Corner of Figueroa & Av. 43

Venice Graf Pit ~ Venice Boardwalk

Some local residents have recently made a push to have the legal graffiti walls in Venice torn down, claiming they lead to an upswing in illegal graffiti in the area. In this case, people who act legally will be punished the same as those who choose not to.

2001 E. Dominguez St.

3700 N. Figueroa St. ~ Highland Park (TACO Map)

Great, simple Mexican food with enough spiciness to keep almost anyone satisfied. Generous portions hit the table at this famous local’s spot where all are welcome. The counter display of vintage 3 Stooges ephemera alongside a world currency collection alone make La Abeja worth entering.

Recommended is the Chile Verde– tasty chunks of beef in a vibrant but not overpowering sauce that comes hot and bright green to your table. Also exceptional is the carne adobada, delicious pork in a rich, dense sauce with various intense spices vying for supremacy. The kitchen is clean and open, take a look and say hi to the people making some of the neighborhood’s best.

10003 Normandie Ave. @ Century Blvd.

This is the city’s original Big Donut location, built in 1950. Randy’s, the most famous one, was built in 1952 and notoriously plagued the dreams of hardcore Eight Trey Crip Monster Kody, as told in his auto-bio. There are three “big-O’s” still in existence throughout LA (Donut King II in Gardena, Dale’s Donuts in Compton, and Bellflower Bagels in Bellflower).

The LA Public Library has a cool collection of photographs from the Herald Express, a tabloid published in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. They’re in the library’s virtual gallery, which has all kinds of other photo goodness. The above shot has the caption “Violence erupted at Warner Bros. studios as police smashed a picket line with tear gas and water and picketers retaliated with stones and bottles.”

Venice Beach this Sunday July 30th, 2006