Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Posted By:
Susan Milam
Photo:
Susan Milam
Ballona Creek Bike Path
After the sun
comes up you’ll have to put up with regiments of bikers who fancy themselves
Lance Armstong yammering to one another as they ride, but before sunrise this
is a great place to enjoy the sound of surf and an ocean sunrise. You can also
spend a few minutes pondering why anyone would fish these waters since they are
filled with Styrofoam cups and condom wrappers and random detritus of beach
lovers too lazy to walk 50 feet to the trash canisters. Any weekend morning,
there will be at least half dozen hearty souls with their rolling wagons full
of food and bait standing on the rocks The UCLA boathouse is on the Marina del
Rey side of the bridge along with the California Yacht Club so you'll often see
rowers out in eight person boats or solitary scullers rowing to their inner
coxswains. Surprisingly graceful pelicans swoop down to grab fish. Cranes stand
close to shore on long, delicate legs. The Playa del Rey side has beach access
where you can watch the ocean tumble in or contemplate why early morning beach
dog walkers never curb their pets.
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Monday, October 27, 2008
Posted By:
Noah Albert
Photo:
Noah Albert
Village Green Owners' Association
Progressive idealism is alive and well in this 64 acre development from 1942. The Village Green, declared a National Historical Landmark in 2001, was designed by five architects including Reginald Johnson, Robert Alexander and Clarence Stein. It remains a functional example of housing based on the ideas of the "Garden City." The first thing evident in this subdivision is the separation between pedestrian space and automobile space. The interior of the development is devoted to a peaceful green with many, many now mature trees. The one and two story modern dwellings are cleanly integrated into the landscape. It's striking how quickly the city fades into the background. I also like how they have a special section tucked in next to the garages for clotheslines. In 1972, the 600 plus dwellings in this private development were converted from apartments to condos.
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Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Posted By:
Noah Albert
Photo:
Noah Albert
Ballona Creek Bike Path
This bike path is a great shortcut to the ocean. Approaching from the north, you can get to the start of the bike trail from Venice Boulevard or Redondo Boulevardd/Jefferson Boulevard. There are three types of bike routes in Los Angeles and Ballona Creek is the best type: Class 1, meaning no cars at all. It’s really super and makes riding easier and more relaxing. The north-most mile is lower-down in the creek-bed and at times somewhat industrial. The bike path quickly opens-up and is again is a great route to the Pacific. You can connect to the glorious ocean bike trail and make it a long trip. Near the coast you pass by what remains of the historic Ballona Wetlands, which is now in a 483 acre protected area. (98% of the coastal wetlands have been destroyed in Los Angeles County.) It’s a really fun ride. For other bike routes, look at this very helpful map. Be aware that the Class III bike paths-green on this map do not have a clearly marked bike lane so be aware of traffic.
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