The California Department of Fish and Game declare two days a year Free Fish Days where anyone can fish without having the traditional $41.20 California Resident Fishing License on their person.
July 4 was one day--September 7 is the last for 2009.
To get up to speed on this program and all the other details pertaining to fishing in Los Angeles visit
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/freefishdays.html
or call 916-928-5805
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Oasis - Mission Hills
If you find yourself ensnarled in an epic traffic jam on the 405, consider escaping to Mission San Fernando, Rey De Espana. (15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd.)
Take the San Fernando Mission Blvd. exit and in 5 minutes to can be transported to the late 1700's.
Not as well known as the missions in Santa Barbara and San Juan Capistrano, Mission San Fernando is a charming, soothing space. The grounds and buildings are immaculate condition, and there is something to be said about the only sound you hear being the water running in the Spanish bowl fountain in the East Garden. Stroll through the Church, Workshops and Mayordomo's house and you will get a crash course on early California life.
Mission San Fernando, Rey De Espana is open 11am - 4:15pm daily, 10am-4:15pm on Sundays.
Admission is $4.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Children.
http://www.missiontour.org/sanfernando/index.htm
818-361-0186
Take the San Fernando Mission Blvd. exit and in 5 minutes to can be transported to the late 1700's.
Not as well known as the missions in Santa Barbara and San Juan Capistrano, Mission San Fernando is a charming, soothing space. The grounds and buildings are immaculate condition, and there is something to be said about the only sound you hear being the water running in the Spanish bowl fountain in the East Garden. Stroll through the Church, Workshops and Mayordomo's house and you will get a crash course on early California life.
Mission San Fernando, Rey De Espana is open 11am - 4:15pm daily, 10am-4:15pm on Sundays.
Admission is $4.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Children.
http://www.missiontour.org/sanfernando/index.htm
818-361-0186
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Dodgers Tickets - Los Angeles
Mere mortals will never fork over $500.00 for a dugout seat at Dodger Stadium (1000 Elysian Park). That said, $50.00 a seat can be a deal breaker for a lot of people.
If you don't mind a considerable vertical trek and appreciate a singular view, Top Deck seats at Dodger Stadium run $9.00 if purchased in advance, $11.00 day of game. Binoculars would be a good idea, as would some serious sunscreen for day games.
You should also know that discount tickets are made available to Military Personnel, Seniors and Children 4-14, on the day of the game only, 1 1/2 hours prior to start of the game.
http://www.mlb.com/la/ballpark/la_seating_pricing.jsp
(323) 224-1500
If you don't mind a considerable vertical trek and appreciate a singular view, Top Deck seats at Dodger Stadium run $9.00 if purchased in advance, $11.00 day of game. Binoculars would be a good idea, as would some serious sunscreen for day games.
You should also know that discount tickets are made available to Military Personnel, Seniors and Children 4-14, on the day of the game only, 1 1/2 hours prior to start of the game.
http://www.mlb.com/la/ballpark/la_seating_pricing.jsp
(323) 224-1500
Cheap & Cheerful Legendary Club - Mid City
In a town where buildings are routinely demolished after 50 years, legendary spots can be hard to come by.
The Mint (6010 W. Pico Blvd) is an intimate club that since 1937 has given many greats their start. Luminaries such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, to relative newcomers Macy Gray and The Wallflowers have all performed at The Mint. But don't get hung up on who you are seeing, just go! With so much astounding talent in Los Angeles, you'll never be disappointed. And with covers running $8.00 - $15.00 a two drink minimum is not a hardship.
Not convinced? Try Jazz Mondays: no cover charge, 2 for 1 happy hour until 10pm and 2 sets of jazz the second one being an open jazz session with experienced jazz musicians being invited to the stage. Full bar and a menu that is well above most club fare, and yet reasonably priced.
http://themintla.com
(323) 954-9400
The Mint (6010 W. Pico Blvd) is an intimate club that since 1937 has given many greats their start. Luminaries such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, to relative newcomers Macy Gray and The Wallflowers have all performed at The Mint. But don't get hung up on who you are seeing, just go! With so much astounding talent in Los Angeles, you'll never be disappointed. And with covers running $8.00 - $15.00 a two drink minimum is not a hardship.
Not convinced? Try Jazz Mondays: no cover charge, 2 for 1 happy hour until 10pm and 2 sets of jazz the second one being an open jazz session with experienced jazz musicians being invited to the stage. Full bar and a menu that is well above most club fare, and yet reasonably priced.
http://themintla.com
(323) 954-9400
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Merry-Go-Round - Griffith Park
An oldie but goodie, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round is a slice of history for $1.50 a ride.
Built in 1927, the merry-go-round was brought to Griffith Park in 1937. The story goes that Walt Disney got the inspiration for Disneyland watching his own daughter enjoying her ride. This is one happy place and can be the start of a fun day in the park. While showing its age, the ride is brisk and long and is accompanied by 1500 songs belted out by a Stimon 65 Military Band Organ.
The Merry-Go-Round features 68 horses and is open from 11am-5pm on weekends throughout the year and on weekdays through summer, Christmas and spring breaks.
The Merry-Go-Round is located off of Crystal Springs Drive which is the main thoroughfare of Griffith Park.
http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk/mgr.htm
For more detailed directions call
323-665-3051
Built in 1927, the merry-go-round was brought to Griffith Park in 1937. The story goes that Walt Disney got the inspiration for Disneyland watching his own daughter enjoying her ride. This is one happy place and can be the start of a fun day in the park. While showing its age, the ride is brisk and long and is accompanied by 1500 songs belted out by a Stimon 65 Military Band Organ.
The Merry-Go-Round features 68 horses and is open from 11am-5pm on weekends throughout the year and on weekdays through summer, Christmas and spring breaks.
The Merry-Go-Round is located off of Crystal Springs Drive which is the main thoroughfare of Griffith Park.
http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk/mgr.htm
For more detailed directions call
323-665-3051
Friday, August 21, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Driving Range - Koreatown
Convenient, cheap and state of the art. How many places can you say that about?
Aroma Resort, (3680 Wilshire Blvd)features a 150 yard driving range with a fully automated tee-up system for 7 cents a ball or 143 balls for $10.00., 6 cents a ball on Tuesday and Wednesday.Simply purchase a golf card at the reception desk and then insert it in at the dispensing station.The computer keeps track of your balls, and if you don't use up your "allowance" you can save the balance for another day!
The range is open from 6am-11am on weekdays, 7am- 11pm on weekends.
There is a spa on site which is for members, but a day pass can be purchased for $30.00.
(213) 389-2222
Aroma Resort, (3680 Wilshire Blvd)features a 150 yard driving range with a fully automated tee-up system for 7 cents a ball or 143 balls for $10.00., 6 cents a ball on Tuesday and Wednesday.Simply purchase a golf card at the reception desk and then insert it in at the dispensing station.The computer keeps track of your balls, and if you don't use up your "allowance" you can save the balance for another day!
The range is open from 6am-11am on weekdays, 7am- 11pm on weekends.
There is a spa on site which is for members, but a day pass can be purchased for $30.00.
(213) 389-2222
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful TV Audience Tickets - Los Angeles
One of the truly LA things to do is to try out for a game show or attend a taping of a talk show or series.
Attending a taping of a talk show or an episodic series is usually a function of securing free, but not always available tickets. The game show process is a little more involved and not for the terminally shy as either a casting call or audition is usually required.
You can surf the web to check out the sites of your favorite shows, but before you do, check out "How to get on a Game Show in Los Angeles " provided by the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. It gives a good overview of the process and has links to some the top shows and audience companies.
Good luck!
http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/arts-music-and-entertainment/how-to-get-on-a-game-show-in-la.html
Attending a taping of a talk show or an episodic series is usually a function of securing free, but not always available tickets. The game show process is a little more involved and not for the terminally shy as either a casting call or audition is usually required.
You can surf the web to check out the sites of your favorite shows, but before you do, check out "How to get on a Game Show in Los Angeles " provided by the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. It gives a good overview of the process and has links to some the top shows and audience companies.
Good luck!
http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/arts-music-and-entertainment/how-to-get-on-a-game-show-in-la.html
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Batting Cages - Burbank
Some people go to driving ranges to vent. Batting cages work better for me.
Batcade( 220 N.Victory Blvd) features covered batting cages, which offers blessed shade in the summer and if by some fluke it rains the day you come, no problema! If you have non-batting friends in tow, there is arcade and pool table to bid the time.
Battings rates start at 25 pitches for $3.00. If that doesn't quite do it, you can book 15 minutes for $12.00, 30 minutes for $20.00 or a full hour for $35.00.
For the full story, visit:
www.batcade.com
818-842-6455
Batcade( 220 N.Victory Blvd) features covered batting cages, which offers blessed shade in the summer and if by some fluke it rains the day you come, no problema! If you have non-batting friends in tow, there is arcade and pool table to bid the time.
Battings rates start at 25 pitches for $3.00. If that doesn't quite do it, you can book 15 minutes for $12.00, 30 minutes for $20.00 or a full hour for $35.00.
For the full story, visit:
www.batcade.com
818-842-6455
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Pony & Wagon Rides Griffith Park
Another institution of Los Angeles is the Griffith Park Pony Rides (4730 Crystal Springs Drive at Los Feliz Blvd)
Site of many a first pony ride, Griffith Park can strap on even the tiniest rider for a memorable, if not record breaking 2 laps around the track. If you are too big for the ponies, there is also a funky but heart pounding 2 lap wagon ride.
$3.00 a person.
Site of many a first pony ride, Griffith Park can strap on even the tiniest rider for a memorable, if not record breaking 2 laps around the track. If you are too big for the ponies, there is also a funky but heart pounding 2 lap wagon ride.
$3.00 a person.
The pony rides are open 10am -4pm weather permitting everyday except Monday. Hey, even ponies need a day off!
(323) 664-3266
Friday, August 14, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Laser Tag - Sherman Oaks
Ultrazone Laser Tag (14622 Ventura Blvd.) is the center of the universe for many. Where else can you chase your friends in the dark with an over-sized weapon in futuristic version of Capture the Flag ?!
Single 30 minute games run $9.00. But on Friday and Saturday the $25.00 All Night Unlimited Laser Tag Games pass lets you play from 8pm - Midnight. To maximize your game time, you should call first to see if any groups are scheduled for the night you want to come, as that may cut somewhat into your arena time. That said, Laser Tag is a more the merrier kind of experience, and it might be fun to try to take out an entire birthday party.
http://www.zonehead.com/why.php
818-789-4672
Single 30 minute games run $9.00. But on Friday and Saturday the $25.00 All Night Unlimited Laser Tag Games pass lets you play from 8pm - Midnight. To maximize your game time, you should call first to see if any groups are scheduled for the night you want to come, as that may cut somewhat into your arena time. That said, Laser Tag is a more the merrier kind of experience, and it might be fun to try to take out an entire birthday party.
http://www.zonehead.com/why.php
818-789-4672
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Laserium -Hollywood
So how many years has it been since you have seen a good laser show?
The Laserium Cyber Theater (6321 HollywoodBlvd.) is state of the art and from all reports, breath-taking. Online tickets cost less ($12.00 + $1.00 charge) versus $15.00 at the door AND get you in the door before the box office purchased tickets.
For shows, times and prices visit
http://www.laserium.com/tickets.html
The Laserium Cyber Theater (6321 HollywoodBlvd.) is state of the art and from all reports, breath-taking. Online tickets cost less ($12.00 + $1.00 charge) versus $15.00 at the door AND get you in the door before the box office purchased tickets.
For shows, times and prices visit
http://www.laserium.com/tickets.html
Cheap & Cheerful Archery - Greater Los Angeles
Archery is a parallel universe, with a lingo and culture all it's own. But it's a fun thing to learn, and great if you get good enough at it to compete. Prices for lessons and shoots (organized events) can run from free/donation appreciated to $28-$35 dollar person depending on how much you want to do. And like many activities, you can realize better savings if you show up as a group.
The best way to get up to speed on what's near to you, and what events are coming up is through South California Archery's range guide.
http://sites.google.com/site/socalarchery/Home/archery-clubs-ranges
The best way to get up to speed on what's near to you, and what events are coming up is through South California Archery's range guide.
http://sites.google.com/site/socalarchery/Home/archery-clubs-ranges
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Bike Rentals - Greater Los Angeles
Yes, we love our cars in Los Angeles, but there are some seriously wonderful places to ride a bike.
Whether you want a high performance package to explore the desert or a simple,single speed beach cruiser to check out Newport Beach, calactive.com is a great resource to rent the equipment you need, where you need it.
http://www.calactive.com/store/store_category.aspx?state=california®ion=Los%20Angeles&activity=bikerentals&affid=1014
Whether you want a high performance package to explore the desert or a simple,single speed beach cruiser to check out Newport Beach, calactive.com is a great resource to rent the equipment you need, where you need it.
http://www.calactive.com/store/store_category.aspx?state=california®ion=Los%20Angeles&activity=bikerentals&affid=1014
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Tennis - Greater Los Angeles
Whether you are an Angelino or a tourist, you should know that the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks manages numerous tennis courts throughout the city, (both open-play free courts and paid facilities) with a central telephone reservation system. Paid facilities charge $8 an hour weekdays after 4 p.m. and all day on weekends, or $5 an hour weekdays before 4 p.m.
If you would like the ability to book court time in advance, you must first register for a Tennis Reservation Card. An annual fee of $15 for city residents, $30 for nonresidents is required. Go to www.laparks.org for detailed instructions and a downloadable registration form.
tennischannel.com has full listing of the paid facilities providing name, address phone # of courts and freeplay hours as well as other helpful links.
http://www.tennischannel.com/travel/cityguides/la_courts.aspx
Friday, August 7, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Comedy -- Greater Los Angeles
No Joke! You can catch free stand up comedy every day of the week in Los Angeles.
Damaris Villani has gone to the trouble of creating a calender of when and where you can get your laughs for free. Okay some times a two drink minimum is involved, (don't forget to toast Damaris) but for the most part, it is a function of arriving early.
http://www.filmwisela.com/free_comedy_los_angeles.htm
Damaris Villani has gone to the trouble of creating a calender of when and where you can get your laughs for free. Okay some times a two drink minimum is involved, (don't forget to toast Damaris) but for the most part, it is a function of arriving early.
http://www.filmwisela.com/free_comedy_los_angeles.htm
Thursday, August 6, 2009
More Cheap & Cheerful Jazz - Tuesday Nights at Hollywood & Highland
Sig alert on the 170 North to the 134? Fugetaboutit!
Head over to Hollywood & Highland Center (6801 Hollywood Blvd.) and catch H & H and KJAZZ 88.1FM's 6th annual Wine, Jazz & Moonlight series. Enjoy free concerts by some of the country's top jazz performers every Tuesday from 7pm- 9pm in the Central Courtyard.
A wine tasting donation of $10 to Project Angel Food gets you two glasses of wine and a box of cheese and crackers to enjoy during the performance. Wine generously donated by Barefoot Wine and Bubbly. Seating is limited, so get there early.
Check out the line-up at
http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/play_events.php
Head over to Hollywood & Highland Center (6801 Hollywood Blvd.) and catch H & H and KJAZZ 88.1FM's 6th annual Wine, Jazz & Moonlight series. Enjoy free concerts by some of the country's top jazz performers every Tuesday from 7pm- 9pm in the Central Courtyard.
A wine tasting donation of $10 to Project Angel Food gets you two glasses of wine and a box of cheese and crackers to enjoy during the performance. Wine generously donated by Barefoot Wine and Bubbly. Seating is limited, so get there early.
Check out the line-up at
http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/play_events.php
Cheap & Cheerful Jazz - Friday Nights at LACMA Mid Wilshire
A terrific way to wind up the week: Free Jazz at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art,aka LACMA( 5905 Wilshire Blvd.) This long running program spotlights local jazz musicians in the BP Grand Entrance court from 6pm - 8pm. Cocktails are available for purchase or stay for dinner if you like, as both restaurants stay open for the evening's music. The people watching is world class, and the art is not half bad either.
Nearby parking lots run $7.00-$8.00. There is metered parking on 6th street and limited street parking south of 8th street.
For a list of performers visit
http://www.lacma.org/programs/fridaynightjazz.aspx
Nearby parking lots run $7.00-$8.00. There is metered parking on 6th street and limited street parking south of 8th street.
For a list of performers visit
http://www.lacma.org/programs/fridaynightjazz.aspx
Monday, August 3, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Getty - Mailbu and West Los Angeles
The Getty Villa and Getty Center are in the pantheon of Cheap and Cheerful offerings. Two world class museums that are free to the public. The only requirement is a little planning in regards to reservations and parking.
The Getty Villa ( 7985 Pacific Coast Highway) is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Villa hours are Thursday - Monday, 10am -5pm. The Villa is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. An advance, timed ticket is required for each adult. Each Villa general admission ticket allows you to bring up to three children ages 15 and under with you in one car. Please note that access to the Getty Villa entrance is only from the northbound right-hand lane of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
The Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Drive) presents collections of Western Art from the Middle Ages, not to mention dramatic architecture, gardens, and breathtaking views. Hours are Tuesday - Friday, 10am to 5:30pm; Saturday, 10am - 9pm; Sunday 10am - 5:30pm; The Center is closed on Mondays. Admission to the Getty Center and to all exhibitions is Free—no tickets or reservations are required. HOWEVER, parking is $15 per car.
The Cheap & Cheerful (and really wonderful) way to see the Getty Center is to plan a trip for Saturday evening, when parking is free after 5pm.
http://www.getty.edu/visit/
(310) 440-7300
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Cheap & Cheerful Miniature Golf - Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks Castle Park (4989 Sepulveda Blvd) is a longtime favorite of mine. They have three courses, plenty of parking and and Weekend Early Bird deal that is really great. From 9:30 am to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Mini golf is $3.00 a person. Regular prices are $6.50 per person ages 13-64; $5.50 for persons age 5-12 and 65 and over. Mini golfers, age 4 and under are free with a paid adult.
With the money you save golfing, you can try out some of the games in the arcade, or treat your golfers to a slice of pizza.
http://www.laparks.org/shermanoaks_castlepk/miniaturegolf.htm
818-756-9459
With the money you save golfing, you can try out some of the games in the arcade, or treat your golfers to a slice of pizza.
http://www.laparks.org/shermanoaks_castlepk/miniaturegolf.htm
818-756-9459
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Astronomy - Griffith Park Obsevatory Hollywood
When I was telling my friend Karen about Cheap & Cheerful Los Angeles, she replied, "Don't forget Griffith Observatory!"
She is so right! This gorgeous facility, (2800 E Observatory Ave.) originally opened in 1935, went through a $93 million renovation and reopened in 2006 a truly world class planetarium, museum and observatory. The grounds are beautiful and the drive up through Griffith Park is a bit of time travel.
Admission to the grounds and building are Free. There is a nominal fee for programs held in the planetarium. Hours are Tues.- Fri., Noon - 10pm; Sat.-Sun., 10am-10pm. Closed Mondays.
(323) 660-7827
http://www.griffithobs.org
She is so right! This gorgeous facility, (2800 E Observatory Ave.) originally opened in 1935, went through a $93 million renovation and reopened in 2006 a truly world class planetarium, museum and observatory. The grounds are beautiful and the drive up through Griffith Park is a bit of time travel.
Admission to the grounds and building are Free. There is a nominal fee for programs held in the planetarium. Hours are Tues.- Fri., Noon - 10pm; Sat.-Sun., 10am-10pm. Closed Mondays.
(323) 660-7827
http://www.griffithobs.org
Cheap & Cheerful Shakespeare - San Pedro & Hollywood
You need to move fast if you want to catch the last performances of Shakespeare by the Sea. This annual series is set in an outdoor theater in Point Fermin Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. (807 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro) Bring a picnic, blanket, chairs, and dress warmly to enjoy an evening of lively theater under the night sky. The shows are performed Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. pre-show, 8:00 p.m. show. The series last performance is next week August 8.
Admission is Free, Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
www.shakespearebythesea.org
If Hollywood is a more convenient location to catch some Shakespeare, the internationally recognized Independent Shakespeare Co. is performing several of Shakespeare's works at Barnsdall Art Park (4800 Hollywood Blvd.). Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and settle in for a great evening. Performances are Thurs - Sun 7:30 p.m. The series runs until Aug 30, 2009. Reservations are recommended.
818-716-9306, www.independentshakespeare.com
Admission is Free, Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
www.shakespearebythesea.org
If Hollywood is a more convenient location to catch some Shakespeare, the internationally recognized Independent Shakespeare Co. is performing several of Shakespeare's works at Barnsdall Art Park (4800 Hollywood Blvd.). Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and settle in for a great evening. Performances are Thurs - Sun 7:30 p.m. The series runs until Aug 30, 2009. Reservations are recommended.
818-716-9306, www.independentshakespeare.com
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