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Oxnards Victorian Charm

2011-10-03T04:42:29Z

The city of Oxnard has a unique history and background that takes us back to one of California's first industries, farming. In the late 1800's it was the prime location to grow sugar beets, Lima beans, and is known as the strawberry capitol of California. Early immigrants fled to the west to plant their roots and contribute to the growth and development of America's
farming industry. Some of the owners and workers of these farms lived in the early Victorian designed homes which still remain today in the historic districts of Oxnard.

As part of the city's mission to preserve the history and architecture, 14 Victorian homes were moved from various sections of the city to create a historic block called, "The Heritage Square" of Oxnard. Here you can enjoy community events, docent led tours, and visit small business that have opened up in some of the homes.

This month I visited a unique restaurant called "La Dolce Vita" that's located in a charming Victorian home that was built in 1911, and sits in the Heritage Square. It has old world authentic Italian cuisine, a warm ambiance, and is family run. The tradition was carried on by Michell Kenney, a Los Angeles native who was brought up in the restaurant business as a child, and moved to the city of Oxnard over 30 years ago. Here she continues her family legacy by providing quality home style cooking, catering, and holds special events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, live music and a Sunday brunch.

Enjoy the sweet life at La Dolce Vita, take a tour of the Victorian homes, attend the theater, wine tastings, or make a special trip during the holiday season see the beautifully decorated homes.

For information the historic district go to www.heritagesquareoxnard.com, or for information on La Dolce Vita call: 805-486-6876

Historic Summer Parks and Destinations, Franklin Canyon Park, King Gillette Ranch, Rancho Cordilla

2011-07-29T01:48:23Z

This summer, you and your family can stay cool in some of our historic parks and canyons that offer a variety of activities throughout the season, including hiking, picnics, a nature center, and a serene lake that was once the location and source of water for Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley. Just below Mulhulland and Coldwater Canyon you'll find the Franklin Canyon Nature Center, a historic state park tucked away in the center of a rustic canyon filled with wild life, hiking trails, picnic tables, a lake, and a nature center that offers educational programs for the whole family. The park is located on grounds that were once inhabited by Chumash Indians, and is now an oasis for outdoor recreation in a peaceful serene environment where you can escape the summer heat of the city. In the early 1900's, the Doheny family purchased a summer home here and spent many days enjoying the elements of nature under large sycamores and the peaceful canyons.

We also explored the historic King Gillete Ranch and state park in the center of Las Virgenes Canyon in the city of Calabasas. Here's a place to spend the day on over 600 acres of open spacious lawns and hiking trails, some that will take you to the highest peaks of the canyon to see mountain and ocean views. The ranch was purchased by the owner of the Gillete Razor Company, who hired architect Wallace Neff to design a 1920's Spanish home in the center of the canyons where he lived and hosted parties for some of Hollywood's earliest and most upcoming stars of the era, such as Judy Garland. Today, this land is a hidden escape for those who want to take a summer drive out to the country, and enjoy a picnic by the lake, hike through the trails of the canyons, enjoy the summer evening campfires, or for history lovers, you can take a tour of the Gillette home.

For information on the Franklin Canyon Nature Center, or the King Gillette Ranch

Go to LAMountains.com

On the far west end of the San Fernando Valley in the city of Northridge, you'll find a cultural center that holds community events and performances year round on a historic ranch called the Rancho Cordilla Del Norte. It takes you back to the early ranch days of the valley, and is the private home of a musician who's worldly travels inspired her to transform a portion of her eight acre ranch surrounded by 100 year old olive and oak trees into a cultural center thats open to the public. This summer, you can enjoy music from Peru, a Tango dance performance, or a community festival being held on the grounds

For information on Rancho Cordilla Del Norte, go to

www.elizabethwaldo.com

Celebrate Spring in a Historic Garden, The Virginia Robinson Garden in Beverly Hills

2011-04-07T01:50:20Z

The Robinson Estate is just minutes away from sunset boulevard, tucked away on a hillside with six european gardens to please the senses. It was donated by a philanthropic woman by the name of Virginia Robinson, who was married to Harry Robinson who owned the Robinson's Department stores. Her extensive travels influenced her creative touch in her garden, by bringing pieces of antique fountains and statues from Italy, and mediterranean plants and flowers are spread throughout the grounds.

This oasis is a wonderful place to stroll through in the spring, and can inspire garden and art lovers to bring something into their own yards and garden.

Botanical art classes are offered throughout the year, and children and adults can attend community events or lectures.

The grounds sit on six acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, with unique features that were designed to create a peaceful, serene and cool environment for hot summer days.

For information go to www.robinsongardens.org

Celebrate Valentines At A Treasure By The Sea, The Casa Del Mar Hotel, The Gondola Getaway

2011-02-06T04:13:35Z

A romantic setting usually includes sunsets, the sea, and a warm atmosphere, and this month we visited two historic sites that might be the perfect spot for a romantic evening. In Santa Monica, theres a hotel that takes us back to the early 20's and 30's, and was the first beach club to open in 1926. Casa Del Mar is an elegant hotel that has been beautifully restored to look like it's original splendor, that today attracts visitors from around the world to enjoy the ambiance of a historic landmark by the sea. There is also a wonderful restaurant in the hotel with amazing views of the sunsets, a perfect setting for a romantic evening.

For information on Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, go to www.hotelcasadelmar.com

We also took a trip down south to the Naples Canals in Long Beach, to visit a hidden romantic gem, The Gondola Getaway. Here you can take a sunset cruise on a traditional Gondola, and enjoy an evening of romance gliding through the scenic canals with a guide dressed in a striped shirt and a straw hat singing melodies of Sinatra, or sharing the history and background the canals. There have been many proposals on the Gondola cruises, as well as celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or just come for an afternoon cruise with a bottle of wine, some appetizers, and watch the wonderful sunsets with that special someone.

For information and reservations, go to www.gondolagetawayinc.com

Downtowns Historic Treasures! The First Street in Los Angeles, and The Last Remaining Winery.

2011-02-05T04:12:23Z

Olvera Street is not only a cultural treasure, but is the first street that gave birth to Los Angeles. Here you'll find rows of shops and venders filled with colorful folk art, crafts, hand painted tile, jewelry, and mexican textiles. The cobblestone streets are lined with family run businesses now in fourth and fifth generations.

The Avila Adobe is the oldest house in Los Angeles built in 1818, and is opened to the public for tours. You can also enjoy festivals and seasonal celebrations presented by El Pueblo Historical Monument year round that take place in the center courtyard.

Thousands of visitors and locals pass through Olvera Street every year, to experience a true mexican marketplace on the first street in Los Angeles that was started by 11 families of rich diversity and culture, representing the true spirit of our city.

For information on Olvera Street, go to www.olvera-street.com

Just minutes from El Pueblo Historical Monument, you'll discover one of the oldest remaining wineries in Los Angeles. About a hundred years ago along the L.A. river, there were over 100 wineries populated by the first Italian immigrants who planted their roots in the early 1800's. The San Antonio Winery survived prohibition, and is a fifth generation family run business. It offers wine tastings, tours, award winning wines in the gift shop, and authentic Italian food in the restaurant called Magdalena's. This historic and cultural landmark can be the perfect day trip for visitors, or can also be used as a special event venue for weddings. Why go to Napa when you can experience the flavor of a true winery taking you back in time to the early wine producing day's of Los Angeles. For information, go to www.sanantoniowinery.com

Celebrate The Season Discovering Unique Treasures In Los Angeles!

2010-12-23T07:38:54Z

There are many treasures to explore during this holiday season, and here's a few to visit and enjoy with friends and family. My segment for December was a discovery of a unique semi precious stone shop in Burbank. It holds our gems from the earth, a variety of healing rocks and stones that can be worn on the body, and increase it's frequency. Wendy Ansel is the shop owner, with over thirty years experience of working with stone therapy.She lived with nature and learned to listen to the messages in the stones. Now she provides her knowledge and experience to help you find the perfect gem for you!

Visit Rocks and Runes in Burbank at: 1006 North Lima Street just off Magnolia Blvd.

Listen to todays show at www.kpfk.org programs under arts and programs.

You can also make a stop at the original Farmers Market and The Grove on Fairfax Ave, which is decorated in a winter wonderland theme. Here children can take a photo with Santa, enjoy an old fashioned trolley ride through the center, watch the colorful light and fountain show, or shop in an old fashioned outdoor marketplace with cultural food from around the world.

Visit Rolling Greens in Hollywood for interior design and decorating ideas, and outdoor gardens accessories. A beautiful store in the Historic Old Town Tire Co. Located at

7505 Beverly Blvd. in Hollywood.

Another wonderful gift idea is to give something green, Roots and Stems is a floral design company offering a variety of succulent arrangements in pots of all colors and shapes. They are easy to care for adding beauty to your home, business or garden. Two passionate young women started the company, and are gifted and talented designers studying and researching the field of drought resistant plants, cacti, and flowers. Go to www.rootsandstems.com

Happy Holidays from Treasures of The West!

A Hollywood Treasure on a hill, The Frank Lloyd Wright Hollyhock House

2010-10-27T06:16:58Z

In my last segment I took a trip to the top of a hill in the center of Hollywood, to visit the first house built by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The Hollyhock House is a historic treasure in Los Angeles, and has panoramic views of some of our cities most symbolic landmarks, including the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Park Observatory, the Hollywood hills, downtown, and on a clear day the ocean. The home was donated to the city in 1927 by its original owner Aline Barnsdall, and sits adjacent to the Barnsdall Art Center, a hidden gem that provides the community with art classes and a variety of programs and events throughout the year at affordable costs.

For those who have an appreciation for the originality of one of our most prominent architects, Frank Lloyd Wrights Hollyhock House is a must see in the city of Los Angeles.

Tours are offered throughout the week at specific times, go to www.hollyhockhouse.net for more information

A Summer Visit to California's Riviera, Historic Santa Barbara and Catalina Island!

2010-08-25T05:07:22Z

This summer, Treasures Of The West took a trip to the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. Just two hours north of Los Angeles, you arrive to one of the most symbolic cities of Spanish Colonial architecture in California. Here you'll find a city filled with red tile roofs and Spanish adobe structures on almost every street. In Santa Barbara, the mountains meet the sea giving it that Riviera feel, where you can stroll through a town that offers art, history, and culture.
This is an easy getaway from the fast pace of the busy city, where you can enjoy the ocean, water sports, historic walking tours, wine tastings, hiking, art and music festivals, and much more!
For more information go to: www.santabarbaraca.com
We also took a trip to another California Treasure, to the island of Catalina.
Just an hour off the coast, you'll find yourself on a small island of paradise. Its historic landmark the Casino, is surrounded by anchored boats on a turquoise sea, giving it that Mediterranean feel. You can stay here on a boat, on land, or on the camp grounds. The island is filled with charm with it's famous hand painted Catalina tile seen throughout the town on benches, archways, and Spanish structures.
For more information go to: www.catalinachamber.com

Enjoy Your Summer Outings At Three Cultural And Historical Landmarks

2010-06-02T16:15:52Z

In today's segment of Treasures of the west, I took you on a tour to visit three locations for you to explore this summer. We first visited the Long Beach Aquarium, and took an ocean harbor cruise to see one of the largest Mammals on earth, the Blue Whale. Just off the coast of Long Beach, these magnificent whales migrate every summer, and can be spotted on a daily basis by taking a harbor cruise.
An educational experience for the whole family!
For information on the Harbor Cruises:
go to www.longbeachcruises.com.

We then drove down the coast to the town of Newport Coast, to visit a secret treasure by the sea. Crystal Cove is a hidden gem, slightly tucked away in a small cove, you'll find 22 rustic beach cottages to stay in for a special vacation getaway. They're all unique in their own way, and can be rented in advance on the first of every month.
This is truly one of our Treasures Of The West.
For information on Crystal Cove Cottages: go to www.crystalcoveallieance.org.

Our final stop was to the original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, and is one of our historical and cultural landmarks. Many of us natives know what it's like to visit this charming marketplace, where you can find every treat you could imagine, such as handmade toffee, chocolates from Europe, freshly baked pies, old fashioned ice cream parlors, and a choice of authentic food from almost every country.
Great stop for tourists, and locals can enjoy an
evening of live entertainment all summer long.
For information go to: www.lafarmersmarket.com .

Enjoy an evening of big band music in a historic art deco gem, at the luxurious Cicada Club Restaurant

2010-03-07T06:10:04Z

This segment took us downtown Los Angeles to visit the Cicada Club restaurant. Here you'll discover a 30's and 40's dance club, and hear some of L.A.'s top big bands performing on weekly basis. It's located in the historic 1927 Oviatt building, the first art deco designed building in Los Angeles. Come and spend an evening of dinner and dancing to big band orchestras, and enjoy the ambiance of a building that was once known as the "Castle In The Sky". You'll experience what it was like during Hollywood's golden age, where parties included guests such as Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. Demille and many others.

For information on the Cicada Club or reservations, go to www.clubcicada.com

The Mayme Clayton Collection, A Cultural Legacy

2010-01-26T05:54:55Z

This month, "Treasures Of The West" spoke with Avery Clayton about the legacy he passed on for his mother, Mayme A. Clayton, a woman who collected one of the largest known cultural treasures of documents, photographs, films, music, and books on African American history. The Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum is the new home for the collection, and is located in Culver City, where programming and events are held to celebrate this rich collection.

This is truly a cultural gem in Los Angeles, and is now available for the public to view, by the passionate effort of Avery Clayton who was an artist by profession himself. He shared his mother's dream by bringing this extensive collection from out of her garage where it was stored for many years, and is now in a beautiful new facility for future generations to see. For information on upcoming events, or to visit the museum, you can go to www.claytonmuseum.org

or call (310) 202-1647.

Celebrate the Holiday Season on a romantic Gondola Cruise!

2009-12-02T20:53:36Z

This segment of "Treasures of the West" takes you on a sunset cruise
through the historic Naples Canals in Long Beach Italian Style!

Gondola Getaway is off the beaten path in Los Angeles, and has been a tradition of the canals for over 28 years. Here you can take a break from holiday shopping, and bring a loved one, a bottle of wine and some appetizers, and see a spectacular view of the decorated homes of the canals. Just bundle up and come spend an hour on the canals that are just 40 minutes out of Los Angeles, and enjoy this cultural treasure this season.

Reservations can be made by phone, and gift certificates are also
available.
For information call 562-433-9596


We also visited the Waldo Ward Farms in Sierra Madre.

Here you can create an easy gift basket filled with handmade
marmalades, jams, jelly's, and gourmet olives that are shipped
from Spain.   This family run business has kept the tradition of
making gourmet items from their own citrus farm since the early
1800's.   Today you can visit the farm and see the historic citrus
groves, or you can order on line from the catalog and choose from a
variety of gift basket ideas for the season.

For information call, 626-355-1218

Click here to visit Gondola Getaway Website
Click here to visit Waldo Ward Farms Website:

Click here to listen to show:

Celebrate California's Early Spanish Revival Architecture

2009-11-04T04:40:05Z

In this program "Treasures of the West" takes you to explore three historic sites in Los Angeles that were influenced by our early pioneers including the Spanish, Native Indian, and Mexican. The architecture is of the Spanish Mission Revival design, with features such as hand painted colorful tile, hand carved statues, antique fountains, and mission designed furniture.

We first visited the historic "Mission Playhouse" in San Gabriel, a performance theatre that was built in 1927 in early Spanish architecture. Here you can attend an event in an authentic playhouse that was created for the famous "Mission Play", a production that ran for over 20 years at the theatre. This historic treasure has ongoing cultural performances year round.

We then made a visit to the birthplace of our city. The Mission District in San Gabriel is where the first settlement of Los Angeles began, and the fourth Mission of California was established. The Mission San Gabriel Archangel is a part of our early history, where you can take tours of the mission, and walking tours to four cultural museums to learn about the oldest part of Los Angeles, and also see one of the first grape vines that was planted in the 1800's and is still growing!

Last, we took a trip to see a Spanish Villa by the sea, and learned about the history of the Adamson House. A gem that's located on the beach in the city of Malibu, and is a treat for those who have a love for the art of hand painted tile, mission furniture, and Spanish fountains. Here you can take docent led tours, and spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of a home that is an inspiration to those who have an appreciation for Spanish architecture.

Click here to visit the Mission Playhouse's Web site.

Click here to visit the San Gabriel Mission's Web site.

Click here to visit the Adamson House's Web site.

The Annenberg Beach House

2009-10-20T14:51:21Z

Here you can spend a day enjoying California's sunny climate in a beautiful historic sand and sea club swimming in a historic pool, take a docent led tour of the mansion's guest house, visit the art gallery, have lunch at the "Back to the Beach Cafe", or take a walk down to the sea to catch an afternoon sunset. This "Treasure of the West" is open to the public for you and your family to enjoy, and it offers community programs year round including lectures, musical concerts, and exercise programs for the whole family.In September, I took you down to the sea to explore "The Annenberg Beach House", located in Santa Monica, and was once owned by William Randolf Hearst and Hollywood silent film star Mariom Davies. This historic landmark was known as the summer hot spot for some of Hollywood's top celebrities during the 20's and 30's including Clark Gable, Betty Davis, Charlie Chaplin and many others.

Click here to visit the Annenberg Beach House's Web site.

A visit to the small historic town of Ojai

2009-10-20T04:34:51Z

This summer we took a drive through the country to visit the town of Ojai Valley, located less than an hour north of Los Angeles, and about a half hour east of the Ventura Coast. Here you'll find one of Southern California's historic treasures, a town where you can slow down and rejuvenate your mind, your body, and spirit. It's serene beauty and open valley is filled with acres and acres of citrus groves, and long roads that take you up the mountain where you'll find hiking, and trails leading to peaks with spectacular views of the valley.

This small historic town has a short street lined with art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and metaphysical book stores, as well as the hidden retreats and spas that are tucked away amongst hundred year old trees, and are spread throughout the valley.

Today we'll visit the Ojai Valley Museum of History, where you'll hear about the towns first visitors, the artists, and where the name Ojai came from.

We then made a stop at one of the largest outdoor bookstores in the state, and found Bart's Books that is stocked with rare and used books, some first editions, and you can sit in an outdoor courtyard while enjoying the comfortable climate of Ojai.

Finally, we made a special visit to the home of a world know spiritual teacher, who left behind a place to rejuvenate your mind and spirit. The Pepper Tree Retreat was the original home of Krishnamurti, who after 65 years of traveling and lecturing around the world, left his 1920's country style home as a retreat and spiritual center.

Here you can enjoy a peaceful and serene environment away from the busy life of the city, and today we'll hear the story and background by the man who was the personal chef to Krisnamurti.

Click here to visit the Web site for the Ojai Valley Museum of History.

Click here to visit the Web site for the Pepper Tree Retreat.

Click here to visit the Web site for Bart's Books.