Palermo Ristorante

We followed a craving for pizza over to Palermo after a search for "best pizza Los Feliz". The reviews were mixed but we were pleased with a takeout PizzaRosa. The plan was to eat there but the place was so packed with people waiting 30 minutes for a table. The ristorante has an old world family feel to it which appeals so we'll be going back.
1858 N Vermont Ave.
http://www.palermorestaurant.net/

Author Services

While you're in town, call Author Services and arrange for a tour. The Tech Preservation tour will likely amaze you. So much work has gone into ensuring the Tech for future generations. You also get a look at the past with copies of issues handwritten by Ron.

It's just a few blocks west of the Hollywood/Highland Redline Metro stop and you'll get to walk past Grauman's Chinese Theatre on the way.
It's in the phone book. Ask for Linda.

Google Maps

Type in '4800 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA' on maps.google.com and you can see L Ron Hubbard Way on Google's new Street View feature. Click on "Street View", then on a blue lined street and an interactive webcam picture shows up.

Pretty Cool!

Flexcar

This car-sharing program looks like a good deal if you are going to be in LA for a while.

Aleksey Tsalolikhin says: "I've used FlexCar for over a year and it's been great. Exactly as advertised. For me it was a good way to cut costs and contribute on
the 5th dynamic. I didn't own a car, just used public transport or walked - but when I really needed a car, I used my cute little FlexCar. Yum!

I used the one in Hollywood on Bimini Place (near Hubbard College ofAdministration International)."


From the Flexcar FAQ:

You share access to hundreds of Flexcar vehicles, of various makes and models, with other Flexcar members. You reserve a car so it's there when you need it. You drive - to a meeting, a doctor's appointment, run errands, move into a new apartment, hit the lumber yard - as if it were your own car. Then, when you're done, you return it to its home parking space, lock it, and go.

and

How is car-sharing different from car rental?
Car-sharing vehicles are dispersed throughout the city rather than concentrated at one location. The system is self-service; as an approved member, you make your reservation, let yourself into the car and go. No lines, no paperwork, no extra charges, just a simple, all-inclusive hourly rate. Plus, with Flexcar you can drive as long as you're 21 (and in some cases 18), car rentals require you to be 25 or pay for extra insurance.

Membership is $35/yr (as of this posting) - 6 cars (mostly hybrids) are available in the Hollywood/West Hollywood area.

Buses

I found some useful bus routes:

#2 goes out Sunset (to the Pacific Coast Highway) but more importantly, stops near an In and Out Burger just past Highland. The Dash goes nearby that one, too but the #2 can be boarded near Sunset and Edgemont, near the Base and Serenity House.

#180-181 go out to Costco in Glendale, about 4 blocks north of Dr. Cindy Clayton's office. If you stay on it long enough, you can get to the Glendale Galleria Mall. Whole Foods is not far off the route (not to be confused with Whole Food for Life which is on the way) I pick it up at Hollywood and Edgemont.

#175 to Trader Joe's can be boarded on Sunset, just east of Vermont but it only runs during the week and not every hour during the day.

What do you Believe?

Katie has an interesting and cool art installation in the making:

"Pictures, words, doesn't matter. Communicate! What do you believe? I'll be covering a wall with them at a one-night group art show about the positive nature of religion, so if you want to say something AND draw something, send me two cards. And you don't have to be eloquent. The most important thing is I want to hear from everybody, so don't get caught up in spelling or significance or try to make a masterpiece. Kids are welcome too! Anybody who believes something true about Scientology is welcome. It's a grassroots movement on a simple scale that's bound to make a big effect on the individual who takes it all in. That's cool!"

Thai Food

After months of seeing the construction, we noticed that Thai Yai opened next to Rite Aid and tried it out. Food's great with big servings. Cash only, though.

Yai
1627 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles
323-644-1076

Some other favorites that have been recommended:

Leah says: My husband and I love Palms Thai Restaurant, especially when they feature Thai Elvis and Thai John Denver. And the food is delicious!
Palms Thai Restaurant
5900 Hollywood Blvd., Suite B
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Tel: (323) 462-5073
http://www.palmsthai.com
Just to warn you...there can be quite a wait, especially on Saturday and Sunday nights. But...it's worth it!!!! ENJOY!!!!

Rose-Ann says: there's a really good Thai restaurant called Pimai that's actually about a block from CCI - There's a Mayfair market that's perpendicular to CC, and then right across the street, to the east of Mayfair is the restaurant - corner of Canyon and Franklin.

C says: Sanamluang! It is on Hollywood and Kingsley: the best.

And if you want a Thai massage, Alice says: go see Superpat for Thai massages on the NE corner of Hollywood and Gower, her cell phone is 818-636-0582

Getting Around - Experience LA

LA's Official Cultural Calendar & Trip Planner is a good tool for seeing cool places to visit near Metro stops. Click on 'getting around' then the neighborhood you're interested in and you'll get a map like this:

Eat n Joy

1415 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles 90027
Btwn W Sunset Blvd & Fountain Ave
Phone: 323-664-6312

I'm not one to spend a lot of time on Vermont between Sunset and Fountain. It's just so LOUD! When Pete suggested that we eat at Eat n Joy, one of his favs, I went to humor him. Turns out, it was pretty tasty food! To my untrained eye, the menu looked mostly like Chinese fare but maybe there is more Thai food there than I'm aware of. The place is clean and bright; service is really friendly and attentive portions are generous. The waving kitties are pretty cute. Pete said that they seem to get a lot of lunchtime take-out traffic from the hospital area so it can be pretty busy. I'm sure we'll be going back. (And we did, during a busy weekday lunch. Service was fast and the Pad Thai Chicken was delicious)

Square One

I had read about this little restaurant on a few LA blogs and wanted to try it out, so Pete and I headed over for breakfast one morning. We were the only ones there and warmly welcomed by the staff. We ordered a la carte: grits, fruit, bacon, ham (or was that Canadian bacon?) juice, toast, muffin and coffee. When the food came, I was disappointed with the portion sizes but, what the hey, I don't normally eat breakfast anyway. Half a bowl of those stone-ground grits and some of the fresh farmers market fruit later, I was stuffed. Everything on the menu is fresh and local and loaded with nutrients that are often lacking from restaurant food. We had to pack the muffin for afternoon break.

It's located south of the Complex at 4854 Fountain Ave. Los Angeles, 90029 (323) 661-1109. Nice view out the window.

Do you need a ride to Anywhere?

Call Victora Alkana: 323-397-5226.

You can't miss him with his Panama Hat and his welcoming presence. He'll pick you up and take you where you want to go - mornings, afternoons, evenings, maybe even the middle of the night, who knows?

Anna's Resturant

All I had was the Greek Salad here but it was really delicious and satisfying. The location is great, on Fountain just west of Berendo, (you can see AO in the background) and the prices are really reasonable.

LA Neighborhoods

Turnhere.com has some wonderful close-up film clips that focus on different aspects of Hollywood (plus loads of other neighborhoods around the world).

Yes, there is a Starbucks nearby

Hollywood and Vermont

Way to Happiness Club Events

The Way to Happiness Outdoors Club International UPCOMING EVENTS FOR SUMMER/FALL 2006 (Proceeds from these events used to print more copies of The Way to Happiness® booklet.*)


Gold-Panning Adventures, Camping Trip & Treasure Hunt!
Saturday & Sunday, August 12TH & 13TH

We'll be at Camp Williams in the San Gabriel Mountains. Learn gold prospecting, enjoy a Saturday night BBQ, followed by singing, guitar playing and storytelling! Sunday morning flapjack breakfast! The suggested donation is $100 per person. CALL KELLY RENO AT 818-353-8580.

Heal the Bay Beach Clean-Up, Surfing Lessons & More!
Saturday, August 19th
Santa Monica Beach 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Bring the kids and join us for a day of beach clean up, surfing lessons, beach volleyball, sand castle building and ice cream! We'll also be passing out copies of The Way to Happiness booklet. Come have some fun! The suggested donation is $20 per person. CALL RICK FORMAN AT 661-294-1988, OR LEE SULLIVAN AT 818-353-0460.

Firearms Event --- Revolver & Pistol Safety & Competence
Sunday, August 20th (changed from Saturday, August 19th)
A Place to Shoot in Saugus 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This course is suitable for both the experienced and the novice shooter. On this course you will learn everything you need to know to safely and effectively employ your revolver or pistol in marksmanship and self defense. This course is based on state-of-the-art techniques taught only at the highest level instructional facilities in the country. It is taught by Dick Sullivan, a Marine Corp combat veteran who has taught extensively at the finest firearms training institute in the United States. The suggested donation for this course is $150. CALL DICK SULLIVAN AT 323 793 3040.

World-Famous International Camel Races
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 8th, 9th & 10th
Virginia City, Nevada

No, this is not a joke! Be sure to watch your mail for all the details. This will be a blast! Ostrich races, too!


*The Way To Happiness is a simple, direct, straightforward guide to making good choices. © 2006 The Way To Happiness Outdoors Club Int. All Rights Reserved. The Way to
Happiness is a trademark owned by L. Ron Hubbard Library in the USA and in other countries (trademark registrations issued and other registrations pending) and is used with permission.

Where exactly are we?

LRH Way is in East Hollywood.

East Hollywood's boundaries are Hollywood Blvd to the north, Sunset Blvd and Hoover St to the east, The Hollywood (101) Freeway to the south and Western Ave to the west.

Los Feliz is over to the north and east "Los Feliz is a neighborhood in the north-central region of the city of Los Angeles, California. It lies north of East Hollywood and just south of the Santa Monica Mountains, at its feet, between the neighborhoods of Hollywood, Silver Lake and Echo Park. It is home to Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory along with the Greek Theatre. The area is generally considered to be bordered by Hollywood Boulevard on the south, Hyperion Avenue on the southeast, Griffith Park on the north, the Los Angeles River on the east, and Western Avenue on the west. It is traversed by Los Feliz Boulevard, which separates the wealthy upper class section, located in the hills north of "The Boulevard" (as the natives call it), and the more upper-middle and middle class abodes to the south. It is considered to be at the border between the Westside and the rest of L.A." (from Wikipedia)

Silver Lake is south and east of Los Feliz: "Silver Lake is bordered by Elysian Heights to the east, Echo Park to the southeast, Atwater Village to the north, Historic Filipinotown to the south, East Hollywood to the west and Los Feliz to the northwest." (more from Wikipedia)

Reading Material

Skylight Books is an independent bookstore at 1818 N Vermont Ave. Interesting little store to browse. There's some kind of theater next to it in a little alley but I'm not sure what that's about.

Just south of the store is a newsstand with a good selection of newspapers and magazines.

Fern Dell Canyon

I was so happy to find this trail.
Green, water and the higher you go, the drier it gets. The top for us was just under the Observatory.
We took the Hollywood Dash west on Franklin to Oxford. North to Fern Dell Drive. Veer right once you get into the green and follow the trail. It's about 2.5 miles round trip.

Union Station

Amtrak is my preferred means of transportation to LA so my trips end and begin at this station. This picture doesn't do it justice. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it and usually find something new each time I go through. There's a great little bagel stand called, "Bialys" inside where I grab my evening meal for the train. The Greek salads are delicious but make sure they hand you the right one. The courtyards are gorgeous with flowers even in the winter. A Metro Station shares the station, so it's a short $1.25 subway ride to Sunset/Vermont if you feel up to it. Rental cars available, too. And Olvera Street is a few minutes walk away.

Fred 62

We finally ate at Fred 62 on our last trip. Sunday morning, it was packed but we got a table for 2 pretty quickly. The service was good, food was good and I saw some things on the menu that would be worth trying on another visit. Best part of the resturant itself is the women's bathroom. Interesting place. Walk north on Vermont - you can't miss it.

Great! Hairdressers

This list is from an online survey of Scientologists- I haven't used any of them and I can't tell you how to get to them...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I go to Cathy at Cathy's Hair Salon,
10039 Commerce Ave., Tujunga.
818/353-5320
_____________

Gina at Image West Salon in Sunland... her number is 818-389-4899.

____________

Linear Design in the Glendale Galleria Mall: they are students who are already licensed and learning new techiniques and Vidal Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica where hair stylists come from all over North America to learn the newest Vidal Sasson Tech's. You might want to go to Vidal Sasson if you are looking for a more tailored look, something more contemprorary as the girls at Linear are very new-age, glam rock punk style.

Tomas'. He's in Montrose. His phone number is 818-249-6141.

I recommend Rose Beal in Arcadia (near Santa Anita and Foothill ) Her phone number is 626-445-7024. I liked my friend's cut and so I tried her. She's been doing this over 20 years!


Monica at "The Loft" on Ventura at Van Nuys, 818-501-1855.

Udo and he is in Santa Clarita on Peach land avenue.


Renaissance Hair Studio & Day Spa in Glendale, CA on 116 E. Wilson, Glendale, CA 91206 at 818-240-3329.
Veronica for Color. Monica cuts my hair

Check out Gina at Image West Salon in Sunland... her number is 818-389-4899. I can't count the ways that I LOVE her.... I hope you will too.


Her name is Roxy Mansourian (Salon: 818-248-1886)
She is in Montrose at 2427 Honolulu.

Sara Lee at Salon Mystique! She's fabulous and cuts my mom's straight short
hair very well.
Her # is : 818 952 9200.

I have a gal I really like. Elena. She's at the Fantastic Sam's out the 210
at Rosemead, on Foothill. It's the eastern end of Pasadena.



She is wonderful. Her name is Lori Rosal and she has a place in a beauty
salon right on Glenoaks Blvd, close to Alameda. Her number is 818-558-5044 address is 2033 W. Glenoaks Blvd.

Sharon Douglas Slovinski - Ciao Bella. Her phone number is 818 268-9900. she's in N. Hollywood.


Rima at Venus Beauty Salon, 8325-E Foothill Blvd., Sunland 881 352-3439.

Linda LaRose in North Hollywood is really good. She has been doing it forever, on the BC at ASHO.

Norton Simon Museum

If you can get to Pasadena on the first Friday of the month (every month) you can get into this world class art museum for free from 6-9pm. In addition to their exhibits: European, South Asian and Modern Art, and
classics including Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Degas, there is a beautiful garden inspired by Monet's Giverny.

Norton Simon Museum
411 West Colorado Blvd. (where 134 Freeway and 210 meet) Pasadena CA
626-449-6840 (Orange Grove exit off the 134)

Who What Where Directory

Lots of LA resources, jobs, product and instruction. http://whowhatwheredirectory.com/

Women's Auxiliary of the CofS

Find out about the local Women's Auxiliary while you're here!

Los Burritos

Pete had to get out for his nightly walk, I went with him in search of a salad. We ended up at the Los Burritos on Sunset just west of Edgemont a block or two. Nothing fancy: fluorescent light and hard plastic booths, order at the counter then pick it up.
I was very pleased with the salad they call Tostada Carnitas. It was huge! Fresh! Tasty! It was good enough to make me ignore the "B" rating from the Health Department.

Serenity House

My favorite place to stay in LA. The Jordans manage several shared apartments there with some great views of the city. It's about 4 blocks from the Complex, close to Barnsdall Park and Jon's.

Farmers' Markets

Farmer’s Markets, Along the Metro Red Line
http://metro.net/press/2006/03_march/metro_035.htm

L.A. Seventh and Figueroa Farmers’ Market, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7th and Figueroa streets, 7th Street/Metro Center station, (also accessible from Metro Blue Line)

Hollywood Farmers’ Market, Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 pm., Ivar and Selma Avenue, Hollywood/Vine station.

The Hollywood Market looks like a straight shot, also accessible via the Dash. If you go, the largest independent music store in the world, Amoeba Music, is nearby at 6400 Sunset Blvd. Plus, the Hollywood Border's Bookstore is at 1501 Vine. Plenty to do and see in that area.

(There is also one on Saturdays in Silver Lake if you can get there: 3700 Sunset Blvd., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (323) 661-7771.)

Olvera Street near Union Station

We had a few hours to spend waiting for our train from Union Station so we walked over to Olvera Street. The native Aztec Dancers were just getting started as we came over the rise. It's pretty neat, like old Mexico; some historical plaques and statues. Old buildings (it's the oldest street in LA) and the site of the original ditch that brought water to the area.

We stopped in to eat at the El Paseo Inn where we were treated to a strolling mariachi band. The salsa was fresh, tasty.

You can get to this area by taking the Metro Red Line at Vermont and Sunset, a short and easy ride.

map

Sunset Blvd Nursery

Go to Fountain Ave, turn east toward Vermont and walk about 4 blocks to the corner of Sunset Blvd and Fountain. You'll find a little jewel of a garden center. It's small, but packed with loads of tropical plants and fountains. I picked up some hardy bamboo to try to grow at home and wanted to take so much more. It's a nice short respite from all the concrete and noise.

4368 W Sunset Blvd.
323-661-1642

Hollywood Dash

We rode the Hollywood Dash on this trip - picked it up across from Jon's on Vermont. (Be sure to check which Dash you're boarding!) This bus goes right by CC, over to the Hollywood/Highland tourist area, and right by the SW corner of the Complex at Fountain and Berendo.

If you want to go up to the Hollywood sign, this bus will take you to another Dash connection that will get you there.
25¢ - such a deal!

http://www.ladottransit.com/dash/

Mamma Mia Cafe

1727 N. Vermont #102 (between Prospect & Kingswell)

We ducked into this tiny resturant to get out of the rain one Saturday morning. We both got a dish (the Red Eye) that is only prepared on the weekend and it was delish. Linguini, veggies, eggs, cheese - it was a perfect brunch meal that filled us up for the day. There are only 4 or 5 tables inside but there is ample seating on the sidewalk. We'll be going back to try their lunch menu next trip.

Pattaya Bay Thai

We found this place on one of our weekend hikes up the hill and loved it!

It's at 1727 Vermont, north of Prospect, in a little mall. We had the crab fried rice and some dish with basil and beef (sorry, not good at the Thai dish names). Great food. Live Music and Karaoke for the adventurous.

323-666-0880
Open 7 days a week, 11.00am-4.00am

Fires!

If you're in LA, you're probably getting the news about the fires, but this blog will give you a closer look at what the LAFD is doing.

Nature Mart

A nearby health food store that has been in the neighborhood since the '70s. It's small but packed with organic produce, juices, cage-free eggs, and the brands you can get from Whole Foods - but it's within walking distance. Lots of vitamins.

2080 Hillhurst Ave

Hidden Mickeys

Jane James has spent enough time at Disneyland with her family to spot tons of Hidden Mickeys. If you go, check her blog and see if you can find them yourself.

Here's a page for driving directions

Alpine Village - Torrance, CA

From Sandra Baikie:

Another point of some interest might be the
Alpine Village. It is a German village and has
right now a Hungarian Festival and in October
has Octoberfest.
Lots of Germans and authentic German
dress, music, food dancing.
There is a German restaurant which has live bands
every nite. I go to the Deli there as they have really
great German rye bread with or without caraway seeds.
Many German foods and people come from all over
LA for it. You see a lot of Europeans.
There is beside the Deli a cafeteria, very reasonable prices
and lots of indoor
and outdoor seating. You could sit on the patio all day
and no one would bother you, which I guess is a
European custom. Rather pleasant.
Might be of interest to some, kind of laid-back I'd say,
though I don't go for the line-dancing or whatever they do
at night.
It's also straight down the 110 freeway
and off on Torrance Blvd exit. It's right there, can't
miss it.

Downtown LA Walking Tour

Great maps and pictures:

"This map-based site contains hundreds of images of downtown Los Angeles, displaying its tremendous architectural, cultural and economic diversity. There are seven sub-regions, accessible either through the map or the list on the left bar. Each sub-region features specific sites of interest, whether architectural, cultural or economic."

I know you can take the Metro to Union Station which might be a good starting place. I've taken the train to LA and found the station to be a treat in itself. It's the sort of place that use for weddings and events.

Griffith Park

"53 miles of hiking trails"
"America's largest municipal park"
"the new plan is paving paradise"
"bike rental"
"Greek Theater"
"Merry-Go-Round"
"Equestrian Center"
"LA Zoo"

These are just some of the things that come up when you Google "Griffith Park". It really is an extraordinary place that will make you forget about the traffic down below. Just go.

Ahhhh Fatburger.

The first time I went to Fatburger, my husband pulled me over there. One dark, wet January evening,he had to pull me past the loud traffic along Vermont, on a filthy sidewalk into this questionable shopping center to this greasy looking little dive of a hamburger stand.

"You have to taste this," he said. Sigh. Ok. Then let's get back to the motel. Give me a simple hamburger with everything. Pete put some money into the jukebox and we watched the burger construction. Sat down on a wobbly stool, picked up the burger and with the first bite, the heavens opened up - angels started singing, cherubs flying around tooting their horns for us, miriad shooting stars! Vermont Ave. looked like fun and the shopping center was a welcoming place all of the sudden. I don't know what it is, but they make a great burger. Maybe it's all the winning people who come by from course and session that infuse the food with greatness.

We went to a Fatburger that opened in Colorado in a nearby town and it was good - but not as good as the ones at 1611 N. Vermont Ave. (& Hollywood) Hollywood, CA 90027. Now a trip to LA isn't complete without a Big Fat Deal.

Santa Clarita Free Concerts

According to Stefani Solon:

If ur in the Santa Clarita Area.... the free Concert in the Park at Central Park in Valencia at 6PM on Saturday Evenings r to die for. I went to the Fab Four one & it was soooo good. I called a friend from there who insisted I was playing a recording or The Beatles rather than holding the phone up for him to hear the Fab Four live. After it got dark the entire crowd held up & swayed back & forth their lighted cell phones, in lieu of the hand raised lighters of my day, when the band performed "Imagine"...... I thought it'd be hokey but went along to help w/the grand kids & ended up experiencing one of the high-lights of my life... & it was FREE... imagine that?

Here's a map:

Google Maps

Los Angeles by Stroller

From Dharma Ibarra-Reyes:

Here is a good tip. This is a book written by a Scientologist who used to live in LA and had 2 little ones with her. It's called Los Angeles by Stroller, and it is a tour guide for or people who live in Los Angeles and have preschool aged children. It also has a lot of details to help people orient themselves here. Enjoy

Hollywood DASH and LA Metro

Maureen Sullivan writes:


" You can take the DASH for 25 cents and go from the Complex to the Manor/CC Int.

You can enter your trip and the time you have to arrive or leave and they will tell you which bus/train to take.
Metro "

Electric Lotus

Helen Budlong writes:

Great unknown places to eat close to the complex:

Electric Lotus.
Indian Food. Best Indian Food in LA. On the corner of Vermont and Franklin.

House of Pies
Opposite Electric Lotus
Dubbed the best place in LA to write a screen play.

Maroush
Fabulous lebanese food in an unlikely strip mall. Like Electric Lotus, they started out in a fairly seedy strip mall looking like a stripped out neighborhood video store, and have grown and added ambience galore.
Maroush on Santa Monica at Edgeware

Mexico City
Great Mexican food
A few doors down from the famous Derby - Great Mexican Food - A "Star" hang out.
Los Feliz and Hillhurst

Tangier
Food is OK but pricey. But they often have great live music in the back room.

Zankou
Faboulous chicken and garlic sauce.
5065 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-7842

Success! Tutoring

From Betsy Jenkins:

"One thing that I've run across, as a tutor, is that the parents who are here doing services sometimes want to bring their children to tutoring to help keep up with their schoolwork-- when they've had to take the kids out of school to come for services. Of course this doesn't come up a lot, but it would be good for them to know that such a service exists, should they need it. I'm licensed by Applied Scholastics and am a very trained/experienced tutor. I also suped kids at Delphi for 10 years. I'll be glad to give you more data if needed."

Success! Tutoring
1827 W. Verdugo Ave. Suite F
Burbank, CA 91506
818-557-7379
betsyjenkins@dslextreme.com

Cabrillo Aquarium and Beach

Sandra Baike writes:

Our New Era Seniors recently had a picnic at
Cabrillo Aquarium and Beach. It is a lovely beach
what I like about it is there is plenty of flat ground
with plenty of barbeques picnic benches and huge
eucalytus trees for shade. It is in my opinion much
more restful than other beaches, with convenient
bath-house (beautiful building) restrooms, snack bar and a
lovely small aquarium where you can touch the
sea creatures. You just go straight down the 110
Freeway to the end (San Pedro, best to get a map
off the internet. In that same area are many sea-side
restaurants and so on though I haven't ecplored that
part. The aquarium if free, parking is $7. on the
week-end, cheaper during the week, and you park right
near to everything (no walking).Closed on Mondays.
There is a small dock and a breakwater you can fish off.
Always plenty to see, boats, etc. Very pleasant, restful.
Other beaches are more exposed. Redondo Beach
has a steep ramp and miles of bike trails and benches above
the ocean (spectacular view). It's quite lovely,
all the beaches are a bit different in their aspects.
The Queen Mary is in Long Beach but I haven't been there,
reported to be a great place for a meal.

Here's a webcam for :
Cabrillo Beach

Griffith Park Southern Railroad

Mary Chris Hines writes:

"I am not in LA currently, but used to live there and if someone has a car (or can borrow or rent one) they can go to a GREAT little place I found. This is even better if they have kids, but believe me, adults can get just as much of a kick out of it!
It's free to boot!!! (At least it was for the years I went there and likely still is!) It is run by old retired engineers who built these small trains and run them. Not only does it go by the items listed below, but also over a big wonderful tressle bridge and under tunnels. It is a total experience!
The directions from what I recall are: go north on Vermont to Los Feliz, go right and then go down to the park and left into the park, follow the road and it will be on the left hand side fairly far down. There is a big parking lot, and truthfully I can't recall a big sign or anything, but maybe there is one now.

Description:
The miniature train ride has served the public in Griffith Park since 1948. Youngsters of all ages enjoy the experience of riding the FREEDOM TRAIN or the COLONEL GRIFFITH on the Griffith Park Southern Railroad. The track stretches over a mile and takes the rider past pony rides, through a lush green meadow, through an old Western town, and past a Native American village."

The Vista Theater

From Steve Schafer in Los Feliz:

"The Vista Theater is on Sunset at Hilhurst 4 or 5 blocks east of ASHO / AO.
It has lots of character and aesthetics. The seats have the most legroom I've seen in any theater.
The prices are very reasonable and the features are usually top notch."

From
Cityguide :

If it's playing at the Vista, it's worth the road trip. This independent cinema on the edge of Silverlake looks charming enough from the outside, and you'll surely be amused by the colorful Egyptian decor in the lobby. But once you pass through the golden doors, you'll be amazed by the size of the 400 seat theatre, the amazing leg room and the spectacularly dramatic design. Red drapes frame sculpted pharaoh heads, beams jut across the vaulted ceilings and the dramatic lighting fixtures cast a golden glow throughout. A cinema like this makes even the dopiest movie an enjoyable event. -- Michael Flocker (Photo: Rick Fisher)

Los Feliz 3 Movie Theater

Los Feliz is a great little neighborhood with several funky destinations. One is the tiny Los Feliz theater. The big theater of the 3 seats around 150 people - the little ones about half that. If you like the idea of watching movies in an intimate setting, this will satisfy your needs.

Fun in the Sun!

Rob Hoover frequently treats locals to a fun day at the beach so if you see this after the Aug and Sept, contact him to see if something else is going on-

Have a fun day at the beach with the famed Celebrity Centre Int. Surf Club
Free surfing lessons, beach clean Up pass out The Way To Happiness, get a tan.
Santa Monica Beach Sunday Aug 14th. 9am - 3pm
Malibu Surfrider Beach Sept 17th. 9am - 12noon
Call for ride from complex

Contact info (323) 661-0169 or robone@pacbell.net

Zankou Chicken

Yes, it looks seedy but NY Metro magazine lists it as one of the top five strip mall restaurants to visit in LA. Think of it as a "word of mouth jewel".

From the website:

SHAWERMA
Marinated and spiced slices of Beef stacked on a spit and grilled against an open fire.

TARNA ®
Marinated and spiced slices of Chicken stacked on a spit and grilled against an open fire.

FALAFEL
Crushed Garbanzo and Fava Beans, Split Peas, mixed with exotic natural spices and deep fried in peanut oil.

HOMMUS
A paste made of blended Garbanzo Beans mixed with sesame sauce, fresh garlic and topped with salad oil.

MUTABBAL
A paste made of grilled Eggplant, mixed with sesame sauce, fresh garlic and topped with salad oil.


There is one near the Complex at
HOLLYWOOD
5065 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90027
(323) 665.7842
(Corner of Sunset and Normandie)

Yuca's Hut

Yuca's is a tiny little hut in the parking lot next to a liquor store, 2056 Hillhurst Ave.
They also have a place where Casa Diaz used to be at 4666 Hollywood Blvd.

Pure yum.
http://www.yucasla.com/

Jon's vs Von's

These are the 2 mainstays for groceries if you don't have a car. They offer 2 distinctly different shopping experiences.

Jon's is at Vermont and Hollywood right next to Barnsdall Park. Long lines, small aisles, tight corners but lots of ethnic flavor. You can buy cactus, Russian bread, mortadella, piroshkis, plantains and listen to languages besides English and Spanish. The parking lot is pretty dirty and the store probably isn't a model for the chain but it's an excursion in itself.

Von's is part of the Safeway chain. It's cleaner, not sparkly. Expect more of what you would get in a suburban shopping experience including the in store Starbucks. It's located down Sunset near the intersection of Hollywood and Sunset.

Then you can always ask Victor to take you for a ride to Trader Joe's or Whole Foods...

Barnsdall Park

Did you know that there is a beautiful place behind Jon's Grocery? Take a virtual tour of Barnsdall Park. There are some great murals there and far ranging views in all directions. Frank Lloyd Wright's first LA project, Hollyhock House, is there, too. It was closed for a few years to repair damage caused by an earthquake, but just recently reopened. It's a quiet and beautiful place to get above the noise of Hollywood Blvd.

Here's a map.