The Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center in Poway has a few reproductions of the traditional Kumeyaay dome-shaped homes known as ‘ewaa. The frame of the shelter was typically made of willow branches while the covering was made of tule weeds, willow leaves, and brush. One hole served as a door and a second hole in the roof allowed smoke to escape.
The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park and houses over 1,100 animals representing over 250 species on its 133 acre site. The zoo opened in 1966 and was preceded by the Griffith Park Zoo which opened in 1912 in a nearby location. One of the big successes at the zoo has been its California condor breeding program.
Escondido Creek begins in Bear Valley above Lake Wohlford and flows for 26 miles before emptying into the Pacific Ocean at the San Elijo Lagoon. This very beautiful and accessible view is from the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. The Escondido Creek Conservancy has helped preserve over 3,000 acres of this important watershed.
Links: EFRR Escondido Creek Conservancy previous related post
An interesting site in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon is the aquaculture operation of Carlsbad Aquafarm. This enterprise raises Mediterranean Blue Mussels, Pacific Oysters, and Ogo. Their website says that their products can be found at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and local restaurants. Apparently the local brown pelicans are appreciative of their efforts.
Links: Carlsbad Aquafarm
The Daley Ranch house was part of the 3,058 acre conservation area acquired in 1996 by the City of Escondido. This building was built in 1925 as a summer cottage for the Daley family who entertained here until the 1980’s. Ranger-led tours are offered on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 11am-2pm.
“Levitated Mass” is a sculpture by Michael Heizer consisting of a 340-ton boulder sitting above a concrete trench through which you can walk. The piece is on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and does not require museum admission to view.
The Petersen Automotive Museum on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles underwent a $125 million renovation in 2015, including the addition of this distinctive facade designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, which is comprised of over 100 tons of stainless steel ribbon. Design reviews have been mixed with some critics describing it as a “car wreck” and the “Edsel of architecture”. What do you think?
This pic captures the arched bridge that is part of the Japanese Garden at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge. This 160 acre garden was originally owned by newspaper magnate E. Manchester Boddy and boasts over 1 million plants including one of the largest collections of camellias in the world.
The infamous Berlin Wall separating East and West Berlin came down on November 9, 1989 after standing for over 28 years, and a chunk of it can be viewed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. This section weighs 6,338 lbs and stands 9 1/2 ft tall. At this spot you also have a great view of the surrounding countryside.
Links: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library previous related post
In a previous post I featured the “old” Point Loma Lighthouse and now am highlighting the “new” one. Built down at sea level to better avoid the fog and low clouds, this lighthouse began operation on March 23, 1891. What a gorgeous combination of green grass, palm trees, beautiful ocean and white buildings.
Links: history previous related post
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