My Rancho Park hyperlocal  year kicked off with drinks at The Wellesbourne on Pico Blvd. First off, thanks to my friends and family who have been troopers when I inform them we can only go out in our West Los Angeles neighborhood of Rancho Park this year. Lucky for us, it really has not felt like a sacrifice. I imagine I will eventually include some of our north of Olympic neighbors, like Westwood and Sawtelle, but for now, I'm enjoying keeping my explorations…

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Here in Rancho Park and Cheviot Hills, we are hearing quite a bit of spin  about the proposed bike path to run along Phase 2 of the Expo Line light rail route, which travels through the Westside, from from Culver City to Santa Monica.

 

At issue is an assertion in the Cheviot Hills Homeowners' Association's Winter newsletter (not online yet) that federal funding has been suspended for this project due to a lawsuit filed by…

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I love giving and receiving gifts that are tied up with brightly-colored, reusable ribbon.  For years I traveled to Santa Monica to buy ribbon by the yard at Michael's or Jo-Anne's.   Then I discovered the notions department -- specifically the ribbons and trims -- at F & S Fabrics.  The choices are scrumptious and will help to create gorgeous, eco-friendly & reusable wrapping.  Try some hand-dyed silk ribbon to spruce up a package wrapped in a brown paper grocery bag.  Trust me, it'll… Continue

Ever since I filled out my Rancho Park profile, I've been thinking of more fun facts I could have listed for Rancho Park's Best Kept Secrets. So from time to time, I'll be spilling the beans on my favorite Rancho Park finds.

 

Today's Secret...

 

Karen Dudley's Parent and Me Classes at Palms Park Recreation Center

There are certainly pricier classes in town but none…

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Since I am spending so much time researching what is going on in Rancho Park these days, I've decided to make 2011 my hyperlocal year, literally. My plan is to have Rancho Park be my one stop locale for as much of my shopping, eating, entertainment, education, health and wellness as is practically possible. For groceries, you'll find me at Trader Joe's on Westwood and National. For exercise, I'll try out some of the many boot camps held in the early mornings at Rancho Park, post some of my…

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Los Angeles ended the year with less than 300 killings – something that hasn't happened since 1967, when the population was almost 30% smaller.

Imagine in 1992, there were more than 3 homicides a day. In 2001 there were two every day. Last year there was less than one. (Great graphics from the LATimes.com below.)…

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