“Starting Anew” is the current exhibition at the Pasadena Museum of history offering a time line of photos and memorabilia on how the city began. My interview with curator Brad McNeill discusses the beginning of the city, its architecture, cultural history and early art movements. Eva Fenyes and her family owned and lived in the mansion who were one of many entrepreneurs who traveled from back east to plant their roots in California, leaving a legacy of preserving stories of art, culture and the history of early residents of Los Angeles.

This interview covered a previous exhibit held at the Autry Museum by two contemporary Native American Artists, Harry Fonseca and David Bradley’s Indian Country featuring their works of art that represent history, views of their culture and how they reclaimed their true identity through art.

Arlington Gardens in Pasadena is a hidden garden oasis located off Orange Grove Blvd on Arlington Ave. This garden represents the true mediterranean plant life of California where it not only thrives in the garden, but is sustainable and inspiring for those who love color, wildlife, and ideas to use in their own garden. It is a nice place to sit and relax if your in the area and need to get into nature off the beaten path.

Tree People sits just slightly off Mulhulland Drive above Coldwater Canyon and is an organization that supports keeping our city green by ongoing tree plantings in urban communities in Los Angeles. This beautiful landmark is owned by the city offering trails that lead you along the mountains overlooking the San Fernando valley to downtown Los Angeles. There are areas for picnics as well as a nature center offering educational workshops.

The Ballona Wetlands is not only one the last wetlands in Los Angeles, it is also and ecological preserve providing food and homes for wildlife, include birds that move through each season. Over 200 species of birds pass through each year for those who are avid bird watchers, this is and ecological sanctuary that provides water and essential for their survival. Without these wetlands we are at risk of flooding due to the rising sea levels and unpredictable nature of climate change.

Crystal Cove is located in Newport Coast where you’ll discover over 43 beach cottages that were saved by activist Linda Davick, who fought to protect these historic cottages and land from being transformed into a resort hotel. She grew up spending days by the sea with her family in the late 60’s which is now a summer getaway where visitors can enjoy these charming beach cottages each year.

The Hollyhock House is a cultural landmark in Hollywood that sits on top of a hill with spectacular city views down to the sea. The house was Frank Lloyd Wrights first project in Los Angeles, which today is an architectural treasure open to the public offering tours of the property and a variety of programs and events. The summer season offers sunset wine tastings with a live DJ and food trucks, movies on the lawn, an art center adjacent to the house.

Listen to the story of how this unique treasure came to life in the early 1900's and was preserved for us to enjoy.

Theatricum Botanicum & Cornell Winery

In the beautiful setting of Topanga Canyon, The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is a magical place to see an outdoor Shakespeare performance or live musical event.  

The Cornell Winery & Tasting Room is a hidden treasure and tasting room located in Malibu offers quality wine tastings, as well as fine art and jewelry in the gift shop.

Listen to the story and background of these two unique "Treasures of The West”.

Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum - Cornell Wine tasting Room