LA Dork
@ladork.bsky.social
Dorking out on forgotten LA. Alter-ego of Paul Haddad, author of "Inventing Paradise," "Freewaytopia," "10,000 Steps a Day in LA" and other LA tomes.
10,000 Steps too much for the day? Try these series of 5,000-step walks I wrote for LAist. They also cover Greater LA -- from Oxnard to San Bernardino, Burbank to Anaheim. Routes are flat, easy to walk, include lunch options, and are mostly dog-friendly.
laist.com/news/los-ang...
laist.com/news/los-ang...
February 8, 2026 at 5:35 PM
10,000 Steps too much for the day? Try these series of 5,000-step walks I wrote for LAist. They also cover Greater LA -- from Oxnard to San Bernardino, Burbank to Anaheim. Routes are flat, easy to walk, include lunch options, and are mostly dog-friendly.
laist.com/news/los-ang...
laist.com/news/los-ang...
It's not just your imagination... much of California truly is a unique place. Our Mediterranean Climate represents only 3% of the world's land mass, yet contains 16% of plant species.
Also, note one common ground of Med climates -- all are conducive to producing wine. 🍷
Also, note one common ground of Med climates -- all are conducive to producing wine. 🍷
February 7, 2026 at 11:14 PM
It's not just your imagination... much of California truly is a unique place. Our Mediterranean Climate represents only 3% of the world's land mass, yet contains 16% of plant species.
Also, note one common ground of Med climates -- all are conducive to producing wine. 🍷
Also, note one common ground of Med climates -- all are conducive to producing wine. 🍷
UNREMARKABLE POSTCARD SERIES, No. 108. Lynwood, CA. 1960s.
Actually, remarkable. Building on the left (est. 1925) was cited by Ripley's as the "Narrowest Bldg in the World," only 5 feet wide due to a feud with a property owner.
It became a normal building by 1960, since razed.
Actually, remarkable. Building on the left (est. 1925) was cited by Ripley's as the "Narrowest Bldg in the World," only 5 feet wide due to a feud with a property owner.
It became a normal building by 1960, since razed.
February 7, 2026 at 10:01 PM
UNREMARKABLE POSTCARD SERIES, No. 108. Lynwood, CA. 1960s.
Actually, remarkable. Building on the left (est. 1925) was cited by Ripley's as the "Narrowest Bldg in the World," only 5 feet wide due to a feud with a property owner.
It became a normal building by 1960, since razed.
Actually, remarkable. Building on the left (est. 1925) was cited by Ripley's as the "Narrowest Bldg in the World," only 5 feet wide due to a feud with a property owner.
It became a normal building by 1960, since razed.
The elevated pedways (pedestrian walkways) in DTLA in the blocks around Figueroa & Flower were meant to be upgraded to moving sidewalks (a la LAX) as this 1959 photo awesomely shows. Still waiting.
Is that George Jetson's workplace in the background?
Is that George Jetson's workplace in the background?
February 6, 2026 at 1:12 AM
The elevated pedways (pedestrian walkways) in DTLA in the blocks around Figueroa & Flower were meant to be upgraded to moving sidewalks (a la LAX) as this 1959 photo awesomely shows. Still waiting.
Is that George Jetson's workplace in the background?
Is that George Jetson's workplace in the background?
From my pseudo-cultural anthropologist point of view, I can pinpoint the "jump the shark" moments when SoCal theme parks lost their soul by scrapping popular rides:
Magic Mountain: Log Jammer
Knott's Berry Farm: Haunted Shack
Disneyland: Adventure Thru Inner Space
What say you?
Magic Mountain: Log Jammer
Knott's Berry Farm: Haunted Shack
Disneyland: Adventure Thru Inner Space
What say you?
February 5, 2026 at 2:16 AM
From my pseudo-cultural anthropologist point of view, I can pinpoint the "jump the shark" moments when SoCal theme parks lost their soul by scrapping popular rides:
Magic Mountain: Log Jammer
Knott's Berry Farm: Haunted Shack
Disneyland: Adventure Thru Inner Space
What say you?
Magic Mountain: Log Jammer
Knott's Berry Farm: Haunted Shack
Disneyland: Adventure Thru Inner Space
What say you?
Marina del Rey belies its roots as a pro-growth County enterprise from the '50s/'60s. All was geared for housing and vehicular access (early plans for the 90 Fwy had it reaching the docks).
But it's possible to get 10,000 steps there (map from my book) with a little imagination!
But it's possible to get 10,000 steps there (map from my book) with a little imagination!
February 3, 2026 at 11:58 PM
Marina del Rey belies its roots as a pro-growth County enterprise from the '50s/'60s. All was geared for housing and vehicular access (early plans for the 90 Fwy had it reaching the docks).
But it's possible to get 10,000 steps there (map from my book) with a little imagination!
But it's possible to get 10,000 steps there (map from my book) with a little imagination!
Unlike Drysdale's Dugout, Tommy Lasorda's Ribs and Pasta (his "two favorite foods") was not a success. The Health Dept. nailed his South Pas eatery only a year after its 1987 debut due to rats in the kitchen that peed on plates.
This & 2 other locales permanently closed by 1990.
This & 2 other locales permanently closed by 1990.
February 2, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Unlike Drysdale's Dugout, Tommy Lasorda's Ribs and Pasta (his "two favorite foods") was not a success. The Health Dept. nailed his South Pas eatery only a year after its 1987 debut due to rats in the kitchen that peed on plates.
This & 2 other locales permanently closed by 1990.
This & 2 other locales permanently closed by 1990.
Don Drysdale's Dugout in Van Nuys was co-owned by the Van Nuys-born Dodger pitcher from 1962 to 1982, near Barone's. With decor like bat-door handles and baseball mugs, it was also a nightcap spot for players post-game... that is, if they weren't at Lasorda's in South Pas.
February 1, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Don Drysdale's Dugout in Van Nuys was co-owned by the Van Nuys-born Dodger pitcher from 1962 to 1982, near Barone's. With decor like bat-door handles and baseball mugs, it was also a nightcap spot for players post-game... that is, if they weren't at Lasorda's in South Pas.
In its heyday, LA Weekly had "Best Of" lists in which readers regularly voted the Vemont Cyn Tennis Courts as the No. 1 free courts in the city.
Though they now have fees, you still can't beat the upper courts tucked into the hillside, with Court 12 my "Field of Dreams" court.
Though they now have fees, you still can't beat the upper courts tucked into the hillside, with Court 12 my "Field of Dreams" court.
January 30, 2026 at 8:36 PM
In its heyday, LA Weekly had "Best Of" lists in which readers regularly voted the Vemont Cyn Tennis Courts as the No. 1 free courts in the city.
Though they now have fees, you still can't beat the upper courts tucked into the hillside, with Court 12 my "Field of Dreams" court.
Though they now have fees, you still can't beat the upper courts tucked into the hillside, with Court 12 my "Field of Dreams" court.
Imagine driving down the Miracle Mile in 1967 and seeing this in your rearview mirror...
Fear not, it's just sculptor Howard Ball in a VW towing one of his fiberglass mammoths to be installed at the La Brea Tar Pits.
Fear not, it's just sculptor Howard Ball in a VW towing one of his fiberglass mammoths to be installed at the La Brea Tar Pits.
January 29, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Imagine driving down the Miracle Mile in 1967 and seeing this in your rearview mirror...
Fear not, it's just sculptor Howard Ball in a VW towing one of his fiberglass mammoths to be installed at the La Brea Tar Pits.
Fear not, it's just sculptor Howard Ball in a VW towing one of his fiberglass mammoths to be installed at the La Brea Tar Pits.
In 1963 Caltrans outlined their vision for a massive interchange near today's Pepperdine.
This is a northeast view of what would've been Whitnall-Malibu Fwy (thru today's Malibu Canyon) meeting Pacific Coast Fwy (a converted PCH).
Public outcry stopped further progress of both.
This is a northeast view of what would've been Whitnall-Malibu Fwy (thru today's Malibu Canyon) meeting Pacific Coast Fwy (a converted PCH).
Public outcry stopped further progress of both.
January 28, 2026 at 5:17 AM
In 1963 Caltrans outlined their vision for a massive interchange near today's Pepperdine.
This is a northeast view of what would've been Whitnall-Malibu Fwy (thru today's Malibu Canyon) meeting Pacific Coast Fwy (a converted PCH).
Public outcry stopped further progress of both.
This is a northeast view of what would've been Whitnall-Malibu Fwy (thru today's Malibu Canyon) meeting Pacific Coast Fwy (a converted PCH).
Public outcry stopped further progress of both.
Back in the dinosaur days (late '70s-mid-'80s), this was how we watched cable TV. A clunky remote, which my dad ALWAYS called "the clicker," connected to the box on the TV with a cord that we all tripped over. You'd toggle a switch UP to watch channels 1-15, then DOWN for 16-30.
January 26, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Back in the dinosaur days (late '70s-mid-'80s), this was how we watched cable TV. A clunky remote, which my dad ALWAYS called "the clicker," connected to the box on the TV with a cord that we all tripped over. You'd toggle a switch UP to watch channels 1-15, then DOWN for 16-30.
UNREMARKABLE POSTCARD SERIES, No. 105.
Granada Hills, Calif. 1940s.
Chatsworth St., looking east from Yarmouth Ave.
Granada Hills, Calif. 1940s.
Chatsworth St., looking east from Yarmouth Ave.
January 26, 2026 at 5:04 AM
UNREMARKABLE POSTCARD SERIES, No. 105.
Granada Hills, Calif. 1940s.
Chatsworth St., looking east from Yarmouth Ave.
Granada Hills, Calif. 1940s.
Chatsworth St., looking east from Yarmouth Ave.
If you've never experienced historic Bolton Hall in Tujunga, here's your chance on April 11 (Sat.) at 1 pm... I'll also be there dorking out on old LA for a book event.
Fun fact: Tujunga was the last sizable town in LA County to merge with LA in 1932.
Fun fact: Tujunga was the last sizable town in LA County to merge with LA in 1932.
January 25, 2026 at 1:20 AM
If you've never experienced historic Bolton Hall in Tujunga, here's your chance on April 11 (Sat.) at 1 pm... I'll also be there dorking out on old LA for a book event.
Fun fact: Tujunga was the last sizable town in LA County to merge with LA in 1932.
Fun fact: Tujunga was the last sizable town in LA County to merge with LA in 1932.
UPDATE: Fossil Ridge Trail (thru gates of Mulholland Estates): SM Mtns Conservancy cleared a trailhead but 99% still inaccessible due to 30 yrs of non-maintenance 'til more done. Accessing ridge tough, but I did it. Goal is to find slate with fish imprints. Found a deer hoof. 😐
January 23, 2026 at 10:02 PM
UPDATE: Fossil Ridge Trail (thru gates of Mulholland Estates): SM Mtns Conservancy cleared a trailhead but 99% still inaccessible due to 30 yrs of non-maintenance 'til more done. Accessing ridge tough, but I did it. Goal is to find slate with fish imprints. Found a deer hoof. 😐
Just watched Blade Runner with an in-sync live orchestra at the Dolby Theatre. Yeah, that didn't suck.
You know what will? Watching any epic movie now without one!
You know what will? Watching any epic movie now without one!
January 23, 2026 at 2:48 AM
Just watched Blade Runner with an in-sync live orchestra at the Dolby Theatre. Yeah, that didn't suck.
You know what will? Watching any epic movie now without one!
You know what will? Watching any epic movie now without one!
In 1948, Robert Mitchum was busted for smoking pot at a Laurel Cyn house dubbed a "reefer resort" by cops. He served 50 days for felony possession. "My career is over," he lamented.
But fans rallied and it burnished his anti-hero bona fides, with a career lasting 49 more years.
But fans rallied and it burnished his anti-hero bona fides, with a career lasting 49 more years.
January 21, 2026 at 4:50 PM
In 1948, Robert Mitchum was busted for smoking pot at a Laurel Cyn house dubbed a "reefer resort" by cops. He served 50 days for felony possession. "My career is over," he lamented.
But fans rallied and it burnished his anti-hero bona fides, with a career lasting 49 more years.
But fans rallied and it burnished his anti-hero bona fides, with a career lasting 49 more years.
Happiness is... a steaming pile of mulch?
Griffith Park has a newish mulch station where you can grab as much green waste as you want, this one more conveniently located in the northwest corner of the LA Zoo parking lot.
Griffith Park has a newish mulch station where you can grab as much green waste as you want, this one more conveniently located in the northwest corner of the LA Zoo parking lot.
January 20, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Happiness is... a steaming pile of mulch?
Griffith Park has a newish mulch station where you can grab as much green waste as you want, this one more conveniently located in the northwest corner of the LA Zoo parking lot.
Griffith Park has a newish mulch station where you can grab as much green waste as you want, this one more conveniently located in the northwest corner of the LA Zoo parking lot.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant exterior as a kid was The Fish Shanty on La Cienega's Restaurant Row. My dad wasn't into kitschy eateries, so we never got to enter the whale's mouth. After college, I was determined to go... but they closed in '88.
Anyone here ever dine there?
Anyone here ever dine there?
January 19, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Hands down, my favorite restaurant exterior as a kid was The Fish Shanty on La Cienega's Restaurant Row. My dad wasn't into kitschy eateries, so we never got to enter the whale's mouth. After college, I was determined to go... but they closed in '88.
Anyone here ever dine there?
Anyone here ever dine there?
More unpublished 1950 LIFE photos of Marilyn Monroe at Fern Dell in Griffith Park, uncovered in 2009.
I know she's only reading screenplays here, but with reading for pleasure dropping 40% in the last 20 years, tell me these couldn't make for a revamped "Reading is Sexy" PSA.
I know she's only reading screenplays here, but with reading for pleasure dropping 40% in the last 20 years, tell me these couldn't make for a revamped "Reading is Sexy" PSA.
January 18, 2026 at 5:37 AM
More unpublished 1950 LIFE photos of Marilyn Monroe at Fern Dell in Griffith Park, uncovered in 2009.
I know she's only reading screenplays here, but with reading for pleasure dropping 40% in the last 20 years, tell me these couldn't make for a revamped "Reading is Sexy" PSA.
I know she's only reading screenplays here, but with reading for pleasure dropping 40% in the last 20 years, tell me these couldn't make for a revamped "Reading is Sexy" PSA.
In 1950, Ed Clark shot a photo spread of Marilyn Monroe for LIFE. The location: Fern Dell in Griffith Park.
She was still a relative unknown at 24, so LIFE scrapped the pix from that day of shooting. The negatives were rediscovered in 2009 and only then were they published.
She was still a relative unknown at 24, so LIFE scrapped the pix from that day of shooting. The negatives were rediscovered in 2009 and only then were they published.
January 17, 2026 at 7:23 PM
In 1950, Ed Clark shot a photo spread of Marilyn Monroe for LIFE. The location: Fern Dell in Griffith Park.
She was still a relative unknown at 24, so LIFE scrapped the pix from that day of shooting. The negatives were rediscovered in 2009 and only then were they published.
She was still a relative unknown at 24, so LIFE scrapped the pix from that day of shooting. The negatives were rediscovered in 2009 and only then were they published.
The entry to Bel-Air at Bellagio/Sunset is the same since it opened in the 1920s, though owner Alphonzo Bell included gates & guards for years.
Homes had "whites only" deeds, common to that era. Bell had another decree: "Not one acre of my land is to be sold to actors or Jews."
Homes had "whites only" deeds, common to that era. Bell had another decree: "Not one acre of my land is to be sold to actors or Jews."
January 16, 2026 at 9:14 PM
The entry to Bel-Air at Bellagio/Sunset is the same since it opened in the 1920s, though owner Alphonzo Bell included gates & guards for years.
Homes had "whites only" deeds, common to that era. Bell had another decree: "Not one acre of my land is to be sold to actors or Jews."
Homes had "whites only" deeds, common to that era. Bell had another decree: "Not one acre of my land is to be sold to actors or Jews."
The Signal Hill Speed Run, which lasted from 1975 to 1978, was the world's first downhill skateboard contest and an influence on the later X Games. SI covered it by its last year, when 5,000 lined the streets. Many came to see gnarly crashes. (Pix by filmmakers Horelick/Carnoy.)
January 15, 2026 at 9:05 PM
The Signal Hill Speed Run, which lasted from 1975 to 1978, was the world's first downhill skateboard contest and an influence on the later X Games. SI covered it by its last year, when 5,000 lined the streets. Many came to see gnarly crashes. (Pix by filmmakers Horelick/Carnoy.)
In 1905 Abbot Kinney created the 3,000-seat Venice Auditorium, the centerpiece of a pleasure pier. It hosted plays, operas, vaudeville. When performancers & their crews set up, they would enter backstage thru this short private railway over the sea. The venue burned down in 1920.
January 14, 2026 at 10:25 PM
In 1905 Abbot Kinney created the 3,000-seat Venice Auditorium, the centerpiece of a pleasure pier. It hosted plays, operas, vaudeville. When performancers & their crews set up, they would enter backstage thru this short private railway over the sea. The venue burned down in 1920.
Krishna Venta was a self-dubbed messiah of the cult Fountain of the World, whose base was in Chatsworth's badlands. In 1958, 2 members, pissed he slept with their wives, set off a bomb, killing him and 9 others.
Manson tried to become their new messiah in 1968 but was rejected.
Manson tried to become their new messiah in 1968 but was rejected.
January 13, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Krishna Venta was a self-dubbed messiah of the cult Fountain of the World, whose base was in Chatsworth's badlands. In 1958, 2 members, pissed he slept with their wives, set off a bomb, killing him and 9 others.
Manson tried to become their new messiah in 1968 but was rejected.
Manson tried to become their new messiah in 1968 but was rejected.