It took a couple of seconds to register in my mind, but I had seen a gate, behind which something…read morehad sparkled. This warranted a second look. I turned heel and headed back a few paces to the formidable black steel gate. Through the bars of the gate lay a kind of alleyway formed by two buildings. Hung by pegs and anchors onto the stucco walls of the buildings was an assortment of symbolic curios; mirrors adorned with colorful frames, bells, birdcages, and trinkets. Below them were brightly painted clay statues similar to Hindu deities, topless sirens reminiscent of mermaids, and one resembling Kuan Yin the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion. (Ironically, I was later to find her description plaque intact but the statue itself missing). Before trying the doorknob on the gate I glanced to my left to see an article framed behind glass and hanging from one of the walls of the entryway. Apparently I wasn't the first to discover this curiosity, Los Angeles Times writer David A. Keeps found it first back in 2006. I skimmed the article to learn that Pilates instructor Mary-Ascension Saulnier wrote a love story at some point and founded this place in 2002 as a physical manifestation of it. Also Mr. Keeps pointed out that this "breezeway" is officially known as the Meditation Water Garden, (although I found that it's popularly known as "The Garden Of Believing"), and it contains "39 hand-painted wishing well fountains paired with 72 affirmations" from Kaballa scholar Rabbi Yehuda Berg's Kaballa interpretation "The 72 names of God". After glancing at the garden's posted hours, I determined that the gate must be unlocked: with hesitant hope and anticipatory excitement I reached for the knob. It turned a full 180 degrees and with an easy pull, the door opened. I stepped through the archway and into a sort of mystical place. However, on closer inspection it was clear that the place was in a state of disrepair. The water fountains were all dry save one located in the back that gave off a soft burbling sound. Playing in the base of the fountain's pool were two clay children, one holding a wire mesh purse filled with marbles and another chatting in her ear. A small blond sprite clad in a toga and playing a pan flute hides behind a plant next to them. Neglected extension cords splay out over a couple of statues like snakes in the garden of Eden and hang in knots from the wire skeleton of a Christmas tree. A couple of phone books occupy the seat of one of the meditational chairs, and the place feels a bit cramped because of the clutter. However there is still much beauty to be found here. I found Osirus, a statue representing Intuition. He sits on a pedestal cross legged gazing down into an empty bowl. His green eyelids are mostly closed while he ponders his inner reflection. A plant grows near his feet, and red Christmas ornament balls dangle randomly over his shoulder. Earth Prana, our vital life energy, makes an appearance in a wood carving of womans head; her sun colored hair flows in the wind, and a sullen expression covers her face as she casts a glance down toward terra firma. Colorful birdcages made of cast iron jut out from the walls in the back, and hummingbird feeders hang from trees framed by a mission tiled roof. Yes, there is still much beauty to be found here, and I'm sure that once the goddess of compassion returns to the garden, things will undergo a substantial improvement. **Please see pics and take a tour of the garden** PS another yelp review of this place can be found under the unofficial name at http://www.yelp.com/biz/garden-of-believing-eagle-rock

I was told the reason the park is called Five Points is because 5 streets used to intersect there,…read morebut since Costco was built, it rendered the namesake mute. However, the monument on top of the hill has triangle shaped plaques naming Burbank's sister cities, so in a way the name still works. The park itself is tiny, basically a small grassy delta at a busy intersection. Its crowning point is a hill with a statue on top of Burbank's namesake, David Burbank, who was a dentist and real estate investor. The statue is posed in a way that makes it look like he's overseeing the city he built, but most likely he never imagined what it would become since he died in 1895 and Burbank didn't become "The Media Capital of the World" until around the early 1900's. The pillar on which he and the American flag sits is carved with images recognizing important figures and eras in Burbank, like Amelia Earhart, who once lived and flew here, and the railroad and film industries that helped the city grow. At the base, including the aforementioned plaques for the sister cities, is a time capsule set to be opened in 2060. For such a small park and monument, it tries to encapsulate as much of the city's history as it can. I actually ended up staying at this park for a couple of hours while waiting for my car to be fixed since the surrounding area is full of tire stores as well as restaurants. Instead of waiting in a crowded lobby full of impatient people wanting their car back, I sat on the grass, admired the trees in full bloom, most of whose flowers had fallen and carpeted the grass, and I also got to enjoy the view of the mountains which the statue also seemed to be doing. Parking is free on the main road and side streets, or if you're like me your car is being held hostage by the tire store. If you live in Burbank, are just in the area, a history buff, or just looking for something to do, this is a nice quick stop.

A beautiful, patriotic, and reserved space in dedication of a time capsule to be happened in year…read more2060 and important names. This is a small area but provides a lovely stroll without worrying about stepping over any litter.

This mural is not kept up and fading. Don't waste your gas. I was disappointed to see this.read more

This is the Kobe and Nipsey Hussle mural. We are driving around Beverly Hills looking for different…read morepublic art and landmarks and we came across this big giant tribute. It's in black-and-white but it's a nice dedication to two individuals in LA that passed away.

I never realized that there a Green Lantern statue here so of course I came to visit it when my…read morewife was grabbing lunch with a friend nearby. The statue is pretty nice and right in the middle of Hangar 28 area inside Burbank Empire Center. You have the Batman statue next to AMC theater. I wonder how this statue look at night time so I'll be sure to come back to see it.

It's that time of the year again to witness the annual Burbank parade along Olive Avenue. I have…read moreattended this event many times in the past but will never get tired of it. Each year there's a parade theme so this year, it was decided to be "Aloha Burbank". So I joined the big throng of people to enjoy the festivities as I comfortably sat by the sidewalk to get a better view of the parade. I watched several marching bands from different schools, cities, and organizations. There were also lots of horses representing the equestrian part of the city. Different mascots were there to cheer the young ones as well as the young once. Our respectable members of the armed forces and police department were fully represented as they paraded the fire trucks, military jeeps, ambulances, etc. In attendance were trainees, officers and veterans who were respectfully applauded and cheered on by the spectators. Different city departments were also represented by different floats. Same goes with the various local businesses in the city of Burbank. Each one brought their A game in decorating and entertaining the crowd. They even distributed souvenirs and discount coupons. The festivities continued in the grounds of George Izay Park where numerous vendors and food trucks were lined up. The public were also treated with a free show of dancing dragons and Hawaiian girls doing the hula. It was a indeed a fun-filled day!

Some Good News for a Change! A 13 Year old Girl named Madeline Fugate from Studio City CA is…read moreuplifting the spirits of the world with her work & generosity during this Pandemic. Every one of the people who has died as a result of the Coronavirus isn't just a number. Every one of those people is a human being who has a family, relatives, friends, coworkers & neighbors. The Elderly & minorities have been especially impacted by Covid-19. Some people haven't even had the chance or opportunity to properly grieve for the deceased person. Well Madeline is making a Huge Quilt that will be displayed in LA & then online & then hopefully for the world to see. It will be a way for that Special Person to be Honored & Remembered. If you know someone who has passed away due to the Coronavirus show them this & point them to the website. Madeline is asking for an 8x8 quilt square that can be Anything with or without their name on it. It should be something that tells the world a little bit about the personality of that individual. Madeline will be using her sewing skills to weave the quilt. This started off as a 7th grade student project & now has some local quilters who will also be helping with some assistance & expertise. In Madeline's words: "My hope is that this project keeps growing and the quilt keeps getting bigger because I want every person who dies of COVID-19 to be remembered." Mail your 8x8 quilt square to Covid Quilt 3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd. #443 Studio City CA. 91604. You can read all the details @ https://covidquilt2020.com/ AN EXTRA BIG SHOUT OUT TO MADELINE WHO HAS A HUGE HEART OF GOLD & WILL UNITE THE WORLD WITH THIS COVID QUILT!

I came across this while we were walking up and down Hollywood Boulevard. This is thetwo Bryants…read morepublic art display. This is the two Bryants together and is a nice tribute to them go check them out.

Happen to be passing by while driving, such a cool stop in Boyle Heights! Fernando Valenzuela's…read moremural is bold, full of that classic East LA energy. You can feel the pride the neighborhood has for him the moment you see it. The artwork is vibrant, and honestly even better in person than in photos. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth taking a minute to swing by and check it out.

Former Los Angeles Dodger, Fernando Valenzuela is being honored today for his contributions to the…read moreCommunity and the world of Baseball. Panel #1 is on view. Panel #2 will be unveiled at noon. Fernando #34 is a legend, born in Mexico on November 1, 1960, he was recruited by the Los Angeles Dodgers (1980) and became a World Series Champion in 1981. Born: 11.01.60 Passed: 10.22.24 Survived by his wife and four children . REST IN PEACE "EL TORO"