So we had rain – lots. Some hail – unusual. Temperatures in the coat and gloves range – cold. The swimming pools are laying quiet and unused – and turn into mirrors.
Winter nights in SoCal.
Category: Petra
Google For Googie
Most architecture buffs know what Googie stands for – a unique form of architecture, very much of Southern California and until quite recently very much undervalued.
The problem simply seems to be that many architectural styles only become acknowledged for what they are – or where – once they are gone. Which is sad, but not rare and certainly not a problem found in Los Angeles alone.
Anyway, there are still examples of buildings in this style around. Some of the more well know ones are the Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank, the few Norm’s Diners left, Johnie’s on Wilshire (closed and used for filming only). There are more and there are many groups active in keeping the still existing examples of a time intact when architecture soared, together with the hopes and dreams of Americans for a better future in modern times.
One of those examples a bit off the trodden path and under the radar can be seen here:
This building is the work of the notable architecture team Armet and Davis. Originally it was Donly’s, then Conrad’s, today it is the Astro Family Restaurant.
All the elements of classic Googie are assembled: the neon sign with the star shape, the upward sloping roof, the acute angles, a lot of glass and bright, flashy colors inside (not seen here). For the architecture lover and the late, late bird (Astro’s is open 24 hours) I can recommend the place. Food lovers should beware and avoid it.
Don't Raze Them – Reuse Them
Los Angeles changes constantly. Buildings disappear, new structures rise; sadly, this change is not always for the better.
Landmark buildings get help – sometimes. They escape the wrecking ball, get renovated, are restored to their former beauty and put back into business. Examples can be seen all over the city and let one imagine what certain areas of Los Angeles once must have looked like.
Lesser structures fare much worse. It takes a lot of community effort to first prevent their being demolished and then even more of an effort to find some use for the building plus the funds for renovation. One example is this former cinema in Studio City which is now a Barnes & Noble book store:
Whether this former bakery in San Pedro with its 71-year history will find a new life seems doubtful. Maybe in a year some soulless structure will rise on this corner and another example of ’30s decor will be gone forever.
I Want One! Or Several.
We all have them: dreams about where to retire. My favorite location would be somewhere desert-y, near a small liberal university with a good reputation, in an adobe house with a backyard where flocks of California quail come by regularly to take dust baths with their offspring. Nothing amuses me more than those quail with their little crests going bobbety-bob while they rush around. These birds are always so busy.
I’ve adjusted that plan a bit. In addition to the quail with the crests I also want some furry chickens.
This is a Chinese Silkie. I saw several of them at a petting zoo, where they were being chased by toddlers (that’s the reason why this Silkie is sitting on the arm of a young lady in charge of the animals – otherwise no photo would have been possible). These birds are amazing. They are rather tiny, apparently they have the sweetest disposition and they look as if they are wearing shaggy, silky, very stylish fur coats.
I instantly fell in love with them. So much so that I can hardly wait to see them running around in that back yard in the desert near some small, liberal university town. Maybe they will even take dust baths together with the California quails.
Rewards & Reflections
I never complain about dragging the camera bag with me.
Shots like this are reward enough for a slight inconvenience.
A New (Not Quite Welcome) Record
The unseasonably hot weather ended yesterday with temperatures of 85° F (29° C); this broke the record from 1912 with temperatures of 82° F (28° C).
Yes, on January 20th.
The forecast for today: 76° F (24° C) and rain at night. Indeed, the sky looked more textured this morning, promising some precipitation.
Whether the much needed rain will arrive has to be seen.
Inauguration Day
Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America.
May the Spirit of Liberty reign again.
Classic Car. New Look.
Normally I prefer classic cars to be restored along the lines of the originals – original parts, colors etc.
Now and then one sees a variation, taking the theme of the classic car to another dimension. In this case, I like the universe this finned beauty came from.
Even the trunk ornament is not overly irritating and tacky, paired with the matte black. I would never go that far, but once again – this is a New Look I can live with.
No Ice In The Bucket
Roaming around Los Angeles on the quest for quirky places to eat we hit The Bucket in Eagle Rock. This tiny place is famous in L.A. It was opened in 1935 by a Julio, who – according to some old timers – was quite the guy. You did things his way, or else. Julio is not around any longer, the place has new owners, but with the eatery he also sold the recipes for his famous burgers, the Julio Shrimp and his secret spicy sauce.
So there we were, sitting outside in the newly added patio (before that, the place seated barely 10) and were ready to order. One Bucket Burger, one Julio Shrimp, fries. For drinks we ordered a Coke and a Red Bull. The Coke arrived, but I was informed that they were out of Red Bull. Right, I said, then I’d like a coffee, please. Whereupon the charming server said: “No coffee machine, no microwave, no ice – it’s The Bucket.” That is not something one hears too often in these parts of the world. I settled for a water without ice, which is exactly what I am always drinking.
Then we waited for the food. That’s something else unique to The Bucket – there is a wait, because the food is always freshly prepared. But once it arrived, it was as good as we had heard. The burger was juicy and meaty and the Julio Shrimp was quite an adventure: two shrimp, butterflied, stuffed with crab meat, wrapped in bacon and deep fried, served with the secret spicy sauce. Well, well.
Another place one can highly recommend for eating outside the box; and drinks without ice.
At The Top
Mt. Hollywood (1,640 feet) is the highest point in Griffith Park. So why not start the New Year with a hike up there? Up the Aberdeen Trail, along the Hogback Trail, over the bridge, past Dante’s View, up to the peak, down again, over to the Observatory and back to the car by way of the East Observatory Trail. 3 1/2 hours. Done.
In clear weather the view from Mt. Hollywood is quite something, offering a 360-degree view over the city, the mountains, the San Fernando Valley and the ocean. Alas, even though the weather was perfect for hiking, sunny and warm, but not too hot, there was also a slight haze. So no spectacular view. Well, maybe next time.
Spectacular on a different scale is Dante’s View, a terraced garden on the way up to the peak. The garden was created in 1964 by an Italian immigrant and burned down in the fire of May 2007. There was nothing left, the flames had devoured every single plant, it was complete devastation, nothing but ashes and some blackened tree stumps. Clearing, landscaping and replanting at the site started almost immediately and the garden was restored to its former glory.
With the surrounding mountain slopes still bare and brown after the fire, the garden is even more than ever like a small paradise, inviting to people and animals. The only difference is: People go there to rest and to drink in the beauty of their surroundings. Animals (bees and hummingbirds) go there to work and to drink nectar.
