Thursday, January 09, 2025

Hollywood at Sunrise



During my recent trip to Hollywood over the holidays, of course I had no idea of the impending devastation that would be experienced as a result of the ongoing fires. While walking Willis one morning with camera in-hand, I was able to capture a gorgeous sunrise against the backdrop of some of my favorite buildings. Along Santa Monica Boulevard, the advice of this neon sign calls to mind the movie “LA Story” (iykyk).



A major bucket list item was checked off by capturing the Tail o’the Pup sign while lit:



(speaking of “LA Story” again!)



During the day, this pop-up ad for the Netflix film “Carry-On” looks like just another construction wall.



With the purple and pink hues of sunrise, it is much more appealing!



The Standard Hotel in West Hollywood has been closed for a few years, but appears to be in the construction phase for its next iteration. Has it been painted pink like the Beverly Hills Hotel down the street? No; this is just what the rays from a gorgeous sunrise can do to an otherwise bland off-white building.



I was ecstatic to see that the El Mirador Apartment neon sign was working again.



Even better at sunrise!



The historic 1930 Colonial House on Havenhurst:



I have no idea what this building at 8246 Sunset Boulevard is, but it provided a cool silhouette against the backdrop of the sunrise:



By the time I got back to the Chateau Marmont, the sunrise was almost over. Still, a hint of pink was cast over the mysterious tower at the top of the hotel:



One room I have never been in. Just add that to my bucket list.



The latest fire catastrophes in Hollywood and Los Angeles make me recall the horrible fires in San Diego back in October 2003.



One minute we were carving pumpkins, the next we were struggling to breathe clean air.



My heart goes out to all the residents of the areas in Los Angeles that have been affected. The devastation is unreal when you see the videos (the real ones, not the ones generated by AI - ugh). Whether it’s dollars, thoughts, prayers, or physical assistance, whatever you believe in and are capable of, send them the way of the people who are suffering.

See more Hollywood photos at my main website.

3 comments:

  1. I can sympathize. During the 2007 fires I had to evacuate for a week. The national guard kept us out of most of Westwood (92127), not the L.A. one. When they let us back in, our apartment building was still there but the ones on either side had burned to the ground. Cars that had been abandoned in the lot ( prob military on deployment ) had melted, their steel wheels several inches down into the asphalt. Seeing that, then opening the door to find the fish were still alive in their tank was a massive surprise. Not one was lost.

    Good luck to all in L.A. Maybe someday we go back to clearcutting and fire prevention instead of pet projects? Who knows?

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  2. Anonymous4:53 PM

    Hello, Dave! Thank you for this post! I heard the fires have spread to Brentwood, and am anxious that the Shirley Temple home will be burned - have you heard if it’s still standing? 🙏🏻 Thank you!

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  3. Bryan - What a blessing that your fish survived! And yes - let's hope some lessons are learned about what worked/didn't worked in this disaster.

    Anonymous - When we last texted, their home was okay; but I believe the fires have made a return to that area, so not sure.

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