If you’ve ever felt like Los Angeles was just too big and long for that small town feel, well, Culver City is the place to be.

Fiesta La Ballona, which started Friday night, will still be in full swing today, Sunday, August 28^th from 11:00am-5:00pm for the booths, but the rides and food will still be open until 8:00pm.

There are also two music/entertainment stages featuring a wide variety of local talent.

Originally started as a week-long celebration back in 1951 as "Fiesta La Ballona Days," people went to events – and even to work! – dressed up as Native American Indians, rancheros, señoritas, cowboys and cowgirls. It was a great way for people to learn their history, plus show pride in where they came from.

Then In 1985, the fiesta was reinvented as a "Festival of the People" and the one-day event took on an international flavor. Five or six years later it became a weekend fair in May.

In 2003, the Fiesta was once again revived by offering events during the entire week with a culminating festival in Veteran’s Park. In 2004 amusement rides were added to attract families to the event. In 2005 the Culver City Lion’s Club opened the first Beer and Wine Garden. The Fiesta La Ballona continues to be a celebration of the past, present and future of Culver City showcasing both its warmth and its sophistication. It continues to offer people a place for food and fun and sharing. Source: Fiesta La Ballona

All I know is that it was fun and here are a few photos showing I’m not the only one who had a wonderful time:

It doesn’t get any better!!

The gig will be held at Mike Balkman’s Council Chambers, which is located inside Culver City Hall.

Starting at 7:00pm, this intimate music series is presented by The Culver City Redevelopment Agency and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association–and sponsored by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has been presenting free neighborhood and community concerts for the past 20 years, as part of the organization’s dedication to making music accessible to the widest possible audience. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an inspiring array of music from all genres – orchestral, chamber and Baroque music, organ and celebrity recitals, new music, jazz, world music and pop – at two of L.A.’s iconic venues, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. The LA Phil’s season at Walt Disney Concert Hall extends from October through May, and throughout the summer at the Hollywood Bowl. With the preeminent Los Angeles Philharmonic at the foundation of its offerings, the LA Phil aims to enrich and transform lives through music, with a robust mix of artistic, education and community programs.

The 2011 program features the following musicians:

Friday, January 14^th, 2011

Camille Avellano — Violin
Jin-Shan Dai — Violin
Dana Hansen — Viola
Barry Gold — Cello

Friday, February 11^th, 2011

Ariana Ghez -Oboe
Carrie Dennis – Viola
Bernadene Blaha – Piano

Friday, February 25^th, 2011

Whitney Crockett — Bassoon
Robert Gupta — Violin
Minyoung Chang — Violin
Carrie Dennis — Viola
Gloria Lum — Cello
Oscar Meza — Double bass

From where I was standing, the snow-topped mountains are more than 40 miles away. The long distance view was stunning and amazing.

But that’s only one of the many views to see from there.

If you look closely, you can see the Hollywood sign in the background. In the far background between the mountain ranges is the San Fernando Valley, and on the far side, the Angeles National Forest, over 20 miles away. Toward the right is the Los Angeles River.

But its scenic overlooks, panoramic views and the Hollywood Sign aren’t all you’ll find while here—it’s made for those that want a “little” exercise.

The people who’ve reached the top of these stairs climbed over 300 steps. And I don’t mean just any steps–these steps are both high and deeply inset.

Here’s what the steps look like from the top:

If you see the large orange construction equipment at the bottom that’s where I have to go. Hopefully going down should be easier than going up.

The myriad of features of the Baldwin Hills Overlook still aren’t over yet:

The bold green line in the map above represents the snaking trail that goes around and around the hill. If by chance you get tired going up—and or down–the steps, you can walk or run the trail; and meet back up with the steps later on.

Once you reach the top, or if you started at the top, there’s the parking lot next to the beautiful Visitors Center pictured above.

If you’re interested in the Visitors Center, you need to go on the weekends. Due to budget cuts, that’s the only time it’s open. They have a lot of interactive and information about the area’s history and development.

In case you’re wondering, that’s the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica in the horizon, a distance of about 15 miles away.

So the next time you’re Travelin’ Local, and want to find a place that has a beautiful vista, panoramic views, and provides an opportunity to stretch your muscles and get some exercise to get your “Ya Ya’s Out,” be sure to visit the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, a treasured gem in the heart of Culver City.

When I was in the sixth grade, I was playing football with some neighborhood boys, and in my ever competitive nature, I ran back to catch an interception, and boom, I was tackled by a ninth grade boy who lived up the street.

I was knocked unconscious.

My fellow football players immediately ran across the street to my house and brought my father, who I scared the life out of, because he initially thought I had died.

He rushed me to the hospital, where I spent the next three days with a brain concussion.

After that, football was taken off my list of things to do.

But for kids who live across the street from the 4.39 acre Lindberg Park in Culver City, football, among other various physical fitness pursuits can be on their daily to-do play list.

To see Lindberg Park in an interesting juxtaposition I put together, just click the arrow below:

Also of interest to note, Lindberg Park is part of the Culver City After School Program, which is designed to provide supervision for children attending Farragut Elementary School grades K-5, while they’re playing at the park, or involved in after-school activities.

Open daily from after school until 6:00pm, kids get homework assistance, learn about “green” projects, participate and learn about computerized educational games, and other special events.

‘

Pretty cool!!

Just when you think it’s going to be a sunny day, nature tricks you and out come the clouds and showers.

Alright, my aim is not to keep ranting and raving about the rain, but I wanted to give you a little background for the upcoming pictures I took:

On Tuesday, after four solid days of rain, there was a very short break in the action. I wanted to see the water levels of the LA River, but I knew I wasn’t going to be able to make it all the way there before the storm started again.

So, I decided for the next best thing–Ballona Creek!

The water level wasn’t as high as I thought it might be.

All the photos are in black and white. To me, there’s always a certain charm about seeing a photo in B&W. Their texture is full of line and form, and they contain the world weariness associated with age and antiquity about them.

This is how the Creek looked almost a year ago just before the storms hit in January 2010:

That’s quite a difference.

Although not taken from the exact same location, the number 35 is clearly visible in both shots. Here’s the bridge crossing Ballona Creek:

I love a simple bridge.

I hope to make the B&W feature a more regular component of some of my photo shoots on Travelin’ Local.

But tomorrow, we’ll continue to follow this B&W sidewalk back into the world of color.

Los Angeles is rich in public art, often referred to as the “Birth place of the Mural.”

But, murals are only part of this story:

Sculptures, statues, fountains, and even gardens are often considered public art.

So, from now on, when I’ll be discovering, documenting, photographing, and writing about any particular piece of public art, you’ll see a short intro here on Travelin’ Local, but the rest of the story is only a click away:

Water, a Lion, and Culver City.

In fact, when you really think about it, most murals would fall under the category and defined as “temporary” art. Many times a building is sold and the new owner paints over the mural. In another case, a building is demolished, which destroys any artwork present.

And unfortunately we have the malicious taggers who destroy buildings, murals, and everything else that they feel like everyday, with their petty antics.

In some cases, temporary art becomes permanent–based on a municipality’s decision–which is the case in West Hollywood.

However, now I’m referring to the temporary art located at 9400 Culver Boulevard in Culver City:

Called “CulverLand,” this public art project was part of the promotion for the International Festival of Independent Games, and funded by an arts grant from the City of Culver City.

It’s a game where you are the playing piece. Here are the rules which are included as part of this public art exhibit:

Inspired by the art of Piet Montrian and more importantly, Milton Bradley, who made the game "Candyland," artist John Derevlany:

it is meant to celebrate the play grid inherent in all games (both electronic and non-electronic), as well as finally finding a fun use for all this traffic we have to deal with every day. Don’t let traffic drive you nuts — let it drive your game play!

At 90 feet long, by 18 feet wide, and each square on the game board measuring 6 ft. X 6 ft., you get the idea of just how easy it is for a person to play.

Using an eco-friendly, temporary marking paint called EZ-Paint for most of the squares, CulverLand’s lettering and logos were applied with giant, hand-cut plastic stencils and non-toxic Mythic paint.

If you want to play, too, you’ll have to hurry. According to the CulverLand website, the game is set to disappear on Monday, November 1^st.

It looks unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!

Designed to be an “Information Tower,” the Samitaur Tower is the work of Culver City architect, Eric Moss.

At 72 feet high and 30 feet wide, the Tower, an important exception to the local height rule, is the highest building in this section of Culver City.

Made from translucent acrylic, the screens, when used, will utilize external displays to highlight upcoming events, culturally significant content, along with art and graphic presentations of all types.

As needed, all visual presentations from the white portion of the Tower will use 10 digital projectors hidden behind the screens.

Sitting atop its perch, the Information Tower overlooks the light-rail Metro Expo Line, which is expected to open in June 2011, and carry an estimated 30,000 passengers. Its visibility from the Metro and all the passing cars, is sure to be a city landmark–probably in the same way that the Disney Hall initially instilled both excitement and criticism. Now it’s one of our most iconic landmarks, and a reality for people to grasp.

Inside the screens, steel decks provide viewers fantastic views of the city. Keeping with the clean lines and open air feeling, the Tower has a glazed elevator in an enclosed glass shaft, and an open stairway to the top.

To be sure, the tower will have a captive audience.

The tower consists of five circular steel rings, approximately 30 feet in diameter. The rings are stacked vertically at 12 foot floor-to-floor intervals, and, as the height increases, the rings are staggered in plan, back and forth – to the north, east, south, and west – in order to establish proximity and viewing angles for various levels at various heights.

I can hardly wait to climb up to the top and see the view.

The Samitaur Tower will play host to a mixture of parties, art exhibits and openings, using the staging area at the bottom.

In February of 2009, I visited this location for an article entitled, Architecture as Art. Here’s what the Tower looked like then compared to now.

When you have time, be sure to stop by for a visit. Although the Samitaur Tower isn’t expected to open until early next year, it’s still a sight to see.

Los Angeles and the word “free” don’t always go together, but summertime movies here are an exception. Several of the annual free concert series are already in full swing, and now it’s time for the annual free movie series to kick off over at the W Hotel in Westwood.

Starting this Memorial Day weekend with The Twilight Saga: New Moon, you’re invited to The Backyard at the Westwood W Hotel, 930 Hilgard Ave. Los Angeles. The doors open at 7pm, and even though this event is free, reservations are encouraged.

If you can’t make it this weekend, no worries.  The Movies Under the Stars takes place every Sunday night until September 5^th. Here’s the entire line-up:

• May 30^th – The Twilight Saga: New Moonl
• June 6^th – Almost Famous
• June 13^th – Adventureland
• June 20^th – Where the Wild Things Are
• June 27^th – Bring It On
• July 11^th – Julie and Julia
• July 18^th – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
• July 25^th – The Proposal
• August 1^st – The Blide Side
• August 8^th – Best in Show
• August 15^th – 9
• August 22^nd – I Love You, Man
• August 29^th – Up
• September 5^th – September Issue

To make it easier for you, Travelin’ Local has added a 2010 Free Calendar on our site.  The concerts are purple and the movies are pink.

As per last year, the list of places and movies will kick into high gear as summer hits, and we’ll be updating the list as each location starts to show their free movies:

If you’d like your movie or concert added to Travelin’ Local’s Free Summertime Concert and Movie Calendar, feel free to use the Contact Page. 

Because I live on the Westside, I started here.  The first trail to get my attention was the Ballona Creek Bike Path, a dedicated, Class 1 bike trail. And what’s not to love about it–it’s a 6 mile long, segregated bike path that follows the Ballona Creek all the way to the beach–it’s perfect.

As soon as I had the first opportunity to ride the Ballona Creek bike path, I put my new folding bike in the back seat of my car and headed to Culver Blvd to find the entrance to the Ballona Creek bike trail, and thought it would be a “cake-walk” to find the trail’s entrance and exit points.

Wrong–I couldn’t find the entrance to the portion of the bike trail I was looking for.  You got it, even though I was on Culver Boulevard, smack dab where I was "supposed to be," to make a long story short, I had no idea where the trail’s entrance was.  No signs. No markers. No nothing. I looked and looked, but to no avail.

When I got back home, I looked online, and found one—yes, just one–site with some extremely basic information about its entrances and exits.

Subsequently, I’ve now ridden the trail several times, and every time I do, I enjoy it immensely as it’s just a really nice ride. But, I also couldn’t help but wonder if other people had the same issues I did in trying to find the same various entrance points that I was having so many problems locating.

My curiosity at the same time became piqued for other information about other nearby bike routes, so I looked online to find if there were more maps for other bike paths in Los Angeles.

Based on that, my original experience wasn’t unique.

I’ve soon come to learn that Mapping Los Angeles Bike Trails is literally in its infancy.  I recently attended a meeting of like minded people, hosted by Alex Kenefick and John Tangenberg where we could all "brainstorm" to kick-start the process of taking this project to the next level by mapping more of LA’s bike trails, routes, and rides.

But so far, nothing much has been done; and not for lack of enthusiasm among the group.

Thus I was thrust into a unique position. As the publisher of Travelin’ Local, we do a lot of mapping and geo-tagging to accompany our stories. Therefore, I decided to take matters into my own hands, and get the ball rolling to launch this mapping project:

Los Angeles by Bike

First, I started a new website called Los Angeles by Bike.

In its current initial form and concept, it hosts some of the Map my Ride routes in and around Los Angeles, with more to be inserted as time goes by.  As bike riders are a close knit community–where valuable input is important among the group–Map my Ride already had several thousand Los Angeles routes; so it seemed redundant to try and reinvent the wheel. 

By using actual rider generated routes, I’m taking the Map my Ride maps to a new level–by putting them into both location and distance categories.

Second, I’ll be adding more and more of my own–and others–Los Angeles Bike Routes, Trails, and Rides, with detailed mapping, including pictures; just like this one I did of Ballona Creek:

As of now, the first entrance to the Ballona Creek Bike Trail is closed due to construction until June 2010. This date has been pushed back several times, so it might happen again. If you want to be sure about an open entrance, here’s a list with the exact location mapped on Google:

1. Duquesne Avenue – Accessible from either Culver or Jefferson, this first entrance is on the downstream side across from Culver City’s Transportation Facility. Look for the giant urn sculpture.

Also at this entrance is the “Rivers of the World” mural, created by the Ballona Creek Renaissance. It’s wonderfully colorful and a great way to start the trail.

2. Overland Avenue - Accessible from either Culver or Jefferson, this entrance is next to the Culver City Julian Dixon Library, where you’ll see the “Postcards from Ballona” mural at the entrance to the trail. There is a second entrance on the upstream side of Overland Avenue.

3. Ocean Drive – This entrance is located at the corner of Ocean Drive and Westwood Blvd., which is immediately south of the creek west of Overland Avenue, and crosses the creek to the bike path via the pedestrian bridge.

4. Farragut Elementary School – Located in the far right hand corner of the parking lot to Farragut Elementary School is an entrance used mostly by students from both the elementary school and Culver City Middle School, which borders the bike path.

5. Sepulveda Boulevard – Located on both sides of Sepulveda, one side of which is an unadorned entrance and the other side is wonderful decorated metal gate with a park bench, greenery, and a garbage can. Close up photos of the gate can be seen in the map above.

6. Culver Drive and Purdue Avenue – This entrance is located on tiny Culver Drive on the north side of the creek, a block west of Sawtelle Blvd.

7. Slauson Avenue – This entrance is located where Slauson Avenue dead-ends into the creek. Bordered on one side by the Culver Slauson Recreation Center and on the other, by the Mar Vista Family Center, this entrance is great place to pack a picnic.

8. Inglewood Avenue – Even though Inglewood Ave. only has an entrance on one side, it’s has a wonderfully embellished gate featuring rocks taken from the Ballona Creek. Located at Culver Dr., it dead ends at Inglewood Blvd., a perfect location to start your ride.

9. Culver Drive – Close to the intersection of Marshall Drive and just east of Centinela Avenue, there is an entrance to Ballona. Off street parking is available if you need it.

10. Centinela Avenue – Using a similar gate featured at Inglewood, Centinela Ave. has only one entrance on the west side of the road.

11. McConnell Avenue – This entrance is located where McConnell Ave dead ends at the creek.

12. Lincoln Boulevard – There are unassuming entrances are on both sides of Lincoln Boulevard for easy access. And if you’re thinking about driving to this entrance, don’t. There’s no parking here.

13. Fiji Way – This is where the Ballona Creek Bike Path and the South Bay Bike Path meet. With paid parking available at Fisherman’s Village, this is a popular entrance for both bike paths.

Here’s the map of all these entrances with pictures of each one included:

View Ballona Creek Bike Path in a larger map

And there you have it–The Ballona Creek Bike Path with both pictures and maps.

Now, let’s grab our bikes and go for a ride.

Saturday night’s opening at the Koplin Del Rio Gallery, was a multi-artist show to showcase figurative works on paper.

The show was guest curated by Normal Lundin, himself an exhibiting artist and Professor of Art, Emeritus at the University of Washington.

During my brief yet impressionable conversation with the curator, his comments provide context for further insight into the thinking behind the showing:

Before anything else, drawing is number one. Content is secondary to drawing. Realism can have an abstract component, and modernism is based on the here and now. Norman Lundin

The show accomplished its stated goals. The Koplin Del Rio gallery displayed venerable and impressive West Coast artists–and artists on the West Coast–which are fighting fit in more than basic aesthetics.

Elena Del Rio allows the viewer to copiously examine and purchase “state of the states” figurative and realistic based works on paper for any residential, commercial, or industrial space.

Fred Birchman, "Study for Puget Monument – Winter Solstice", 2006, charcoal on paper, 22 1/2” x 30”

The drawings covered a wide range–from nudes, to industrial motifs, to portraits, abstract realism, and frequently whimsical content; in a show like this one “there is creative process we call drawing and another we call painting, then there is that combination where those process overlap.” It was a successful dalliance.

I’m neither puerile nor militant in being an art critic; I expect a marked degree of quality and sparkle before I’m going to give it a thumb’s up.

Saturday night I came away with more than a couple of up-and-coming artists that I would highly recommend to collect and to appreciate.

To achieve good drawing, that’s the focus, and to achieve it—don’t push it. Norman Lundin, Curator

Eric Elliot, "Studio #15", 2008, ink on paper, 22” x 30”

Although some pictures used far too much charcoal on portions of their paper; –the shades and hues afforded by that enormous medium were never questioned, and was raised to a Raison d’Être—by the sketch drawn by Mark Kang-O’Higgins, entitled “Head of Nagle.” (top row, far right)

The figure reminisced of a Lucien Freud, Francis Bacon, or a David Hockney portrait.

The picture draws the viewer in to a marked degree, to conjecture what the person whose portrait was taken was thinking, who they are, and so on—-while the medium of charcoal, is accepted in both its heaviest tonality of all black and with its textures leave you wanting for more.

That’s the mystery and beauty of this show—it’s for us to find what we’re uniquely lured to in a drawing.

West Coast Drawings for both the Seattle Davidson Galleries and in Los Angeles at Koplin Del Rio Gallery

Drawings VIII

Exhibition Dates: July 11 – August 29, 2009

All artists are represented by several works, and a full list will be available at the exhibition or may be obtained by contacting the galleries.

The Participating artists include:

Koplin Del Rio

Juliette Aristides, Fred Birchman, David Brody, Sally Cleveland, Eric Elliott, Gary Faigin, Ann Gale, Philip Govedare, Michael Howard, Katina Huston, Etsuko Ichikawa, Mark Kang-O’Higgins, Philip Levine, Zhi Lin, Margie Livingston, Norman Lundin, Brian Murphy, Ed Musante, Linda Thomas, Kimberly Trowbridge, Evelyn Woods.

Davidson Galleries

David Bailin, Sandow Birk, Hilary Brace, Shay Bredimus, Wes Christensen, Melissa Cooke, Fred Dalkey, David Fertig, Kim Frohsin, Moira Hahn, D.J. Hall, Grant Hottle, Ira Korman, David Ligare, Tim Lowly, Robert Schultz, Fred Stonehouse, Bill Vuksanovich, Michelle Wiener

The Koplin Del Rio Gallery is located at 6031 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 (310)836-9055

For some, if I mention Smashbox Studios, many people will say “What in the world are you talking about;” but others will nod accordingly and acknowledge out loud that “Culver City is hip and happening.”

With its modern and restored architecture, world class restaurants and redeveloped buildings for mixed use, physical beauty and parks, Culver City is now lookin’ like one of the cool and in places to be in Los Angeles.

Walking Tour

Although my walk yesterday was short, it was sweet—there were many interesting sights, from Sony Pictures Plaza, to Culver City’s City Hall. I took many pictures for this tour below. But I didn’t just stick to the main thoroughfares though; when you get off the beaten path, Culver City offers one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the Metro area.

With a history spanning three centuries, Culver City’s rich past is leading it to a vibrant future. If you can’t get to the heart of Culver City right this moment, or if you’d like a preview of what you can find there, take a walk with me now.

I promise you won’t be disappointed by the art filled and quaint family friendly streets of Culver City:

View Culver City Downtown Walking Tour in a larger map

With the explicit goal to “introduce a wider audience to the unique vitality of the artist spaces,” Art Walks have been a common place occurrence here. I haven’t been able to attend the Downtown ArtWalk yet, but based on how much I enjoyed the Culver City ArtWalk, I’m sure that they’ve designed a great tour as well.

Artist: Gary Paige – Diptich – Left Title: “Empty Singular Series” Right Title: “Magenta Blue Bias” – Inkjet Prints on Stonehenge Paper – Size 22” x 30” Koplin Del Rio Gallery, Culver City, California.

Early Background of Southern California Printmakers and Artists

Serious printmaking in Southern California grew out of the presence at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915 of two American artists-etchers.

In 1913 the California Society of Etechers was founded; subsequently though the years the number of associations, art schools, art movements, and strictly Southern California artists started to shed their non-recognition status, and began to gain traction with the American modern art movements and markets, as its epicenters were up until then in New York, Paris, and Spain. Source: Los Angeles Prints, 1883-1980

Recent nationwide research has established that four qualities are necessary for any city or community to have cultural vitality: (1) the presence of a spectrum of artistic – cultural opportunities; (2) the capacity to foster multiple dimensions of participation; (3) support systems to present and validate the arts; and (4) planning to encourage greater impacts. At the recent Culver City Art Walk, all of these components were in healthy abundance, in accord with Los Angeles’ role in its global leadership position and significance.

The Culver City Artwalk Turnout

If the huge turnout for Culver City’s Artwalk is any indication—people are extremely interested in viewing and participating in their neighborhood’s cultural infrastructure, its artists, galleries, and ancillary support and ecosystems.

All the galleries were full even at mid-day, the streets were festive, and the crowd’s mix was eclectic,

covering all age groups, including many families with their children. Scores of the artworks had already been sold, but many were also looking for a new home. I’m sure that when the economy turns, more people will be carrying out art from the galleries, than just their various personal paraphenelia.

If you’ve ever been to an Art Museum or Gallery opening, the air is always full of excitement, anticipation to see what is going to be shown, and of course, people watching.

With the growth in digital art, technologies, printmaking, and creative use of material and performance art—I expect that the future can only portend many more talented artists in Los Angeles, and Southern California, who will not just be surviving but thriving.

Although I can certainly say, like all would perhaps, that I didn’t like all the art that I saw; but enough to pique my interest in purchasing a piece or two and displaying it in my house.

This particular piece, featured at Lebasse Projects and entitled “Acceptable Losses,” I found very moving. It literally spoke to me on many different levels. The artist, Thomas Doyle, said:

“By sealing the works in this fashion [under glass], I hope to distill the debris of human experience down to single, fragile moments. Like blackboxes bobbing in the flotsam, these works wait for discovery, each an indelible record of human memory.”

As you can see–and I can see me–when Travelin’ Local, the foundation of your life is your neighborhood.

Mine is “Art Friendly.” What about yours?