LAPD Atwater Community Relations Officer

Kenneth Aragon crashed his motorcycle at Larga and Fletcher yesterday and died shortly thereafter.  RIP.

Atwater Police Activity

Holy shit. Piddling around facebook, all of a sudden I heard sirens and  a helicopter and for the next 45 minutes, my house was under surveillance for some reason. Helicopter lights all over it, police and detective cars parked in front, people with flashlights running back and forth and just me and the doggies. Lights out, sit in front, watch in dark and hope for the best and be grateful for the half a xanax I popped half an hour before. And now it's mostly silent. Not sure how I can possibly sleep soundly tonight.

Atwater Village

Lord, I do love Atwater Village. We've lived here ten years this coming May, and it has changed remarkably. On Saturday afternoon, I just loved that we were working on our front yard, staining our gate and our neighbors were out in force, planting new plants, working on their cars, just being present. We all were present and out in the street and it felt great.

Atwater Village

Atwater Village has an anthem and the Newbie has the scoop!

City of Angels Half Marathon

It's been a busy week in Atwater Village.  First, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which was well-attended with 1,400 people enjoying the festivities (though, I still don't know why they can't start things later in Atwater on weeknights -- a lot of people have to work, you know!) 

Then, last night, many shops and galleries stayed open late, offered beer and wine and showcased local bands and dancers. 

And, finally this morning, the third annual City of Angels Half Marathon ran down by the river and over the Hyperion Bridge. It was a glorious site.

After it all, I walked back through our weekly Farmers Market, picked up some flowers and headed home.

I think our little Village is quite nice.

Atwater Village Philippino Market

The for sale sign has finally come down (and I assume it's not going to become a middle eastern restaurant) and construction has begun. Does anybody know what's happening there?

Silver Lake Egrets, Black Balls and Choppers

I'm not really going to say anything much about the earthquake except, yeah, that happened. I've experienced many of them over my decades, but never one up on a 20th floor. Long after the quake, we were still moving from side to side like a ship in heavy seas. One of the paintings on my wall just went side to side for what seemed like forever. Weird. Still, I got that feeling that I always get after a moderate to big ass scary mofo quake: delighted to be alive.

Now, in reverse order to the above title. Sunday, we were coming back to Atwater from Cliff's Edge Restaurant and saw a helicopter hovering directly over the Resevoir. We tried to pull around to grab a shot, but by the time we got there, it had taken off. At the time, we thought it was odd because there was no local brush fire...but indeed, there was, right by the zoo. Luckily, it seemed most escaped unscathed.

Then, this morning, while taking a constitutional around the resevoir (too lazy to make it to Runyon and too tired because the dogs were acting strangely all night, no doubt due to the upcoming quake), and, lo and behold, I saw an egret flying overhead until it perched in a tree on the west side of the lake. Perhaps, they're back.




Or, perhaps, they're attacted by the black balls they continue to dump in to Ivanhoe. I caught this in action just after the egret. And I thought they were done, but apparently they won't be until it looks more like an oil slick...whichI guess is appropriate given these end days.




At least the egrets are back -- at least one. That is all.

Neighbors

I love my little village of Atwater, but I really don't know my neighbors very well. I know the one on my right, but not even really know the older gentleman's name on my left and, except for a few cases up and down the block (and blocks), I know faces but no names at all. I've always wished this to be different, but haven't put in the effort to change it. I'm thinking maybe I should.

Artwater

The second annual Artwater in Atwater Village was great fun. It was bustling and hot in the afternoon and bustling and much cooler in the evening. In fact, compared to the first year, there was actually quite a lot of activity in the evening and it was fun. Kudos to the planners!

Atwater Park

I've lived in Atwater for 9 years and LA most of my life and I've never heard of Atwater Park.

Anybody else? Sounds like Xanadu.

Canele Brunch

Yeah, so we couldn't wait. We walked down our tree-lined street in Atwater Village on a blustery pre-spring morning and ambled into warm and inviting small storefront restaurant of Canele. Not too many customers were there, but the place was very well staffed. So many people with so little to do until the crowds came...and they will come.

We sat down in theback, admired the large black and white photos on the walls and noticed the soft paneling in the ceiling which must cut back the noise quite a bit (take note, malo). We didn't sample too many things -- we both ordered the same exact meal -- but it was delicious and well made. We had omlettes made with goat cheese which came with delicious rosemary potatos and a small salad (kale maybe?).

It was all very fresh, light and delicious. The omlette could have been a tad warmer as could the waiter, but the busboy, hostess and everybody else were simply fantastic.

It's not the cheapest place in town, but for a smart little restaurant that we can walk to, it's well worth the price. Here's hoping they add sidewalk tables soon!

We'll be back!

Canele in Atwater Village

News Alert: Canele (I can't believe it's almost a year since the first time we ate there) opened for brunch today!!!! It will be open Saturdays and Sundays 10-2. What a great new addition. I popped in this morning and it was already buzzing and people were radiating with happiness. The food looked nice too. I'm going tomorrow.

On a separate note, the old porn producers have moved out next door and the space is ripe for a new restaurant or bar. Anyone out there game?

Atwater Village Baptist Church

Not a lot on the agenda, I guess.

Photo of the Month!

Yes, it's an honor just to be nominated, but somehow, without even knowing I was in the running, my photo of snowcapped mountains behind Atwater Village won the very coveted Atwater Village News Photo of the Month award.

I'd like to thank the academy, Michael, who bought me my first Konica oh-so-many years ago, my mom -- happy birthday, by the way, Carl...Is that the music I hear, rushing my acceptance speech?

55 Degrees in Atwater Village

55 Degrees is finally open. Not sure what time it opens in the day, but its wine bar in the basement is open 7 days a week from 5p - 10p. The staff is incredibly nice, the owners outgoing and the look and feel of the place is quite inviting. It's a great addition to the neighborhood. Here are a few pics from their opening.

55 Degrees Wine Shop in Atwater Village

At long last, the time has arrived. I just received a bulletin from the Atwater Village News blog that 55 Degrees is finally opening. Hark, the angels do sing! Here's the brief note:

"Join friends and neighbors for complementary wine tasting at Atwater’s newest “wine cellar” on Saturday, February 16th, from 11am to 11pm. "

I know I'll be there...probably from 11a to 11p.

Snowy Los Angeles

These pics are from Atwater Village from during the lull in the storms. Sure is pretty here.

More snowy atwater village photos here.

Atwater Village

Hey, we're finally getting some respect. The L.A. Times featured Atwater Village (again) as the neighborhood spotlight in today's Real Estate section. And, largely what they say is true. It's an ecclectic, diverse, small part of the city -- both urban and surburban, with all the positives and many of the negatives that go with those descriptions. All in all, it's a nice place to live.

Happy Christmas

It's Christmas Eve in Atwater Village, the Santa Ana's are blowing hard and the modest residents of Atwater (all working class and middle class and brilliantly diverse) have gone to no small trouble to deck their halls. So, without further ado (and before we lose power due to the ferocious wind), here are a few snapshots from the night before Christmas.



For more photos from Christmas Eve, visit my Flickr set! Happy Christmas

Atwater Village Wine Bar

At last, the wine shop/wine bar has been named. Welcome 55 Degrees to the neighborhood. Let's hope she opens soon, as mama is thirsty.