A few openings left for August Writing Camp!  

Discounts for Rancho Park Online members,…

Yesterday we bought ice cream from Will, our friendly ice cream man who has been driving up and down the streets of Rancho Park and the Westside for the past nine years. He's always got a smile for the kids and his ice cream truck music takes me back to my childhood every time I hear it. Thanks Will, for the memories and the treats!

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Though not in Rancho Park, the West LA Department of Sanitation Yard services our area.  And this Saturday is their open house.  We went a few times years ago and my boys loved it.  Not sure what our plans are for this weekend but we might go again.  Here is the info if anyone is interested:

Saturday, July 16, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

West Los Angeles District Yard

2027 Stoner Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025

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With tons of kid's clothing and toy stores, gym and music classes, and those great family bathrooms, the Westwide Pavillion here in Rancho Park is one kid-friendly mall.

They host some fun kid's entertainment on the first Wednesday of each month in the food court. This coming Wednesday, July 6 features a ventriliquist. Hope to see you there.

Last year, our local Palms Park Recreation Center hosted some great outdoor movie nights. Sadly, this year they tell me they likely cannot hold the events due to budget cuts.

CBS Los Angeles put together this…

While many cities, parks and agencies will be putting on great fireworks displays for the Fourth of July, you won't find any notices (other than this one) for my familiy's very exclusive Rancho Park Independence Day tradition.

We head to Cheviot Park on Motor, bring a picnic, some sports equipment, blankets and chairs and get to watch the Hillcrest Country Club fireworks show from right across the street.

Great views, no crowds and fireworks right here in our…

Today my son found this mystery flower in our garden. Does anyone know what it is? We think it may be a weed, but it sure is interesting.

What is growing in your yard? If the answer is lemons, please let me know. I know some kids who are looking for locally-grown lemons for their summer lemonade stand. They may be willing to make you a…

I randomly found this t-shirt and had to share.

Unless you live under a rock, you are likely aware that the 405 is being closed between the 101 and the 10 for three days in July.

On July 16, 17 and 18, I will be taking full advantage of the fact that my family lives within walking distance of restaurants, Trader Joe's, a park, the mall and lots of ice cream shops.

Let's take to the sidewalks that weekend.  And then maybe the neighborhood can…

Just found out about swim lessons here in Rancho Park:

Swimming Los Angeles

I have no first hand knowledge but we are going to try them out this summer.

Of course, there are also lessons at the Beverly Hills Country Club (located no where near Beverly Hills) at Motor and Manning.

I'm just a mom of 4 trying to stay sane over the…

Santa Monica College is having its annual Celebrate America event this Saturday, June 25th.

Parking lots open at 4:00. There will be food (great food trucks), fun and fireworks. People can bring chairs, blankets and a picnic. Bring warm clothes, b/c the fireworks won’t start until 9:00.

Billed as "the biggest, most sensational patriotic community event on the

Westside" - it's certainly the…

One of the highlights of visiting Cheviot Hills park on a weekend is seeing dogs and their owners get their exercise doing doggie obstacle courses like this one, held at the back of the park, next to the Rancho Park and Hillcrest golf courses.

Courses are run by the West Los Angeles…

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a motion by Councilmember Koretz that should put an end to the puppy and kitten mills by banning the commercial breeding of dogs, cats, rabbits and chicken and the sale of those animals in pet stores, according to news reports and Councilman Paul Koretz's newsletter.

Instead the animal shelter will work with licensed pet stores to make shelter animals available for adoption at those stores.

Sounds like a good…