8.24.2009
Downtown Pomona (60 Miles East)
There's only really one reason why anyone would venture out to Pomona, California and that's for a show at The Glass House or The Fox Theater. Major acts play The Fox Theater while the coolest bands on the rise play The Glass House. Otherwise known as the Arts District, downtown Pomona is literally a ghost town before a show (especially if you're there on a week night). Most of the surrounding restaurants are open, but you won't have to wait long for a table. You'll be the only one there.
Friendly Fires played this night. There was barely an audience, but the band nonetheless made me believe that one day we'd live in Paris.
Author Ray Bradbury paid twin visits to the city in hopes of saving downtown. In 1978, he spoke to "save The Fox Theater." It was saved.
He also suggested Orange Groves be planted near the Mexican restaurant (which is a favorite of mine - just don't order the Steak & Eggs Scrambler) to give the area the feel of its early days. He also suggested winding sidewalks and an artificial river. He warned if they didn't take his suggestions, the area would be... "bled dry by surrounding malls."
Now, how does one find their way out of here?
8.15.2009
7.23.2009
Balboa Island (Newport Harbor)
"I'd rather be dead in California than alive in Arizona."
-Jessica Walter as Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development
We got a chance to explore the island the other night before meeting some long lost friends for dinner. There's not much to do but I think that's the point of this seaside community. The island's main strip is a lined with gift shops, ice cream parlors, and art galleries. Who knew Balboa Island is known for being the first place to market the frozen chocolate banana. Arrested Development makes a lot more sense.
Errol Flynn, Humphrey Bogart, Dick Powell, Shirley Temple, James Cagney, Mae West, and John Wayne all owned yachts in the Newport Harbor.
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