Watts Towers has been named to the World Monuments Fund's inaugural Irreplaceable America list…read more recognizing 10 U.S. historic sites considered essential to preserving the nation's cultural heritage, officials announced Tuesday. The list was created as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and highlights historic places facing significant preservation challenges. The Watts Towers, created over more than three decades by Italian immigrant Sabato "Simon" Rodia, consist of 17 hand-built reinforced-concrete structures decorated with tile, glass and found objects. The tallest tower rises nearly 100 feet. The Watts Towers are a monumental achievement by one individual, Simon Rodia, yet are of cultural significance and meaning to all of the local community, and its visitors," Daniel Tarica, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, said in a statement. "The conservation and preservation of the Watts Towers ... reinforces a message to the community of investment, value, and stewardship, while also supporting increased cultural tourism and generating economic opportunities that benefit both the immediate Watts community and the wider region."

Our niece was doing a family research project which took us to where my hubby and his sisters grew…read moreup. On the way to our last stop we pass by the Watts Towers Art Center. Our niece had never been so we decided to make a pit stop and walk around. This really is a fascinating place with so much history. The art center was closed so we walked around the tower and read the different plaques. I would love to go back when the art center is open and discover more great finds about this historic sight.

Sure it's a small plaque there's garbage everywhere and graffiti beer cans. Looks like nobody…read morearound there knows who The Beach Boys are nobody there specks English the loud music from Mexicans is a disgrace just saying don't go here until Hawthorns cleans it up

Tucked away in a neighborhood where planes will be flying overhead. This is a nice landmark/tribute…read moreto the band. Worth a visit if you're nearby.

First off...Walking in smelled like pure urine. I took my toddler to checkout a couple of books he…read moreliked. We went to the kids section and saw some books we wanted to read right away. We sat at the little table and began reading. Immediately after a few minutes a security guard came and stood about 5 feet from us watching. IDK if ppl come in here to steal books but it was my first time ever stepping in this library. I thought it was kind of strange for him to be standing there the whole time we were in there. (About 35 minutes) I began walking around to look for a book I might like to read and he followed me there too. I got so uncomfortable I just decided to checkout the books we picked out for my son. I asked the lady behind the counter if they had a reading time for kids schedule and she said nothing to me. I asked again thinking maybe she didn't hear me and again she said nothing and point behind my head. I checked out the books then went where she pointed and saw another librarian and asked her. She didn't lift her head to see who was talking to her and point to the front part of her desk. I grabbed the schedule and here comes the security guard walking to the front counter talking to the lady who's cat go her tongue. She actually can talk when he spoke to her. As my son and I were leaving they got quite and the security guard said to her "I'll tell you about it later" then followed me out the library. This library is awful. Maybe it's odd to see a young looking black mother taking her child to the library to read even though the librarians and security guard was black too. Or maybe ppl who causes problems here look like me. My son and I was well dressed and groomed. I have all my teeth, I definitely didn't look suspicious. On top of that I was 7 months pregnant. Who follows ppl in the library? Who steals from the library? Never going there again. I hate being profiled in my own community. Awful ppl and service. Never again! PS I drop the books off before they were due and it still wreaks of urine.

I normally travel to the Long Beach main library for my book fix but since its been hot lately I…read moredecided to go to this branch close to my house. This library is loud. I was scanning the shelves and a guy kept walking pass me rapping about what he would do to a woman. It was disgusting and unnecessary with all the children around. The library has limited computer access. In Long Beach you get an hour but here its fifteen minutes (Yeah, I'm serious). On top of that there are only 2 computers for internet access, 2 for kids only, and 2 for library book search. Best bet is to bring your laptop. Printing is 25 cents a page btw. Their book selection is limited to say the least. I am a huge YA fan and the selection here is sad. The YA section is a small corner of the library. The selection is basic (Twilight and Hunger Games) and the books have a weird smell. The overall feel of the library is sad and forgotten. I guess I'll be returning to my main branch in Long Beach..

I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.

I've made a promise to myself to explore more of what makes SoCal great. To this end, I will…read morecheck-in a city, post a couple of photos to get myself started and then have those as a reminder to explore more of that city and post more pics as I learn more. Inglewood is a city I've been wanting to explore going back to "The Great Western Forum"(IYKYK!). Only recently did I make new friends with peeps from Culver City who frequent Inglewood for the community center events at Rogers Park. But until I met them, Soul Food experiences had not been a part of their adventure - Wha da WHA???? How does one spend any time in South LA and NOT try to determine their fave Soul Food establishment??? They didn't even realize the melting pot of food cultures (Creole, Ethiopian, Nigerian, Persian, Jamaican, Burmese, just to name a few!) awaiting them. That venture aside, the community center activities have been a blast! I LOVE seeing communities out playing on a Saturday. People of all ages dancing, sporting, having fun! I love the civic pride and the warm, inviting residents. I love peeking around corners and seeing Main Street vibes of 50s, 60s, 70s architecture. I love the beautifully kept parks and the murals of tribute found all around this city. And - OF COURSE - I love the smell of the food cooking block after block! I'll post more pictures and spend more time driving around on my next visits. The pace is chill in Inglewood and I shouldn't rush through, grabbing glances like I have been. Inglewood will be an evolving exploration and I look forward to the pleasant surprises I'll find. Cheers! "CC"

Inglewood is a vibe…read more Growing up on the south side of Los Angeles off the 105 I can think about so many great journeys to and through the City of Inglewood including visiting friends and family in the bulk of the late 80s and most of the 90s. Before I went vegetarian and then/now vegan, we frequented the Ms' B's M&M's Soul Food spot at 4549 Imperial Hwy, lived for Rally's aka Checkers at 8500 Crenshaw Drive and of course hit up Randy's Doughnuts. There's a few freeways that run alongside the city including the 101, and 110, as well as through like the 405. Public transportation is accessible but surprisingly not as smooth as it should be especially being home to some of the biggest music and event venues in Greater Los Angeles. From the Kia Forum to SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome, this place is stacked. There's even a Cinépolis Luxury movie theater and huge epic "welcome to" Inglewood larger than life billboard monitor sign. It's super gentrified and getting more so every day, but still has it's charm, comforts and character in many places like it's parks, staples such as Roscoe's (Chicken n Waffles) , Stuff I Eat (vegan soul and comfort food spot going nearly 17 years strong) and many many more. Several schools served the city under their own school district, including Ánimo Inglewood Charter High School, City Honors High, Inglewood High School, Inglewood Continuation and Morningside High School as well as handful of private primary educational facilities. Traffic can range especially for sporting events and concerts with the Chargers, Clippers and Rams all being based in Inglewood since the 2020s. Much like concerts a lot of small businesses or lots will open up for reasonable pricing, or at least less than the main venue. While the K/Pink Line run through the outskirts of the neighborhood, it doesn't pass through the heart of the area and Iwood is creative, colorful and a collection of lots of diverse history.

Nice little museum that showcases artifacts from the city's history and founding family. Best thing…read moreis, it's free to take a self guided tour. Stop in and learn a bit about the Bell Family and see how the city started.

Great way to start kids on the history of City of Bell and surrounding cities . Small museum ,…read moreshort descriptions of objects and the family who founded Bell. Brief , but effective trip back in to an exciting time when people of different cultural backgrounds came together to edify a new community. I visited the museum with a group of parents from Corona Elementary and the staff was very kind , polite , and patient with us . We were able to take a lot of photographs , read all the descriptions , visit the garden . As a School employee and a member of the SPA 7 Community , it was very interesting to see that Bell shared its newspaper with Maywood and Cudahy . You also find information about the city's collaboration with Bell High School to make the pool construction possible . Captivating time capsule , beautifully presented exhibits , short but sweet trip in to the past. Unbelievably free!

Beautiful Art Deco gem located in Downtown Huntington Park. Designed by noted architect Marcus…read morePriteca, this theatre is not only a historic landmark, but a true work of art in our community.

I grew up in in the Warner Theater. In 1969 when I was 9 years old my father rented the little…read morestore 6716 Pacific Blvd. and opened his little business Big Star Shop and was there for 25 years until he retired. I became very good friends with the owners daughter who would let me in for free and see such great movies like. The good, the bad and the ugly. The Exorcist, Count Yorga Vampire and Planet of the Apes. I have such wonderful memories of our little store and playing with my little sister and growing up on Pacific Blvd. The Warner Theater is a huge part of my childhood and teenage hood. Got my first job across the street Wow I tear up just thinking about it.

Basketball courts. Tennis courts. A skate park. Plenty of green for picnics. I've seen this park at…read moreits worse and it has been upgraded significantly. The grass is now well maintained, the tennis courts have been renovated and repainted (I would know; I once signed up for tennis lessons via City of Gardena and we used the courts here) and people have been mindful about their waste given there are plenty of trash bins around. As we are in the middle of a pandemic, they have attempted to close everything down with yellow tape but that doesn't stop people from still coming through and using the facilities. I'm sure staff aren't thrilled about that, but no one is really enforcing anything. Otherwise, it's a pretty cool park to hangout at. Here's hoping this pandemic ends soon. I can't wait to watch those early morning badminton teams play again.

The field is spacious for outside sports…read more The playground was pretty small but the park staff was there on a Sunday!

5 star service! 5 star food! 5 star sightseeing! 5 star hotels!…read more If you want to enjoy your trip without any worries, signet is your choice.

Went to Vietnam for 9days. Excellent tour guide, 5stars…read morehotels. wonderful food. Trip arrangements were suit for the weather.