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Sun Valley California: The Fast Growing Neighborhood
Sun Valley California is a neighborhood in the city of Los
Angeles, in the San Fernando Valley region. Sun Valley was known by the name of
Roberts in the 1880s (named after the only general store in the area), until
its name was changed in 1896 to Roscoe. The name Sun Valley was chosen by
residents in 1948, in a movement headed by the Chamber of Commerce. Sun Valley
California has a moderate racial diversity and a young population. According to
the last census, Sun Valley has a population of approximately 82,000 people and
has one of the highest population growth rates in the county. The percentage of
Sun Valley’s residents under the age of 10 is also one the highest in the Los
Angeles County.
Sun Valley California is bordered by Burbank, North
Hollywood and Valley Glen, Panorama City and Paicoma. It is situated on the
foothills of Verdugo Mountains. This leaves the neighborhood susceptible to
unexpected flash floods. The neighborhood grew exponentially during the second
half of the 20th century. In the early 1900s, only seven families
resided in the area. Sun Valley’s history is intertwined with that of some
famous businesses, including Lockheed which had many factories in the area
during the Second World War, and Voskos Greek Yogurt, which is manufactured in
the area. The Theodore Payne Foundation also resides in Sun Valley. The local
organization is dedicated to preserving the beauty of native and indigenous Californian
plantlife.
There are three prominent outdoor facilities that are famous
in Sun Valley California. The first is the Sun Valley Recreation Center which
has a public swimming pool, lighted basketball courts and a baseball diamond,
tennis courts, volleyball courts and picnic areas. It is a popular hangout spot
frequented by the local residents. The Fernangeles Recreation Center also
offers similar facilities and also includes outdoor barbeque pits and an
auditorium, sporadically used for local events. The last site is the Stonehurst
Recreation Center. This is a historic site, built in 1930, which also served as
a supply armory during the Second World War. Today, this converted recreation
facility has beautiful gardens, a vast auditorium and numerous picnic areas
with accompanying barbeque pits alongside several sporting facilities.
The Exposition Park is in close vicinity of Sun Valley
California and is a beautiful compact outdoor space accompanying another
location of interest. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles Country sits
close to Exposition Park and is a great resource for the preservation of local
history. The Autry National Center is also a little way from Sun Valley
California and is a dedicated to safeguarding the history and culture of the
American West. The Portal of the Folded Wings is another historic landmark
located within a large cemetery, in Valhalla Memorial Park. It was built in
tribute to 14 fallen historical aviators from the area, and also serves as a
small aviation museum. Other famous structures and landmarks in close proximity
include the George R. Howard Museum (with beautiful antiques and furnishings)
and the James C Corman Federal Building. Sun Valley California is a youthful
area with a budding urban culture, but there are enough activities in the
neighboring areas to keep everyone busy.
The Tucked Away Neighborhood of Sunland-Tujinga California
Sunland-Tujinga California is a neighborhood in Los Angeles
by the Crescenta Valley, situated at the base of San Gabriel Mountains.
Initially Sunland and Tujinga were two separate and distinct areas, but since
1928, the communities merged to form a larger neighborhood. They share several
infrastructural facilities including a City Council district, Chamber of
Commerce and different civic organizations. This neighborhood also spans over
Mount Lukens, the highest peak in the city. The formal annexation of Sunland to
Los Angeles took place in 1926, and in 1932, Tujinga annexed too, with no small
help from the senior citizens of the community. A significant part of the
history of Sunland-Tujinga California has been dedicated to solving
cross-boundary and demarcation disputes.
The two communities of Sunland-Tujinga California have a
combined population of nearly 32,000 people. The median income in the
neighborhood is close to $63,000. There is a high concentration of Caucasians
in the region as well as people between the age brackets of 35 and 65.
Sunland-Tujinga is considered to be a secluded neighborhood, noted for
difficulty in access from the rest of the Greater Los Angeles area. Despite
that, it is only 18 miles from the Los Feliz Hills and residents of
Sunland-Tujinga traverse there frequently.
Sunland-Tujinga California is a beautiful neighborhood
surrounded by engorging mountains and valleys, a fact that has caused for it to
be used extensively as a picturesque filming location. Most notably, the famous
Steven Spielberg film E.T. the Extra
Terrestrial was filmed in the neighborhood. The house used as the set
location has since been converted in a landmark E.T. House. Scenes from Ben Hur, Mildred Pierce and Meet John Doe have also been filmed in
the area.
There are several scenic outdoor areas, parks and recreation
facilities available in Sunland-Tujinga California. Of these, the Sunland Park
is perhaps the most popular and charming. The Haines Canyon Park is also a
beautiful location in Tujinga, along with several other parks like Howard Finn
Park and Fehlhaber-Houk Park. The Sunland Recreation Center provides several
facilities like a large auditorium, athletic fields and community rooms. The
Angeles National Golf Club, based at the Angeles National Forest is a 18-hole
golf course eminent within the locals of Sunland-Tujinga California.
There are also various points of historical interest in
Sunland-Tujinga California. Most notable of these is Bolton Hall, built in
1913. The Bolton Hall has been utilized as an American Legion hall, a library
and a jail. Now it serves as a museum containing local historical artifacts and
antiques. McGroarty Arts Center is another historical cultural monument built
in 1923, which an instructional center of arts and a hub of cultural events. The
La Tuna Canyon Park is a great feature on the Tujinga landscape and an
excellent spot for hiking among stunning sights. A hidden gem in
Sunland-Tujinga is the Tujinga Village, a stretch of antique shops, cafes,
mom-and-pop stores and art galleries. The Tujinga Village is a welcome retreat
from the bustle of the chaotic downtown life and offers multiple options for
excursions in a simple but eclectic neighborhood. This place is an absolute
delight and worth a lengthy visit.
The Pictorial District of Lake Balboa California
Lake Balboa California is a district in the Los Angeles
County, and is part of the San Fernando Valley region. The Lake Balboa district
is in close proximity to the Van Nuys Airport and is located centrally in an
area bustling with activity. In the recent past, there has been continued
debate on the subject of the official recognition of Lake Balboa as a
community. In 2007, the City Council of Los Angeles passed a motion to annex a
significant portion of Van Nuys to Lake Balboa California. Other than Van Nuys,
the district is surrounded by Reseda, Northridge and the Sepulveda Basin.
The population of Lake Balboa California is close 26,500, as
per the most recent census estimates. The median age among those residents is
35, and there is a high concentration of people above 35. The population is
also considered to be highly diverse ethnically, with some 49% Caucasians, 34%
Hispanics, 9% Asians and 3.5% African Americans. The median income in Lake
Balboa California is close to $65,300, with a high percentage of residents with
annual income in the range between $40,000 and $120,000 (one of the highest in
the county).
Lake Balboa California has a thriving economy. MGA
Entertainment, a giant toy maker, is headquartered in this district along with
several other big name employers. In terms of parks and recreational
facilities, there are two prominent locations. First is the Anthony C.
Beilenson Park (formerly known as Balboa Park), which is an 80 acre spread of
land by Lake Balboa. This huge premise has a lengthy bicycle trail, a number of
barbeque pits and picnic areas, a magnificent cascade, pedal boats and an area
for lake fishing. The other eminent outdoor facility is the Woodley Park. This
is also situated by the enduring Lake Balboa and contains an Apollo 3 flight
field, picnic areas with barbeque pits, an archery range, athletic facilities
and a wildlife reservation area. Two smaller park pockets also exist by Lake
Balboa. These are Jesse Owens Park and Louise Park.
The Japanese Gardens are located close to Beilenson Park and
is a most delightful center. There are beautiful gardens, a pictorial
waterfall, a quaint tea house and cherry blossom trees. It is rated as one of
the most frequented spots in the area by local residents. The Northridge
Fashion Center is the closest large shopping district to Lake Balboa California
and is the go-to establishment for residents of the district. An iconic
landmark, made famous by David Lynch’s film of the same name, is the Mulholland
Drive. This has been recognized as part of the area’s cultural heritage and
offers panoramic views the San Fernando Valley.
Other points of interest include the Valley Performing Arts
Center with a distinct architecture. This is the hub of the local arts and
culture scene. Slightly further but still accessible is the Getty Museum. The
structure has one of the most refined architectures in the whole basin,
accompanied by gorgeous views of the city, and revolving exhibitions of Modern
Art. If there was one, the Getty Museum is a center of excellence and culture
and is popular among the residents of Lake Balboa California.
The Olive Paradise: Sylmar, California
Sylmar, California is a diverse neighborhood in the Los
Angeles area of the San Fernando Valley. Sylmar is known for its copious olive
orchards and its sundry weather. The neighborhood is bordered by the city of
San Fernando, Mission Hills, Granada Hills and Tujunga Canyon. The Sylmar area
was historically inhabited by the Tataviam people, and later the Spanish
established the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana close by. It was during that
time that olive plantation in Sylmar took root. The name Sylmar roughly
translates to “sea of trees” in Latin. After San Fernando was found as a city
in 1874, Illinois businessmen moved to the area and formed the Los Angeles
Olive Growers Association. Sylmar, once the site of the world’s largest olive
groves, was known for its pure and sweet olives.
The estimated population of Sylmar, California is around
91,000. The neighborhood has a relative low population density as well as a
young age demographic. The median age in Sylmar is only 28. The diverse
population includes a profusion of Hispanics and Latinos, a group that makes up
almost 70% of Sylmar, California. Other prominent racial groups include
Caucasians at 21%, African Americans at 4% and Asians at 3.5%. Nearly 37% of
the residents of Sylmar, California are estimated to have been born outside of
the United States. The median household income of the neighborhood is close to
$65,785.
Sylmar, California is a flat area, though steep hills of the
San Gabriel Mountains are in close proximity. Its weather was adjudicated as
idyllic for respiratory illnesses, and is a location for a tuberculosis
sanitarium now operating under the Olive View Medical Center. Sylmar,
California has also been at the center of natural disasters, including two
devastating earthquakes in 1971 and 1994. More recently, the Sayre Fire caused
significant destruction in 2008.
The neighborhood of Sylmar, California has a number of
public and private schools, and is served by a local branch of the Los Angeles
Public Library. There are a number of parks and public facilities including the
Sylmar Recreation Center, which offers a range of athletic activities as well
as an auditorium and community room. The city also operates El Cariso Community
Regional Park and Stetson Ranch Park which offer similar amenities. Perhaps the
most notable park in Sylmar, California however is the Veterans Memorial Park.
Famous among the local residents for its scenic gardens, the park has group
camping areas, a disc golf course and a picnic pavilion.
In terms of cultural and historical points of interest,
Sylmar, California is renowned for the Nethercutt Collection. This is a museum
with a vast and eclectic assortment of classic automobiles. The museum also has
other interesting, historical artifacts on display, which include musical
instruments, music boxes and antique furniture. Sylmar is also home to a
Wildlife Learning Center, as Discover Cube Los Angeles that features a range of
exhibits through the year. In the nearby Mission Hills, the Forneris Farms is a
great option for inexpensive outdoor activity as a healthy alternative. The
William S. Hart Park and Museum is also a facility rated highly by locals of
the Sylmar, California area.
The Vibrant Temple City, California
Temple City, California is known colloquially as the home of
Camellias. It is a vibrant city in the Los Angeles County with a highly diverse
population. This history of the city dates back to 1923 when Walter P. Temple
bought a large tract in the area with a vision of building an affordable
community. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1960. Mr. Temple himself
worked on the design of the community, including an area of land reserved for a
park facing Las Tunas Drive. Temple City, California is part of a cluster of
cities with a fast growing Asian population, and is a destination for many
Asian, Eastern European and Middle Eastern immigrants. This is reflected in a
number of strip malls furnishing to specific ethnic groups.
Temple City, California has a population close to 36,000.
There is a high density of Asians who make up nearly 55% of the city, whereas
Caucasians form a third of the population and Hispanics (from any race) form
20% of the population. Temple City has a median age of 42 years, and almost 45%
of its residents are aged over 45. A quarter of the population is under 18
years of age, and a quarter between the age of 22 and 45. Temple City,
California has a median household income of $66,075, which is average for the
county.
Temple City, California has a number of interesting areas
and points of interests, as well as annual events. Temple City is famous for
its “Bridal District”, a stretch of businesses in the downtown area famous
around the whole of United States as a center for wedding dresses and
accessories. The Temple City Piazza Mall Project is a large scale project stuck
in development for a long time due to charges of project related political
corruption charges. Once completed, this would be an expansive facility with
extensive retail space, restaurants and banquet facilities. The Temple City
Library is a recently renovated facility which features an artistic mural
depicting not just famous authors but also an imbuement of arts and culture in
Temple City, California. In close vicinity is the Workman and Temple Family
Homestead Museum, which features a historic house and a private cemetery with
beautiful outdoor spaces and well-preserved architecture. There is also the Los
Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in close proximity of the city and
is a striking venue with gorgeous spaces, which attracts residents from around
the area.
Temple City, California has also gained recognition for its
annual Camellia Festival, around February or the start of the spring season.
The festival was started in 1944 in recognition of family life in the city, and
features a parade, cultural entertainment events, a carnival as well as an art
show. Another eminent annual event is the St. Luke’s Parish Fiesta which takes
place in April. The Parish Fiesta of Temple City, California is a great
opportunity to see people of all ages volunteering together to serve their
community and facilitating a three-day event with entertainment value. There is
also a weekly farmer’s market organized in Temple City, California.
The Verdant Sierra Madre, California
Sierra Madre, California is a small but historical and
cultural city in the Los Angeles County. The city is located at the border of
the Angeles National Forest and at the base of the San Gabriel Valley. It is
also bordered by the cities of Pasadena and Arcadia. Sierra Madre, California
was incorporated as a city in 1907 and is also known as the “Village of the
Foothills”, “Wisteria City” and an All-American City. The city seal of Sierra
Madre is painted with a 150m long Wisteria vine.
Given its proximity to the San Gabriel Valley, Sierra Madre,
California has been a famous resort destination for a long time. A prominent
feature of the landscape is the Mount Wilson Trail built by Gabrielino Indians
to transport timber from the valley to construct the San Gabriel Mission in
1771. A century later, the Mount Wilson Observatory was established given the
pictorial views from the trail of the Los Angeles basin. This is also the site
of the Mount Wilson Trail Race, an annual event that originated in 1908, an
event that links the geography of today’s Sierra Madre area to its traditional
history. Sierra Madre, California has over the last four decades, become an
active body campaigning and working strongly for causes that include
environment action and affordable housing for seniors.
The population of Sierra Madre, California is estimated to
be close to 11,000, with nearly 53% of the population over the age of 45.
Nearly 20% of the population is under the age of 18. The city also has a high
median household income of $88,837, though 8% of the population lives under the
federal poverty line. Nearly 80% of the population is Caucasian, with a small
percentage of African Americans, Pacific Islanders and Asians making up the
remaining ethnic demographic. Sierra Madre, California has a Mediterranean
climate, which entails hot and dry summers and wet and cool winters.
The city of Sierra Madre, California has a vibrant culture,
a rich sense of history and numerous landmarks and sites of interest. The
downtown area has a number of small shops and restaurants and cafes, including
E. Waldo Ward and Son, a 120 year old establishment that sells olives, jams and
jellies grown from its own citrus groves. The Independence Day is celebrated as
a three day festival in Sierra Madre, California and is an animated affair. The
city also participates in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade, and
volunteers gather in the city every year to decorate the much-awarded Sierra
Madre floats. Given its geographic and natural beauty, Sierra Madre, California
has been used as a set in numerous film productions, including Twin Peaks by David Lynch and A Family Plot by Alfred Hitchcock.
In terms of landmarks, there are 48 properties listed on
Sierra Madre’s Historical Properties list. Foremost on the list is the Mater
Dolorosa Monastery, a large outdoor retreat with lush gardens dating back to
1931. It is a peaceful and serene environment and a beautiful place to spend
time. Other notable sites in Sierra Madre, California include the Pioneer
Cemetery (built in 1884), the Old North Church, Hart’s House and the verdant
Sierra Madre Memorial Park.
Lancaster, California: An Economic, Culture and Sports Hub
Lancaster, California is a charter city in the Los Angeles
County and the 31st largest city in the state. It is located in the
Antelope Valley of the Mojave Desert. Along with Palmdale, the twin cities are
the principal cities in California’s High Desert region. The city was
incorporated in 1977. It is nearly 70 miles from Los Angeles downtown and is
surrounded by San Gabriel Mountains and Tehachapi Mountains, giving it a very
picturesque landscape. It is served by the General Williams J. Fox airfield.
Historically, the area of Lancaster, California has been an agricultural center
with major wheat and barley production. It was also home to Polaris Flight
Academy, an institution that played a significant part in Air Force training in
the Second World War.
Lancaster, California has an approximate population of
168,000. Almost half of the residents of the city are Caucasians, 20% are
African Americans, 19% are Pacific Islanders and there are also small
percentages of Native Americans and Asians. The median household income in
Lancaster, California is close to $50,200, with nearly 21% of the population
under the federal poverty line. The age spread of the population is even, with
a third of the residents under the age of 18, and a third over the age of 45.
Lancaster, California is also a major economic hub, with
five major industrial zones within the city. These include the Fox Field
Industrial Center, North Valley Industrial Center, Lancaster Business Park,
Enterprise Business Park and Centerpoint Business Park. The economic success
has been a gateway to intense development in the retail and food industry in
the city, as well as major innovation in the affordable homes market. Major
defense contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin and BAE are also situated in
the city.
There are a number of points of interests and history in
Lancaster, California. Chief among them is the Willow Springs International
Motorsports Park, which is the first Grand Prix race circuit in all of North
America. The structure, which opened in 1953, has hosted numerous big NASCAR
events and is a festive venue. It is also home to the Aerospace Walk of Honor,
established in 1990, which celebrates recognition of aviators and experimental
test pilots. Along with the Willow Springs Park, Lancaster, California also has
major sporting facilities including Lancaster National Soccer Center, “The
Hangar” (Lancaster Municipal Baseball Stadium) and Skate UniverCity (a large
skateboarding park).
Lancaster, California has a thriving arts and recreation
scene. The BLVD is a popular district which hosts different music and arts
festivals and a plethora of dining and entertainment options, and a regularly
held farmers market. Near the Apollo Country Park is USA’s first musical road
as well, which sings “William Tell Overture” for passing vehicles and
pedestrians. The Western Hotel is a California Historic Site and the oldest
standing structure in the city, which was converted to a museum in 1992. The
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park is another landmark site
celebrating the history of the area. There are three beautiful lakes around
Lancaster, California – the Elizabeth Lake, Lake Palmdale and Hughes Lake –
which provide great outdoor opportunities for the local residents.
The Boomburg of Santa Clarita, California
Santa Clarita, California is the third largest city in the
Los Angeles County, and also the eighteenth largest in the whole state. It is a
fast developing city, and has been informally labeled as a “boomburg” in terms
of its rapid business growth. Over the past few years, numerous annexations of
nearby communities have also contributed to a feral population growth in the
city, which remains one of the best places in the United States to live. Santa
Clarita, California was incorporated as a city in 1987, and brought together
communities like Newhall, Saugus and Canyon Country.
The history of Santa Clarita, California is rich and its
heritage diverse. In the 19th century, gold was discovered in the
Placerita Canyon and later oil wells were discovered in Mentryville, giving
birth to the California Oil Industry. An oil refinery in Newhall is the oldest
existing petroleum and oil refinery in the world. It was also a site for
cinematic production, with the likes of William S. Hart and John Wayne working
out of Santa Clarita, California at the start of the 1900s. The Santa Clarita
Valley is also the site of one of the worst engineering disasters in
California’s history, with the destructive collapse of the St. Francis Dam in
1928. The city also lies of major fault lines and is an area for significant
wildfire activity.
The population of Santa Clarita, California is around
176,500. Almost 70% of these residents are Caucasians, 8.5% Asians, and 4%
African Americans. In terms of age, 37% of the residents are above the age of
45, and 26% under the age of 18, while 27% of the population is between the
ages 25 and 44. The median household income in the city is around $82,600.
Santa Clarita, California is a booming economic center, with
companies like Sunkist, MannKind and Princess Cruises headquartered there. Creation
of an Enterprise Zone in 2007 also facilitated an inward shift in economic
capital and investment. The city of Santa Clarita, California is popularly
associated with CalArts (the California Institute of Arts) and with Six Flags
Magic Mountain amusement park. These reflect the energetic state of the arts
and recreation scene in the area. The William S. Hart Museum and Park is an
example of the cross-section of arts and history. Other points of arts and
culture include the Canyon Theater Guild, Passages (a museum of the Bible), and
the College of the Canyons Art Gallery. An annual SummerFest at Rivendale is an
outdoor show that attracts copious crowds.
In terms of landmarks and historical sites in Santa Clarita,
California, the Heritage Junction Historical Park and Saugus Train Museum are
two prominent offerings. Old Town Newhall has the famous “Walk of Western
Stars” that celebrates the Old West genre of cinema. The Iron Horse Trailhead
and Placerita Canyon are two of many options for outdoor activity, as Santa
Clarita is known among the locals as a hiking and biking paradise. The Vasquez
Rocks make for a picturesque camping ground, especially for sunsets. And the
Castaic Lake Recreation features a park at the edge of the lake, for outdoor
sporting activity as well as leisurely recreation.
The Affluent View Park−Windsor Hills, California
View Park−Windsor Hills, California is one of the most
affluent African American areas in all of United States. It is an
unincorporated community in the Los Angeles County, with View Park towards the
north (along Angeles Vista Boulevard) and Windsor Hills to the south (near Slauson
Avenue). This beautiful area is part of a band of neighborhoods, including the
Fox Hills District and Leimert Park that is home to the wealthiest African
American communities. View Park−Windsor Hills, California was developed in the
1920s as an upscale neighborhood. The architectural designs of the houses in
this area are par none, with sublime designs of Spanish and Mediterranean
origins.
The population of View Park−Windsor Hills, California is
estimated to be around 11,100. Of these, nearly 85% of the residents are
African Americans, 6% Caucasians and 2.5% Pacific Islanders. The neighborhood
has the highest percentage of African Americans in all of Los Angeles County. In
terms of age demographics, nearly 54% of the residents in the area are above
the age of 45, whereas some 19% of the population is under the age of 18. The
number of females in View Park−Windsor Hills, California is significantly more
than the number of males. The median household income is close to $79,900.
View Park−Windsor Hills, California has been the home to a
number of notable residents. Among them are the blues legend Ray Charles, the
famous actress Regina King and filmmaker Charles Burnett. There are two main
outdoor facilities in the area. The Rueben Ingold Park is the smaller of the
two, and is a pictorial area. The main outdoor activity is a visit to the
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area which is a large and verdant reserve. Often
a venue for outdoor weddings, this recreation area has bike trails, streams, a
Japanese garden with a Koi fish pond and some of the greatest views in the
area. The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook matches that with splendid views of the
ocean, downtown LA and even the famous Hollywood Sign in North Hollywood. It is
a good exercise spot as well, with a line of stairs to get you to the top of
the mound. It is a popular hiking activity among the local residents. The
Lion’s fountain in nearby Culver City has great Art Deco architecture and is a
scenic place to spend time.
There is also a vivacious arts scene, as exemplified by the
Flypoet Spoken Word and Music Showcase, a famous gathering of poets and artists
that is described as inspiring and outstanding by local audiences. The Forum is
a large concert venue that hosts a range of events frequently, which includes
music performances, comedy events and sports nights. The Hollywood Park Casino
also hosts events, but is primarily the central den for amateur and
professional gamblers alike. There is also the LAX Firing Range that provides a
decent range of indoor activities around the small neighborhood. Notable
landmarks in View Park−Windsor Hills, California include the headquarters of
the Los Angeles Urban League, as well as the Ray Charles’ 50 year old
residence. The Centinela Adobe in the nearby Inglewood area is also a most
famous and historic landmark site among the local residents.
The Scenic Views and Baldwin Hills, California
Baldwin Hills, California is a wealthy neighborhood in the
Los Angeles County. The neighborhood has one of the highest percentages of
African Americans in the whole county. The neighborhood has supreme views of
the Los Angeles basic and downtown LA, and there are a number of recreational
spots around the neighborhood that serve as informal observatories. Baldwin
Hills, California is surrounded by the areas of Culver City, Leimert Park, View
Park-Windsor Hills and Crenshaw Boulevard. The neighborhood was a part of the
Rancho Rincon de los Bueyes in the 19th century. It was later
developed by the pioneer Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin, after whom the neighborhood
is named. The first Olympic Village ever built was in this area for the 1932
Los Angeles Summer Olympics, and included a hospital, an amphitheater and
scores of buildings.
The population of Baldwin Hills, California is close to
32,500. The percentage of people aged over 65 is one of the highest in the
whole Los Angeles County. Baldwin Hills, California has a wide income gap
between the rich and the poor. There’s a high incidence of affluent African
Americans, yet the median household income is close to $38,000. The percentage
of households earning less than $20,000 annually is also very high. The
neighborhood is moderately diverse. Almost 72% of its residents are African
Americans, 17% are Hispanics, nearly 5% are Asians and 3.4% are Caucasians. The
neighborhood also has a high percentage of veterans.
Baldwin Hills, California has been home to several
celebrities including Tina Turner, Nicki Minaj and Cal Worthington. It was also
the subject of a reality television show of the same name which featured the
lives of African-American teenagers in an upper-middle class community. In
terms of recreational opportunities, the city is home to the Baldwin Hills
Scenic Overlook. This site has some of the most remarkable and panoramic views
of the Los Angeles basin, downtown LA and the ocean. To get to the top of the
overlook, residents have to climb stairs which make it a fun hiking activity
with rewarding views.
The Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is also in proximity
to Baldwin Hills, California. This is an expansive park and reserve, which
offers residents numerous outdoor activities. The area has flowing streams, a
Japanese garden, bike trails and a Koi pond. Situated on an elevated plain, the
Kenneth Hahn Area too offers some of the most remarkable views of not just the
Los Angeles basin, but of surrounding neighborhoods as well.
There are several notable buildings and districts in Baldwin
Hills, California. Village Green, a community part of Baldwin Hills, was chosen
as a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument. Also in close proximity is the
Stalh House (an architectural landmark), the Beach Boys Historical Landmark
(site of the childhood home of the famous Californian music band), and the
Museum of Jurassic Technology. This facility is an art installation and a
poignant parody of museums, while keeping the visitors engaged with trivia and
a unique tea room on the rooftop. The dilapidated shopping district of Santa
Barbara Plaza is another intriguing district, though not for the greatest of
reasons. However, it will soon be a site of massive overhaul and redevelopment
and an area to watch out for.
Cheviot Hills-Rancho Park, California: A Royal Flush
Cheviot Hills-Rancho Park, California is a wealthy
neighborhood on the Westside of the Los Angeles County. The neighborhood was
found in 1924. Given its picturesque qualities, and proximity from Fox Studios
and Sony Studios, the neighborhood has been used as a filming location for numerous
television shows and films. The neighborhood is also home to many studio
executives and actors, and is guarded by heavy security. Cheviot Hills-Rancho
Park, California was originally part of the Rancho Rincon de los Bueyes, though
proper development of the neighborhood did not commence till 1920s, when it was
designed as a middle-income neighborhood. Today, it is compared to eminent
neighborhoods like Bel Air and Beverly Hills and is one of the “hottest”
growing neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles.
There are two prominent districts part of Cheviot Hills-Rancho
Park, California, the Monte Mar Vista and the New Cheviot. Views from the Monte
Mar Vista include sights of the Hollywood Hills, the Rancho Park Golf Course
and Century City. Monte Mar Vista is the most affluent area in the whole
neighborhood given its location. New Cheviot saw fast development in the 1950s,
on the site of the California Country Club. The neighborhood is bordered by the
Hillcrest Country Club, Manning Avenue and Anchor Avenue.
The low density neighborhood of Cheviot Hills-Rancho Park,
California has a total population estimate of 7,300. The percentage of
residents aged above 50, as well as the percentage of veterans is one of the
highest in all of the Los Angeles County. The median household income in the
neighborhood is close to $111,800, which is also quite high relative to the
area. The neighborhood is not particularly ethnically diverse, with some 79% of
the residents Caucasians, 9% Asians, and 8% Hispanics.
Several notable personalities and celebrities reside in Cheviot
Hills-Rancho Park, California. These include film actor Jonah Hill, former
Governor of California Pete Wilson, musician Trevor Barker and author Ray
Bradbury. There are a number of parks and recreation facilities servicing the
neighborhood. The Cheviot Hills Recreation Center is one of them and is an
elaborate facility with a number of athletic amenities, camping grounds, an
archery range and lush green open spaces. US President Barack Obama played a
famous game of Basketball with actors George Clooney and Tobey Maguire, during
his 2012 Presidential Campaign. The nearby Rancho Park Golf Course is one of
the finest landscapes and golfing areas. Smaller parks include Club Circle Park
and Irvine Schachter Park on the outskirts of Cheviot Hills-Rancho Park,
California.
The Westside Pavilion and Westfield Century City are two
major and contemporary shopping districts with a number of retail and
restaurant options in a fun setting. Fox Studios is located really close to the
Recreation Center and so, Cheviot Hills-Rancho Park, California has been used
for filming of productions like Laurel
& Hardy and Modern Family.
There are several activities always on play in the area, including bike tours
and cooking classes. The Museum of Tolerance is a beautiful space dedicated to
the trials and triumphs of humans through time and is a powerful art museum
that beggars a few visits.
The Sparkling Miracle Mile, California: Not Just for
Tourists
Miracle Mile, California is an area in the city of Los
Angeles, in the Mid-Wilshire district. It also refers to surrounding areas
including Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center and Park La Brea. It is a stunning
example of prime art deco architecture and a commercial district. The mile and
a half long district has a rich sense of history, particularly around its
unique name. It is part of Los Angeles’ narrative on decentralization and
commercial viability. Today, it is an active thoroughfare, with a beautiful
collection of art structures and a line of museums alongside the famous La Brea
Tar Pits.
The Miracle Mile, California is on the Wilshire Boulevard
between Highland Avenues and Fairfax. Surrounding areas of the district include
Hancock Park, Carthay Circle and West Los Angeles. The history of the project
goes back to 1921, and is linked with real estate developer and visionary A.W.
Ross. At that time, the potential of the area as a commercial hub was
dismissed, given the lack of electric railway line close by, and the tar pits.
However, as Los Angeles burgeoned and bloomed, and subsequently spilled over
its boundaries in the next ten years or so, the “Wilshire Boulevard District”
(its name at that time), began to acquire glamour and appeal. After Desmond’s
decided to locate a store on the Boulevard, stores and shoppers began to flock
the area and that was enough to coin the term “the Miracle Mile”. At one time
it was renowned as America’s Champs-Elysees.
The area underwent major restructuring in the 1980s after
its initial suburban shopping districts left the Miracle Mile as a slum. It was
then that, led by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, that the arts and
culture scene gave the district its second miracle. It is known today as Los
Angeles’ Museum Row. Major publications like Los Angeles Magazine, Variety and
the Hollywood Reporter are based on the Miracle Mile, California. Outside
Variety’s office are ten segments from the Berlin Wall painted as a mural.
Today, Miracle Mile, California is known for its animated
arts and culture scene. More than for tourists, the Museum Row serves to the
diverse interests of local residents. The Museum Row includes the Craft and
Folk Art Museum, the A+D Museum and Peterson Automotive Museum. The La Brea Tar
Pits are a natural phenomenon that is both engaging and different. The Page
Museum near the pits is a great structure with first-rate La Brea Women
exhibit. The Art Deco structures give the Miracle Mile a very refined and
architectural appeal that is quite unmatched, and residents in nearby areas
spend a lot of time on the stretch given the entertainment and dining options
alongside its artistic appeal.
In the surrounding areas, the Park La Brea is a great place
to take a break from museum tours or the overall awesomeness of the Miracle
Mile, California. The Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center is a great facility
with numerous athletic offerings and lighted courts. The Museum Square has a
vast collection of dining options, which add to the appeal of the district for
nearby residents.
Death of
Print Books? Not Even..
Five
years ago, e-readers and kindles were obsolete and unheard of. Those were the
days of cracked spines, ruffled covers and handwritten notes splattered in the
margins of the book. A bibliophile will maintain today that print books
inherently possess a tactile beauty the digital format fails to offer. On its
own, that may not sound like a winning case. E-readers have been describes as
“compact” and “convenient”. They cost the publishing houses less in printing
and storing. They offer cheaper options per title. One wonders: is creative
writing for the print version slowly bleeding out?
The
inherent troubles with the e-reader are more subtle than one imagines. Creative
writing, non-fiction and even textbooks build a world that requires immersion
to be fully engaged with. In 2012, the Guardian carried out an experiment just
to test whether e-readers provided the same immersive experience.
Unsurprisingly, the study concluded that people connected less with a book read
on an e-reader on an emotional level. Those using the print format were able to
recall details better and place events in chronological order.
And that
leads us to the second important point. As with all things technological, the
temptation to be distracted and multitask is significantly higher with
e-readers. Imagine yourself reading a challenging book, a good soldier in the
army of creative writing. You come across an interesting analogy or anecdote.
Instead of penciling in on the margin, you attempt to highlight and leave a
note on the screen. Your heart weeps at the ugliness of the note. It reminisces
about your love for your own uglier handwriting. You’re tempted to switch to
the browser to find out more about the anecdote. Nothing wrong with curiosity.
Except as soon as you do, your connection with the book is lost. This was
proven by yet another study, which found multitasking was three times higher
with e-book readers than print readers.
At the
risk of sounding like a Luddite, I have to make room for the argument about the
charm of the physical books. Books are special, they’re beautiful. Two years
ago, in a small alley in Istanbul, in a basement, I came across a 1951 copy of
a James Bond novel. On the first page, a man had inscribed a short note to a
girl, from almost sixty years ago. It was etched there, in permanence, a gift
from the man to the woman and the world. Books can be shared, they can be
devoured with a satisfaction that e-readers cannot match. Any bibliophile would
agree there’s a certain pleasure with every turn of the page, with
accomplishing a large novel.
Which
brings up another good point: after years, I finally picked up the Infinite
Jest. Those familiar with the book know it presents a near-insurmountable
challenge, not the least because of its constant reference to end notes. I
started reading on an e-reader and within days, I stopped because just the
activity of switching from one e-page to another, finding, browsing, linking
was reducing the pleasure I incurred. I bought a physical copy of the same
book, and the purpose and charm of those endnotes was completely different,
completely positive. It made me enjoy referring to the notes, making
connections on the page with a pencil, deciphering linkages.
E-readers
may cannibalize print markets, but never are they going to leave prints books
dying.
Title: A
Thousand Splendid Suns
Biographical
information about the author:
Khalid
Hosseini is a 52 year old Afghan American well known for three bestselling
novels: The Kite Runner (2003), A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007) and And the
Mountains Echoed (2013). Hosseini earned his M.D. from the University of
California, San Diego, and practiced medicine for ten years, until he decided
to focus on writing full time. Hosseini cites Persian poetry and Persian
translations of the works of Jack Fang and Lewis Carroll as his influences.
Date of
Publication: May 22, 2007
Genre:
Novel/Fiction
Historical
information about the period of publication or setting of the poem:
A
Thousand Splendid Suns is written to describe the plight of average women
living in Kabul, Afghanistan. Released in 2007, the book was published in
detail about a country that was not only war-torn but in the midst of constant
conflict. The story opens with the birth of Laila, a central character, on the
night the Soviets took control of Afghanistan.
Plot
Summary:
The story
opens with Mariam, the illegitimate daughter of a man named Jalil. Jalil is a
wealthy businessman who lives in a nearby city. Mariam’s relationship with
Jalil is almost nonexistent until her mother’s suicide, after which Mariam is
sent to Herat to live with her father. However, Jalil and his wives marry
Mariam off to Rasheed, a shoemaker much older than Mariam in age. The couple
move to Kabul, and soon Mariam is found to be pregnant. However, her pregnancy
ends in miscarriage and her relationships with her husband begin to sour as he
becomes violent.
In a
parallel story, in Kabul, Laila is born the night Soviets established control
over Afghanistan. As Laila grows up, we are introduced to her best friend Tariq.
Tariq is a young boy who lost a leg as a child because of a stray bomb. As the
Soviets stay in Afghanistan worsens the conditions, and as the relationship
between Laila and Tariq begins to blossom, Tariq’s family decides to migrate to
Pakistan to stay away from the war. The night before Tariq leaves, he sleeps
with Laila, impregnating her in the course. Laila’s family too decides to leave
Afghanistan, but are killed by a rocket, leaving Laila alone and hurt in Kabul.
Mariam
and Rasheed care for Laila as she recovers. During this time Laila receives the
news of Tariq’s death in a hospital. At this junction, Rasheed proposes to
Laila, and she agrees. This is because of her pregnancy, which she hides from
Rasheed in a bid to convince him the child is his. Her eventual plan is to
escape to Pakistan once she has saved enough.
Laila’s
marriage to Rasheed causes Mariam to view Laila in a very critical light.
However, the two women come closer over the tragedy of their shared
experiences, especially after the birth of Laila’s daughter, Aziza. At one
point, Laila tells Mariam her plan to escape from Rasheed and Kabul. Mariam
agrees to help Laila and join them. The two women and the child are able to go
ahead with their plan and manage to escape, but are arrested soon because of
the strict religious wave in Kabul, and sent back home to Rasheed. Rasheed’s violent
tendencies cause him to nearly kill the women.
Soon
after, as the predicament continues, Laila is pregnant again and has a son.
Rasheed’s shoemaking enterprise burns down, and the family has no source of
income. He forces Laila to put their daughter Aziza in an orphanage, and Laila
has no choice but to consent. One day, on her return from a visit to Aziza,
Laila comes home to find her childhood friend and love, Tariq, at her house. As
they begin to talk, Laila discovers the man who bore the news of Tariq’s death
years ago was a trickster hired by a conniving Rasheed, so he could marry
Laila. On her end, Laila tells Tariq about her daughter in the orphanage. When
Rasheed finds out about Tariq’s visit, he flies into a rage and heavily beats
Laila. Mariam intervenes during this episode and delivers a fatal blow to
Rasheed in a bid to protect Laila. She remains in Kabul after Rasheed’s death
and is found guilty for the murder. She is publicly executed by the new regime
of the religious Taliban. This part of the story is also an excellent
commentary on the pseudo-religious nature of the Taliban regime.
Tariq
moves with Laila and her two children to Pakistan, where Tariq’s new home is
and where life is much better than back in Kabul. As the years move on, the
story mentions the US invasion of Afghanistan, whereupon Laila decides to move
back to her home in Kabul.
Rasheed
starts to beat Laila that night when he finds out about Tariq. Mariam ends up
killing Rasheed to protect Laila. Mariam remains in Kabul to take the blame and
is executed by the Taliban. Laila, Tariq, and the kids move to Tariq's home in
Murree, where life is comfortable. After the U.S. invasion, however, Laila
decides to return to Kabul. Before returning, she makes a stop at Mariam’s
village and visits her childhood home. There she receives a box that was meant
for Mariam for all these years, from her illegitimate father Jalil. The
contents of the box reveal a letter and her share of inheritance. To honor the
memory of Mariam, Laila sows the seeds of inheritance to renovate the orphanage
she once was forced to send Aziza to. At the end of the book, readers discover
Laila is pregnant again, with seeds of new hope planted internally as well as
externally.
Memorable
Quotes
“Learn
this now and learn this well, my daughter: Like a compass needle that points
north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman.”
These
words constantly surround Mariam in her life; first as her father blames her
mother’s suicide and later as Rasheed blames Mariam and Laila for his own
misfortunes. It also represents a strong culture of patriarchy undermining
women in Afghanistan.
“No
matter. The point is, I am your husband now, and it falls on me to guard not
only your honor but ours, yes, our nang and namoos. That is the husband's
burden. You let me worry about that."
This is
another important quote that represents how Laila and Mariam are both
controlled and manipulated, even pitted against each other, in the name of
honor that Rasheed assumes to be his own responsibility. It almost stands as
ironic as well, given Rasheed’s character and his disposition towards his
wives.
“A
society has no chance at success if its women are uneducated, Laila. No
chance.”
In a
society riddled with oppression, this quote summarizes the entire book in a
way. It is a message for education of women, and the power that such education
would bring to overcome the stringent and unfair regime in the country. In a
country with few voices advocating for the women, this stands out.
Three
Possible Themes:
There are
a number of themes this book touches upon. Of these the most powerful are:
Gender
and Empowerment: the story is written from the lens of two women in a
patriarchal society. Through the book, we understand how women in Afghanistan
are suppressed by a culture that looks down upon female education and freedom,
as they are subjected to oppression by the state forces and understood as
property by men. Yet this book talks about the resilience and spirit of women
who strive to shape their own destiny.
Education: Again, in the context of the setting,
education in Afghanistan has taken a backseat due to constant warfare. Women in
specific are held back from attaining education as a cultural norm. This book
really highlights how education is a privilege indeed, and how powerful a tool
it is in bringing about independence and sovereignty from tyranny.
War: A Thousand Splendid Suns is one of the few
books that personalizes and humanizes the effects of war through a fictitious
yet very real story. It is the story of Afghanistan, and the lives of the
Afghan people embroiled in a constant state of war. Yet, a most beautiful
perspective is that while the surroundings of the book are decorated with
warfare, the book really focuses on the endurance of human spirit and of home
through the toughest of times.
Setting:
The story is set in two different major timelines
in Afghanistan. The first deals with the onset of war in Afghanistan against
the Soviet, in the 1970s era. This is when the Taliban were first rising to
eminence and were taking an active part in resisting the Soviet wave. The
culture at the time heavily favours men in society, especially given their role
as the freedom fighters. The second part of the book revolves around a
different wave of conflict, this time within the Taliban factions. Through the
book, the setting of the book remains in constant turmoil, reflecting a
different kind of turmoil affecting the characters.
Symbols and Motif:
1. In the opening of the book, Khalid Hosseini
delicately describes how Mariam is ostracized from her father’s life. On page
50, Hosseini writes piercingly, “...every time she breathed out, the surface
fogged. And she disappeared from her father’s table” summarizing Mariam’s
plight in a mere sentence.
2. Primary characters Laila and Tariq grow up
around violence and conflict and are torn apart by it. Hosseini summarizes
Laila’s innocence and partners it with the larger desensitization to warfare
aptly when he describes Laila’s least favourite thing: “‘It’s the whistling,’
Laila said to Tariq, ‘the damn whistling, I hate more than anything’” (page
173)
3. Hosseini uses the dream space to make powerful
statements through the book. One instance of that is a dream Laila has about
burying her daughter Aziza alive. This is when she is being forced by Rasheed
to give Aziza up to the orphanage. This dream makes Laila guilty because she
feels as if she is participating in the oppression of women alongside the
Taliban. This is important as it is in response to this that Laila eventually
comes back to her home country and works to improve the conditions at the
orphanage.
Significance of the First and Last Scenes of the
Book:
A Thousand Splendid Suns completes a full circle
from beginning to end. The story opens with Mariam being referenced as a
“harami” or a bastard child. This immediately is followed by representations of
how Marian is not only a blemish on her mother and society, relegated to live a
life in the periphery, but it also signals the problems Mariam would face in
her life because of the conditions she is born in. It symbolically represents
her inability to alter her destiny.
The closing of the book sees Laila thinking about
Mariam, wanting to know where her grave is. Laila has taken Mariam’s
inheritance and used those funds to renovate an orphanage in honor of Mariam.
It represents Mariam’s share in altering the destiny of so many children left
to poor conditions of the orphanage. Most importantly, it represents the birth
of hope and change in the most unlikely of places.
