Clearman's Galley, San Gabriel

Also known as "The Boat", this interesting restaurant is going through some major renovation, along with the rest of Clearman's Village in San Gabriel. The actual boat was once sea-worthy, serving as a mail service vessel between San Francisco and Alaska beginning in 1913. It was converted into the kitchen of Clearman's Galley in 1968 and has been a popular hamburger joint for nearly 40 years.

Beach Scene, Santa Monica

There's no doubt that the beaches of Southern California are beautiful, especially on a clear & sunny summer day. But there's also something very cool and moody about a foggy winter day at the beach. This location is just north of the pier in Santa Monica.

Boats, Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey is currently the largest man-made small boat harbor in the world, with space for up to 7,000 vessels. From this vantage point, it looks like there's no vacancy.

Huron Substation, Cypress Park

Built in 1906, the Huron Substation originally housed equipment to convert high-voltage electricity for use by the local railway system. It is now L.A. Historic Cultural Landmark #404 and serves as a home and business - rented out for events, screenings and photo shoots. This cool old building in Cypress Park stands as a testament to the unique architecture of a bygone era and is being treated respectfully by its current owner.

Pro Football, Los Angeles(?)

It's Super Bowl Sunday, and the last time we had a pro football team in the area, there were two - the Rams and the Raiders. This image is from my archives. It's a shot of the surging Rams offensive line during their final season here in 1994. Technically, the image was made in Anaheim where the team played. But they were still the Los Angeles Rams and were part of the sports scene in Southern California for nearly 50 years before fleeing to St. Louis. This motion-blur photograph represents the fading memory many of us have of the NFL in Los Angeles.

Morning Workout, Arcadia

With a backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, this feisty thoroughbred gives a rider all he can handle during the morning workouts at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. The race track opened on Christmas Day in 1934 and hosted the equestrian events of the 1984 Olympic Games.

On Location, Silver Lake

A common site in the Los Angeles area, this production crew prepares for action at a filming location in Silver Lake.

Tiki-Ti, Hollywood

The Tiki-Ti is a small tropical drink bar on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood. Opened in 1961 by legendary bartender Ray Buhen, the tradition of mixing exotic cocktails has been passed on to his son Michael and grandson Mike. Be sure to check their online calendar before visiting.

Fenced Hillside, Monterey Hills

This undeveloped hillside of the Monterey Hills is viewed from a field near the top of Via Marisol. The small community here holds an annual jazz festival in a local park, sponsored by the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council.

Natural History Museum, Los Angeles

The Habitat Halls at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles contain some very life-like animals in dioramas of their natural environment. The Mammal Halls for North America and Africa were early expansions of the museum, dating back to the 1920s.

Original Tommy's, Los Angeles

Established in 1946 at this corner of Beverly and Rampart Boulevards, Tommy's has been a favorite burger joint in Los Angeles for over 60 years. Famous for their chili cheese burger, there are now several locations in Southern California. The original little stand at the corner has become the company logo and trademark.

The Citadel, City of Commerce

Originally a tire manufacturing plant dating back to 1928, it was designed as a replica of an Assyrian king's palace. Now it's home to retail outlet stores and a food court. Located just off of the 5 Fwy. in the City of Commerce, it's a really unique building that has been very well preserved.

Birthday Present, Monrovia

We celebrated my son's birthday today with a party in Monrovia. A Hot Wheels "Blast and Crash" track set was one of his gifts, so I took this shot in honor of a childhood tradition of racing Hot Wheels, in L.A. and around the world. Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Fish Jerky?, Glassell Park

Fish are hung out to dry on a chain link fence along the driveway of a home on Carlyle St. in Glassell Park. This district and the surrounding neighborhoods have seen a lot of gentrification in the past several years, but they are interesting old areas that add character to Los Angeles.

Hillside Homes, Mt. Washington

This is the view from San Rafael Ave. looking across a ravine to some homes hugging the hillside in Mt. Washington. In the early 1900s, a funicular railway served the area for easier access up and down the steep hills.

L.A. River, Atwater Village

Yes, there really is a river that runs through Los Angeles. But because of devastating floods throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, most of the river's beds and banks were encased in concrete. So, we are left with a tame, but ugly river (or flood control channel) that travels south from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach, where it spills into the Pacific Ocean. This view if from Glendale Blvd. in Atwater Village, looking northwest.

Echo Lake, Echo Park

Echo Park (formerly known as Edendale), is located just northwest of downtown L.A. and the lake here is home to the largest planting of lotuses outside of Asia. The surrounding community has an interesting mix of residential homes, businesses, restaurants, clubs and galleries.

Alley, South El Monte

An empty alley just off of Klingerman St., between Merced Ave. and Seaman Ave., cuts a path through an industrial district of South El Monte.

Dead Trees, Woodland Hills

These dead poplar trees are on a landscaped piece of commercial property at the corner of Canoga Ave. and Oxnard St. in Woodland Hills. There's something to be said for stark beauty.

Angel Statue, Mission Hills

This angel is one of several statues in the gardens and courtyards of the San Fernando Mission. Founded in 1797, the mission is located in the city of Mission Hills.

Windy Day, Winnetka

The American flag at the U.S. Post Office, flying at half-staff since the death of former President Gerald Ford, flaps in the strong winds blowing through the valley in the city of Winnetka.

Collectible Glitz, Canoga Park

Collectible Glitz - Miss La De Da's in Canoga Park is one of the coolest jewelry stores you'll ever see. Specializing in vintage and costume jewelry, the unique collection of pieces is mostly arranged by color. Great place to shop for Valentine's Day.

Downey Studios, Downey

The last time I was in Downey, this 80 acre site was a Rockwell/Boeing aerospace facility. It's now Downey Studios, an enormous movie production lot with studios, a suburban street, an indoor lake, backlots and plenty of production services.

Latin Playboy, East Los Angeles

The boarded-up Latin Playboy, a defunct nightclub on Cesar Chavez Ave. (formerly Brooklyn Ave.) near the corner of Rowan Ave. in East Los Angeles, supposedly hosted gigs for one of the great bands to come out of the area, L.A.'s own Los Lobos.

Ice Skating, Los Angeles

The ninth season of L.A. Downtown on Ice skates to a close today at Pershing Square in Los Angeles. It's the largest outdoor ice skating facility in Southern California, and has become a downtown holiday tradition.

Old Chrysler, Duarte

This rusted and beat up 1955 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe was sitting in the driveway of one of the many auto dismantling businesses in an industrial area of Duarte. I couldn't tell if this vehicle was being saved or heading for a slow death by being picked apart in the salvage yard.

Bradbury Building, Los Angeles

The Bradbury Building, built in 1893 at the corner of Broadway and 3rd Street in downtown Los Angeles, has to be seen in person to get a true appreciation for its unique design and how well it's been preserved. Now a National Historic Landmark, it's currently used for office and retail space, and has appeared in many films and commercials.

Auto Transporter, Encino

New vehicles aboard this auto transporter are ready to be delivered to dealerships along Ventura Blvd. in Encino.

Break Time, West Covina

A city landscape worker takes a lunchtime siesta in the South Hills area of West Covina, near Galster Park.

Whittier College, Whittier

The view from just inside the entrance to the Wardman Art Center, on the campus of Whittier College. Formerly the school gymnasium (the logo and basketball court still visible), it was replaced by the Graham Center in 1979. The 4 year liberal arts college in Whittier was chartered by the state in 1901, with an original enrollment of 25 students.

Door, Tujunga

This interesting door caught my attention. It's on an old pink building on Commerce Ave. at the corner of Valmont St. in the city of Tujunga.

Tree Recycling, Sunland

Sunland Park is one of several drop-off locations for Los Angeles residents to bring their Christmas trees for disposal or recycling. This "tree dump" is at the corner of Foothill Blvd. and Sherman Grove in the city of Sunland.

Beach Volleyball, Laguna Beach

OK. . .so Laguna Beach isn't actually in L.A. County. But if you grew up in the Los Angeles area (or if you're visiting from out of town), Laguna Beach is one of those jewels of Southern California that is really part of the L.A. landscape. This image was shot this afternoon on Main Beach, and it was a beautiful January day at the beach.

Garduno's, Montebello

Garduno's is a little taco stand style restaurant serving good Mexican food and sandwiches at the corner of Whittier Blvd. and Wilcox Ave. in Montebello. Since 1961, it's been a local favorite and a traditional hangout for students of nearby Montebello High School, alma mater of my older brother and sister.

The Commons, Calabasas

The Commons is a European styled open-air shopping village in the city of Calabasas. Unique shops, restaurants and movie theaters make this a cool alternative to the mall.

Lake Lindero, Agoura Hills

Manmade Lake Lindero is surrounded by homes in the city of Agoura Hills, on the western edge of Los Angeles County.

Bizarre Building, Studio City

This may very well be the ugliest building I've ever seen. It's a strip mall on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, just east of Laurel Grove Ave. The three retail tenants in front are a pizza shop, an eyeglass center and a beauty supply store.

The Day After, Pasadena

It's amazing how a million people can line the route of the Rose Parade on January 1, then how deserted it is the day after. These are the grandstands at the corner of Orange Grove Blvd. and Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, near the starting point of the parade.

Morning Sky, Malibu

To start the New Year, I chose an old photograph. This image is from my archives, circa 1993. In the foreground are a few masts from catamarans (probably Hobie Cats) on the beach in Malibu, but the real subject here is the gorgeous morning sky. It seemed fitting to use because it's the dawning of 2007. Happy New Year!

Central Plaza, Chinatown

The Central Plaza in Chinatown, located just north of downtown Los Angeles, was established in 1938, moving the Old Chinatown from about a mile away to this area that was once the Little Italy of L.A.
On the final day of 2006, just as these two men contemplate their next move in a game of Chinese chess, many of us consider what we will do to accomplish our goals in the coming New Year. Best wishes for making all the right moves in 2007.

Phillipe's, Los Angeles

This is a cornerstone restaurant of Los Angeles. Established in 1908 by Phillipe Mathieu, the inventor of the French Dipped Sandwich, Phillipe's still has a great old fashioned menu and an atmosphere that manages to make you feel like you've stepped back in time. This Saturday afternoon crowd is what you're likely find here any day of the week, but it's worth the wait.

Cruising, Santa Fe Springs

Cerritos may have that huge Auto Square, but they don't sell any cool classics like this one (1954 Chevy Bel Air?), cruising east on Washington Blvd. in Santa Fe Springs.

Cerritos Auto Square, Cerritos

The Cerritos Auto Square is the largest and most financially successful auto mall in the world, according to J.D Power and Associates. It's a great place to test drive several different manufacturer's automobiles without having to drive to dealers all over Southern California. Located next to the 605 Freeway at the South Street exit in the city of Cerritos, there's currently 25 dealerships lining the 100 acres of property.

Aerial Lifts, Pico Rivera

These aerial lifts were actually photographed a few days ago and I didn't use the shot on that day. But something about the dinosaur-like appearance of these "cherry pickers" made me go ahead with it and post it today. Lifts and other equipment are available to rent from United Rentals in Pico Rivera (not Pico Riv-i-era, as some people call it).

Cloudy Sunset, Manhattan Beach

This lifeguard tower on Manhattan Beach appears to be watching the sunset from just south of the pier as the last rays of light spill over the horizon.

Merry Christmas, L.A.!

OK, so Santa is cool and represents what is good about the spirit of giving at this time of year. But God gave the greatest gift of all through the birth of His only Son, Jesus Christ, who came into this world to save us from our sins. The image of the Bible passage here is from Luke chapter 2. It's what Christmas is really all about.

Christmas Eve, Monrovia

Santa may be exhausted from working the malls yesterday, but tonight he's making the annual trek around the world to deliver gifts. He's a pretty cool old dude. Impressive.

Mall Santa, Arcadia

This Mall Santa Claus has just enough time to stretch his legs before another child visits him with Christmas wishes at Westfield Santa Anita in Arcadia.

Masonic Lodge, Covina

I'm not sure what struck me about this side view of the Covina Masonic Lodge, but I thought it was worth taking a moment to photograph it. The Lodge is located at the corner of 2nd and School St. in Covina.

Fosselman's Ice Cream Co., Alhambra

Fosselman's Ice Cream Company has been a family owned and operated business since 1919. They have won numerous awards for their delicious premium ice cream and malts. This is one of those cool places that has a retro feel and offers high quality products with friendly service. They are located at 1824 W. Main Street in Alhambra.