shot.

Apparently, the CSNI building is a "secure facility" (their words) but offers tours by appointment: cnsi411@ucla.edu.

While maybe not worth a special trip, the California NanoSystems Institute is worth stopping by and seeing if you're any where near UCLA.

Here's their website.

© 2014 www.experiencingla.com

originally posted 10/16/10

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Falling Plates

Some friends put together an interesting 4 minute video dealing with the big life questions: where did we come from? why are we here? where are we going? 

Unlike other posts on this blog, "Falling Plates" is less about experiencing Los Angeles - more about experiencing life. 

Thoughts, impressions, and feedback welcome. 


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Vintage Los Angeles: City Hall, Christmas 1973

photo credit: Joe Messinger

City Hall, downtown Los Angeles, Christmas 1973.

Peace on earth, good will to men ... and Merry Christmas to all.


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© 2013 www.experiencingla.com

50 years ago today: the Baldwin Hills Reservoir collapse

photo credit: Los Angeles Public Library collection

50 years ago today, the 19 acre 300 million-gallon Baldwin Hills Reservoir collapsed, destroying 65 homes and killing 5. This video clip from the History Channel gives an excellent overview in this often overlooked chapter in Los Angeles' history. 

© 2013 www.experiencingla.com


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Back to Bethlehem 2013 - St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, Chatsworth

A little Christmas gem in the northwest corner of Los Angeles is the "Back to Bethlehem" event, held on the two weekends before Christmas.

This year the event will be held at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church 20121 Devonshire Street in Chatsworth. 

The event's web site describes it as "more than a nativity scene ... not a play". That is an understatement. It's a very impressive re-enactment of what life might have been like in Bethlehem as Mary and Joseph would have experienced it, entirely staffed by volunteers.

These photos were taken a few years ago when my family and I attended. 

The wait to get in is very minimal. While Los Angeles doesn't get snow, it can surprisingly cold, especially at night. OK, not East Coast or Midwest cold, but still pretty chilly. If you plan on attending, you'll probably want to bring a warm jacket - and hats and gloves.

It's also an outdoor event - and certain evenings will be canceled if it's raining. Check their website.

Hundreds of volunteers do an amazing job bringing this event to life.

There was "no room at the inn" ... but a donkey outside of the simple stable nearby gave a hint of what might be inside.

Waiting to visit Mary and Joseph, and their newborn son.

This is a fantastic event for families to help explain the Christmas story to their children.

Mary and Joseph inside the stable, sharing the story of the first Christmas with the thousands of visitors every night. Each year this event attracts 18,000 people over two weekends. The night we went, the event seemed well attended but never felt overly crowded.

Outside the stable, sheep and goats. A reminder of the environment Jesus was born into. A volunteer lets kids touch a goat.

At the edge of Bethlehem is the rabbi school. Children and adults gather around to hear the village rabbi share the prophecies about Messiah from Old Testament prophet Isaiah.

Every visitor receives free shekels at the entrance. Spices were just one of the many items you could buy.

The Roman soldiers walking around were a reminder that Bethlehem in the first century was a conquered, occupied territory (I have no idea how these guys - again, all volunteers - stayed warm in togas and sandals.)

Pomegranates. This vendor was smart and was prepared for a chilly evening.

Warm bread: another popular item.

The shops and stalls were in a circle around a large field that is part of the church's property. When we attended, the entire event was outdoors (I'm assuming that is still the case). 

Our kids loved the freedom of being able to go from booth to booth, running around buying little things, having the small samples of food. It really helped bring the Bible to life: Jesus was born in a real place at a real time.

A shepherd recounting his experience of the angelic visitation announcing Jesus' birth. What was impressive was that this particular volunteer playing the role of a shepherd was bi-lingual. 

It was neat seeing the diversity of visitors that night, as well as many of the volunteers. A reminder that the gospel is for "all the people."

At the edge of Bethlehem, a group of Magi were encamped, looking for "Him was was born King of the Jews."

Here's a map and link to directions. Parking is free and there is $2 per person suggested donation to help cover some of their costs in putting on this outstanding event. 

On behalf of our family and the thousands of kids and adults who experience this every year, a huge THANK YOU to the hundreds of volunteers that make this event happen!

While the concept of a "walk through Bethlehem" is not unique to Los Angeles, it is the largest American city where an event like this can be held - weather permitting - entirely outdoors. Hard to image this in a place like Chicago or New York. Come to think of it, our climate (Mediterranean) is also the most similar to what Jesus and those around him would have experienced.

In what can unfortunately been a very busy and stressful time of the year, this final photo sums up both this event, and Christmas itself:

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2: 10-12

© 2013 www.experiencingla.com

originally published 12/14/08



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Christmas Lights, Los Angeles

I love this photograph, taken by our friend Shawn in Los Angeles.  

The colored lights up against the blue sky along with the variety of palm trees is particularly striking.

Definitely says "Christmas in L.A."

© 2013 www.experiencingla.com

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Experiencing the "Cyrus Cylinder" at the Getty Villa

This past week I was back in Los Angeles for a conference - and took an hour on the way there to see the "Cyrus Cylinder" at the Getty Villa.

The Getty Villa is located in the Pacific Paliades district of Los Angeles. Admission is free - but you do need to make a reservation ahead of time. On the weekday I went, I was able to make a reservation the day of.Apparently, weekends are much more crowded. Make the reservation on-line, print your ticket, and you're good to go.

Parking at the Villa is $15 - which is about right for Los Angeles. In an agreement with local residents, you absolutely can NOT park in the adjacent neighborhood and expect to get in.

However, there is one way to save some $$. I parked about a mile away at the corner of Los Liones and Sunset Blvd. 

I walked down Sunset Blvd a few blocks to the Pacific Coast Highway, caught the 534 going north. 

Got my Getty ticket from the bus driver. This is super important - you need this if you're walking in (as well as the on-line reservation ticket). 

Two stops up I got off at the Getty Villa. If you're solo like I was, nice way to save some cash. 

By the way, the building to left in the photo above is NOT the Getty. It's a private residence called "Villa de Leon." Here's a previous post with some addtional information. 

Keep in mind that parking on Los Liones Drive walking along Sunset to the PCH and taking the bus took time - and involved walking along a small section of Sunset Blvd that literally has no sidewalk. 

In other words, I would not recommend trying this on a "first date", or with kids, etc. 

Regardless is you go the cheap-o route as I did, or just pay the $15 to park on site, the Getty Villa is as stellar as ever. 

Thanks to the Getty Trust, the combined Getty Villa and Getty Center (located a few miles to the east just off the 405 Freeway in Brentwood) is the wealthiest private museum in the world.

If you've never been the Getty Villa, it's definitely worth a trip. Here's a link to a previous post on a visit I made a few years back with my wife and kids.

The reaon I went was to see the Cyrus Cylinder - which is on display until December 8th. As a Christian, I was excited to see something with a direct connection to biblical history. 

The Cyrus Cylinder is a 2500 year old clay cylinder with a declaration from the ancient Persian King Cyrus the Great. Discovered in Iraq in 1879, it is one of most celebrated discoveries of the ancient world.

The cylinder describes Cyrus' policy of allowing his subjects to worship according to their local customs. As a result, it is been called the oldest known charter of universal human rights. 

To Jews and Christians, the cylinder is seen as corroborative evidence of Cyrus' policy of allowing the Jewish people to return and rebuild the Temple, as described in the biblical texts in the Book of Ezra. 

To the massive Persian-American community in Los Angeles, the cylinder is seen as national symbol of Iran - and was put on public display by the Shah in 1971. 

Corroborative evidence of biblical history. Not something one normally thinks of when they think of Los Angeles. Like archeology itself, Los Angeles is actually very multi-layed and complex, including:

∙ a massive Persian community due to political upheaval on the other side of the globe.

∙ the world's riches private museum due to an oil tycoon's preference for the city's climate.

∙ and, described in many numerous posts on this site, a 24/7 global influence due to a little something called the entertainment industry. 

Here's a link to the Cyrus Cylinder at the Getty. 

If you miss is, the Getty Villa is still woth a trip. And another way of experiencing L.A. 

© 2013 www.experiencingla.com


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