Michaela's Blog: No Kidding
7:19 AM July 21, 2008
My friends in San Francisco thought me crazy when I told them I was taking a job in Los Angeles. They, like many others underestimate Southern California. Those of you who grew up here likely know that those from "away" both envy SoCal it's delicious climate, yet often look down their nose at some of the other supposed qualities of this area; ideas based largely on Hollywood films, and reality TV. Basically, how the rest of the world sees us, is very different from what really goes on here.
Duh!
OK, so file that one under No Kidding.
Indulge me for a second.
I've lived here just over four years now, and soon after my arrival I learned to throw that flawed definition of LA out the door, as I learned about the incredible vastness, variety and diversity this area boasts.
This week I was further reminded about the multi-faceted nature of the place I am proud to have made my new home. Here's a sampling:
- driving through a working class neighborhood, its streets lined with large trees, their size a nod to the age of the neighborhood. Kids riding bikes, a couple of them on scooters. Kids out for the summer, not having any difficulty finding things to keep them busy on a hot Southland afternoon. I'm in no rush, enjoying the ride. I pass one tidy white bungalow. On the front lawn, a group of teens practice the choreographed dance for what I assume is an upcoming Quincenera. A watchful parent stands by keeping time and calling instructions as the group move together in unison. The kids seem committed to the effort. Although, it's hard to see if eyes are rolling as I cruise by at 30 mph.
- another neighborhood. This one less busy. Fewer kids and bikes and trikes. But on this street, I pause. A makeshift memorial has been put up for a beloved pet. One can tell by the notes and cards left, that this was a dog known and loved by the neighborhood. I too have seen this dog, lazily enjoying the shade of a big tree, only raising his head to acknowledge that you have walked by.
- Saturday night, me and several thousand of my now closest friends descend upon the Colorado Bridge for Pasadena's annual Bridge Bash. They've been doing this for over 20 years. And let me tell you, if you ever feel like there's no such thing as that warm, neighborly feel left in this enormous metropolis, check this party out. My friends and I strolled the bridge, tasting all sorts of scrumptious treats, listening to local musicians and rubbing shoulders with locals who I swore all knew each other. It all had an air of a big ol' block party. Cool.
- Sunday , I drove out to a friends house and found myself taking the 210 Freeway near Tujunga and Lake View Terrace. Man that area is beautiful. Sprawling meadows and ranches and what I bet are beautiful sunsets.
Alright enough waxing poetic. I just was overcome with how interesting it is to live in this area. How around every corner there is something new to discover ... and I had to blog about it. Southern California rocks.
As I said, file this one under No Kidding.
Posted by Michaela Pereira | Permalink | Comments (18) | TrackBack (0)
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my goodness, I sure does hope yours Inglish and Grammer teacher doesn't read this post. It just is all fulls of mistakes. I guiss Canada must has the same "No Child Left Behind" motto that we has in the US of A. I hopes you doesn't have a degrees in Jornalism.
You and Sam seriously need to start proof reading your blogs or hire someone to do it for you - these are horrendous!
Posted by: Anoni | July 21, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Hey Michaela,
I moved to Southern California the same time you did. I'm a Northern Californian (Marin County), born and raised, always wanted to make the move south. My husband's job, finally, brought us here. We live in Marina del Rey and I just wanted to let you know that we love it here too. Southern California does have a bad reputation, but hey, maybe that'll keep some people away, we have enough as it is! Keep the blog's coming cuz it's always heartfelt, I feel like I know you. I watch you and the gang every day. Thank you,
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | July 21, 2008 at 10:14 AM
"Saturday night, me and several thousand of my now closest friends
descend upon the Colorado Bridge for Pasadena's annual Bridge Bash."
I could be wrong, but I would have written;
"Saturday night, several thousand of my now closest friends AND I DESCENDED upon the Colorado Bridge for Pasadena's annual Bridge Bash."
"- another neighborhood. This one less busy. Fewer kids and bikes and trikes. But on this street, I pause."
Again, I could be wrong but I was always taught NEVER START A SENTENCE WITH "BUT"...not to mention the fragmented sentences.
I'd love for an English Major to respond to this blog - just to let me know if I'm the one that's crazy or not!
Posted by: Never Single | July 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Come on, people! This is a BLOG! Not an English class. Give Michaela credit for even writing a blog after all the crap that's been written about her. Even though I don't watch any more, I do keep up with the blogs and some of the postings are quite disturbing. Makes you wonder what kind of a person is that who writes those kinds of things. Anyway, unless you are an English teacher and are correcting your class, keep it to yourself!
Posted by: Betty | July 21, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Hello Michaela first off, Welcome to Our corner of the country! My Wife and I were regular viewers of Tech Tv with you Leo And the crew. Though I personally miss Tech Tv, We are very happy to have you with us each morning.
That being said , Next time you find yourself coming to the Sunland-Tujunga Area Feel Free to give us a call and come by.
You have been an welcome addition to KTLA as far as we are concerned. Keep Up the FINE work.
Posted by: M.G. MOORE | July 21, 2008 at 02:57 PM
I'm with Betty, guys. Lay off the proofreading critique! This blog is an informal way for our faves (or I guess for some of you, not-so-faves) from KTLA to share a bit about themselves outside of the television set. Give them a break!
Michaela and the gang, I appreciate that you spend the time to share your personal thoughts with us viewers via the blog. (Maybe I should say I appreciate that you're BRAVE enough to do so!) Keep it up. There are a lot of viewers who've given up, but I'm not one of them. Thanks for brightening my mornings with the show and my days with new blog posts!
Posted by: Rivers | July 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM
With all the issues going on in this city, state and county. This is what you blog about? How multifaceted nature of the So Cal is. Frank and Eric blog about real issues and problems. You blog about fluff. You really are an air head. No kidding.
Posted by: Mean Tristan | July 21, 2008 at 08:00 PM
You're so right, Micheala, southern California has a lot to offer in weather, diverse communities and the fantastic people who live here.
Sometimes I sit in my home office with the window open and listen to the sounds of summer - the splash of water, giggling, the shouts of Marco Polo, music, clink of dishes, smell of bbq hot dogs, burgers and other exotic foods. If we're not the one's partying it's still enjoyable knowing others are having fun under the California sunshine.
Thanks for sharing your weekend.
Posted by: jozielee | July 21, 2008 at 08:42 PM
It's airheads like you driving around wasting gas that cause the price's to be so high. I would rather see the baboon that Gail worked with a couple of weeks ago at your spot on the desk. It had much better manners. The other airhead Jessica doing the review of The Dark Knight and not even going to see it. Was see too young to get in or to dumb a couldn't find a spot to see it. More waste of air time for KTLoser.
Posted by: Rick | July 21, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Hey Michaela,
Since you work at a news station, but seem to pay no attention to what stories are going on I am giving you some ideas for future blogs.
1) Los Angeles food banks running low on food.
2) Pets being turned in to shelters at an alarming rate.
3) Cities forcing homeless out to areas out of reach of social services.
4) Health care
5) Crime targeting the elderly
6) Kids not safe in there own yards.
These are just a few things you could talk about. Your blog doesn't ALWAYS have to be about you and your friends. You say you love it here, show it by doing something that is useful. So Cal is not the bed of roses you think it is.
Posted by: Mean Tristan | July 21, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Yes, how DARE Michaela find enjoyment in living in the Southland.
Mean Tristan, perhaps you should move elsewhere - it would likely be safer and more affordable.
There must be something keeping you here.
That's not saying there's nothing wrong with the LA area, but there are also wonderful things that keep people moving to and visiting the area; perhaps you should take a step back and remember why you ARE here.
Posted by: Bill | July 21, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Rick,
It doesn't surprise me that Jennifer would do a review of a film without seeing it. Looking at Sam's reviews, I don't think he sees half the films he reviews. But credibility is something that KTLA threw out back in March.
Posted by: Paul | July 22, 2008 at 05:35 AM
These blogs aren't suppose to be news stories. They are opinions and ideas of living in Los Angeles. Nice to hear Michaela slowing down and tuning in the small fine things of life that many people take for granted. As far as spelling, I know I have made numerous errors blogging. There is no edit on this site and too bad if it spoils your day by seeing SUM MISSSPILLING.
Posted by: George the Rat | July 22, 2008 at 05:09 PM
FYI: If you download a free browser from Apple, I believe it comes with Itunes - called "Safari", you can have spell check for your blogging comments! Just a suggestion for anyone interested. I got it free when I bought my IPod and downloaded ITunes!
Posted by: Dan | July 22, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Michaela,
You R-O-C-K!
=)
Posted by: Dani (the girl) | July 22, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Well George the Rat,
Maybe you should tell Eric and Frank what these blogs are really for. It was better when Michaela didn't blog, than the fluff she posts. The way I see it. KTLA started to go down hill when she came on board. From the Rose parade to the 9:00 show she leads.
One disaster after another at KTLA and she's been in the middle of it. Now we have lost two wonderful long time reporters. And look what they keep. That poster girl for Attention Deficit Disorder Jessica and the diva herself Michaela. You can love her, I don't. KTLA wants to clean house they should start with these two. That would improve things 100% IMO.
Posted by: Mean Tristan | July 23, 2008 at 05:30 AM
Hey Michaela,
I kinda know what you mean. I live here in Pasadena, and after my retirement of 21yrs in the Navy and re-adjusting to cilivian life its a whole crazy feeling. Growing up in the "hood" and seeing it changed from the "hood" I used to know.
Hell, even the gym I attend to the area is changed. Once an area where I dreaded to go to when I was a kid. Now I, have no problem, going there, and getting my work out on!!
So I hear whatcha say girl!! :)
On a side note... Since retiring from the navy as a fighter pilot, I have now secured a job with Fed-Ex flying Dc-10's and 727's. Iwill be starting that job very soon!!
Posted by: Jerald | July 23, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Dear Michaela,
the Plant you were showing this morning was a Butterfly Bush (Buddleja). It's blooms attract butterflys and hummngbirds and blooms this time of year. I live in the San Bernardino Mountains and have about 10 of these bushes in many colors. A Hyacinth which was mentioned is a buld that blooms in the spring.
Posted by: Mary Wiliamson | August 06, 2008 at 07:59 AM