Runyon Canyon

I love finding gems in LA, and one of my favorite LA escapes is Runyon Canyon. Hidden in the hills above Hollywood, the canyon is a moderate hike with some steep terrain. About two thirds of the hike is paved and the rest is raw, unbridled, dirt trails. The reward at the summit is unobstructed sweeping views of the Los Angeles basin from the Pacific to the Griffith Observatory to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and to Downtown LA.

Sunset with my brother Jon.

A trail overlooking the hollywood hills homes of the rich & famous.

And when you're done, there is an "honor" bar with snacks!

I don't know why all my pics are blurry!

Had a little reunion with some high school friends, and here's a blurry picture of all of us. From left to right, Jon, Steve, Grace, Chris, Panney, Alex, Amanda, Ben, Patty, James and Renita. Go Titans!

Cobras & Matadors with Roy & Holly

It's always nice to get spanish style tapas at Cobras & Matadors on Beverly Dr. because you can bring your own wine and there is no corkage fee. I love that. The money you save on wine almost pays for the dinner itself. Great to see our old friends Roy and Holly who have transplanted to NYC. Here's a blurry pic (very dark in there) of Holly and Renita...much better to look at them close up...sorry Roy. On a side note, can't wait for the proprietor of Cobras and Matadors, Steven Arroyo, to hurry up and open up his new french bistro restaurant in the Arts' district, titled Church and State, on the ground floor of the Bisuit Company Lofts. Word is that it's opening around March '08.

Maya & Kevin are Engaged!

On a beautiful Christmas evening, Maya and Kevin officially announced their engagement.

Welcome to the family Kevin!

Christmas Eve in our Loft!

We were fortunate this year to see almost all of our family and friends on both sides of the family. It was a fun Christmas Eve here with Bubur Ayam (chicken porridge), a turkey roasted by grandpa, and of course, this season's smash hit, Guitar Hero. Here's a smattering of pics and faces...



Guitar Hero tryouts.

Two unwitting Rock Stars!

Los Angeles State Historic Park

Most people don't realize this, but there is a 32 acre park being slowly transformed just north of Chinatown by the Los Angeles State Historic Parks Bureau. A final design for the park has been chosen, and the contract was awarded to Hargreaves. I just walked the trails today to see the space in raw form...it will be very different in a year or two. California State Historic Parks

Some wild flowers which are growing in the northern end of the 32 acre park.


A view of downtown from the park.


Some new landscaping put in for the park renovation project.

Jay & Colleen back in LA!

I only know one person who directly served our country in the Iraq war. When I think about the Iraq war, I also think about my good friend Jay Baker. Here's Jay and his lovely pregnant wife Colleen who were back for the holidays. He is currently stationed in Seoul, Korea. Hopefully, they will be moving back to LA for good this fall.