May 2010 Archives

Between my teaching internship and my husbands rocky architecture career we're hardly raking in the dough of our Hollywood neighbors so we're constantly searching for cheap/free fun things to do around LA. Taking advantage of free things while enjoying the amazing weather is on the top of our fun list and we've fallen in love with many local hikes but as it turns out so has everyone else in Los Angeles. Most nearby hikes feel like secret treasure one day and a crowded dirt mall the next. But that's just LA's m.o., all things wonderful get discovered and devoured in practically the same breath. So we've moved on to a new "secret" that is currently being shared and spread with hopes catching on before its gone again.

Our latest venture is being guided by Charles Fleming's Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles. Fleming has documented and mapped over 40 walks that take you through old neighborhoods and forgotten paths. He includes intriguing and odd details about the walk that connect you to the neighborhood in a unique way.

You can grab a copy of the book or get started with the walks posted on the Secret Stairs site We're definitely enjoying exploring these areas with Fleming as our guide. Happy walking!

I had a scootering friend from Denver question me on the legality of splitting lanes on motorcycles here in Los Angeles. I told him that as far as I could tell it was legal even though it may not be in the Los Angeles DMV motorcycle riders handbook. Since this question was posed to me I've been a bit wary (especially having heard of the increased fines for every traffic violation) to split lanes in front of the police. There have been a number of occasions I've been late for work and split the lane down Cahuenga/Highland and passed cop cars but today while doing the same thing I received confirmation.

Sometimes while riding the line through stopped cars there are two cars too close together and you can't pass. Well, today one of those two cars belonged to the Los Angeles Police Department and bless his law enforcing soul he was the car to move to the opposite side of the lane to allow me to pass. I gave him a nod and a thumbs up and carried on my way.

PS - The new blog format offers picture suggestions. What do you think?

Interestingly silly film featuring our neighbor, George Ehling. Or, as I know him, Crazy Tile House Guy.

Off Mulholland Film

Photo borrowed from Canyon News

This is just weird and to have it happen at the Target we use is even weirder:

Knife-wielding woman stabs 4 in West Hollywood Target store

Just glad to say that I wasn't there.