Thousand Steps... NOT!

So I decided to check out whether Thousand Steps Beach really has 1000 steps. It is quite steep and being the old man I am , I had to hold on to the railing while watching the young studs walking backwards up the steps as part of their daily workout.

When I reached the bottom, I was certain I had only counted about 235 steps. I figured it was a result of my short term memory and maybe I had counted 1000 but just did not remember. I asked one of the surfer dudes why they called this 1000 steps when it wasn't. That was my next mistake. Young surfer dudes tend to be somewhat mindless and insane. As I continued to walk on the beach to get a better look at the climb back, I could hear this idiot screaming out my question like some echo in a canyon.

Anyway, I started back up the steps and that is when I realized why the name 1000 steps. It might only be 235 going down.... but it damn sure felt like 1000 going up.

Thank goodness it wasn't 1000 steps!!

Me at Work

I was cruising around town this afternoonwith the P.D. trying to get some interesting shots of the PD in action for their new brochure. Towards the end of the shift we went to a call on a car with a real annoying horn alarm. Just when you thought it was going to stop... it would start again. We called for the Tow truck and just before the car was going to get towed, the owner of the horny car showed up. He claimed he did not even know his car had an alarm. Now that is what I call total awareness.

I was going to post a pic of the poeteic message left on the windshield of the horny car, but another photographer was taking my pic and since I do not have many of me.... I decided to let my ego get in on the action and post it.

So it seems that the witness of events (me..) is being witnessed by another witness who I will refer to as DT (not related to the DT's).

Life always amazes me how it puts lots of little actions together to get results needed for the next set of actions. Everything always has an effect on everything else again..... wonder where this one goes.

There I go again on my 'woo woo' soapbox. Time to sign off.

Tasty Date

Driving south on PCH, Coast Hwy or whatever it is called, just before getting to Crystal Cove.... on the ocean side, is a historic place that sells Date Shakes. These are supposed to be like the greatest shakes ever. For some reason, I have never stopped there to try it out. I did stop there this morning, but it seemed to early to be drinking a shake and I was nervous about it being my first 'Date'.

If you try it out or have already done so, let me know if they really are as good as they say. The view is definitely good..... it is also where the Newport Beach Motorcycle guys hangout to catch speeders going south... so try not to be in a hurry!

Boom Cafe and Memorial

I was on an assignment with a 'colorful' person whose name consists of 3 flowers. She at one time worked at the Boom Cafe, also known as the Boom Boom or Boom Room..... a local hangout.... mainly gay. She took me to an area behind the Boom at the edge of the cliff overlooking the beach. This area is set aside as a memorial to people who had died of AIDS. I have lived in Laguna over 20 years and I never realized this place existed.

A Frenchman maintains this memorial which contains various small statues, rocks (mainly in the shape of hearts) and flowers.

You can't help but pause.....

Surfs Up.... Almost

So today was supposed to be bigger than Big wednesday....... NOT! I went to Heisler Park to Rockpile Beach and I hate to say it, but there were some descent waves but not decent surfers. I must have missed the good guys that go early. As hard as i tried, I could not get a pic of a good ride... so instead you get to see some out of towners waiting for the rogue wave to wash them down to San Diego.

Hanukkah in Laguna

I never can remember when Hanukkah is. Although this year the media made a big todo over the fact that it was the same day as Christmas. I don't recall if the media ever tells us when it falls on the same day as Kwansa.

Every year in Laguna, you can tell when it is Hanukkah because they have this big Menorah (candle holder for you other guys) at Main Beach. This is basically how I know when it is so I don't seem so surprised when someone says to me 'Happy Hanukka!'

I try to act like I am very aware....

Laguna or not Laguna?

Most late afternoons I walk JC around Lantern Park in Dana Point. The Laguna Cliffs Hotel is there. I don't know if they missed the map layout or if they are confused. I am pretty sure they need to go up the cost to be in Laguna.

I wonder if in Laguna Beach there is a Dana Point Cliffs Hotel or Hotel Cornona Del Mar or Newport Beach Motel? Now that would be interesting.

Skateboarding and Christmas Eve

We were celebrating Christmas this year with the entire family on Christmas Eve. I was expecting t a total of 19 people and one dog. To my great surprise and pleasure my grandson Alan (an avid skateboarder that looks like one of the Blues Brothers..) brought with him one of the star skateboarders in the U.S. . I cannot tell you his name because of non disclosure, but I can tell you his initials are B.M.

B.M. is also a surfer dude and told me he is looking forward to the really big kick ass surf coming up this Tuesday. I am going to meet him at Brook Street to get some photos for his private collection.

French Similarities

This is Jean Claude. Not to be confused with Jean Paul (the Coffee Nazi). They both are French and both have a sneer....

JC is getting impatient waiting for me. I am tying my shoelace which always gets untied even though I make a double knot. I probably should wear my loafers instead.

JC thinks the same thing,

Gravlax Phil

Well it's that time of the year when Gravlax Phil comes into town with gifts of Gravlax for those of us who have been good. Looks like Marcus was one of the good guys. I am not so sure about JP. Although he is storing these in his cooler, I could not tell if one was for him.

Maybe he does not like Gravlax. Anything is possible. After all.... he does not drink coffee!

Big Wednesday

High surf as a result of a storm off of Hawaii resulted in some outstanding sets all along the coast today. I went over to Brook Street where the sets were huge but no surfers. Maybe the brave ones got swept out to sea.

I looked for Dr. Anderson but remembered he had to work today and probably had to miss the good stuff.

I mosied over to Thalia Street where I took this shot of the surfer dudes headig upstream. Good thing I can use my old age as an excuse for not going in. Well actually, I have a cold.

Peking Duck

One thing about Laguna Beach. It lacks really good ethnic markets. Janet decided to have Daffy Duck for Christmas Eve dinner. So we took our passports and went over the border to nearby Irvine.

Sammy Woo's market and restaurant has got some incredible Cantonese food. Tough to park since it is always crowded. We sampled some sliced pork and chow mein and giant chicken wings and sweet and sour something and green bean something and a pepsid AC.

By the time we finished sampling..... we were too full to try Daffy. I guess we will find out on Saturday.

Craft Show

Usually around the holidays (Kwanza, Hanukah and Happy Holidays), the craft people assemble on the cobblestone area at Main Beach to sell their crafts. I suggest you take your car as opposed to your Harley, since Officer Tom Wall hangs around that area with his decibel reader!

Divers Cove

I walked by Divers Cove today and sure enough....... there were the divers. I am starting to think this is one of those Quantum Physics issues. Do you think if they renamed Divers Cove to something else like Cowboys Cove, I would then see Cowboys instead?

How about 'Naked Girls Cove"?

Farmers Market - Videos and Nazis

Almost every Saturday morning from before I get there, and until around noon when it closes, the Farmers Market is a fun place to shop for fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, cheeses, breads and all kinds of goodies. It's another one of those places to run into other lagunatics.

The market is located in the lumber yard parking lot next to City Hall and across from Video Laguna. VL seems to always have all of the movies you would like to rent, especially the latest releases that are never available at BallBusters.

The owner sometimes stops in at the Coffee Nazis just to get irriatated at how many people go their to get their coffee and abuse. It is interesting to watch the exact moment as their eyes make contact and that slight sneer appears at their lip lines.

FeFiFaux

I stopped in at fefifauxpaw productions today to see about taking some pictures of pussys (pussies?) in various shapes and colors. My friend Deb C. is an incredible talent loaded with energy and creativity. She is also one of the most giving persons I know.

For as long as I have known Deb, she has painted and sculpted and written about pussies. Her shop is definitely a must see. If you have kids, they will go ga-ga for these goodies. Of course if you have a pussy you will defintiey want to stop in. Now, you are probably asking yourself..... is that really a picture of a pussy?

Well.... if you have to ask... then I give up!

Cedar Creek - Where the Locals Go

This originally was called the Ivy House. It's where many locals go. It has great ambiance. It is cozy and has the feeling of a "Cheers". It sits across the street from City Hall; the Fire and Police Depts, on the corner of Forest and Third street.

Here are some things you need to know if you want to seem like you have been there before. When you first enter through the doors you will see the Hostess station.... just smile and turn right. If you stop, you will see a dining room behind the hostess station. I always felt that was where the visitors from Leisure World went to dine.... or families. The lighting is bright enough you can actually see your food. Not much character.

When you turn right at the Hostess station you will see the bar to your left and many round tables to your right and then a Piano. Depending on the day of the week, there might actually be a live person behind the piano and sometimes they will be pretty good. Now pay attention. These round tables represent the 'bar area' which means you can sit at any open table without the hostess placing you. Even though you are handed a bar menu, you can generally order off the 'other' menu. I generally like to eat at the bar or at one of these round tables.

Beyond the round tables are the...... you got it..... the square tables. This area is also flanked by the bar to your right as the aisle takes a jog to the left. The area of square tables has pretty good 'soul' and a neat fireplace. The bar in this area tends to be filled by the 'regulars', but it's okay to sit there if you can find an open stool.

Beyond the square tables, without jogging to the left is the outside patio. It's okay out there, but no regulars. You do get to watch the fire and police go jamming by when there is an emergency.

Now here is the next big tip. There are actually two kitchens. Well, I should say two cooking areas. One of them is behind the bar (that is also where you will find Howard the ex great hamburger king and surfer dude). If you want a really great hamburger.. and juicy... you definitely want it from behind the bar. This means you need to be sitting at the bar or one of the round tables. The same goes for what I call the Steak Sandwhich. Of course, they will tell you it is a New York Steak and that the real steak sandwhich is made in the 'kitchen'. BS! Tell them you want it from the grille behind the bar.

They have some pretty good dishes inclusing an Ahi sandwhich and Shrimp Wrap. Best of all it is just a great place to hang on a cold night.

They pour big drinks..... but remember. Laguna is renowned for lots of DUI arrests, so call a cab or get someone under a .08 to drive.

The buzz on the street is that they are not going to renew their lease. So if you have not tried it out.... better go soon.

Woods Cove - Best Kept Secret

I guess it is easy to take for granted the beauty that surrounds you. While doing my beach assignment for the magazine I ran into one of the writers for the Laguna Independent Newspaper who was taking a break. I guess if you live in New York, then maybe your break is in a coffee shop or if you are lucky enough, it might be in Central Park. Well..... this one is really tough to beat.

This beach is in my old neighborhood in Wood's Cove which is just south of Main Beach. The Betty Davis house is there..... obviously she does not live there any more. It seems that a name stays with the house until someone more famous buys it. That is probably why my old house was never named after me. Actually, it might not be referred to as anyones place. That can get depressing :-(.

Anyway, I started down the steps to this incredible beach. It is a cove as the name implies. Once down on the beach, you feel as though you are in some magical spot. My newspaper buddy was there and was jumping in the ocean to get a bit refreshed. I could definitley get into doing this. The only thing that stops me is the thought of driving home with sand in my pants and a chill. I guess I could try just sitting and being in the NOW..... I think I will go back.

Where did they go???

My assignment today was to go out to the beaches and take photos of all of the happy people on the beautilful beaches in this incredible weather. I tried and tried, but they must all be at some party or in the movies, or at the coffee Nazi's because no one was around. It was like a spooky Sci Fi movie. All I could see were indications that someone had been there before me...... but no one was to be found. I headed over to that big rock...... and then I reached the rock and looked over. I could not believe my eyes. Now I understood where they had gone.....

Art, Benches and Laguna Beach

I guess when you live in (and around) Laguna Beach, you kind of get use to seeing things with lots of meaning. I am not quite sure what the message here is for this bench. I once took a picture of an old couple sitting on it and thought..... naaaa..... looks to gross.

I don't know.... seems to me I would be uncomfortable sitting on a bench with somone looking up my bottom.... or my wifes..... or who knows who's bottom.

I am glad those 2 guys are there all of the time making sure my back is supported properly.... I guess the guy at the bottom is also supporting my back..... but I wish he wouldn't look.

I looked down between the crack in the slats and got uneasy when I saw him looking back!

Boat Parade and Mel Gibson

Since Laguna Beach does not have a Boat Parade, some of the crew from the Coffee Nazi's place (Jean Pauls Goodies) decided to start one. Our good friends Karla and Greg live on the water in Cornona Del Mar ( I always thought their address was in Newport Beach.... but hey.. I am from Brooklyn and not familar with the area). They decided it was time to start the Annual JP Goodies Boat parade and the in crowd (meaning the few people we know) were included. The initial outing was to include Phil and Blair who live in South Laguna about every other weekend; Marcusl and Sweetie from the high tops of Laguna.... we refer to them as the mountain people; and of course my wife Janet and myself now living on the outskirts of town in a slum area known as Monarch Beach. We all met at Karla and Greg's and after starting out with some champagne we went aboard the fantastic "All Charged Up" to slowly motor around the harbor and end up at the "Cannery" for dinner. There we ate like kings and drank wine like fools. As usual I attempted to stay out of any polticial issues, but somehow Mel Gibson came up in relation to a program he is about to do on the Holocaust. I couldn't help but state my opinion that I thought Gibsin was a 'dick'. Marcusl quickly corrected me that Gibson was okay and it was actually his father who was a Dick..... but that because of Gibson's religious beliefs he had to honor his father and therefore could not say anything that would be in opposition to what his father said. I thought...... this is brilliant! Wow! Now I can say anything I want and claim my Father said it and since I would never dishonor him, I was just keeping the faith. I guess I have to admit..... Gibson is a genious.... not a dick!

I feel so much better.

We finished dinner and took the boat ride home making sure to pass all of the well lit homes showing their Christmas lights (or maybe they were just Holiday lights). I have trouble telling the difference. We passed many boats that waived to us because they knew we were 'famous'.

All in all it was a great way to start the annual Boat Parade.

Out with a Cold

Right after I covered the Eagle Rock fire, I noticed I was getting a sore throat. I thought it was form breathing in some of the smoke... but it seems like it was the start of a cold. Well... I am on my ass with my head spinning, so no pics today. I did have enough strength to call B&H photo in NY and order a 20D camera body. That should be fun playing with when I get it next week. In the meantime it is freezing(well for a Californian that means under 55) and depressing today with little or no sunshine.

The pic above is someone walking downtown on Dec 2nd Hospitality Night in downtown Laguna.

Nyes Place Fire - Laguna Beach

This is most unusual..... I was having break..lunch at the Jolly Roger with the staff of the Laguna Independent when we heard the sirens. There vwere enough to indicate a possible fire. All four engines are sent out for a fire as opposed to 2 for a medical aid. I ate for a few minutes more and then we saw a hook and ladder from out of town go by.... so that was it for my han and eggs and out I went to Nyes place to check it out. My throat was sore from taking in smoke the night before at the Eagle Rock fire, so I was hoping there would not ne much so smoke.

Nyes place is a windy hilly street and the sky was bright blue with no sign of smoke. At first I was thinking I must be going to the wrong location, but then the traffic stopped and I could see cars being turned around.

I made my way up the street on foot and then one of the firemen directed me through the side gate of a house and I found myself on a high balcony overlooking a beautiful ocean view and a canyon that was filled with lots of dry brush. Turns iut a welders torch started this fire (they were working on the house next door). This started a vegetation fire. A took some pics and then headed back to the Jolly Roger to finish my meeting with the editor.

Fire on Eagle Rock - Laguna Beach

Just when I was getting ready to sit down and review my photos from Hospitality night.... that is the night that downtown Laguna closes the main street and the shops are open with goodies and drinks for the people walking around and Santa arrives on a Fire Engine at City Hall where he stands by the Mayor who turns on the lights for the Christmas Tree..... B.S. on any other name for the tree........ I got a call from the paper that a fire had broken out at a residence in South Laguna. I hustled out of the house grabbing my photo gear and handheld scanner and made my way to Eagle Rock which is a street in South Laguna. When I arrived there were fire engines everywhere and police and the house was fully involved. I spoke with one of the neighbors who said they heard a loud bang like an explosion and then they could smell smoke. This was a nasty fire that threatened neighboring homes. When I was leaving, I could hear the firemen checking to make sure they were not missing anyone and warning that the house was unsafe and could possibly collapse......

The Coffee Nazi - Laguna Beach

On the north end of Laguna Beach, in a small shopping area called 'Boat Canyon' is an incredible coffee place called Jean Paul's Goodies. JP has been there almost 20 years and has kicked out some of Laguna's most premier residents. When I first saw the Seinfeld episode on the Soup Nazi I thought.... those s.o.b.'s stole our story.

JP makes the best coffee in town... I know.... everyone says that, but this is for sure! It is really potent and if you have more than one you may start getting the shakes. I think 5 will send you to the emergency ward. Anyway, when you order the coffee, you get the same thing no matter what you ask for. He only makes it one way and in only one size and adds half and half. Don't get him started by asking for low fat or you will be excommunicated.... and that is forever.

He has a separate coffee pot with crap coffee and some of his coffee mistakes that he sells for a buck and calls it 'construction workers coffee'. He usually can tell which category you fall in and when you first ask for a cup, he will say.... 'oh.. you want construction workers coffee' and with a sneer, slides it over to you.

The good stuff is 2 bucks and there is no tip jar. He thinks that is bad luck. Only JP works in the store and he is open 6-1/2 days a week. He opens around 5:45 and closes anywhere from 3:30 to 5 during the week and noon on Sunday.

Once he knows you, your coffee will be waiting for you on the counter. He watches when people pull up and gets their goodies ready for them by the time they enter. He also knows all of our personal business and when there are problems, he connects you up with the person that can solve your problem. He also acts as a mailbox.... we will leave various books and packages and messages for other people.

About 8 years ago he had me buy a computer for him. He learned how to use it and then became Mr Hardware expert. If he knew you had a problem with your computer, he would go to your home after hours and get your computer fixed up. Funny..... if you asked him over for dinner, he would always have some excuse as to why he could not make it... but tell him your computer had a problem and he would always show up. Your problem became his problem until he solved it.

JP's birthday is the day after mine. Every year we would celebrate this by having him over (the first time or 2, I had to tell him I h,ad a computer problem), and the 3 of us (my wife Janet) would have a lobster dinner which we actually made him cook. Somehow, over the years, this has become a tradition, and the most recent birthday included about 6 other friends from his shop. There is a whole mini society with lots of stories around the 'Coffee Nazi' and I will be recording them from time to time. In the meantime, stop by, but be sure to be careful what you ask for. Unless you see it don't ask for it. Especially do not ask for Bagels and Cream Cheese or you will get the standard reply.... "...oh.. you want your shit on shit? Get out and go across the street to the Coffee Bean!"

You can find me there most days..... I am the guy with the White Standard Poodle.