One of the most iconic trees of Southern California is the Juglans californica, commonly known as the Southern California black walnut. As trees go, it is fairly small, usually reaching a height and radius that tops out around fifteen meters. It could, alternately, be described as a large shrub — as many specimens have up … Continue reading Those Useless Trees — The Southern California Black Walnut
When you read (or hear) the words, “California Coast,” what images come to mind? If you’re a Southern Californian, you may imagine beach bums and bunnies, woodies and wave-riding surfers. If you’re in Northern California, your thoughts may well turn to rocky shores and groves of towering redwoods. If you live in Central California, I … Continue reading California Fool’s Gold — Southern California’s Lighthouses
One of the great things about traveling is seeing things in other countries that it would be nice to have at home, things like arts funding, betel nut beauties, caning, compulsory voting, developed cycling infrastructure, elevenses, free state colleges, green roofs, gun control, pub culture, universal healthcare, pot cafés, salted licorice, and trains that travel faster than mobility … Continue reading Pan-Asian Metropolis — Southern California Night Markets
There is no official definition of what comprises Southern California but there’s certainly something like a general consensus that the region includes the ten southern-most counties in the state: Kern, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. By this definition, its northern border neatly formed by the … Continue reading California Fool’s Gold’s Introduction to Southern California
With bicycles, buses, ferries, planes, sidewalks, subways, taxis, and trains at Angelenos’ disposal, why would any sane person choose car dependency? Nobody Drives in LA celebrates sense and sensibility in transportation. TRAINS KEPT A-ROLLING Years before the rise of the freeways, the Southland‘s framework was formed by the largest network of urban rail the world … Continue reading Nobody Drives in LA — Southern California’s Restaurant Bound Rail Cars
On 6 June 2014, ’80s Italo legend Savage is performing for the first time in Southern California. He’ll perform his greatest hits, including “Don’t Cry Tonight,” “Only You,” “A Love Again,” “Fugitive,” “Radio,” and more in an event that will be DJed by BPM and hosted by singer TQ. Advance tickets are available here. Savage … Continue reading Italo-disco singer Savage is coming to Southern California
The first 626 Night Market was a victim of its own, unanticipated success. Taiwanese-American organizers Jonny and Janet Hwang struggled to get enough vendors to commit even after lowering fees to the point that they expected to lose money. The Facebook page had about 2,000 fans a couple of weeks before its debut but … Continue reading Southern California Night Markets – the Return of the 626
I was recently contacted by Dave Stoelk from Spectrum News. He originally wanted to do a segment on the Silver Lake Croquet League for his segment, “That’s So L.A.” After talking for a few minutes, though, he thought it might be fun to instead do a segment about my maps that I make, as Pendersleigh … Continue reading California Fool’s Gold — Exploring Dayton Heights
Last year, I think, I made a map of some of my favorite places — and places I’ve still yet to visit but am eager to — in Metro Los Angeles. I don’t remember what the occasion was — or even whether or not there was one. I think that I just wanted to visualize … Continue reading California Fool’s Gold — The Best of Los Angeles
INTRODUCTION This entry into the California Fool’s Gold series is about Pioneertown. Pioneertown has actually received zero votes or requests from readers, and that’s usually how I determine which communities to cover. However, a friend’s band was playing there, so I decided I would use the occasion to explore this small town that I’ve long … Continue reading California Fool’s Gold — Exploring Pioneertown
Eric Brightwell 