Lake Hollywood

When Downey was first being developed, the city would flood every year, ruining crops and orchards and even the downtown buildings. The two rivers that border the East and West sides of Downey fixed the problem with run offs and drains. The Hollywood Reservoir, shown here, and others like it, run along the river's path and are dammed up for the local area's needs. I was told by a resident that the locals call the reservoir "Lake Hollywood".

Fortune Yum Yum

We are always trying to go to new restaurants and I somehow always forget my camera when we find one we like. I pulled out my iPhone for this one because it was just that good. It isn't exactly a hole in the wall but I don't think it is a chain either. It's called "Fortune Inn" in Glendale, about 10 minutes north of Downey. The service was excellent, food superior, and prices were less than I expected from that area and ambiance. All in all, I'm ready for my leftovers that are sitting in my fridge as I type. I'll just have to wait till tomorrow.

Beelieve it or not

Another Bumblebee image! I'm always on the lookout for more pictures from street artist Bumblebee. They are usually found on the sides of abandoned buildings, and they are always engaging and a little sad. According to Bumblebee, his paintings reflect his message of  innocence and coming of age. The bees represent vulnerability.

For more Bumblebee pictures, see a previous post from last June. Or click here to see our first set of Bumblebee sightings.

P. S. If you want to go by and see this one, it's on Firestone Blvd. on the side of the vacant storefront next to Steve's Locks.

Labor Day celebrations

Today is Labor Day, a U.S. federal holiday since 1894. Most Americans celebrate the day, which celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers, by not working.

This Labor Day, in spite of our rather odd weather (we had a thunderstorm last night—what's up with that!), Furman Park was filled with people celebrating their day off from work. From picnics with lots of food to spirited games of badminton and three-legged races, everyone was having fun!

Whetting the appetite

On Friday, I showed you a temporary fence that leaves you wanting to know more. Today, I want to show you a construction site that's supplied the answers.

The Downey Gateway is a new development on Firestone Blvd. near downtown Downey. It is part of the effort to revitalize the downtown area. And lo and behold, it has a huge sign letting you know exactly what's coming!

And it looks like food, food,and more food—along with an open area in the middle for strolling, sitting, or just watching the people.

Can't wait!

Horsepower

We were out running errands when we saw this van. Since I was driving, I had my daughter take the picture with my cell phone. Although the encounter was too quick to get his name, the van driver was quick to point out that the horses glued to the top of his vehicle were not his idea—it was his father's handiwork.

I decided his dad was just trying to increase his "horsepower."

What's coming?

Temporary fences always pique my curiosity. They usually mean change—something getting torn down, something new being built. But what? Most of the time, there's no sign—literally or otherwise—of what's coming.

That's especially true of the old Gallatin Medical Group site, where a fence surrounding the entire site appeared a couple of weeks ago. One rumor says that the fence is there simply to keep mischief-makers out of the abandoned buildings. (See I wonder who won this dispute? for more information about why these buildings are abandoned in the first place.) Another rumor (from the new Downey Beat website) is that the owner, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, is going to demolish the current buildings and replace them with new medical offices.

But you won't know that from looking at the fence. 

Say hello to Hollywood

A huge part of the Los Angeles area is the Hollywood sign. When a friend came out to California, one of the first things she wanted to see was this sign.