Jan 7, 2010 7:49 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez  Caltrans will close all lanes of the north San Diego Freeway (I-405) from National Boulevard to Wilshire Boulevard every night beginning Monday, January 11 through Friday, January 15 between midnight and 5 a.m.
The lanes will be blocked to continue the striping work that's need to complete the carpool lane construction on north I-405 between the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) and the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101).
The temporary closures will take place for the next eight weeks to finish the striping and placement of temporary concrete barriers (K-rail).
When the Sepulveda Pass widening project is completed in 2013, motorists will be able to use the carpool lane in both directions of I-405 from the San Fernando Valley to Orange County.
Carpool lanes have been shown to save users one minute per mile during peak commute times.
The alternate for the closure is Sepulveda Blvd. It runs north and south between SR-118 and Los Angeles International Airport, but for this work you can take it between Wilshire Blvd. and National Blvd. Jan 5, 2010 8:27 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will open the new Hollywood Way on-ramp to the Ventura Freeway (SR-134) by midday today, Tuesday, January 5. Caltrans will close the existing Hollywood Way on-ramp as soon as the new on-ramp opens.
Hollywood Way and Alameda Avenue will be closed intermittently today at 12 p.m. to restripe local streets in order accommodate the opening of the new on-ramp.
Unforeseen delays may occur and closure times are subject to change. One on-ramp will remain open at all times.
A signed detour will be available.
The existing (old) Hollywood Way on-ramp will be closed for construction until Spring 2010 as crews build a new retaining wall and sound wall. In the future, the existing on-ramp will become the westbound on-ramp to SR-134. Jan 4, 2010 8:48 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez 
Well some double duty too while Henry D was enjoying a little time off.
But doing the weather is always a treat!
Mostly though, the holidays were about frolicking for me.
I had always wanted to go skiing, but had never made the time or made the effort to go until this winter. Last year I went snowboarding and while I enjoyed it, I like skiing so much better.
The weather was fair and not too cold. I definitely wore too many layers.
I was in Vail, Colorado and apparently for skiers, the weather was not favorable. There wasn't any fresh power and the back bowls never opened while I was there.
For those of you who ski and ski in Vail, you'll know what I'm talking about and will sympathize.
However, if you're a beginner like me, you won't know the difference.
I the other hand, had a wonderful time.
I had two different ski instructors and they were both amazed at my "strength."
"What strength," I asked.
Apparently it's a little difficult to spring back up after to take a spill on the slopes. Lucky for me, getting up was the first skill I mastered.
"I'm a professional faller," replied laughing.
I meant that in every sense. I can't think of one thing in my life that has come easily.
Falling, tumbling, tripping, spilling, and springing back up are just my nature.
I'm not strong, just persistent.
See you on the slopes, or better yet, in the snow. Dec 16, 2009 7:40 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez December 21st is approaching fast, so winter will officially be here very soon.
Cal Trans would like you to be aware of a few things before you head out to the mountains.
Always take chains with you even when it's not snowing. The weather can change very quickly and may need them.
If you're going to put them on yourself, make sure you're in a turnout away from the traffic in a safe area.
You can also pay a certified Cal Trans installer to put them on for you. The installers will be wearing a yellow bib with a number and permit. Be sure to get a receipt. It'll cost you about $40.00.
Give yourself plenty of distance from the car in front of you. Experts recommend about three cars length. It takes twice as long to stop on ice than on dry pavement.
Never break suddenly while driving on black ice. And please remember black ice develops even when in not snowing or raining.
Use your low beams while driving in fog, ice, or snow.
Most posted speed limits will be 45mph, but keep in mind that your speed must be adjusted for the conditions on the road.
Call 866-427-ROAD for road conditions in the mountains.
Dec 15, 2009 7:47 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez This picture was taken on Saturday morning on the 405 through the Sepulveda Pass.
I was on my way out of town waiting for the roads I was on to bog down, but believe it or not, they never really did, even the 405/101 interchange kept moving.
It was a really beautiful drive, with the rain, fog and from time to time, a sun break between the dark, grey clouds.
In this picture we're seeing upslope or hill fog.
Hill fog is cause by moist air being pushed up against a hillside. As the air is forced up the hill, it cools and condenses and forms fog.
Fog is basically a low lying cloud. Like a cloud in the sky, fog is formed of little water droplets and is produced when air is cooled to is saturation point. Dec 11, 2009 8:24 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez Attention Orange County commuters! If you normally use the Beach Boulevard off-ramp from the North 5, it's going to be closing down this Saturday, December 12 through April 2010.
The closure is part of the I-5 Gateway Improvement Project. The project is subject to the rainy conditions over the weekend and is expected to last about four months.
The crew will be reconstructing the Beach Boulevard off-ramp and building a retaining wall.
Your alternate will be to exit Auto Center Drive to Beach Boulevard.
Changing topics ...
If you're still Christmas shopping, how about adopting a kitty or a doggy?
And by the way, the adoption also includes a microchip if yours turns out to be an explorer like my Rana. Dec 9, 2009 7:52 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez
This was my first time sledding.
Can you technically call this sledding?
There's a big sand dune at El Porto in El Segundo that looked like a great spot for pseudo sledding.
It's close to Christmas, it was cold and the sand dune looked too much like a bunny slope not climb on it.
I have to admit it wasn't my idea. I was actually a little reluctant but, once we got out there it was a lot of fun.
We started by sitting Indian style, then on our knees. Brian also went down head first on his belly, then he rode the dune like a wave.
There was sand all over us by the time we were done. I only toppled over once and luckily landed on my hands.
I've never skied before and will be taking lessons soon. I've always wanted to learn, but was afraid of the cold.
Last year, I snow boarded, and while I liked it, I think I may like skies more than the board.
If all else fails, I can always sled down the bunny slopes. Dec 7, 2009 8:52 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez ... before you go.
Is the buzz slogan as we head into the winter.
The US Forest Service wants you to call before you head into the mountains.
Be prepared for hazardous conditions including slick or snow-covered roads. They also say you should always carry tire chains because the weather can quickly turn and most likely they'll be required.
Cell phone coverage can also be limited in the mountains.
The California Department of Transportation posts current road condition information at 1-800-427-7623.
Caltrans also posts the information on the website.
Here are more telephone numbers you can call.
Arrowhead Ranger Station (909) 382-2782
Big Bear Ranger Station & Discovery Center (909) 382-2790
Lytle Creek Ranger Station (909) 382-2850
Mill Creek Ranger Station (909) 382-2881
Idyllwild Ranger Station (909) 382-2921
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center (760) 862-9984
Dec 3, 2009 7:38 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez  ... she is. Just in time for the holiday season, the East Valley Animal Shelter is holding a spay/neuter event for Los Angeles residents who's household income is less than $31,700 per year.
In addition to the operation, there will also be free vaccinations and free gifts for your pet and you. You must have an appointment so sure to call.
Please remember that it's the law to have dogs and cats four months or older spayed or neutered. If you don't have an exemption you could face up to a $500 fine.
Here's the information:
888-349-7388
East Valley Animal Shelter 14409 Van Owen Street Van Nuys, CA 91405
Dec 1, 2009 9:48 AM Posted by Vera_Jimenez Have you ever crashed a party, a dinner party at that?
I have, well not purposely, but I have.
Of all the parties to crash, I think a dinner party would be the toughest to get away with since at some point dinner will be served and all chairs will be accounted for.
I'm too afraid to be found out, and most importantly I think that would be terribly rude, especially if you show up empty handed.
I've never crashed a party, but I have walked into one by accident.
On my way to the party, I ended up on the wrong street, but the right house number.
When I rang the door bell, I was greeted by someone I didn't recognize, but who was very friendly.
The pleasant gal introduced me, and again everyone was friendly and welcoming.
They were getting ready to eat.
I was about to accept a drink when I asked where Henry and his family were.
I got a blank look, I thought it was a joke.
"Henry," they asked.
I was in the WRONG house!!!!
I was beet red.
They could see I was mortified and was experiencing a case of the embarrassed giggles. They were kind enough not to laugh at me, but with me, when they realized what had happened.
They were very sweet and offered me a place anyway, but I couldn't.
They handed me back the bottle of wine I had walked in with even though I didn't want it back.
I was hoping they would keep it in exchange for my intrusion. | |
