A dragon boat is a human-powered boat traditionally made of teak wood of various designs and sizes. Usually, a standard dragon boat will encompass 22 people, 20 paddlers, one drummer, a person facing the paddlers, and one sweep who sits at the rear of the boat. With varying lengths, dragon boats might include crews as small as 10, or can grow as large to a crew of 50+.

At the heart of the boat is the drummer, who keeps the beat of the paddler’s strokes, while simultaneously maintaining the proper speed of the boat.

The drummer keeps vigilant in always being aware of the other boats around in order to avoid a crash and to keep the boat performing at its peak. It’s very important to keep all of the paddlers running in unison.

At the rear of the boat sits the sweep–who controls the dragon boat’s direction with what is known as the sweep oar.

I bet you’re wondering why I’m describing a dragon boat?

Wait, I’m sure the title gave that answer away. To see a few real dragon boat races, head down to Long Beach.

It’s time for the 2010 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival.

All the action is at Marine Stadium in Long Beach on July 31^st, from 8:00am-6:30pm – August 1^st, from 8:00am-5:00pm.

In addition to hosting one of the largest dragon boat competitions in California, there will be Chinese traditional art demonstrations, Chinese Acrobats, traditional dance, hip hop, music, and martial arts performances.

Best of all, the two days are free.

Remember to tell everyone that you read about it on Travelin’ Local!

Not only do you get your choice of food trucks and music, you’ll also support the work being done by Achievable–”a community nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities by providing support to help them live more independent, productive lives.”

Tickets are $5.00, all the proceeds are for a good cause, and the following benefits below are what you can expect:

Westside Food Fest Features 14 food trucks:

Fishlips Sushi – Fresh sushi on the go
India Jones Chow Truck – Gourmet, authentic Indian food
Komodo – Street food with a gourmet twist
Munchie Machine – Sandwiches, salads, s’mores and other munchies
Mandoline Grill – Traditional and vegan Vietnamese treats
Dosa – South Indian street food with an LA twist
SliceTruck – Hugely delicious pizza
Phamish – Vietnamese comfort food
Vizzi Truck – Fine, coastal inspired cuisine
Del’s Frozen Lemonade – Soft, frozen Italian fruit ice
Ahn Joo – A mobile take on the Korean pub
Papas Tapas – Delectable Spanish appetizers
Sweets Truck – A gourmet bakeshop and coffeeshop
Maui Wowi – Fresh fruit smoothies, rich Hawaiian coffees and other authentic products

4 musical groups:

The Cowsills, Hanah Moon, Rio Wyles — MC SoulShocker, and Arrest My Sister

Plus, amazing raffle prizes, a marketplace and a community resource fair. So, on Saturday, July 31^st, head over to Venice High School from 12:00-4:00pm.

You can also purchase your tickets ahead of time right here.

When I’m out on a shoot, I have very specific sites, scenes, and locations in mind.

But, A couple of days ago, I was standing on the Santa Monica Pier, and on this day, I just stood in one spot for a few minutes to absorb all of my surroundings:

The people

The actions

The smells (Well, you won’t be able to get a hint of that from the shots below.)

The sounds (See above)

And just the feeling in the air

Here are the results of my total immersion in the Santa Monica Pier environment; and in less than 5 minutes:

You’ll be surprised what you’ll see when you stop, look, and listen.

Designated by Ronald Reagan in 1984, National Ice Cream Month celebrates ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation’s population.

Did you know that on average, Americans consume about 15 quarts of ice cream per person per year?

Here’s a few other interesting tidbits about ice cream, all provided via the National Dairy Food Association:

• It takes an average of 50 licks to finish one scoop of ice cream.
• Overall sales of ice cream and sherbet for 2008 totaled $4.2 billion, an increase of .48%
• The first ice cream cone was made by Italo Marchiony in New York City.
• Immigrants on Ellis Island were served Ice Cream as part of their first meal in America
• World Record for Largest Ice Cream Scoop Pyramid is held by Carvel. It was made up of 3,894 scoops in 2002.
• Mexico imports more ice cream from the U.S. than any other country.
• The first advertisement for ice cream appeared in the New York Gazette on May 12, 1777.
• Based on ice cream consumption figures, the top five individual flavors in terms of share of segment in the United States are: vanilla: 28.7%, chocolate: 10.4%, cookie n’ cream: 4.4%, strawberry: 3.9% and chocolate chip mint: 3.3%.

But, how would you like to try flavors like dirty mint chip, peanut butter, cheesecake chunk, and lychee? If you’re game, or even if you’re a “normal” vanilla eater, you’ll find 23 of the best ice cream parlors located in Los Angeles County on the map below–incouded are a few frozen yogurt shops as well.

Even though Los Angeles is warm all year round, summer just isn’t the same without a chilly tasty bowl of ice cream, or maybe even a big waffle cone.

I know the title of this article says 25 “Best Ice Scream Stores,” and above I mention 23. Not on the map, but included in the list are two ice cream trucks, each with their own unique menu. Of course, you can find out where they’ll be at any given moment via their website or twitter account.

Coolhaus Ice Cream Truck
King Kone

So when and if you’re looking for a cool treat this weekend, but don’t know where to go, just click the green icon for the name, address, and website on the map to find your favorite ice cream joint:

View Top 25 places for Ice Cream in Los Angeles in a larger map

As always don’t eat your bowl of ice cream too fast, as you don’t want to get brain freeze!

What am I talking about?

A Water Park, of course!

Specifically:

Wild Rivers in Irvine

Or

Raging Waters in San Dimas

Just sit back and think about it for a minute:

Flowrider

Amazon Adventure

Drop Out

Little Dipper

Hold on a moment, did I mention that there’s a coupon being offered also?

For Raging Waters: The discount is good for $7 off a general admission online purchase or $5 off a general admission purchase at the park. Here’s the link for the coupon http://myragingwaters.com/rw1067 and you can use the coupon code 1067 for the online purchase https://tickets.wildrivers.com/mainstore.asp

For Wild Rivers: The discount is $5 dollars of a general admission ticket and here is the link for the coupon: www.wildriversfun.com/sun2 or you can enter the promo code: SUN2 when you purchase the ticket online http://www.ragingwaters.com/pages/pricing.html

It’s that easy–fun, water, rides, and saving money.

So what are you waiting for, let’s go have some serious fun!

As the wife of the publisher of the LA Times, Dorothy Chandler became active in Los Angeles cultural circles, and starting in 1950, she spearheaded the efforts to reopen the then struggling Hollywood Bowl.

Understanding that lack of cultural facilities was holding Los Angeles back from recognition as a major world city in 1955, she turned her efforts to the creation of a downtown Music Center. At the first fundraiser, $400,000 was raised at a benefit concert at the Ambassador Hotel featuring Dinah Shore, Danny Kaye and Jack Benny. This fundraiser was the start of a nine-year crusade to see the Music Center come to life.

Featured on the cover of the December 18, 1964, issue of Time magazine:

For "Buff" Chandler had conceived the idea for the Music Center, almost singlehanded raised a staggering $18.5 million to build it, and organized a company to float another $13.7 million in bonds to finish the job. It was perhaps the most impressive display of virtuoso money-raising and civic citizenship in the history of U.S. womanhood.

It’s amazing the difference one person can make. Today, the Music Center not only includes the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, but also the Ahmanson Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which opened in 2003.

To see the Music Center and all other facilities mentioned, free tours are offered almost every day. Here’s the list:

• A 60 minute self-guided audio tour of the Walt Disney Concert Hall is offered most days from 10:00am-2:00pm
• A 60 minute docent led tour of the Walt Disney Concert Hall which is offered on select days starting at 12:00pm and 1:00pm.
• A 1.5 hour docent led 4 Theatre Tour including the Ahmanson Theatre, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum, and Walt Disney Concert Hall offered Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30am and 12:30pm.

For the exact schedule of tours, here’s the link to the Music Center.

Now that’s a combination most people can get behind, and Los Angeles has tons of freebies to be taken full advantage of. Many naysayers, equate the word with cheap–and in Travelin’ Local’s Free Friday series, nothing could be further from the truth. It usually means getting involved with our local community, meet up with friendly people doing things for the city which are needed, and having a great time meeting like minded neighbors while doing good and doing well at the same time.

Every week, when I research all of the free event possibilities, I’m never surprised at the variety of offerings:

On Saturday July 24^th, the Walk and Ride for a Safer 4th Street, will highlight the efforts and support for making 4^th street a bicycle friendly boulevard. For the bike ride, meet at 9:45am, and subsequently you’ll depart at 10am from Pan Pacific Park, in front of the auditorium. For the walk, meet at 10:15am, and depart at 10:30am from 4^th and Normandie. Both events end at Shatto Park. And because you just tuckered yourself out from all the activity, there’s free refreshments sponsored by the Larchmont Bungalow at Shatto Park.

If you’re in the mood for a little window shopping or better yet, buying, head over the Los Angeles Historical State Park for the 2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair. With over 250 of indie-craft artists from all over the country, you won’t find a better place to attend free workshops, food trucks, and music from KXLU. Happening both Saturday, July 24^th and Sunday, July 25^th, from 11:00am-7:00pm, 2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair is the place to start your early Christmas shopping.

On Saturday, July 24^th and Sunday, July 25^th, the 15th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival pays tribute to the rich culture and heritage of the “Avenue,” as it was known during its heyday from the 1920s to the 1940s. In addition to enjoying some world-class jazz, Latin jazz, and blues, come partake in some great food and browse through stalls of arts and crafts. The festival will take place on Central Avenue between 42^nd and 43^rd Street and the music starts at 12:00pm.

Are you into art? Then the Malibu Arts Festival is the place to be on Saturday, July 24^th and Sunday, July 25^th outside the Malibu Civic Center, 23555 Civic Center Way, from 10:00am to 6:00pm. With over 200 exhibits and artists booths from all over California, this family friendly event also features a Kid’s Village, where kids create their own art. Come early for the pancake breakfast, and don’t forget about the day long music featuring local artists.

If hiking is your thing, try these two organized hikes in Franklin Canyon Ranch. On Saturday, July 24^th, at 8:00am, Nature Rambles, is the ultimate discovery walk with Volunteer Naturalist, Bob, acting as the guide, based on his many years of experience hiking at Franklin Canyon. Magnifiers and binoculars ae recommended for this 2 hour hike. On Sunday, July 25^th, at 8:00pm, you’re in for a treat–the Full Moon Adventure. For approximately 2 hours, you’re invited to look and listen fat for wildlife in the full moon light on this moderately strenuous hike with Volunteer Naturalist Michael.

Speaking of walking, on Sunday, July 25^th,, a Memorial Walk to Honor Silver Lake’s Walking Man starts at 12:00pm. Marc Abrams aka Silver Lake’s Walking Man, passed away two days ago. For over 20 years, Abrams:

usually looped around the lake, walked down West Silverlake to Rowena, and then proceeded to Hyperion, and then Griffith Park Blvd. down to Sunset, and then back down Silverlake to the reservoir, and then he looped around the lake again. It’s about 15 miles altogether.

Meet at the Silver Lake/Moreno Metro bus stop located on West Silver Lake Drive at Moreno, and don’t forget to bring your New York Times.

If you haven’t had enough walking, hiking, and biking yet, here’s one more event you might enjoy: Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the “Walk the Walk” community festival, on Sunday, July 25^th, will offer fun and free activities for the entire family. From 11:00am – 6:00pm, throughout Hollywood, an “open house” will honor the Walk of Fame with entertainment, tours and events at four key locations – the Hollywood & Highland Center, the Egyptian Theatre, Capitol Records, and the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre – showcasing the five categories of Hollywood stars– live theatre, motion picture, television, recording, and radio, and the more than 2,400 stars immortalized on the walk. How cool is that?

That’s exactly what happened when I was looking for the Kappe Residence.

For example, while heading up Latimer Street, next to the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center, I came across the Old Santa Monica Forestry Station.

On the stone monument at the Station, its dedication plaque says:

In 1887, the State Board of Forestry established the nation’s first experimental forestry station. Located in Rustic Canyon, the station tested exotic trees for planting in California, established plantations for management studies, and produced planting stock for scientific and conservation purposes. The station was operated by the Board of Forestry until 1893 and by the University of California until 1923. California Registered Historic Landmark No. 840

As a matter of local fact and lore, in 1885 the California State Board of Forestry was born–and the Old Santa Monica Forestry Station was part of its mission. The Board of Forestry–consisting of a three man team–was only able to function in an educational and advisory capacity, due to its lack of clear statutory authority and minimal budgeting.

Short lived, the Board was disbanded in 1893.

Be that as it may, today, it’s integral past existence and contribution of the Old Santa Monica Forestry Station stands as one of their short lived success stories, and up to the current–it’s an interesting spot of land where a little bit of California history took place.

One such house is the home of architect Raymond Kappe, the founding Chair of the Department of Architecture at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, who with a group of faculty and students, started what eventually came to be known as the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), which encourages learning through creative discourse and supports diversity of opinion within the framework of a common vision. His career spans several decades, and in 2009, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in "Stars of Design 2009" at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California.

Located at 715 Brooktree Road, and listed as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #623, the Kappe Residence fits into the shaded landscape of the neighborhood. Barely visible from the street, hints of the design brilliance of Ray Kappe are clear.

Over the years, Kappe has completed some 100 single-family houses, but the crowning glory is his own home. Built in 1968, it’s the “best example of his strength as an architect: his ability to answer complex design problems with inventive, beautiful buildings.”

But, I’m not going to tell you anymore; I’ll let the architect speak for himself via a tour of his home, Kappe Residence:

In 2006, Ray Kappe began working with LivingHomes, a pioneer of modern, prefabricated homes which combine world-class architecture with an unparalleled commitment to healthy and sustainable construction. Ray Kappe’s initial LivingHome design was the first in the nation to achieve LEED Platinum and was the only home to win the American Institute of Architects’ top sustainability award in 2007.

With the combined forces of Kappe’s design talent and WIRED Magazine, sustainable architecture was taken to a new level in 2007 including; “a 4-kilowatt solar system including high efficiency, all-black SunPower solar panels that generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional panels.” The home also features a forced hot air radiant heating and cooling system; low-maintenance high-design ecological kitchen cabinetry; an environmentally friendly washer/dryer system that uses less water and energy; windows and doors constructed with recycled glass and aluminum; reclaimed redwood milled from old military barracks; FSC-certified exterior siding; tankless water heaters; and LED lights that consume less energy than conventional light bulbs.”

To see the floorplans, click here, but to see the construction of the house in two and a half days, watch the time lapse video below:

Hidden in them there hills are some wonderful treasures.

Don’t get me wrong, I know automobile drivers make mistakes and too often do stupid things–sometimes ending in the death or serious injury of the rider or others, or both. Having said that, cyclists, as well as drivers, need to know the rules of the road.

As I had just passed both of these cyclists, I felt as if I knew what was going to happen, but watching it was still painful.

Here’s what happened:

Car 1 is turning right. Bike 1, with the red arrow, is riding the right hand of the road heading straight, just as in the “Wrong” side of the above illustration. Bike 2, with the green arrow, is heading straight, just like the “Right” illustrated above.

As I watched the event unfold, I knew Bike 2 was totally out of position. If Car 1 hadn’t waited for Bike 2 to go straight before turning, a terrible accident could have happened.

If you are NOT turning right, move over to the bike lane, or if no bike lane is present, more to the far right of the second lane, establishing the fact that you are not turning right, just like Bike 1 did in the example above. Even though I was the second car waiting at the traffic light, I could clearly see Bike 1.

Regardless of whether there is a bike lane or not, if a cyclist is going straight, they must not be in the dedicated automobile right turn lane.

If your lane turns into a right turn only lane, change lanes before the intersection Source: League of American Bicyclists

You might feel safer hugging the edge of the road, but by putting yourself in an unsafe position by being in the right turn lane and not turning right, you’re an accident waiting to happen. 38% of bicyclist deaths in 2008 occurred at intersections.

At the LA Street Food Fest, you get your choice of 60 vendors; hot gourmet food trucks, old school carts and stands, celeb chefs and street inspired dishes from LA’s best restaurants. If that’s not enough, then go for the open bars and beer gardens that will keep you coming back–for cold beers, delicious cocktails, tequila tasting, juices and more.

If that’s not enough, two of Los Angeles’ hottest new groups will be featured, so mark your calendars for Saturday, July 24^th.

Did I forget to mention the cost?

For the low price of $45.00, you’ll get:

• Entry at 5:30pm
• Unlimited samples of signature eats and drinks
• Complimentary parking
• Fun photo booth prints
• Access to all the entertainment

The VIP $65.00 option includes:

• All of the above plus
• VIP Preview Hour from 4:00 – 5:00pm
• Access to a VIP parking lot

Note–the most important information about the tickets is that there will be no ticket purchasing at the door.

All tickets must be purchased via a Pre-Sale on Everbrite.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the LA Street Food Fest’s beneficiaries, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and Woolly School Gardens.

I Love livin’ in L.A.

The beach is named after actor Will Rogers, who in the 1920s, bought the land and developed a ranch–186 acres along the beach in what is now Pacific Palisades was once owned by Will Rogers.

Rogers died in a plane crash in 1935, and when his widow, Betty, died in 1944, the ranch subsequently became a state park, part of which is Will Rogers State Beach.

But, I digress. Back to the original question, “What’s the best way to get to Will Rogers State Beach?”

By going under the Pacific Coast Highway, aka “PCH,” using a little known street called, Ocean Way, where there’s a set of stairs to get to and from Will Rogers State Beach, as shown in the photos and map below:

Once you reach the bottom, turn left, and you’ll find this:

This is the entrance to the tunnel that goes underneath the PCH. From this angle, it looks a little dark, but as soon as you reach the bottom, the sunlight streams in from the tunnel’s end, which is the sunlight from the ocean’s horizon.

Once you reach emerge from the tunnel, you’re greeted with this view:

Now you’re moments away from pursuing your beach activity of choice. The bike path is in front of you, volleyball nets to the right and left, the beautiful Pacific Ocean in front for swimming and surfing, and for everyone who likes to just hang out and lie on the sand and chill, there’s no shortage of that!

Here’s a close up map of the location:

View Steps to Will Rogers State Beach in a larger map

If you’re driving, there’s free on-street parking available on Ocean Way, Estrada Court, and Mabery Road. You might have to walk a little, as parking may fill up quickly, but I just think of it as good exercise.

Now, you know the best way to get to Will Rogers State Beach. It doesn’t get any better!

I learned that only the brown drooping fronds on Palm Trees should be cut off. If you trim the green ones, the Palm Trees may not be able to capture enough sunlight they require to grow, thus, killing them.

After watching the construction men who do the trimming, I definitely have a new found respect for the work that they do.

It’s really dangerous, so much so that as a matter of fact, last month, a gentleman was killed while trimming palm trees in South LA, estimated to be about 75’ tall:

The 23-year-old, who was wearing a harness, was suspended in mid-air while trimming a palm tree in the 4800 block of S. San Pedro Street when he became trapped in the foliage. Source: LA Times

Here are the guys in action. Watch out below!

If you’d like to see a few Palm Trees getting their haircuts, this time lapse video is perfect.

Before the trimming is on the right; and after the trimming is on the left. See the difference? And yes, I was standing in the middle of Santa Monica Blvd. when I took this shot.

Opening today, the 2010 OC Fair is guaranteed to satiate everyone’s fun factor until next year!

Among the amusements and festivities are concerts, amusement rides, food, special events, and everything else and more, that one could expect from a County Fair.

This year’s OC Fair’s theme is “The Beat Goes On,” and I’m sure the 1,000,000 plus people who attended last year’s OC Fair will attest to that.

On any given day, you can see Russell Brothers Circus, All Alaskan Racing Pigs, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and who knows what else. It’s a fair, people, so it’s everything and anything.

Just to wet your whistle:

Admission:

General (13-59) $10

Seniors (60+) $7

Children (6-12) $5

Children under 6 Free every day

But the best way to attend this year’s festivities is to get an adult Super Pass for only $30.00, which provides unlimited access for all 23 days of the Fair. Now that’s a bargain and it’s only one of the perks included when you purchase a Super Pass. There’s more.

Included are several special promotion days, including the WE CARE WEDNESDAYS, on July 21^st from 12:00-6:00pm.

Sponsored by 89.3 FM KPCC, if you bring 5 canned food items, you get one free admission and one carnival ride per person.

Featured this year at the OC Fair will be a 4 acre demonstration farm titled Centennial Farm, with the goal to educate the public about agriculture and its importance in our daily lives. Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, various livestock, and the Millennium Barn. Children and adults can view pigs, chickens, cattle, goats, an organic garden, and a Floral Clock while strolling though its gardens.

For all of you who love to go to the fair to enjoy its food, including you Foodies out there, at the Exhibit Promenade, the OC Fair is hosting The Art of Food & Food as Art attraction.

It will have a delicious and amazing culinary exhibit with an artful flair, and will include competitions, contests & and demonstrations–from ice carving, food sculpting and the crowd pleasing traditional pie eating contests.

If you’re into concerts, there are both paid events and free stage events. It just depends on what you want to do.

How about action sports? The 2010 OC Fair has those, too.

Of course, what county fair would be complete without a carnival?

Here’s the scoop on the 2010 OC Fair Carnival:

Every Wednesday and Thursday, you can purchase $25 Unlimited Ride Wristbands and $1 Games. It’s on sale until 5:00pm and valid until 8:00pm.

Can’t go on Wednesday or Thursday, how about going to the OC Fair on Friday?

$1 Rides Every Friday are valid until 7:00pm, but you must purchase a Fun Pass, which is available in $5, $20, $50 and $100 packages.

Don’t forget, the 2010 OC Fair, located at 88 Fair Dr. in Costa Mesa, is totally family friendly with animals galore, craft exhibits, gardening demonstrations, circus performers, and everything else listed above and more.

Indeed, if you come on different days, you’re sure to see something different every time.

OC Fair, here we come!

Maybe they’ll take you all the way to the Hollywood Sign.

Or they’ll help you discover Shakespeare.

Perhaps they’ll motivate you to get your blood pressure checked.

The best part of it all–is that it’s all here in this week’s edition of Travelin’ Local’s Los Angeles Free Friday.

Here’s the details:

On Saturday, July 17^th at 8:00am, Ranger Ernie will be leading a 7 mile hike starting at the Griffith Observatory parking lot and ending at the Hollywood Sign. Along the way, you’ll go from Mt. Hollywood Road to upper Mulholland Trail to Mt. Lee Drive, where you’ll take a small break. From there, all roads lead to the Hollywood Sign. I’ve taken this hike before and it’s the closest you can get to the famed Sign.

To have your blood pressure measured, along with body fat screenings, health demonstrations, or just want to learn more about how to best maintain your health, head to the 3^rd Street Promenade on Saturday, July 17^th from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Where else can you get a free yoga class and shop at the same time? Presented by the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopedic Hospital, the Santa Monica Chamber Health & Fitness Festival will help to keep you in tip top shape.

This weekend is your last chance to see the Paris Women & Bicycles – Photographs by Gil Garcetti exhibit at the Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. For about four years, Gil Garcetti photographed women riding bicycles in Paris. Women of all ages, smartly dressed, used bicycles to get to work, visit friends, go shopping, go to the movies or the opera, and even rod their bicycles to go to funerals. They ride their bicycles because they have an environment that is safe and encourages the use of bicycles whenever possible. The event is open both Saturday and Sunday, July 17^th and 18^th from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

It’s time to get your bike out and visit Shakespeare at the same time. On Sunday, July 18^th at the CICLE Shakespeare Ride! it meets at 4:00pm at the Merry-Go-Round parking lot, at 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., in the City of Los Angeles, located just inside the Los Feliz/Riverside entrance intto Griffith Park. The ride starts promptly at 4:30pm, and will leisurely meander through Los Feliz to the Shakespeare Bridge. The ride will end just before 7:00pm at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park, just in time to watch the acclaimed Independent Shakespeare Co.’s production of Othello at their new summer stage. So, bring a blanket and snacks for the show.

As always, keep safe and for this weekend always have plenty of fluids handy to stay hydrated because of the warmer predicted for this weekend. Enjoy!

For me this is a very personal issue. Because I travel all over the city, I don’t get to use my bicycle as frequently as I could or should. Time constraints are my main impediment and factor which predisposes my reasoning.

For instance, over the weekend, I went orange picking in the San Fernando Valley. I live in West LA. If I had ridden my bike there, which is a pretty far distance, it would have taken me most of the day, and I probably couldn’t have walked for a week.

But, I know that I can no longer and do not want to put time ahead of being more eco-friendly and be more health conscious as well.

Therefore as of today, I’m making a personal and public commitment to change my lifestyle. I’m going to go “car-lite,” and use my bike as often as possible.

Currently 40% of all trips made are less than 2 miles, but 90% of those trips are also made by car. I intend to become part of the 10% by following the 2 mile rule. But, I’m going to up that 2 mile rule to a 5 Mile Rule. From now on, all of my trips that are equal to or less than 5 miles will be car-free.

As the Publisher of Travelin’ Local, much of my day is spent behind a computer, so I’m not as physically fit as I would like to be. I’m not in terrible shape, and overall, I don’t do too badly; but I know I want and need to lead a healthier lifestyle. and The 5 Mile Rule fits perfectly into my needs and wants.

As well, because of my lack of regular exercise (and probably a little over eating), I’m weigh about 30lbs. more than I would like or should be. So, I’m going on the Car-Lite Diet. I’m positive my new found dedication to the 5 Mile Rule will help with that.

To that end, I have two immediate goals for myself.

1. By September 12^th, 2010, Day 58 of my Car-Lite Diet and the planned day of CicLAvia, where 7+ miles of LA streets will be car-free, I will be 20lbs lighter. CicLAvia is a social event designed to get walkers, bikers, skateboarders, and anyone else who doesn’t want to drive a car to shop, eat, and just have fun, is currently in the final stages of preparedness. Here’s the planned route:

2. By October 23^rd, day 100 of my Car-Lite Diet and also the date of the Tour de Fat, a traveling “road” show designed to spread “the good word about the positive societal offerings of the bicycle.” Taking place in the Los Angeles Historical State Park, it’s the perfect setting for me to celebrate my new, fitter, sleeker body.

Follow along as I keep you updated on my progress. 5 Mile Rule here I come!

I’m really excited about my decision. I have two bike locks, and I have the panniers attached to my bike rack for groceries.

BTW, if you or anyone else wants to join me in the 5 Mile Rule journey, by all means please do. Nowadays working out with a partner or group really helps us stay motivated especially as we all lead busy and stressful lives.

So, to keep it real, I’ve created a widget so you can let all of your friends participate, too.

Born out of what used to be old oil fields, an earthquake fault and what had become a weed-infested, dusty lot; Vista Hermosa Park is a 10.5 acre treasure in a big city. Amazing, this park is downtown Los Angeles’ first new public park built since 1895.

Meaning “beautiful view” is Spanish, Vista Hermosa Park is located atop the hills on North Toluca Street, and does present wonderful vistas.

But, beautiful views are just one of the great features of this park:

All of the park buildings are topped with “green” planted roofs that retain rainwater and provide insulation, keeping the buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In addition, not only do they save energy, the plants absorb CO2 and other pollutants from the atmosphere. Personally, I love the idea. More houses should have a roof top garden included.

Being a self-contained watershed, Vista Hermosa Park uses almost every drop either by watering the native Southern California drought resistant plants or capturing it to use for irrigation. By combining permeable surfaces like the parking lot and sidewalks, which allows the water to soak into the ground; and the underground cistern system, which captures water and reserves for the drier months, Vista Hermosa Park is an example of state of the art landscape design and sustainable technologies.

Adjoining the park is a FIFA-regulation soccer field, which is made of synthetic turf that requires no irrigation and allows for absorption of rainwater. It’s used jointly used by the adjacent Edward R. Roybal Learning Center and the LA Department of Recreation and Parks.

Other Vista Hermosa Park features include:

• Walking trails
• Meadows
• Picnic grounds
• A nature-themed playground

With only 33% of Los Angeles residents living within a quarter-mile of a park, compared to 97% for Boston and 91% for New York, Vista Hermosa Park is an example of how our city parks should be expanding and built. BTW, nationwide, the average park space per 1,000 residents is six to 10 acres; in Los Angeles it’s only 3.4 acres.

Vista Hermosa Park is a joint project of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and is definitely worth visiting.

Based on the beauty and thought put into Vista Hermosa Park, we can do better and build a few–or a lot more parks like this in Los Angeles.

Because each Art Walk offers a different perspective of art, different galleries to visit, different restaurants to discover, and different neighborhoods to explore.

On Thursday, July 22, from 5:00-9:00pm, Montana Avenue, in Santa Monica, will be transformed into a 10-block art gallery.

That’s right. It’s the first Annual Montana Avenue Artwalk!

Featuring the work of more than 50 artists and live musicians, plus, refreshments, dining specials, and a few unannounced surprises, the Montana Avenue Artwalk will take place from 7^th – 17^th Streets.

From the Montana Avenue Merchants Association website, here’s a list of the participating shops and the various Artwalk deals that will be offered:

17th Street Café: 10% off dine-in, 20% off all bakery take-out
Aura: Peter Fetterman Gallery – Prints, Refreshments & 60% off merchandise
Blue Plate: Glitter tattoo artist, for kids & adults. Champagne.
Cafe Montana: 10% off dining in, 20% off take-out
Citron: Refreshments
Darylle B: Barbara Stashower – Artist
Dermalogica: Snacks & refreshments, specials & discounts
Drkrm/gallery/west: Ryan Herz – Photography
Engels & Volker: Ana Gibert, George Deloache, Angel Burns, Astor Morgan. Appetizers & beverages
Every Picture Tells A Story: Alex Ross, Marvel ArtWorks: Signed, fine art prints from Marvel Comics
French Lessons: Sexy, French music, wine & sweets
Golden Wellness Rx Pharmacy: Music & tea
Hemisphere: Viva Hoffman – California paintings
Inner Gardens: Art/Jewelry
Jane Smith: Peggy Anderson – Handmade fanciful jewelry, LA Cat
Janie & Jack: Painting table & book reading
Jonathan Adler: Rex Ray – Paper collage and paint on birch plywood, Carter Kustera – Personalized Pop Portraits, C Jere- Metal sunbursts
Jurlique: Augustus Harper – Painting. Snacks & refreshments
Kiehl’s: Kathleen Keifer
Kovan Jewelers: Avak Shirinian, signed, one of a kind hand woven oriental silk rugs. Champagne & chocolates
Kreation Kafe: Gus Harper, Laila Salartash – Painting live at the Café
Leona Edmiston: Laura Killian – Treated photographs, Ariana Hall 6:45-8pm
Locanda Portofino: 15% off
Marcia Bloom: Collages and special one of a kind art skirts. Music
Margano: Margokay Designs (hand knit handbags)
Margaret OLeary: Marie Du Petit Thouars. Snacks
Mattias: Wine & cookies, 60% off merchandise
Mom’s the Word: Amy Weber. Live jazz band, 5-7pm. Wine & cupcakes. 25% off all merchandise
Montana Eyes: Kenny Harris – Fine artist, Judy Nimtz – Fine artist
Moondance Jewelry Gallery: Renee Garvey – Jewelry Designer. Offering food from Café Con Leche Catering
Only Hearts: Designs by Yas. Wine
Pilates Place: Jill Stein. Thomas Nicholas Band
Platino: Samantha Reilly – Abstract Artist. Live jazz band, 7-9. Serving Italian Prosecco & chocolate truffles
Ponte Vecchio: Marcie Forest Garden Rose Candles – Candlemaking
Pradeep’s Indian Cuisine: 20% discount
Purple Poppy: Elizabeth Saven- Illustrations of Owls
Quilted Monkey: Rita Ross – Creator of Pocket People
Roseark: Alison Van Pelt, Robbie Conal, Martin Wolf, Laura Ball, Matthew Heller
Rosti Tuscan Kitchen: Art of local children
Scribble Press: Create your own collages and turn them into placemats and notecards
Semi-Precious: Gisele Lubsen – Conceptual underwater prints. Serving sangria & munchies
Shabby Chic:  Lisa Dirkes, Naomi Yamada, Angel Denny, Paige Bowen
Souliers: Ellen King – fine artist
Stefan’s on Montana: 2 artists
Step! Shoes: Refreshments
Subtle Luxury: Richard Chambers – Figurative, impressionism. Serving wine & cheese
The Blue Jeans Bar: Ron Klotchman
Three Bags Full: Niki Lambro – Impressionistic portraiture and abstract landscapes. Joe Gaeto jazz ensemble, 6:00 to 8:30 pm
To Wag For: Custom cartoon art pieces created from doggie photos. Snacks & refreshments

So, mark your calendars and head to Santa Monica on July 22^nd. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

Well, it’s much like what its name implies; it’s a bus that travels on water taking passengers to various stops along the way; public transit at its finest.

Where can you find the WaterBus?

It’s only available at the harbor at Marina del Rey. Of course, you can’t catch it just anywhere. Just as with any “normal” bus, the WaterBus has stops:

• Fisherman’s Village
• Burton Chace Park
• Waterfront Walk / Fire Station #110
• Marina Beach
• Dolphin Marina
• Esprit 1
• Marina Harbor

If you’re a map person like me, this will help:

When can you catch the WaterBus?

It’s only available on the weekends during the summer from now – September 7^th

• Fridays: 5:00pm to midnight
• Saturdays: 11:00am to midnight
• Sundays and Labor Day: 11:00am – 9:00pm
• Summer Concert Series (Thursday nights): 5:00pm – midnight
• Labor Day: 11:00am – 9:00pm

Okay, so now you know the what, where, and when of the WaterBus. What about the Why?

1. You get a bird’s eye view of the marina

2. You get to sit back and enjoy the ride

3. You’re using public transportation

4. It’s quick and easy

5. It only costs $1.00 one way

I took my first WaterBus trip when I was on my Marina del Rey bike ride, and it was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Do you live in downtown Los Angeles?

If you answered yes to both of these questions, then the Fourth Annual Downtown Dog Day Afternoon at the Cathedral on Tuesday, July 27^th, from 6pm – 9pm, is for you and your dog.

Everybody from all religious denominations is invited to enjoy an evening of music, food, getting to know your neighbors, their dogs, and just about everything pet related.

Here’s a few simple tips you should know before attending the Fourth Annual Downtown Dog Day Afternoon at the Cathedral:

• Downtown Dogs Only, Please!
• Downtowners without dogs are welcome, too! (A Downtowner is anyone who lives, works & plays in Downtown)
• Social Dogs Only, Please! Dogs must be on a leash and social
• Food and Drinks: No host bar and food by Levy Restaurants
• "Dodger Dogs" will be served to people only!
• Parking: $5.00 per vehicle at the Cathedral – 555 W. Temple Street

This event is free, but to register, click here.

Hey, it’s a Dog’s life but that’s the way it goes, so you might as well have fun at the same time.