Sandi Hemmerlein/AvoidingRegret.com
@avoidingregret.bsky.social
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The Los Angeles Breakfast Club @labreakfastclub.bsky.social history book preorder is LIVE! First 300 preorders receive free gifts www.labreakfastclub.com/happenings/l...
The Stahl's have been such good stewards of Case Study House #22, but they've decided to put the Stahl House on the market www.avoidingregret.com/2012/07/phot...
Photo Essay: The Stahl House, from Dusk to Night [Updated for 2025—For Sale]
Pierre Koenig's Stahl House (Case Study House #22) is for sale for the first time
www.avoidingregret.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:29 PM
The Stahl's have been such good stewards of Case Study House #22, but they've decided to put the Stahl House on the market www.avoidingregret.com/2012/07/phot...
It was a little worrisome when the Hobbit Houses went up for sale earlier this year—but honestly, I don't think they could've found a BETTER buyer www.avoidingregret.com/2022/07/phot...
Photo Essay: These Hobbit Houses Are a Long Way from Middle Earth (Updated for 2025)
The Lawrence and Martha Joseph Residence and Apartments, a.k.a. the Hobbit Houses, are a landmark example of storybook architecture near Culver City.
www.avoidingregret.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:54 PM
It was a little worrisome when the Hobbit Houses went up for sale earlier this year—but honestly, I don't think they could've found a BETTER buyer www.avoidingregret.com/2022/07/phot...
Graceland didn't just live up to the hype. It blew my mind and shattered my soul. And that was only the mansion. www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
Photo Essay: An Emotional Visit to Graceland, A Trippy Voyage Back to the 1970s
Graceland isn't the kitschy Elvis pilgrimage I thought it would be—but a kaleidoscope of designs mostly from the mid-'70s, with Elvis's personal touch
www.avoidingregret.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Graceland didn't just live up to the hype. It blew my mind and shattered my soul. And that was only the mansion. www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
Yes, I visited Graceland during my milestone birthday weekend in Memphis. But I traveled to experience as much Elvis as I could while in town—and there was lots more to see. www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
Photo Essay: The Memphis of Elvis, Beyond Graceland
Here's where to follow in Elvis's footsteps in Memphis—from Sun Studios, Overton Park Bandshell & Peabody Hotel to the Arcade Restaurant & more.
www.avoidingregret.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Yes, I visited Graceland during my milestone birthday weekend in Memphis. But I traveled to experience as much Elvis as I could while in town—and there was lots more to see. www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
Reposted by Sandi Hemmerlein/AvoidingRegret.com
Wonderful news! Larchmont Buzz gets the skinny on the much anticipated 2026 return of Lucy's El Adobe and the motion picture art crew that's restoring the tagged up facade for a shoot. larchmontbuzz.com/larchmont-vi...
November 20, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Wonderful news! Larchmont Buzz gets the skinny on the much anticipated 2026 return of Lucy's El Adobe and the motion picture art crew that's restoring the tagged up facade for a shoot. larchmontbuzz.com/larchmont-vi...
The Crystal Shrine Grotto in Memphis probably would not exist were it not for Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
Photo Essay: How Southern California Inspired the Creation of This Memphis Cemetery's 'Crystal Cave'
Memphis Memorial Park's founder was so inspired by Forest Lawn in SoCal, he hired a Mexican artist to create the Crystal Shrine Grotto & other artwork
www.avoidingregret.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:55 PM
The Crystal Shrine Grotto in Memphis probably would not exist were it not for Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
I'd already been to 2 open houses at the Shrine Auditorium (now nearly 100 years old), but I still got some new views and pics during the ADSLA tour this past weekend www.avoidingregret.com/2020/02/phot...
Photo Essay: The Mystic Shrine for the Brotherhood of Ancient Angels [Updated for 2025]
The Shrine Auditorium hosts concerts and has appeared in movies, but its primary purpose is as the temple for the Los Angeles-based Al Malaikah Shriners.
www.avoidingregret.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I'd already been to 2 open houses at the Shrine Auditorium (now nearly 100 years old), but I still got some new views and pics during the ADSLA tour this past weekend www.avoidingregret.com/2020/02/phot...
The early risers of @labreakfastclub.bsky.social got together for a rare evening event to celebrate the club's centennial www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
Photo Essay: A Nighttime Centennial Celebration for the Breakfast Set
The Los Angeles Breakfast Club celebrated its centennial with an evening party at Friendship Auditorium on November 8, 2025.
www.avoidingregret.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:34 AM
The early risers of @labreakfastclub.bsky.social got together for a rare evening event to celebrate the club's centennial www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
TRIGGER WARNING if you have coulrophobia
www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
Photo Essay: The California Museum That Celebrates the Art of the Clown
The California Clown Museum in Barstow has collected art, figurines, toys, props & costumes all associated with a myriad of different types of clowns.
www.avoidingregret.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:25 PM
TRIGGER WARNING if you have coulrophobia
www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
What did YOU do this Halloween season? Here's a document of some of my adventures www.facebook.com/media/set/?v...
November 4, 2025 at 12:27 AM
What did YOU do this Halloween season? Here's a document of some of my adventures www.facebook.com/media/set/?v...
With more spectators coming every year (and not dressed up themselves), the WeHo Halloween Carnaval needs costume wearers more than ever www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
Photo Essay: WeHo Halloween Carnaval 2025
For my 15th Halloween in the LA area, I returned to the WeHo Carnaval.
www.avoidingregret.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:13 AM
With more spectators coming every year (and not dressed up themselves), the WeHo Halloween Carnaval needs costume wearers more than ever www.avoidingregret.com/2025/11/phot...
The Haunt on McLaughlin a.k.a. The Holiday House Mar Vista is a must-see every Halloween. I've updated my 2020 post with some new photos and a video from this year www.avoidingregret.com/2020/10/the-...
The Haunt on McLaughlin: A Neighborhood Gem Along Halloween Yard Displays (Updated for 2025)
The Haunt on McLaughlin (a.k.a. The Holiday House) brings animated ingenuity to Halloween yard displays in the Los Angeles neighborhood of MarVista.
www.avoidingregret.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:45 AM
The Haunt on McLaughlin a.k.a. The Holiday House Mar Vista is a must-see every Halloween. I've updated my 2020 post with some new photos and a video from this year www.avoidingregret.com/2020/10/the-...
When you're born into an abusive family, you have to grow up quickly. But there are some developmental milestones that I just never reached — like time maturity. www.avoidingregret.com/2025/10/the-...
The Things I Never Learned (A.K.A. Time Goes By So Slowly For Those Who Wait)
My parents never taught me certain things, so I never learned them—like how to be "on time" (or what that even means).
www.avoidingregret.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:32 PM
When you're born into an abusive family, you have to grow up quickly. But there are some developmental milestones that I just never reached — like time maturity. www.avoidingregret.com/2025/10/the-...
The Boney Island skeletons will stay dormant this year (but hopefully only this year). Here's a peek at them in action in 2023: www.avoidingregret.com/2023/09/phot...
Photo Essay: Boney Island Gets Reanimated at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles [Updated for 2025]
The Boney Island haunt has come back from the dead at NHMLA—after closures in a Valley neighborhood and Griffith Park and an absence during COVID-19.
www.avoidingregret.com
September 18, 2025 at 10:34 PM
The Boney Island skeletons will stay dormant this year (but hopefully only this year). Here's a peek at them in action in 2023: www.avoidingregret.com/2023/09/phot...
The Cat Sitter's Blog on Meowtel @meowtel.bsky.social features my story about the Top Cat Names in the U.S. #cats meowtel.com/blog/post/th...
These are the top cat names in the US | Cat Ownership | Cat Sitter Blog
These are the top cat names in the US
meowtel.com
September 16, 2025 at 6:18 PM
The Cat Sitter's Blog on Meowtel @meowtel.bsky.social features my story about the Top Cat Names in the U.S. #cats meowtel.com/blog/post/th...
What will happen to The Mayan now that it's no longer operating as a nightclub and music venue? www.avoidingregret.com/2018/03/mexi...
Mexican Wrestling In a Mayan Porno Palace [Updated for 2025—Closed]
The operator of The Mayan in Downtown Los Angeles has closed the former theatre after 35 years. No news on future plans for the nightclub/music venue.
www.avoidingregret.com
September 15, 2025 at 8:11 PM
What will happen to The Mayan now that it's no longer operating as a nightclub and music venue? www.avoidingregret.com/2018/03/mexi...
Mel's Drive-In will occupy the former Penguin Coffee Shop space until at least June 2029—so what happens after that? www.avoidingregret.com/2018/07/this...
This 1950s Coffee Shop Is Back, Baby! (Or, The Penguin Lives!) - Updated for 2025 (The Building's For Sale!)
The Googie-style former Penguin Coffee Shop in Santa Monica at the end of Route 66 is now a Mel's Drive-In.
www.avoidingregret.com
September 12, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Mel's Drive-In will occupy the former Penguin Coffee Shop space until at least June 2029—so what happens after that? www.avoidingregret.com/2018/07/this...
Montrose Bowl reps insisted the c. 1940 bowling alley wasn't for sale in 2018—and then it sold during the pandemic. New owners have fixed it up and it's very nice and still retro! www.avoidingregret.com/2018/08/who-...
Keeping Tabs on Montrose Bowl — Renovated, With New Owners
The Crescenta Valley's circa 1940 Montrose Bowl was renovated in 2023 and is open for special event bowling alley rentals.
www.avoidingregret.com
September 9, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Montrose Bowl reps insisted the c. 1940 bowling alley wasn't for sale in 2018—and then it sold during the pandemic. New owners have fixed it up and it's very nice and still retro! www.avoidingregret.com/2018/08/who-...
Now I'll simply enjoy whatever I can actually taste—no matter what it is. www.avoidingregret.com/2025/09/a-ma...
A Matter of Taste
What began as loss of appetite turned into a Covid-induced journey of sensory deprivation.
www.avoidingregret.com
September 6, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Now I'll simply enjoy whatever I can actually taste—no matter what it is. www.avoidingregret.com/2025/09/a-ma...
What happened to the interior of Lloyd Wright's Derby House in Glendale? See my update to my 2022 blog post here: www.avoidingregret.com/2022/07/phot...
Photo Essay: Derby House, Lloyd Wright's Mayan Fortress of Yucca In Concrete [Updated for 2025]
The Derby House in Glendale, California is a Mayan-inspired masterpiece of concrete blocks by architect Lloyd Wright.
www.avoidingregret.com
September 4, 2025 at 7:10 PM
What happened to the interior of Lloyd Wright's Derby House in Glendale? See my update to my 2022 blog post here: www.avoidingregret.com/2022/07/phot...
I'm interviewed in this @laist.com article about @labreakfastclub.bsky.social, its centennial, and its upcoming book I've written laist.com/news/los-ang...
A breakfast club in Griffith Park has been LA's best-kept secret for 100 years
The club began as a way for the city’s rich and famous to share a meal and have fun.
laist.com
September 1, 2025 at 7:38 PM
I'm interviewed in this @laist.com article about @labreakfastclub.bsky.social, its centennial, and its upcoming book I've written laist.com/news/los-ang...
Come hear an excerpt from the upcoming The Los Angeles Breakfast Club history book I've just finished writing, this Sat 8/23 at Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood www.eventbrite.com/e/voices-of-...
August 18, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Come hear an excerpt from the upcoming The Los Angeles Breakfast Club history book I've just finished writing, this Sat 8/23 at Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood www.eventbrite.com/e/voices-of-...
Route 66 landmark The Aztec Hotel is for sale. My 2013 photos are better than the ones on the listing link (both found here: www.avoidingregret.com/2013/02/phot...)
#preservation
#preservation
Photo Essay: The Aztec Hotel's Mayan Legacy [Updated for 2025—For Sale]
For Sale: The Aztec Motel, designed by Robert Stacy-Judd in the Mayan Revival style, along Route 66 in Monrovia, California.
www.avoidingregret.com
August 14, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Route 66 landmark The Aztec Hotel is for sale. My 2013 photos are better than the ones on the listing link (both found here: www.avoidingregret.com/2013/02/phot...)
#preservation
#preservation
Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield has closed per the Owens family wishes. www.avoidingregret.com/2022/01/phot...
Photo Essay: Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Home of the Bakersfield Sound [Updated for 2025—Closed]
Buck Owens opened his Crystal Palace in Bakersfield in 1996—and it now serves as a museum and monument to his career and the Bakersfield Sound.
www.avoidingregret.com
August 12, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield has closed per the Owens family wishes. www.avoidingregret.com/2022/01/phot...
There are so few historic theatres regularly open in Downtown LA. Even though it was operating as a nightclub, it's really sad to hear The Mayan will be closing. www.avoidingregret.com/2018/03/mexi...
Mexican Wrestling In a Mayan Porno Palace
Making up for lost time and missed opportunities, one adventure at a time.
www.avoidingregret.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:23 AM
There are so few historic theatres regularly open in Downtown LA. Even though it was operating as a nightclub, it's really sad to hear The Mayan will be closing. www.avoidingregret.com/2018/03/mexi...