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wanted to investigate). Twenty minutes outside of downtown San Diego on the highway, there is already much
development in the hills, signifying the city’s apparent growth. Once in downtown, I found a hotel near the
Gaslamp district, where there are restaurants and bars. This area is sort-of a cross between Bourbon Street and
Georgetown. I was beat from the drive and stayed in this evening.
Saturday, May 29: I took a self-guided tour of S.D. today. I had breakfast in the Gaslamp district. Then I
drove through Balboa Park on my way to Mission Beach. Mission Beach has a small amusement park right next
to the beach. The beach scene is mostly families and it’s a little seedy. I drove north to Pacific Beach and La
Jolla. Pacific Beach has a boardwalk and on the weekends is filled with college age kids and surfers. As you get
closer to La Jolla, the beach scene becomes older, more family oriented and nicer. In downtown La Jolla there is
no large beach area, mostly cliffs and rocks. But, the views are beautiful and downtown La Jolla has an upscale
feel with boutique shops and better restaurants.
I drove back to downtown San Diego, where I settled in at my friend Jesse’s place/apartment. He was kind
enough to let me crash on his sofa for a few days. Jesse showed up a little later and we caught up a bit before
heading out to meet some of Jesse’s friends at the W hotel’s restaurant/bar. It was a pretty good scene there – a
well designed, contemporary hotel with a clean cut crowd in their 20’s and 30’s. Jesse and I met three of Jesse’s
friends there, who were visiting from L.A., Shan, Kimmy and _______ and a friend of theirs, Gary. They were all
nice, fun people.
Sunday, May 30: Jesse showed me around San Diego today. Jesse and I went to Shauna’s, a friend of
Jesse's. The three of us went to an outdoor market, which was small but well organized and had a nice mix of
venders. Then, Jesse and I headed up to La Jolla and Del Mar. Del Mar was very nice. We did some shopping
there and walked down to the beach. The beach here is beautiful and the crowd is mostly family oriented. We
met up with Shauna at her friend’s house in Del Mar. The house was reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright home,
but more contemporary. I met the owner, Adam, and his son, Eli. Then, we went to a restaurant on the beach for
a drink. I met Shauna’s friend Lisa and her boyfriend Tom. We had a pleasant time socializing and relaxing.
Jesse and I headed back. We drove through Coronado Island and Jesse showed me where he works at the
Navy Military Base. We rested for a while, then headed out. We walked around the Gaslamp district, which was
a little too young and rowdy for our taste. We went back to the “W” for a while, which was quite tonight.
Monday, May 31: “Memorial Day” Jesse had to work this afternoon. I checked out the beaches on this
Memorial Day. I first went to Coronado, grabbed a sandwich then headed to the beach. I met a nice girl named
Beth on the beach. She is originally from Illinois. This beach is mostly families, but also has a mix. I drove up to
Pacific Beach – mostly college kids on holiday. They were partying away. It was a beautiful, sunny, mild day.
This evening, Jesse and I drove back up to La Jolla. It was very quiet, so we ended up back in the
Gaslamp. We went to a busy bar, but it was too young and rowdy for us.
Tuesday, June 1: I had a bite in the Gaslamp district, then went to Balboa Park. The park is centrally located,
is fairly large and has many facilities, including: the US Navy Hospital, the San Diego Zoo, a botanical museum and
a variety of other museums. I visited the Science Museum, the Koi fish pond, the Botanical Garden, and the
Photography Museum. The Science Museum was primarily an interactive museum for kids. There were many
youngsters running around, a bit too hectic for me. Next, I went to the Photography Museum, which was very
well done. Their permanent collection has many of the best known American photographers as well as some
international ones, including: Ansel Adams and Bresson. There were two temporary exhibits. One depicting the
Amish (or Quaker?) lifestyle and one which had multiple photos of the Santa Barbara coastline at sunrise (6:30am)
throughout the year, approximately six large pieces, very beautiful, all the photos were unique and quite different,
even though they all framed the same section of coastline. The Botanical Gardens has a man made pond in front
of it with lily pads, turtles and many Koi fish – very serene. The garden itself is in a midsize, very tall enclosure
with many wonderful plant and floral varieties, as well as a couple small waterfalls flowing through. From Balboa
Park, I drove through the Golden Hill neighborhood, which is adjacent to the southern edge of the park, a
neighborhood in transition, regentrification. I drove along San Diego Bay by downtown – nothing special, mostly
industrial and shipping related. Then I bought some groceries for Jesse’s place. This evening, I met Jesse, Shauna
and Lisa at Shauna’s condo, where Jesse was preparing dinner. I helped set the table and select the music, while
Jesse made chicken masala with rice and succotash - the men prepared dinner while the women worked - very
modern of us (ha). The food was very good as was the atmosphere and company.
Wednesday, June 2: I drove out to Coronado, where I got a photo of the famous Del Coronado Hotel. Then I
went north to Solana Beach. I drove south along the coast from there, first going through Del Mar (nice beaches
and shops), then Torrey Pines (U.C.S.D., beaches – mediocre), then La Jolla (cliffs, lots of shops). I had a late
afternoon meal, a very good beef enchilada at Baja Bay restaurant.
This evening, I met Beth in Del Mar after she got off work at 9pm. We had nice evening sitting outdoors,
having some wine, enjoying the ocean breeze and getting acquainted.
Thursday, June 3: Today, I took a trolley tour of the city. It gave a very good overview, including: Old Town
San Diego, the S.D. airport, where “The Spirit of Saint Louis” was built, Seaport Village, Coronado, the Gaslamp
Quarter, Balboa Park and the S.D. Zoo. The tour was very informative and gave me a better appreciation and
understanding of San Diego. After the tour, I drove back to the S.D. Zoo to go inside. I took a guided bus tour
of the zoo then walked around. It is a very well put together zoo. They try to make the animals comfortable in
enclosures that are supposed to represent their natural environment. But, many were still just too small. I did
enjoy seeing the family of Gorillas with the one dominant male leading the clan, the huge Giraffes and elephants, the
panther and the cheetah, the warthogs, the Golden Eagle, the mother and baby panda playing and the orangutans
wrestling.
Tonight, Jesse and I drove once again up to Del Mar to meet Beth and her girlfriends Andrene and Hagene.
We sat out on the same deck as the night before at Del Mar Plaza and had a good time socializing. Hagene
headed home and the rest of us drove down to La Jolla to continue the evening. We had some more drinks at
Pasqualis. Jesse ran into a friend there, so we joined him and his girlfriend at their table. There were four Latin
women at the table next to us who started flirting with me. I was flattered, but uninterested.
Friday, June 4: Drove to La Jolla to visit the small beaches, have lunch and walk around downtown familiarizing
myself with the area to see if this is a place that I could live. It is very nice here with many boutiques, shops, and
restaurants. There are many tourists and a more mature local community, but it has a very positive, friendly, calm
vibe about it. While checking out the seals, I met Jennifer and Candice. They are from Atlanta, very sweet girls.
From La Jolla, I went to Mission Hills to check out a local mall called the Fashion Centre. It is a well designed
open-air mall. I picked up a few CD's here for Jesse to express my appreciation for him putting me up.
This evening I met Jennifer and Candice back in La Jolla at a restaurant called Rapongi. I introduced the girls
to Tapas. We spent a pleasant evening getting to know one another. Jennifer was having an allergic reaction, so I
took them to a local pharmacy. Candice was only 20, but we got lucky getting her into a bar. She didn’t drink
anyway.
Saturday, June 5: Packed, said my good byes to Jesse and drove to Santa Barbara to meet my friend Alex,
who was in from DC for a wedding.
Town Santa Barbara and caught up. I dropped Alex at his Rehearsal Dinner. I was tired from the drive, so I
stayed in.
Sunday, June 6: Alex went for a run by the beach and I worked out in the hotel room. We went for brunch on
State Street, where we ran into a couple of Alex’s friends from the wedding. After brunch, we walked around,
including out on the pier. There were a couple impromptu memorials to our troops, including grave markers for all
the fighting men who have died in this Iraqi war. There was also a homeless man who had made an impressive
sand sculpture of two GI’s from the shoulders up. We walked back to our hotel along the coastline. Alex went to
his wedding, while I rested and watched the first game of the NBA finals. In a surprise Detroit beat LA in LA.
Then, I went for a late dinner back on State Street at the Santa Barbara Brewing Company – casual atmosphere.
Met Alex at the Biltmore bar for an after the wedding reception drink. I met the elated bride and groom. I
also met the bride’s parents and some of the newlywed’s friends – all very nice, if a little drunk. Most of them are
somehow related to the motion picture industry in LA. They seemed to be smart, witty and know how to enjoy
life.
Monday, June 7: Packed, then said my good byes to Alex. I did a driving tour of greater Santa Barbara,
before heading south to Malibu. Santa Barbara is larger than I expected. It has beautiful homes set in the hills and
along the coast. There are many museums and performing arts theatres – a very cultured small city/large town
(too many bums downtown though). I drove through Ventura and Oxnard before getting on Pacific Coast
Highway (P.C.H.). I hugged the coastline the rest of the way to Malibu. The views were wonderful with
mountains rising up on my left and the ocean on my right. The downtown part of Ventura, I found to be rather
seedy and unclean. Oxnard is fairly large, but I didn’t drive through its downtown. Once in Malibu, I got a feel
for the lay-out. There isn’t much of a downtown – a couple small shopping centers and various other
establishments. I went to Starbucks and checked my e-mails. Then I got my suitcase fixed at a shoe repair shop.
I found a reasonably priced hotel right on the beach, the Casa Malibu Inn. The rooms are pretty large for the
price and the added advantage of being able to walk right on to the beach. After resting, I went for dinner at Tra
Di Noi. The lamb entrée was very good. I tried to get into Nobu (many stars have dinner here), but they wouldn’
t let me order a drink at the bar if a I didn’t have dinner there - they were tough, oh well.
Tuesday, June 8: I went for a run on the beach and to the end of the pier in Malibu this morning. It is very
beautiful on the beach here. I heard that the homes on the beach cost $3-8 million, even for a relatively small one.
After checking out, I took the P.C.H. into LA. (*I spent a good deal of time in LA, because I was
considering moving here so I wanted to investigate). I pulled off when I reached the northern most beach
community of LA proper, Santa Monica. I got a hotel room right by the beach on Ocean Drive. Once settled in,
I walked out onto the famous Santa Monica Pier. It is huge and has much history. Today, there is a small
amusement park, many shops, a restaurant and fishing from the end of the pier (photos). I walked over to the
Third Street Promenade, which is a pedestrian only shopping area just three blocks from the beach. This is a very
touristy area. I kept walking and eventually made it over to Montana and 17th Streets. This area, closer to the
heart of Santa Monica and local residents, has many upscale shops and boutiques.
Wednesday, June 9: I had breakfast at the Omelet Parlor on Main Street. This is a shopping area between
Santa Monica and Venice and is somewhat influenced by both. I met a friend of Wilson’s, Dax, and his buddy
Gary for lunch in Brentwood at the Coral Tree Café. They gave me some good advice about LA, the different
neighborhoods, and what to do and see. After lunch, I drove into Beverly Hills on Wilshire, then I took Rodeo
Drive to Sunset. Sunset winds its way through the hills and by Will Rogers State Park on the way to the coast. I,
eventually, made my way back to P.C.H. and then back to Santa Monica, where I looked around some more to
get a feel for the area. Montana Street area seems to be more family oriented, while the Pier and the 3rd Street
Promenade are more touristy. Dax mentioned that Brentwood near Wilshire and Barrington has locals that are
young, single, professional. I walked out to the beach via the Pier. This beach has mostly tourists and families. I
went back to 3rd Street – mostly tourists, but upbeat, vibrant atmosphere.
Thursday, June 10: Brunch at Venice Beach on the boardwalk at a place called the Sidewalk Café. This is a
good, central spot in Venice for people watching – street vendors are set up all along the sidewalk and all types of
people go walking by: tourists, normal locals and alternative culture locals. From here, I drove around Venice
getting a feel. There are some nicer spots in south Venice near the beach. But, inland it is rather bland, not too
special. I ended up back on Main Street in Santa Monica at the Starbucks checking my e-mails and surfing the
net. I drove back up to Brentwood, where I met Michael Amin sitting outside at the Coffee Bean. He is in
residential real estate development.
This evening, I met Dax, his fiancée, Colleen and some of his buddies (Mike, Mike, Stu, and Raoul) at
Busby, a sports bar, to watch the second game of the NBA Finals, between LA and Detroit. Detroit beat up on
LA pretty bad. The large LA crowd here was pretty somber. Dax’s buddies were a friendly, cool group of
guys. After the game we went to a local bar/club for drinks and socializing. This turned out to be a pretty good
time, getting to know the guys. Then some of us drove to Hollywood.
Saturday, June 12: Today, I rented a bike (bicycle) on Santa Monica Pier and road to Hermosa Beach and
back. Along the way, I saw/checked out S. Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, S. Venice Beach, Marina Del
Rey, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches. S. Santa Monica Beach is pretty nice. Main Street with
its shops and restaurants is only a few blocks away and there is also a nice beach scene here. S. Venice Beach is
also pretty nice with its canals and not many tourists. The homes here are a little more upscale and the beach is
nice here. Manhattan Beach is pretty cool, but perhaps too young for me. I’ll investigate here further. The other
beaches didn’t make the cut: downtown Santa Monica Beach by the Pier and downtown Venice Beach are just
too touristy and commercial. Hermosa Beach is definitely too young. I might have overdone it today, biking too
far. I’m sore now, but feel pretty good otherwise – awake and alert. After my ride, I rested a bit then headed
out. I went to another Japanese Restaurant, Koi. It is located just a block north of Bliss. While walking over I
asked the doorman at Bliss about getting on the guest list. He and his buddy at the door chuckled and asked if I
was bi. I got the message. Koi is supposed to be one of the newest, hottest restaurants in town. It did not
disappoint. The clientele was young, chic and good looking. The restaurant was done in a contemporary, hi-end
Japanese style and the food was very good as was the over-all scene. I met two Jennifers here. The first Jennifer
was from Ohio and visiting LA for her Bachelorette Party – weekend. She and her girlfriends were having a good
time, many guys were approaching them. She was kind enough to let me use her name to get in to the Sky Bar at
the Mondrian Hotel later this evening. The second Jennifer, I met at Koi’s bar after dinner. I met her through her
girlfriend, who was Britney Spears personal masseuse on tour. I actually remember seeing her on TV during an
hour long special on Britney. Jesse met me at Koi later (he is getting his MBA on the weekends at the Anderson
Business School of UCLA). Then we went over to the Sky Bar. We ran into another group of Bachelorettes on
the street that Jesse met earlier – fun girls. Jesse was very impressive dealing with the bouncer to get us in. I liked
the scene here. There are great views of the city below from this rooftop nightclub. During the day it is a rooftop
pool. A good night.
Sunday, June 13: Packed and checked out of my motel, the Travel Lodge on Ocean Drive in Santa Monica.
Good location, but it was fairly pricey and the rooms were not nice – smelly and run down. I drove to Malibu for
brunch and to check out Surfer’s Beach on the weekend. Malibu is mostly made up of wealthy families, young
and a little older. Surfer’s Beach had a lot of surfers in the water, 30-40 within 50 yards of each other. This day,
the waves were not too high, so the rides were slow and not very dramatic. I did see one guy on a long board
with his little dog riding in front of him – very cute. Malibu is not for me. I headed back to Santa Monica, the
southern part near Main Street and the State Beach. The beach crowd was a big mix of local families, tourists,
groups of young kids and some singles, not many. Jesse called and invited me to meet him and three girls he was
hanging with. How could I say no? I met them at the end of the Santa Monica Pier at a Mexican Restaurant
there. We sat outside at the restaurant socializing in the middle of this beautiful day. From there we went to the
Busby Sports Bar to catch the NBA Finals game. I got to know Marie and the two other girls. Jesse’s friend
Rich joined us, as did a friend of Nicole’s. We had a good time; eating, drinking, talking, and watching the game
– Rasheed was awesome tonight. Why did the Wizards let him and Rip Hamilton go? Maria and I made lunch
plans. She lives in Brentwood and was kind enough to give me a local’s perspective.
This evening I was hoping to stay with my friend Mike Tibodeau, from DC. He was visiting on business and
offered for me to stay with him. But, he wasn’t sure if I could until he checked in at the hotel and found out if he
could get a room with two double beds. It turned out that his plane was delayed, so I didn’t hear from him until
around 11pm. I was looking for a hotel at the time. Luckily, I didn’t find one that suited me, before he called with
the good news that I could crash at his hotel, The Lowes on Ocean Drive in Santa Monica, two blocks from my
dingy motel. The Lowes is a top end hotel, a nice change of pace for me after sleeping in cheap motels, friend’s
couches and a pull-out bed. It’s a wonder my back has held up as well as it has. It was good to see Mike again.
Monday, June 14: I did my mid-section and shoulder exercises, showered, then walked to Main Street for
breakfast back at the Omelet Parlor. The food and atmosphere are both very good here. I walked back along
the beach – very nice. Next, on my agenda was a trip to Hollywood. I parked next to Hollywood Boulevard
then walked. I saw the Avenue of Stars – stars names in the sidewalk set in a golden star. Then I checked out
the architecture of the three refurbished 1920’s theatres: The El Capitan, The Pantages and the famous Grauman's
Chinese Theatre. Grauman’s is where the biggest stars have their hand prints and a written message in a section of
concrete in front of this ornate Chinese style theatre. The new Harry Potter movie was showing in the main theatre
here and I wanted to see the interior design, so I got a ticket. This refurbished space was very well done. (I
could only watch the beginning of the movie, because I was parked in a short term space. I left early and got a
ticket anyway – oh well)
Once back at the Lowes, I went for a short work-out on the beach where they have some work-out
equipment for the general public. I met a couple nice guys while working out. People in general here seem pretty
friendly. This evening I had a dinner date with Jennifer. We had dinner at Mastros on N. Canyon Drive, one of
Dax’s suggestions. This is a high quality, luxurious restaurant, which specializes in steak and seafood dishes
American style. We had a very nice time getting to know one another over dinner and drinks. In her past careers,
she was a professional dancer (ballet, tap and jazz) and a recorded singer.
Tuesday, June 15: Lunch at Fred Siegel on 5th Street. This primarily hip, contemporary clothing store also has
a small restaurant – good food and people watching. I bought Mike a gift for his hospitality – a wine bottle
accessory assortment.
I decided to take a nap between 5-6pm. My small watch alarm didn’t wake me. I awoke about 9:30pm. I
walked to the 3rd Street Promenade for dinner at a combo Asian food restaurant. I sat outside and people
watched. From there, I walked to Main Street to check out the nightlife there on Tuesdays. I was impressed with
all the activity. There were at least 6 or 7 busy bars: one dance club, one Irish bar, one with a live soloist, etc.
But, most all the patrons were very young and fairly grungy or alternative – not my scene.
Wednesday, June 16: Went for a 25 minute run, then did my push-ups and sit-ups, all along Santa Monica
Beach. I enjoy working out by the beach, but it is a little dirty and seedy here and even more-so by Venice
Beach. I met Marie (Jesse’s friend) for lunch at the Coral Tree in Brentwood. She was very nice, giving me her
insights into different neighborhoods in LA, especially Brentwood. From lunch, I drove around Brentwood,
Beverly Hills, Hollywood and W. Hollywood. I focused on W. Melrose and N. Robertson Blvd, a more upscale
neighborhood – I liked it here. I, also, drove up in the hills above W. Hollywood. I ended up at a dirt walking
path, which led me to an excellent view of the “Hollywood” sign (photos).
This evening I went out with my friend, Mike, and four of his co-workers/friends from Cisco Systems. After
having drinks and relaxing in the lobby, we went for dinner at (name?) a seafood restaurant located at the southern
end of Malibu on the water. The food was good and the guys were nice, except they spoke mainly of Cisco
related matters – I felt a little like an outsider, which I guess I was. After dinner, I hung out in the lobby with Mike
and two Cisco guys, then bed.
Thursday, June 17: After packing and breakfast, I drove Mike to the airport. He is a good guy and a good
friend. I kept driving south from the airport to Manhattan Beach. I hung out and walked around trying to get a
feel for this hip beach community. I like it here, but I couldn’t live here full time. It is too quite for me and too
isolated from the rest of LA. Plus, the 405 freeway is a nightmare, if you ever want to drive to the rest of LA. A
late lunch on the 3rd Street Promenade, then I found a motel on Main Street. I had dinner at Chaya, a
contemporary Japanese restaurant on Main, between Santa Monica and Venice. This restaurant has a nice
crowd, but not glamorous like in W. Hollywood. After dinner, I checked out Casa Del Mar, an elegant, upscale
hotel with a large bar and social space off the lobby. I then went to the Viceroy, where I had a drink and met a
nice woman on a business trip from New York.
Friday, June 18: Brunch at the Omelet Parlor – always good, plus I got to do some more people watching along
Main Street. If I was to live in any beach community in LA, it would be here. But, I doubt it, because it is still a
little too dirty and most of the singles are very young and grungy.
Most of the rest of the day, I drove and walked around different neighborhoods where I would potentially
live: Montana Avenue in Santa Monica (2nd choice – nice, but too many older family types), Brentwood (1st
choice – not as glamorous or as much of a community as I would like, but has the rest – relatively clean and
upscale, singles around my age, concentration of shops), Beverly Hills (no real community shopping area, mostly
large, expensive homes), Melrose and N. Robertson (3rd choice – has shops, but mostly gallery and interior
design and antique stores, some clothing and restaurants, no grocery or pharmacy that I noticed, very upscale, not
a strong sense of community here), W. Hollywood – Sunset Strip primarily (busy with tourists and locals, dirty and
much auto traffic), north of Sunset (nicer homes in the hills, overlooking the city), south of Sunset (not very nice),
Hollywood – mostly around Hollywood Boulevard (very busy with tourists, dirty, bums) and east on Sunset (low
end, dirty, bums, tourists). I found a motel along E. Sunset (too much auto traffic).
Saturday, June 19: Brunch at IHOP on Sunset near my motel. I drove to the Hollywood Bowl to see about the
Playboy Jazz Fest going on this weekend. I chose to skip it. It didn’t start for a couple of hours and the
headliners weren’t going on until much later. I hung out around Melrose and N. Robertson – Starbuck’s, internet.
Then I went to the Fashion Centre Mall, where I caught a movie, Van Helsing. It was ok, nothing special. Any
more special effects and it could have been a cartoon. This evening, I went to the Standard Hotel in downtown
LA. At dinner there, I met Nellie and Crystal. They are both local girls. Nellie works in a gallery on Melrose and
Crystal is a fitness trainer, who is switching into residential real estate as a loan officer. After dinner, I met the girls
at the rooftop bar. We hung out chatting and dancing. They are nice girls (nothing happened).
Sunday, June 20: “Father’s Day:” I went to the Farmer’s Market. It was not what I was expecting. I
expected an area of temporary tables and some canvass covering. Instead, I found a permanent structure
adjacent to an outdoor upscale mall and a private free trolley running between the two. There was a large open
area in the middle of the mall with a grassy space for children and families to play and a man-made creek flowing
into a pond. The pond has fountains which move to the sounds of the music playing and there are koi fish in the
water.
I drove to downtown LA to check it out in the daytime. Besides the shiny, contemporary office buildings and
stately museums and a concert hall, most of the residential section is dirty and impoverished. The new Disney
Concert Hall is an architectural marvel, designed by Gehry (photos). I found a hotel near the heart of the Sunset
Strip – a Best Western, pretty nice. I walked a ways before sitting outdoors at a Chinese Restaurant, Chin Chin,
for dinner. A couple of blocks are pretty nice with restaurants and better quality retailers. But, a little further
along west, you run into the rock concert halls, Whiskey a Go Go and the Viper Room, where you also find your
liquor stores and Hustler retail store. The other direction quickly gets bad too – dirty and lower end, close to
where I slept the prior two nights.
Monday, June 21: Brunch at Mel’s Diner (from Happy Days fame – not the original). My waitress was very
congenial and a little off-beat, but in a sweet way. I walked along Sunset to the border with Beverly Hills, then
back the other way past my hotel about a half a mile. There are some nicer shops and restaurants along the strip
here. But, there is also a lot of auto traffic. The sidewalks are of normal depth, so you don’t feel separated from
the cars. At least in NYC, you have deep sidewalks along the main shopping avenues, which creates some
separation from the auto traffic. Today was another hazy overcast day in W. Hollywood. It finally burned off
around 3pm. So, you get a couple of warm hours in the 70’s in the late afternoon, before that it is a little chilly in
the upper 60’s with no sun on this supposedly SoCal summer day. (I learned later that this time of year is referred
to as “June Gloom,” most of the rest of the year it is consistently sunny). I met a photographer at the Starbuck’s,
while on my computer. He was in town shooting potential settings for a Mercury car commercial and prepping for
a shoot the next day at the hotel I was staying at, the Best Western.
I spoke to my friend Amy in South Beach, who gave me the number of a photographer friend of hers in LA,
Richard Franklin. This evening I went to a nightclub called Josephs. I wasn’t on the guest list and didn’t know
anyone at the door, so I had to wait. It wasn’t so bad. The people watching was interesting. LA definitely has a
good looking crowd. I find that most people here are friendly and easy to meet.
Tuesday, June 22: Brunch at Mel’s. Then I met Richard and we hung out for much of the afternoon. He told
me of his thoughts on living in LA and Miami. He specializes in Glamour Photography, shooting mostly in his
home in the W. Hollywood hills. He is an interesting guy, a British born Jew, who has lived in NYC, Miami and
LA and has had many diverse careers.
This evening I tried to get into the Nacional night club. While waiting in line I noticed my friend Brian (N.
VA) from DC. He was with his girlfriend Tanya and a business associate from LA, Andre - small world! Brian
told me that he and Tanya were moving to Philadelphia, because Tanya was going to Wharton for her MBA. We
ended up heading over to the Sky bar at the Mondrian. I enjoyed hanging out with the three of them catching up
and getting to know Andre.
Wednesday, June 23: Day of R&R
Thursday, June 24: Lunch in Brentwood. This afternoon, I went to Richard’s home for a photo shoot. Richard
had an assistant/protégé there, Jackie, and a very tall black model from Vegas. Richard allowed me to observe
and learn. I saw how he used all around lighting, a strobe from either side and one from overhead. Richard likes
the use of bold colors, his signature. Another key point, when shooting outdoors, is not to shoot with the sun
blinding your models eyes. Better to shoot in the shade with the assistance of artificial lighting. He shot up on the
model for the most part, elongating her even more than her 6’1” frame. The evening before, he shot her indoors in
an outfit which had similar colors to his carpet, creating a monochromatic feel, also tying in her skin tone. Richard
is a good guy, but seems to be an eternal bachelor.
I went for a run – four miles, my longest run in years. This evening, I had dinner back at Katana, an easy
walk from my hotel, very good food. Afterwards, I went to El Centro. The crowd is too young for me here.
Friday, June 25: I went to the J. Paul Getty museum today. This Meier design is an architectural marvel, both
the coordinated, integrated buildings and public spaces with fountains, grass fields, and gardens with mountaintop
and city views. Most of the exhibits were not my taste. They were J. Paul’s taste; religious paintings, elaborate
baroque home furnishings and art work, etc. I did enjoy some of the sculpture, intricate wood inlays in the
furniture and floors and the 19th and 20th Century photography – a vast, impressive collection. Much walking
today and still recuperating from my run and work-out yesterday (stayed in this evening).
Saturday, June 26: Lunch on Sunset, then went to Richards for a photo shoot and to hang out. I learned about
using colored gels to change the color of the background, side lighting, shooting at 125 or 250 shutter speed with
professional lighting (that is typically what the lighting is synced at), and using deep depth of field (>8) when
indoors. Richard gave me much advice on photography (women) and in general.
This evening I had dinner at the Falcon restaurant. This is a cool, hip place on W. Sunset. Then I did a little
bar hopping: Lola’s, Jones and Bar Marmount – all casual, regular bars. I ended up at the Sky Bar again. This is
more my type of crowd – older and well put together.
Sunday, June 27: Packed, checked out, last lunch on Sunset, and drove to Sequoia National Park.
outdoor patio with a very nice view of the river going by. If it wasn’t for the incessant flies and bees, it would
have been a pleasant experience.
Monday, June 28: Today, I drove through and did some short hikes in one of the most unique and beautiful
places on earth, Sequoia National Park. The Giant Sequoia Groves are simply incredible. These trees are the
largest by volume and weight in the world, which makes them the largest living creatures on our planet. There are
wider trees and taller trees, and older trees, but none larger. The General Sherman Tree takes the top prize. It
stands 275 feet tall, with a circumference at the ground of nearly 103 feet. One of its trunks alone weighs
approximately 1,385 tons (x 2,000 = 2,770,000 pounds) and it is approximately 2,200 years old. The General
Grant is known as the Nations Christmas Tree and is the only living monument to our war dead. Tunnel Log is a
fallen Sequoia with a hole dug through it for automobiles to drive through. I walked by Crescent Meadow – very
pretty, on my way to Eagle Look-out, which has a wonderful view of the surrounding mountain range and a river
in the gulley below. I, also, walked, standing straight up, through a hallowed out sequoia, next to General Grant.
All in all, a memorable day/experience.
Tuesday, June 29: Today, I spent in Yosemite National Forest. The drive into the park consisted of winding
mountain roads through forests and groves of Pine and Giant Sequoia trees. There were creeks and small water
falls. I took the turn-off to Glacier Point. From this high ground, you get a wonderful view of the much of
Yosemite Park, including Yosemite Valley with Yosemite Falls (the tallest in N.A.), the Royal Arches (a granite
shear wall), Half Dome (a granite mountain), the Merced River, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and Yosemite Village.
The squirrels here are exceptional friendly. They’ll come right up to you, even with-out food. From here, I drove
into the valley below. This is a large flatland between the mountain ranges on either side. There are woodlands
and meadows with the Merced River meandering through the middle. I got to see the Royal Arches and the
Yosemite Falls close-up – both very impressive. Unfortunately, it started to rain, so I didn’t take a short hike up
to the falls. Many tourists/families camping and visiting here today – children on summer break. Drove into
downtown San Francisco this evening – many hours driving.
Wednesday, June 30: Today, I did a self-guided walking tour of downtown S.F. I started at my hotel in the
Union Square area, a shopping district. I walked across Market Street to Yerba Buena Gardens – a comfortable
green area with a man made waterfall surrounded by museums, an IMAX theatre and their Convention Center. I
walked through part of the Financial District on the way to China Town. The China Town entrance feature was
actually made in China and has an authentic air. I walked by the Chinese shops along Grant Street – you feel as if
you could be in China here. Next, I walked down to the Trans-America building (photos). I walked back up into
China Town for better photos of the Trans-America building. I, also, got a couple photos of groups of Chinese
men playing what appeared to be Chinese Checkers. I headed to Washington Square, where I sat in the grass
and relaxed. Then, I walked up the steep streets to Coit Tower. At the top there are wonderful city views,
including: Lombard Street (the curviest in America), Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Oakland,
the Bay Bridge, the Financial District and downtown. The day was a little overcast and windy, so the visibility
was somewhat limited. I walked to Fisherman’s Wharf, where there is a big marina and many shops and
restaurants. I bought a half dozen mini doughnuts – warm and tasty. Then I headed over to Ghirardelli Square,
where I picked up a free chocolate sample and looked around this historic landmark, where they used to
manufacture chocolate and other confections. Presently, it retains its historic charm and has unique boutique
shops, a chocolate shop and an ice-cream parlor. (sweets day). Next stop, Lombard Street, then I headed back
along Park Street – a young, hip part of town. Before going back to my hotel, I walked by the high-end retail
stores in Union Square, where I bought a Congratulations card for my good friend, Brad Hubbell and his wife
Suzanne for their newborn baby, Zachary. While walking by Union Square, I noticed “Soap Box” type speakers
railing against President Bush and all the injustice in the world.
Thursday, July 1: Checked out, then drove over to the Haight Ashbury neighborhood for brunch. This was the
place where the 60’s radicals and flower children movements got started and were best known. I ate at the
famous Pork Store Café. The breakfast food here is very good. I walked around a little. Most of the stores are
of the alternative, counter-culture variety. One block south of Haight, I got a picture of three beautifully restored
Victorian town houses known as “The Painted Ladies” (photo). Then I headed up to the “Twin Peaks.” Due to
the fog, I couldn’t see very far from this high vantage point. I drove through Golden Gate Park. It is a big park
with many activities from which to choose. Next, I picked up a gift for Brad’s new born, a stuffed animal, a cute
little dog. I drove over the Golden Gate Bridge (photos) on my way to Brad’s in Mill Valley.
I got to meet Brad’s new wife, Suzanne, and their three day old baby boy, Zachary. I, also, got a tour of
Brad’s new house and he showed me some of the homes he was involved in designing. Brad is architect
specializing in high-end homes. I though his work was of excellent quality and taste. His home is a little small, but
cozy and airy due to all the skylights they had put in. Zach was adorable. He was born with a full head of hair.
His skin was still pink and he had these well formed tiny little hands, with which he was already grabbing.
Suzanne was very sweet and hospital with a down to earth, real, sincere personality – very northern Cali. It was
great seeing Brad and catching up. I am so happy for him. He has worked hard and has found his place in the
world and now has a wonderful family in an idyllic setting to show for it. Brad’s mom and step-father showed up
a little before I had to get going. I drove north along the California coast to Gualala. The northern coast is rugged
and has a raw, natural beauty. There are cliffs, small rock islands right off the coast, rivers flowing to the sea with
sand deltas, beaches with waves lapping up upon the shore and multitudes of sea birds.
Friday, July 2: From Gualala, I drove through Pt. Arena, which has a well known lighthouse and is one of Cali’s
smallest cities. North of Pt. Arena the coastline becomes increasingly rugged. There are a string of small towns,
most of which were former lumber and fishing ports. Mendocino is a large coastal town, currently designated as
National Historic Preservation District. It has New England style buildings. Near the town of Leggett there is a
large standing Redwood tree through which you can drive your car (photos). Leggett is known as the “Gateway
of the Redwoods,” because many redwood parks are found north of here along Redwood Highway, Rt. 101.
North of Garberville by seven miles starts the “Avenue of the Giants,” a 33 mile road, which use to be part of old
Hwy. 101, now Hwy. 254. This scenic drive winds through some of the largest surviving groves of redwoods.
Coastal redwoods are the tallest living creatures in the world. Heights of 300 feet are common; the tallest one
measured is 368 feet. After a number of other coastal towns you’ll come upon Redwood National and State
Parks. The park covers 110,000 acres on the North Coast, of which 38,000 acres are protected coastal
redwoods – very impressive. I spent the night in the coastal city/large town of Crescent City, known for a
beached ship and its lighthouse.
Saturday, July 3: Today, I drove from Crescent City, California to Lincoln City, Oregon, along coastal
Highway 101 the whole way. Crescent City is close to the Oregon border.