More Historical Places-Balboa and Balboa Inn

The "Balboa" got its name from the coastal Balboa Peninsula at Newport Beach, CA.  People from the Los Angeles area who'd seen it started referring to it as "The Balboa" or the dance being done in Balboa.  Many dance historians state that the dance was a derivation of the foxtrot, others believe it evolved from the Charleston or Collegiate Shag.  Willie Desatof an original Balboa dancer of great distinction believes it evolved from the rhumba.  Balboa is an 8 count dance so a connection with other 8 count dances would be consistent. 

The Balboa Inn was built in 1929.  In its day was the number one hostelry on the Orange County Coast and today "Balboa Inn The Resort is one of the most popular resorts on the West Coast.  The Inn has been remodeled and modernized a number of times.  The Spanish architecture remains virually unchanged.  At one time the Balboa Theater, operated by Madame La Rue, stood next to the Balboa Inn. 

The pictures are of statues at the Inn. 

Historic Places in Orange County, CA

Lewis Ainsworth house located at 414 E. Chapman Avenue in Orange, CA.  This house is a resotred American Craftsman style home that was designed by Ina Ainsworth Butler, daughter of the Ainsworth's as a retirement home for Lewis and Persis Ainsworth.  The house was purchased by the city of Orange in 1976 and is currently a museum. 

Lewis Ainsworth lived from 1829-1914.  He married Persis Bartholomew and their honeymoon was a trip to Jacksonville, Oregon from Iowa via wagon and oxen.  They stayed in Jacksonville for a couple of years and then moved to Shasta, CA and then to Orange, CA, where Mr. Aisnworth was a prominent businessman in Orange until the early 1900's. 

Note cards

I am making note cards of some of my pictures.  If anyone is interested in purchasing any of the notecards let me know and I will let you know the cost.  I have attached the picture.  If there is any other picture that you would like me to make a note card, let me know. 

Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana

Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana was founded on September 8, 1797, which is the Feast of the birth of Mary, by Padre Fermin Francisco de Lasuen.  The mission is name for St Ferdinand, King of Spain.  The mission is #17 of 21 missions. 

The location of the mission is in the middle of the trangle formed by Interstate 5, 405 and the Simi Valley Freeway(118).  The addressis 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd, San Fernando, cA.  The phone number is 818-361-0186 and the hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

The settlement is lcoated on the former Encino Rancho in Mission Hills community, north of Los Angeles.  The site is near the first gold discovery in Alta California. 

The church became a working church again in 1923 and the mission was finally restored in the 1940's due to a large gift of money from the Hearst Foundation.  In 1971, a large earthquake damages the church which had to be completely rebuilt.  The church was rebuilt in 1974.  In 2003, Bob Hope was buried in the bob Hope Memorial Gardens. 

Information for this blog was taken from Wikipedia and missiontour.org

Mountain to Sea Trail

Mountain to Sea Trail is a 22-mile trail that you can bike, ride a horse or bike, rollerblade or walk.  The trail begins in Weir Canyon and ends at Upper Newport Bay.   have walked part of the Back Bay Loop.  In 2000, the bluffs were dedicated as Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and includes approximately 140 acres of open space which surround the 750 acres Ecological Reserve.  Some of the info in this blog was obtained from the Irvine Company.  The Bay is home to nearly 200 species of birds.  Back Bay Loop Trail is 10.5 miles around. 

Paley Center-Debbie Reynolds-The Auction-1

Paley Center-Debbie Reynolds-The Auction-1, a photo by Gypsy Mom on Flickr.

San Diego Zoo

A fun place to go and see lots of animals, birds and plants.  During the summer the Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Adult admission is $40.00.  We decided to become a member and we get in for free to the zoo and the Safari Park, which is located near Escondido.  There is a lot of walking, but they do have a bus that will take you around as well.  The zoo is located in Balboa Park, which has several museums.  Balboa Park is very large and well worth the visit.  There are places to eat at the zoo.  The zoo is having a Chinese exhibition this summer. 

Los Rios Historic District

The Los Rios Historic District is a place I have been to a number of times and always enjoy.  This is the oldest neighborhood in California and sides the train depot in San Juan Capistrano and is within walking distance of the Mission San Juan Capistrano.  There are 40 homes in the district.  Many of the homes are businesses, as well as where people live.  Three original adobe structures exist as well.  I have been to the Tea House on Los Rios, as well as a restaurant and coffee house on the street.  There is also a Petting Zoo in the district.  Recently I saw Huell Howser do one of his programs from the train depot and Los Rios Historic District. 

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

On June 1, 2010, Mari and I decided to take a walk on the truck trail that is next to Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, plus explore the Wildlife Sanctuary.  My pictures are attached.  We hiked part of the way up the trail, as it is mainly uphill.  On the way back down, I was in front and I looked in front of me and saw a snake.  I said to Mari, "is that what I think it is"  and she said yes.  I told her, she could go first.  I am such a good mom!  LOL!  I walked behind her and lost my footing and the next thing I remember I was flat on the ground.  When I got up, I was not feeling the best.  Mari was very supportive as usual and we got to the car and drove home.  The next day, I was very sore! 

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary is a 12-acre nature preserve located in Modjeska Canyon.  It is free and is owned and operated by CSUF.  The facilities include a small natural history museum, two ponds, a bird observation porch and feeder, patio and picnic areas, amphitheater, hiking trails, gift shop, restrooms and parking lot.