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.

Fire in San Diego

It has been wonderful to get messages of concern from friends and family who have been made aware of the fires that are raging through parts of San Diego County. I have been fortunate so far, but know so many people who have had to evacuate or deal with the daily threat of poor air quality.

It takes me back to the fires from October 2003 (which is where today's photos are from), which came scarily close to where I live. I remember the first smell of smoke that morning; immediately shutting all the windows in the house, I did my best to keep any more ash from coming inside. Holed up inside for a few days, we were told not to go outside unless it was absolutely necessary. The sky looked like something out of a scary end of the world movie. Wondering whether I would have to evacuate or not forced me to take a quick inventory of what I had; would it fit in my car? Could I live without it? And of course, where would I go to and what would I return to. Plenty of time to think about scary things like that, with the scariest being when would the air clear up so that I could breathe normally again. We take the ability to breathe for granted, but at times like this, we are reminded just how fragile we are.



Once things began to clear, I remember heading out to watch a movie. It was wonderful to get out of the house, as I was going stir crazy. I remember how eerie it was to see the downtown so empty. Those that were walking around had breathing masks on.

Continued prayers and thoughts for those affected by this recent tragedy are appreciated.

See more San Diego photos on my main website.