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Looks like a visit to the Pyrenees may be ahead for the jurors in the Spector trial -- Phil Spector's Pyrenees Castle, that is. The defense wants all 12 jurors (and 6 alternates) to come and see the room where Lana Clarkson died. But getting them there is complicated -- the judge will also come along, and the court reporter, and sheriffs deputies, not to mention the lawyers for both sides. If all the details can be arranged.
The house sits behind a high wall and tall gates in the suburb of Alhambra, surrounded by single-family homes. Spector's, which would be the grandest of the bunch even if it didn't have the pretentious name and high gates, has 8 bedrooms, 10 baths and is 8,686 square feet. Zillow estimates its value at $3.1 million. But it's only a few blocks away from busy Valley Boulevard, where it's easy to buy a pizza, get a new windshield or spend the night at a low-rent motel (or even do all three).
Neighbors told LAist that they've been warned the trial will descend on their block soon. They've been instructed to carry ID with proof of residence to be able to make it through whatever barriers will be in place. While this might make some people cranky, they were awfully nice to us, and wanted to gossip about the trial. What happened that night? Did he do it?
Since Phil Spector got out on bail, the music producer has been living in his house, which is, as you know, where Lana Clarkson died. Let's hope what with all that square footage, it's got another entrance or two. Because four years of comings and going through the (pick one) murder/suicide scene would give us the creeps.
photo by Carolyn Kellogg
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Looking in the mirror every day and realizing that you are Phil Spector would give me the creeps. Since he's able to do that... he's probably able to walk over whatever crime scene(s) exist in his "castle."
The "Pyrenees Castle" was built in 1926 by farmer and sheep rancher Sylvester Dupuy.
I first discovered it several years ago, when I followed the northbound 710 freeway to its terminus in the city of Alhambra.
Turning east on Valley Blvd., I noticed a hilltop crowned by a magnificent stand of Deodar cedars. My explorations of historic Los Angeles have led me to regard such trees as potential harbingers of assorted historic curiosities.
So when I came to a road named "Grand View Drive" that appeared to lead to the hilltop, I went up the hill to see what was there.
I confess I was a bit surprised when I came upon the sign reading "Phil Spector's Pyrenees Castle." (This was some time prior to Mr. Spector's current notoriety.) It seemed an odd location for one of LA's most successful record producers.
The City of Alhambra's website has a nice period photo of the castle on the hilltop shortly after it was built, before it was obscured by the fast-growing Deodars that Dupuy planted, as well as a reprint of an article about the castle's history, and some personal recollections of the castle by Alhambra resident Fame Rybicki.
-- LA MapNerd
OMG, can you spell bias?
This judge in the Phil Spector's case is so bias!
Poor Nicole Spector wanted to speak about her father but the judge made her just answer right handed.
BUT lets the prosecutors whiteness go on about jack!
Do any of you really think this judge will let the jury see Phil's home? The judge will say it is staged but the reality is, Phil's home is beautiful and very well done and taken care of. Also think of how many wonderful well known actresses are NOT working but her agent kept her as a client even for the commission on a $750 shoot. He sure did not impress me nor was he honest! What was he going to say? We keep as many people in our agency, never know when they can make you a dime. Please, if you have not made it in your early 20's you are not going any place.
My agent did the same thing to me but I have brains and went on with my life. Lana's video puts down black people. Yes she was pretty but most of us are. Also she was asking to borrow money to pay her rent but did not stop having her porcelain nails done! Priorities were sure messed up! Yes, I do feel sorry for Lana's mother Donna but instead of shopping all the time with Lana how about paying part of your daughters rent or be honest with your daughter and tell her you don't go home with any men you don't even know duh. Sorry but this sounds like fantasy land. What a way to get your 15 minutes of fame on Phil Spector's life! Phil is a great man and I will always call him my friend.
Joyce Danelen at yahoo dot com
google
Thank you for all of your supporting emails.
Lana, rest in peace and let's stop waisting time and money on cases that will never be won.
Phil Spector, is innocent!