Griffith Park Festival of Lights Goes "Green"

Thanks to the heads up from L.A. Observed today regarding the annual DWP sponsored Holiday Light Festival (cutesy designs + Xmas music and traffic jam) through the park is vehicle free December 4 - 17. Bikers are welcome this Thursday Dec. 3 from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m., which is great news. I rode my bike along with the cars one year and it was truly unpleasant. Check the website for parking info.

Photo is from December 2008: Snow on Mt. Wilson. Saw some this weekend dusting Mt. Baldy.

Silver Lake Library: An ultra-modern library for the 'hood

The original one-room Silver Lake Library:

Modernist lines and glass sliding doors at the entrance:

Solar panels:

The book sorting machine

The Friends of the Silver Lake Library hosted a well-attended Open House today. More than 30 people were waiting before the door opened at 10 a.m. I thought it was to see the new library; I think they were lined up for the generous spread of treats and free Starbucks coffee. Lots to check out. A small display of historic photos (hence my pic of the original library--the neighborhood has definitely changed!), a bright corner for reading, free Wi-Fi, all new books and computers, a comfortable area for kids, books and audio books for teens, a shelf devoted to local authors like Janet Fitch, automated check out and return (a little ridiculous I'd say) and everything nice and clean.

Many upcoming events including a new book club (first meeting Wed. Dec 2 at 6:30 p.m.), a talk by columnist and humorist Joel Stein (Sat. Dec 12 at 2 p.m.) and on January 22 a fundraiser at Silver Lake Wine.

Library hours may change due to budget issues.

Silver Lake Library

2411 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 - (323) 913-7451

Mon. 10-8, Tue. Noon-8, Wed. 10-8, Thu. Noon-8, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. Closed

Halloween special: Haunted Silver Lake

My neighborhood takes Halloween very seriously. Lots of artists and art directors make the 'hood feel really creepy. Beware!

Downtown L.A.: Nickel diner on Food Network

I'm a new but enthusiastic fan of the Nickel Diner in Downtown LA: I've been there three times this month, first to taste the house-made, maple syrup and bacon-topped donut (above) and now I'm a fan of the breakfast choices like the huevos rancheros and egg scrambles accompanied by baked polenta. Lots of prep and fresh ingredients goes into these dishes. The restaurant closed for a day a couple months back so Guy Fieri of the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives could capture the secrets to the above donut and fried catfish with brussels sprout hash. Watch the show and you'll be on your way downtown in flash--just don't go on Mondays as the restaurant is closed. Bring change for the parking meters--street parking is now $3/hour.

Silver Lake: Canada Geese make an appearance.

Earlier this week, more than five dozen, plump honking Canada Geese* made a migratory pit-stop on the cement shores of the Silver Lake Reservoir. They prefer to graze on fields and lawns and have made themselves at home --this week anyway--on the northwest corner of non-bird ball-topped reservoir.

*Thanks to the reader who corrected the name. Seem to have flown off to warmer climes in any case.

The Scenesters: Fun poster art

I interviewed the creative team behind this film who are part of The Vactioneers comedy troupe known for "The Googling" (Google it to find their youtube clips). Most of the independently made film was shot in and around Silver Lake/Los Feliz. More info @ TheScenstermovie.com. Movie plays Sunday @ The Arc Light. Hope it comes to the Vista too!

Silver Lake: John Marshall High School's new football field

After 78 years John Marshall High School gets a regulation-sized football field today complete with electronic scoreboard, a Mission-style pergola entrance, newish stands (looks like they just moved and rehabbed the old ones) and poles for lights (but no lights). Surrounding the astro-turf field will be one those nice cushy running tracks; for the dedication and homecoming game tonight it's asphalt. Go Barristers! Tour with Councilmember Tom LaBonge @ 4p.m. Dedication at 5 p.m. Varsity football game (no lights!) is at 6 p.m.

*Updated: Football Hall of Famer Mike Haynes (center) was on hand along with council member Tom LaBonge and various LAUSD officials to dedicate the new field. Still to come: boys/girls bathrooms, a proper concession stand, a long jump and the synthetic running track. Marshall won both games on the new field! The kids were all super-excited and really energized.