Fourth of July Fireworks in LA

I decided to do a little research and cull together the top LA 4th of July celebrations so you could plan your Independence Day festivities. Most places encourage people to come early for parking purposes. Scroll down to the bottom for details regarding the muscle show at Venice Beach.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

4th of July Block Party in Grand Park

Hosted by Anthony Valadez from KCRW with performances by Jungle Fire and La Santa Cecilia. Food trucks galore. No visitors can bring alcohol into the park but it's DOG FRIENDLY! Still I'm told not to bring animals to fireworks shows. You can understand why.
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 3pm
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm
WHERE: 200 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 
COST: Attendance is FREE. 
TIP: Take the Red or Purple line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station. To plan your Metro journey click
METRO TRIP PLANNER.
INFO: http://www.grandparkla.org 323.887.4427

HOLLYWOOD

Josh Groban July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

Hollywood Bowl, July 2nd, 3rd & 4th.

Josh Groban will be performing, Patriotic Music will be played, and of course a fireworks display will be boomed out. So nice at the Bowl, under the stars. 
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 7:30pm
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm (approximately). I am guestimating as it's not said on the site.
WHERE: The Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 
COST: Ticket costs vary. At the moment it says tickets are still available for July 2nd and none for the 3rd & 4th. Still, season ticket holders may release their seats closer to the event so keep checking. You can also always try Stubhub and Craigslist. 
TIP: Consider taking the Metro. You'll save on gas and there's bound to be traffic, especially in this area. Take it to the Hollywood/Vine Station. You can also get out at Cahuenga Blvd/John Anson Ford Theatre Stop. To plan your Metro journey click METRO TRIP PLANNER.
INFO: http://www.hollywoodbowl.com (323) 850-2000

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Independence Day Celebration at Huntington Beach

You want old-fashioned? This should really hit the spot. This parade that they're doing has been going on since 1904. They call it the “largest and oldest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi.” There's also a special breakfast, 5K run/walk, bands, clowns, celebrities, floats and what promises to be a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean. 
FESTIVITIES (including The Parade) BEGIN AT: 10am
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm
WHERE: Festival at Pier Plaza at Huntington Beach Pier, Parade runs along Main Street from Pacific Coast Highway to Clay Ave.
COST: Check their website for VIP ticket details and reserved parade and fireworks seating. Otherwise this event is FREE.
TIP: Parking might be gnarly. I know there's the Main Street Parking Structure off of 3rd between Walnut & Olive. They charge a $27 flat fee. Otherwise -- especially if you don't get there early -- be prepared to walk. 
INFO: www.hb4thofjuly.org

LONG BEACH
The Queen Mary

Buy your tickets IN ADVANCE! During the day there are tons of events: Potato sack races, swing dancers, a Beatles cover band, even an Uncle Sam on stilts. 

FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: Noon 

THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm

WHERE: 1126 Queen's Highway 

COST: FREE general admission to active duty military w/ID and military in uniform; $5 off for military veterans w/proof of service. Tickets: $39.99 for adults ($59.99 for VIP), $19.99 for children 3 and up ($39.99 for VIP), Children 2 and under are free. Get the details on their website.

INFO: http://www.queenmary.com 877.342.0738

MARINA DEL REY

Fireworks are launched from a barge across the Marina's main channel. Beautiful, simple and fun.
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9:15 pm

WHERE: Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman's Village (13755 Fiji Way) are premier viewing locations. 

COST: Parking fees range from $7 - $10
TIP: They say ample parking is available in the area but they also encourage you to come early. As for other modes of transportation know that the WaterBus will be operating from 11am to midnight and the Beach Shuttle will be running from 10am to 8pm. If you're driving, check our their site for street closure information...
INFO: http://beaches.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dbh 310.305.9545

THE PACIFIC PALISADES
PALISADES AMERICANISM PARADE

This is the way to go. I mean they really go all out. There's an old fashioned Independence Day Parade followed by entertainment and a fireworks display with a concert by Foo Fighter Chris Shiflett and the band The Dead Peasants. There's so much going on here it's mind boggling. They have a house contest. They dress up their houses and have a contest about it. No kidding. Here's a taste of what July 4th in The Palisades is like, check this out:

Yeah, they have skydivers, too. Unbelievable. 
THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: Skydivers begin at 1:50pm. The parade's at 2pm.
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm but the gates open at 6pm. 
WHERE: For the Parade-- Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades between via de la Paz and Drummond St., For the entertainment and fireworks-- Palisades Charter High School.
COST: The parade is FREE, reserved grandstand tickets for a fee, Concert $5
INFO: www.palisadesparade.org

PORTER RANCH

4th of July Spectacular in Porter Ranch

FREE festival and fireworks show at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch. They get like 60,000 people at this event and encourage you to bring your sunscreen, lawn chairs and coolers (but no alcohol. That's where they draw the line). Moon bounces and face painting for the children, an outdoor stage show as well as tons of food trucks and stands with hot dogs, shaved ice, tacos, you name it. And of course a spectacular fireworks display.
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 4:30pm
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: The site did not say
WHERE: Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch, CA 91326
COST: FREE
TIP: FREE ample parking. Don't stress.

INFO: www.theshepherd.org

PASADENA

THE 4TH ANNUAL AMERICAFEST AT THE ROSE BOWL

This is hands-down one of the largest fireworks displays in Southern California with music and food vendors and even a motorcycle stunt show. 
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: The parking lot opens at 10am, the Food Court at 2pm and the Stadium at 6:30pm. Stunt show at 7pm.
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9:05pm
WHERE: The Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, 
COST: $13 for General Admission,$25 reserved, $30 premium, Kids 7 and under and Active Military with ID FREE. CASH ONLY at the stadium. Parking is $20 CASH.
TIP: Get advanced tickets from www.ticketmaster.com

INFO: www.rosebowlstadium.com/RoseBowl_Americafest.php. CA. 626.577.3100.

  
STUDIO CITY 

July 4th Fireworks Festival in Studio City

Right on a back lot at Radford Studios, there's a Beach Boys cover band, The Television and Motion Picture Club will put on a car show and for $20 extra, you can get a rooftop wristband to watch The Works on the roof. There's also a kid's zone with bouncy fun houses and if you want to go VIP, you'll find yourself in an air-conditioned sound stage, will hear live music, can drink FREE drinks and there's something about special parking. :)
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 5:00PM. Gates open at 4:30pm.
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: It doesn't say on the site.
WHERE: CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, Los Angeles
COST: General Admission tickets for kids under 5 are FREE. Adults $20, Children 6-12 $10 -- add $20 for rooftop viewing access. VIP Tickets for Adults are $100. For kids age 3-5 they're $15. For kids 6-12 $50. Parking is FREE for all and VIP ticket holders get special valet parking.
INFO: www.studiocitychamber.com 818.655.5916 

finally...

It might not be fireworks but I bet it's going to be fascinating:

VENICE
Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach, Venice Beach

Body building pageant on the beach.
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 10am (pre-judging)
FINALS BEGIN AT: 1pm
COST: FREE 
WHERE: Venice Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach
INFO: californiabeachbodybuilding.com, 310.399.2775

By the way, if anyone has any other suggestions and also good spots from which to see fireworks, etc., please feel free to post in the Comments Section. 

ENJOY!

Scarefest in Los Angeles - presale tickets available now

2013 will mark the premiere of LA's first convention dedicated to Halloween. They're combining the city's top haunt pros, attraction designers, artists, filmmakers, animators, classes on how to do really good make-up, games, pumpkin carving, parties and more...

Why wait 'til October, right? My friends are involved in organizing ScareLA and they let me know if you buy your tickets by July 4th you'll get a great deal. Time is of the essence, so if you like to dress up like an amorous teenage zombie or a real housewife (or you're a professional and want to be a part of a huge, historical Halloween moment) get out your fangs and let's have some fun...

Tricks and treats for the 4th of July! View this email in your browser

20% off all tickets for ScareLA through July 4th! Use discount code JULYSCARE for any ticket type or quantity. What do Independence Day and Halloween have in common? Besides being uniquely American holidays, we're celebrating both this summer! (us Halloween junkies are crazy like that). To commemorate, we're extending 20% off tickets through July 4th for all day, weekend, or Fear Freak passes. Click here to nab 'em and use discount code JULYSCARE. Meet us at Sinister Pointe's "Dark Market" this Saturday If you're a haunt fan, you don't want to miss this event: Over 2 dozen vendors with all sorts of merchandise for lovers of the macabre, and you'll be able to walk through one of Southern California's most popular haunted attractions. Taking place in Brea, the Dark Market is free and open 1pm-10pm. The Sinister Pointe attraction is $10 ($20 for front of line) and open 7pm-10pm. BUT, stop by ScareLA's table for some treats: Say hi, tell us how much you're looking forward to ScareLA, and we'll give you a free ScareLA button designed by Ben Von Strawn. Buy any ScareLA ticket at our table and not only will you get over 20% off,we'll also cover the ticketing fee! AND buy any ScareLA ticket from us, we'll also give you a 50% off voucher for Sinister Pointe's haunted attraction (you'll get in for only $5!). For more on Sinister Pointe's Dark Market go here. Artists, artisans, and other potential Halloween exhibitors Have a product for Halloween or haunt fans that should be exhibited at ScareLA?Check out our current pricing and signup here for a booth or table at ScareLA, or reply to this email directly and we'll let you know about discounted exhibitor booths. Did I miss anything? Oh yeah, be sure to check out our current programming lineup here, as well as ourconstantly expaning list of amazing exhibitors. For more about the background of ScareLA and it's producers, read this interview at Sinful Celluloid. And if by chance you've already purchased tickets for ScareLA or are simply planning to go, please RSVP on our Facebook event page. Thanks again for being part of ScareLA! Stay cool and creepy as summer begins! Best, David Markland and Lora Ivanova Producers, ScareLA: the Los Angeles Halloween Convention PS: For good measure, that discount code is JULYSCARE for 20% tickets.

Copyright © 2013 ScareLA, All rights reserved. You received this email because you're insanely scary. Also, you signed up on our website. Our mailing address is: ScareLA c/o David Markland 1800 El Cerrito Pl. #39 Los Angeles, CA 90068 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

ENJOY!

The Most Specific Directions to The Hollywood Sign

When I lived in Beachwood Canyon I cannot count the times I was stopped to give directions to The Hollywood Sign. And really it never bothered me. But I'm a talker. I like people. Whatever.

Oftentimes the locals have gripes about the amount of people each year going to see the sign and the traffic jams it causes. All understandable but I believe it is a fait accompli. I look at it this way: If I were visiting LA, I'd absolutely make the pilgrimage to such a symbol of the dreams, glamour, tragedy and beauty that is Hollywood. Therefore...

Here are the Directions to The Hollywood Sign (da da da dahhhhh!). Be warned on this journey YOU WILL NOT BE ALONE. Unless you go at 4 in the morning and then you might see some coyotes snapping pictures alongside with you.

First you gotta get to BEACHWOOD CANYON DRIVE. Beachwood starts at Franklin between Gower and Bronson. Okay, so good, you got there. Now HEAD NORTH UP BEACHWOOD. Right away you'll see The Hollywood Sign, front and center. Every day, right on Beachwood, tons of people stop their cars and take pictures, to the annoyance of the natives. I also always see cameras outside people's windows - sometimes while they're driving. Hey, you're in Hollywood, of course you're gonna take a picture but for crying out loud, please be careful!

Anyway, you'll go up several blocks (past Scenic, Graciosa, Cheremoya). In time, you'll hit the adorable little Beachwood village, the cross street of which is Westshire Drive. The village consists of a restaurant, dry cleaner, antique shop and The Beachwood Market. More on that antique shop later. To continue to the sign YOU NEED TO STAY ON BEACHWOOD. To do this it's sort of like TAKING A SOFT LEFT (a hard left would put you on Westshire).

WHEN YOU GET TO THE SIGN AT LEDGEWOOD, TAKE A LEFT. I'd do what the sign here says, This is Hollywoodland. Now relax and slow down.  There are plenty of locals and tourists who use this road. What's the rush? Why get into an accident? Besides, if you go too fast you'll miss this little gem:

This is Oz

Oz (located right after BELDEN) is an outdoor artist's garden with figurines and tiles embedded in cement and tons of dream catchers hanging from various trees. Sadly for the past decade I've not seen its gates open. Back in the day, they would let the public in every now and again.  But now the gates are closed (it seems) all of the time. I feel like the gate keeper is some Willie Wonka, mad at the world and maybe for good reason. Still it's so sad, because if you peek through the gates, you'll see, this is a magical place.

So if you like, leave a little letter in this box on your way to the Hollywood Sign and let them know you'd like to come in.

Now, back to the directions...CONTINUE UP LEDGEWOOD.

You are going to get to an area that's just a shade confusing. In great Wizard of Oz fashion you could go Left, Soft Left, Soft Right or Right. TO CONTINUE UP LEDGEWOOD YOU'LL GO STRAIGHT (WHICH FEELS LIKE A SOFT LEFT).



Immediately after Rodgerton you will see the Hollywood Sign's Gigantic letters smack dab in front of you. Keep going. You'll hit another Stop Sign at Heather Drive. Keep going straight. As straight as a windy road can be. There'll be rental cars coming downhill. Keep going, keep going. Now you can see popping above and through the treetops, the letters of The Hollywood Sign here and there. And right around this amazing white tree...

...you'll get a nice view of OOD. It'll be outside the right side of your car. You can't stop on your way up the hill. You can though park on the way back down.

At the top of the hill you'll now find yourself on MULHOLLAND HIGHWAY. 

Take a SHARP RIGHT ON MULHOLLAND HIGHWAY. (BY THE WAY I refer to this section of Mulholland as Mulholland East. This is a very small section of Mulholland. The really big long gorgeous stretch of Mulholland goes from Hollywood all the way towards the ocean. It's fabulous and one of my favorite drives. For more information regarding Mulholland, it's history and all it's famous vistas, click HERE). You'll just drive for less than a minute and here at this turnaround you can get excellent, close up pictures of the sign. You'll also probably be breaking the law. So go at your own risk and make it snappy.

See all those signs, yeah, you're really not supposed to be here. When you leave, continue on Mulholland, going straight. Before you hit the stop sign, you'll see on your left a house where the garage is actually painted to look like stacks and stacks of books -- I always thought this was very cool. CONTINUE FORWARD ON MULHOLLAND. You'll curve around and to your right, below is actually something the people who live here call Dog Hill. It's where locals take their dogs for runs even though you're not supposed to have your dogs off-leash. In my experience this doesn't hold water with the natives or the pooches. So don't ever drive too fast around here!

Regardless, when you get to the vista point you'll know it. THERE ARE TOURISTS EVERYWHERE. THIS IS NOW CALLED CANYON DRIVE. It is here where amongst everything else, you will see this van:

I seem to park behind it every time. Now I highly recommend if you can, come for sunsets or even evening. Such a beautiful spot. Or early in the morning. The soft light will be stunning to you. Anytime you come though it's super cool.



Good photo opps for the sign.

If I were in LA for a visit, I'd want to do what these folks did and rent this car...

Car Porn at The Hollywood Sign

When you go across the street to the actual vista, you'll see The Reservoir (otherwise referred to as Lake Hollywood), and beyond. Beyond is a great view of Hollywood, all the cool signage, to your left you may see Griffith Observatory and if it's a really really clear day, you may see all the way out to Catalina.

What I tend to do though is I go to this dirt road opposite of the area where everyone is taking pictures. You'll see a lot of cacti there. And I mean huge cactus. Like you're in the Land of The Lost or as my friend Jen Sincero refers to it, Mars. The entrance to the little dirt road is marked by this very cool sculpture. I don't know anything about it. It just sort of popped up one day.

I used to hike through this dirt path to get back and forth from Beachwood Canyon - though it's a circuitous route and I would definitely try to do it with someone who knows the score. Anyway, as you walk down the path, if you look up on your left, behind those tall trees is I believe a house first built for Bugsy Siegel's girlfriend. At one time Madonna was said to have owned it. At that time it was painted rust. Now it's more tasteful and more hidden. And I think Madonna's LA digs are in Los Feliz now.

Madonna's old house, or so it is said.

As you continue on the dirt path, you'll see tons of these, cactus with so-in-so + so-in-so carved into the surfaces. I think it's really mean to pick on a cactus but I'm not 18 and mad at nature.

I always call these bunny ears.

Cute, aren't they?

There are also nice photo opportunities from this area and it's quieter.

If you like, when you get back up to the area where the van is and the vista and all the tourists, you can continue down Canyon past Dog Hill and go to Lake Hollywood for a nice walk around the lake.

This is one of my favorite walks and you know it's a little long - 4.2 miles. So take that into consideration. But it's beautiful and there is tons to see and other great photo opps.

When you get back to that little village at Beachwood and Westshire, I highly recommend popping into the antique shop there. It has so much memorabilia of Hollywood, Hollywoodland specifically, and just tons of antiques from the area, you never know what you'll find. It's called Hollywoodland's Antiques and Fine Time Pieces.

It's a collector's paradise.

I love what the owner Jeff finds.

A telephone booth atop which sits a clock from an old Gulf Station.

A giant Rolex:

AVictrola...

If real deal memorabilia and vibey type stores are your thing, pop in.

What a great neighborhood this is. Right by the antique shop is this cafe...

Which by the way has a lot of healthy entrees. And while I've never had it I hear there's a good cup of joe. Might be nice after so much scenic driving. Let me know how the Hollywood Sign is and if you ever get into Oz. Until next time...

ENJOY!

Getting My East Coast Italian Fix on at Monte Carlo Market

That's Italian!

When I first came to LA I crash landed into the City of Dreams sight unseen. In truth I think I really came out here to prove to my friends I was mature enough, well-adjusted enough, to live somewhere other than New York. They were convinced that in order to get what I really wanted in terms of a career (and they thought I was way to reliant upon my family) I needed to make a bold move. So I planned it, I had it all set up. I took on a very serious demeanor. These were heady times. Which meant I talked about it for months. I was moving to LA. Me. Woody Allen in drag. I'll be there 6 months or I'll stay because I'll be an overnight success, I would say. Every day I'd spin my head around, looking at Manhattan misty-eyed. I was nostalgic with every coffee cup, Upper East Side mini dog, each punked out artist on 8th. When I'd shut my eyes from the wafting dust, dirt and germs spilling up onto the street through the grates from the subway I'd think I'm going to miss this. I had many long good-byes with friends whom I treated as though I would never, ever see again. I did reckless things too, as though this was the end I should just live it up. The time before I moved was in essence the only time anyone has ever moved from one place to another. No one had ever done anything harder or braver. I was not young and joyful and excited about conquering the world. This was something I had to do to be successful, for my art, for my craft. I'll miss you all! I'll miss you New York! I'll miss you Gray's Papaya! I'll miss you upstanding cab drivers, my soul brothers! I'll miss you smelly C train. I'll miss you COMFORT ZONE. When I was alone I looked very serious. Very sad. Like something important was underway and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it. As the plane lifted off, contemplative and still, I gazed out the window and watched the island of Manhattan get smaller and smaller. Finally I had to turn away. I couldn't bear it any longer. This was a momentous occasion requiring great sacrifice. Great bravery. Godspeed, Cynthia. Godspeed.

Upon arrival I was picked up by my friend's husband and we drove on the 405 into the valley. Our stop on the way home was El Pollo Loco - he needed dinner and it was close to their house. These were sweet and generous people. They let me stay in their daughter's room who in turn slept in their room. Their house was in a section of Burbank that was close to an Ikea and the 5 freeway. Every day it was hot or raining. There were no people around. Just parked cars. When I had the guts I'd get in my rental car and drive around, trying to find something that looked normal. Looked fun. Or at least edible. I ended up spending a lot of time at that little house. This couple was super cool and super nice and maybe the best thing in this Godforsaken country. Despite their kindness, despite the fact they seemed normal, I was completely and quietly feeling rather out of my mind. As if it were a mantra, the line 6 months is a hell of a long time turned over and over in my head.

OH MY GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE??????

After one month I knew I should leave their house. Not to go back to New York. Not yet. That would be way too embarrassing. Instead I moved in with the only other person I felt comfortable around at that time. He was an acquaintance who had a cool job as a p.a. over at The Warner Brothers lot which sounded like nirvana to me. He was funny, smart and drove an old Cadillac Eldorado. He was also about to become one of my all-time best friends in the whole wide world: Adam. So down Olive I drove with my silly belongings to his place. This place. The most generic apartment complex in the world:

The nearest food was...

Remember Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) standing outside his new home in some Phoenix type suburb after he had joined The Witness Protection Program? The sun was bright. Nothing remotely pretty or with character was anywhere in sight. He explained how one night they wanted to get Italian. So they went to some nearby restaurant. He ordered pasta with marinara and they served him egg noodles with ketchup. Suddenly that scene had new meaning. I just came out here to be discovered and prove people wrong. I hadn't even killed anyone or sold really good coke. Good God will someone please tell me where's the good food at?

Luckily Adam had been here longer than I. He too was from New York, near The Bronx, was good friends with one of my closest friends in NY -- who had amazing taste; especially when it came to Italian food. I knew I could trust Adam if he said there was a good place to go and eat. In fact he had already done important reconn and knew where to take me.

One of the first important places Adam introduced me to was Monte Carlo Deli Market. Recently I found an occasion to make a return visit. Just driving up Magnolia, memories came rushing back. Good food memories. And the place hasn't changed. Not one bit.

If you like to cook, and I do, Monte Carlo has everything you need. I say this to those of you who wish they could eat at Rao's in Harlem, know what Arthur Avenue in The Bronx is, and love that scene in The Godfather when he's slicing the garlic into the olive oil to emulsify. If this resonates with you, you are my audience, you are my people and you need to check Monte Carlo out.

Monte Carlo Interior - pastas, cheeses, olive oils, Stella D'oro

Yes!

I don't even like these things but they look so right

If you're too lazy to cook, they understand.

Cheese, Meat, Love

San Marzano Tomatoes EVERYWHERE

Even The Mr. Coffee looks imported

That's the Pope next to the Chianti. As God intended.

Of course now that I've lived here for a 1000 years, Monte Carlo isn't the only Italian supermarket I go to. I've found a billion places that satisfy all my jonesing whether it be for Chinese, Indian, Peruvian, you name it. And because I know my lay of the land, sometimes where I end up going simply comes down to proximity. For instance, if I was on the West Side, I'd go to Bay Cities for imported Italian cheese, meats, olive oils. If I needed some real deal pizza, I might swing by Lamonica's in Westwood. Or if I was in The Valley, I'd pop on over to Joe Peeps on Whittsett and Magnolia. That being said, this past weekend when I was making an eggplant parm in honor of James Gandolfini, I couldn't imagine going anywhere but Monte Carlo to shop for my ingredients.

There's nothing like your first, you know? And for me, my first foray into realizing I'd be happy in Los Angeles happened right here at this place in good ole' Burbank, U.S.A.. Maybe I'm not so much like Woody Allen. Or maybe there are many sides to me. Perhaps I'm also a little like his partner, the one who's driving his Rolls down Sunset with the roof off, snapping his fingers. He really looked happy, didn't he? I don't know. But if you ever find yourself in Burbank, swing on by. It might be just be the hit you're looking for. If not, NYC is just a plane ride away. And now there's a Rao's in Vegas.

Monte Carlo Italian Deli is located at 3103 West Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. They're open 7 days a week. For information on hours of operation call 818-845-3516.

Buongiorno!