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Roar! I will burn your villages and ravish your women!
The above picture is from my 2007 New Year’s celebration. It was low-key, but I still had a lot of fun.
I’m not one to pay $50+ just to get inside somewhere and then pay $8+ for drinks. Most bars and restaurants in Los Angeles, even the ones that never do, will have at least a $20 cover on New Year’s Eve. Many require that tickets be bought in advance and/or that you somehow get yourself on their exclusive guestlists. This is the norm, especially in Hollywood.
I don’t always go out for NYE. One year, I remember staying in and watching it on TV. Either Jay Leno or Jimmy Kimmel or someone did it live pacific coast time. With how cold it’s been here (though it’s warming up), I would have been content just staying in this year or hitting a small, no-frills local bar.
However, we have people coming in from out of town to celebrate with us so I figured we should at least try to find something special to do.
I did some research. I wanted a New Year’s celebration that had no cover, or at least, a cover of $20 or less and no velvet rope/guestlist B.S. Not much out there. I wondered if L.A. Live, the new area in downtown Los Angeles that includes the Nokia Theatre and Staples Center, if they would have something going on. Since its grand holiday launch last month, the media has promoted that area, as the “Times Square of the West.” But methinks that was premature; they don’t seem to be doing anything official for New Year’s Eve. The Stone Temples Pilots have a show at the Nokia and area restaurants and bars are doing their own thing, including the new Lucky Strike bowling alley, but nothing organized like the real Times Square.
So what next? Well, I looked at a few other sites, rolled my eyes at the outrageous cover charges some clubs were asking ($2500?? c’mon!), and found something pretty cool at the old Vogue Theater:
New Year's Eve 2008 at the old Vogue theater in Hollywood
Live bands? DJ’s? Burlesque show, art displays, and drink specials? Plus the cover is only $15? Score! I can walk to the Vogue from my apartment in about 20 minutes.
But there was a problem. It seems a bit fancy, as in black tux, and a bit artsy, and in our group of four, I probably would be the only one excited about having to dress up.
So now what? I did a bit more research and found something else, fun and free! New Year’s Eve at Universal Citywalk! There will be two bands, fireworks, and some sort of visual display. Plus, Citywalk has lots of bars and restaurants we can try our luck with; we’ll have plenty of time after to come back to Hollywood (one subway stop away) and drink away the New Year.
If you’re still looking for something to do in Los Angeles for New Year’s Eve 2008, the following links might help:
L.A. Weekly’s List of NYE 2008 Events
Or you can search Going.com’s database of things going on December 31st in Los Angeles
And remember, if you’re gonna drink, don’t drive, and if you’re still gonna drink and drive, please please make sure that you don’t kill, disfigure, or paralyze anyone else but yourself.
Happy New Year!
I have noticed that my past entries about the Los Angeles public transportation system are getting quite a few hits. There’s a lot of people out there looking for information, and not much to be found.
I decided to take some of the most frequently searched questions and do my best to answer them here. Much more information can be found on the official Metro website. (Update 2/2010: The Metro website has been updated. I think it looks great now.) This is simply my own firsthand knowledge as a daily Metro rider for the past 8 years and counting.
Though it pales in comparison to the reach of the T back in Boston, the Los Angeles Metro system isn’t bad at all. It’s usually pretty reliable, clean, safe, and very convenient. Though I wish it the subway lines would go further west to the Westside, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica (there’s always talk about that being in the works), there are plenty of buses that will take you there. Many people in L.A. are attached to their vehicles, despite the horrible traffic, and there seems to be a stigma associated with taking public transit in this image-obsessed city. With the economic slump and more attention being given to the environment, this is changing, and I hope more people give the Metro system a look.
Anyway, I hope this helps anyone looking for information on how to get around Los Angeles without a car. Don’t forget, with the great weather and crazy sights, walking is always a great option!
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What is the public transportation system in Los Angeles?
The public transit system in L.A. is known as the Metro. This includes the subway, above ground rails (Orange Line and Gold Line), and buses.
How much does it cost to ride the Metro’s buses or subway lines?
The L.A. Metro has the same fare rates for both buses and the subway. Bus fare or a one-way subway ticket is $1.25. A day pass, which is good all day on both the subway and buses, is $5. If you want a day pass when getting on a bus, just put $5 in the fare box and the bus driver will hand you a day pass.
At the subway stations, you don’t need exact change for the ticket machines. They also take debit and credit cards.
In addition to the day pass, people can buy weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly Metro paper passes. There is also a refillable card called the T.A.P (Transit Access Pass) that functions like a weekly or monthly pass. You can refill it at a subway ticketing machine instead of buying a new paper pass (which are bought online or at specific stores).
How does the ticketing system work aboard the Los Angeles Metro subway lines?
In essence, the Los Angeles subway works on the honor system. When you’re on the subway train, you should have valid fare in your possession, be it a one-way ticket, day pass, monthly pass, etc.
Most of the time, you will go your entire ride without ever needed to show your pass to anyone. However, a few times a month, Metro agents or deputies from the Sheriffs department will either board your train car or be waiting at the station’s exit. They will ask to see your ticket or pass, and you better have it, or else you’re going to get pulled aside, embarrassed in front of everyone, and given a $250 ticket. They carry scanning devices to make sure T.A.P. cards are valid. There are also T.A.P. scanners leading into the subway platforms for T.A.P. holders to use to verify that their cards are still valid.
Note: You must get a new one-way ticket if switching lines on the subway. For example, if you need to take the Red Line and then switch to the Blue Line, either have a day pass or greater or buy a ticket at the Red Line station and a ticket at the Blue Line station. A Metro subway one-way ticket is good for one way, one line.
Update: The Metro has installed turnstiles at most Metro stations. These are activated by the T.A.P. cards. They are starting to get rid of paper passes and switch everything to T.A.P. cards. As of 2/2010, you can still get paper passes. If you have one instead of a T.A.P. card, no need to go through the turnstiles; just go through the open gate. Many people even with T.A.P. cards are too lazy to tap and go through the open gate also but this may soon change. Everyone will have to go through the turnstiles at some point.
How late does the Los Angeles Metro subway run?
Not very. Most subway lines stop running around midnight. The Los Angeles Metro subway system will usually run all night long though on New Year’s Eve.
How frequently does the Los Angeles Metro subway run?
It varies depending upon the time of day and day of week. During rush hour, it could be about every 10 minutes, but it could be 20 – 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
How late does the Los Angeles Metro buses run?
Varies. Some less popular bus lines will stop around 9 P.M. Most stop running around midnight, and some run all night but infrequently, about once every hour.
How frequently do the Los Angeles Metro buses run?
It varies depending upon the time of day, day of week, and the particular bus line. During rush hour, Metro Rapid buses can often run every 5 – 7 minutes and many regular buses will run every 10 – 12 minutes. During off-peak hours, it could be about every 30 minutes to up to once an hour.
Click here to see a list of Metro buses that run about every 12 minutes or less.
What’s the difference between the regular buses, the Metro Rapid buses, and the limited buses?
The regular buses runs on a regular schedule and stops at all stops listed. The Metro Rapid buses, which are newer, red buses, run very frequently, most often during busy hours. There is always a 7 at the beginning of the name of the bus line. The reason why they can run so frequently is that they only make stops at popular destinations such as major intersections. The limited bus lines, which have a 3 at the beginning of the line’s name, is like a hybrid of the regular bus and the Metro Rapid. They have limited stops and often do not go as far or run as long as the regular line.
What are the lines on the Los Angeles Metro subway system and where do they go?
L.A. has 6 main subway lines:
Red Line – The main subway line; runs from North Hollywood in the valley to Union station in Downtown L.A. Major stops include Universal City (for the Universal Studios Theme Park and Citywalk), several stops in Hollywood, the Wilshire District and Downtown Los Angeles.
Purple Line – Part of the Red Line that branches off at the Vermont/Wilshire station (from downtown) and runs east on Wilshire to Western Avenue.
Orange Line – Above ground line (fancy buses) that serves the Valley.
Gold Line – Above ground light rail that goes from Union Station to Pasadena.
Blue Line – Runs between the Red Line’s 7th Street/Metro stop (downtown L.A.) to Long Beach.
Green Line – Connection to South Bay/LAX (the airport) from the Metro Blue Line’s Imperial/Wilmington stop.
Click here for a Metro subway system map.
What are the bus lines in Los Angeles?
There are many bus lines in L.A. that service all parts of the city.
Click here for a map of the Metro bus lines in Los Angeles.
Click here to see the schedules and timetables for the Metro bus lines in Los Angeles.
How do I find out which Metro bus or subway line to take in L.A.?
The Metro website has a great trip planner that will map your trip for you. Just enter your arrival or departure time, starting point, and ending destination:
Check out the Metro Trip Planner now.
What are my other public transportation options in Los Angeles?
In addition to the Metro system, there are other bus lines in and around Los Angeles. The DASH, a small line run by a separate agency, is only 25 cents and has a good coverage area.
Click here for a list of other public transit carriers in Los Angeles.
How can I get to the airport (LAX) using public transportation in Los Angeles?
The easiest way is to use the Metro Trip Planner to plot your trip. The Metro Green Line goes to the airport (there’s a free shuttle from the stop). You can also take the Metro Red Line to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles ($1.25 fare) and then hop aboard the direct FlyAway Shuttle (a large coach bus) for only $6. I have personally taken it several times and it’s a very easy, hassle-free trip.
How do I go to Universal Studios Theme Park or Citywalk using public transportation in Los Angeles?
Take the Red Line to the Universal City stop. Once you exit, you’ll have to cross the street and catch the free shuttle up the hill into the theme park area. You can also walk up the hill, but I would not recommend it (this is coming from someone who prefers walking and walks a lot).
How do I get to the Staples Center or Nokia Theatre using public transportation in Los Angeles?
Take the Red Line to the 7th Street/Metro Station. It’s a short walk from there, or if you’re feeling lazy you can connect to the Blue Line and get off at the closer Pico Station.
Here’s a walking map from the 7th Street Metro Station to Staples (also the Convention Center and Nokia Theatre).
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I’ll keep updating this page if I think of anything else that would be good to know about the public transporation here in L.A.
It’s a clear, crisp night. While walking the dogs, I couldn’t help but get distracted by the massive amount of stars overhead. It’s hard to see anything in smog-riddled Los Angeles, but tonight, the night sky was speckled with stars and in the West was a particular bright evening star—Venus!
I went up on the roof deck with my new digital camera (oh, have I mentioned that I got an awesome new digicam for Christmas?) and took a few snapshots. I live in Hollywood, which feels like the suburbs to me compared to Lynn and Boston. Most of Los Angeles doesn’t feel very “urban” so to speak. The city is just so large and spread out; there’s no need for the tall structures and compactness of East Coast cities.
Here’s a few shots of downtown Los Angeles from my vantage point here in Hollywood. It’s about a 15 minute drive away or maybe 8 minutes on the subway stop near me.
Looking Southeast at Downtown Los Angeles
A wider shot of Downtown Los Angeles and South L.A.
Palms trees from my building's courtyard are in the foreground
Click here to see a very large version of the above picture of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline.
The planet Venus shone brightly in the western sky above Hollywood and West Hollywood. I couldn’t help but take a picture of that also:
Venus shining bright despite the city lights in the West
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Sweet Jasmine found a happy home.
I’m quite proud of Sports Illustrated magazine for putting a pit bull on their cover. This week’s issue features a story about what has happened to some of Michael Vick’s dogs. I’m really happy to see that many of them have found loving, happy homes with responsible dog owners who know how to give these dogs the proper care and attention. It’s a testament to the great, affectionate spirit of pit bulls that many have been able to become great pets despite the abuse they endured.
Yay!
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