"California Dreamin" is a 1966 pop California song by the legendary folk group The Seekers from Melbourne, Australia.
A cover version of the classic California anthem first recorded by The Mamas and The Papas, "California Dreamin" was given a sharper sound by the distinctive vocals of The Seekers' lead singer Judith Durham.
Though the song has been covered by hundreds of recording artists, the message and emotion of "California Dreamin" are never watered down. On The Seekers' version, the group's folk authenticity is as clear as a California blue sky.
Versions of the most widely-known musical tribute to California come from all over the world. People everywhere still relate to the song's lyrics, which tell of a longing for the warmth and freedom of the Golden State.
This particular Australian rendition clearly accentuates the composition's melancholic melody, striking harmonic structure and chord progressions.
Songwriters John Phillips and Michelle Phillips were surely flattered by such a great Aussie version of "California Dreamin", recorded just months after their own version reached #1.
There are valid reasons why "California Dreamin" is perhaps the greatest of all California songs, and why Judith Durham & The Seekersare one of the best musical groups ever to have recorded the song.
Rock band U2 guitarist 'The Edge' has secured a victory in a hard-fought battle for the right to build his California dream estate overlooking Malibu and the Pacific Ocean.
'The Edge' (David Howell Evans) has been fighting for permits to build five houses, including his own family home, on Sweetwater Mesa ever since he and his wife, Morleigh, purchased the 156-acre property five years ago.
The California state planning agency that oversees open space in the Santa Monica Mountains has now dropped its opposition to the Irish musician's construction plans, accepting more than $1-million instead.
The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and its executive director, Joe Edmiston, officially agreed to take a neutral position on the Malibu area project in exchange for:
$750,000 in cash
$250,000 in consultation by Schmitz & Associates
Conservation easements
Open space fulfillment around the homes
A trail to be built through the property
The mountaintop estate project has experienced heated opposition from conservation groups and the California Coastal Commission, who say it would mar the view from the coastline, affect geology and disturb a habitat.
The agency will not see its payday unless the project gets approval and survives potential appeals or challenges in court. The conservancy is expected to pass a resolution, write and speak in favor of the deal as well.
Critics of the deal say the U2 rock star "bought" the state agency's political influence.
Supporters of the deal say the area would get open space it would not otherwise have in addition to trail easements contributing to a continuous Coastal Slope Trail from Topanga to Point Mugu.
SMMC Executive Director Joe Edmiston highlighted the economics of the agreement.
"The state of California is flat-out broke. There is no money to buy trail easements. Twenty years from now, as thousands of persons enjoy hiking the Coastal Slope Trail, with some of the best blue water views in all of California, they may look back at The Edge's project, but they won't see anything worse than dozens of rich people's houses that were approved by the City of Malibu and L.A. County that didn't have to contribute to the regional trails plan," Edmiston delared.
U2 guitarist 'The Edge' has found an ally to help make his California Dream of a Malibu mountaintop view home a reality.
David Wilkerson, the legendary Christian evangelist, author of the best-seller The Cross and the Switchblade, founder of Teen Challenge and pastor of New York's Times Square Church has been killed in Texas.
Brother Wilkerson, 79, was hit by a big rig while driving with his wife on Highway 175 at the Neches River bridge in East Texas.
Wilkerson was pronounced dead. Mrs. Gwen Wilkerson was taken to ETMC Tyler, TX and is in critical condition.
JUNE 16, 2011 UPDATE
Gwen Wilkerson's condition is improving at a skilled nursing facility after broken hip surgery. The orthopedic surgeon working with her is very happy with Gwen's steady progress.
"The incredible outpouring of cards, calls, letters, emails, blogs on behalf of Gwen is so deeply heartwarming," stated Wilkerson family members who urge Christian believers worldwide to step-up prayer for Gwen's physical and emotional strength.
The 18-wheeler went off the bridge into the riverbed below and the driver of the big rig was taken to ETMC Jacksonville, TX.
Texas state troopers on the scene said that the Wilkersons were hit head-on by a tractor trailer that moved into their lane. The truck driver saw their car and attempted to avoid the collision.
Upon hearing the news of the Wilkerson tragedy, countless Christian believers are in utter shock at the violence of David Wilkerson's death, with most praying immediately for the lives of both Mrs. Wilkerson and the truck driver.
I personally know the quality of care at the East Texas Medical Center facilities and am confident that both survivors are receiving the best care possible. Tyler is the largest city in East Texas and their health care technology is very advanced.
"It is with deepest of sadness that we have to inform you of the sudden passing of Reverend David Wilkerson, our founding pastor," Times Square Church Senior Pastor Carter Conlon announced from New York.
David Wilkerson's The Cross and the Switchblade was made into a major motion picture, released in 1970. The movie starred legendary Hollywood actors Pat Boone and Erik Estrada.
Both Boone and Estrada are both expressing shock and sadness, as are Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, Joel Osteen, Pat Robertson, Paul and Jan Crouch, Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley, Benny Hinn, Brian and Bobbie Houston, Robert Schuller and many other pastors and evangelists around the world.
In California, where more than one million teenagers were saved at David Wilkerson's Christian rallies and Teen Challenge events , there is an outpouring of tears, prayers and gratitude.
"I quit prostitution and drugs after seeing The Cross and the Switchblade and hearing David Wilkerson speak," said Lydia Hernandez of Los Angeles.
"I would have been dead years ago. I know that Pastor Wilkerson is with The Lord, but I'm still so sad about his death. I'm praying for his wife, but I don't know what else to say," declared Hernandez in tears.
Christians worldwide are being urged to intercessory prayer for Mrs. Gwen Wilkerson and the driver of the big rig.
I have attended David Wilkerson events, read The Cross and the Switchblade, saw the movie numerous times, and am a regular reader of his blog. Wilkerson is one of the great figures in the history of Christianity.
His impact was enormous.
Wilkerson's last words on his blog, which he posted just minutes before he was killed, made me cry:
Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.
Heaven has gained a spiritual heavyweight as millions here on Earth mourn the death of David Wilkerson.
American Bloomers are a California rock band formed in Los Angeles, featuring guitarist/vocalist Jaime Wyatt, guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Sheldon and bassist/vocalist Jane Sheldon.
The pop/harmonic/melodic rock sound of American Bloomers is described most often as "California Pop" or the "New California Sound".
The group is totally "L.A.", with a musical fragrance of Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, The Eagles and The Mamas & The Papas, though American Bloomers have a highly original appeal for 21st century music fans.
I was alerted to American Bloomers by recording industry insiders who informed me that the group strongly resonates with an uncommonly large audience demographic --- ages 14 to 54.
That, in itself, made the Los Angeles trio of singer/songwriters worth checking out.
Incognito, I attended a couple of the group's Southern California concert dates. I was just about knocked to the floor by the tight instrumentation, the unbelievable harmonies and the unforgettable songwriting offered by the band.
How could three musicians, so young and beautiful, precisely portray the struggles of Middle Age, the angst of Teenage, the emotions of Womanhood and the frustrations of Manhood --- all in one song?
All three members of American Bloomers must surely be "old souls" in young bodies.
During the band's performances, I laughed, I cried, I reflected, and I was empowered by their music. The entire emotional spectrum was covered and nothing was left out.
After such a deep connection, I became obsessed with getting to know the members of American Bloomers.
Already familiar with Californiality as readers, the band liked my style and welcomed me into their inner sanctum --- the recording studio.
Jaime Wyatt, Jonathan Sheldon and Jane Sheldon were busy recording the group's upcoming album and had just wrapped-up their lead single, "Never Had The Chance", a song that is well-crafted for success on both the Pop and Adult Contemporary music charts.
Watching the Bloomers' music producer Alan Marino record the band in his studio "House of Hon" was a real treat, so I didn't want to interrupt the band's creative flow. I blended with the acoustic walls and kept my questions to a minimum. Here are some highlights:
Jonathan Sheldon is a songwriter, musician and vocalist whose first love is music, although his alter ego is an accomplished motion picture and documentary producer.
Sheldon's latest film production is an infertility-themed documentary, My Future Baby.
It was obvious to me that Jonathan Sheldon is the member of American Bloomers whose brain is constantly on, thinking up new strategies (like a computer) on behalf of his creative projects.
"As far as American Bloomers as a group, our goal is to accurately reflect the feelings, harmonies and diversities that define what California is. We are from California, not somewhere else. We've been through it all here, and we share our blended perspectives together through our music," said Sheldon.
Jaime Wyatt is a songwriter, a guitarist, and the lead singer of American Bloomers.
A pop recording professional, Wyatt had already been with another record label when she met Jonathan and Jane Sheldon.
In contrast to Jonathan Sheldon's creative genius as a prolific film producer and songwriter, and to Jane Sheldon's strict musical training at the renowned Berklee College of Music, Jaime Wyatt was raised in a rock music family associated with legendary musicians like the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir.
"You might say that I was raised by hippies on rock and roll. I wrote my first song at four years old and, from that point, I never looked back. California's music industry is in my blood, man. Music is my life. It's all about the art and the expression of it," declared Wyatt.
The dark-haired Celtic beauty is every bit the Rock Star, but without the pomposity. I really dig Jaime Wyatt, and I think she's a very hip role model for young, aspiring 'rock chicks'.
Jane Sheldon is an alumnus of the Berklee College of Music, an accomplished songwriter, singer, keyboardist and bassist for American Bloomers.
Talking with blonde bombshell Jane Sheldon was like hanging out with one of the legendary Go Go's or the Bangles --- but with a college degree in Music. She's very "SoCal", sharp as a tack, and extremely cool.
Jane is Jonathan Sheldon's sister, so the siblings are kind of like another famous Los Angeles harmonic brother and sister act, the Carpenters, but more able to produce their great harmonies "live" with Jaime Wyatt's third voice.
"Jonathan and I have been singing and writing songs together forever but, once we heard Jaime Wyatt sing, we both knew that we were destined to be a trio. We are amazed at how seamlessly our three voices blend, and audiences really love our reinvention of the harmonic California Sound," said Sheldon.
Enjoy the videos to their new album's first two singles, "Shamrock" and "Never Had The Chance" (below). American Bloomers is one of 2011's best bands.
I was happy to hang out in the studio with Jamie Wyatt, Jane Sheldon and Jonathan Sheldon of American Bloomers before their inevitable world tours and Grammys. Great musicians, great individuals and great Californians, indeed.
The 2022 Winter Olympic Games will be held in California if a Sacramento group working on the pitch brings the games to Lake Tahoe.
The California Winter Games Committee is a partnership between business, political and community leaders exploring ways to attract the Olympics to the Sierra Nevada Region for the first time since 1960, when Squaw Valley hosted the games.
Bringing the Olympics to Lake Tahoe would bring tremendous economic benefit to nearby Central Valley cities like Sacramento.
The California Winter Games Committee will consolidate power by joining forces with the Reno-Tahoe Winter Games Coalition to promote the states of California and Nevada as combined 2022 Olympics hosts.
"We believe California needs a strong statewide effort to match up with the knowledge and resources from Nevada to create a unique, carefully constructed and economically feasible plan," said Michael Faust, interim president of the California Winter Games Committee and CEO of the Northern California World Trade Center.
The interested committees must work fast and hard, as the first deadline to enter California's bid for the 2022 Olympics comes next year when the committee must submit a statement of interest.
California State Senator Ted Gaines (R-Roseville), representing El Dorado County and Placer County, notes the thousands of jobs that would be created for the 2022 Olympics.
"Millions of dollars would be pumped into the local economy, a legacy of infrastructure improvements would be left behind, and the world's attention would be focused on our majestic Sierra Nevada region," Senator Gaines said.
He continued, "An Olympics would draw attention to California on a worldwide basis. We have a number of ski resorts around the lake in Placer and El Dorado Counties. We have a lot of infrastructure in place."
The Petersen Automotive Museum of Los Angeles has received a donation of $100-million from the widow of its founder.
The gift from Margie Petersen and the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation includes the 300,000 square foot Wilshire Boulevard building the museum occupies on L.A.'s Museum Row, an expensive car collection, lots of cash and a matching challenge.
"I am thrilled to make this gift which continues what Mr. Petersen and I began two decades ago, to build the most important automotive museum in the nation," proclaimed Mrs. Petersen.
The auto museum's founder, Robert E. Petersen, was a publicist whose love of cars led him into the magazine publishing business, launching Hot Rod and Motor Trend magazines, followed by 35 other magazines. Mr. Petersen was 80 when he died in 2007.
The museum, founded in 1994, is getting 137 cars from the Petersens' private collection, including a classic 1920s "round-door" Rolls-Royce Phantom I and the Jaguar XK-SS of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen.
The massive $100-million philanthropic gift will help to:
Cover the costs of busing 8,000 students to the museum each year
Support the costly operation of the automotive museum
Lift a hiring and wage freeze that has been in place for many years
Renovate the museum's building
Hire a development staff
The Petersen Automotive Museum, which hosts over 150,000 visitors a year, hopes to double its Los Angeles visitor numbers as a world-class and world-renowned global automotive history center.
Margie Petersen's generous $100-million donation to the auto museum will make it possible.
KCET-TV, the public television station recently divorced from PBS, is selling its famous Hollywood studios to the Church of Scientology.
The largest independent public television station in America, KCET-TV will be vacating the landmark Sunset Boulevard property to seek new headquarters elsewhere in Southern California.
"We are in active discussions with several facilities. We are looking for the right environment for our future," said Al Jerome, KCET President and CEO.
Exactly how the Church of Scientology plans to use the property is not widely known.
"I don't know what the intent of the new owners is," declared Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge.
The Sunset Boulevard studios opened a century ago, housing both Monogram Pictures and Allied Artists. KCET bought the site in 1970, before it was designated a Historic and Cultural Monument by the City of Los Angeles in 1978.
The CB Richard Ellis Group, representing KCET, and Binswanger/Realty Advisory Group, representing the Church of Scientology, are not disclosing the final amount of the commercial real estate deal.
KOCE-TV of Orange County currently operates as the dominant PBS television broadcasting affiliate in Southern California.
From its world headquarters in Hollywood, the Church of Scientology issued the following carefully-worded statement:
"This new studio enables the Church to establish one of the most advanced centers used by religious broadcasters with the ability to harness 21st century broadcast technology and production power to deliver its message to the largest international audience possible."
Sathya Sai Baba, the Hindu religious icon with millions of followers worldwide, has died of multiple organ failure at 84.
Sai Baba was famous for materializing objects out of thin air, such as food and jewelry in plain view of his amazed worshipers.
"The passing away of Sri Sathya Sai Baba is an irreparable loss to all. The nation deeply mourns his passing," stated Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India.
The Swami's peaceful persona and tolerance of other religious beliefs attracted millions of devotees in 126 nations, including thousands of followers in California.
As faithful followers wailed, Sai Baba's corpse was placed in a gold-plated glass coffin. His body will lie in state until cremated on Tuesday, and 250,000 mourners are expected to attend his high-security funeral on Wednesday.
Sai Baba was born Sathyanarayana Raju on November 23, 1926, to common parents in India.
As a teenager, he declared himself the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba and attracted followers who believed he was born by immaculate conception like Jesus after a powerful blue light entered his mother.
Sai Baba engendered devotion among his many followers, preaching education, health and equality for all. Allegedly, before healing the sick and raising the dead, Sai Baba was spiritually empowered upon his poisoning by a scorpion's sting.
"If you want to understand the nature of spiritual power you can do so only through the path of spirituality and not science," Sai Baba had once declared.
Hailed by millions as an Avatar and a "god man", Sri Sathya Sai Baba has now left the body.
Is the California Dream still alive today, or is the economy of the Golden State sinking into the Pacific Ocean?
According to the quarterly Citi California Pulse Survey just released, 46-percent of respondents said the California Dream is still alive, though most of them believe they will be more financially prosperous in 2012.
The Citibank telephone poll of nearly 2,000 California residents was conducted in both English and Spanish, and the results showed that half surveyed statewide said the California Dream is just a dream.
In Los Angeles, 49-percent still believe in the Dream while 48-percent do not, with 89-percent across the Golden State and in Southern California rating the state's economy as 'fair' or 'poor'.
Apparently, such pessimism stems from slow jobs growth.
"In California, employment has not broken through yet. It hasn't grown enough that people are feeling really optimistic," said Citibank California President Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann.
In response to the question, "How would you rate employment opportunities in California?", 85-percent statewide said job opportunities were 'fair' or 'poor', and 12-percent saw them as 'excellent' or 'good'.
In Los Angeles, 83-percent saw limited opportunity, and 15-percent felt positive about the future emloyment outlook.
On the positive side, the Citibank California president pointed out that, by other measures, respondents were optimistic.
For example, 56-percent statewide and 59-percent in Los Angeles believe the job market will improve over the next 12 months with less than one-third thinking it will get worse.
Even more positively, 72-percent in Los Angeles and 68-percent statewide feel optimistic that things will improve in California.
Best of all, 70-percent in Los Angeles and 67-percent statewide said they choose to stay in California rather than move elsewhere.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, 50% see the state's economic upswing, with 70% saying that employment opportunities will be better in 2012.
While Citibank's 'California Dream' survey provides interesting insights into public sentiment, it may be fascinating to hear Californians' ideas on how the economy of the Golden State could be improved even more.
The San Diego Zoo's famous two-week-old male Malayan tigers have opened their tiny eyes, and the endangered baby cubs are being nursed by their mother, Mek Degong, away from public display.
The Malayan tiger cubs will make their San Diego Zoo public debut when they reach three months of age in July.
Today, the cute tiger cubs are sleeping, nursing and exercising as they voice their baby tiger roars. Now weighing in at 8-pounds each, their little legs grow stronger every day. The Malayan tiger babies will ultimately grow to 250-pounds each.
Mek Degong, the 12-year-old diva tigress, has previously delivered three cub litters at the San Diego Zoo and she strengthens an endangered tiger subspecies with each litter.
There are only 510 Mayalan tigers left in the wild and the San Diego Zoo has five in its quarters.
The world renowned Southern California zoo has been participating in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums conservation and breeding program known as the Species Survival Plan.
Malayan tigers need an abundant amount of space to survive, preying on small deer, boar, sun bear and elephant calf. The 100-acre San Diego Zoo has dedicated itself to conserving endangered animals and preserving their natural habitats.
The Malayan Tiger is depicted on the Malaysia coat of arms. During WWII, Japan's General Tomoyuki Yamashita was dubbed the "Tiger of Malaya" after his capture of 130,000 troops during the Japanese invasion of Malaya/Malaysia.
Be sure to visit the San Diego Zoo during Summer 2011, and check out the coolest Malayan tigers in the world. RAWR!
Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig has stripped baseball team owner Frank McCourt of financial control of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dodgers fans everywhere are in shock upon hearing about the MLB Commissioner's seizure of control from the baseball team's owner, though many are relieved by the decision.
Selig is appointing a trustee this week to oversee the Dodgers' business affairs while launching a full investigation into the "operations and finances of the Dodgers and related entities."
The MLB Commissioner forced an emergency intervention after McCourt manipulated a $30-million loan from FOX last week in order to temporarily meet the team's payroll.
Frank McCourt has been under intense financial pressure since being rejected three times in his attempt to secure additional financing, while Dodgers season ticket sales have plummeted 40-percent in the last four baseball seasons.
Commissioner Selig laughed at a proposed 20-year TV contract with FOX that McCourt presented as a long-term solution to half a billion dollars in debts.
Frank McCourt and his wife, Jamie McCourt, repeatedly used the Dodgers as collateral for an over-the-top, lavish lifestyle built on leverage.
The axe was lowered today with this ominous MLB statement:
"Pursuant to my authority as Commissioner, I informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today that I will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the Club. I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers," declared MLB Commissioner Bud Selig.
It's a game of Bud Selig vs Frank McCourt now --- and it looks like the ball being fought over is one of America's most beloved baseball teams itself, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Visit California and see things you've only seen before in your dreams. Even for folks who already live here, California is anything but a cliche'.
The Golden State totally rocks, no matter where you're from.
Whether you like beaches, deserts, mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, surfing, skiing, snowboarding or skateboarding, California is all about pushing the limits and having FUN!
Sure, there are famous attractions and destinations for visiting tourists all over the Golden State but, for local Californians who've been there and done that, there's still so much to see and do. Seriously.
What does one do after visiting Malibu, the Redwoods, Hollywood, San Francisco, Disneyland, Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, Wine Country, movie studios, Magic Mountain and San Diego?
Rediscover yourself, challenge your limitations, reconnect with reality, reach beyond your expectations --- and, if you're ready, tour the realms of wisdom.
That's totally extreme California, man.
Californians can rediscover the Golden State in ways that visiting tourists cannot. Look a little deeper and find your own gold, your own dream, your own reality.
It's all around you everywhere. Just look.
For the benefit of our visiting friends from other states and nations, the California Travel & Tourism Commission produces some cool TV commercials that, actually, are quite creative.
Their latest California tourism commercial features Kim Kardashian, the Jonas Brothers, Betty White, and many other famous California personalities.
Watch their "Misconceptions" video (below) about California stereotypes in the minds of people all over the world, and know that it's not really true... or is it?
Then, drop by the official VisitCalifornia website and plan your own California getaway. You deserve an adventure that's totally righteous, dudes.
"I Left My Heart in San Francisco" is a 1962 Grammy-winning pop California song about San Francisco by legendary singer Tony Bennett.
An official theme song for 'The City By The Bay', Tony Bennett's signature song has grown in popularity over the decades, becoming one of the most popular and enduring songs in music history.
"I Left My Heart in San Francisco" was composed by songwriters George Cory and Douglass Cross about their favorite California city.
Millions of couples consider it a romantic song about a beautiful city, which San Francisco definitely is.
Before the song was recorded, Tony Bennett gave a LIVE performance of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" before San Francisco Mayor George Christopher and future Mayor Joseph Alioto at the famous Fairmont Hotel.
After the single was released, it became a hit on several music charts and was awarded the Grammy for Record of the Year, with Tony Bennett winning the Grammy for Best Male Solo Vocal Performance.
"I Left My Heart in San Francisco" is officially listed, by both the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts, as one of of the most historically significant songs of the 20th century.
"That song helped make me a world citizen. It allowed me to live, work and sing in any city on the globe. It changed my whole life," singer Tony Bennett has stated.
"I Left My Heart in San Francisco" is, without a doubt, one of the all-time greatest California songs in history. It is a classic song that will never die by a singer whose voice will live forever, Tony Bennett.
"This Town" is a 1981 California song about Los Angeles by the all-female new wave rock band The Go-Go's from Hollywood, California.
The gritty lyrics to "This Town" describe L.A. as a city filled with dreamers, whores, discarded stars, catty girls and pretty boys, where locals are urged to "make up that face, jump in the race".
Throughout the twangy garage-rock anthem, Go-Go's lead singer Belinda Carlisle sums up L.A.'s appearance-obsessed, narcissistic society by declaring:
"This town is our town. It is so glamorous. Bet you'd live here if you could and be one of us."
One of the more jaded California songs, "This Town" is a track from The Go-Go's multi-platinum, record-breaking #1 debut album, Beauty and the Beat.
The songwriters for "This Town" are Go-Go's band members Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlin, who have both composed many hit songs over the last 30 years.
The Go-Go's success story began in the late '70s, performing in Hollywood clubs like the Whiskey A Go-Go on the world-famous Sunset Strip.
As an all-girl group trying to make it in the L.A. recording industry, The Go-Go's rebelled against sexy female California stereotypes as they forged a new path for future female rock stars to follow.
The women of The Go-Go's paid their dues and earned their stripes in the inferno of the Hollywood entertainment industry, and their street-credibility shines through with authenticity on "This Town".
Southern California, the drive-thru capitol of the world, now has a drive-thru funeral parlor serving L.A.'s deceased.
The Adams Funeral Home, in Compton since 1974, now provides the convenience of the drive-thru viewing of the dead.
For viewing on-the-go, the Los Angeles area mortuary has a 12-foot wide drive-thru lane with an oversized bullet-proof glass display window visible from the street.
Passers-by can clearly see the dearly-departed from the sidewalk.
The innovative drive-thru business is owned by legendary Grammy-nominated soul/R&B/gospel singer Peggy Scott-Adams.
"You can come by after work, you don't need to deal with parking, you can sign the book outside and the family knows that you paid your respects," stated Scott-Adams.
Depending on economic circumstances, Scott-Adams occasionally adjusts the drive-thru funeral price according to a family's budget.
When Peggy Scott-Adams is asked by families to sing at their loved ones' funerals, the renowned vocalist happily gives a performance to remember --- at no extra charge.
Could there be anything more blessed, more convenient or more totally L.A. than a drive-thru funeral?
The California State Parks Junior Lifeguard Program for youths is all about teamwork, leadership, aquatic safety and fun, and it's one of the coolest things for kids to do in California.
The State Parks Junior Lifeguard Program provides quality water safety education while improving young people's physical conditioning, their understanding and respect for the environment, and their respect for themselves, their parents, and their peers.
Students of all abilities and skill levels can become California junior lifeguards.
At every stage of the program, safety is the top consideration. The State Parks Junior Lifeguard Program includes activities like instruction and practice in open water swimming, paddle-boarding, body surfing, body boarding, surfboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, skin diving and self rescue.
The California Junior Lifeguards program is way cool and totally fun!
Respect for the park environment is increased through daily physical contact with the environment and through lecture and discussion of marine and aquatic topics. Self-respect is gained through personal progress and accomplishments. Respect for others is increased by constant contact with caring instructors and by working with other kids in a team spirit environment.
The Junior Lifeguards' team-building philosophy is perfect for learning how to deal with water safety situations. Day camps, usually lasting three to five weeks, provide instruction in first aid, CPR, ocean safety, rescue techniques, surfing and bodyboarding.
California State Parks Junior Lifeguard programs are now available at state beaches in the Los Angeles, Ventura, Monterey, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara County, and Santa Cruz areas and at Lake Perris and Folsom Lake State Recreation Areas.
A kid can be a brave California Junior Lifeguard... and maybe even a hero! Check out the California State Parks Junior Lifeguard website for all of the cool details.
"California" is a 1999 southern rock/rap California song by Los Angeles alternative rock duo Zen Mafia.
Also known as "Sweet Home California", the song is a California anthem musically based on the chord progressions and chorus of the 1974 Lynyrd Skynyrd hit "Sweet Home Alabama".
A mix of classic-style hard rock, dance beats and Lou Reed-inspired narrative rap, "California" also features vocal work by Ian Astbury, lead singer of the rock band The Cult as a cool bonus.
The song was composed by songwriters Ronnie Van Zant , Gary Rossington and Ed King.
The end result of this '70s/'90s mix is one of the most rockin' California songs ever recorded and released.
The video for "California" was directed by Mark Racco and it features hot cars, hot California girls and more than a few tattoos.
Zen Mafia are Victor Murgatroyd and Chris Johnson, longtime friends and Los Angeles music industry professionals who just wanted to create some fun ---
"California" is a 1971 pop California song by Grammy-winning Los Angeles singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.
A single from Mitchell's critically-acclaimed album Blue, "California" portrays the emotional turmoil and longing for home of one who is homesick for California.
Written while the renowned songwriter briefly lived in the UK, "California" was first performed by Joni Mitchell before a LIVE audience in London on BBC Television in 1970 (video below).
Accompanied solely by her Appalachian dulcimer on her lap, Mitchell delivered an honest and vulnerable performance which, still today, moves listeners to tears.
Long considered the theme song for homesick Californians, Mitchell's ode to the Golden State has become one of the most loved California songs in music history.
The clear, strong voice of Joni Mitchell has consistently conveyed complex emotions but, in the song "California", the singer owns the emotional spectrum in her expression of lyrics that penetrate to the core.
A beautiful song in its own right, "California" has been covered by many recording artists.
In Mitchell's classic 1970 LIVE performance, the song's desperate longing rings loudly and clearly, appealing to every heart that yearns for the warmth and freedom of California.
California is a state of mind but, in the artistic expression of such a masterful songwriter as Joni Mitchell, "California" is a state of the soul.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has slammed California in a 116-page Spring 2011 report entitled, The Impact of State Employment Policies on Job Growth.
The Chamber's 50-state review has many Californians upset by listing the Golden State dead-last in the way state laws affect private business employee hiring and new business creation --- while the report appears to promote Mississippi instead.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce gave the state of Mississippi very high marks in its category labeled Tier I: Good while banishing the state of California to Tier III: Poor.
During the year the report used for its data, only 139 new businesses opened in the entire state of Mississippi, compared with more than 10,000 new businesses in California.
A staggering one-in-five new U.S. businesses opened in California, compared with Mississippi's tiny .00026-percent.
One can certainly wonder how such drastically contrasting figures could ever work in Mississippi's favor.
Mississippi is currently a state which offers:
Lower-paying jobs than California,
No laws on how much notice companies must give before lay-offs,
A U.S. ranking of last in per-capita income,
No laws on companies' handling of employees' unused vacation time,
A U.S. ranking of last in life-expectancy,
A minimum wage much lower than California's,
A U.S. ranking of last in child welfare,
26-percent of Mississippians below the federal poverty line.
Economists have criticized the U.S. Chamber of Commerce study, saying many state policies (which the study claims discourage the creation of jobs) have little to do with real job creation.
Bijan Pakzad, the award-winning Persian-Californian fashion, fragrance and jewelry designer, has passed away after a sudden stroke.
The iconic Bijan, who had just celebrated his 67th birthday on April 4th, died peacefully with his loved ones surrounding him at his home in Southern California.
Bijan's visionary genius and unwavering discretion were relied upon by many of the world's great leaders of politics, business and entertainment, including:
President Barack Obama
The British Monarchy
Jay Leno
President Ronald Reagan
Sir Anthony Hopkins
President George H.W. Bush
President George W. Bush
President Bill Clinton
Usher
Prime Minister Tony Blair
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
President Vladimir Putin
Bill Gates
Oscar de la Renta
Steve Wynn
Carlos 'Slim' Helu
Paul Allen
Giorgio Armani
A proud California citizen for 38 years, the Beverly Hills designer was born in Tehran, Iran on April 4, 1944.
The young Bijan went to school in Switzerland and Italy and toured Europe before settling in California where he opened BIJAN, a boutique on the prestigious Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the most expensive designer boutique on earth.
Bijan summed up his bold, infectious entrepreneurial California spirit when he said:
"The world said to conform. The world said to settle for less. The world said 'compromise and no one will know' --- so I made my OWN world."
Dr. Bijan Pakzad was a great Californian with the most beautiful of personalities, as reflected in the following video.
Hollywood legend Zsa Zsa Gabor and husband Prince Frederic von Anhalt have announced that, after 25 years of marriage, they want to have a baby prince or princess.
The Duke and Duchess of Saxony, or the King and Queen of Bel Air, are serious about having a baby together even though Zsa Zsa is 94 years old.
Former California governor candidate Frederic von Anhalt, 67, plans to use an egg donor, artificial insemination and a surrogate mother to bring a little "Zsa Zsa" or "Freddy" into their world of California luxury.
Zsa Zsa and her prince are willing to invest approximately $100,000 toward their goal to be parents.
Since finding out in 2007 that the prince was not the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby, he has been discussing the idea of having a child with his wife, Zsa Zsa, who has a grown daughter, Francesca Hilton.
Francesca, who is also the daughter of Hilton Family patriarch Conrad N. Hilton, has stated that her mom's "baby idea" is weird.
Who can blame Prince Frederic for wanting a child? Now in his sixties, His Royal Highness still has no heir. Besides, after a quarter century of marriage to Princess Zsa Zsa, he has lasted far longer than her seven other marriages did.
Prince Frederic von Anhalt simply wants a baby for the couple to love and call their own. What could be wrong with that? Media critics and Zsa-Zsa-watchers say that such plans are crazy. Why?
Bel Air's most famous royal couple have been regulars on this California blog for quite a while, so their philosophy and life together are well known. If they want a baby, they will have a baby "come hell or high water".
Most of the talk on this matter from gossipy lip-flappers smacks of discrimination against senior citizens, and that's just not cool --- especially in California.
#1 California Poem on the Internet Exclusively on Californiality.com
"I AM CALIFORNIA"
I am the creative genesis persisting amid chaos; the idea made manifest.
I am the eternal state of "becoming".
Ever changing, morphing and mutating, my essence reflects the mind of my Creator.
Purity, perfection and productivity are my principles.
I am innovation; the perennially new. I am relentless forward momentum.
I am the unity of the spiritual, the mental and the physical. I am symmetry and balance.
I am the created who recreates; the blessed who blesses; the beloved who loves without prejudice.
I am expression; the vision seen; the voice heard; the thought interpreted.
Races, religions and cultures are my colors, hues and shades. Variety is my lifeblood.
I am the portrait of humanity which beckons an impassioned brush stroke from every hand.
I am relationship; always conversing, sharing, belonging, reciprocating, accepting and providing.
I am contrary; an oasis in the desert; order from chaos; beauty from ashes; hope from despair; unity from diversity; light from darkness.
I am information, communication, technology and intelligence always seeking Wisdom.
Ever the student of the Eternal, I instruct willing minds through my failures and successes.
I am the experience; the be-in; the adventure; the journey; the trip. I am interactivity and participation.
I am the ultimate; the zenith; the apex; the extreme; the max. Limitless minds are my companions into the timeless unknown.
I am to be merged with; not to simply be admired from afar. My visions are to be shared; my dreams are to be realized; my desires are to be consummated.
I am the fruit of ambition, effort and achievement. I am the rarest wine to be tasted, savored and thoroughly enjoyed, not merely collected.
Golden, priceless and breathtaking, I am the star-studded dream, the quaking vision, and the imagination on fire.
This particular Australian rendition clearly accentuates the composition's melancholic melody, striking harmonic structure and chord progressions. 
