How do I win a free ticket?

Remember this is all done in good faith and in the spirit of good will. And who doesn’t like free stuff!! So the only requirement is for you to write an essay about why Art is Important in your life and why art is so important in everyday life.

All entries will be shared and a select few will make the determination. However, we will share all entries with the entire FaceBook community.

And that’s it! The winning entrants will receive one free ticket to attend this exciting and world class Museum, that has many exhibits, shows, workshops, lectures, and symposia.

The Palm Springs Art Museum strives to serve diverse communities as one of the outstanding mid-size art museums in the country. Its mission is to promote enjoyment, education and involvement with visual art of the highest quality, and enhance appreciation of the performing arts. By collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art from a broad chronological and geographic range according to the highest professional standards, and presenting a varied program of performing art, the museum seeks to maximize its public service to audiences of all ages and social backgrounds and to make art a dynamic part of their lives.

What will happen next?

In an age of instant communication with more electronic choices than we ever dreamed of, I think we are fortunate to still be able to “go to the movies.” Perhaps the message is to stay involved and support them all.

Not surprising, many of us also get excited when we spot a film crew and see a new movie being shot.

So let’s look at Orange County’s landscape of movie locations. Like me, I’m sure you will find a few memories lurking there. A lot of magic has happened in Orange County. Perhaps even more has originated in Los Angeles. But either way, when we troop off to the movies, the screen often reflects us.

Orange County beaches from Seal to Laguna and beyond have always played a part in the movies. Going way back, the 1923 silent film version of the Ten Commandments was shot in Seal Beach. Cecil B. DeMille used local extras to shoot the film and melting jello to create the effect of the parting of the water! Much later George Clooney turned up in Dana Point to shoot ocean shots that were depicted as Gloucester, Massachusetts in The Perfect Storm.

The Crystal Cove State Park and the Balboa Fun Zone near the Balboa Pavilion provided a playground for Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey in Beaches. Last fall, Oliver Stone was on the sand in Laguna Beach filming Savages with John Travolta and Uma Thurman.

Newport Beach was the opening scene of Gilligan’s Island as the S.S. Minnow leaves the harbor. Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown used a Newport apartment setting for the main character. Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise are in the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center in the closing scene of Rain Man.

The University of California, Irvine, which also houses the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, has hosted a whole string of movies. Check the UCI at the Movies site for more details. Ocean’s Eleven was filmed there in 2001 with most of it shot at night and over weekends. During the shooting, Clooney and his cohorts snacked at The Anteatery, the local campus restaurant.

Poltergeist was also done at UCI with the Main Library serving as a scary backdrop. Silent Movie, director Mel Brooks’ comic tribute to the silent screen, was shot at the UC Irvine Main Library, Aldrich Park, and the Gateway Plaza.

John Wayne/Santa Ana Airport doubled as the Las Vegas airport in the Rat Race which was a remake of It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World. Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford and Jerry McGuire with Tom Cruise also used the John Wayne/Santa Ana Airport.

Legally Blonde was shot on the steps of the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana. Palm trees wrapped with fir trees turned the steps into those of the Harvard Law School. Ron Howard’s Frost/Nixon film was done in Los Angeles, but Nixon’s Western White House in San Clemente and the parking lot of the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda were used for garden and helicopter lift off scenes. Some of the scenes in Borat Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan happened at The Block at Orange in Orange.

The Park Place corporate complex in Irvine, became a view of the future in the Demolition Man with Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes. The 2006 movie, A Scanner Darkly was shot in Anaheim with freeway scenes taken along the I-5 in Tustin. Little Saigon in Westminster was one of the locations for The Fast and the Furious when Johnny Tran and his gang blow up Vin Diesel and Paul Walker’s car.

The Main Place Mall in Santa Ana became the opening chase scene in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Kindergarten Cop. The 2009 shuttle bay scenes for the Star Trek movie were done in the Tustin blimp hangars.

The Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley was the staging ground for Starship Troopers. Will Smith’s movie Hancock opened with a scene in Costa Mesa. The Coen Brothers’ The Man Who Wasn’t There, Martin Lawrence’s Big Momma’s House and Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do all used Orange County for some of their filming.

The 2005 neo-noir film, Brick, might be one of the best examples of local work. It was written and directed by Rian Johnson, who won the Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. He was influenced by Dashiell Hammett’s detective novels, shooting the film in 20 days in San Clemente, where he grew up.

The list is hypnotizing, one film memory after another forms a continuous loop of celluloid history that runs all around the County. Other places with other inducements have lured projects away, but the hope is that we will wake up to the losses, recognize what we have, and push for the future in movie theaters and movie projects so that our kids and their kids can continue to share the magic.

UCI at the Movies and Wikipedia were used as references for location research.

Every new proposed project, including any zoning changes or amendments, variance alterations, exemptions from building codes, building expansions or even any alternate use that will contravene Los Angeles’ General Plan, LA’s ultimate planning guide–which codifies standard building and zoning guidelines to make order of our planning and development procedures into an understandable, coherent, logical and legal way.

Then that serves as a method for all new development and changes to go through “CEQA” aka the California Environmental Quality Act.

Even Los Angeles’ Master General Plan itself, is required to be reevaluated every few years to determine its current relevancy, because as time passes and things change–including but not limited to population growth, the need for new and improved building and zoning amendments, newly identified environmental hazards, overcrowding, density issues–which include our areas buildings heights, sizes, scope and its impact upon our traffic patterns and congestion, land uses, neighborhood compatibility, and LA’s migration and growth patterns–they all fall within Los Angeles’ Master General Plan.

All of these processes while inter and intra dependent, (Los Angeles Master Planning, CEQA and our Zoning), must also change to meet current realities as things remain fluid. Especially in the Metropolis of Los Angeles.

Nothing is static, especially change.

Here, every new, old, and even proposed changes to inside uses of existing structures into something else, is not immune from the legal process of LA’s Planning and Environmental review; and therefore must be submitted for review, as codified by California Statute, which then requires an initial study that is transparent and open to determine how it affects our environment, the surrounding community, traffic, air and other pollution, and our overall quality of life.

After public comments are heard and duly noted for the record, the project’s scope is analyzed via an objective California review–pursuant to civic, State and Federal compatibility standards which at all times are subject to change and as well, lead to its original plans recommended for it to be substantially changed, even rejected.

More often than not, it is found that no new project submission is immune from change and those decisions and dictates are made by civic and environmental concerns about its short, medium and long term impacts upon the environment—including in the decision making are its impact on traffic, neighborhood zoning consistency, size, zoning compatibility, and many other factors which result in a final decision.

Typically it’s a fair and objective process meant to analyze any and all substantive evidence of all proposed new projects and its impacts which it presents to the general public and its inhabitants, being “at risk.”

The next formal step in Los Angeles’ and California statewide planning processes is to have the submitting party then prepare what is commonly referred to an Environmental Impact Report aka as an “EIR” to be submitted to analyze and determine and address any and all potential environmental effects that must be mitigated and ameliorated until all issues are exhausted—from that, the EIR is reviewed for purposes of allowing both the developer and the general public a chance to review all decisions to allow all new planning and environmental recommendation for review–typically though public hearings.

Environmental Impact Reports

According to case law, the requirements needed to prepare an EIR is at "the heart of CEQA. An EIR serves to inform governmental agencies and the public of a project’s environmental impacts.Further, an EIR proposes mitigations and alternatives which may reduce or avoid the environmental impacts; as the EIR is considered the heart of CEQA, mitigation and alternatives are considered the heart of the EIR.

A structural alternative inherent in this process it that the lead agency can determine that there is no project alternative in lieu, so that a cancellation of the project and anticipated re-submissions of proposals for new projects to be put into place.

Source: The History of CEQA

Recently this has all been thrown away by California Legislature

As the saying goes, what you don’t know won’t hurt you; but in this crucial matter that will forever affect both Los Angeles and California, this has all been tossed aside–and our say and rights to proper planning and oversight has been deemed to be of no importance by our State Legislature.

So what we don’t know can and will further destroy our continued progress to make Los Angeles and environs more sustainable and protected from unscrupulous developers and sloppy planning.

The Dismantling of CEQA right under our Noses

While most of us were focused last week on bills in the legislature that would exempt a finite number of development projects (including the proposed downtown LA stadium) from some requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), legislators quietly passed a bill, SB 226, that could do even more lasting damage across the state.

Deeper analysis reveals the addition of two new California Public Resources Code Sections, 21094.5 and 21094.5.5. Specifically, these “infill” provisions would:

● Enable cities and counties to use decades-old environmental impact reports (EIRs) as the basis of new zoning decisions, without updating the old EIRs

● Allow, if not require, cities and counties to ignore “growth-inducing impacts” when approving projects

● Divorce land use and transportation planning in the interest of inducing development — even in areas where there is insufficient transportation infrastructure to support growth, or where planned transportation improvements have not yet come on line

● Apply to communities as small as 100,000 people

Said one environmental attorney last week: “The infill provisions in SB 226 are unacceptable from an environmental perspective … It is a half-baked, poorly thought out proposal that lacks precision or clarity.” Source: Citywatch

That’s an understatement. The bill will worsen traffic and increase pollution all across the state, undermining AB 32, California’s landmark greenhouse gas law, and SB 375, the Sustainable Communities Strategy.

We urge all interested Los Angeles and Southern Californian’s to contact Governor Jerry Brown’s office and demand an immediate and unconditional repeal of this monstrous law, which sets our smart planning and community input as the bedrock of our ability as a community to shape and form Los Angeles and Southern California.

As it now stand, unless we undo our decades of hard work and determined efforts to make Los Angeles and all of Southern California free of unfair, useless, unscrupulous run-a-way development, that exposes us with potential unbridled potential corruption–that now puts us less than important in both our community voices and how we want our various communities to grow responsibly.

Think globally and act locally and demand that Governor Brown veto this bill immediately.

Known mainly to the locals around here who traverse this area every day, the Shakespeare Bridge, which was built in 1926 at the cost of then $59, 960–caught me off guard.

Indeed, I just happened to cross the Shakespeare Bridge as I was heading somewhere else. But afterward I immediately noticed its unique design, and also then saw its historic plaque, which gave impetus for our story today.

According to the 1998 edition of the Franklin Hills Overview (PDF):

This Gothic-style bridge is a reinforced concrete structure 30 feet wide and 260 feet long with 3 arch spans. The fanciful bridge is architecturally set off with turrets and towers, arches and spandrels columns.

Designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Landmark #126 in 1974, this bridge went through a total redo and rehabilitation in 1994.

After the Northridge earthquake here, city engineers thought the bridge needed strengthening to resist future seismic forces. Work was done on the bridge’s deck, sidewalks, and railings. The biggest change was on the bridge deck, which originally consisted of several separate sections with expansion joints separating each section.

The new Los Angeles Shakespeare Brdige’s design was re-created using only a single section so that the entire bridge deck is now a one-piece structural diaphragm.

Of course, during the entire reconstruction, preserving the history of the bridge was taken into consideration. The total cost of the reconstruction came in at $1,525,802.36.

On April 19^th, 1998, the Franklin Hill Residents Association threw a big street party to celebrate the opening of the redone Shakespeare Bridge. Several thousand people attended, including “Shakespeare” himself, Catherine Metcalf McGowan, daughter of the contractor who built the original Shakespeare Bridge, Robert Metcalf.

Today, the bridge is traversed by car after car everyday and is also a major walkway for students attending John Marshall High School.

So, when you find yourself up in or near the Franklin Hills, look for the Shakespeare Bridge. You’ll love it. If you can’t, Big Orange Landmarks has some great photos of the bridge from below.

Oh, and about the name.  No one seems to know how the bridge got the name.  It’s a total mystery.

Sometimes, mysteries create magical wonders like the Los Angeles Shakespeare Bridge.
]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/have-you-seen-the-los-angeles-shakespeare-bridge/feed/ 2 http://www.travelinlocal.com/fashion-island-is-orange-countys-premiere-open-air-shopping-center/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/fashion-island-is-orange-countys-premiere-open-air-shopping-center/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:07:02 +0000 Sandy Schroeder http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=31262 Recently we featured South Coast Plaza’s International fashion power house.

Today our focus is the well known and lauded fashion voltage to Newport’s legendary Fashion Island.

Perched on the bluff with ocean breezes and views to spare, Fashion Island is one of the most prestigious open air retail centers in Southern California–and one of the best in the country.

Every year Fashion Island attracts some 13 million visitors to its sleek playground.

I was there on a warm weekday afternoon recently and it was all too easy to linger. Mere realities like work deadlines and appointments easily became nothing but a distant memory as I became one with my suroundings on this day’s lush golden afternoon sunshine.

The Fashion Island outdoor cool outdoor setting, set amidst signature stores, trendy boutiques, and special little cafes beautifully blended with its numerous lush gardens and gurgling fountains.

The OC leisure scene is now in full swing. Southern California casual hums alongside various nifty perks. Nearby at the new Nordstrom’s Starbucks bar, a sleek black Lamborghini was casually parked at the curb.

Recently, the owners, The Irvine Company, made improvement to the Center’s original design to keep pace with the new Pelican Hills Resort nearby.

Spending over a a hundred million dollars, the Fashion Island owners cleverly shifted Fashion Island’s locale and temperament–from Spain to Italy, by reproducing European street locales.

Often enough by elegantly infusing hand carved granite fountains and Italian streetlights as backdrops for Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Macys, and Nordstroms.

Fashion forward trendsetters are always being added to Fashion Island’s bevy of refined style, including Dean and DeLucca’s gourmet foods, Michael Stars, women’s sportswear, and Dick’s Sporting Goods among the newest.

Click on the Fall Trend Guide for more stores to learn about that are here.

If you spend the afternoon and are not ready to leave, Roys Fusion, Flemings Steakhouse and True Foods, are all top notch dinner options, all clustered together in the Center

Situated across from the 8 screen cinema complex lies Or, the luxury resort Island Hotel, the fabled Ritz Restaurant and Rogers Gardens.

Fashion Island is an elegant open air shopping center–complete with a plethora of fine dining and entertainment choices– deftly mixing coastal ease with trendy sophistication.

Back in 1967. Fashion Island set the bar high with its massive bronze wind chime sculpture by sculptor, Tom Van Sant, that still stands tall at the mall’s southwestern entrance.

At that time, The Guiness Book recorded it as the world’s largest wind chime at that time. And that’s the way things happen at Fashion Island–with direct impact and unmistakable drama.

Holiday Note: About a week before Christmas, one of the tallest trees in the nation is transported here and is lit in Bloomingdale’s courtyard. If you’re in the area come one come all to a holiday treat you’ll soon not forget.

Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center, Newport Beach. Driving directions: From Los Angeles take the 405 San Diego Freeway South. Then exit 10 to merge onto CA-73 toward San Diego to exit 14A and merge onto MacArthur Blvd., and head down Newport Beach until you turn onto San Miguel Drive. If you’re coming from the opposite direction, from the Newport area, turn on Newport Center Drive as you head south on Pacific Coast Highway.

Needless to say, the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments List is full of great information, updates, and additions for LA’s urban preservationists and anthropologists.

Now, with over 1000 listings that have been catalogued and preserved–each addition becomes that more special in the never ending quest to preserve our past as we move toward the future

If you’d like to view these new two new editions to the preservation list, mark your calendar for November 6^th from 10:00am until 4:00pm when the Los Angeles Conservancy will be sponsoring –“At Home with History: Exploring Los Angeles’ Historic Preservation Overlay Zones.”

You’ll have the chance to explore three historic neighborhoods and enjoy docent-led tours of at least five private residences, ranging from a turn-of-the-century mansion to a 1930s apartment complex. Tickets are $30 for L.A. Conservancy members, $40 for the general public, and $10 for kids 12 and under.

As for the newest listings, the next time you’re in the Los Feliz, Cypress Park, or the Wilton Historic District, this is what you’ll likely find:

HCM #1003: Ralph J. Chandler Residence (1926 North Hobart Boulevard)

Built in 1921 in Los Feliz and modified in 1931, the Ralph J. Chandler Residence was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style. The residence was designed by noted architect Henry F. Withey for Ralph J. Chandler, nephew of the Los Angeles Times publisher, Harry Chandler, and vice president and general manager of the Los Angeles Steamship Company, which provided wooden ships for the government during World War I.

The smooth stucco building is L-shaped in plan and has a red clay tile roof, leaded bottle glass windows and a recessed arched entry, decorated with a keystone, cartouche and quoins on the primary façade. Significant interior features include cathedral ceilings, decorative wrought iron work, hardwood floors, fireplaces and light fixtures. The later 1931 additions were designed by a second notable architect, Carleton M. Winslow.

HCM #1004: Richard Henry Dana Branch Library (3320 Pepper Street)

Serving the Northeast Los Angeles community of Cypress Park, the Richard Henry Dana Branch Library was built in 1926 and designed in the Georgian Revival style by the architectural firm of Henry Sims Bent.

With its built-in wooden bookcases, light fixtures, hardwood and tile floors, and wainscoting and paneled double doors it lent substance and significance to the library’s interior. The library was named after Richard Henry Dana, the 19th century author (Two Years Before the Mast) based on the suggestions of California’s rgional literary figures and pioneers.

It was later renamed Cypress Park Branch in 1969 when the Library Department began renaming city libraries for the communities they serve. Although the building is currently vacant, plans are in development for its adaptive reuse as a senior center.

HCM #1005 Catalina Brent Pico House (220 South Wilton Place)

Built in 1912, the bungalow is an excellent example of a Craftsman style residence with Tudor, Swiss Chalet and Japanese design inspirations. The house is located near Hancock Park, in the Wilshire community, thereby within the National Register Wilton Historic District along with several other exemplary bungalows.

The square plan residence has a cross gabled roof with mission-inspired decorative verge boards and wood clapboard and shingle siding. Rough stone pillars, double hung windows with diamond pane upper sashes and grouped wood porch supports add to the building’s ornamental features.

Its significant interior elements include a large, recessed rough stone fireplace, Tudor arches, box-beam ceilings with pendant lighting, built-in cabinets and barrel-shaped glass doors in the dining room. The house was built for Catalina Brent Pico and her husband, Romulo Pico, son of General Don Andres Pico–members of one of the most influential California families at the time.

Pico lived in the bungalow until 1918, several years after her husband’s death. Another residence of Catalina Brent Pico and Romulo Pico in the San Fernando Valley, the Andres Pico Adobe (also called the Romulo Pico Adobe,) is also a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (#7) as well as a California Historical Landmark.

Many of Venice’s streets used to be canals, but are now home to murals, historic homes, and art galleries of all types.

The Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour – The Completed Edition–takes a distinctive look at both the Venice of today and of yesterdays.

Spanning just over 4 miles, this walking tour highlights Venice’ history, architecture, beach, shopping, and much, much more.

Each of the Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour – The Completed Edition’s 68 postcard size pages–tells many stories of a city on the precipice of both its revolution and evolution.

Complete with maps, a detailed history, and photos this walking tour starts and ends one block from the beach; but spans a city with a rich past and a energetic future.

Priced at only $4.99, the price of a couple of coups of coffee, you’ll bring a bit of paradise to you – for you to always enjoy.

However, from Santa Monica to the Hollywood Hills to Downtown LA–free and affordable–means that there remains ways and means for many people here to do thing they find appealing. Especially during these tough times.

As an ode to our City of the Angels and for both our residents, and visiting guests, let’s get started:

1. Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Since arriving here a few years ago, I have had an ongoing love affair with the Hollywood Sign and environs.

Indeed, on clear days, I look for it where ever I am in the city, and you’d be surprised how often I see it! You can’t touch the sign, but you sure can get pretty close. And if you traverse its hills on a clear day, your views of the city from the Hollywood Sign are gorgeous and amazing.

2. The Getty Center

If you love art, you can’t miss the opportunity to get to The Getty. World renowned in its collections, The Getty’s ever changing artist landscape keeps visitors coming back for more. Entrance to The Getty is free; but there is a parking fee of $15.00. However, if you park after 5:00pm, parking is free. Better yet, if you take public transit, you don’t have to worry about parking.

3. Santa Monica Pier/3^rd Street Promenade

If enjoying the sun, people watching, and shopping on your list of things to do in LA, then you’ve come to the right place. Between the Santa Monica Pier and the 3^rd Street Promenade, you’ll find all that and more. Paid public parking is available, and if you walk a bit, you can find free side street parking. Or better yet, bike there.

4. The Venice Boardwalk/Venice Canals

There is no place in the world like Venice. Its uniqueness stands out in so many one-of-a-kind and interesting ways. Between enjoying the sites, pursuing the public murals, watching the street performers, and listening to the surf, shopping and people watching--you’ll never be at a loss for things to do in Venice.

In all of LA, the Venice Canals are one of my favorite spots. With its Quiet walkways surrounded by beautiful architecture in an untraditional setting. (Keep an eye pealed for Travelin' Local's complete Walking Tour!

5. Griffith Park

For hikers, train enthusiasts, also children of all ages, combined with visiting the Griffith Observatory, at Griffith Park, you're bound to have tons of fun.

It's 1,134 feet above sea level, and provides the best views of Los Angeles bar none. So, pack a picnic and spend the day. And parking is free, too.

6. Olvera Street/ El Pueblo de Los Angeles

As one of the oldest parts of Downtown Los Angeles and part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, history is alive and vibrant here.

Directly across the street from Union Station, you can walk its cobble and brick streets and absorb our city's history, how the city was first settled, and see the oldest residence in town.

7. Downtown LA Walking Tour

To be sure, we still have a walking tour of Downtown LA for free, and it’s Travelin’ Local's. One of the first tours we did was walk the streets of downtown discover many of her treasures. Just follow along and you’ll discover a side to Los Angeles you probably were not aware of or ever knew existed.

View Walking in LA in a larger map

8. Hollywood Walk of Fame

You won’t find it anywhere else but here! We have sidewalks lined with movie and television stars to current motion picture heroes, pioneers of film technology and lore--to yesterday’s radio actors. Plus, with other attractions including the Capital Record's building, Grauman's Chinese Theater, and the Hollywood/Highland Center, there's plenty to do and find here.

9. Miracle Mile/La Brea Tar Pits/The Grove Shopping Center

Within this 3 mile radius, we provide Walking Tour, of the area where you get to experience history, shopping, architecture. It's even fun for the whole family.

View Mid-Wilshire Walk in a larger map

The La Brea Tar Pits are part of LA’s unique history, and LACMA is right next door. Although they do charge admission, you can still find free days every month, and of course, shopping at The Grove, remains one of LA premiere shopping destination.

10. Universal City Walk

With their many concerts and DJ events (a few free), dining or watching the latest movie, Universal City Walk has to be on your must-go list. And, quite frankly the place is a blast!

Including more than 30 great restaurants and places to eat; a 19-screen movie theatre featuring an eight-story-high IMAX®, seven hot night spots including the new Jon Lovitz Comedy Club and the new Samba Brazilian Steakhouse & there's a lounge and believe it or not an indoor sky-diving and more than 30 stores to peruse. And general parking rates start at $10.

What do you think? Did we miss anything?

Frankly, walking is really the best option to enjoy downtown Carlsbad and its sundry shops, restaurants, and architecture, and historic buildings and other points of interest.

When I stopped by the Shipley-Magee House, my tour guide handed me a brochure of the many historic sites in Carlsbad.

Therefore, based on this, I took the tour and then created a self-guided walking tour, using the brochure as a reference guide.

Keep in mind that most of these houses are now private residences, so please respect the owner’s property.

View Downtown Carlsbad Historic Walking Tour in a larger map

I’m also featuring a few of my own original photographs of Downtown Carlsbad during the tour; and if you click the map’s icons, you’ll be able to see more photos and historic information:

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

Frazier’s Well/Alt Karlsbad

Twin Inns/Ocean House

Cohn House/Norte

Gage House/Monterey Condominiums

I hope you enjoy walking the Downtown Carlsbad Historic Walking Tour, as much as I did, and for more on Carlsbad’s rich history, here’s a great video:

So, I ended up going to the local historical society, of course.

Located at 258 Beech Avenue in downtown Carlsbad, the Historical Society calls the Shipley-Magee House its home.

If you’re fortunate to be in Carlsbad on Friday-Sunday from 11:00am until 3:00pm, you can stop by the Shipley-Magee House for a guided tour. That’s what I did.

However, if you’re not available to personally see the house–here’s a few of the photos I took while I was there; and some of its background and history:

Originally built in 1887, this Craftsman’s Kit home was owned by Samuel Church Smith. Upon the discovery of mineral water, Smith along with Gerhard Schutte, D.D. Wadsworth, and Henry Nelson organized the Carlsbad Land and Water Company.

The mineral water was tested and so closely resembled the water from the famed Karlsbad Spa in then Bohemia, the name of the new town became clear, with just a hint of Westernization.

Ergo, California’s City of Carlsbad was born.

In fact, you can still obtain the water from the famed well today. Indeed, it’s located right across the street from the Shipley-Magee House.

In the late 1890s, Alexander Shipley, a retired Foreign Service diplomat, purchased the home and lived in it with his wife Julia and daughter Florence. In 1912, Florence married Hugh Magee and moved to Pala. Upon the death of her father and husband, she returned to Carlsbad in the 1940′s.

Most of the period furniture in the house was donated to the Historical Society by the previous owners of the nearby Twin Inns, which was built in 1917.

As sole inheritor of her parents’ estate and having no children of her own, upon her death in 1974, Florence donated the Magee house to the City of Carlsbad as a historic and recreational park.

Today, in Magee Park, you will not only find the Shipley-Magee House, but also Heritage Hall, which was built in 1926 as St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, but when the city of Carlsbad incorporated in 1952, the Church then began as Carlsbad’s first City Hall and Police Station.

Also located in Magee Park is the Granary, which was originally part of the Twin Inns.

One of the Twin Inns signature dishes was their famous fried chicken. They raised the chickens themselves, hence the Granary. In order to promote their chicken, the Twin Inns used to have huge plastic chickens standing in front of the building.

You can catch a peek at them through the Shipley-Magee barn window and the Granary is behind the barn.

Each of these buildings are available for private events. For more details, just click the links above.

Carlsbad is full of early Southern California History–and next week Travelin’ Local will take you on a walking tour of many of the highlights from this famed beach town.

The venue of the classic and popular film series (PDF) shall be hosted and featured at the famous and classic Million Dollar Theater.

For $10.00 per night ($9.00 for students and seniors), everyone will be able to enjoy a main feature film or a double feature highlighting the work from such famed directors as David Cronenberg and William Friedkin, as but an example.

Tickets will be available at the Million Dollar Theater box office only.

The Theater box office opens an hour before the start time on the each day that the movie is playing.

Here’s the list of films along with a short clip:

October 5^th: Belushi/Ackroyd Double Feature!

The Blues Brothers: 1980 Directed by John Landis

Neighbors: 1981 Directed by John G. Avildsen

October 12^th: Cronenberg Double Feature!

25th anniversary of The Fly: 1986 Directed by David Cronenberg

Videodrome: 1983 Directed by David Cronenberg

October 19^th: On the Road Double Feature!

Easy Rider: 1969 Directed by Dennis Hopper

Two-Lane Blacktop: 1971 Directed by Monte Hellman

October 26^th: Funny Fright Night!

Young Frankenstein: 1974 Directed by Mel Brooks

Love at First Bite: 1979 Directed by Stan Dragoti

November 9^th: Friedkin Double Feature!

To Live & Die in LA: 1985 Directed by William Friedkin

The French Connection: 1971 Directed by William Friedkin

November 16^th

Lawrence of Arabia: 1962 Directed by David Lean

November 23^rd: Writers in Los Angeles Double Feature!

Barton Fink: 1991 Directed by Joel Coen

Barfly: 1987 Directed by Barbet Schroeder

November 30^th: Nicholson/Rafelson Double Feature!

Five Easy Pieces: 1970 Directed by Bob Rafelson

The King of Marvin Gardens: 1972 Directed by Bob Rafelson

December 7^th

Superman: 1978 Directed by Richard Donner

December 14^th: Sci Fi Double Feature!

The Day the Earth Stood Still: 1951 Directed by Robert Wise

This Island Earth: 1955 Directed by Joseph Newman

December 21^st: Rock Opera Double feature!

Tommy: 1975 Directed by Ken Russell

Jesus Christ Superstar: 1973 Directed by Norman Jewison

Which one will you be attending? Let us know your feedback!

They’re all look great films to boot.

In fact, Los Angeles County is home to the very first “freeway.”

That’s right, the Pasadena Freeway aka Arroyo Seco Parkway, which started construction in 1934, and was completed in 1941 wasn’t just the first freeway in the world, but it also represented the transitional phase between early parkways and modern freeways.

The Arroyo Seco Parkway is designated a State Scenic Highway, National Civil Engineering Landmark, and National Scenic Byway, plus it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

Who knew?

Planning for the freeway system started in the early 1930s, and according to Cities in Civilization: Culture, Technology, and Urban Order, by Peter Hall, Los Angeles city planners originally had intended to have light rail tracks installed in the center margin of each freeway, but this plan was never came to fruition.

Now, we have to live with the decisions made by our political leaders decades ago.

During World War II years, two freeways, the San Bernardino and the Santa Ana, were started. And that was only the beginning. Between 1950 and 1965 was the boom period for the California freeway system.

By the 1970s, the money for new freeways started to dissipate. By 2004, only 61% of the freeways proposed in the updated 1954 Master Plan were completed, which caused gaps in the system, which subsequently created our current traffic nightmares.

To that end, here is a list of the freeways and their construction dates surrounding Los Angeles:

Pasadena Freeway: 1934-1941
Hollywood Freeway: 1940-1968
San Bernardino Freeway: 1943-1957
Santa Ana Freeway: 1944-1964
Harbor Freeway: 1952-1970
Long Beach Freeway: 1952-1975 (uncompleted)
Golden State Freeway: 1955-1976
Foothill Freeway: 1955-1976 (uncompleted)
Artesia Freeway: 1956-1975
Ventura Freeway: 1958-1971
Glendale Freeway: 1958-1979
San Diego Freeway: 1957-1964
Santa Monica Freeway: 1961-1966
San Gabriel River Freeway: 1963-1971
Antelope Valley Freeway: 1963-1973
Garden Grove Freeway: 1963 (uncompleted)
Pomona Freeway: 1965-1971
Marina Freeway: 1968-2007
Orange Freeway: 1969-1973
Glenn Anderson Freeway: 1982-1993
Terminal Island Freeway: 1983- present

Oh, the first freeway isn’t the only road first for California.

In fact, Los Angeles is the home of the world’s first stack interchange. So, the next time you drive the 110 and get off at the 101, you’ll be looking at history.

The idea is two-fold:

First, teams of prominent Los Angeles architects, engineers, and designers create exciting structures made entirely of cans of food to be put on public display and awarded prizes by a panel of judges.

Second, after the event, cans are donated to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

What’s not to love!

This year’s Canstuction LA is taking place on October 7^th -18^th at the Westfield Culver City Shopping Mall located at 6000 Sepulveda Boulevard.

Canstruction — produced under the auspices of the Society for Design Administration — has been held in over 100 cities across the United States and Canada. Over the last five years Canstruction LA has raised over 197,525 cans of food for the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

Wow, that’s a lot of food.

So, why not enjoy some art while you shop.

What can you expect?

Here are a few photos from last year’s Canstruction:

From modern skyscrapers to Romanesque office buildings to the brilliant, striking Hillside Homes that seem to balance on thin air.

From Frank Lloyd Wright’s Block Houses to Richard Neutra’s Lovell House to John Lautner’s Chemosphere to Rudolph Schindler’s Kings Road House, great architecture and Los Angeles are a marriage that has stood the test of time.

And with the work of each of these architects comes the work of their not so famous students. For years, students have sought out mentors in their field, (not a new concept, to be sure), a person they felt they could trust to give them guidance, somebody they could learn from, and someone who could in essence, “Show them the ropes” and someone whose guidance and criticism were taken for their own work’s improvement.

In fact, both John Lautner and Rudolph Schindler worked under Frank Lloyd Wright’s tutelage for a time.

So, with so many masters of architecture here in Los Angeles–and their students–you’ll often find many small hidden architectural gems spread far and wide among our suburban landscape.

Just recently, I was walking through just such a neighborhood; and discovered similarities to the work of Rudolph Schindler.

Their geometric design, combined with a playful, wonderful and utilitarian use of glass–didn’t quite seem to “fit” with the surrounding houses in the neighborhood.

Upon further research, I discovered that these three houses, which were built in 1940, were designed by Edward Lind, a student of Schindler’s in the 1930’s. Although Schindler’s influence isn’t present in all of Lind’s work, these three wonderfully designed homes reflect the magnificent design influences of his teacher–especially if you have time to see them in person.

It really does pay to stop and smell the roses in Los Angeles. You never know what you’ll find.

Venice, with its mixture of new and old architecture, is a wonderful place to visit. From Craftsman houses to its plethora of newly minted contemporary and innovative homes and architecture, Venice’s tale to tell is still evolving throughout this once ignored part of Los Angeles.

Of course, not every home is featured in our Venice walking tour; but we do include a wide variety that we’ve provided for you–complete with as much cultural iconography and anthropology as possible–replete with the required research to include as much information as possible that we’ve included about a building’s construction information, pricing, history, details, and other important story tidbits.

Based on that, we]re pleased to be able to publish today, Part 7 of the Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour:

To enjoy Parts 1-5, of the Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour, here are the links:

Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour – Part 6

Venice (Canals Included) Walking Tour – Part 5

Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour – Part 4

Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour – Part 3

Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour – Part 2

Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour – Part 1

Although close to complete, I’m not sure how many more parts are still left that will be included into the final version of Travelin’ Local’s Venice Walking Tour,; but if you like this one so far, (Which we know to be the case), be sure to check out our other walking tours, each with its own, unique different with their own individualistic and unique characters:

Hollywood/Highland Walking Tour

Westwood Village Walking Tour

Angelino Heights/Echo Park Walking Tour

See you on the sidewalks of LA!

His glorious Hollyhock House, and Ennis House, are very well known as a testimonial to his design and architectural genius.

One of his lesser known projects–located in the Hollywood Hills–is the Storer House.

Wright built it in 1923 for homeopathic physician John Storer. This house, which is recognized both by the City of Los Angeles Historical-Cultural Landmarks’ list (#96) and the National Register of Historic Places (awarded in 1971), is one of four houses in LA built using Wright’s well known designs incorporating patterned concrete blocks.

The Storer House is much smaller than his previous three homes that he built here–having only three bedrooms, a den, and three bathrooms, along with a traditional kitchen and including a spa, all of which make up less than 3,000 square feet on a 11,160 square-foot lot.

Of interest to note, Frank Lloyd Wright’s son Lloyd, supervised the Storer house’s construction and did the landscape design for the home as well.

As the years here passed–many other people either rented or owned the Storer House, until it fell into disrepair. That is until film producer Joel Silver came along in 1984, and purchased the house for a reported $800,000.(After being on the market for nearly three years).

With the help of Wright’s grandson, Eric Lloyd Wright and Martin Eli Weil, a past president of the Los Angeles Conservancy, a total and painstaking restoration was undertaken by Silver, which included the addition of Frank Lloyd Wright’s original plan to install a swimming pool onsite.

After owning the Storer home for 17 years, in 2002, Silver sold it for $3.5 million, to a business executive described as having “a great understanding and appreciation for historical landmark architectural property.”

Although a bit difficult to find, the Storer House is definitely worth checking out as it’s part of Los ANgeles’ heritage and culture.

Lautner, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, is credited with over 200 enigmatic and successful building designs, spanning over 5 decades. Of these designs, except for a few exceptions, most were built in Southern California, with many in the Los Angeles area.

One of the main architectural philosophies that Lautner espoused was the practice of integrating the design of a house into its location and creating an organic flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

To see and understand this, all one has to do is just look at a few of Lautner’s designs.

With each of his designs, Lautner’s goal was to find a unique solution for each of his commissions–thereby incorporating various materials he decided to be integral to the building’s landscape.

By Using the latest building material and technology, Lautner pioneered:

the use of glue-laminated plywood beams, steel beams and sheeting, especially through his ongoing exploration of the architectural possibilities of reinforced and prestressed concrete — and through his use of non-linear, open-plan and multi-level layouts, shaped and folded concrete forms, skylights and light-wells and panoramic expanses of plate glass. Source: Wikipedia

If you’d like to see more of Lautner’s work, the Egyptian Theater is running a one-night only double feature tribute about him: The Spirit in Architecture: John Lautner and Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner tomorrow-on Saturday, July 30^th.

An admirer of his work, I featured one of Lautner’s designs, the Sheats Apartments, in my Westwood Village Walking Tour,

As I explore more of Los Angeles’ urban landscapes–especially via Travelin’ Local’s Walking Tours–I’ll be featuring more stories about Lautner’s Los Angeles designs and historic local oeuvre.

Created by artist Gail Cottman, this landscaped garden area is a folk art extravagant environment that’s comprised of outdoor public art pieces that incorporate and use a large amount of objects–especially primary materials which are mostly comprised of irregular pieces of tile, smooth stones, and beads.

Although the Hollywood Garden of Oz is not well known yet–probably because most of the people venturing to this part of the city are– Hollywood Sign bound, the Garden of Oz is one of the most recent additions to the list of Los Angeles Historical-Cultural landmarks, coming in at #996.

Inspired by the Wizard of Oz, Cottman initially had the help of artists Beatrice Woods, Diane and Jim Whitaker, John Raithel, Kaz Suyeshi, and Eli and Kate Yoder. On August 24^th, 1991, it was officially declared a “children’s folk art/peace garden.”

Since this declaration, over 75 artists have been continually involved in its improvements, including Bill Attaway, Sally Speelman, Irene Zdunczyk, Patty Detzler, Julie Hunter Bagish, and Bill Davis.

As far as I know, at this time, there isn’t any sign stating the hours of operation for the Garden of Oz. When I visited, which was on a weekday, the Garden was gated.

Although there is a sign about not taking photos, I felt the Garden of Oz, because of its historical status, deserved to be shared with everyone, especially those people who are unable to physically see it.

So, to that end–here’s a small glimpse of what you’ll find at the Garden of Oz: