The soft and sweet heart of Los Feliz

Did you notice the volunteers that were cleaning the Hoover Steps in June? They worked on a public garden as well.

In July, the Council Day of Service was to work on the planters in front of King Middle School. The Friends of King brought the snacks and food and EnrichLA brought tools and plants. Now, the middle-schoolers will be greeted with planters filled with beautiful flowers and greenery.

The Los Feliz Neighborhood Council (LFNC) has begun getting volunteers together once a month to make Los Feliz a better.

On the third Saturday of every month, volunteers gather at that month’s work site to improve Los Feliz. There are already cleanups scheduled for the entire year and every month will be different, so there’s no way to get bored. The next Council Service Day will August 17th.  Anyone who would like to volunteer can email communications@losfeliznc.org. Check out the website at www.losfeliznc.org.

I have to tell that this is one the reasons I love Los Feliz. The community works together to make this neighborhood better and better every day.

Photos are from the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council website. Thanks for all you do.

Ponies and Choo-choos: Griffith Park is a child’s paradise

Here are some more of the amazing things to do in Griffith Park, right near Los Feliz.

Set on the mountain above the City, Griffith Park is an important and wonderful part of Los Feliz’s history.

Contributors to the Park include many of Los Feliz’s most famous former residents, including Walt Disney.

Travel Town Museum

Travel Town Museum is an interactive transportation museum designed especially for kids.

The Travel Town Railroad, located at 5200 Zoo Drive, takes you around the Travel Town Museum twice. There are three operating railroads, the Courage, 1986 and Pullman Style.

It is open daily except Christmas Day.

Mon-Fri 10-4

Sat –Sun 10-6

Admission is free and there is a gift shop and mini train rides. This is a great place to hold a party.

There are docent tours on the 2nd Saturday of the month (11-3).

This summer Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to play on July 7th and August 4th. It will be great fun for all ages.

Walt Disney’s Barn

Walt Disney loved trains!

“In some way of other, I have always loved trains.”

“I just want it to look like nothing else in the world… and it should be surrounded by a train.”

Along with the railroad, Mr. Disney built a barn, a place where he and his mother could monitor and control the railroad.

Built in 1950 with 2615 feet of track, including a 46 foot long trestle and a 90 foot tunnel.

Disney named the train after the street name where he lived. Mr. Disney and his friends would hang out in the barn, playing with real trains.

The Barn is open on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 11-3.

The Barn is maintained by the Carolwood Foundation.

Pony Rides in Griffith Park

Griffith Park Pony Ride is open all year long. They are closed on Mondays.

The Pony Rides have been a staple of Griffith Park since 1948 and it’s still very affordable at $3 per rider. The Pony Rides were founded right after World War II by Tommy Wright.

There’s fun for everyone!

There is the Pony Sweep and a Slow pony Area for children ages 1+ and up to 100 lbs. For ages 3+ and up to 100 lbs., there are the medium ponies. There are big ponies for ages 7+ and up to 100lbs.

There are even wagon rides for the whole family!

Fun, affordable, outdoor entertainment, just minutes for the heart of Los Feliz.

Griffith Park Mini Train Rides

The Griffith Park Train Rides are open every day, except Christmas.

The Southern Railroad, located at 440 Crystal Springs Drive, has over one mile of track to ride including a bridge, forest and an Old Western Town. You will notice that the 50-year old truss style bridge has recently been refurbished, with new main timbers and a new coat of paint. Also, the 2 miniature buildings, originally built in the 1960’s, have been remodeled and repainted.

There is also a Kid Coaster simulator equipped with new sounds and video equipment for those brave of heart.

Rides are very reasonable varying from $2.25 to $3.00.

The Griffith Observatory

James Dean raced around in “Rebel without a Cause,” Arnold Schwarzenegger run through it in “Terminator,” and, oh yeah, it has been used to help millions of people discover some of the Universe’s deepest secrets.

The Griffith Observatory is the heart of the over 3,000 acres of Griffith Park. It was donated 1896 by Colonel Griffith J. Griffith (so nice they named him twice).

It wasn’t until the Works Progress Administration built the observatory in 1933 that there was an observatory, per Col. Griffith’s instructions. The observatory opened in 1935.

Now the observatory is open five days a week to the public.

There is also the Samuel Oshcin Planetarium, which features a Zeiss star projector, laser digital projection system, state-of-the-art aluminum dome, comfy seats, sound system and theatrical lighting for 285 people.

Currently there are four live shows to catch: One is titled “Centered in the Universe.” It takes you on a journey of cosmic exploration and discovery. There is also “Water is Life,” which is about the search for water and possible life beyond Earth. “The Light of the Valkyries” shows the wonders of the northern lights. Finally, “Time’s Up” is about the false claims of the end of the world from late 2012.

Tickets range from $3-7 and shows are offered on weekdays from 12:45-8:45 and weekends from 10:45am to 8:45.  

“The Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon” is a new 190 seat presentation theater that is featuring “The Once and Future Griffith Observatory,” a 24 minute film history and the recent renovation, as well as the future of the observatory. It is played every hour on the hour.

If you are looking for something to do with the whole family, the Public Star Parties are your thing. They are free and are held monthly from 2-9:45pm. It is a chance for the whole family to look at the sun, moon and visible planets and other objects, as well as to try a variety of telescopes and talk to amateur astronomers The upcoming dates for this event are August 17, September 14, October 12, November 9 and December 7.

The Griffith Observatory and Planetarium is open Tuesday – Sunday with Tuesdays-Fridays hours being noon-10 and the weekends being 10-10.

Stellar Emporium Gift Shop and Book Store offers gifts, clothing, toys, and more. You can shop online by going to http://enssc.com/default.aspx?store=524 .

Probably named after Douglas Adams book “The Café at the End of the Universe,” operated by the famous Wolfgang Puck, offers drinks, full meals, deserts, salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, specials of the day and a convenient grab and go section. Everything is prepared fresh daily.

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most important places in the history of Los Angeles and introducing the public to the wonders of the Universe.

It’s only a few minutes from Los Feliz, in Griffith Park, and it’s the perfect place to take the family for a day under the stars.