VIDEO – Bill Field at the Old Town Music Hall
In 1958, Bill Coffman and Bill Field purchased the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ from the Fox West Coast Theater in Long Beach. In 1968, Old Town Music Hall settled into its present home in the original El Segundo State Theater. Every weekend, they still show classic films… and more often than not, Bill Fields himself plays the Wurlitzer for you. Be prepared to sing along! :)
It’s also a giant bargain. Movie tickets are $8, drinks are $1 and popcorn is $1-2. (Also available? FRESH MACAROONS!)
AWESOMENESS! The Caine’s Arcade film is online!!!
When I’m old and gray and thinking back upon the beginnings of HiddenLA, this will always be one of the first things to bring a smile to my face. You guys did good. :) A GIANT bag o’ props to Nirvan Mullick for making such an adorable short film about the whole story. Watch it below!
If you’d like to help with Caine’s college scholarship fund, please go to the right side of his web page (www.cainesarcade.com) and click on “donate.”
HOLIDAY HUNT – Second Day Recap!
Our Halloween Coffin Hunt was such a blast… with the help of the Los Angeles Federal Credit Union and More LA Than, we’re continuing our brand of family friendly local sight-discoverin’ and prize-winnin’ fun into Christmas and Hanukkah!
FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE HOLIDAY HUNT, CLICK HERE.
Each weekend, prizes will get BIGGER!
HUNT #2: Sunday, Dec. 4 – Agoura
$300 in PRIZE VALUES AWARDED! Including: passes to LA Conservancy city tours (We love LAC!); gift certificates for the historic and delicious Apple Pan restaurant; AMC movie passes; handy Cost Plus and Walgreens gift certificates; plus lots more festive stuff!!!
FIRST LOCATION:
PETER STRAUSS RANCH
We ventured off the beaten path and spent a day relaxing in nature for this hunt. If you’ve never been to Peter Strauss Ranch, you’re missing out! It’s beautiful!
From the official website: “This enchanting oak woodland has long been a source of dreams, visions, and memories. Inhabited for thousands of years by the Chumash people, this area became part of Rancho Las Virgenes after Spanish colonization. The original coast live oak, used as the marker in the 1881 land grant survey, still stands just west of the swimming pool. The upside-down letter “T” is still evident in the bark. The “vision of enchantment” continues at this site today with hiking, concerts, picnics, and art exhibits. Explore this peaceful refuge and create some memories of your own.”
QUIZ – What Lies Beneath (Melody Land)
Wow. You guys are gooood! Full answer’s after the jump! :)
*******
Today’s little quiz takes us to Northridge. No hints this time… can you figure out what’s unique about this property?
Just to remind you, here’s how this little game goes… we’ll show you a spot on a google map (see below). We’re thinking of something notable that once happened or existed a stone’s throw from the point on that map. Within 24 hours we’ll give you the full details… but as always, we’re going to give you a fair amount of time to guess what we’re referring to first. We encourage you not to cheat by googling the address and if you know the answer right away please try not to announce it too quickly and ruin the game for the people who don’t.
HERE YA GO! – The Secret Mural Location Was…
12/20 UPDATE: It’s hard to pick a winner so we haven’t announced one yet… but as a holiday surprise we’re adding more prizes to the booty (yeah, I said booty), so stay tuned!!! WOO HOO!
*********
The back room at PAPA CRISTO’S!!!
The contest has ended… and now my hard work begins! How can I choose between these amazing photos!!!???? I may have to call upon the great and powerful Papa Cristo for some help…
QUIZ – What Lies Beneath (Morrison Hotel)
I’m starting to think these quizzes are gettin’ too easy for you guys! Break on through to the other side… the answer is after the jump.
*******
Today’s little quiz is taking us Downtown. No hints this time… sooo can you tell us its name?
Just to remind you, here’s how this little game goes… we’ll show you a spot on a google map (see below). We’re thinking of something notable that once happened or existed a stone’s throw from the point on that map. Within 24 hours we’ll give you the full details… but as always, we’re going to give you a fair amount of time to guess what we’re referring to first. We encourage you not to cheat by googling the address and if you know the answer right away please try not to announce it too quickly and ruin the game for the people who don’t.
CUTE OVERDOSE* – Ollie The Otter
*Yep, not just an overload… this is an overdose! :)
On Thursday I decided to take some time away from the internet to drive down to Long Beach. The Aquarium of The Pacific was nice enough to invite me to meet their new resident, a 3 month old rescued otter named Ollie and I figured there was no way that could possibly be a bad way to spend a morning. When you say “Wanna meet a cute baby animal?” I tend to say, “Yes, please.”
Ollie weighed only about five pounds when she was rescued off of the coast of Santa Cruz. She was up to ten pounds when first brought to Long Beach, and is now a chubby 18 pounds. The girl clearly has clearly gained an appetite. You’ll note that in the photos she stays very close to the handler’s boots… this is because she thinks the boots are her mother. When she’s too far from them for too long she tends to cry a bit (apparently she has a lot in common with my dog). Separation anxiety didn’t keep Ollie from hurrying over to inspect any camera she saw, though… she was very curious to figure out what they were (see the last photo). Awwwww.
Ollie won’t be on public display until Fall of 2011, but the Aquarium is currently offering Behind The Scenes Tours where you might get a chance to hang out with her for yourself.
QUIZ – What Lies Beneath (Tarzana Ranch)
Well, you guys got this one right away… no gettin’ past you! Details are after the jump.
This week’s little quiz like totally takes us to the San Fernando Valley. Omigodnoway! And no hints today… ‘cuz I know you guys are too smart to need one.
Just to remind you, here’s how this little game goes… we’ll show you a spot on a google map (see below). We’re thinking of something notable that once happened or existed a stone’s throw from the point on that map. Within 24 hours we’ll give you the full details… but as always, we’re going to give you a fair amount of time to guess what we’re referring to first. We encourage you not to cheat by googling the address and if you know the answer right away please try not to announce it too quickly and ruin the game for the people who don’t.
QUIZ – What Lies Beneath (Drum Barracks)
You guys got this answer waayyy too fast (and then I got distracted, sorry I couldn’t post this earlier!). Full information about today’s location is after the jump. :)
*************
This week’s little quiz lands us in Wilmington, off the 110. Helloooo, Wilmington! :) And since a lot of people familiar with the area may get the answer somewhat quickly, there will be no hints. Sorry!
Just to remind you, here’s how this little game goes… we’ll show you a spot on a google map (see below). We’re thinking of something notable that once happened or existed a stone’s throw from the point on that map. Within 24 hours we’ll give you the full details… but as always, we’re going to give you a fair amount of time to guess what we’re referring to first. We encourage you not to cheat by googling the address (and if you know the answer right away please try not to announce it too quickly and ruin the game for the people who don’t).
What Lies Beneath – (The Laurel Tavern/Log Cabin)
Okay! The answer is after the jump! :)
We’re heading to Laurel Canyon for this week’s little geographical history test! Allright, maaaan!
Just to remind you, here’s how this little game goes… we’ll show you a spot on a google map (see below). We’re thinking of something notable that once happened or existed within a block or two of the point on that map. Within 24 hours we’ll give you the full details… but as always, we’re going to give you a fair amount of time to guess what we’re referring to first. We encourage you not to cheat by googling the address and if you know the answer right away please try not to announce it too quickly and ruin the game for the people who don’t.
And since you guys like hints, here’s your hint for this one… THE CORRECT ANSWER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HARRY HOUDINI!!! Nope, sorry. Nice try but that would’ve been waaaay too easy. :)
Ready? OKAY! :)
(more…)
FOCUS – The L.A. Coliseum
Did you know that technically the L.A. Memorial Coliseum is the third oldest baseball stadium in the country? Didn’t think so. How about this one… do you know who the structure was built “in memory” of? (It was originally commissioned in 1921 as a memorial to veterans lost in World War I. In 1968 it was rededicated to the memory of veterans of all wars.)
Well as long as we’re on a roll, here’s another little L.A. Coliseum factoid for ya… the life-sized and headless bronze nude statues which stand at the gateway were sculpted by Venice sculptor Robert Graham (1938–2008) for the 1984 Olympics. The models were Olympic long jumper Jennifer Innes from Guyana and Terri Schroeder, a player and eventual head coach of the USA Olympic Water polo team who is now a chiropractor in Westlake Village. (And btw, those nude statues caused a bit of a ruckus back then for being a bit “too realistic,” if you know what I mean.)
Since opening in 1923, the 93,000+ seat venue has hosted college Football, the World Series, baseball and football All Star Games, basketball, the Superbowl of Motocross, two Super Bowls and two Olympics… plus many, many other notable events in and out of the realm of sports. Not too shabby. Time for a salutory wave!
For more history on the Coliseum, just click here.
http://www.dailymotion.com/videoxfga8g 
RESOURCE – The Los Angeles Heritage Portal
As someone whose family arrived here over a century ago, I’m all about showing the world that Los Angeles is indeed a place filled with history and culture. And now I’m thrilled to see that ExperienceLA.com and the Los Angeles Heritage Alliance (LAHA) have just joined forces to created a fantastic resource that will make that task a lot easier!!!
I hereby introduce you to: The Los Angeles Heritage Portal!
“…it’s sometimes easy to take for granted the deep history and heritage of L.A. – history that is still alive today. This is why ExperienceLA.com, along with our partners at the Los Angeles Heritage Alliance (LAHA), are excited to announce the new L.A. Heritage Portal. At this portal, you’ll be able to find in one location all the events taking place year-round throughout L.A. County (as well as other parts of the SoCal region) that celebrate over 250 years of history and culture. You can find everything from re-enactments, to exhibitions, to walking tours, to historic food tastings, architecture and lots more. It is our hope that through this portal, history fanatics, visitors, and all residents of L.A. County can discover (or re-discover) and come to appreciate our past, and the many groups dedicated to preserving it for future generations.” (SOURCE)
AWESOME SAUCE!!!
HELP – The Lost Lizards of Los Angeles Project
Do you have lizards lounging around your backyard?
Well, the Natural History Museum needs your help in order to make their Lost Lizards of Los Angeles project (LLOLA) work. From their website:
All you need to do is follow some very easy steps to find, take pictures of, and then submit your information about lizards. By participating in LLOLA you’ll be providing our scientists with valuable data to help us answer the question: Why don’t lizards live in Exposition Park?
All you need to do is follow some very easy steps to find, take pictures of, and then submit your information about lizards. By participating in LLOLA you’ll be providing our scientists with valuable data to help us answer the question: Why don’t lizards live in Exposition Park?
Here are the instructions on how to participate.
Credit for the awesome lizard photo above (click on it for a larger view) goes to local photographer Henry Schifberg, aka Henry Lizardlover.
QUIZ – What Lies Beneath (Philo T. Farnsworth Apartment)
Okay… since nobody guessed, the answer’s after the jump!
As a refresher, here’s how this little game goes… we’ll show you a spot on a google map (see below). We’re thinking of something notable that once happened or existed within a block or two of the point on that map. Within 24 hours we’ll give you the full details… but as always, we’re going to give you a fair amount of time to guess what we’re referring to first. We encourage you not to cheat by googling the address and if you know the answer right away please try not to announce it too quickly and ruin the game for the people who don’t.
Ready? OKAY! :)
(Special thanks to John C. for this tip!!!)
View Larger Map
(more…)
GREEN – Creating a Sustainable Oasis in L.A.
After the jump is the full video of South Central Farms – Oasis in a Concrete Desert (2007), a short film which documented the losing political battle to save one of the largest urban farms in the United States. Although it’s a catchy title, anyone who’s been on our river tours will tell you that Los Angeles is not a desert, that’s a myth. Our city actually has a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate and even in the early 1900s much of the land we currently live on was occupied by miles and miles of agricultural fields. The property now occupied by LA International airport was originally home to large fields of lima beans, barley and wheat.
Over the last few years, not only have a number of Angelenos been experimenting with backyard farms (for help with yours, check out Eagle Rock Backyard Farms on Facebook), it looks like the Huntington Library is getting back to their roots as well. When South Central Farms was bulldozed in 2006, a number of plants were saved and stored by The Huntington Library. From those trees an idea was born, and next weekend the Huntington will be unveiling a 15-acre sustainable urban agriculture project called Huntington Ranch, exploring how vegetables can once again grow “like wildflowers” in the L.A. climate. From their website:
When Henry Huntington purchased the estate known as the San Marino Ranch in 1903, hundreds of acres were planted with citrus, stone fruits, walnuts, and other commercial crops. Pushing the boundaries of agriculture in the region, Henry Huntington used the ranch to establish, among other things, what is believed to be the first commercial avocado grove in the state.
In November 2010, The Huntington returns to its agricultural roots with the unveiling of a new project, called—fittingly—the Huntington Ranch. Part outdoor classroom, part demonstration garden, and part research lab, the Ranch will be pushing new boundaries once again: this time on the frontier of sustainable urban agriculture.
The Ranch will not be accessible to daily visitors but will host a broad spectrum of public programs and educational activities. It makes its official debut during a symposium for academics and professionals on Nov. 12 followed by a day of public workshops on Nov. 13.
To find out more about their public workshops, click here and scroll down.
(more…)
COOL STUFF – Hangin’ Out With Blue Whales!
PHOTO GALLERY BELOW – CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEWS
Yesterday, thanks to Aquarium of the Pacific & Harbor Breeze Cruises we got a chance to see the largest animal in the world, right off the coast of Palos Verdes… so of COURSE we jumped at the chance! They are debuting a new whale-listening device on their daily boat excursions and invited HiddenLA to tag along. Having never been whale watching in my life, I invited one of our beloved Facebook fans (Cindy and her totally awesome little six year old daughter) to join me on the maiden voyage.
Moments after we ran into a school of playful dolphin, we found ourselves sharing water with a blue whale as promised – one of only 2,000 in existence. It was amazing to realize that the creature I was looking at is larger than any dinosaur that ever existed. Scroll down and check out our photo gallery!
If you’re interested in seeing blue whales for yourself, they’re out there so now’s the time! Details below.
WHAT: Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze Cruises three and a half hour whale watch excursion with Aquarium experts (more…)
VIDEO – Kitsch in Los Angeles
Famed songwriter and multimedia artist Allee Willis sure loves our local kitsch!
And if anyone is an expert on kitsch, it’s gonna be Allee… she owns a museum full of it! :)
IMAGERY – The Mighty LA River, 1895-1920
CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEWS
Two men standing near a water ditch at the bank of Los Angeles River, north side of Griffith Park.
I’m happy to say that our sold out Los Angeles River tour is this Sunday and there are actually upwards of 30 people on the waiting list for another one! Wow. There’s been a lot of discussion on our Facebook page about the revitalization of the river and its reputation as a drainage ditch this week, so I decided to make another dip into the ol’ USC Digital Archive to see what kind of imagery I could find. This 51 mile river that explorer Gaspar de Portolá named El Río de Nuestra Señora La Reina de Los Ángeles de Porciúncula in the year 1769 didn’t always look the way you might imagine. Although it changed course many times over history, the river shown below was the reason that the 44 Los Pobladores chose to stop and create a settlement here… The LA River is the reason that Los Angeles exists.
EVENT – Limited tickets left for our LA River Tour!
LA River Tours with Jenny Price – FULL TOUR SCHEDULE AND PURCHASING INFO HERE
Above, a teaser from the upcoming movie ROCK THE BOAT.
******
Learn about the past, present and future of the mighty (!?) L.A. River, PLUS enjoy some fantastic tacos and cream puffs along the way
*This tour is perfect for people of all ages who would like to learn more about the river that once brought fresh water to Los Angeles*
Difficult as it is for Angelenos or anyone else to believe, the Los Angeles River was once a very real flowing river, along the banks of which the city was founded. In 1781, 44 people (Los Pobladores) traveled from Sonora, Mexico to settle along its West bank. For more than 100 years, this 51 mile long river was the sole source of water for the city that grew around it.
Have you ever *really* seen the LA River? Do you ACTUALLY know anything about it? Sure, maybe you’ve passed a concrete slab with an LA River sign… but have you seen where it flows? Do you know the *true* stories of the river’s past and present beyond the fictional details you remember from seeing Chinatown? And what about its future? Sure, everyone in Los Angeles has seen the LA River, and many have heard that it’s being revitalized. But who knows where and what exactly is happening on its banks? There’s much more to the story than meets the eye as you pass from a speeding car while commuting. (more…)
HELPING – Save Homeboy Industries
As explained in the video above, Homeboy Industries is struggling to survive during a tough economy which has left even the most stable of businesses hard hit.
If you would like to help Homeboy, vote online at the Chase Community Giving Facebook page to make them eligible for $250,000 in funding. If you’d rather get involved and donate directly, contact them through their web site or just go to the Homegirl Cafe for lunch and spend some dough!!!
Homeboy Industries provides comprehensive job training, job development, social and educational support services, all offered free of charge, to the most disenfranchised segment of our community, formerly gang affiliated youth, parolees, the under-educated and poor. Homeboy Industries is a beacon of hope and opportunity for those seeking to leave gang life, for whom the barriers and challenges are great, and for whom there is virtually no other avenue to have a second chance to enter the mainstream of society. (more…)
IMAGERY – The Los Angeles Wheelmen
Angelenos have had a passion for bicycling for longer than you might think. The image below was taken in Boyle Heights in 1893, about ten years after the bicycle chain was invented. Reformed in 1945, the Los Angeles Wheelmen bicycle riding club is still going strong, with multiple rides every week. There are far more than eleven members now. And don’t worry, I doubt they’re still wearing that fancy uniform. :)
The club’s ride schedule is here.
From their site:
“We are a group of bicyclists who enjoy the pleasure of riding with friends. We are not a racing club, and we welcome members of all abilities. We offer easier, moderate and difficult rides. We hold some multi-day trips, and in late June we offer the Grand Tour, a 24-hour ride of 120+, 200, 300 or 400 miles. At our social events, we make up for all the calories burned while riding. Our monthly newsletter, “The Gooseneck,” contains a descriptive ride schedule and much other news. Newcomers are welcome to try a few of our rides before deciding whether to join. Helmets are mandatory on all rides.”
CLICK ON PHOTO FOR LARGER VIEW
Photographic portrait of the 11 Los Angeles Wheelmen posing as a group in cadet type uniforms at the East Side (Boyle Heights) track, October 3, 1893. “The Los Angeles wheelmen on the track include, left to right, standing — Jack Winters, John S. Thayer, Faye Stefenson, Phil Kitchen, W.J. Allen, E.S. Pauly, Tracy Hugh Rall, W.A. Tufts, and Walter Tyler; seated — Lord Gattensbury, A.D. Cummings, and Ernest Steuart, Paully.”
EVENT – It’s Grunion Night!!!!
FULL INVITE HERE!!!
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.
View Larger Map
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… :)
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. (more…)
IMAGERY – A Hazy Day in Malibu
Found myself in Malibu the other day and decided to pull out my camera and take a lazy stroll around The Adamson House property… here’s some of the stuff I saw. I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. :)
CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEWS
(more…)
MUST SEE TV – Things That Aren’t Here Anymore
This week, take the time to learn a LOT more about our local history by watching the fabulous KCET series Things That Aren’t Here Anymore. The latest episode, the third, will be airing on Thursday, June 10th at 8pm… but it looks like the previous episodes will be airing multiple times this week as well.
CHECK KCET’S PROGRAM SCHEDULE HERE and record these programs accordingly!
The series gives Angelenos a whole new sense of nostalgia and insight about this city we live in and the lives of the amazing people who have called Los Angeles home. Whether you’re remembering your own past or learning about the things you missed out on, it’s still great watching. Personally, besides reminding me of how many great things have happened here, Things That Aren’t Here Anymore also drives the point home of exactly why HiddenLA exists. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… while it may seem awesome to you that there are only two people in your favorite bar, it’s not great for the bar owner, especially during this economy. So if you don’t want to see your favorite places featured on Things That Aren’t Here Anymore #4… make a point to go outside today and spend every possible moment appreciating and discovering the great things this city offers.
Don’t keep the treasures of Los Angeles hidden… spread the word and support our current local businesses so they live a long time!
“Thursday, June 10 at 8:00 p.m. KCET is broadcasting “Things That Aren’t Anymore 3.” Produced by Saul Gonzalez and co-producer Isaac Mizrahi, and narrated by Patt Morrison, it’s a pledge special celebrating L.A.’s treasured, but lost, places of the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Stops include Pandora’s Box and Rodney’s English Disco on the Sunset Strip, Tail ‘o the Pup and Chasen’s restaurants, the Leimert Theater and that spawning ground of 80s Valley Girls, version 1.0 of the Sherman Oaks Galleria. The guests, who all share their memories and connections to these places, include Cherie Currie of The Runaways, KROQ’s Rodney Bingenheimer, L.A. City Councilman Eric Garcetti, and Ed Pearl, the owner and founder of The Ash Grove.”
