Chinese shopping districts can be found in every large city, and like other Chinatowns in other cities, Los Angeles' Chinatown is always a bustling, crowded shopping district. In Chinatown, you'll find traditional Chinese cuisine such as dim sum, as well as street vendors and tons of shops where you can find just about everything.
It’s almost like clockwork. Every time my friends and I decide to cab it to Hollywood or Sunset we get ripped off on the trip back home. It’ll be $14 or $15 for the trip there and then $25 on the way back. I often try to figure out what goes through their minds...don’t they realize that I took a cab out there and know how much it cost to get there? Sure they do. You see, it’s all a numbers game and they’re basically taking a risk.
Why Do They Do It?
It’s actually very simple. You’re drunk and they think that you’ll never notice. And if you do notice and mention it to them, they’ll reply with something along the lines of, "I don’t know" or "My meter is broken". Unfortunately, some drivers aren’t too bright and they get greedy…so instead of being suave about it and making $2-3 extra dollars on a trip, they really go for it.
How Do They Do It?
Well there are two ways that cab drivers can rip you off:
Which Companies Do It?
Over the years I’ve been ripped off by almost every cab company in Los Angeles. But out of all the Taxi Companies in Los Angeles, Checker Cab Company is the absolute worst.
Checker Cab Company (Blue & Yellow)
I can’t remember a time when I got into a Checker Cab from Sunset or Hollywood and wasn’t ripped off. There are actually two different types of Checker Cabs and both won’t hesitate to rip you off:
1st Unit: These Checker Cabs are numbered in the 3xxxx’s and have a round Los Angeles County Seal on the driver side and front passenger door. Don’t let the seal fool you...they'll still rip you off.
2nd Unit: These are also Checker Cabs and are numbered in the 7xxx’s. They DO NOT have an LA County seal but they DO have a West Hollywood permit. This means that they can pick up passengers from West Hollywood…that includes Sunset Blvd. You’ll see tons of them on Sunset and they will always try to rip you off.
How Do You Know If You’re Being Ripped Off?
The easiest way to tell if you’re being ripped off is when you get back home for twice the amount it cost to get there. Also, try to keep your eyes on the meter. If the rate says $0.35 per 1/7th of a mile and it jumped twice in a span of a block...you’re being ripped off. If you see the meter jump, it’s likely they have some kind of clicking device.
What Can You Do About It?
The first thing that’ll go through your mind is to call the company and complain about the driver. I did that at first and their response was that the car number doesn’t belong to them and that I got into a "bandit cab". In reality, it wasn’t a bandit cab…they were just covering for their own.
So the next time you find yourself a victim of a scummy cab driver, here are a few things you can do:
The Solution
Although it’s still not completely full-proof, the best way to ensure that you won’t be ripped off is to order a cab over the phone. This way they have a record of which driver picked you up and where you were picked up from. With this information readily available, most cab drivers won’t take the chance.
Spanning across 4,107 acres, Griffith Park is the largest city park in the United States. In fact, the infamous Hollywood sign is actually located within the perimeters of Griffith Park.
There are numerous activities to engage in while visiting Griffith Park. The park is not only home to the Hollywood sign, but also houses the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage, Greek Theater, the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, the Travel Town Museum, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, the Griffith Park Southern Railroad, and Pony Rides. Additionally, Griffith Park also features plentiful horseback riding, hiking trails, and bicycle rentals to enjoy the beautiful scenery first hand.
California’s rugged landscaping provides for a fantastic hiking experience. As you traverse through Griffith Park, you'll encounter many of the native California animals, such as quail, deer, and coyotes. Caution is advised however, since you may also cross paths with some rattlesnakes. In total, there are over 53 miles of trails and paths that are perfect for enjoying a short brisk walk, or a more strenuous hike. The trails are open from dawn until dusk and you can pick up trail maps at the Ranger Station.
In addition to hiking, many people enjoy horseback riding at Griffith Park. There are also pony rides available so families of all ages may enjoy the fun. There are specially designated trails for the riders, however, if riders choose to dismount, they must stay on the designated trails. Pony rides are available from Tuesday until Sunday between the hours of 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. There are also covered wagon rides that provide wonderful entertainment for young children. Whether you are on a date or enjoying the park with your family, you'll find plenty of activities to choose from while visiting Griffith Park.
The second largest park in Los Angeles is the city's oldest, Elysian Park. Founded in 1781 by the Felipe de Neve, the Spanish California governor, the land originally encompassed over 17,000 acres. Today, the park is situated on 575 acres and is rich with historical sites, hiking trails, and national landmarks.
Since the park is so large, there are numerous activities to engage in. However, many find that the plentiful hiking trails offer some of the most beautiful scenic views throughout all of Los Angeles. There are plenty of picnic areas and barbecue pits in addition to the hiking and walking trails. Some of the features of Elysian Park include the Buena Vista Meadow Picnic Area, the Portola Trail Historical Monument, Solano Canyon where the community garden is located, and the Victory Memorial Grove, where the WWI Memorial is situated).
In addition to the hiking trails, the Elysian Park Therapeutic Recreation Center has outdoor seating and is designed to hold up to 300 people. There is a therapeutic program available for children and teens. There are also several barbecue pits as well as basketball courts and an indoor gym that has weights for working out.
The Montecillo De Leo Politi Park is commonly referred to as the Old Lodge and has many hiking trails as well. Located inside of Elysian Park, Montecillo De Leo Politi Park is open Monday through Friday from dawn to 3:00 P.M. Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from Dawn to Dusk. You'll find plenty of barbecue pits and picnic tables for your family events, but it is best to make reservations beforehand. They also have unlighted tennis courts. To make reservations for park use call: (213) 485-1310.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles is a wonderful resource that helps foster an appreciation and deeper understanding of art, Barnsdall Art Park. The Barnsdall Art Park features international art displays and exhibits, as well as resources to strengthen the community's knowledge of art, and also houses the famous Hollyhock House, which was designed for Aline Barnsdall by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Things To See
When visiting Barnsdall Art Park there are four major features that you will want to enjoy. First, is the unique view of Hollywood, including a fantastic view of the landmark Hollywood sign. The Park is located on Olive Hill and is situated at the intersection of Hollywood and Vermont.
The second site is the Hollyhock House that was built between 1919 and 1923 by Frank Lloyd Wright for Aline Barnsdall. There are scheduled times that you may take guided tours of the home. For parties larger than ten people, reservations are recommended. Tours are available from Wednesday through Sunday at 12:30, 1:30, and 3:30 Pacific Times. Tickets for students and seniors cost $3.00 and adults cost $7.00. Children twelve years and under are free. It should also be mentioned that there is no photography allowed throughout the tours.
During your visit, you'll also want to see the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and the Barnsdall Gallery Theater. The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery features many works of art by both local and international artists. The Barnsdall Gallery Theater features a number of theater groups and showcases live performances.
Classes & Art Workshops
The Barnsdall Art Pak is operated by the Community Arts Division of the Cultural Affairs Department. They also offer many art programs as well as workshops. In addition to these regular classes, the Junior Arts Center provides community art resources for children and youth. For more information or to find out the current list of workshops, visit: http://www.barnsdallart.com
A vacation just isn’t complete without wonderful nightlife venues, and Catalina Island is no exception. If you are planning a romantic get away or vacation to Catalina Island, you’ll enjoy the wonderful activities available to those who seek an active nightlife. In fact, it may seem that once the sun sets on Catalina Island, the best part of your vacation begins. Catalina features plentiful options for those who would like to dance the night away or enjoy live entertainment until early morning hours. So whether you are enjoying a gorgeous sunset on the beach, or dancing until the sun comes up, you’ll find that Catalina Island offers activities for every night owl to enjoy.
If you are looking for a great restaurant to enjoy nighttime drinking, you’ll find that there are a few amply stocked bars that are all located within walking distance of each other. The El Galleon offers steak, fish, and lobster and is located right on the beach. They offer plenty of fine fare as well as Happy Hour from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M and have evening Karaoke as well.
Steve’s Steakhouse Bar & Grille also boasts a full bar but provides nightlife seekers with a relaxing atmosphere and wonderful views while sipping great cocktails.
If a tropical atmosphere, live music and dancing is what you are seeking, then you’ll love Luau Larry’s. Located on the bay, this fun bar provides the perfect nightlife for those who want to dance the night away and enjoy some of the great local bands of the area. Known for their famous tropical drinks and cold beers, Luau Larry’s is a must see on your nightlife list.
Another great place to go for music and dancing is the Chi Chi Club. This dance club features DJ and live music, and has pool tables. The Chi Chi Club is for those 21 and over.
Whether you’re visiting Catalina Island for the day or vacationing for a week, dining options are likely of the utmost importance.
Casual Dining
If you’re interested in dining at casual restaurants while visiting Catalina Island, you’ll find that the options are almost endless. For a slice of pizza or a deli sandwich, Antonio’s Pizzeria & Deli is a favorite amongst Avalon locals and visitors. If you’re in the mood for some Mexican food, the Buffalo Nickel Restaurant is the place to go. This restaurant is located right outside of Avalon near the helicopter pad at 57 Pebbly Beach Road.
Fine Dining
For those who wish to indulge in a meal with a fine dining atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed. Some of the more popular fine dining establishments in Catalina Island includes Steve’s Steakhouse Bar & Grille, Ristorante Villa Portofino and El Galleon Restaurant. Both Steve’s Steakhouse and El Galleon serve steak and seafood entrees and have a wonderful atmosphere to them. Ristorante Villa Portofino is also a lovely dining establishment – catering to customers that are looking for an authentic Italian meal.
The best part about dining in Catalina is that there’s no dress code. Even if you’re headed out to one of the fine dining establishments listed above, you’ll be just as comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts as you would be in a sports coat or dress.
Most dining establishments are open for lunch and dinner – however, it’s best to call prior to heading over.
Horseback riding is one of the most popular activities on Catalina Island and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors while taking in all the spectacular scenery around you. There are several horseback riding stables on the island that provide a number of riding tours for individuals, allowing you to select the appropriate tour length and trail route to fit your budget.
One of the better known horseback riding stables on Catalina Island is Catalina Stables. Located at 600 Avalon Canyon Road, Catalina Stables offers several horseback riding options, varying in length of time, difficulty and price. From ½ hour tours to overnight excursions, the prices start around $40 per person and increase from there. For more information on Catalina Stables or to make reservations, you can contact the stables directly at 310-510-0478.
Catalina Island is a location which is not only aesthetically pleasing but has a fascinating history behind it as well. In fact, some may be surprised to find that its history dates back quite a few centuries.
The Discovery
The first people to inhabit Santa Catalina Island were individuals of the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe. These Native Americans traveled back and forth to the island from the mainland for the purpose of trading items such as soapstone. The first European to discover Catalina Island was Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, a Portuguese explorer who was on his way to Spain and when coming upon the island believed he had found the country. The island was rediscovered in 1602 by a Spanish explorer named Sebastian Vizcaino who came up with the name which is used today.
Post-Discovery
Catalina Island saw many visitors in the years that followed its discovery. Smugglers, pirates, and even otter hunters from a number of different countries used the land to benefit their businesses. After losing most of the population to a widespread epidemic, the 1860’s saw a resurgence of population due to a type of gold rush – although the benefits were not reaped due to lack of gold on the island. In 1864, the federal government cleared the island of people and it wasn’t until around the early 1900’s when the island became a tourist destination and the population surged as a result.
The city of Avalon came into existence around the beginning of the 20th century and from that point forward the development was great. Hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities were constructed and turned Catalina Island into a wonderful tourist destination. During portions of the 20th century, the Chicago Cubs used the island for spring training as William Wrigley, Jr. had part ownership of the island. In addition, during the 1900’s pottery and tile was made on Catalina and the main airport on Catalina Island was constructed in 1946. The island saw a brief shutdown in the mid 1900’s due to military use during World War II but opened back up shortly thereafter and saw an influx of tourism which is evident to this day.
Beautifully remote, Catalina Island sits adjacent to the coast of California. It offers a multitude of wonderful beaches, plenty of activities, and some of the most exciting underwater adventures in the entire nation. Enjoying Catalina Island is the easy part, getting there may prove a little more difficult.
You can arrive at Catalina Island from either Avalon (most popular) or Two Harbors, and the Island is only accessible by ferry or, "The Airport in the Sky", Catalina’s very own airport. The Island is located roughly twenty miles south of San Pedro, and there are many local ferries leaving from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Marina Del Rey that will take you to your awaited destination.
Catalina Express
95 Berth
San Pedro, CA 90731
877-868-2424
Catalina Express offers daily trips to Avalon, year round. There are departures from both San Pedro as well as Long Beach. The journey is roughly one hour long, and it is best to make reservations ahead of time. You should arrive for bordering at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure as well. The Catalina Express has eight boats in their fleet and they serve both refreshments and beverages.
Catalina - Marina Del Rey Flyer
13737 Fiji Way, Suite C2
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
310-305-7250
Departing from Fisherman’s Village in Marina Del Rey, you can reach Catalina Island in roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. The Marina Del Rey Flyer seats 149 passengers.
If you’re prone to getting sea sick or prefer traveling by air, you may choose to travel by helicopter. This is the fastest way to arrive at Catalina Island, as it takes roughly fifteen minutes. The Island Express Helicopter Service is located in Long Beach, California.
Island Express Helicopter Service
1175 Queens Hwy S
Long Beach, CA 90802
310-510-2525
Island Express offers departures from both Long Beach and San Pedro. You can schedule helicopter service daily from 8:00am until sunset. Cost is $66.50 plus tax one way, and $124.00 plus tax round trip. The helicopter has seating for six passengers in addition to the pilot. Not only is helicopter the quickest way to arrive at the Island, it provides for an incredible view.
The Airport in the Sky
You can also reach Catalina Island by private aircraft. The Airport in the sky is located in the middle of the Island, and the Catalina Conservancy operates it. You can contact the Airport in the Sky here:
Phone (Airport & Terminal): 310-510-0143
The airport’s landing hours are between 8:00am and 7:00pm between April 15th and October 15th. During the rest of the year, landing times are from 8:00am until 5:00pm. There is a $20.00 landing fee for all planes and an additional $5.00 fee for overnight tie-down. They do not sell fuel on the island.
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