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Bob Hope Patriotic Hall from “Flashdance”

Anyone who has ever driven on the I-10 Freeway east of downtown Los Angeles has most likely noticed the A-line, red-roofed building that towers over the skyline to the south. That building is Bob Hope Patriotic Hall. I have passed by it hundreds of times and have always wanted to venture inside. A couple of weeks ago, while on our way back to the desert, the Grim Cheaper and I finally did. Though the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall website says that the property is open to the public, that is actually no longer the case. When the security guard manning the door saw my disappointment upon hearing this news, he took pity on us and allowed us to tour the lobby area. I am so thankful that he did because the space is nothing short of spectacular.

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Construction on the 85,000-square-foot building, which was originally named “Patriotic Hall,” began in 1925 and was completed in 1926. The ten-story Italian Renaissance/Romanesque-style site was designed by the Allied Architects Association and was the tallest building in Los Angeles at the time of its inception.

In late 2004, the structure, which is comprised of offices, a gymnasium, locker rooms, dining rooms, meeting spaces, ballrooms and an auditorium, was renamed Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in honor of the legendary comedian.

The property went through an extensive, $45-million, 7-year restoration process beginning in 2006 and the result is pretty darn amazing. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the ornate plaster ceiling.

Sadly, we were not able to venture upstairs to the upper levels of the building, but you can check out photographs of some of those areas here.

Bob Hope Patriotic Hall has been used in hundreds of productions over the years. Most famously, it was in the building’s Nimitz Room that Alex Owens (Jennifer Beals) auditioned for the Pittsburgh Dance and Repertory Company in 1983’s Flashdance.

That same room stood in for the Basil St. Mosley School of Dance in The Wedding Planner.

In 1986’s Back to School, Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) took his oral exams in another of the Patriotic Hall’s ballrooms.

The property’s lobby and a meeting room appeared in 1988’s Stand and Deliver, in the scene in which Jaime Escalante (Edward James Olmos) confronts the Educational Testing Service about his students’ AP Calculus test scores.

Bob Hope Patriotic Hall’s tenth-floor gym appeared in Patches O’Houlihan’s (Hank Azaria) informational video about dodgeball in the 2004 comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.

And while many sources say that the iconic opening scene from Patton, in which General George S. Patton Jr. (George C. Scott) delivered his famous Speech to the Third Army, was shot in the hall’s auditorium, I do not believe that information to be correct. Because only a large American flag and portions of a curtain were shown in the background of the scene, I was fairly certain upon watching that it was shot on a set. Then while researching this post, I came across an article titled The Photography of PATTON by George J. Mitchel that states that the scene was lensed at Sevilla Studios in Spain. Because there is so little to go on with this one, I cannot say for certain either way, but my best guess is that Mitchel is correct.

We did get to tour the auditorium while visiting the Hall and, though my pictures don’t do it justice, the space is absolutely gorgeous.

For more stalking fun, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Los Angeles magazine and Discover Los Angeles.

Until next time, Happy Stalking!

Stalk It: Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, from Flashdance, is located at 1816 South Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. The building is currently only open to veterans.

September 15, 2015
New “L.A.” Mag Post – The Cohen Mansion from “The O.C.”

Be sure to check out my latest post for L.A.mag.com about the Cohen mansion from The O.C. My articles typically get published in the late morning/early afternoon hours.

September 10, 2015
Poolside Getaway

My parents surprised us by booking a little poolside family getaway for the week, so I will not have any new posts this week aside from my usual Los Angeles magazine column on Thursday (it’s a really exciting one – I’m telling the story of my favorite only-in-L.A. moment!). I will be laptoping it by the pool for most of the week as I have three articles due for Discover Los Angeles, so be looking for those in the near future as well. In the meantime, I hope all of my fellow stalkers have a fabulous week.

September 8, 2015
Happy Labor Day!

I would like to wish a very happy Labor Day to all of my fellow stalkers! I hope everyone is enjoying a fabulous three-day weekend with loved ones.

September 7, 2015
New “L.A.” Mag Post – About the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round from “Teen Witch”

Don’t forget to read my latest post for L.A.mag.com about the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round from Teen Witch. My articles typically get published in the late morning/early afternoon hours.

September 3, 2015
New Interview with “Occidental” Magazine

Be sure to check out a recent interview I did with Occidental magazine about the filming of Clueless. There’s even a locations quiz at the end! You can read The Clueless Guide to Occidental College here and The Ultimate Guide to Clueless Movie Locations in Los Angeles here (Part II is here), both of which are mentioned in the interview.

September 2, 2015
My Guide to L.A. – See

Today marks the end of my Guide to L.A. posts. I hope you had as much fun reading the series as I did putting it together. As I mentioned in yesterday’s article, to make things easier on myself I broke up my Things to Do recommendations into two categories, “Play” and “See,” though some of the places featured on each list could easily be found on the other. Read on for my top picks of things to see while in town.

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1. Hollywood Sign (Intersection of Canyon Lake Drive and Mulholland Highway, Hollywood Hills) – You can’t come to L.A. and not see the Hollywood sign! Ironically enough, the best place to view it is not in Hollywood, but on Canyon Lake Drive in the hills above Burbank. You can get so close to the iconic sign at this location that it almost feels as if you can reach out and touch it. The site also provides spectacular views of the Hollywood Reservoir.

2. Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica) – You also can’t come to L.A. and not see the ocean! The Santa Monica Pier, although a tourist trap, is one of the best places to do so. Originally built as two separate, but adjacent piers, today the site boasts a historic carousel, shops, cafés, restaurants, and an amusement park with a roller coaster, midway games, and bumper cars. The extremely picturesque spot, which marks the end of the famous Route 66, is the perfect place to spend a warm sunny Southern California day. While there, be sure to ride the Ferris wheel – it provides some of the best views in town of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica State Beach.

3. Stahl House (1635 Woods Drive, Hollywood Hills West) – The Stahl House, aka Case Study House #22, has been called “the most photographed home in the world.” The iconic residence was constructed in 1959 by architect Pierre Koenig as part of the Arts & Architecture Case Study House Program. Designed in part by its owner Clarence “Buck” Stahl, the dwelling was built largely out of glass in order to showcase the incredible views of Los Angeles that surround it.

In 1960, those views were captured by prolific photographer Julius Shulman in what is easily one of the most iconic images ever taken of Los Angeles. Since that time, the Stahl House has been featured in thousands upon thousands of print and motion picture productions.

The property is the only Case Study House to still be owned and occupied by the original residents and is, therefore, in amazing condition. Tours of the home are given regularly and I cannot more highly recommend taking part in one and seeing this architectural marvel in person. The Stahl House is located on a private road and is not visible from the street, so the only way to view it is by booking a tour. Reservations must be made in advance. You can find more information about tour dates here. Note: All photographs of the Stahl House are used with permission from the Stahl Trust.

4. Bradbury Building (304 South Broadway, downtown Los Angeles) – Another architectural marvel that is not to be missed! Though its brick exterior is largely non-descript, the interior of this downtown L.A. landmark is nothing short of stunning – like jaw-droppingly stunning! The Bradbury Building was designed by architect George Wyman in 1893 for millionaire real estate developer Lewis Bradbury. Wyman drew inspiration for the design from the 1887 science fiction book Looking Backward From 2000 to 1887. It is amazing to me that a structure built 122 years ago, inspired by a book written 128 years ago, remains awe-inspiring to this day.

The focal point of the Bradbury Building is its central courtyard, which is comprised of towering glazed brick walls, Mexican tiled floors, Belgium marble stairs, and intricate wrought iron detailing. The miraculous lobby, which is bathed in light thanks to its mesmerizing peaked glass rooftop, is open daily to the public. Big THANK YOU to Mike, from MovieShotsLA, for the pictures above and below.

5. John Ferraro Office Building (111 North Hope Street, downtown Los Angeles) – Easily my favorite building in all of L.A. The John Ferraro building, which was originally known as the Department of Water and Power’s General Office Building, took four years to construct at a cost of $30 million and was dedicated on June 24th, 1965. The 17-story structure, which was built entirely out of glass, steel, and concrete, was conceived by the prolific AC Martin Partners architecture firm and many “green” elements were incorporated into the design, including a system which used the property’s fountains to cool the interior and its lighting to heat it. Amazingly enough, that system is still in use today. Talk about being ahead of its time!

A huge moat with water fountains surrounds the perimeter of the John Ferraro Building and, while gorgeous in and of themselves, when coupled with the stellar views of the Los Angeles skyline in the background, one’s breath can easily be taken away. The property is nothing short of majestic.

6. Venice Canals (Intersection of West Washington Boulevard and Strongs Drive, Venice Beach) – Easily one of the most peaceful, picturesque spots in all of Southern California, the Venice Canals were the brainchild of a real estate developer named Abbot Kinney in the early 1900s. Originally comprised of 16 miles of meandering waterways, today the tranquil site features six canals totaling two miles of space.

Located just a few short blocks from the bustling and chaotic Venice Beach boardwalk, the canals seem worlds away from civilization and boast some of the best picture-taking opportunities in Los Angeles.

7. The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens (1151 Oxford Road, San Marino) – Hands down one of my favorite spots in all of Southern California! The 207-acre property, which originally served as the private residence of Central Pacific Railroad owner Henry E. Huntington and his wife Arabella, is comprised of several museums featuring a massive art collection (including Thomas Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy) and a rare book collection (there’s a Gutenberg Bible on display!). It is the outdoor areas that are the most spectacular, though. The botanical garden portion of the site, which encompasses 120 acres, includes a rose garden, a Zen garden, a Japanese garden, a Chinese garden, a desert garden, a conservatory and a children’s garden, each one more beautiful than the last.

The Huntington is spectacularly beautiful. One could easily devote an entire day to just walking the grounds. Along with Disneyland, if I only had one day to spend in L.A., I would spend it here. I would skip the Library area, though (I am not big on museums), and head straight to the impressive and extensive gardens.

8. The Japanese Garden Suiho En (6100 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys) – Easily one of the city’s most unusual botanical gardens, The Japanese Garden Suiho En is situated next to the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. Yep, you read that right – the garden is located next to a sewer! The facility was established in 1985 to purify area wastewater for reuse and currently treats more than 80 million gallons a day. One of the ways the water is reused is by irrigating the grounds of the 6.5-acre Japanese Garden. The beautiful site consists of a Zen meditation garden, a wet garden, a tea garden, a 2.75-acre lake, a tea room, meandering pathways, and waterfalls. The futuristic Administration Building, which was designed by Anthony J. Lumsden, provides a unique backdrop to the lush environment. The garden is closed on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan accordingly.

9. The Original Los Angeles Flower Market and District (754 Wall Street, downtown Los Angeles) – The Los Angeles Flower Market and surrounding Flower District encompass six blocks of storefronts housing over 200 individual florists and make up what is the largest wholesale flower market in all of the United States. In fact, in the entire world there is only one flower mart that is larger – the Aalsmeer Market in Holland. This is one of my favorite only-in-L.A. spots. Where else can you wander block after block of downtown streets and see florist after florist after florist? I have never seen so many flowers in one place in my entire life. But it isn’t just the sheer amount of florists and flowers that make the place special. The beauty of the arrangements sold at each shop is incredible. Each one is like a work of art and viewing all of the creations together is almost like being in an art museum. And the smell! For miles around, the air is filled with the fragrance of roses. The Flower District is truly an amazing section of the city and should not be missed!

10. Crystal Cove Historic District (15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach) – This spot is the perfect place to go for a day trip. Located in Orange County, about 50 miles south of downtown L.A., the Crystal Cove Historic District encompasses 12.3 acres of coastal land running along a 3.5-mile stretch of picturesque shoreline. The site was originally developed in the late 1800s as a cattle ranch, but in the early 1900s it began to be used as a South Seas-style set for the movie industry. Countless silent film productions came in, planted palm trees and built thatched-roof shacks for films such as Treasure Island, The Sea Wolf, and Stormswept. Some of those shacks were left behind after shooting wrapped and became vacation getaways for the family, friends and employees of the cove’s then owner. Forty-six cottages in all were built during the ‘20s and ‘30s and, thanks to a strict leasing contract clause which stated that no portion of the dwellings was to be altered, all forty-six remain intact today.

Crystal Cove Historic District is now owned by the state of California and the cottages are rented out as vacation properties. The quaint enclave, which is open to the public, features a general store, an exhibit center, a pristine beach and a café. It is easily one of the most picturesque spots in all of Southern California.

11. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple (17190 Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades) – One of the most peaceful and unique spots in the city, the site where the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple now sits was originally part of Inceville, Hollywood’s first modern movie studio created by producer Thomas Ince.

Fires ravaged the studio in the early 1920s and the land was subsequently sold several times. In 1927, a real estate developer began hydraulically grading a portion of the grounds in the hopes of building a new residential community there, but ran out of money and abandoned the project mid-excavation. A large basin was left behind and, thanks to the many underground springs in the area, it ended up filling with water, creating a lake.

The site was eventually purchased by an employee of 20th Century Fox Studios, who lived in a houseboat on the massive lake and began developing the property, adding several whimsical structures, including a mill house, a windmill, and a two-and-a-half ton, fifteen-foot working waterwheel that irrigated the land.

In the 1940s, the property was sold to an oil magnate who wound up donating it to Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship. He further landscaped the grounds, eventually turning it into an open-air shrine dedicated to all religions. Today, thousands of people each year stop by the Lake Shrine in order to meditate, pray, or simply just sit and appreciate its vast beauty.

The Self-Realization Lake Shrine Temple is easily one of L.A.’s most beautiful spaces and a not-to-be missed spot.

12. Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours – The Grim Cheaper and I recently embarked upon the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District Walking Tour and absolutely loved it. It was fabulous to stroll through Theatre Row and learn about the numerous historic movie and vaudeville palaces that line each side of it, but the real pièce de résistance was when we were shown the interior of both the Los Angeles Theatre and The Theatre at the Ace (formerly the United Artists Theatre).

The interiors of both of the properties are nothing short of stunning and the experience of seeing them in person was remarkable. (That’s the ceiling of The Theatre at the Ace pictured below.) Tour patrons are given incredible and intimate access to all areas of the theatres (we’re talking bathrooms, basement levels, and mezzanine spaces) and plowed with in-depth information every step of the way. Embarking upon a Los Angeles Conservancy Tour is a fantastic way to not only learn about the city’s architectural history, but to be granted access to extraordinary spaces that are typically not open to the public.

13. Ferndell Nature Center (2333 Fern Dell Drive, Los Feliz) – The last four places on my list can all be found inside of Griffith Park. Ferndell Nature Center, a little slice of Eden that lies tucked away at the southern edge of the park off of Los Feliz Boulevard, is one of my favorite places in the city. The idyllic, twenty-acre oasis consists of wandering pathways, a quarter-mile trail, sparkling streams, wooden bridges, and green as far as the eye can see.

The canopied glen, which has been around since 1914, is one of L.A.’s hidden gems. Many Angelinos don’t even know it exists. It’s the perfect spot to grab shade on a summer afternoon, take a leisurely walk, or to just sit and enjoy some quiet beauty. The Trails Café, which I featured on My Guide to L.A. – Coffee list, is located at Ferndell’s northern end.

14. Griffith Observatory (2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles) – The Griffith Observatory is one of L.A.’s most iconic buildings and a visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without seeing it. The Art Deco-style structure, which sits high stop Mount Hollywood, was designed by architect John C. Austin and engineer Russell W. Porter between 1933 and 1935. The site features a 300-seat state-of-the-art planetarium, a 2,700-square foot multimedia theatre, a Foucault pendulum, a Zeiss refracting telescope, an exhibit hall, and amazing panoramic views of Los Angeles. Don’t miss the bust of James Dean, which commemorates the filming of Rebel Without a Cause that took place on the premises in 1955, located on the western side of the property.

15. Old L.A. Zoo (4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Feliz) – One of SoCal’s most unique sites, the Old L.A. Zoo was originally built in 1912 and continued to operate until 1965, when a new, larger zoo was built in a different area of Griffith Park. As a nod to Los Angeles’ history and to facilitate better understanding of zoological science, the city left the space intact and visitors are allowed to wander through the enclosures, grottos, aviaries, habitats and cages. It is a fascinating, eerie and truly unique experience to view the aged structures up close. Anyone who enjoys visiting abandoned sites will fall in love with this place.

16. Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round (4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Feliz) – The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round was commissioned in 1926 by the Spreckels family, of Spreckels Sugar Company fame, and was originally installed at the Mission Beach Amusement Center in San Diego. It moved to its current home, southeast of the Old L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park, in 1937. The carousel, which is the only full-size Spillman Engineering Company carousel still currently in operation, features 68 handmade jumping horses with authentic horse hair tails and a custom-built Stinson 165 Military Band Organ. Though the charming site has been featured in countless movies and television shows, its main claim to fame is that it served as the inspiration for Disneyland. Walt Disney would often take his young daughters to the carousel on weekends and, while sitting on one of the nearby benches, dreamed about creating a park where both parents and children could participate in activities together. The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round remains a popular attraction all these years later and a picturesque nod to L.A.’s past.

Well, there you have it, folks – my complete guide to L.A.! I hope my fellow stalkers and non-stalkers alike enjoy some of these recommendations during visits to Los Angeles.

September 1, 2015
My Guide to L.A. – Play

I originally had more than twenty places featured on this list, but, to make it easier on myself, I decided to break up my Things To Do category into “Play” and “See.” Today, I’ll be covering Play, aka Los Angeles activities and attractions that I recommend. Enjoy!

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1. Disneyland (1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim) – OK, OK, so this one is not technically located in L.A., but because it is one of my favorite places in the entire world, let alone Southern California, I couldn’t not include it. In fact, if you have only one day to spend in So Cal, I would spend it here – that’s how much I love the park. Disneyland has deemed itself “The Happiest Place On Earth” and it truly is. Even when crowds are exorbitant, the heat is sweltering and the lines long, I challenge you not to be smiling! I would recommend booking a room nearby when you visit, so that you can take advantage of all of the day and night activities the park has to offer. I would also suggest arriving as soon as the place opens and staying ‘til closing. (Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney all have Starbucks outposts now, so if you get tired, you can always refuel!) Then leave yourself time to peruse the World of Disney at Downtown Disney on your way out – it’s the biggest Disney store on the West Coast. And don’t forget to get yourself a pair of mouse ears – I don’t care how old you are, ears are a must at DL!

2. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour (5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood) – Hands down, the best studio tour that L.A. has to offer. I love the place so much, in fact, that the Grim Cheaper and I almost got married there. I prefer this tour above all the others due to the fact that it is a lot more personalized, the backlot (especially the New York Street area) is remarkably realistic, the place is so chock full of history that you can almost feel it oozing out of every corner, and there is more walking/less tram driving which allows for better photographs and more up-close-and-personal views of the property. The guides at Paramount seem to be a lot less anal about what you can take photographs of, as well, and – bonus – I’ve seen multiple stars every single time I’ve been there. Reservations are highly recommended as tours tend to sell out quickly and far in advance. After your visit, grab lunch at the fabulous Lucy’s El Adobe Café, which is located right across the street at 5536 Melrose Avenue. (Big THANK YOU to Mike, from MovieShotsLA, for the photograph pictured below.)

3. WB Studio Tour Hollywood (3400 West Riverside Drive, Burbank) – This mention on the list comes with a caveat. I used to really enjoy the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and have been on it a good twenty times. But as the years have gone by, I’ve noticed that the experience has gotten a lot less personalized with much less of the backlot and soundstage interiors shown. The tour seems to be going the way of Universal Studios by getting more and more programmatic. This past July, Warner Bros. launched some changes to the tour, as well as a huge new exhibit, Stage 48: Script to Screen. I embarked upon it, with my mom and the GC, a couple of weeks ago and, sadly, it was downright awful. So much so that a family who happened to be in our group complained to a manager afterwards, saying the whole thing was a complete waste of time and money. And it was. On the tour, we saw virtually NONE of the backlot area (which is the best part of the studio!), only one soundstage that was pretty much empty due to the fact that the show filming there was on summer hiatus, the exterior of some soundstages, Stage 48, the Picture Car Museum and the Warner Bros. Museum. (I have never been a fan of the Picture Car Museum or the Warner Bros. Museum, and I did not particularly enjoy Stage 48, which had lines ten-people deep for each display.) The tour groups were also made much larger, which only added to the whole thing feeling less personalized than it used to.

So why is the tour on this list then, you ask? Well, I am hoping that, even though the experience has been deteriorating over the years, that our last visit was a fluke. One of my readers went on a tour just 15 minutes before I did that same day and had a fabulous time, got to see the interior of four soundstages and many areas of the backlot. So I am going to give Warner Bros. the benefit of the doubt and chalk my latest experience up to a bad tour guide. If my next visit is as bad, the WB will be removed from the list. In the meantime, I will say that when the tour is good, it is a BLAST, with viewings of the large backlot, the interior of soundstages, the vast prop house and other elements of the inner-workings of the movie business.

4. The Groundlings (7307 Melrose Avenue, Fairfax) – My pick for the best improv shows in L.A. I was a student at The Groundlings for about a year, so I might be biased, but the GC and I have attended several shows there and are always incredibly impressed with the level of talent and the hours of laughs provided. Performances are presented almost every night of the week and tickets run from $5 to $20. While both improvisation and sketch comedy shows are offered, I prefer improv. It is fascinating to watch an actor be given a random topic and create an entire on-their-feet performance out of it. They say laughter is the best medicine and you’ll find a lot of it here. Bonus – there are almost always stars in the audience, so keep your eyes peeled.

5. Olvera Street (845 North Alameda Street, downtown Los Angeles) – A bustling, colorful, open-air marketplace located on the site of the very spot where Los Angeles was originally founded on September 4th, 1781. The center features some of the oldest structures in L.A., tiny shops selling handmade goods, and fabulous restaurants at every turn. I challenge you to find better taquitos anywhere else in the world, including Mexico! Olvera Street is a great place to spend an afternoon – shopping for unique trinkets, gazing at historic structures and partaking of amazing Mexican food. The Pico House, a former luxury hotel built in 1869 that masked as CBI Headquarters on The Mentalist, is located right around the corner from Olvera Street at 430 North Main Street.

6. Blo-Out Lounge (62 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena) – Any girl who blow dries her hair straight on a daily basis will tell you what a pain it is. When I go on vacation, I don’t want to deal with that pain, nor the hassle of lugging my blow dryer, flat iron, shampoo, conditioner and hair products with me. (The struggle is real, y’all!) The solution to these hair woes is the Blo-Out Lounge in Pasadena. If I am going to be in L.A. for any length of time, I will book an appointment at the salon mid-trip and, with a little help from some dry shampoo, the styling will last me a good four to five days. Not to mention, I always come out of there looking fab. I had a membership at the Blo-Out Lounge for about two years when I lived in Pasadena and never received a bad blow out in all that time. There are similar salons dotted all over L.A., but the Blo-Out Lounge, in all of its white marble and pink-accented glory, is my favorite. My preferred blow out salon on the west side of town is BrushBar at 1326 Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica. Their prices are low and blow outs top notch, no matter which stylist you book. (I know a lot of women are fans of the Dry Bar, but I am not. I’ve never found the styling to be consistent – sometimes my hair looks great when I visit and sometimes it comes out just meh.)

7. Paradise Cove (28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu) – My favorite of L.A.’s many beaches. The beautiful, private shoreline now known as Paradise Cove was established in the early 1950s when a man named Joe Morris purchased two adjacent parcels of coastal Malibu land, complete with a private cove, a pier and a beach café. Initially a hangout for fisherman, the site eventually transformed into a beachside community where tourists, Angelinos and celebrities would gather. Joe wound up selling Paradise Cove in the ‘70s, a move his son Bob never recovered from, so, in 1988, Bob re-purchased the seaside restaurant and named it Bob Morris’ Paradise Cove Beach Café. He still owns it to this day. Besides serving up great food, the eatery also sells bottles of wine which can be taken outside to the back patio where patrons can enjoy it with their toes in the sand. Paradise Cove is a great spot to spend a day at the beach or to partake of an evening cocktail. Don’t let the $25 parking fee scare you off – the Beach Café validates.

8. Magic Castle (7001 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood) – This is a tough place to get into, but if you can, I highly recommend it. The Magic Castle is an exclusive private club/restaurant/performance venue housed inside of a gorgeous 1909 Chateauesque-style mansion. Those who are lucky enough to secure a reservation can look forward to a fabulous dinner in one of the Castle’s gorgeous dining rooms, countless amazing magic shows, and an insider’s view of the interior of the elaborate estate. The GC and I got to visit the Magic Castle a couple of years ago thanks to our friend Marie and the experience was nothing short of, ahem, magical. The fun starts immediately upon checking in as there are no apparent doors allowing access to the manor. Don’t worry, say the correct password to the owl statue that stands guard and he’ll let you in. Then, it’s cocktails in the Music Room where guests are treated to the sounds of Irma the Ghost who plays the piano bar-side (she even takes requests!). After a scrumptious dinner, patrons can view professional magic shows in one of the Castle’s three theatres or enjoy more cocktails (as well as impromptu magic shows) in one of the pad’s five bars. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this place! Reservations can be secured via charity auctions, by staying at the Magic Castle Hotel, or members (if you’re lucky enough to know one).

9. Dearly Departed Tours (6603 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood) – Hands down, L.A.’s best sightseeing tours. I met the founder, Scott Michaels, through my website many years ago and we came to be friends through our shared love of Hollywood and our desire to only report the truth when its comes to filming and pop culture locations. Scott is just as anal as I am when it comes to research and that is why his tours are the only ones that I trust. You can be guaranteed that the sites he showcases are the real deal, unlike so many of the other fly-by-night companies out there. Tours offered included The Tragical History Tour (which showcases death and scandal locations), the Helter Skelter Tour (which focuses on the Manson Family murders), the G-G-G-Ghost Tour (a walking nighttime ghost tour of Hollywood), the Hollywood Movie Tour (film and television locations), and the Horror Film Location Tour (scary movie locations). I embarked upon The Tragical History Tour a couple of years back and not only had a blast, but even learned of a few new locales! The Dearly Departed Tours Office and Curiosity Shoppe is also not to be missed. Filled with mementos of stars past, the place is a virtual museum of the “dearly departed” and I love browsing its many displays.

10. Catalina Island (1 Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon) – This spot is perfect for a day trip or an overnight getaway. Located 22 miles southwest of L.A., Santa Catalina Island is reached via boat (vessels depart from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point) or helicopter (flights leave from Long Beach and San Pedro). The tiny island is absolutely gorgeous, with sandy beaches, quaint shops and fabulous restaurants (Descanso Beach Club is a personal favorite – it even once masked as Cuba in an early episode of NCIS). Adding to the charm is the fact that the number of cars allowed on the island is vastly limited, so travel is achieved via golf cart. Avalon, Catalina’s main town, is so small, though, that visitors can walk practically everywhere. The isle’s gorgeous scenery and laid-back island lifestyle make it the perfect place to spend a day or a weekend while in town.

11. Swan Spa Foot Massage (921 South Baldwin Avenue, Suite F, Arcadia) – Though I consider myself an expert on L.A. and its environs, for years I was unaware of the magic of the San Gabriel Valley foot spas. Dotted around the area are dozens of places offering hour-long foot massages for $15-20. Before experiencing one, I was not sure what to expect being that the prices are so low. One massage, though, and I was hooked. It wasn’t long before I got my mom and dad hooked, as well. Patrons sit in large cushioned chairs in a room with about 5 to 10 other people (you can also pay more for private suites). I thought I would mind the shared space, but a few seconds in, I was so relaxed that I could have cared less. Feet are first placed into large buckets of warm water. While your tootsies are soaking, masseuses rub your shoulders, neck and head for about ten to fifteen minutes. Then it’s 45 minutes of pure heaven as they go to town on your feet, utilizing methods of reflexology and acupressure. It’s a sublime experience for a meager price. As I mentioned, there are foot spas located all over the San Gabriel Valley (most can be found on Valley Boulevard in between San Gabriel and Del Mar Boulevards), but my favorite is Swan Spa in Arcadia. (Photo below via Yelp.)

12. The Massage Place (625 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica) – Great massages at super-low rates. By avoiding a spa-like atmosphere, The Massage Place is able to offer fabulous rub-downs (varieties include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Thai, Sports, Acupressure, and Pregnancy) at insanely low prices – $37 for 30 minutes, $47 for 60 minutes, and $67 for 90 minutes. I can attest to the quality of the massages. I discovered The Massage Place years ago when I had a kink in my back and, thanks to it being so affordable, went back regularly. The company now boasts ten outposts all over L.A., but when I lived in the area I frequented the Montana Avenue store. The salon is extremely clean and very nice, but without any added frills. Bonus – I would frequently see celebrities there.

So there you have it folks, my recommendations for things to do in L.A. Now go forth and play!

August 31, 2015
My Guide to L.A. – Shopping

If there is one thing I love almost as much as stalking, it’s shopping – and shopping in Los Angeles is in a class all its own. When I first moved to SoCal in 2000, I found myself in retail heaven. The city boasts a myriad of cute shopping districts, fabulous marketplaces, and one-of-a-kind stores. Read on for a list of my picks of unique, only-in-L.A. shops and shopping centers where I prefer to lighten my wallet.

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1. Lula Mae (100 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena) – Lula Mae is one of my favorite places in the entire world! Besides offering the most unique and hilarious gifts you could ever imagine, the real charm of the shop is its owner, Marci. She is the absolute embodiment of Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) from You’ve Got Mail. In fact, I am convinced that Nora Ephron met Marci one day while writing the screenplay for the 1998 flick and then based the character off of her. When I lived in Pasadena, I frequented Lula Mae on a daily basis and Marci and I wound up becoming good friends (that’s us below). Since moving to the desert, I have asked her countless times to open a sister store in Palm Springs, but the truth is that it just wouldn’t be nearly as inviting or successful. What makes Lula “Lula” is Marci. Without her vivacious personality, huge smile that she greets every customer with, and hilarious antics, the shop would be so much less luminous.

I’m not alone in my love of the place. Lula Mae (which is NOT to be confused with the newly-opened rip-off shop in Venice that stole Lula’s name) has been awarded countless accolades over the years, including “Best Boutique in Pasadena,” “Top 5 Card Shops in L.A.,” a “Must-See” by The New York Times: 36 Hours, 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada and one of the “Top 25 Most-Gifted Retailers in the U.S.” by Gifts and Decorative Accessories magazine. LA Weekly dubbed the shop “Best One-Stop Shopping” in 2011 and had this to say, “You know that friend of yours who always upstages the $10 bottle of wine you pull out of your purse when she shows up at parties with the most adorable, clever little trinket wrapped perfectly in a colorful vintage gift bag? Well that smug b*tch probably has been shopping at Lula Mae for years now.” I’ve always loved that review because it perfectly encapsulates what Lula Mae is.

The shop is a truly unique, very special spot that I can guarantee is like nowhere else you will ever visit. Simply put, Lula Mae is my “happy place.” Because I now live in Palm Springs, I can no longer get my daily Lula (or Marci) dose, but thankfully Marci’s uproarious Instagram feed is a good replacement. Oh, and did I mention Lula gives customers a treat with every purchase and has two shop kitties? Best. Store. Ever. (Photos above and below via the Lula Mae website.)

2. Old Town Pasadena (Fair Oaks Avenue & Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena) – My favorite shopping center in all of L.A.! While I am a complete and total shopaholic, I am not one for being indoors and the Old Town Pasadena shopping district allows me to get my fix outside. Not only does the area boast countless shops (from well-known chains like Madewell, Zara, Banana Republic and J.Crew to unique boutiques, many of which I will chronicle in this post) and restaurants, but the architecture is gorgeous.

Old Town Pasadena is comprised of blocks and blocks of exposed brick facades, historic storefronts (many of which masked as 1930s Chicago in the movie The Sting), bustling courtyards, and tucked-away alleys.

There is honestly no better place to spend your hard-earned dough and enjoy the warm California sun at the same time.

3. The Soap Kitchen (25 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena) – This fragrant shop was founded by Dali Yu in 2003. All of the soaps, scrubs and candles sold on the premises are handmade in-house using all-natural ingredients, including essential oils and herbs. The Soap Kitchen is family-owned and operated and you will often see Dali’s mom, dad and brother (all of whom are incredibly friendly) working the cash register, as well as Dali’s adorably sweet dog, Shea Butter, lolling around the space. While the soaps sold are divine and surprisingly affordable, it is the lip balm that has me returning time and time again. Best. Lip balm. Ever. My mom is hooked on the stuff, too, and whenever I find myself in Pasadena, I drop by to stock up on our addiction. The Soap Kitchen is also one of my favorite spots to buy stocking stuffers, small gifts and hostess/housewarming presents.

4. Jenette Bras (18 East Holly Street, Pasadena) – My mom and I discovered Jenette Bras randomly while shopping in Old Town Pasadena one day. The upscale lingerie boutique personally custom-fits women to find the best bra for their body type. This is the spot to go to avoid “Mall Bra Syndrome,” which all of my fellow female stalkers have experienced. You know what I’m talking about – you go into a lingerie store and instead of fitting bras to specific bodies, the salespeople expect the bodies to fit their limited offerings of bras. For me, this shop was a game-changer. Though the store markets itself as being for large-busted ladies (they don’t stock sizes A through C), I was able to find a bra there and it is easily the best bra I have ever owned. When I first put it on in Jenette’s atelier-style fitting salon, I looked like I had immediately lost ten pounds. It has been one of my favorite places ever since (obviously!). Though pricey (almost all of the lingerie comes from Europe), as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. The bra I purchased from Jenette has lasted for more than three years now and is still in just as great of shape as the day I bought it.

And there’s a bonus! Jenette Bras, aka “The Other Container Store” , is owned by actress Jenette Goldstein, from Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Titanic fame! If you happen to catch her when she’s in and purchase a bra, she’ll happily pose for a photo with you. Jenette has two sister stores, as well – one in East Hollywood and one in Sawtelle – for those who don’t plan on visiting the Pasadena area.

5. Vroman’s Bookstore (695 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena) – My very favorite bookstore. I used to live practically right next door to Vroman’s and would visit daily, whenever I had writer’s block or needed some colorful inspiration. Vroman’s is the type of place where you can walk in and say, “I heard about this book, but I can’t remember the title or who wrote it, nor what it is even about.” And they will be able to figure out exactly what book it is you are seeking. Vroman’s has been family-owned and operated since it was founded in 1894 (no, that’s not a typo) and is a veritable Pasadena institution. The employees are so personable and customer-service-oriented that many still recognize me when I pop in despite the fact that I haven’t lived in the area for over two years. Not only is Vroman’s book inventory bar none, but the store has an abundant card selection and sells a plethora of cute gifts and home décor. I especially love visiting at Halloween, when the shelves are stocked with countless decorations. The shop also regularly hosts celebrity book signings – and it is a far, far better venue than the Barnes & Noble at The Grove – so be sure to check out their special events page when in town.

6. Rose Bowl Flea Market (1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena) – An absolutely HUGE flea market where shoppers can easily spend a full day. The bad news for travelers is that the Rose Bowl Flea Market is most famous for its fabulous furniture finds, which can be tricky to transport home. There are smaller goods to be found, though. The market features over 2,500 vendors selling everything from clothing to jewelry to succulent planters to artwork to parasols to antiques. Bonus – celebrities can almost always be spotted perusing the stands. The Rose Bowl Flea Market is only held on the second Sunday of each month, so plan accordingly. Tickets range from $8 to $10, depending on what time you arrive. The market is HOT no matter what time of year you visit, so bring sunscreen! For those who will not be in town on the second Sunday of the month, the Melrose Trading Post is held each and every Sunday and, though much smaller than the Rose Bowl Flea Market, is a good second choice. (Thanks to my friend Kim for the below photograph, which she took of me and her daughter, Katie, during a recent visit.)

7. Tujunga Village (Tujunga Avenue, between Moorpark Street and Woodbridge Street, Studio City) – An absolutely adorable little block of boutiques and restaurants located on a quiet street in Studio City. As I mentioned in My Guide to L.A. – Coffee post, when the GC and I lived in Los Angeles, one of our favorite weekend traditions was to grab a couple of lattes at Aroma Coffee and Tea and then peruse the shops nearby.

Some of my favorite area stores include Alisa Michelle (a handmade jewelry shop filled with unique necklaces, bracelets and charms), Trinkets and Treasures (an adorable gift shop that sells reasonably-priced treasures – this is one of my go-to stores for Christmas shopping), Swag Antiques (an upscale home décor and antiques store), and Village Gourmet Cheese & Wine (a gourmet cheese and wine store, market and deli). Bonus – the Smallest Park from Parks and Recreation is located right around the corner from Tujunga Village.

8. Naimie’s Beauty Center (12640 Riverside Drive, Valley Village) – The most amazing beauty supply store on the planet and a definite only-in-L.A. spot. Geared towards Hollywood hair and make-up artists, Naimie’s is easily the largest beauty supply I have ever been to. The shop is HUGE, with aisle upon aisle of colorful lipsticks, blushes and eye liners, every hair tool one could possibly imagine, nail polishes, make-up bags, and a plethora of brushes. The place literally has everything under the sun one could possibly need to get their beauty on. I first discovered it while looking for an old-school clay pot eyeliner like my mom used to wear (this was years before they became popular again). A make-up artist told me to head to Naimie’s and when I first walked in, I just about gasped at the size of the place. The store, of course, had the eyeliner I was looking for (as I said, they have everything) and I have been going back regularly every since. Naimie’s stocks well-known brands such as MAC and Stila, as well as others that are lesser-known, but just as fabulous. Anyone who enjoys make-up will quickly become obsessed with this shop. You can easily spend hours searching through all of the extraordinary cosmetic treasures. The sales people are also extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I can pretty much guarantee you won’t find anything like Naimie’s anywhere else in the world. And come Halloween, the store features a large selection of specialized make-up for creating any kind of costumed look you desire. Cinema Secrets Pro Cosmetics is also a great place to shop for Halloween make-up. (Photo via the Naimie’s Facebook page.)

9. The Last Bookstore (453 South Spring Street, downtown Los Angeles) – Easily the most unique book shop in Southern California, quite possibly the world. The Last Bookstore was founded by Josh Spencer in 2005. He chose the name ironically because, as he explained in a Southern California Public Radio interview, “I’ve always been into science fiction and post-apocalyptic things, so I always wondered what a cool ‘last bookstore’ would look like for some future civilization.” For me, the shop was love at first sight. The 16,000-square-foot store is nothing short of magical.

Housed in a historic former bank, the Art Nouveau-style space would be beautiful on its own, but Spencer wound up creating a whimsical world inside of it – one that looks more like a movie set or a scene from Alice in Wonderland come to life.

The store’s most famous/Instagramable décor element is its massive and striking labyrinth. Don’t go asking shop workers where it is located, though – you have to hunt it down yourself. There are no shortcuts at The Last Bookstore.

Besides being a gorgeous space in and of itself, The Last Bookstore is also California’s largest independent bookshop and houses an inventory of 250,000 new and used tomes, so you are pretty much guaranteed to find whatever you are looking for, literary-wise.

10. The Library Store (Los Angeles Public Library, 630 West 5th Street, downtown Los Angeles) – Housed in the gorgeous Los Angeles Public Library (pictured below), The Library Store features a large selection of L.A.-themed and literary-centric gifts, as well as whimsical specialty items. It is one of my favorite boutiques in the city and whenever I find myself staying in the downtown area, I head there to peruse the shelves. I usually end up staying at least an hour and never leave empty-handed. If you’re looking to buy Los Angeles-themed souvenirs for your friends back home that are not of the license-plate-with-their-name-on-it variety, this is the spot to do it. The shop reminds me a lot of Lula Mae – fabulously unique gifts, very reasonably priced and a whole lot of fun. All sales benefit the library, so shopping here is almost like doing a good deed! There is also a The Library Store on Wheels that travels around to various flea markets and events, so keep your eyes peeled for it while out and about.

11. Larry Edmunds BookShop (6644 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood) – THE place to shop for Hollywood (especially Old Hollywood) books and memorabilia. Larry Edmunds BookShop, which was originally founded in 1938, is a virtual treasure trove containing over 500,000 movie photographs, more than 6,000 film posters, and 20,000-plus motion picture and theatre books. I have found the most unique and specialized gifts for friends at this shop – old Carol Burnett headshots and stills for a friend who is a major fan of the actress, a vintage 1977 Star Wars postcard for my Star Wars-obsessed BFF, and a book on Warner Bros. Studio for a WB aficionado pal. As I’ve said before, if it has to do with Tinseltown and it’s not in here, maybe it doesn’t exist!

12. Larchmont Village (Larchmont Boulevard, between Rosewood Avenue and West 1st Street, Windsor Square) – A charming shopping district similar to Tujunga Village (#7 on this list), but on a march larger scale. The picturesque street features a myriad of coffee shops, clothing boutiques, restaurants, and gift stores. Larchmont Village is quaint and historic and a fabulous place to spend a leisurely afternoon. It is a very popular spots with celebrities, as well (I don’t think I’ve ever been there and not seen a star), so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. My favorite area store is Pickett Fences (214 North Larchmont Boulevard), which sells hilarious gifts, high-end clothing, unique cards, and fun trinkets. And don’t forget to stop by Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese (223 North Larchmont Boulevard), which, as I mentioned in My Guide to L.A. – Restaurants post, serves the best sandwiches in the entire world.

13. Whimsic Alley (5464 Wilshire Boulevard, Mid-Wilshire) – I only recently discovered this gem thanks to an Instagram photo that someone I follow posted. I was immediately intrigued by the interior of the shop, which looks more like a movie set than a store, and ran right out to see it in person. Whimsic Alley sells fantasy-themed items (many having to do with the Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and Doctor Who franchises) – a genre that I am not at all interested in. But that did not matter as I fell in love with the shop on sight. Created by Hollywood set designers, the place resembles an old English village with several charming storefronts, the interiors of which display themed specialty items, including wands, decorative writing instruments, costumes, and gifts. Adding to the fun is the fact that not only are the employees insanely friendly, but they allow customers to take as many photos of the interior as they want.

Whimsic Alley is easily one of the most unique shops I have ever visited and the detailing that can be found in virtually every nook and cranny is absolutely amazing.

The store also boasts a special events space named the Great Hall, which is reached via a re-creation of the TARDIS Police Box from Doctor Who (pictured below). As I said, I am not into Harry Potter or fantasy at all, but I can think of nothing cooler than hosting a wizard party at Whimsic Alley!

14. The Grove (100 The Grove Drive, Fairfax) – One of L.A.’s most popular and beautiful shopping venues. The 20-acre site, which sits adjacent to The Original Farmers Market (also featured in My Guide to L.A. – Restaurants posts), was the brainchild of developer Rick Caruso. Because of its connection to the historic market, Caruso designed the property with L.A.’s past in mind, adding nostalgic touches like a trolley and an Art Deco movie theatre with ushers who wear classic pillbox hats. The Grove’s most popular element is its huge central dancing fountain which is reminiscent of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. The picturesque center, which boasts a myriad of cafes, restaurants and shops, has become so iconic since it was established in 2002 that it actually welcomes more visitors each year than Disneyland!

15. Kitson (395 Santa Monica Place #120, Santa Monica) – This huge, two-story specialty shop features a myriad of L.A.-themed clothing, home décor, gifts, and novelty items. Fabulous non-L.A.-centric merchandise is sold, as well. Kitson is one of my favorite places to buy stocking stuffers and small gifts and whenever I am in Santa Monica, I invariably find myself popping in. I love perusing the hilarious books and cards and rarely walk of the place empty-handed. Kitson’s wares are so unique and amusing that the Grim Cheaper even enjoys browsing there. From pricey high-end items to more simple trinkets, if you are looking for chic L.A. souvenirs, (again not of the license-plate-with-your-name-on-it variety), Kitson is the place to go. The company now has several outposts all over L.A. and the U.S., but the Santa Monica store is my favorite.

16. Third Street Promenade (3rd Street, between Wilshire Boulevard and Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica) – The Third Street Promenade, which is situated steps from the beach, consists of three long blocks of retail stores, clothing boutiques, and restaurants. The site, which is closed to cars and is a walker’s paradise, begins at Wilshire Boulevard and culminates at the newly-remodeled Santa Monica Place, an upscale outdoor mall that boasts large department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, high-end shops such as Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., numerous eateries (Sonoma Wine Garden is my personal favorite – they have a great happy hour), and sweeping ocean views. The Promenade is a great place to walk, shop and enjoy SoCal’s fabulous year-round temperate weather.

17. Abbott Kinney Boulevard (Abbot Kinney Boulevard, between South Venice Boulevard and Westminster Avenue, Venice) – An incredibly colorful, eccentric street filled with a mix of upscale boutiques, affordable gift shops and kitschy emporiums. I love the unique ramshackle assortment of historic storefronts and varying architecture. The shopping district runs a good seven blocks and one can easily spend all afternoon wandering around. Not-to-miss stops include Heavenly Couture (super cute clothing, all of which is under $16!), Tumbleweed & Dandelion (fabulous home décor store), and Burro (fun gift and card shop).

18. Big Red Sun (560 Rose Avenue, Venice) – This unique home and garden store is situated inside of an adorable former private residence. The quaint bungalow was repurposed by landscape artist Selena Souders in 2008 and its interior is absolutely charming. To call Big Red Sun a gift shop, though, would be oversimplifying. In reality, it is a boutique, nursery and special events venue all rolled into one. The space, which can be rented out for private parties and weddings, is stocked with whimsical garden materials, specialty gifts, vintage furniture, and home décor items. It’s one-of-a-kind spot to shop with a gorgeous atmosphere.

There you have it, my picks for the best stores and marketplaces in L.A. Now go get your shopping on!

August 28, 2015
Starfleet Academy from “Star Trek”

Be sure to check out my latest post for L.A.mag.com about the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, aka Starfleet Academy from Star Trek. My articles typically get published in the late morning/early afternoon hours.

August 27, 2015