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 A Dream Reborn
Culver City may have been a lowly suburb of the greater Los Angeles region in the '60s, '70s and '80s, but this neighborhood, once considered the Home to Screenland, is in a decidedly energetic renaissance. Officials have done a splendid job of attracting business into the city's official boundaries, and with it has come theatre, culture and a new night scene.
What drives all of this is a peppering of new and even trendy gastronomic choices right in the heart of historic old town that bumps up against the famous Culver Studios (once home to David O. Selznick and, later, Desilu). In the shadow of Sony's ominous presence are some of the best places to eat in Los Angeles, and without the price tag you would expect to pay in the impossible-to-park areas of Beverly Hills and Hollywood.
At the "Culver Junction," where Washington and Venice boulevards merge, things are hopping. In what seems the blink of an eye, Ford's Filling Station (run by Ben Ford, son of Harrison), Tender Greens, Wilson, Beacon, Ugo, Howdy's, Daphne's, Cold Stone Creamery and Honey Kettle Fried Chicken have all emerged within walking distance between the requisite Starbuck's and the elegant Culver Hotel (pictured here), once a temporary haven for Greta Garbo, Clark Gable and other all-time Hollywood legends, and recognized as the "Flatiron Building" of the West.
The perfect touch to this village renewed is the flagship presence of the Kirk Douglas Theatre, its impressive "Culver" theatre neon viewable from miles away. And just across the street from the Douglas theater is Brotman Medical Center, itself an emerging player in L.A.'s healthcare centers.
There's plenty more to discover, including 15 movie theatres, many more restaurants, a nearby multi-acre park, the not-to-be-missed EcoStation with its live animal exhibits and tours, the urban adventure of Helms Bakery and so much more. Visit www.culverhotel.com for more information.
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| Las Vegas is celebrating 100 years of glitz, extravagance and lucky dice. To help the city celebrate its centennial, go to www.lasvegas2005.com for a rundown of events that will be held throughout the year. |
First Sundays at MOCA
Want a family experience that's new and unique and not as pricey as matinee movies, jammed theme parks or been-there-done-that bowling alleys?
Try a family visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA). On the first Sunday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., MOCA offers the "First Sundays are For Families" workshops where children ages 5 and up can flex their creative muscles. These hands-on, artist-led workshops begin with an interactive tour highlighting selected works from the current exhibition. Next, children and parents work together to create art in response to the work they've seen. The artists answer questions, give direction and, hopefully, inspire the Van Gogh in you.
The program frequently includes special activities such as musical performances, movement, and other multidisciplinary approaches to works on view. The program is offered in English and Spanish, and museum admission is free to all participants. Reservations are not required. For more information, please visit www.moca.org.
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How Did We Get Here?
It's a busman's holiday for sure, but next trip to the capital, check out California's only museum of medical history.
Officially the Sierra Sacramento Valley Museum of Medical History, run by the medical society of the same name, the museum is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in a friendly, shop-filled neighborhood on the outskirts of downtown. Docent tours are available by arrangement for the full story on medical artifacts collected through the nearly 150 years of the medical society's formal association.
Sixteen display cases include collections covering the likes of surgery, infectious disease, pharmacy, radiology, Chinese medicine and quackery, but nursing is well represented. Nursing groups have donated uniforms and other artifacts through the years.
The museum has room to grow and officials expect to consider displays or exhibits of interest to elementary school children. For contact details, click here.
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Get Wicked in L.A.
After two brief sold-out engagements in the Southland, Wicked is back in Los Angeles for an extended run. This musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz became a smash hit on Broadway after its 2003 premiered and has remained wildly popular ever since. The Los Angeles production, which stars Eden Espinosa as Elphaba, Megan Hilty as Glinda, and Carol Kane as Madame Morrible, will be running indefinitely at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. Tickets range from $32.50 to $85.50 and are available at the box office or through Ticketmaster.
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