Wine Focus — Grgich Hills Estate, Fume Blanc
Consistently reliable, and organically, biodynamically grown
by Debbie Chinn The Grgich Hills Estate winery is located on St. Helena Hwy in Rutherford, CA (about 383 miles from LA’s City Hall).Grgich Hills’ Fume Blanc
I always order with confidence when I see a Grgich Hills label but in particular, I have not gone wrong with a Fume Blanc.
It’s consistently reliable; easy and refreshing on the palate with aromas of citrus and melon. I don’t care for wines that are over-oaked which makes me partial to the delicacies of this Fume Blanc. I’ll drink this with grilled chicken or seafood (shellfish is a winner with this wine) or as my aperitif.
You can expect to pay about $30/bottle which, divided by five glasses per bottle, is an economical $6.00/glass. Grgich Hills can be found in most wine shops and supermarkets in California. You can also order from their website.
Grgich Hills advises that since this peaks within 2-3 years, it’s best to drink it while it’s still young. There’s no need to deep cellar this, but do serve it nicely chilled to get the flavors going.
Organic and biodynamic
Grgich Hills has been organically farming its vineyards since 2000 and all of its acres are certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers. In 2006, the winery converted to biodynamically farming its vineyards, making it the largest biodynamic grape grower in the US.What is biodynamic farming?
At its simplest terms, biodynamics is a holistic farming practice that treats the vineyard as a living organism and uses the earth’s natural cycles (phases of the moon and positions of the planets) and organic preparations to grow balanced, healthy vines.Visiting and Tasting
The Grgich Hills Estate winery tasting room can get crowded and uncomfortably congested since it is smack dab in the heart of Napa Valley.
A fun time to go is during harvest (late summer through late October) and they’ll let you stomp grapes for a nominal fee.
Their tasting fees are on the high side but you get to keep a commemorative glass. The glass is fun while you’re a newbie, but the more you go on these wine-tasting expeditions, the last thing you’re likely to want is another glass to take home.
You can always check your local wine shop to see if they’ll offer up a free tasting for you.
Grgich Hills Estate 1829 St. Helena Highway Rutherford, CA 94573 Phone: (800) 532-3057 Official website
If you’re interested in cooking you can find some recipes for dishes to pair with Fumé Blanc (and the other GHE wines) here on the GHE website.
To learn more about Biodynamic agriculture you can check out this Wikipedia article.]]>
Golf at Robinson Ranch
A public course with the markings of a private club
by Gary B. Hudson Everything about Robinson Ranch — from the friendly Khaki-dressed attendants who take your bag, assist your check-in, and escort you to the first hole, to the charm of the luxurious clubhouse — has the markings of a private club. But Robinson Ranch isn’t private. The public is welcome at this Santa Clarita course nestled at the base of the Angeles National Forest. In fact, this course, designed by and named for Ted Robinson Sr. and Jr. realized one of their dreams when they created this award-winning club-level course that is open to anyone. I’ve played this club’s two 18-hole championship courses, Valley and Mountain, so many times I’ve lost count. It is the resulting challenge of the two courses and their uncanny ability to always push and test my game that keeps me coming back. One particular challenge on the Robinson Ranch courses is keeping your ball away from protected habitat — the sage and chaparral — that lies beyond the edges of the fairways and greens on every hole. It can be frustrating to watch your straight ball hit the playing surface, then discover it has rolled down and away — and into the protected zone. Yes, you got it! A drop. I’ve taken many score-ruining drops by going only inches beyond this line. For this reason, it is crucial that you put your ball down the middle. The Mountain Course offers a different challenge. The edges of the fairways and greens on most holes slope away from the center. For this reason, even more so than Valley, you must keep your ball in the middle. Valley Course, from the Blues plays 6469 yards. Mountain Course plays 6172 yards from the Blues. On this particular outting to Robinson Ranch, my brother Milton and friend Joe joined me, with a fourth added to our group. We played the Valley Course. Overlooking the Santa Clarita Valley from the first tee, on a spot that was once part of a 400-acre cattle ranch, I often wonder what it took to transform the land into this golfer’s dream. But my focus quickly shifts back to the game at hand. The very first hole here presents a tough decision. Lay-up for fear of driving the ball past the fairway on a slight dogleg right, or let it go and hope no wind variance or slight bend of the wrist lands you in the verticle extended trap riding the right side? This time, to my delight, I found the middle of the fairway — but a bad second shot just right and off the green produced a bogey. [clearboth]
[clearboth]
I like hole #4, a long dogleg left par 5. From the blues it is 522 yards and if you strike the ball well on the drive and do the same on the fairway, you can reach the green in two. I’ve never done it but have come close.
After the 4th hole, Milton and Joe were starting to pull away from me. Frustrated, I put some blame on the speed of the A-4 bentgrass greens — some of the fastest in California. Putting the ball too far past the hole or not hard enough due to fear was turning into my theme. Brendon wasn’t doing much better. Joe, getting better with every round, was able to consistently keep his ball in the middle of the fairway, earning him three pars and one birdie by the time we reached the 6th. [clearboth]
The 7th hole, a par 3, is one of my favorites. The wide open green rests 180 yards below a hanging bluff. But there’s nothing but bush between you and the green so you have to hit it well. [clearboth]
From the tee on #9 you’re high enough to see the clubhouse and surrounding terrain steeped with poplar, sycamore and centuries-old oak trees.
[clearboth]
I was still trailing Milton and Joe by a few strokes at this time in our over-all bet, but Milton and I were tied on our front nine total-hole wager. I pulled my ball on the drive and had to take a drop. Milton hit his ball right down the middle, but hooked it on his second shot forcing him to take a drop.
At the 150-yard is a beautiful two-tier waterfall and a lake that is home to several birds — ducks, geese, egrets and herons, to name a few. Here, Milton hit and found the center of the green. My ball landed pin high, but off the green on the side of the hill. Milton made his putt and dropped it for a bogey.
I really didn’t have much of a chance to tie from the position I was in. But it all came together with a little luck and a chip with a 7-iron. We all watched my ball roll down the hill, across the green and stop so close to the hole that just a strong gust of wind would have blown it in.
We pushed on the back 9. [clearboth]
The 10th hole, back nine, is a straight shot down the middle. A slope 100 yards in front to the green will add another twenty five yards to the your distance with the run. [clearboth]
Hole #13 is the start of Death Row — holes 13-18, which are so-named because they are the six toughest finishing holes in Southern California.
[clearboth]
The 13th hole is a fun par 5. It runs 548 yards. At first glance appears benign as you stare toward a wide, open fairway with only a distant trap to the left and a wall of tall trees on the right to stop you. The ominous dilemma that awaits is a ravine 10 yards in front the green that will surely make you stop and think about your shot options. One has to feel really confident in club selection to make an attempt to get on in two. I always lay up.
If you can send your ball to the upper tier on #14, par three, you can watch your ball roll back down and come within a few feet of the hole. With dismay, I watched Joe’s ball do just that.
I conceded at this time that I was out of the victory running unless Milton and Joe completely fell apart.
The only thing I wanted to think about now was the Fish Tacos I planned to order at the Sycamore Bar & Grill. (The club’s culinary delights were voted freshest food made from scratch in Southern California by L.A. Times and the Santa Clarita Signal.)
The 15th is another spectacular hole with a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Every round, the undulating greens on #15 and #16 are a challenge for me.
[clearboth] 
Whether you’re hitting the ball well or poorly, the 18th hole finish is always a delight. So much can happen on this hole — and often does. Not only do you share the same waterfalls and lake as the 9th, but there is enough undulation on the fairway and an oak obstacle to keep you strategizing. Plus there is nothing like the feeling of chipping your last good shot toward the green with the possibility that on-lookers sipping martinis in the bar or banquet room could be watching.
Joe played well this week, earning his win.
Redemption is always a week away.
[clearboth] [hr]
About
Robinson Ranch Golf Club 27734 Sand Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91387 661-252-8484 RobinsonRanchGolf.com Green fees: Mon-Thurs: $87 or $59 twilight Fri-Sun & holidays: $117 or $69 twilight [hr]Robinson Ranch Golf Club hosts several professional, amateur and corporate tournaments throughout the year. The club also generously donates the facilities to Colleges and High Schools for practice and tournaments. And, if you’re looking to throw a party, Dorie Baker, the Event Catering Manager, will provide you with everything you need to get your birthday, anniversary, holiday, charity or wedding event off the ground.[hr] View Larger Map
#LAAL
]]>Golf at Robinson Ranch
A public course with the markings of a private club
by Gary B. Hudson Everything about Robinson Ranch — from the friendly Khaki-dressed attendants who take your bag, assist your check-in, and escort you to the first hole, to the charm of the luxurious clubhouse — has the markings of a private club. But Robinson Ranch isn’t private. The public is welcome at this Santa Clarita course nestled at the base of the Angeles National Forest. In fact, this course, designed by and named for Ted Robinson Sr. and Jr. realized one of their dreams when they created this award-winning club-level course that is open to anyone. I’ve played this club’s two 18-hole championship courses, Valley and Mountain, so many times I’ve lost count. It is the resulting challenge of the two courses and their uncanny ability to always push and test my game that keeps me coming back. One particular challenge on the Robinson Ranch courses is keeping your ball away from protected habitat — the sage and chaparral — that lies beyond the edges of the fairways and greens on every hole. It can be frustrating to watch your straight ball hit the playing surface, then discover it has rolled down and away — and into the protected zone. Yes, you got it! A drop. I’ve taken many score-ruining drops by going only inches beyond this line. For this reason, it is crucial that you put your ball down the middle. The Mountain Course offers a different challenge. The edges of the fairways and greens on most holes slope away from the center. For this reason, even more so than Valley, you must keep your ball in the middle. Valley Course, from the Blues plays 6469 yards. Mountain Course plays 6172 yards from the Blues. On this particular outting to Robinson Ranch, my brother Milton and friend Joe joined me, with a fourth added to our group. We played the Valley Course. Overlooking the Santa Clarita Valley from the first tee, on a spot that was once part of a 400-acre cattle ranch, I often wonder what it took to transform the land into this golfer’s dream. But my focus quickly shifts back to the game at hand. The very first hole here presents a tough decision. Lay-up for fear of driving the ball past the fairway on a slight dogleg right, or let it go and hope no wind variance or slight bend of the wrist lands you in the verticle extended trap riding the right side? This time, to my delight, I found the middle of the fairway — but a bad second shot just right and off the green produced a bogey. [clearboth]
[clearboth]
I like hole #4, a long dogleg left par 5. From the blues it is 522 yards and if you strike the ball well on the drive and do the same on the fairway, you can reach the green in two. I’ve never done it but have come close.
After the 4th hole, Milton and Joe were starting to pull away from me. Frustrated, I put some blame on the speed of the A-4 bentgrass greens — some of the fastest in California. Putting the ball too far past the hole or not hard enough due to fear was turning into my theme. Brendon wasn’t doing much better. Joe, getting better with every round, was able to consistently keep his ball in the middle of the fairway, earning him three pars and one birdie by the time we reached the 6th. [clearboth]
The 7th hole, a par 3, is one of my favorites. The wide open green rests 180 yards below a hanging bluff. But there’s nothing but bush between you and the green so you have to hit it well. [clearboth]
From the tee on #9 you’re high enough to see the clubhouse and surrounding terrain steeped with poplar, sycamore and centuries-old oak trees.
[clearboth]
I was still trailing Milton and Joe by a few strokes at this time in our over-all bet, but Milton and I were tied on our front nine total-hole wager. I pulled my ball on the drive and had to take a drop. Milton hit his ball right down the middle, but hooked it on his second shot forcing him to take a drop.
At the 150-yard is a beautiful two-tier waterfall and a lake that is home to several birds — ducks, geese, egrets and herons, to name a few. Here, Milton hit and found the center of the green. My ball landed pin high, but off the green on the side of the hill. Milton made his putt and dropped it for a bogey.
I really didn’t have much of a chance to tie from the position I was in. But it all came together with a little luck and a chip with a 7-iron. We all watched my ball roll down the hill, across the green and stop so close to the hole that just a strong gust of wind would have blown it in.
We pushed on the back 9. [clearboth]
The 10th hole, back nine, is a straight shot down the middle. A slope 100 yards in front to the green will add another twenty five yards to the your distance with the run. [clearboth]
Hole #13 is the start of Death Row — holes 13-18, which are so-named because they are the six toughest finishing holes in Southern California.
[clearboth]
The 13th hole is a fun par 5. It runs 548 yards. At first glance appears benign as you stare toward a wide, open fairway with only a distant trap to the left and a wall of tall trees on the right to stop you. The ominous dilemma that awaits is a ravine 10 yards in front the green that will surely make you stop and think about your shot options. One has to feel really confident in club selection to make an attempt to get on in two. I always lay up.
If you can send your ball to the upper tier on #14, par three, you can watch your ball roll back down and come within a few feet of the hole. With dismay, I watched Joe’s ball do just that.
I conceded at this time that I was out of the victory running unless Milton and Joe completely fell apart.
The only thing I wanted to think about now was the Fish Tacos I planned to order at the Sycamore Bar & Grill. (The club’s culinary delights were voted freshest food made from scratch in Southern California by L.A. Times and the Santa Clarita Signal.)
The 15th is another spectacular hole with a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Every round, the undulating greens on #15 and #16 are a challenge for me.
[clearboth] Whether you’re hitting the ball well or poorly, the 18th hole finish is always a delight. So much can happen on this hole — and often does. Not only do you share the same waterfalls and lake as the 9th, but there is enough undulation on the fairway and an oak obstacle to keep you strategizing. Plus there is nothing like the feeling of chipping your last good shot toward the green with the possibility that on-lookers sipping martinis in the bar or banquet room could be watching.
Joe played well this week, earning his win.
Redemption is always a week away.
[clearboth] [hr]
About
Robinson Ranch Golf Club 27734 Sand Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91387 661-252-8484 RobinsonRanchGolf.com Green fees: Mon-Thurs: $87 or $59 twilight Fri-Sun & holidays: $117 or $69 twilight [hr]Robinson Ranch Golf Club hosts several professional, amateur and corporate tournaments throughout the year. The club also generously donates the facilities to Colleges and High Schools for practice and tournaments. And, if you’re looking to throw a party, Dorie Baker, the Event Catering Manager, will provide you with everything you need to get your birthday, anniversary, holiday, charity or wedding event off the ground.[hr] View Larger Map
#LAAL
]]>Great Golf, Scenery, and Luxury — at Pelican Hill on the Newport Coast
About an hour’s drive south of downtown LA lies the Newport Coast…
by Gary B. Hudson One visit to the Pelican Hill Resort’s website and I was enticed to check it out. Could those spectacular photos and the two ocean-view golf courses live up to the experience it suggested? I made arrangements for my visit and looked forward to it. My brother Milton, one of my four weekly golf partners, accompanied me for the game. My sister in-law Stacy and our friend Sarita joined us because the beaconing resort proved irresistible. [clearboth]
[clearboth]
Great Golf, Scenery, and Luxury — at Pelican Hill on the Newport Coast
About an hour’s drive south of downtown LA lies the Newport Coast…
by Gary B. Hudson One visit to the Pelican Hill Resort’s website and I was enticed to check it out. Could those spectacular photos and the two ocean-view golf courses live up to the experience it suggested? I made arrangements for my visit and looked forward to it. My brother Milton, one of my four weekly golf partners, accompanied me for the game. My sister in-law Stacy and our friend Sarita joined us because the beaconing resort proved irresistible. [clearboth] [clearboth]
Great Golf, Scenery, and Luxury — at Pelican Hill on the Newport Coast
About an hour’s drive south of downtown LA lies the Newport Coast…
by Gary B. Hudson One visit to the Pelican Hill Resort’s website and I was enticed to check it out. Could those spectacular photos and the two ocean-view golf courses live up to the experience it suggested? I made arrangements for my visit and looked forward to it. My brother Milton, one of my four weekly golf partners, accompanied me for the game. My sister in-law Stacy and our friend Sarita joined us because the beaconing resort proved irresistible. [clearboth] [clearboth]
Great Golf, Scenery, and Luxury — at Pelican Hill on the Newport Coast
About an hour’s drive south of downtown LA lies the Newport Coast…
by Gary B. Hudson One visit to the Pelican Hill Resort’s website and I was enticed to check it out. Could those spectacular photos and the two ocean-view golf courses live up to the experience it suggested? I made arrangements for my visit and looked forward to it. My brother Milton, one of my four weekly golf partners, accompanied me for the game. My sister in-law Stacy and our friend Sarita joined us because the beaconing resort proved irresistible. [clearboth] [clearboth]
Transportation Resource Guide for the greater Los Angeles area by staff It’s no secret that it’s tough to figure out public transportation in the Los Angeles area. Likewise, the roads can be confusing. This is a large area to navigate. We’ve created this page to you get you to resourses that can help. It’s not complete so forgive us. We just wanted to get it up here in case it can help you already.
Roads ~ Trains & Busses ~ Airports & Airlines ~ Car Rentals ~ Car Ownership
Roads
[caption id="attachment_863" align="aligncenter" width="730"]
Note: This map is a screen shot of Google Maps and is here temporily to guide us in covering the roads for you.[/caption]
General Road info
Caltrans home page — http://www.dot.ca.gov http://www.CommuteSmart.info — “CommuteSmart.info—a free service that makes it easy for Southern Californians to share the ride.” Caltrans Road Closings — http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi They call it “Current Highway Conditions.” You enter the route number and they give you a short road closings report on this same page. This covers all of California. Another URL you might try is http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/plannedwork.htm. Again, it’s for all of CA. Rest Areas — http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/Statewide.htmTraffic Reports
- iPhone app
- TV
- http://www.go511.com/traffic/default.aspx
- Caltrans Live Streaming Traffic Cameras — http://video.dot.ca.gov/This covers all of California. However, it requires the RealPlayer plug-in. Clicking the link gives you a download that you then need to double-click. There are easier ways to see the traffic.
Info by Roadway
U.S. Route 101
Also called: the 101 Freeway, the 101, the Hollywood Freeway, or the Ventura Freeway Part of Caltrans Names can be confusing. The 101 is the overall freeway. The Ventura Freeway is a part of this freeway from from Ventura to Pasadena, but except for that section, the names 101 and Ventura Freeway are not interchangable.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_101_in_California — This article provides a history and description of the 101. Most helpfully, it lists the exit numbers and names as well as its postmile*.
Ventura Freeway or California 134
Part of Caltrans- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_134 — description and exit list
Interstate 5
Also called: the 5, I-5, Golden State Freeway or Golden State, or the Santa Ana Freeway Part of Caltrans The 5 is a main road to Disneyland. Driving south from Los Angeles, you first pass Knotts Berry Farm and then come into the Disneyland traffic, so this can be quite a trafficky drive. Be sure to allow for that. While the 5 officially has Rest Areas, there really aren’t any in the Los Angeles area. There are a couple in the Grapevine area, at Buttonwillow and Tejon Pass, and there is one just north of the San Diego area, at Aliso Creek. You can see the list at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_5_(California) — Provides a history and description. Most helpfully, it lists the exit numbers and names as well as its postmile*
Interstate 405
Also called: the San Diego Freeway Part of Caltrans- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_405_(California) — Provides a history and description. Most helpfully, it lists the exit numbers and names as well as its postmile.*
Interstate 10
Also called: The Christopher Columbus Continental Highway (per a sign that was on the 10 around Santa Monica in the 90s and early ’10s) renamed the Rosa Parks Freeway in 2002. Part of Caltrans The 10 begins in Santa Monica, not far from the famous pier and runs clear across the state, into Arizona, and clear across the country to Jacksonville, Florida. It’s not a straight line though, taking many a dip and turn.Interstate 605 or I-605
Really called: the 605 Also called: San Gabriel River Freeway Part of Caltrans710 — Pasadena Freeway or Arroyo Seco Parkway
Also called: the 710 Part of CaltransInterstate 110 and State Route 110
Really called: the 110California State Route 91
Really called: The 91 Freeway or just the 91 Part of Caltrans- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_91 — description, history, express lanes, and exit numbers.
Trains & Busses
Within Los Angeles we have the Metro. To travel to or from other parts of the state or U.S. we have Amtrak (1-800-USA-RAIL) and Amtrak California as well as Greyhound Lines, Inc. (1-800-229-9424) The Metro system in Los Angeles is very frustrating to those of us used to an efficient system. In NYC, you arrive at a bus stop and have a clearly marked strip map that shows the route and where you can grab another bus/train. The maps also tell you the frequency of the busses. In LA, I arrive at bus stops and can’t even find a clue as to whether the bus is running at the time I am there, let alone where it goes and where it stops. The Metro trip planner and the pocket maps are fairly critical to have until you know your route. Happily, when I have taken the bus, I have found the drivers friendly and helpful. Passengers too, unless it’s rush hour and too crowded. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority — Metro.net/around. For now, at least, this is the main page for all info on getting around LA by their public transportaion. Unfortunately, this site moves things around so often that links are rarely reliable. You may need to start anew with Metro.net each time you want to look something up. For now, at least, you can start to plan your trip here: http://socaltransport.org/tm_pub_start.php Within LA, one of the best services is DASH. If you’re lucky enough to live or be staying near a DASH stop, we recommend it.- The City of West Hollywood has CityLine/DayLine, an inexpensive (free or 25¢) bus that runs within the city of West Hollywood and a bit outside. It runs Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you can’t get to their website you can phone (323) 848-6375. [Aug 2010]
- Culver City has a great bus system with 7 lines. You can learn about it at http://www.culvercity.org/Government/Transportation/bus.aspx
- Santa Monica has the Big Blue Bus. You can learna about it at BigBlueBus.com.
Airports & Airlines
[column-group][column]
[/column][column]Airports in the LA area
There are several LA area airports, each with a website or site section to help you:
- LAX — Los Angeles
- Ontario
- Van Nuys
- Palmdale
- Burbank’s Bob Hope airport — (BUR)
- Long Beach airport — (LGB)
- Orange County’s John Wayne airport — (SNA)
- Torrance airport (This is a small craft airport only.)[/column][/column-group]
[clearboth] Getting to and from LAX Airport
Of course, any guide to LA will tell you about the shuttles and cabs you can take to or from LAX (our airport). But what about public transport? Well that’s a good one. Forget asking Traveller’s Aid at the airport; they have no clue. (I’ve tried several times over the years. Last time I tried was October 2003.) And there’s little info and zero links at the LAX website. The train line to LAX actually stops before the airport. It’s Metro Rail Green Line and the stop is Aviation Station. From there you take the free shuttle service to and from LAX. The Green Line LAX Extension is still pending.Busses
For some years now, there have been FlyAway Buses to LAX, which actually take you right to the airport, dropping you off on the Upper/Departures Level of each LAX terminal or pick you up for your trip home from the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal. There are clearly marked green signs that say: FlyAway, Buses and Long Distance Vans. There are busses from:- Irvine (which is Orange County)
- Downtown LA’s Union Station
- Van Nuys (in the San Fernando Valley)
- Westwood (West Los Angeles, the UCLA area)
Car Rentals
Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car, luxury and exotic vehicles for the unique driving experience in LA.
Of course, Los Angeles has the usual national car rental brands, but if you’re looking for the “Beverly Hills” or “LA” driving experience — that fancy car that makes heads turn — that Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Royce, or such — and keeps an ear-to-ear grin on your face as you (hopefully) fly over an open stretch of road, it’s Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car that you seek. Of course, they have cars such as the Honda Accord, Lexus, and Mercedes as well. We haven’t actually driven their rentals, but we’ve met the principals and have been impressed.Car Ownership
DriverSide.com This free site seems handy. When you regisiter your car, the site creates a tab for you called YourName’s Garage. Based on your milage and how many miles you drive annually, it lists your Service Reminders. It’s nice to know my new car won’t need tires or brakes for years. A tab called Service & Repair tells me when my next service should take place, and what Actions — Inspect/Adjust/Change, I’ll need. (For my new Nissan it says: “Replace engine oil and filter” and “Rotate Tires.”) There’s a tab with sales advice, but my car is too new. The Parts & Accessories tab helps you find product for your car. I typed in “organizer” to find one for my hatch; I wish Nissan provided hooks. It found a Seat Back Table Tray that’s great if you have kids in the back seats, but didn’t find a hatch organizer. Oh well. I like the Diagnose Your Car’s Problem feature: looks like, sounds like… What is most promising about this site are the reviews of others that report it alerted them to recalls.]]>Transportation Resource Guide for the greater Los Angeles area by staff It’s no secret that it’s tough to figure out public transportation in the Los Angeles area. Likewise, the roads can be confusing. This is a large area to navigate. We’ve created this page to you get you to resourses that can help. It’s not complete so forgive us. We just wanted to get it up here in case it can help you already.
Roads ~ Trains & Busses ~ Airports & Airlines ~ Car Rentals ~ Car Ownership
Roads
[caption id="attachment_863" align="aligncenter" width="730"] Note: This map is a screen shot of Google Maps and is here temporily to guide us in covering the roads for you.[/caption]
General Road info
Caltrans home page — http://www.dot.ca.gov http://www.CommuteSmart.info — “CommuteSmart.info—a free service that makes it easy for Southern Californians to share the ride.” Caltrans Road Closings — http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi They call it “Current Highway Conditions.” You enter the route number and they give you a short road closings report on this same page. This covers all of California. Another URL you might try is http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/plannedwork.htm. Again, it’s for all of CA. Rest Areas — http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/Statewide.htmTraffic Reports
- iPhone app
- TV
- http://www.go511.com/traffic/default.aspx
- Caltrans Live Streaming Traffic Cameras — http://video.dot.ca.gov/This covers all of California. However, it requires the RealPlayer plug-in. Clicking the link gives you a download that you then need to double-click. There are easier ways to see the traffic.
Info by Roadway
U.S. Route 101
Also called: the 101 Freeway, the 101, the Hollywood Freeway, or the Ventura Freeway Part of Caltrans Names can be confusing. The 101 is the overall freeway. The Ventura Freeway is a part of this freeway from from Ventura to Pasadena, but except for that section, the names 101 and Ventura Freeway are not interchangable.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_101_in_California — This article provides a history and description of the 101. Most helpfully, it lists the exit numbers and names as well as its postmile*.
Ventura Freeway or California 134
Part of Caltrans- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_134 — description and exit list
Interstate 5
Also called: the 5, I-5, Golden State Freeway or Golden State, or the Santa Ana Freeway Part of Caltrans The 5 is a main road to Disneyland. Driving south from Los Angeles, you first pass Knotts Berry Farm and then come into the Disneyland traffic, so this can be quite a trafficky drive. Be sure to allow for that. While the 5 officially has Rest Areas, there really aren’t any in the Los Angeles area. There are a couple in the Grapevine area, at Buttonwillow and Tejon Pass, and there is one just north of the San Diego area, at Aliso Creek. You can see the list at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_5_(California) — Provides a history and description. Most helpfully, it lists the exit numbers and names as well as its postmile*
Interstate 405
Also called: the San Diego Freeway Part of Caltrans- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_405_(California) — Provides a history and description. Most helpfully, it lists the exit numbers and names as well as its postmile.*
Interstate 10
Also called: The Christopher Columbus Continental Highway (per a sign that was on the 10 around Santa Monica in the 90s and early ’10s) renamed the Rosa Parks Freeway in 2002. Part of Caltrans The 10 begins in Santa Monica, not far from the famous pier and runs clear across the state, into Arizona, and clear across the country to Jacksonville, Florida. It’s not a straight line though, taking many a dip and turn.Interstate 605 or I-605
Really called: the 605 Also called: San Gabriel River Freeway Part of Caltrans710 — Pasadena Freeway or Arroyo Seco Parkway
Also called: the 710 Part of CaltransInterstate 110 and State Route 110
Really called: the 110California State Route 91
Really called: The 91 Freeway or just the 91 Part of Caltrans- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_91 — description, history, express lanes, and exit numbers.
Trains & Busses
Within Los Angeles we have the Metro. To travel to or from other parts of the state or U.S. we have Amtrak (1-800-USA-RAIL) and Amtrak California as well as Greyhound Lines, Inc. (1-800-229-9424) The Metro system in Los Angeles is very frustrating to those of us used to an efficient system. In NYC, you arrive at a bus stop and have a clearly marked strip map that shows the route and where you can grab another bus/train. The maps also tell you the frequency of the busses. In LA, I arrive at bus stops and can’t even find a clue as to whether the bus is running at the time I am there, let alone where it goes and where it stops. The Metro trip planner and the pocket maps are fairly critical to have until you know your route. Happily, when I have taken the bus, I have found the drivers friendly and helpful. Passengers too, unless it’s rush hour and too crowded. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority — Metro.net/around. For now, at least, this is the main page for all info on getting around LA by their public transportaion. Unfortunately, this site moves things around so often that links are rarely reliable. You may need to start anew with Metro.net each time you want to look something up. For now, at least, you can start to plan your trip here: http://socaltransport.org/tm_pub_start.php Within LA, one of the best services is DASH. If you’re lucky enough to live or be staying near a DASH stop, we recommend it.- The City of West Hollywood has CityLine/DayLine, an inexpensive (free or 25¢) bus that runs within the city of West Hollywood and a bit outside. It runs Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you can’t get to their website you can phone (323) 848-6375. [Aug 2010]
- Culver City has a great bus system with 7 lines. You can learn about it at http://www.culvercity.org/Government/Transportation/bus.aspx
- Santa Monica has the Big Blue Bus. You can learna about it at BigBlueBus.com.
Airports & Airlines
[column-group][column][/column][column]Airports in the LA area
There are several LA area airports, each with a website or site section to help you:
- LAX — Los Angeles
- Ontario
- Van Nuys
- Palmdale
- Burbank’s Bob Hope airport — (BUR)
- Long Beach airport — (LGB)
- Orange County’s John Wayne airport — (SNA)
- Torrance airport (This is a small craft airport only.)[/column][/column-group]
[clearboth] Getting to and from LAX Airport
Of course, any guide to LA will tell you about the shuttles and cabs you can take to or from LAX (our airport). But what about public transport? Well that’s a good one. Forget asking Traveller’s Aid at the airport; they have no clue. (I’ve tried several times over the years. Last time I tried was October 2003.) And there’s little info and zero links at the LAX website. The train line to LAX actually stops before the airport. It’s Metro Rail Green Line and the stop is Aviation Station. From there you take the free shuttle service to and from LAX. The Green Line LAX Extension is still pending.Busses
For some years now, there have been FlyAway Buses to LAX, which actually take you right to the airport, dropping you off on the Upper/Departures Level of each LAX terminal or pick you up for your trip home from the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal. There are clearly marked green signs that say: FlyAway, Buses and Long Distance Vans. There are busses from:- Irvine (which is Orange County)
- Downtown LA’s Union Station
- Van Nuys (in the San Fernando Valley)
- Westwood (West Los Angeles, the UCLA area)
Car Rentals
Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car, luxury and exotic vehicles for the unique driving experience in LA.
Of course, Los Angeles has the usual national car rental brands, but if you’re looking for the “Beverly Hills” or “LA” driving experience — that fancy car that makes heads turn — that Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Royce, or such — and keeps an ear-to-ear grin on your face as you (hopefully) fly over an open stretch of road, it’s Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car that you seek. Of course, they have cars such as the Honda Accord, Lexus, and Mercedes as well. We haven’t actually driven their rentals, but we’ve met the principals and have been impressed.Car Ownership
DriverSide.com This free site seems handy. When you regisiter your car, the site creates a tab for you called YourName’s Garage. Based on your milage and how many miles you drive annually, it lists your Service Reminders. It’s nice to know my new car won’t need tires or brakes for years. A tab called Service & Repair tells me when my next service should take place, and what Actions — Inspect/Adjust/Change, I’ll need. (For my new Nissan it says: “Replace engine oil and filter” and “Rotate Tires.”) There’s a tab with sales advice, but my car is too new. The Parts & Accessories tab helps you find product for your car. I typed in “organizer” to find one for my hatch; I wish Nissan provided hooks. It found a Seat Back Table Tray that’s great if you have kids in the back seats, but didn’t find a hatch organizer. Oh well. I like the Diagnose Your Car’s Problem feature: looks like, sounds like… What is most promising about this site are the reviews of others that report it alerted them to recalls.]]>LA Galaxy Soccer! LA Galaxy vs NY Redbulls at The Home Depot Center – Carson, CA 5/7/11 Photos and Captions by Rudy Sanchez In the second home match of the 2011 Soccer season, the LA Galaxy Soccer team met the NY Redbulls. The game featured Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez, Landon Donovan and David Beckham — four of soccer’s greats. Goals by Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) and Thierry Henry (Redbulls). The challenge ended in a 1-1 tie.
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