Learning about what LA Used to Look Like

Most people overlook the history behind most things. You may just look at Penmar Golf Course and Penmar Park in Venice, and say that they are just normal recreational areas that just happened to be built there. You may just say that the Lagoon that bisects the "Silver Strand" in the Marina was just a remnant of Abbot Kinney's Canals. However, after closer inspection, one can learn that Penmar Golf Course was built on a vernal pool that would fill with water every winter, and that the "remnant" of the canals is truly a natural lagoon that once part of the ecologically diverse Ballona Wetlands complex, and that it was spared in the development of the Marina filled in nearly all of the wetlands.

A study by the Bay Restoration Foundation and USC has mapped the historical ecology of the Ballona Watershed, and has provided the information in a detailed manner, with images of the ecology superimposed onto google maps. You can find out what once existed where you now live, and what has survived the urban sprawl of Los Angeles over the past 100 years.

You can see the website, that includes historical ecology of the entire Ballona Watershed, superimposed onto google maps by visiting the link:
http://www.ballonahe.org/

Annenberg Foundation Releases Info on Proposed "Interpretive Center" in Ballona

The Annenburg's Planned "Interpretive Center"

The Annenberg Foundation recently released some preliminary drawings on the proposed "interpretive center" in the uplands of the Ballona Wetlands. The images depict a large "interpretive center," many new walking and biking paths in the preserve, as well as two large parking lots, and four baseball fields. 

The foundation also plans to add veterinary facilities, adoption facilities, and educational programs on domesticated animals, on public lands within an ecological reserve. This seems very suspect. Currently, no dogs are allowed within the preserve due to the fact that they could disturb wildlife. If and when the Annenberg Foundation creates the "interpretive center" these laws will need to be overridden. 

The Annenberg Foundation stated that:

"Set within the broader context of urban ecology, initial concepts for the Center include exhibits and programs involving live wildlife and domestic animals, including a domestic animal adoption program; an auditorium; and facilities for school age children visiting the Reserve for field trips."

For more information visit:

http://www.annenbergfoundation.org/node/50770

4.0 Earthquake near the Palos Verdes- 5/15/13

Shakemap courtesy of USGS

At 1:00 pm on 5/15/13, there was a magnitude 4.0 earthquake just south of the Palos Verdes. The earthquake had an intensity of IV, and caused light shaking in South Bay. The shakemap by the USGS can be seen above. Even though the quake occurred in the ocean, an earthquakes with magnitudes less than 7 usually do not cause tsunamis. If you felt the earthquake, and would like to report the intensity of shaking at your location, go to: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ci15343145#dyfi

A Thunderstorm Enters Los Angeles 5/9/13

An image of the storm at around 7:30pm
(Image property of SoCal Earth Science Blog)

Today, May 9, 2013, a rainstorm with moderate to heavy rain entered Los Angeles and caused heavy rainfall in the Northern portion of the county. It is currently traveling south-west-ward and is currently dissipating. An image of the storm can be seen at around 7:30pm can be seen at the top.

The National Weather Service stated in a "Short Term Forecast" that:

".NOW...
SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO AFFECT PORTIONS
OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY THIS EVENING. AT 715 PM...AN AREA OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS WAS AFFECTING MUCH OF THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS AND SAN
GABRIEL VALLEY. THE LEADING EDGE OF THIS STORM ACTIVITY WAS ALSO MOVING
INTO THE EASTERN PORTIONS OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AS WELL AS THE
LOS ANGELES METRO AREA. EVENING COMMUTERS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR
BRIEF HEAVY DOWNPOURS...CAPABLE OF PRODUCING LOCAL PONDING OF
WATER ON THE ROADWAYS...ESPECIALLY ALONG INTERSTATE 210. IN
ADDITION...THESE STORMS HAVE A HISTORY OF CLOUD TO GROUND
LIGHTNING."