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.

Christy Does Southern California, Pt. 4

The next morning, I walked down Sunset Boulevard to get Christy for our visit to Griffith Park. Along the way, I snapped a few of the Standard Hotel.



Christy showed me what was waiting for her when she returned home the night before…well, she showed me the personalized-with-chocolate empty plate!



Had to capture another original art deco detail at the Sunset Tower.



The Parking Gods looked down upon us favorably, and we were able to secure a parking spot in the Observatory Parking lot. Christy got a great view of the Hollywood Sign.



Yup…it was sunny!



The Observatory was open for business:



I love the clean lines which are so indicative of art deco:



Two homages to the James Dean film "Rebel without a Cause" which was filmed here at the Observatory. First, Christy and Doug reenact the famous knife fight ("You calling me chicken?"). Willis was ready to step in.



"I've got the bullets!"



Jimmy's mouth gasped at the talent exhibited.



Willis wasn't interested in the photos or the Observatory, but he sure loved the sunshine and rolling around on the front lawn.



We still had a bit of time before we moved rooms at the Chateau, so we stopped at the Barnsdall Art Park to see the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Hollyhock house on Olive Hill.



The steps up to the house made me think of the Laurel and Hardy movie "The Music Box."



How to frame a view, Frank Lloyd Wright style:





Unfortunately, the home was closed for tours since it was a Sunday. This was all I got to see through the glass window.



Willis enjoyed touring the property.



Next, it was time to eat. Christy paid her first visit to the Pink Taco on Sunset Boulevard, which was formerly Preston Sturges' club The Players.



A strawberry margarita in a pineapple? Count me in.



Willis got nothing, and he wasn't happy. He was ready to go back to the Chateau.



The rest of the story coming soon!

See more Daveland Griffith Observatory photos on my main website.