Smog in June
 

So what is the deal with the LA smog? I will be there for a week the end of June. Will it be at it's worst, and if so how bad is it really??

Jen: <BR> <BR>Well, the worst thing about the smog is that it gives everyone else something to bash us about. I moved here twenty-two years ago and it was much worse back then. Now, it is at its worst in late August to early September when we get our yearly dose of higher humidity and highest heat. The smog worsens the further one travels inland--east of Pasadena and continuing to the San Bernardino/Riverside area. Landing at Ontario (about 40 miles east of L.A.), one can actually smell the difference during descent--of course, in my case, it's a good smell, because it means I'm home. L.A. itself is not so bad. Besides, after about 11:00, the offshore winds take effect and all is well. "Looks like another perfect day."

Thanks Gary. I guess some people just really like to complain about something! <BR> <BR>Since you have lived there for so long do you mind if I ask you some more questions? We only have 4 days in LA, which I already know is not nearly enough time. We are spending 1 day on Manhatten Beach (my friend lives there), one day hiking (any ideas?). We are going to try to get to the Gettys and Griffith Observatory. Maybe an afternoon at Venice Beach to people watch. My husband and I are in our 20s - any more ideas for us? Thanks!

The worst year in LA history for smog was 1957! It's been getting better and better since then and for a 4 day visit I bet you won't even notice! At its worst lately, they will warn invalids and the elderly not to do much outside on the television. We just continued with our normal lives. Agree with Gary that it's a really nice city and doesn't deserve the bashing that it gets.

Jen: <BR> <BR>Sounds like you've already got a good plan. If you're going to be around on a Saturday or Sunday, definitely Venice. Try for late morning/early afternoon when the street performers are at their (best?). Walk the boardwalk end-to-end--it's pretty colorful. Your friend probably knows best, but next door to Venice is the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, which has some pretty good restaurants and tons of shops. <BR> <BR>If you don't want to drive too far--and why would you?--there are miles upon miles of trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. Here is one web site: <BR> <BR>http://www.nps.gov/samo/ <BR> <BR>On the other hand, since you're going to Griffith Observatory, you might just want to follow some of the nearby trails down into Griffith Park. <BR> <BR>One place I really like to take people when they visit is Huntington Library in Pasadena (actually, neighboring San Marino). There are some beautiful gardens--rose gardens, a huge Japanese garden, and others--as well as some impressive galleries. It's a nice, quiet place, and, for afterwards, Pasadena is a good place to visit--it has some great restaurants. Look for "Old Pasadena", which is on Colorado near Del Mar. Huntington Library has a web site: <BR> <BR>http://www.huntington.org/index.html

Gary, It's great to hear someone recommend the Huntington Library and Old Town Pasadena (we used to live there). However, we were just back a month ago and were very disappointed with Old Town. It's becoming so commercial and most of the shops are the upscale chains--or really junky. They have torn down all but the facade of Tanner Market and it will all be a new Banana Republic. And a Cheesecake Factory on Colorado Blvd??? It's just not fun to travel somewhere and find the same old, same old everywhere. Hope this trend stops right now.