Nobody Walks in L.A.

November 22, 2014
Destination: Great Los Angeles Walk 2014

Cost: $9.49

I toyed with joining the Great Los Angeles Walk last year when I was visiting for the weekend – but wimped out, even though the jaunt down Sunset Blvd. sounded like fun. This year, there was no excuse not to participate – since the departure point was about a mile from my new residence in the West Valley.

This annual event started nine years ago, when local journalist, Michael Schneider, marked his tenth anniversary in the City of Angels by coordinating a community walk along Wilshire Boulevard – from downtown to the sea. The goal was to get folks out cars, explore the city on foot and to build community along the way. Each ensuing year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Michael gathers a throng of walkers to tackle a new thoroughfare.

This year’s event featured Ventura Blvd. and began at Warner Center Park – where the crowd was greeted with handouts of the route’s highlights, a Nudie Mobile was on display, and representatives from two Valley history museums presented some pre-stroll background. We were told this was a non-sanctioned, informal event – and if anything happens “you’re on your own.” At 9:00 a.m., after a group photo, we set off toward Ventura and settled into an easy stride on the shady south side of the street.

What a trip to walk past all the landmarks of my Valley Girl past – places where I worked, danced, ate, went on dates. So many places have gone – to be replaced by new businesses: some thriving, some struggling. It was fun to chat with the other amblers, who came from all over the city. When you’re sharing a journey, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger.

Due to time (and energy) constraints, I knew I wouldn’t complete the seventeen mile route to the Metro station in North Hollywood, but I was surprised at how fast the miles flew by. I peeled off at mile seven, to explore Los Encinos State Historic Park for the first time. Drinking in the warm sunshine of a perfect fall afternoon in the small citrus grove, I explored the adobe buildings, observed a variety of ducks near the fountains in the spring fed pond and rested my legs.

    

With a staggering appetite, I moseyed back to The Stand where I wolfed down an exceptional Chicago dog, small kale slaw and soda for under $8. Satisfied with my trek, I hopped on the Metro 150 bus to return to the starting point – determined to tackle the next stretch from Balboa Blvd to Laurel Canyon on another pleasant Valley day.