As a large city, Los Angeles has its fair share of top veterinary hospitals and clinics. Here, we’ll go through some of the businesses that have attracted the largest share of positive reviews, making it easier for you to find somebody in LA to take care of your furry (or scaly) friend.
Veterinary Care Center
Located on Santa Monica Blvd., the Veterinary Care Center is regarded as one of the best veterinary centers in Los Angeles. They offer a full selection of services at their clinic. This includes surgery, dental treatments, microchipping, vaccinations, and more. They also have an in-house pharmacy staffed by graduates from top veterinary career schools, ensuring that when your pet is prescribed medication, they can begin their treatment right away.
Bay Animal Hospital
Bay Animal Hospital is one of the oldest veterinary hospitals in Los Angeles. Located in Manhattan Beach, Bay Animal Hospital has been in business for over 30 years. This is one of the largest practitioners in the Los Angeles area, with 8 veterinarians, each with their own specialty, supported by 40 different employees. All vet services can be offered by the Bay Animal Hospital. It even has its own in-house laboratory and extensive diagnostic equipment that other vets can only dream of.
Bixby Animal Clinic
Bixby Animal Clinic is located in Long Beach. Since opening in 2005, this Los Angeles veterinary hospital has gone from strength to strength. This vet has long prided itself on the quality of care it provides its patients and the compassion it shows pet owners. Bixby Animal Clinic can offer the most common veterinary services on-site. They specialize in walk-ins and emergency care, with Bixby Animal Clinic ensuring pet owners always have someone looking out for their furry friend should their pet get sick.
Best Friends Animal Hospital
Best Friends Animal Hospital is a slightly smaller animal hospital located in Houma, LA. The team of veterinarians and support staff here offers medicine, surgery, dental care, and preventive care. As Best Friends Animal Hospital has an in-house laboratory, diagnosis is often quick and very affordable. This ensures that animals can receive the treatment they need as quickly as possible. In addition to their veterinary services, Best Friends Animal Hospital also offers full boarding for those heading out on vacation, which can be useful for pet owners with slightly older animals who may benefit from being close to a top animal hospital in LA.
The Melrose Vet
The Melrose Vet is located on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles. While The Melrose Vet is one of the newer clinics in Los Angeles, it has some of the most experienced vets and support staff on-site. This means that The Melrose Vet can offer a wide range of veterinary services, including surgery, diagnostics, pet rehabilitation, dentistry, emergency care, and vaccinations. In June 2024, The Melrose Vet launched a new emergency treatment service, ensuring that pet parents can receive emergency care for their animals up until 11 pm every day.
LA Central Animal Hospital
LA Central Animal Hospital is operated by a small but dedicated team. The team at LA Central Animal Hospital can offer a variety of treatments to their animal patients. This includes surgery, diagnosis, and dental treatments. In addition to their standard veterinary services, LA Central Animal Hospital also offers animal grooming, dog training, and microchipping.
Los Angeles Veterinary Center
The Los Angeles Veterinary Center has two locations within the city. They can be found in both Boyle Heights and Jefferson Park. Both clinics are staffed by highly experienced vets and animal experts, ensuring that no matter where you take your pet, they’ll receive top-notch vet care. In recent years, clinics have started to offer remote diagnosis for animals (over video chat), speeding up diagnosis, making it more convenient, and, in many cases, helping pet owners save money. The vet can work with pet owners who may be dealing with financial hardship. They also support local aspiring students by hiring assistants who attend California vet assistant schools and programs.
Overland Veterinary Clinic
The Overland Veterinary Clinic is one of only a few clinics in Los Angeles open 7-days a week for standard diagnosis/treatments. Offering convenient opening hours, the Overland Veterinary Clinic offers all forms of veterinary services. Overland Veterinary Clinic has invested in the latest diagnostic treatments, too, including radiography. The clinic aims to keep pricing as transparent as possible, listing the most common treatment and diagnosis prices upfront on its website (prices for surgery may vary).
Quality Animal Clinic
Quality Animal Clinic has been serving LA residents for 10 years and boasts state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring fast diagnosis and treatment for animals. Quality Animal Clinic offers a full range of treatments on-site. Quality Animal Clinic mostly focuses on dogs and cats. They can, however, treat other animals if informed in advance.
As a large, bustling city, Los Angeles has more than its fair share of trade schools. If you’re looking to learn a trade, you’ll have no shortage of options. There’s something to cover pretty much any skilled trade or vocation that you can think of. The state of California has a huge demand for skilled trades across a variety of industries, ranging from construction and agriculture to tech and entertainment. According to TopTradeSchools.com, Los Angeles is home to some of the best and most versatile vocational trade schools in California.
Here, we want to look at Los Angeles’ top vocational trade schools. These schools offer a wide variety of courses and often rank highly among their students. This is by no means a complete guide to every vocational trade school in the city, but it is a good starting point if you’re not quite sure where you want to study.
Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center
This vocational trade school has been in Los Angeles since 1966. It mostly specializes in technical courses. Those who attend the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center can study to become electricians, construction workers, welders, and security officers. Recent courses include healthcare and medical tech, child development, and the culinary arts. The trade school is popular among non-native English speakers due to its English-as-a-Second-Language course.
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
The Los Angeles Trade Technical College offers a wide range of courses, with specializations in construction, culinary arts, and cosmetology. They also provide a variety of courses in medical practice, including Registered Nursing. The technical college places a massive focus on internships, and regularly encourages its students to learn ‘on the job. If you do not yet have the skills required for a full technical course, you can strengthen your math and English before starting one of the main courses here.
East Los Angeles Occupational Center
One of the primary focuses of the East Los Angeles Occupational Center is helping adults find new jobs, and they often work with people with disabilities and veterans. There is a huge number of courses here, covering most trades. This includes healthcare, construction, media, cosmetology, and even fashion design. It is one of the smaller colleges on this list, so you may not be able to study toward a complete trade education, but it can be a good place to provide the foundations of learning.
Angeles College
Angeles College is one of the newer trade schools on this list. It only offers vocational nursing programs. Because Angeles College was formed to help bring more nurses into Los Angeles (which was sorely lacking nurses for a while), there are often numerous scholarships available for the more talented applicants.
Harbor Occupational Center
The Harbor Occupational Center is all about getting people into their vocation as quickly as possible. The Harbor Occupational Center offers a wide variety of courses, both short and long. This includes quick forklift operation courses and a complete electrical course. The trade school also covers positions that other trade schools may not (e.g., computer operations and office administration)
Newport International United College
Newport International United College is one of the highest-rated vocational trade schools in Los Angeles. Most of the courses at Newport are for those planning to get into the medical industry, e.g., medical assistants, nurse assistants, medical technicians, etc. However, they also offer training for basic positions in law, business, and finance.
NTMA Machinist Career College
Founded in 1968, this is one of the more specialized vocational trade schools in Los Angeles. As the name suggests, it is only for machinist training. However, when it comes to machinist training, we don’t think there is a better trade school in the US, let alone in Los Angeles. CNC machining is a rapidly expanding field, and NTMA Career College is widely recognized as offering the best CNC machinist programs in L.A.
Cinema Make-up School
This is one of the more unique trade schools in Los Angeles, but one that produces talented students who are very much in demand. Cosmetologists who plan to work in the film industry, particularly in effects, would find the Cinema Make-up School a great place to start, although you’ll only get very specialized tuition here. It isn’t for more general cosmetology.
California Electrical Training
This Los Angeles vocational trade school offers online and in-person courses for those planning to enter electrical work (not all courses are available online, as they require practical work). Courses are offered in both English and Spanish.
Career Development Institute, Inc.
This trade school aims to get people into nursing in as little as 13 months. It does provide heavy tuition, but those looking to break into nursing quickly may wish to check it out.
GSF Driving & Truck Training School
This is one of only a few dedicated truck driver schools. With a significant decrease in the number of truck drivers in the US, salaries have increased to attract new drivers to the industry. If you’re looking to become a truck driver, there’s no better school to get started than here.
ABC Bartending Schools
Again, another unique vocational trade college, but one that is very much in demand in Los Angeles. This huge bartending school will provide hands-on training to help people learn to work behind top bars.
Considering Your LA Trade School Options
As you can see, there are a lot of trade schools in Los Angeles, and we’ve barely scratched the surface here. If you’re looking to attend a trade school, we suggest you investigate the ones we listed above. They should provide most of the courses needed for whatever trade you plan to get into.
Los Angeles has a reputation. Cars, freeways, traffic. That has always been sold as the classic LA image. And an 80s song was built on it. “Walking in LA” was sung by Missing Persons. The joke was not missed. But a lot has changed in LA since then.
Today, in this car-heavy city, pockets of walkable life are increasingly being noticed. Groceries are picked up close by. You can visit a café on foot. You don’t even have to drive far to watch a show. And your car keys are kept in your pocket the whole time. If you are moving here from New York, Chicago, or London, that kind of life is already known to you. And in my case, it has been enjoyed when it shows up. The good news is that you can have it here, too.
So what does “walkable” actually mean? Simple. You step outside and reach a store, school, restaurant, or park in about ten minutes on foot. That’s the bar. And these neighborhoods clear it easily.
Larchmont Village / Hancock Park
This area is often treated like a gem. The best pocket is marked out south of Melrose. It is north of 3rd Street, east of Wilton, and west of Rossmore. A true village feel is given to you right in the center of the city. Small shops and great food are found on friendly streets. I have always felt like a small town has been dropped into a big city.
Silver Lake
Sunset Junction is where the energy is often felt. It is where Santa Monica Blvd meets Sunset Blvd. Also, the stretch near Hyperion and Rowena is included as a walkable strip. Cafés and bars are packed in with local shops. A calm, easy mood usually carries through the area. And that mood is not often matched in LA.
Los Feliz
A lot is kept within reach along Hillhurst and Vermont. Everything you need is placed close together. Shops and restaurants are grouped tightly. Coffee spots are included, too. A strong neighborhood feel is created. And you are often made to forget you are in a big city.
Santa Monica
A walkable path is available on Montana Ave and Wilshire Blvd. The 3rd Street Promenade can also be included. The area is lovely due to the ocean air, and there is so much great food served nearby. You can do so much here, even without driving. In Santa Monica, foot traffic is rewarded in a big way.
Venice Beach
Head straight to Abbot Kinney. It’s lined with restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops. Anywhere near Abbot Kinney puts you close to everything Venice has to offer.
Miracle Mile
Bordered by La Brea to the east, Fairfax to the west, Melrose to the north, and Wilshire to the south. Here you can get great dining, cool shops, and big museums all in one walkable zone. We’re talking LACMA, the Petersen Auto Museum, and the La Brea Tar Pits — all right there.
Downtown LA
South of 6th Street, between Grand and the 110 freeway, is where Downtown really shines for walkers. The Arts District is a personal favorite. It’s packed with restaurants, galleries, cafés, and bars. Plus, it sits right next to the Gold Line. You can truly skip the car here.
More Great Spots to Know:
Studio City / Sherman Oaks / Encino: Near Ventura Blvd or Tujunga and Moorpark, almost everything is placed within a ten-minute walk
Highland Park: On Figueroa Street and Colorado Blvd, great local cafés and fresh spots are being opened all the time
Westwood: Near Westwood Village along Westwood Blvd, many places are packed in for eating, shopping, and hanging out
Beverly Hills Flats: South of Santa Monica Blvd and north of Olympic, between Roxbury and Beverly Drive, offers an old-school LA walk.
West Hollywood / Hollywood: On Sunset Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd, and Hollywood Blvd, plenty is kept within easy walking range
Pasadena: In Old Town Pasadena, walking is made easy with great food, shops, and a main street that is loved by many
Toluca Lake: On Riverside Drive, most needs are covered, and Toluca Lake Village is often called charming
Brentwood: At Brentwood Village at Barrington and Sunset, a steady walk area is provided, and the Country Mart at 26th and San Vicente is added as a bonus
Franklin Hills: Near Hyperion and Rowena, a small village feel is created, and everything is kept nearby
LA is often described as a city built for cars. And yes, that view can be backed up in many parts. But another LA is also shown here. A walk on a first kind of day can be had. I have been surprised by it more than once. And if you want to see that side too, these areas are where you can start.
Car culture in LA is a serious problem. The entire city is designed around the automobile. The culture of driving a personal vehicle runs deeper than the almost endless freeways. The process of driving a private vehicle in LA is more difficult than finding a parking spot on Sunset Boulevard. But the story of how LA got here is actually pretty fascinating and a little sad.
A City That Once Had It All
At the start of the 1900s, Los Angeles had one of the most advanced public transport systems. The Pacific Electric Railway was the main form of public transport, spanning over 1,100 miles of track and, at its peak, carrying 275,000 passengers. That is more than the New York subway handles today.
Then, in the 1940s to 50s, the focus in America shifted to individual car ownership and a car-owning culture. This led to the construction of the Interstate Highway System. The completion of new highways through Los Angeles provided a direct route to stores and other commercial destinations. As a result of the new highways, public transport was abandoned, and the train lines were dismantled, as the blueprints for the highways intended. The construction of new highways also demolished and destroyed black and brown neighborhoods.
Similarly, in the 1940s and 50s, the abandonment of public transport systems was racist and a result of an untold focus on economic development at the expense of the community.
The average Metro rider brings home just over $19,000 a year
These people aren’t riding for fun. This is how they get to work, to school, to the doctor. They keep the city moving, yet often get the least support in return.
The Fare-Free Experiment
In March 2020, LA Metro took a bold, risky action by creating another fare-free transit system. For 2 years, riders could ride buses and trains for free. It was the largest experiment with a fare-free transit system in the country. Metro’s ridership spike reached levels seen before the pandemic, proving that LA, with its diverse population, is reliant on transit for travel.
This is most likely one of the main factors behind the complete removal of fares. With the removal of the rides’ free transit system, Metro saw a rapid decline in ridership.
Contrary to what most people think, revenue generated does not primarily fund Metro. In 2020, ridership revenue accounted for 6% of the total budget. That means that Metro has 8 billion from other sources to make public transport free.
Why This Fight Matters
The car culture in LA has a cost that touches everyone. It creates congestion that wastes time every week and creates pollution that impacts the economically disadvantaged areas the worst. Those who are most economically disadvantaged and are unable to afford a car incur the greatest cost.
Good transit flips that script. It opens up jobs, schools, and real opportunities across the city. It gets more cars off the road. It cleans up the air. And riding the bus gives you a side of LA you’d never catch from a car window — the neighborhoods, the people, the real city.
So What’s Next?
LA is at a crossroads. Car culture runs deep here. Change takes time. But fare-free transit, better routes, and serious investment in the system could shift things in a big way. The city had an amazing transit system once before.
LA is often described as a great city for dogs. Honestly, your pup may be made happier here than you are. From beach runs to shaded canyon trails, a lot can be explored together. The key is knowing the best spots. The rules tied to each place should also be understood. Get those two parts right, and we’ll all have a great time.
Top Parks to Take Your Dog
Runyon Canyon Park sits close to the Hollywood Sign. It’s one of the top picks for dog owners in the city. Some trails are kept leash-free. Others are not. Check the signs when you get there. The views are amazing, and weekends get crowded fast. Going early is smart. Dogs of all sizes show up here, so be ready for a social walk. Pack water and bring your own waste bags.
Rosie’s Dog Beach near Belmont Shore is the only legal off-leash beach around. Your dog can run free on the sand during posted hours. A rinse station is nearby. That is a nice add-on after a big swim. Your dog must be kept under voice control at all times. If listening is not done, the leash should be left on. Also, a ticket can be given if you arrive outside the allowed hours. I have learned to check the time first, and you should too.
Lake Hollywood Park is often chosen for its quieter atmosphere. It is leash only. Still, the space is kept clean and open, and you can stretch your legs. Water is not really available there. So a portable bowl should be packed for your dog. A small step, but it saves you trouble.
More spots worth visiting:
Will Rogers State Historic Park: wide trails and grassy areas
Fryman Canyon Trail: shaded, leashed hike with great tree cover
Polliwog Park: calm and good for families with dogs and kids
Leo Carrillo State Park: dog-friendly beach sections for leashed pups
Etiquette Every Dog Owner Should Know
LA dog owners live by an unwritten code. Pick up after your dog—every single time. Nobody wants a surprise on the trail. Keep your dog close to kids and other animals. Not every dog at the park wants to play. And not every person does, either.
Off-leash means your dog actually listens to you. Voice control is a big deal here. A dog that charges at strangers or ignores your calls can cause real problems — for you and for others. Always bring ID tags. Keep vaccines up to date, too. Some parks and beaches do check for both.
Dog-Friendly Patios and Rentals
In LA, dogs are welcomed on many restaurant and cafe patios. In areas like Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and Venice, that welcome is seen more often. But permission should still be asked before your dog is tied up outside. Some spots put out water bowls. Others don’t, so a quick call ahead saves the trip.
Renting in LA with a dog takes a bit more planning. Pet deposits are usually required. Breed rules are also often listed. In many rentals, a limit is set on weight or on the number of pets allowed. So the lease should be read before anything is signed.
What to Do If You Get a Ticket
Tickets happen to the best of us. Off-leash in a leash zone, bad parking near a trailhead, expired tags — it adds up. If the signs were unclear or missing, you may have a case to fight it. A lawyer who knows LA city codes can look at your ticket and walk you through your options. You might need to show your dog’s tags or vaccination records, too. Sometimes a fine is reduced, and sometimes it is dismissed. Either way, it’s worth asking.
LA is often described as stunning. The weather is praised. The beaches are talked about. And many enjoy a strong food scene. It is not hard for you to fall for it. But money is also required, and a lot of it.
On average, a single person in Los Angeles spends about $3,437 per month. Rent, food, getting around, and a few fun nights out are covered in that number. For families, about $7,979 a month is often spent on a two-bedroom rental.
It is a lot. That part cannot be ignored. Still, once the costs are known, your plan is strengthened. I have seen budgets get calmer faster once the surprises are removed.
Rent: Your Biggest Cost
Most of your budget goes toward rent in LA. On average, $2,368 per month is paid for a one-bedroom apartment. About $1,901 is paid for studios. A private room in a shared house typically rents for about $1,295.
Type
Average Monthly Rent
Private room
$1,295
Studio
$1,901
One-bedroom
$2,368
Two-bedroom
$3,391
Many Angelenos have their rent split with roommates to cut costs. And in LA, that move is often seen as one of the smartest you can make. I have seen it help people breathe a little easier each month. Trendy areas like Silver Lake and West Hollywood will have those numbers pushed even higher. So that needs to be kept in mind during apartment hunting.
Utilities
The good news is that utility costs in LA remain fairly low compared to other big cities. Expect to pay between $172 and $210 a month for electricity, gas, water, and trash. The internet also adds another $60 to $80. A phone plan costs between $35 and $85, depending on how much data you use.
Bundling your phone and internet saves a few extra dollars each month. Worth looking into.
Groceries
Groceries in LA are priced about 11% higher than the US average. One person often spends around $400-$500 a month on food at home. I have watched budgets get tight fast when this part is ignored. Here are some prices that can be used to plan:
A dozen eggs: $4.91
One gallon of milk: $4.60
One pound of chicken: $7.41
One loaf of bread: $4.60
One pound of bananas: $1.03
More value is usually found at Trader Joe’s, Costco, or local Asian and Hispanic markets. Your budget can be stretched there without much effort. Farmers’ markets are also used for fresh produce, with lower markups than big stores.
Getting Around
About 84% of people in LA drive a car for daily trips. If you own a car, plan for an extra $300 to $400 a month. Gas is often priced at $5 to $6 per gallon. Car insurance is usually billed between $67 and $200. And parking in busy areas can cost $10 to $20 a day. That total is added up fast.
If you don’t have a car, you can use public transit. A single ride costs $1.75. Grab a weekly fare cap for $18, and once you hit that cap, the rest of your rides are free. A full month of transit costs about $72. Not bad at all.
Healthcare
Health insurance in LA costs between $271 and $394 a month. Some employers cover part of that bill. Skip insurance, and a basic doctor visit runs about $140. An eye exam costs around $131. Without coverage, costs pile up fast.
Entertainment
A lot can be done in LA. Griffith Park can be hiked. The beach can be visited for a full day. The Dodgers or the Lakers can be watched live. At least $250 a month should be planned for fun. A movie ticket is usually around $17.50. A gym membership is often about $58. Dinner for two at a mid-range place is often around $120.
Food trucks are your best friend here. Tacos for $4 each? Absolute steal.
The Full Picture
Expense
Monthly Cost
Rent
$1,855
Utilities
$190
Groceries
$486
Transport
$300
Healthcare
$271
Entertainment
$250
Phone and Internet
$85
Total
$3,437
LA is expensive, and we can’t deny that. But the average monthly salary here sits at around $7,293. That’s above the national average by a solid margin. Plan your budget well, and this city gives back more than it takes.
If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash in California, you must have’ve probably heard of AB 5 a lot. It has been treated as a hot topic for so many years. And in 2026, more changes are being seen again. For you, that can mean your day-to-day routine is affected in so many small ways.
So let’s break down the concept.
What Is AB 5?
AB 5 is a California law that was passed in 2019. With it, new rules were set for how workers had to be classified. Before AB 5, workers at gig companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash were called independent contractors. With that label, health insurance was not provided, and sick days were not included. Unfortunately, the paid time off was also not provided. You get nothing. And if you have worked on those jobs, you have likely felt that gap.
AB 5 said that it wasn’t fair. It set up something called the “ABC test.” To call someone a contractor, a company needs to prove three things:
The worker is free from the company’s control
The work the person does is not the main thing the company does
The worker has their own independent business in that field
Uber and Lyft clearly failed that test. Their whole business is rides. DoorDash’s whole business is deliveries. The workers are the product. And that is pretty hard to argue with.
Then, Prop 22 Showed Up
AB 5 was not accepted without a fight by big gig companies. Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash funded a ballot campaign with over $200 million. That amount can sound out of this world, and I know you may pause on it. Proposition 22 was passed in 2020. Then it was passed by California voters.
Prop 22 carved out a special exception. App-based drivers and delivery workers stayed independent contractors. But the companies had to offer a few basic things: a minimum earnings floor, some health care help, and accident coverage.
Many drivers felt it wasn’t enough. Some liked the flexibility. But it was, and still is, a split opinion.
What’s New in 2026
Here is where the story turns. AB 1340 was signed into law in California in late 2025. Then, in January 2026, union rights were given to around 800,000 rideshare and delivery drivers in California.
That’s huge. Drivers can now vote to form a union. The earliest that the vote could happen is May 2026. The Service Employees International Union has already started reaching out to drivers at airports and on social media.
Why Did Uber and Lyft Agree?
Good question. The rideshare companies actually dropped their opposition to AB 1340. But they got something in return. Senate Bill 371 cut the insurance they’re required to carry per incident from $1 million down to $300,000. That saves them serious money.
Lorena Gonzalez, who originally wrote AB 5, said plainly that Uber needed something. She further went on to say that it was a trade-off and nothing more.
What This Means for Drivers in LA
If you are driving in Los Angeles right now, a short version can be given of what was changed:
You are still classed as an independent contractor under Prop 22
You are now given the right to unionize under AB 1340
A union vote can be held as early as May 2026
Better pay and conditions may be gained, but time is needed
The union process will not be finished overnight. Enough drivers need to be brought in. Names need to be signed. Votes need to be cast. But the door has now been opened. That is more than what was given two years ago.
Delivery drivers are included, too. DoorDash and similar apps work are covered under AB 1340 as well. So if food is being dropped off for a living by you, this law is meant for you, too. It is meant for me as well if I were doing the same job.
The Bigger Picture
AB 5 started a fight that is still ongoing. Drivers still want flexibility. Fair pay and basic protections are also being requested. Those two things do not need to be treated as opposites. The 2026 updates will not be used to fix everything at once. But for the first time in a long stretch, some power is being placed at the table for drivers in LA.
A Conversation Between an Enthusiast and a Seasoned Journalist Covering Maestros from Slash to Tom Morello
DeAndre Nelson has spent decades in the music journalism industry, covering iconic individuals of the past and breakthrough bands through the years, as a seasoned writer for LA Weekly, KROQ, and LA Music Reviews, Nelson’s passion for all things music has made him a legend in Los Angeles’ music journalism scene.
Growing up in the Midwest, music was always a core interest that influenced who I was and what I became. So, it’s always exciting when I rack the brains of someone like DeAndre.
Over the weekend, the veteran writer and analyst took the time to sit down. We had deep conversations, especially focused on black guitarists who did not get their fair share of the limelight.
Here’s a quick excerpt (word for word) of some of the icons we discussed, along with his perspective on influential Black guitar virtuosos of the past and present.
I want your input on some of the iconic black guitarists of the day. Classic performers like my man from Thin Lizzy, who led the way since the ’60s?
Oh, man! The Ace with the Bass! We could spend the entire afternoon talking about Phil Lynott, man. “Johnny The Fox,” “Black Reputation,” all of his albums were gold, in my opinion.
The last time I spoke to Saul (Slash), he said “Live and Dangerous” had the best live sounds from Thin Lizzy. And I have to agree.
But the man was a pioneer, to say the least, being a black musician in the ’60s and 70s in a white-dominated industry and market.
You mean Slash (Saul Hudson) from Guns N Roses, right? Funny how most people don’t think of him as being black, but they’re sure that an artist like Lenny Kravitz is black. They’re actually both biracial and were born and raised in LA.
Yeah, that’s true. I understand the misconception, too. I think Slash’s iconic look, with the sunglasses and the curly hair covering half his face, throws people off. Most fans will likely be unaware of his background and upbringing.
I last witnessed Lenny’s performance live during an Aerosmith tour when he opened for the band. He brought down the roof with his stage presence. He and Slash have the appearance that can pass in any company. However, the recognition is certainly more prevalent among the white crowd.
Is Lenny Kravitz a real “guitarist” like Slash?
Of course! But his style is more versatile and soulful than the face-melting solos you’d expect from a traditional rock guitarist like Slash.
He likes incorporating a bluesy feel, and that vibrato is always at work. You start enjoying it as a memorable melody rather than a full-fledged solo.
Let’s talk about another pioneer – Eddie Hazel. The man was iconic, but much of the attention during his time was directed at artists like George Clinton. Would you count him as an influential black guitarist?
For sure! His “Maggot Brain” solo remains one of the most epic and iconic guitar breaks ever. The man put his heart and soul into that 10-minute riff, which still holds ground today.
After his death, he received accolades from Rolling Stone and the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, it would have been great to see him receive the recognition while he was still here.
Is it a recurring pattern? The year that Prince died, we were bombarded with news items about how he was an addict despite his success. It was the same thing with Michael Jackson. There was a barrage of pedophile accusations against him after his passing.
Sometimes it feels like our heroes always get the short end of the stick. But the truth comes around, eventually.
You’re someone who saw Prince up close and personal constantly. I believe you attended an exclusive gathering. Was it a special club or concert?
No. We were at this private home in Bel Air, LA. They got together, jamming and playing till the late hours. The place was dubbed “The 3121 House.”
Was it his touring band or a makeshift band?
He put together an unbelievable group. The band had members we had never seen before. To be honest, we never saw the same lineup again after that.
He brought some whacky characters into the mix. There was this guy they called the “Jimi Hendrix of Harmonica.” The moment we heard them play, we all understood why that nickname stuck.
The band was a patchwork of dazzling professionals creating musical gold together. We gathered in the cellar and watched them go crazy. Coincidentally, Prince released some new numbers that same day. It was a project he was working on with Bria Valente. He invited us over for an exclusive press meeting.
They performed amazing covers of “Let’s Go” by The Cars and “Frankenstein” by Edgar Winter. It felt out of this world. I swear, everyone present there had a field day.
You know, I shouldn’t even have been there. A senior journalist who was supposed to go backed out and sent me instead. To this day, I thank this colleague who made it happen for me.
I understand the house did not belong to him. Did it belong to some other celebrity?
Yes, the place belonged to an athlete. At the time, he was an NBA rookie who later became an all-star.
Prince had only rented the place from this guy. However, he transformed the place into his personal playground. There was a dance floor, a fancy new heart-shaped bed, a makeup and hair station, and more. A ton of renovation and installations went into this transformation.
I heard that the original owner wanted to file a suit against Prince.
That’s what I heard, too. But I also heard Prince willingly shelled out more than enough money for reparations and restoration.
Yes, definitely. The guy was initially upset, and you can’t blame him, either. But he was also a fan. He just wanted his place converted back to its original state before Prince took over.
With stories like these, people often build a huge mountain over a tiny hill. The shock and drama of Prince wrecking a rented place makes a better story. But in reality, he compensated the athlete more than required.
That was a significant aspect of who Prince was as a person. The giving back, the help, the charities, and the giveaways were all part of his person. No doubt, he was one of the kindest people around. But you didn’t see that on stage. You saw the persona and the performer.
It’s sad because philanthropy was a natural part of his being. However, he didn’t go out there trying to publicize his good deeds or seek the press. It was just the music.
Did you attend his final show?
Yes. The last full-fledged concert he performed was at the Hollywood Palladium. That was his final stand-alone show in LA.
I’d been engaged as an Uber driver at the time. And I picked up a few passengers from the airport who I knew. They had an extra ticket to the show and offered it to me. I refused at first because I had seen his playlist the previous night. And this was the second night. But after I discovered the set list for that final night, I couldn’t miss it for the world, man.
Mainstream fans had to attend these big, sold-out Prince concerts to hear him play his hits live. Otherwise, they would resort to experimental sounds and obscure songs whenever they performed at smaller venues and in front of limited crowds.
Of course, I didn’t know that would be his last show in LA. So, I initially turned down the ticket. But man, I’m glad I eventually took up the offer. I saw a four-hour marathon of the great man at his very best. It’s the most memorable Prince concert I’ve ever seen, and that too by a long shot!
I heard he played all the hits and favorites.
Yeah, the whole nine yards. We even got to see presentations of his old classics. And some amazing renditions of more recent hits. It was surreal.
Looking back today, the atmosphere was different. He could tell that this show was his last in the great city of LA. There was something in his voice (DeAndre wipes a tear away). He truly gave it his all.
Man, I believe you. Plus, you’ve seen countless live performances and concerts over the years.
Yes, I have. But this one was different. Of course, we weren’t aware of its finality at the time. But it was special.
So, would you rank this Prince concert up there with the best you’ve seen?
Yeah, man. I’ve seen other big, sprawling shows he’s performed when he was younger. I’ve also seen the Purple One up close during those sessions at the rented mansion in Bel Air.
None of it compares to this final show at the Palladium.
We got everything from him. It was like two or three shows put together into one giant concert. The list was comprehensive, the stage presence was electrifying, and the whole thing was spectacular. It was truly a one-off and easily the best Prince concert I’ve ever seen.
That’s awesome, man. Let’s move on to another Kickstarter getting some attention thanks to the Beastie Boys documentary – Dr Know.
Yeah. Gary Miller, another trailblazer, was among the first African American guitarists in the punk rock movement of the 1970s.
Are they as exhilarating in live shows as they sound on recordings?
Yeah, when I saw them during the 80s, they were fast. I think it was in
Detroit.
At that time, bands like Bad Brains and Fishbone were on the scene. These punk groups wanted to prove that they could play as hard and fast as mainstream rock bands at the time.
I feel Bad Brains with Dr Know was more intense and heavier. Most other punk groups from that era sounded like they catered only to kids.
Bad Brains was on a different level, for sure. They played some complicated stuff that kids today wouldn’t recognize as punk.
They had some intricate, jazzy sounds. But the beauty was that they blended these nuanced sounds into fast-paced punk sounds, unlike any other band. They were gifted musicians, the whole lot.
As a kid, I heard bands like Living Color first before I got exposed to Bad Brains. At the time, Living Color was also known for pushing beyond the traditional sounds of metal and drawing new grooves and rhythms out of existing styles. That’s what made them so special. When Bad Brains emerged, they adopted the same approach. Pushing the boundaries of pop metal and creating new harmonies with edge and attitude.
I won’t throw shade at The Ramones. They were forerunners of the punk genre, for sure. But Bad Brains took matters to a different dimension altogether. Now, the Ramones were all white. So, it was quite an accomplishment for a black band like Bad Brains to make it at that level and shake a leg with the best in the business.
And the architects like Chuck Berry and Little Richard before them. These dudes risked their lives to pursue their musical careers. It was a time when anybody from the crowd could simply pull a gun and pop a cap on you right there on the stage.
I find Little Richard’s career even more surprising in that context. The man was loud in style, appearance, and voice.
Yeah, and he was gay too. So, a gay, black man in that era wearing those other-worldly clothes, the eyeliners, and the flashy attitude would’ve been quite the sight.
It doesn’t get more punk than that!
Let’s talk about Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers.
Duran Duran put on a terrible show during the Live Aid concert. Simon le Bon couldn’t hit that final note when they did “A View to a Kill,” the band almost fell apart in the following months.
It was amazing for Nile to take the remaining members and reinvent the entire band. Fender gave him a dedicated series of Hitmaker Stratocasters, cementing his iconic position as a guitarist. However, this phase of the band also revealed his caliber as a producer and leader.
So, when black folks discuss illustrious black guitarists, we often overlook their role as specialist musicians because our understanding of traditional guitar solos is restricted to white bands like AC/DC.
Yes, exactly. These black musicians we’re talking about should get the same recognition that legends like Keith Richards enjoy. Black guitarists consistently deliver the same high-quality riffs and solos. But they are more jazzy and melodic than a 3-minute shredding solo like traditional rock bands.
Young folks seem to be rediscovering Rage Against the Machine. I especially enjoy watching black people create reaction videos on bands like RATM.
Absolutely! I recently encountered one where the dude stumbles on RATM, and the music blows his mind.
And Tom Morello is a certified maestro in the rock music landscape. He can team up with Zach Wilde, join the Springsteen band, and still deliver. However, people still would not recognize him if he wore a baseball cap and passed you by on the street.
That’s what separated RATM from a lot of their contemporaries. They represented an idea and weren’t interested in projecting themselves out there.
With Morello, I find a distinct similarity with Van Halen. Van Halen’s albums always included a song that catered to the guitar players. And Morello did the same thing on RATM. He always added a new or exciting guitar bit to one of the songs that made listeners truly tune in and try to figure out what he was doing.
At the cusp of my teenage years, my grandparents lived just a block from Franklin in Bronson Canyon. They would ruminate and share their tales of finishing dinner and strolling down Hollywood Boulevard; they would continue their stroll westward toward what is now the TCL Chinese Theatre, formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where they indulged in window shopping. The notion that Hollywood Boulevard was once an enchanting destination for an evening walk struck me with awe, even at my tender age.
The authentic urban charm, nostalgically recalled by some New Yorkers in Times Square, had already found a formidable counterpart in Hollywood Boulevard. For valid reasons, this iconic image of the street resonated strongly with Los Angeles residents. It persisted through the years, despite the emergence of trendy restaurants and hotels nearby, as they attempted to encapsulate contemporary coolness in their guest rooms and rooftop bars. While Angelenos have returned to Hollywood for various aspects of life and leisure, I was intrigued to discover if the same sentiment extended specifically to Hollywood Boulevard. To unravel this, I began by parking in front of my grandparents’ former residence, where my grandfather once swept away the aftermath of passionate coitus left by those cruising the boulevard.
Strolling down Canyon towards Franklin, I intentionally slowed down, taking in the Craftsman-style homes along the street. Many of these residences outshine their more conventional counterparts, featuring second floors and expansive footprints. Meticulous restoration efforts along this stretch evoke a sense of pride akin to a row of elegant wedding cakes neatly arranged on a table. These homes represent another aspect of old Hollywood, where the past gracefully steps forward, rivaling, if not surpassing, the allure of the present.
Franklin Village exudes a tranquil mid-afternoon atmosphere, almost as if the neighborhood is napping before the anticipated evening activity. A handful of late lunchtime patrons still sit at their tables, their meals’ remnants scattered around them. The waitstaff refrains from clearing the aftermath until the diners have vacated. In the mid-afternoon lull, the local newsstand continues to captivate passersby, attracting eyes from the daily planet.
Entering Hollywood Boulevard at Gower, its distant charm is akin to Las Vegas. The Fonda and Pantages marquees, projecting over the sidewalk, catch the eye. The Fonda’s recent plastic marquee update seems more fitting for a suburban movie theater, while the Pantages remains a neon haven, sharing its radiance with The Frolic Room next door. The absence of grandeur is palpable unless tonight’s performing groups stir your excitement.
The original Pantages marquee, now flanked by an ever-changing digital screen, not only promotes the ongoing show but also advertises various town attractions. This distraction can capture the attention of passing motorists, potentially leading to rear-end collisions with similarly preoccupied drivers. Wandering down the boulevard, Vine emerges as a crucial city crossroads. Travelers from the Valley or downtown exit the freeway, descending a gentle roller-coaster hill into Hollywood. Along the way, the Capitol Records building stands tall.
Between Vine and Highland, Hollywood Boulevard takes seven relatively short blocks. While traversing this section, one cannot help but congratulate Musso and Frank on their resilience and imagine a fresh martini from one of the bartenders there. Alternatively, you might be saddened by the state of the Pacific Theater, with its radio towers still proudly piercing the sky above what appears to be an empty building.
On the same block as Musso and Frank sits Jameson’s Irish Pub, where fatigued tourists sit, gazing out at the sidewalk and the boulevard. Their demeanor suggests surrender, as they question how they ended up here. Sipping on a $20 drink, they gaze at a street seemingly devoid of the enchanting fantasies that led them here. To recapture that allure, a movie visit may be the remedy.
Hollywood Boulevard is a must-visit destination for anyone new to Los Angeles, a place you can’t skip. Its reputation for disappointment is now legendary and extensively detailed in every guidebook. Nevertheless, it remains one of the city’s most-traveled pedestrian streets, excluding outdoor malls. The Walk of Fame, with its initial chaotic display of unacknowledged names marred by gum and other unsightly marks, is a compelling reason to visit. I witnessed a young man abruptly braking as he spotted Harrison Ford’s star. He excitedly points his phone at the actor and shares the actor’s name with his waiting friend. They achieve what they came for with the photo—a moment of discovery amongst the numerous dismissed.
Discovering surprises on Hollywood Boulevard proves challenging, with little luck in finding the unexpected. Approaching Vine, the identical souvenir shops stand crowded, enticing even the most resistant visitors to buy T-shirts and shot glasses. As these items are unpacked back home, the wonder at the allure of the past purchases arises.
For the wandering resident, hope remains. At the end of Artisan’s Patio, a passageway off the boulevard, a gem awaits—As the Record Turns. Operating for 34 years, this vinyl record store showcases jazz treasures from Coltrane to Dolphy, as well as a diverse range of music styles. Window shopping thrives, offering hidden delights along the storefronts, from full-size military figures at The Supply Sergeant to Mars-orange and Mercury-blue wigs on aloof model heads on the same block.
Arriving at Hollywood and Highland, the illusion of dressing up fades, marking the opposite end of Hollywood Boulevard. The indoor/outdoor mall features the Dolby Theater and the grand TCL Chinese Theatre, a draw for visitors from Bronson Canyon, particularly those with strollers. Yet, the true marvel is the bamboo art exhibition at Japan House L.A. This anomaly is the day’s highlight—a white-walled art gallery showcasing Japanese artists and crafts. The refined displays evoke perfection, whether in a man’s tie or a cooking utensil. Tanabe Chikuunsai IV’s bamboo artwork steals the spotlight, with tubular shapes freezing in action, spiraling and splashing across the gallery, resembling an alien growth. It’s both breathtaking and stranger than anything on Hollywood Boulevard.
Retreating from the bustling boulevard, I ascend Argyle towards Franklin, hunger unfulfilled, remembering the unassuming pizza joints and desolate chain restaurants I passed. At the corner of a mini-mall, tucked in the shadow of the 101 overpass, lies “For The Win,” a specialist in “smashburgers.” Choosing to forgo the burger, I place an order for fries and a Mexican Coke. Opting for an outdoor table in the parking lot, I divert my attention beyond the commuter traffic, captivated by the golden sunlight on the Hollywood Tower Apartments. A server promptly places a plastic tray before me, presenting the fries and Coke, looking perfectly ordinary. The noteworthy triumph for For The Win lies not in merely matching, but in surpassing McDonald’s in the fry game —a victory for the dreamers. In the future, their story may even become the subject of a cinematic tale.
Hollywood, sun, and summer all have one thing in common: the backyard swimming pool. Iconic, luxurious, and long associated with the good life, the swimming pool has become a symbol of Southern California, even with the hypnotic rhythm of the Pacific Ocean crashing just feet away.
If you want to learn more about the historic popularity of the California pool, browse state statistics, or find out how much it might cost to build your own backyard oasis, discover how you can get in on LA’s booming pool industry today.
The Historical Popularity of Pools in Southern California
Since World War II, Southern California, especially Los Angeles, has gained a reputation for its luxe backyard swimming pool tradition. A focus on the “Good Life” after wartime hardships made private swimming pools a popular pastime, with a booming postwar industry. The rise of the middle class, a renewed interest in consumerism, and an increase in more affordable pool materials, such as gunite, made it possible for the average family to do more than dream about installing their own backyard pool.
Although the area had a history of bathhouses and hotel pools, it was mid-century modern life that propelled in-ground pools in California into enduring popularity.
In fact, the rise of the pool appeal in Los Angeles began previously during the early days of Hollywood. In the 1920s, movie stars such as the Pickfords and Fairbanks, with their Beverly Hills pools, cemented the backyard pool in the popular imagination. Innovative architects like Frank Lloyd Wright also fused pools into their home designs. Within a few decades, in-ground pools had moved out of the realm of the elite and become synonymous with California life.
With Southern California abounding in pools by the 1960s, it’s no surprise that the area around the San Fernando Valley became known as the “swimming pool capital of the world.” From kidney designs to freeform shapes to other evolutions in architectural design and celebrity associations, the backyard pool and associated pool parties acquired their own recreational habitat and social significance.
With its history as a city of sun and air, the Los Angeles backyard pool became a private sanctuary, a personal park, and a family playground for the rich and famous, a place to retreat from the world and the scrutiny and dreariness of shared public spaces.
Since the heyday of the Silver Screen, the popularity of Southern California pools has not decreased, and today, California has more pools than almost any other state in America.
Here’s How Many New Pools Are Built in California Each Year
The number of new pools that are being built each year might surprise you. While Florida currently leads the way in new pool construction statistics, California follows closely in second place.
According to California Public Radio, California has some of the most swimming pools in the United States. As of 2025, California has 1,343,000 swimming pools. Experts expect this number to increase by 2030, despite new environmental standards. On average, 15,000 new pools are installed in California every year. It should come as no surprise that, as pool construction continues to boom, so do the service businesses that maintain the Los Angeles oases. Whether it is Pop’s Pool Service cruising in their pink trucks or the one-man show pool guy, everyone is clamoring to grab a piece of the Los Angeles pool service business that brings new clients year after year.
Residential in-ground pools are also being built at a faster rate than public or commercial pools or residential above-ground pools. It’s not hard to see why. In-ground pools have a sleek, aesthetic, and lifestyle appeal, offer greater durability, longevity, and versatility than above-ground pools with their shallow and deep-end options, enhance property value, and can serve as a permanent focal point in a backyard landscape.
Average Cost to Build a New Pool in Los Angeles
Wondering how much the average in-ground pool could set you back if you live in Los Angeles this year? Since pools are customizable, this number can vary based on several different factors.
If you want to build your own custom in-ground swimming pool in the City of Angels, you can expect to invest anywhere between $85,000-$150,000 on the project. Keep in mind that this range is just an estimate, since a luxury pool, especially one combined with a customized outdoor space, could cost $400,000 or more. It all depends on the site preparation, customization, features, materials, add-ons, and size of the pool you plan to install.
To help give you a better idea of what it costs to construct an in-ground pool in your area, it’s important to remember that larger pools set you back more, and concrete pools typically fetch a higher price tag than vinyl or fiberglass.
For example, a basic, medium-sized pool measuring 14 feet by 30 feet can average around $45,000, while a larger, 20 by 40-foot high-end pool with various features can land between $70,000 and $90,000, with walls, fences, and landscaping adding $125,000 or more. Custom pools, in general, range from $120,000-$160,000 even without any upscale custom features.
What your site requires to install an in-ground pool can also increase costs, with demolition, deep excavation, or extra grading factoring into the main preparation costs. Sloping backyards may require extra work or a retaining wall to level the site and make it secure. Interior finishes such as pebble, plaster, ceramic, quartz, or mosaic tiles can also affect the price, with mosaics costing more than usual ceramic tiles.
If you happen to live in a more affluent area of the city, these zip codes will reflect higher pool installation prices. In addition, anything necessary, such as permits or extras like lighting, heated pools, waterfalls, spas, fences, or automatic covers, can add to the final price. Want a customized landscape, a unique design, or extra safety features? Check with your contractor to determine how much this can boost your overall project cost.
Whether you’re looking for a high-end backyard pool experience or want to invest in a more wallet-friendly pool style, the right pool company can tailor your investment to match your budget, requirements, and style and increase property value for years to come.
