Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Silver Lake: Fixies take over the streets.

Notice anything about the bike riders passing you lately? More than likely they are riding a fixie (see above) a snazzy fixed gear and usually no brake bike popularized by SF bike messengers, now the bike-du-jour. The teenage boys I know are fixated on them; if you saw Saturday night's Crank Mob fly by, you probably saw hundreds. My son's came via the Internet from Bikes Direct. We're already good customers of Safety Cycle since these bikes seem to require TLC.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Fourth Frogtown Artwalk this Saturday 9/19



Fourth edition of the Frogtown ArtWalk is this Saturday. More than 30 artists participate with dozens of open studios. Great combo of local art (images above are from 2008) and tacos (let's hope the taco lady and table returns to RAC Design Build). The boundaries of Elysian Valley (Frogtown) are the 2 freeway to the north, the 110 freeway to the south, the Los Angeles River to the east, and the 5 freeway to the west. The studios will be open from 5-10 PM. There's free street parking but I've ridden my bike in past years as the L.A. River bike path is one of Frogtown's borders. Party and music are at NOMAD at 1839 Blake Ave.


Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Vintage view of Atwater: Postcard of Hyperion Bridge c. 1937

August was a busy month--with assignments (see links) and two trips out of town. First trip was Santa Barbara
where I tend to visit the same places: La Super Rica (who can resist those al pastor tacos) and several really great thrift stores.
Found this c. 1937 postcard of a vintage view of the Hyperion Bridge at State St.'s Antique Alley.
Check out the Red Car on its way to Glendale. Notice the absence of 5 freeway or Glendale office towers.
The river has a somewhat natural state--none of those gruesome cement embankments.
The Red Car bridge trestles are still there today.