Trumped by Volume

Los Angeles, CA --From Alameda Street, the voluminous sound of mariachi filled the air. A small door from the main, LA thoroughfare leads pedestrians to the congested cobblestone street call Olvera where vendors, restaurants and street performers provide their unique goods and services.

Walking out from the hall leading to Olvera Street, was a man with his accordion, sitting on a bench. He is part of a trio that regularly performs for handouts. This time, however, the big boys were out (earlier post), and were drowning out the talented underdogs. The moment the other team finished, my friends began their simple set of tunes.

Ricardo

Los Angeles, CA -- A white van pulled up to the sidewalk where I was walking and out jumped a dapper man in black followed by more handsomely-dressed performers. Ricardo and his crew were late for a performance, but he let me take a few shots of him anyway.

Guitarras Para La Venta

Los Angeles, CA -- I have a few guitars at home, but none so colorful (and cheep) as these.

Mariachi at Olvera Street

Los Angeles, CA -- Mexican musicians perform mariachi for restaurant patrons at Olvera Street. Although all the instruments are acoustic, the melodic sound filled the city block with a wave of joyous music.

Young Ladies of LA

Los Angeles, CA -- The dance coach frantically lined up the young women in preparation to go on stage for their dance. The music was already playing and an audience of more than 100 were waiting for the show to begin. Another Sunday afternoon at Olvera Street; the oldest street in LA.

Winter Dive

Laguna Beach, CA -- Dive buddy Bill and I prepare for a dive to Mermaid's Grotto. Twice I think I've seen those pesky sirens taunting me at 60-ft below the surface in the magical forest of kelp. People usually ask what I see when I come up after an hour's tour under the sea. I tell them exactly what they want to hear: "I see mermaids, man-eating sharks and Sponge Bob on occasion." We all get a chuckle.

High Fashion District Stores

Downtown Los Angeles -- They call this "The Fashion District."

Rainbow Valley

When I took this photo, there was actually a rainbow in the distance. My camera didn't pick up the colors very well but I thought this 12-month-old photo was appropriate for the day. Today, Southern California has experienced one of the best rain storms in many years; five-days of hard-driving rain. According to my rain gauge, I show about 7-inches accumulated.

The news makers love the sensational stories, photos and video. We all love the freshness of the storms, not to mention the prospect of ending our drought. I do feel for those who have had their lives disrupted by the series of back-to-back storms.

As for Rainbow Valley, I may have to take a detour someday and see if it lives up to it's name.

Beep beep!

Palm Springs, CA -- I see roadrunners mostly in parking lots and on the edge of golf courses. This time I found this mid-sized desert dweller on a wall at the Acme Corporation building. I looked around for Mr. Wile E. Coyote but I think he finally gave up and retired in Arizona.

Who's Complaining?

Los Angeles, CA -- Let it pour!