Despite the fact that fireworks are banned in Los Angeles and many of its sister cities, they really know how to do the Fourth of July right.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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LAUSD schools are out tomorrow and a long summer vacation is about to begin. Here in Rancho Park we've got several day camp options right here in the neigbhorhood. Kids can swim, sing, cook and more right here in our West LA backyard. There's enough to keep even the most active children busy until school starts again in September.  I've listed a few below. Please add any others you know about… Continue

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…

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The developer, which owns LA Live, Staples Center and the Home Depot Center in Carson, will answer questions from Westside community leaders from 7-9 pm, Monday June 27, at the Mar Vista Recreation Center, 11430 Woodbine Street.



LA Councilman Bill Rosendahl will moderate the meeting where AEG CEO Tim Leiweke will make a brief presentation and field questions from people selected by each of the neighborhood councils in Rosendahl's district



"This proposal is a big deal, and… Continue

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) invites you to attend the West Los Angeles Area Senior Lead Officer Summit on Tuesday, June 21 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Westwood Recreation Center Auditorium, 1350 S. Sepulveda Boulevard.

This is an opportunity to meet the West Los Angeles Area and Patrol Commanding Officers, and to network with the Senior Lead Officers for your neighborhood.Liaise with the LAPD and your community to get your questions answered.

Refreshments will be… Continue

Do you feel the same way? What other places are too popular in comparison to their parking allowance?

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…

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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…

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Ever wonder if those overweight truck prohibition signs you see on Rancho Park streets like Little Overland north of Pico have any impact?  Who is minding that store?  Like the scofflaws who use dead automobiles for storage and illegally park on parkway aprons (that area between the sidewalk and the street), there never seems to be any patrolling, much less ticketing of overweight trucks violating the prohibited weight truck signs on our local streets.

 

But no more!  The…

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Pulitzer-Prize winning food critic Jonathan Gold visited Rancho Park recently and tried one of my favorite places, Steingarten LA. Owner Ebi Berois a member of Rancho Park Online.

 

The wise sage of local LA…

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Remember when Moca almost went bankrupt - and now the Museum of Comtemprary Art is inviting everyone to a free day of imagination - Big Family Day of SUNDAY, JUNE 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. MOCA’s biggest family celebration of the year features gallery tours by expert kids, hands-on activities, entertainment, and more!



Create art inspired by…

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I first discovered Norms when I was a food server at Islands Restaurant on Pico (another post, coming soon) back in the early 90's. We used to lock up the restaurant and then head over to Norms, which as they say on the sign...never closes.

 

 

Now that I live right here in the neigborhood,  Norms has become our go to…

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