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Photo: M. Gilvary, October 24, 2009. Rose Scharlin Co-op Preschool Halloween Hullaballoo was last Saturday. (Click on photo to enlarge.)Slow down while driving the local streets. There are many more small children in the 'hood now, than in the past 30 years.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 6, 2009. Don't OD on sugar! (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 4, 2009. Crows simultaneously suck up light and, yet, are still so shiny. It seems pretty diabolical.
Photo: M. Gilvary, October 24, 2009. Rose Scharlin Co-op Preschool's Halloween Hullaballoo was last Saturday. (Click on photo to enlarge.)Rose Scharlin Preschool has no connection whatsoever with Devils' Night, other than providing a really spooky photo op.Devil's Night causes grave concern in Detroit, where the plentiful supply of vacant buildings inspires vandals to arson. Read more about Devils' Night in the Detroit Free Press.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 14, 2009. Even the Grim Reaper needs a lie-down sometimes. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: C. Weir, October 27, 2009. Underside of a San Bernardino Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus) found dead on October 23. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Sometimes, the only way to learn if a species lives in the neighborhood, is to find a dead one. (We do not condone killing snakes, as they are a vital part of our ecosystem.) Weir found the already dead snake at the end of Riverside Place where the path leads to the Red Car Property. Weir said the snake had bite-mark puncture wounds (photo below). The snake is about a foot long and a half-inch in diameter.
Weir thinks it is a San Bernardino Ring-necked Snake. Cal Herps confirms it and continues, Ring-necked snakes are "mildly venomous, not considered dangerous to humans." When threatened, the snake coils its tail like a corkscrew; exposing the brightly colored underside; sending the message to predators, "Do not eat!"
Photo: C. Weir, October 27, 2009. The gray-green back of the San Bernardino Ring-necked Snake helps it camouflage in moist habitat, like Red Car Canyon. (Click on photo to enlarge for excellent detail in the scales.)
Ring-necked Snakes prey on worms, slugs and small reptiles, particularly Slender Salamanders, which are found both on the Red Car Property and in backyards on Riverside Place. They also eat tadpoles. In El Nino years, tadpoles appear in the vernal pools in Red Car Canyon. So be on the lookout for these small snakes on cloudy days, at dusk and after dark.
See photos of live San Bernardino Ring-necked Snakes on Cal Herps.
This week, we're counting down to Halloween with scary stuff from the 'hood. If you have photos of neighborhood reptiles, bugs, birds or mammals send them to us: redcarproperty@gmail.com.
Photo: Shawnda Thomas Faveau, October 17, 2009. Countdown to Halloween continues. Another day, another giant spider tried to capture Shawnda in its web.Shawnda has all kinds of scary visitors to her yard including: devious spiders, creepy caterpillars, Mothra's cousin and even Black Witch Moths (known around here as MOTHRA!). Henceforth, Shawnda will affectionately be known as "The Bug Lady of Silver Lake."If you have scary or even not so scary photos of neighborhood insects, birds, reptiles or wildlife, share them with us: redcarproperty@gmail.com.
Photo: Catherine F., September 26, 2009. Two & half inch (including legs) spiders have been seen close to doorways for the past month. (Click on photo to enlarge.) At the top of Corralitas Drive, these spiders like to build webs between the log cabins and across driveways. Perhaps they're looking for human prey.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 4, 2009. Counting down to Halloween! (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 17, 2009. A morgue is definitely a non-compliant land use in R2 zoning. (Click on photo to enlarge.)This week we're counting down to Halloween with scary scenes from the 'hood.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 20, 2009. New signs, like this one on Corralitas Drive, are up in the neighborhood. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 12, 2009. Art made from 4 months of neighborhood air quality (or quality air) off the 2 & 5 Freeways. The soot does not rub off. Read more on Skull-A-Day. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 20, 2009. Fresh grass is growing in October and the walnuts have not even dropped their leaves for winter yet. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 19, 2009. Big Brother is watching southbound Riverside Drive at Fletcher. (Click on photo to enlarge.)Yesterday, while sitting at the signal at Riverside & Fletcher, I noticed a new camera focused on the southbound lanes of Riverside Drive. I did not see cameras on any other post at the intersection. Nor were their signs indicating red light cameras installed. They've been installing new light posts in the intersection recently. It would make everyone's lives easier if they would just install left turn signals in all directions at Riverside & Fletcher. 
Photo: Diane Edwardson, April 18, 2009. Looking through the archives, the most recent clear shot of the same light post is 6 months old; no camera. (Click on photo to enlarge.)UPDATE 10-23-2009: The Eastsider LA reports the camera is a part of an automated traffic surveillance & control system for the Dept. of Transportation. Read more on The Eastsider LA.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 16, 2009. Looks like the population explosion of Mourning Doves is helping the Cooper's Hawks. One Cooper's Hawk was frequently seen flying low around the Corralitas Staircase this summer. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. A likely native plant on 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
This plant has been growing in the same location on the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel since, at least, the late 1990s. It is the only one I've seen in my exploration of vacant parcels in the neighborhood. It's about 4-6" tall, in a patch about 6' in diameter. The spiky filaments on every part of the plant would discourage grazing animals. 
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Like many natives plants, it is pale in color and drought resistant. (Click on photo to enlarge.)It grows at the base of the northernmost slope, on the first plateau up from Riverside Drive. According to Figure 2.5 (page 9) on plans posted on Rec & Parks' website, it appears to grow in the path of the berm they plan to build for a bioswale. The plant does not appear to have been mentioned in the environmental review for the park improvements: Chapter 3, also posted on Rec & Parks' Website.Deadline for public comment: 3PM, Monday, October 19, 2009. 
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. A more normal view of the probably native plant. (Click on photo to enlarge.) If it is a rare native plant, then we need to ensure Rec & Parks includes it in the environmental review. If you can help identify this plant, please send us an email: redcarproperty@gmail.com. Turkish Rugging was suggested. Looking at CalFlora, we're still looking for an ID.*UPDATE March 9, 2010. Plant ID via CalFlora: Dove Weed (Croton setigerus), a native plant.
Photo: C. Weir, October 15, 2009. Deep tire ruts carved into Red Car Canyon. (Click on photo to enlarge.) At least 3 vehicles turned the Red Car Property into an off-road race track around 9:30 last night. Neighbors from Lake View Ave. and Corralitas Drive called the police. It was quite loud and dangerous as they were recklessly racing around the property at high speeds, spinning out, and getting stuck in the mud.Neighbors on Riverside Place say this happens every time it rains.I watched in disbelief as one truck attempted to drive up the steep slope on the Corralitas end. I could hear them from the top of Corralitas Drive.Muddy tire tracks indicate they peeled out from Corralitas to Rosebud and headed south on Allesandro.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 12, 2009. No Parking signs on Riverside Drive. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Last week, Amy Soule at FilmLA sent notice to the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council that The Green Hornet would be closing Riverside Drive between Glendale Blvd. & Fletcher, Oct 12 - 14, from 8PM -5AM. No parking signs are up along that stretch of Riverside, as well as south of Fletcher on Riverside to Clearwater St.
Soule responded via email to our inquiry regarding details on the filming:
"The scene involves a car chase with collisions and a bus rollover. There will be gunfire intermittently throughout the night and a special effect that will occur 1 time during the night which involves the bus jumping over a pipe ramp and window being shattered on the vehicle. When this occurs there will be some smoke and spark effects."
Soule also claimed the production company had surveyed residents for two weeks and no concerns about the filming were expressed. Unless they work in the industry or have lived through a large scale production filming in their backyard, chances are, residents didn't know what they should be concerned about. If you have questions or problems, call Amy Soule, Supervisor, Production Planning at FilmLA: (213) 977-8600.
Car chases and gunfire: it's just like any other night on Riverside Drive. At least there are no helicopters involved.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Dirt bike parts abandoned on the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel. (Click on photo to enlarge.)For years, the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel (between Riverside Drive and Landa) served as an unofficial dirt bike track. On weekends, a group of local motorcyclists, complete with their families, would park their trucks on Riverside Drive, unload their motorcycles and use the Elysian Park land as their own private off-road course. Orange traffic cones marked their track. The track even had a jump off the slope near the closed off portion of Landa and Twin Oak St. (a paper street). The pile of parts in the above photo is at the bottom of the jump site. You could hear their motors as far away as Corralitas Drive. It was Elysian Park's version of the X Games. It took years of pressure by neighbors and Citizens Committee to Save Elysian Park to convince CD13, Rec & Parks and LAPD that something needed to be done. Not only was it illegal to ride a motorized vehicle off road in the City, it was a public safety issue and fire hazard.A few years ago, Rec & Parks finally fenced off the site to prevent vehicular access. It looks like the occasional dirt bike enthusiast still rides the track. In the years since, the flora has grown back and it is as peaceful as a vacant lot can be adjacent to the 5 Freeway.Rec & Parks posted plans for the 18-Acre Parcel and the environmental review on their website. Public comment on the environmental review is due by 3PM, October 19, 2009.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 4, 2009. California Black Walnuts are still green on the Red Car Property between Lake View Ave. & Riverside Place. Their leaves will soon turn yellow and drop for winter. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), a native plant, going to seed on the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel. (Click on photo to enlarge.)The plans and environmental review for 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel are available on the Rec & Parks website. You can read more about it on The Eastsider LA. Public comment on the MND closes 3PM, October 19, 2009.This is the only part of Elysian Park that is safely accessible by pedestrians from Elysian Valley, Red Car Property and Semi Tropic Spiritualists' Tract neighborhoods as it is the only part of Elysian Park with a sidewalk on our side of the park. There are no sidewalks on Stadium Way, the 6-lane highway entrance to Elysian Park from Riverside Drive.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. That bee was following me around the 18-Acre Parcel last week, here it's pollinating native Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). (Click on photo to see detail in the wings.) If you can identify any plant, animal or insect we highlight here, please send us an email: redcarproperty@gmail.com.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Bees have a variety of flowers to visit on the 18-Acre Elysian Park addition. (Click on photo to enlarge.)If you can help identify any plant, animal or insect we highlight here, please send us an email: redcarproperty@gmail.com.
Photo: Shawnda Thomas Faveau, October 2, 2009. Can you see the spider on the Sunflower? (Click on photo to enlarge.)Shawnda found a spider hiding in the sunflowers in her front yard the other day. It's the exact shade of yellow as the sunflower petals. It even has markings on its back mimicking the folds in the petals. The flower is about 8" across. Looking at Bug Guide, it appears to be a White Banded Crab Spider, an ambush predator. Thank you Shawnda for sharing such a beautiful photo! You may remember, Shawnda also shared her great photos of a White-Lined Sphinx Moth and the Gulf Fritillary series.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Old Fashioned Potato Beetle Larvae (Lema daturaohila) on native Jimsonweed (Datura wrightii). (Click on photo to enlarge.)Thanks to What's That Bug? for identifying these fat yellow bugs I thought were caterpillars in outfits. They are Old Fashioned Potato Beetle Larvae (Lema daturaohila). Their scientific name means "Datura loving." They eat potato plants as well as Datura, a member of the Nightshade family. Apparently, they also wear their excrement as a disguise to hide from predators.Read more: What's That Bug?
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) on the 18-Acre Parcel of Elysian Park between Riverside Drive and Landa. (Click on photo to enlarge.)I received a correction to Saturday's post on Poison Oak from Poisonivyguy regarding the spread of the rash once you've contracted dermatitis from Poison Oak. You cannot spread the rash once you've washed the resin off your skin. Rather than paraphrase the lengthy explanation and risk getting it wrong again, see the following links and learn more about it.Poisonivyguy's website: www.poisonivyremoval.com. His facts are backed up by:Wiki: Urushiol-induced contact dermatitisAmerican Academy of Dermatology: Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Poison Oak still blooming on the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel off Riverside Drive. (Click on photo to enlarge.)UPDATE 10-5-09: This post contained misguided information on the rash caused by Poison Oak. We regret any confusion this may have caused. Click here for more information.
A big clump of dark green Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is still blooming about 10 yards away from the patch of Poison Oak in yesterday's post. The difference is the dark green patch is in full sun for much of the day. The patches at the base of the slope have limited sun and have already begun turning red before they drop their leaves for winter. Poison Oak can cause severe dermatitis. The leaves and stalks have an oily substance that can cause blisters and in some people, severe allergic reactions. When you scratch the blisters, they break and spread the toxin and the rash. Even when the plant is dormant in winter, you can pick up the oil resin from the stalks, particularly if the stalks break. Poison Oak, a native plant, thrives on the wooded slopes in Elysian Park, Griffith Park and the Menlo Property, but not on the Red Car Property. I'll speculate they simply removed so much earth from the Red Car Property when they built the 2 & 5 Freeways, that Poison Oak did not recolonize the slopes as California Black Walnuts did.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), a native plant, thrives in the California Black Walnut Woodland of the 18-Acre Parcel of Elysian Park. This time of year, it is easy to identify as the leaves turn red. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Sunflowers on the 18-Acre addition to Elysian Park on Riverside Drive between Newell St and Stadium Way. (Click on photo to enlarge.)Last night, CD 13 hosted a meeting to talk about planned improvements for the 18-Acre Parcel of Elysian Park. Unfortunately, without large scale illustrations, community members had to strain to see unbelievably small type on copies made by Mr. Dickerson of Dickerson Employee Benefits (who allowed the community to meet in his conference room). Mr. Dickerson really saved the day by making those copies! CD 13, Rec & Parks nor ICF Jones & Stokes brought functional drawings nor handouts for a meeting. Considering the last community meeting took place in 2007, why would anyone have detailed knowledge of what was planned for the site. Timetables seemed rushed as funding apparently is becoming available for a project that has dragged on since 2003.Phase 1 plans include an expensive paved road to two ADA accessible parking spaces, lots of grass, two "multi-purpose sports courts," a small parking lot, an outdoor classroom and lots of grass. The Equestrian Trail (Rim of the Valley Trail Corridor) per the Community Plan was ignored. No pedestrian safety mitigations on Riverside Drive are planned either. For unbiased coverage of last night's meeting, as well as a link to the plans, see: The Eastsider LA. Rec & Parks has the Environmental Review posted on their website. Public comment closes 3PM, October 19, 2009.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, 2002. Yesterday's fire brought to mind the car fire in the same location on the 2 Freeway in March 2002. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: M. Gilvary, October 24, 2009. Rose Scharlin Co-op Preschool Halloween Hullaballoo was last Saturday. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 6, 2009. Don't OD on sugar! (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 4, 2009. Crows simultaneously suck up light and, yet, are still so shiny. It seems pretty diabolical.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 14, 2009. Even the Grim Reaper needs a lie-down sometimes. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: C. Weir, October 27, 2009. Underside of a San Bernardino Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus) found dead on October 23. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: C. Weir, October 27, 2009. The gray-green back of the San Bernardino Ring-necked Snake helps it camouflage in moist habitat, like Red Car Canyon. (Click on photo to enlarge for excellent detail in the scales.)
Photo: Shawnda Thomas Faveau, October 17, 2009. Countdown to Halloween continues. Another day, another giant spider tried to capture Shawnda in its web.
Photo: Catherine F., September 26, 2009. Two & half inch (including legs) spiders have been seen close to doorways for the past month. (Click on photo to enlarge.) 
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 4, 2009. Counting down to Halloween! (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 4, 2009. Considering all the half finished houses in the neighborhood, this realtor can pick up a few more listings easily. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 20, 2009. New signs, like this one on Corralitas Drive, are up in the neighborhood. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 20, 2009. Morning Glories and grass sprouting on the Red Car Property near Adelbert. Brush clearance was (mostly) completed a month ago. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 12, 2009. Art made from 4 months of neighborhood air quality (or quality air) off the 2 & 5 Freeways. The soot does not rub off. Read more on Skull-A-Day. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 20, 2009. Fresh grass is growing in October and the walnuts have not even dropped their leaves for winter yet. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, April 18, 2009. Looking through the archives, the most recent clear shot of the same light post is 6 months old; no camera. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 16, 2009. Looks like the population explosion of Mourning Doves is helping the Cooper's Hawks. One Cooper's Hawk was frequently seen flying low around the Corralitas Staircase this summer. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 3, 2009. Sign & bags found in Red Car Canyon near Rose Scharlin Preschool. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. A likely native plant on 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Like many natives plants, it is pale in color and drought resistant. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. A more normal view of the probably native plant. (Click on photo to enlarge.) 
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Invasive & non-native, Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus), also known as Tumbleweed, is still sporting leaves and flowers on the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 14, 2009. A night of light rain brought back the vernal pool between Lake View and Riverside Place on the Red Car Property. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 14, 2009. Perhaps the "Lot C" vernal pool is more the result of the 2 black drain pipes coming from the home above on Adelbert. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 14, 2009. Why shouldn't the folks above "Lot C" abuse the Red Car Property too? The pile of debris has been there since April. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Calflora lists several species of native and non-native Horseweed as occurring in LA County. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Native Telegraph Weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) on the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 12, 2009. No Parking signs on Riverside Drive. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Dirt bike parts abandoned on the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 4, 2009. California Black Walnuts are still green on the Red Car Property between Lake View Ave. & Riverside Place. Their leaves will soon turn yellow and drop for winter. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), a native plant, going to seed on the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Ladybugs appear to herd yellow aphids on native Milkweed. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. That bee was following me around the 18-Acre Parcel last week, here it's pollinating native Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). (Click on photo to see detail in the wings.) 
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Bees have a variety of flowers to visit on the 18-Acre Elysian Park addition. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Shawnda Thomas Faveau, October 2, 2009. Can you see the spider on the Sunflower? (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Old Fashioned Potato Beetle Larvae (Lema daturaohila) on native Jimsonweed (Datura wrightii). (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) on the 18-Acre Parcel of Elysian Park between Riverside Drive and Landa. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, September 18, 2009. Corralitas public staircase, The 2 Freeway is below. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Poison Oak still blooming on the 18-Acre Elysian Park Parcel off Riverside Drive. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), a native plant, thrives in the California Black Walnut Woodland of the 18-Acre Parcel of Elysian Park. This time of year, it is easy to identify as the leaves turn red. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, October 1, 2009. Sunflowers on the 18-Acre addition to Elysian Park on Riverside Drive between Newell St and Stadium Way. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
Photo: Diane Edwardson, 2002. Yesterday's fire brought to mind the car fire in the same location on the 2 Freeway in March 2002. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
