Just so the directions ARE VERY CLEAR… we will be on the Malibu beach north of the pier. We *SHOULD* be the only people HANGING OUT WITH A GIANT FINDING NEMO PIÑATA.

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Tonight is our first grunion run!!!! Woo hooo!!!! Remember if you don’t have time to get a fishing license today you can’t bring the critters home… but a lot of people prefer catch and releasing anyhow.

It’s just a lovely night to hang out on a beach together! Sooo, we’re using mythical fish as an excuse… :)

Okay… so for everything you need to know about grunion runs… just check out the information from the Department of Fish & Game after the jump…

Please note, no dogs are allowed on the Malibu beach. We’re as sad about that as you are.

Introduction

Along southern California’s sandy beaches, from March through September, one of the most remarkable life cycles in the sea is completed; the California grunion comes ashore to spawn. The grunion has been known to many southern Californians for more than 70 years, but there are still those who are skeptical of its existence. To be invited out in the middle of the night to go fishing with only a gunny sack and light for equipment does sound a little ridiculous, but in reality this is the most popular method.

California grunion are small silvery fish found only along the coast of southern California and northern Baja California. Most sportsmen would be unaware of their existence were it not for the unique spawning behavior of these fish. Unlike other fish, grunion come out of the water completely to lay their eggs in the wet sand of the beach. As if this behavior were not strange enough, grunion make these excursions only on particular nights, and with such regularity that the time of their arrival on the beach can be predicted a year in advance. This phenomenon can be seen on many beaches in southern California. Shortly after high tide, on certain nights, sections of these beaches sometimes are covered with thousands of grunion depositing their eggs in the sand.

Grunion hunting has become one of the famous sports of southern California. Since these fish leave the water to deposit their eggs, they may be picked up while they are briefly stranded. Racing for fish spotted far down the beach and trying to catch them by hand provides an exhilarating experience for young and old. The common sight of thousands of people lining the more popular beaches in southern California in anticipation of a grunion run attests to its ever growing popularity. Often there are more people than fish, but at other times everyone catches fish. All that is needed to catch grunion is a valid State fishing license and a willingness to get one’s feet wet.

Description
Grunion are small slender fish with bluish green backs, silvery sides and bellies. Their average length is between 5 and 6 inches. Early Spanish settlers called this fish grunion, which means grunter. This term has been anglicized into grunion. Grunion are known to make a faint squeaking noise while spawning. The scientific name for the California grunion is Leuresthes tenuis, and this fish belongs to the family Atherinidae, commonly known as silversides. Other more abundant atherinids found in California are the topsmelt, Atherinops affinis, and jacksmelt, Atherinopsis californiensis. Silversides differ from true smelts, family Osmeridae, in that they lack the trout-like adipose fin.

What Every Grunion Hunter Should Know

Regulations
A valid State fishing license is all that is required for taking grunion. The season is closed during April and May. However, this is an excellent time for observing runs. Grunion must be taken by hand only, no appliances of any kind may be used, and no holes may be dug in the beach. There is no limit to the number that may be taken, but grunion should not be wasted.

When to Go
The spawning season extends from March through September. The California Department of Fish and Game issues schedules of expected grunion runs in advance of each season. Predictions are made only through July, since runs in August and September are very erratic. These schedules of expected runs are published in newspapers and copies are given to many sporting goods stores throughout southern California. If these are not available, all that is needed by the grunion hunter to make his own predictions is a tide table. Grunion runs may occur anytime from the night of highest tide throughout the descending series of high tides. Runs are most likely to occur on the second, third, fourth, and fifth nights following the night of new or full moon. Generally, the third and fourth nights are best. The time of the run will be 30 to 60 minutes past high tide and it will last from 1 to 3 hours. The heaviest part of the run usually occurs at least 1 hour after the run starts.

Best locations
Grunion runs will occur on most southern California beaches, but may not occur every night on the same beaches and may be limited to small areas of any one beach. The ends of beaches are often the best spots. Some of the beaches in southern California that are known to have runs are: the beach between Morro Bay and Cayucos, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, Hermosa Beach, Cabrillo Beach, Long Beach, Belmont Shore, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Doheny Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Mission Beach and the Coronado Strand. The beaches near Ensenada in Baja California also have good runs.

Hints for Successful Grunioning
It is best to go to the end of an uncrowded beach. This is not always possible, but the fewer people the better. Fires and lanterns should be used sparingly. Light may scare the fish and they will not come out of the water. After a wave has receded, flashlights may be used to help locate fish. A small gunny sack makes a good grunion creel. Finally, plan to stay late, many grunioners quit an hour after high tide and miss a good run.

Cooking Your Catch
Grunion should be cleaned and scaled. For best results they should be rolled in a mixture of flour and yellow corn meal to which a little salt has been added and deep fried until golden brown. Although bony, they have a very delicate flavor and provide excellent table fare when prepared fresh.

UNIQUE LOS ANGELES

WHAT: “The largest independent design show on the West Coast! Shop directly from over 300 designers and artists, support local design and our economy, and have a blast!”
WHERE: California Market Center, 110 East 9th Street, Downtown
WHEN: Last day is today, December 6, 11am – 6pm
PRICE: $10 – with partial proceeds going to one of my very favorite local non-profits: 826LA! Entry gets you an exclusive-to-the-show limited edition tote bag, a free drink ticket, unlimited re-entry for both days, and access to our great lineup of free workshops. (Children 12 and under are free)

“UNIQUE LOS ANGELES is an exciting two-day shopping event that showcases independent design talent at great prices – with an emphasis on “made in America” goods, 99% of products at the show are proudly made right here in the USA! On top of shopping the wide variety of offerings, the event boasts many exciting Extras & Amenities, including free workshops, a lounge area, and two cafes. Plan to spend the day with us!

New to the Show – Our special GREEN ROOM will feature over 50 eco designers!
This exciting eco-friendly area features an amazing selection of green vendors. The environmentally friendly products include everything from clothing, bath and body care, stationery, bedding, and loads more. We’ve partnered with the fab crew at the eco blog Your Daily Thread to bring you cool workshops and surprises throughout the space!”

HERE’S THE CONCEPT OF “COVET THIS”:

1. We walk into a store spontaneously.
2. We pick out a handful of random things that catch our eye/s.
3. We take covert photos.
4. We post the images with silly captions for you to see.
5. YOU are overwhelmed by an urge to rush to said establishment and possess said items (silly as they may be at times), thereby helping very small businesses to stay afloat during our troubled economy. :)

The Chosen Store: Purveyors of “fun and funky clothing, collectibles and other goodies,” Junk For Joy
The Location: 3314 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank (818) 569-4903
Our Previous Customer Experience: I first wandered into Junk For Joy back in the 80s during a lunch break when I was working at a record company nearby. Although I hadn’t been back in over a decade, I was surprised to find that it hasn’t changed at all. Literally! I think it even has some of the same inventory. It was like visiting the 80s again, only this time I wasn’t wearing blue eyeshadow and moon boots.

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The  thing that saves me is that I always forget which one is on which weekend. I know you can relate. So since I’m my own worst enemy, I’ve decided to fix that little problem. After the jump we’ve got a handy little google map and calendar combo to turn to in the future. You can even sync stuff up to your ical if you like. Look how high tech we are! Woo hoo!

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Sigh. After over 40 years in business, Harvey Schwartz, owner of Twentieth Century Props, will be closing shop and putting 113,000 square feet of tangible movie history up for auction from July 28 to August 1.

This closing is incredibly sad to see on many many levels, but you *know* you want to sit in Dr. Evil’s pod (aka LOT #504) while you’re watching television. So because I’m nice, I took a moment to go through the online catalog and pull out a few things you might not even realize you need, BUT DO. You’re welcome. Just click on the beer keg at left.

You can also inspect the merchandise in person at 11651 Hart Street in North Hollywood through Monday (9am-4pm) and after 8am on the mornings of the sale.

*If you notice any errors or would like to suggest a beloved shop that we’ve missed, please e-mail us.*

TRAVEL
Geographica – Travel, Toluca Lake (818) 848-1414
Distant Lands – Travel, Pasadena (626) 449-3220
Traveler’s Bookcase – Travel, 3rd Street (323) 655-0114

HOBBIES
Autobooks-Aerobooks – Aviation and Automobiles, Burbank (818) 845-0707
Janet Jarvits Bookseller – Cooking, Pasadena (626) 296-1638
The Cook’s Library (it’s still open!) – Cooking, West LA (323) 655-3141
Hollywood Magic Inc – Magic, Hollywood (323) 464-5610

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Taschen – Arts/Pop Culture, Beverly Hills (310) 274-4300 and 3rd Street (323) 931-1168
Fashion Bookstore at California Market Center – Fashion, Downtown (213) 622-5663
Hennessey + Ingalls – Art/Architecture, various locations
Samuel French – Acting/Theatre, Hollywood (323) 876-0570 and Studio City (818) 762-0535
Arcana Books – The Arts, Santa Monica (310) 458-1499
Writers Store – Writing, Westwood (310) 441-5151
Larry Edmunds Bookshop, Inc. – Theatre/Film, Hollywood (323) 463-3273

HORROR/CRIME/MYSTERY/SCI FI/COMICS
Book ‘Em – Horror, South Pasadena (626) 799-9600
Dark Delicacies – Horror, Burbank (818) 556-6660
House of Secrets – Comics, Burbank (818) 562-1900
Mystery Pier – Mystery/Crime, West Hollywood (310) 657-5557
The Mystery Bookstore – Mystery/Crime, Westwood (310) 209-0415
Mysteries to Die For – Mystery/Crime, Thousand Oaks (805) 374-0084
BloodPage Books – “Crime and Extremism,” Downtown (323) 342-9771
Mystery & Imagination – Mystery/Crime/SciFi, Glendale (818) 545-0206

SPIRITUALITY/RELIGION/PHILOSOPHY
Bodhi Tree (will be closing in 2010, so go now!) – Spirituality, Beverly Hills (310) 659-1733
The Mitzvah Store – Orthodox Judaism, West LA (310) 247-9613
Psychic Eye Book Shop – Psychic/Spirituality, Sherman Oaks (818) 906-8263
Agape Quiet Mind Bookstore – Spirituality, Culver City (310) 348-1266
Anthroposophical Society of America – Anthropology/Spirituality, Pasadena (626) 578-7513
Alexandria Metaphysical Bookstore – Spirituality, Pasadena (626) 792-7885
Word of Life – Christianity/Spirituality, various locations  (323) 295-8223
The White Lotus – Spirituality, Los Feliz (323) 665-7322
Libros Revolución – Communism, Downtown (213) 488-1303
Pathfinder Press – Marxism, SE LA (323) 233-9372
Vedanta Society Bookstore – Spirituality, Hollywood (323) 465-7114

CHILDREN
Storyopolis – Kid Stuff, Sherman Oaks (818) 990-7600
Once Upon A Time – Kid Stuff, Montrose (818) 248-9668
Children’s Book World – Kid Stuff, West LA (310) 559-2665

VOCATIONAL
Firefighters’ Bookstore – Technical, Hollywood (714) 375-4888
Opamp Technical Books – Technical, Hollywood (323) 464-4322
Building News Bookstore – Construction and Building, Palms (310) 474-7771

WORLD CULTURE
KinoKuniya – Japanese Influence, Little Tokyo (213) 687-4480
New Mastodon Books & Fine Art – German Influence, Miracle Mile (213) 525-1948
Asahiya Express – Japanese Influence, Sawtelle WestLA (310) 575-3303
Siam Book Center – Thai Influence, Hollywood (323) 665-4236
Zahra’s Books & Things – African Influence, Inglewood (310) 330-1300
Eso Won Books – African American Influence, Liemert Park (323) 290-1048
Shamrock Imports – Irish Influence, Valley Village (818) 505-9221
Joongang Book Mart – Korean Influence, Koreatown (213) 387-2665
Kingston Culture Plaza Inc – Chinese Influence, Alhambra (626) 570-1277
House of David – Jewish Influence, Valley Village (818) 763-2070
Nippon Book Co – Japanese Influence, Downtown (213) 617-1966
Dehkhoda Persian Book Store – Persian Influence, Westwood (310) 477-0044
Sardarabad Book Service – Armenian Influence, Glendale (818) 500-0790

MISCELLANEOUS
Social Studies School Service – Learning and Teaching Aids, Culver City 310 839-2436
One Dollar Bookstore – Exactly as advertised: $1 books, various locations
Abba Padre Bikes and Books – Book store *and* bike repair shop, Culver City (310) 390-5203
Dragon Books – Rare Antique and Collectible, Bel Air (310) 441-8545

Click here to view the embedded video.

I was in Pasadena for a meeting yesterday and decided to walk into STATS FLORAL SUPPLY for old time’s sake… although I have always found them a bit pricey, Stats has been a guilty pleasure of mine for decades. Honestly, it’s kinda like a gory car accident I can’t tear my eyes away from. Yesterday was no exception… not only did I find that after all these years I’m *still* hypnotized by their rooms of animated, overly-decorated, holiday-themed model buildings, but THE STORE WAS DECORATING FOR HALLOWEEN ALREADY!!! In July. I kid you not. Please click on the little image at left to open a photo gallery of some of the crazy goodness I found.

HERE’S THE CONCEPT OF “COVET THIS”:

1. We walk into a store spontaneously.
2. We pick out a handful of random things that catch our eye/s.
3. We take covert photos.
4. We post the images with silly captions for you to see.
5. YOU are possessed by an overwhelming urge to rush to said establishment and purchase said items (or shop for others), thereby helping small businesses to stay afloat during our troubled economy. :)

The Chosen Store: The beloved novelty emporium, Wacko/Soap Plant
The Location: 4633 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood/Los Feliz (323) 663-0122
Our Previous Customer Experience: My college friends and I used to excitedly drive all the way from San Diego to experience the glory of their Melrose store way back when. It’s a long-time sentimental fun favorite of mine for silly gift shopping. Wacko is an iconic shop of Los Angeles and I’m thrilled it’s survived when so many other stores haven’t. :)