*The Parks of West Hollywood

Greetings Canine Angelenos! 

My pack was visiting a friend in West Hollywood recently, so we decided to check out the local parks while we were there. 

Park space in this part of greater Los Angeles is hard to come by and the citizens of WeHo struggle to keep the green spaces they have... but they are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to developing their park lands.

(Click here to see what goes into my parks rating system.)

Formosa Park includes seating areas, drought tolerant plants and native California plantings, a water feature, water conserving irrigation system and an artwork component.
Taking inspiration from varying foliage shapes, pathways and planting areas designed to reflect natures’ shapes of fallen leaves. Sustainable plantings throughout the park will reflect the colors of fall while enhancing the design of the adjacent condominium building.
- See more at: http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/another-weho-pocket-park-to-be-dedicated/#sthash.EmD1qlSM.dpuf

  

 

***West Hollywood Park***

Rating: 2.5 Paws

647 N. San Vicente Bl.

West Hollywood, CA 90069

 

Located on San Vicente Bl. just South of Santa Monica Bl. and across the street from the Pacific Design Center, this popular park has a lot going on. Its the city's biggest park and currently, for the humans, there is a swimming pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, a playground, lots of benches and a public restroom.

The Pacific Design Center is cool looking, but I'd rather smell the grass.

However, the West Hollywood City Council recently approved a $86 million upgrade that, much to the dismay of the mayor, many residents (and me), doesn't include plans for a dog park; a very strange omission in "this city known for its animal-friendly laws, where pets are formally recognized as 'companions' and their owners as 'guardians'.” (LA Times)

A dog park is definitely needed as there is only one very small spot in all of West Hollywood where a dog can shed its leash (which I cover later in this post). The upgrade plans do include three new kids playgrounds, which is nice, but dogs outnumber children in this city by a very substantial margin.

I can't help but laugh at you humans sometimes...how did you forget a dog park?

Poor planning aside, I must admit the park does have lots of grass to roll in, dog friendly water fountains, poop bag dispensers and trash cans. It could use some more shady trees though. 

I always bring my own dish but its nice to see the park was thinking of those of us under 2' tall.

On the outskirts of the park, various pieces of public art might appeal to both people and dogs.

A bronze dog! I must tell pack leader we need one of these at home.

To say West Hollywood is a colorful place would be an understatement.

I'm sure everyone will eventually come to their senses and make this park more dog friendly. When they do, I'll revisit and upgrade my rating.

***Plummer Park***

 Rating: 2.5 Paws

7377 Santa Monica Bl.
West Hollywood, CA 90046


Unlike West Hollywood Park, where changes have been welcomed, the locals around Plummer Park have been fighting a controversial renovation of the park that was set to begin in 2011.

There are two main entrances to this park. One on Santa Monica Bl. and this one on N. Vista St.

The main points of contention seem to be the city's plan to demolish and/or remodel the buildings, one of which is a national historic landmark, and the addition of an underground parking lot. The battle over this has been going on for almost 4 years and there's no end in sight at this point. 

Its so peaceful here that its hard to believe so much controversy surrounds it.

While the people argue, I'll check out what the place has to offer a dog. There is lots of plush grass and water fountains can be found throughout the park. There are plenty of trash cans too but no poop bag dispensers...maybe those are part of the renovation?

For the humans there are tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic benches, some eclectic artwork, a WWII memorial, and a farmer's market held every Monday from 9am-2pm.

Its called the "Three Horned Beast" but its not very scary if you ask me.

Whatever they decide to do with this park, I'm sure we all hope it retains its unique character and continues to be a fun place for all Angelenos, canine and human, to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.




West Hollywood and Plummer parks are the only places in the city that are big enough to be considered real parks. However, there are a number of "pocket parks" that provide residents with small refuges where one can find some peace (if not quiet), a little touch of nature, and perhaps learn a thing or two.

***Kings Road Park***

Rating: 2 Paws 

1000 N Kings Road

West Hollywood, CA 90069 


This beautifully landscaped property has a lot of interesting things to see and do, packed into a tiny space. There is a playground, benches underneath a variety of shady trees, a waterfall, sculptures, a public restroom, and a famous house.

The Schindler House, built in 1922, is considered the birthplace of California Modernism architecture. That doesn't mean anything to a dog, but I'm sure glad they preserved it because we get to visit this nice little park. 

I wish I had one of these in my backyard.

***William S. Hart Park***

Rating: 2 Paws

8341 De Longpre Ave.

West Hollywood, CA 90069 

William S. Hart, a star of the silent movie era, particularly Westerns, was a big influence on the likes of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. In the 1940's he donated his house and it's grounds to the City of L.A. It was rented to a variety of tenants over the years until, in 1989, it was leased to West Hollywood for 30 years. 

Today the house is used by The Actor's Studio as a rehearsal space and the grounds were converted into an off-leash dog park with separate hours for large and small dogs. There are poop bag dispensers, trash cans, a water fountain and some benches.

The only off-leash place in WeHo. The mulch is alright -  but how about some grass to roll in?

***Laurel Park***
Rating: 1.5 Paws

1343 N. Laurel Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
 

Opened in 2011 as a temporary park, it is essentially the front and side yards of the "Tara" - a home built in 1924 on what is today the largest undeveloped plot of residential land in the city.

The owner donated the home to the city but only spoke of her wishes; never writing them down. This oversight led to years of litigation after her death in 2000 and a court case that made it all the way to the California Supreme Court. Eventually, it was decided that preserving the house and grounds was the way to go.

There are some benches to sit under the many trees that fill the yard but there is no signage anywhere telling you anything about the place. Very strange...

the largest undeveloped plot of residential land in the city - See more at: http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/laurel-park-green-space-expanded/#sthash.KUKoTi5k.dpuf

the largest undeveloped plot of residential land in the city - See more at: http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/laurel-park-green-space-expanded/#sthash.KUKoTi5k.dpu

West Hollywood seems awfully litigious when it comes to their parks, no?

***Formosa Park***
Rating: 1 Paw

1140 N. Formosa Avenue 
West Hollywood, CA 90046

&

***Havenhurst Park***
Rating: 1 Paw

1351 Havenhurst Drive

West Hollywood, CA 90046

Formosa Park includes seating areas, drought tolerant plants and native California plantings, a water feature, water conserving irrigation system and an artwork component.
Taking inspiration from varying foliage shapes, pathways and planting areas designed to reflect natures’ shapes of fallen leaves. Sustainable plantings throughout the park will reflect the colors of fall while enhancing the design of the adjacent condominium building.
- See more at: http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/another-weho-pocket-park-to-be-dedicated/#sthash.EmD1qlSM.dpuf

ormosa Park includes seating areas, drought tolerant plants and native California plantings, a water feature, water conserving irrigation system and an artwork component.
Taking inspiration from varying foliage shapes, pathways and planting areas designed to reflect natures’ shapes of fallen leaves. Sustainable plantings throughout the park will reflect the colors of fall while enhancing the design of the adjacent condominium building.
- See more at: http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/another-weho-pocket-park-to-be-dedicated/#sthash.EmD1qlSM.dpuf

ormosa Park includes seating areas, drought tolerant plants and native California plantings, a water feature, water conserving irrigation system and an artwork component.
Taking inspiration from varying foliage shapes, pathways and planting areas designed to reflect natures’ shapes of fallen leaves. Sustainable plantings throughout the park will reflect the colors of fall while enhancing the design of the adjacent condominium building.
- See more at: http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/another-weho-pocket-park-to-be-dedicated/#sthash.EmD1qlSM.dpuf

Formosa Park and Havenhurst Park, both opened in 2009, are tiny courtyards built by condo developers that have benches and nice landscaping crammed into an area less than 5000 sq. feet. They are mostly used by residents of the adjacent condos but are open to the public. There isn't much to do in them but any clean space where you can relax in the city is greatly appreciated.

Formosa Park

Havenhurst Park

I hope you found my exploration of West Hollywood useful and that it inspires you to visit these parks with your whole pack.

Visit www.CanineAngeleno.com to see my other adventures around Los Angeles and be sure to follow me on Twitter and friend me on Facebook for all the latest news and fun doggie info.


See you at the park!

Chloe Canine-Angeleno




Resources used to write this blog:


The Los Angeles Times

The City of West Hollywood

Wehoville

The L.A. Conservancy

All photographs were taken by my pack leader, Jim Gross

Everything else was discovered by getting my paws dirty and the extensive use of my nose.

*Solstice Canyon Park in Malibu

Greetings my fellow Canine Angelenos!

When its hot in the Valley and smoggy in the Basin, what's a Canine Angeleno to do?

I say go to Malibu!

And this week's adventure takes us to a classic Malibu romp - Solstice Canyon!

Solstice Canyon Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and has a variety of hiking options from an easy stroll through the canyon to some strenuous single tracks up the side of the mountains. On this trip I did the Solstice Canyon Loop Trail, which is actually composed of three different trails and is approximately 3 miles long.

But before I talk about the hike, let's discuss what many Canine Angelenos enjoy just as much as the trail - the car ride there:

If your coming from the L.A. Basin or Ventura County, just take the PCH to get there. I don't think I need to tell anyone how nice it is to stick your head out the window as you cruise down one of the most beautiful roads on the planet. If your coming from the Valley, take the Las Virgenes Rd. exit off the 101 and head South. When you get to the Mulholland Highway, the road becomes Malibu Canyon Rd., an officially designated scenic road that ends at the PCH and is another excellent place to stick your head out and enjoy the smells and scenery.

Solstice Canyon is located about a half mile North of the PCH on Corral Canyon Road. (Thomas Guide 628/C7) there's a free parking lot but you had better get there early if you want a space. If no spaces are available, you can always backtrack to one of the many roadside parking areas near the entrance to the park. 

Our hike begins from the parking lot on the Solstice Canyon Trail.

The trail follows a creek for 1.2 miles all the way to Tropical Terrace. Along the way there are ample opportunities to dip your paws and you'll pass the ruins of the Keller House, thought to be the oldest stone structure in Malibu.

Tropical Terrace was the site of an amazing home built in 1952 for the Roberts Family by renowned architect Paul Williams. The home was featured in Architectural Digest Magazine and is the perfect place to take a break, have a snack, and drink up.

SIDE TRIP
When you're at Tropical Terrace, there's a small waterfall that is one of the only year-round falls in the Santa Monica Mountains. Unfortunately for me, dogs are not allowed at the falls so you'll need someone to hold the leash if you plan on checking it out. :(

When you're ready to move on, look for the Rising Sun Trail sign at the Northwest corner of Tropical Terrace. This trail starts climbing right away and is definitely the most strenuous part of this trip. Fortunately, its only about 0.3 miles to reach the crest of the hill and you will be greatly rewarded for your efforts with a spectacular ocean view and a nice breeze.

From here, the trail goes mostly downhill for another 1.25 miles to its intersection with the TRW Loop Trail. 

Take a right at the intersection then walk downhill for about half a mile and you'll be back at the parking lot where our adventure began.

FUN FACT (from the National Park Service pamphlet):
Solstice Canyon was an important site of early pioneering space research. Technology laboratories, Inc., a subsidiary of Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge (TRW), rented 10 acres from the Roberts Family from 1961-1973. The site was used to test satellite equipment for space missions, including the Pioneer 12. Solstice Canyon was one of only three places in the world chosen to conduct such tests, due to the lack of man-made or natural disturbances. At the TRW overlook you can see the foundations of the TRW buildings, all that remain after the Corral Fire of 2007.


I hope you enjoy your next trip to Malibu and Solstice Canyon; I sure did.





In my next blog, I'm going to share with you at all the things I look for in a great park and I've devised a rating system to help us understand the best places to visit and areas where some parks could use some improvement. Until then...

I'll see you on the trail!

Chloe Canine-Angeleno




Much of the information I've shared in this blog came from the following sources:

Afoot & Afield Los Angeles County (Wilderness Press)
Santa Monica Mountains NRA

All photographs were taken by my pack leader, Jim Gross

Everything else was discovered by getting my paws dirty and the extensive use of my nose.

*Doggie Do's and Dont's: The Things You Need and Need To Know For A Great Adventure

Greetings fellow Canine Angelenos!

 As you know, this blog is all about exploring the great outdoors of Los Angeles from a canine perspective. Nothing is more rewarding than bonding with your pack members while enjoying the wonders of the world around us. But to make the most out of your time together and to help avoid some of the potentially negative consequences of visiting Mother Nature, there are some basic items every pack leader should have to make sure your adventure is safe as well as fun.

*ESSENTIAL GEAR:

You'll need a way to carry your stuff around and a BACKPACK is the best way to do it. There are many styles and sizes to choose from but the only absolute requirement is that the shoulder straps are padded. Some models have a waist strap too for carrying heavier loads but that's not necessary for most day trips. There are also backpacks for dogs that let us carry our own stuff but remember not to overload us and be careful of what you put in there; I just might jump in the river and I'm pretty sure your smart phone isn't water proof. Just sayin'...

By far the single most important thing you should put in your backpack is WATER. Make sure there's enough for everyone, including the dog(s). Its the heaviest thing you'll probably carry, but nothing will end a fun time quicker than running out of water; and unless you want your canine companion to drink from your water bottle, you'll need a WATER DISH just for them. There are many brands of lightweight, collapsible fabric bowls to choose from or you could get my pack leader's favorite, the expandable plastic kind.

We'll also need some SNACKS. We burn a lot of calories while were out and about and a mid-trip energy boost is a must. My pack leader usually brings a couple of my favorite cookies or some cooked chicken for me to nosh on.

A small FIRST AID KIT is something that people forget to bring with them all the time but is worth its weight in cookies if you or your dog get hurt. Cuts, scrapes, stings, twisted joints and a variety of other minor injuries can be easily dealt with if you have some basic supplies. The things you'll find in a first aid kit for people will also work for the dog; no need for two different kits.

Of course you'll need POOP BAGS and a bag to put any trash you accumulate into. Never leave anything behind that wasn't already there. In fact, do something good and take a piece of someone else's trash you find on your adventure and put that in your trash bag to help clean up the place.

Last and by no means least, you need a MAP or some sort of information that will prevent you from getting lost. Some places are easy to navigate while others can be quite confusing. GPS works great for this but you may not be able to get a signal everywhere. If relying on GPS, make sure its fully charged before you start your journey.

Don't be one of those people we hear about on the news that required an expensive rescue just because your an unprepared fool. Its selfish and your putting the people rescuing you at risk.


*THINGS TO REMEMBER

Tell someone where you're going. If you have a problem and don't return on time, somebody will know your missing and will be able to tell the authorities where you might be.

Do some research about the place your going. It will decrease the chances of something going wrong and will enhance your trip by making it easier to identify the plants, animals, structures and geology you may encounter along the way.

If something goes wrong, don't panic. A level head is your best defense and will keep your canine companion from getting upset...remember that we are the undisputed masters of understanding human emotion and body language.

HAVE FUN. If you're unsure about how to have fun, watch your dog; they're really good at it.

See you on the trail!

Chloe Canine-Angeleno

The Los Angeles River #1 - West San Fernando Valley

Welcome back my fellow Canine Angelenos! 

It's time for our next adventure, and this week I'm going to cover a subject that will come up often in this blog: El Río de Nuestra Señora La Reina de Los Ángeles de Porciúncula.

That's quite a mouthful isn't it?

In 1769, Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola (apparently a man of many words) came up with that long name for what we know today as the Los Angeles River; the under appreciated and often neglected waterway that runs almost 52 miles from Canoga Park to Long Beach.

Today I'm going to cover just a short section of it, but over time I plan to cover every place a dog can get its paws wet in the river; or at least get a good look and a sniff at it.



There's only one place to start a great adventure like this and that's at the beginning...

The L.A. River begins, unceremoniously, behind the stadium at Canoga Park High School.

The Headwaters of the Los Angeles River.

Calabasas Creek and Bell Creek converge just West of Owensmouth Ave. and just South of Bassett St. in Canoga Park (Thomas Guide 530/A6), an area better known for the Topanga Shopping Mall than for being the headwaters of the longest paved waterway in the world.

You can easily see the Headwaters from the the Owensmouth Ave. bridge. You can't park on the bridge but there is plenty of street parking available on Owensmouth or Bassett St.

On the Owensmouth Ave. bridge...I can't wait to start exploring!

Currently there's not much to do here, but a Headwaters landscaping project is currently under construction just west of the bridge that will have a walkway, benches and some signage.

 ***UPDATE 1***

FROM HEADWATERS TO THE MASON AVE. BRIDGE IS NOW ACCESSIBLE AND IT IS GORGEOUS! CHECK OUT MY POST WITH THE LATEST DETAILS FROM MY VISIT IN JULY 2014

.

Looking West from the Headwaters

 

 ***UPDATE 2***

FROM THE MASON AVE. BRIDGE TO THE VAN ALDEN AVE. FOOTBRIDGE IS NOW ACCESSIBLE! CHECK OUT MY POST WITH THE LATEST DETAILS FROM MY VISIT IN AUGUST 2014 

After taking a couple of pictures, hop back in your vehicle and head East on Vanowen St. You'll soon leave Canoga Park and enter Winnetka where you'll drive over the river on the first of many East/West river crossing points, the locally controversial Vanowen/Mason bridge. 

This bridge has been under construction for quite some time now and the locals are getting anxious about it. The signs on site say construction was to be completed by November 2013, but its still not done as of March 2014. The work is interfering with traffic and is definitely not pretty to look at, but its part of the overall river landscaping project and I'm sure everyone's patience will eventually be rewarded.

SIDE TRIP:
After a few more minutes of driving you'll enter Reseda and, at the intersection of Vanowen and Wilbur Ave., you'll come across LAPD SWAT Officer Randal D. Simmons Park. Its a nice little spot with lots of grass to roll in and trees to...well you know. The are some picnic benches and a playground there too so your whole pack can enjoy the place. Its listed as West Valley Park on many maps but was renamed in 2010 to honor officer Simmons, the first LAPD SWAT officer to die in the line of duty.

a.k.a West Valley Park

After traveling on Vanowen for almost 4 miles from Headwaters, you'll come to Reseda Bl., where you should take a right and head South. You'll quickly come to your next river crossing at Kittridge St. and to your left will be our next stop, Reseda Park. There is street parking on Reseda Bl., but I recommend you take your next left onto Victory Bl. and park in the lot by the park's swimming pool, which you'll soon see on your left.

The river cuts Reseda Park into two sections which are connected by a footbridge in the Northeast section of the park.

Heading West, the river divides Reseda Park into two sections

Footbridge connecting the two sections of the park

This park has a lot to do for both canines and humans. There is plenty of grass and trees are everywhere, but there's also a pool, basketball courts, baseball fields, a playground, and a duck pond full of geese, egrets, coots, and of course...ducks.

No swimming! Bummer...

After strolling around the pond, return to your car and head East on Victory Bl. You'll soon cross the river again just West of Lindley Ave. and very soon after that you'll come to White Oak Ave. You're now at the Northwest corner of the vast Sepulveda Basin, which is the location of our final stop on this journey, the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park.

Hi there! Shall we roll in some mud?

This place has it all: separate sections for big dogs, little dogs, timid dogs... and plenty of grass and trees to keep any pooch happy. There's water and dishes all over the place and you can always find a tennis ball left behind by previous visitors. The river runs along the entire south side of the park as it begins its journey into the basin.

River entering the basin under the White Oak Ave. bridge

Well that's it for this adventure. We don't actually get to go in the river on this trip but don't worry, I'll get to that in a future blog. I've also saved the Sepulveda Basin for its own blog because its really big and full of great places to explore.


See you at the park!

Chloe Canine-Angeleno





Much of the information I've shared in this blog came from the following sources:

Down By The Los Angeles River by Joe Linton (Wilderness Press)
Friends of the Los Angeles River
City of Los Angeles Dept. of Recreation & Parks

All photographs were taken by my pack leader, Jim Gross

Everything else was discovered by getting my paws dirty and the extensive use of my nose.

*I Am A Canine Angeleno

The City of Angels, The Entertainment Capital of the World, Tinseltown, La-La Land.....

Los Angeles already has a lot of names, but I would like to propose a few more:

Houndwood; Bow-Wow Land, Poochopolis, The City of Canines?

OK, maybe those aren't the greatest of names, but my point is this: 

According to the Found Animals Foundation Survey, there are about 500,000 dogs in the City of L.A., and about 1,000,000 of us throughout L.A. County.

That a whole lot of pooches! 

L.A. is indeed a place for dog lovers.

But for some reason, our city never seems to make any website or major publication's list of the top dog cities in America.

So, with this blog and my new website, I've taken on the mission of enlightening the world on just how great we dogs have it here.


Let me ask you this. How many cities: 

- border a National Forest with over 500 miles of hiking trails? 
- are intersected by the world's largest urban park with another 500+ miles of trails?
- have the largest municipal park with an urban wilderness area in the U.S.?
- enjoy 174 County parks and over 15,000 acres of City park land?
- officially have the most pleasant weather in America?

The answer is just one, the beautiful City of Canines Angels

And its not just an outdoor lovers' paradise. There are dozens and dozens of luxury day care centers and spas that pamper us, restaurants that let us sit on the patio and wait for you to drop something yummy, and boutique stores, hotels, and bakeries that cater to our refined tastes and sense of vanity...

It's good to be a Canine Angeleno.




About once I week I'll be posting information, pictures, and my thoughts about the places I've visited in L.A. and Southern California. Most of the time it will be about a place in L.A. County, but I do enjoy the occasional road trip.

My next post will be about one of my favorite yet most under appreciated places: 

The Los Angeles River

So subscribe to this blog and check out my website. Your best friend will thank you.


Chloe Canine-Angeleno