Some of the former Taco Bells try to disguise their Taco Bell heritage by obliterating the arches, but Cotijas in Colton highlights them. The peeling stucco and tile to revealing the original concrete blocks is a nice touch. They also took the trouble to reupholster the original chairs, and add tile to the table.
This is the last weekend to see TROLLS: A Field Study** **by Danish artist, Thomas Dambo at the South Coast Botanic Garden on Crenshaw Blvd in Palos Verdes Estates. Dambo has installed his recycled wooden trolls all over the world since 2014, and this temporary exhibit is only the second time his trolls have visited L.A., with no gpermanent installations as of yet (the closest one is in Solvang). SCBG is open 8a-5p, admission is $18 for adults, $14 students / seniors, $8 children (please be advised trolls love children).
New plaque at All Saints Church, Pasadena acknowledges the history of racism and segregation practiced by the church in its earlier history.
The plaque reads:
All Saints History
This plaque honors the memory of the African Americans and people of color who were turned away from All Saints Church by its white parishioners during the Jim Crow era in Pasadena.
Years before the laying of the Church's 1923 cornerstone, African Americans were not permitted to worship at All Saints Church. In response to this exclusion, eight courageous African American women gathered in their homes over several years to create a worship space of their own-founding what would become St. Barnabas Episcopal Church,
a mile away in the northwest section of Pasadena.
We acknowledge and repent of these racist actions, and we ask forgiveness from the descendants of those excluded. Today, as we commit to living out our mission that all are welcome, we recognize our past history so that such racist actions may never be repeated.
September 13, 2026
Spotted one of Active SGV’s rental electric cargo bikes in Alhambra tonight while I was on a Costco run to get a couple things with my own e-bike.
Finally got to see Love Vigilantes performed live at Peter Hook & The Light’s San Diego show last night. I try to catch Hooky every year when he tours the states, and until last night that song had been elusive. He dedicated the song to local service members, for which San Diego has many.
Not sure what number Taco Bell this was, but it was one of the originals, it still has the firepit and concrete block benches.
Fuel-pump price max-out at gas stations in California. Bad news for tractors that are dependent on diesel, but maybe, just maybe we can get a little more inspired to end our oil addiction.
The Hayward Apartments mega-pile.
Oak alley behind Voodoo Doughnuts.
At last night’s David Byrne (Talking Heads) concert, David talked about taking the Amtrak Surfliner from his concert in San Diego the night before to Los Angeles and then riding his bike from L.A. Union Station to his hotel in West Hollywood. Wonder how many other major musical touring acts use Amtrak in their logistics?
“Eugene, Oregon, I'll remember you for the rest of my life
I won't forget how good you were to me
No and I won't be forgettin' all the kindness that you show
To a homesick country girl a long, long way from Tennessee”
Sapporo killed Anchor Brew, looks like Stone is next.
The indomitable Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association hosts the first Mayoral Debate of this General Election season tonight from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. And given Mayor Bass’ avoidance to debating other candidates in the Primary Election, this may be the only opportunity to see Raman and Bass on the same stage together. SOHA will be streaming the debate via Zoom, and LAist will be broadcasting it via 89.3FM.
Absolute punk rock legend, Charlie Harper, 82, signs UK Subs merch at the 30th Annual Rebellion Festival in Blackpool on Sunday.