There are so many parts of L.A. that we never get to see because we’re all stuck in our cars. So let’s shake things up a bit. LAist is launching a new series — LAist City Treks — and it’s all about exploring L.A.'s hidden gems on easy hikes and walks.
Why it matters: Remember during the pandemic when we were all itching to get back outside? Well, this new series channels that energy into checking out easy walks and hikes. This series will take you to the unexpected parts of L.A. that you typically just drive on by, or might otherwise miss in sprawling SoCal. Expect a bit of history, a bit of culture, and a whole lot of fun. And did we mention these walks are aimed at beginners (although you can always add on time and distance if you want more).
Why now: The first trek takes us across the structure dubbed the Park To Playa Bridge. This bridge was the last missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle to connect enough parkland and trails so that ambitious hikers — like you — could one day trek all the way from the Crenshaw area down to the Pacific Ocean. The bridge opened during the pandemic, without much fanfare. So this is your invitation to check it out as we explore a small, 3-mile section of the overall trail. You'll be rewarded with sweeping views at the top. And, if it's a clear day, you can see the Hollywood sign.
The guide: If you love walking, and you live in L.A., then you probably have a copy of the popular walking bible known as 10,000 Steps A Day In LA. The author, Paul Haddad, is now taking LAist readers on a new adventure with city treks around L.A. and SoCal.
Welcome to LAist City Treks, a series of easy hikes and walks that will helps you explore the parts of Los Angeles and SoCal that we rarely get to see — or only see through the car window. Expect to get about 5K steps, and plenty of photos for your social media channels. Keep scrolling, because you'll also find three recommendations for grabbing a quick bite to eat once you're finished.
Where are we headed?
We're heading to spectacular city views as we walk across the Park to Playa Bridge and make our way to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. If it's a clear day, you can even take in the Hollywood sign. And if you're feeling up to the challenge, check out as many of the Culver City Stairs — 282 steps in all — as you dare. Tag us on social media @LAistOfficial and #LAistTreks
Why now?
You can't get lost on this trail because it's all fenced in. But you'll still feel like you're getting away from it all in the middle of the city.
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This hike explores a scenic, three-mile stretch of the Park to Playa Trail. The full Park to Playa Trail spans over 10 miles, from the Baldwin Hills Parklands down to the Pacific Ocean. The trail was years in making, as cities and communities pieced the necessary land together like a jigsaw puzzle. The big missing piece was a bridge spanning busy La Cienega Boulevard. The bridge finally opened during the pandemic, but it remains unfamiliar to many.
So go now, before the summer heat becomes an issue, and check it out. The Park to Playa trail has six segments: You could also plan do do little pieces of it over several weekends, and then you'll have Park To Playa bragging rights.
Quickly, what can I expect?
Route conditions: Rolling terrain, mix of pavement and dirt trails
Difficulty: 3 out of 5, with 5 being the hardest (most of the route is easy, but there is one brief, challenging stretch
Distance: About 3 miles, with the option to add on distance (and stairs!) at the top
Dog friendly: Kinda — leashed dogs are allowed on the trail, but technically not the overlook. However, leashed dogs can be seen everywhere
Costs/Parking: Parking is free during the week, $7 per car on weekends. There is also a 25-cent shuttle service option on weekends
Trailhead bathroom: Yes. There are also bathrooms at the Stoneview Nature Center (closed Mondays) and at the turn around point.
Map it!
Want to take this map with you?
Click here and then select "Send directions to your phone." NOTE: The Google Maps directions send you up a steep hill to get to the bridge. We'd rather avoid that. So we recommend you park at the Doris Japanese Garden entrance and then follow our directions outlined here to get to the lower parking lot. It's a much friendlier path. Once you are at the bridge, the Google Maps directions will work just fine.
OK, let's get started...
Entrance to the Doris Japanese Garden at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
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On either side of the entrance, you'll find ornate carved lions... or is that a dragon? Either way, pay your respects.
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The fenced in koi pond is a bit weathered. But still pretty to look at.
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The turtles seem to hid in plain sight here.
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Choose the center path as you walk into the Japanese garden. You want to walk so that the koi pond is on your immediate left. (If you choose the wrong path, you could be in for a very steep hill.)
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If you stick to the center path, and keep the koi pond on your immediate left, this trail should soon come into view. See that yellow metal pole up ahead? That's your sign you're on the correct path.
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A few more steps, and look to your left: You'll see the lower parking lot, and the bridge that we're about to walk over. You might be wondering — couldn't I have just parked here? But this parking lot is not always open. In the future, though, look for its entrance immediately to the left as you are entering the park. It's a narrow, one-way road. And if the gate is open, you are free to head on in, according to park officials.
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Enter the Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area entrance at 4100 S. La Cienega Boulevard in Baldwin Hills and make your first left into a parking lot. From there, you'll travel back through two parking lots — almost as if you are heading back to La Cienega — until you hit a cul-de-sac and see the distinctive red entrance to the Doris Japanese Garden. You'll park here, and then venture through the gate, stopping to say hello to the ornate carved lions on either side. The garden here is a little weathered and worn, but you can still enjoy the koi, the turtles, squirrels, ducks and other wildlife that make their homes here.
Upon entering, choose the center path so that you keep the koi pond on your immediate left as you walk on by it. Keep on this path, and, as you can see in the photos above, you'll see a yellow metal pole up ahead — that means you're in the right place. A few more steps and the lower parking lot, and the bridge, will soon come into view on your left. (This path is all so new that you won't even find it yet on the park's own maps! And if you don't stick to the right path, you could end up on a nearby trail that has a grueling 12% grade.) Continue on the path as bends and curves down into the lower parking lot, and the eastern end of the bridge.
Here, the hike begins in earnest.
What's with that name?
This covered bridge honors the person who helped create it.
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This isn't just for looks. It's a critical crossway for critters dodging cars.
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This is probably where you'll do a doubletake: The optics of a convicted felon’s name engraved into the steel truss of this bridge may seem surprising, but there’s no denying that Mark Ridley-Thomas helped create more open space in South L.A. as a member of the county board of supervisors.
As you walk over the bridge, the beds of native landscaping to your right aren’t just for show; they offer safe passage for the park’s critters to cross over bustling La Cienega Boulevard. After you step off the bridge, you'll follow the fenced trail as it begins to gently zig and zag its way up the hillside.
Watch out for art work
This is L.A., and so you're never too far from creativity, even on the trails. About 500 feet past the bridge you’ll find one of a half-dozen “Citizen Seeds” sculptures created by artist Kim Abeles. The installation calls attention to the area’s biodiversity and history.
Keep walking, enjoying the twists and turns of the road as you continue a gradual climb.
Detour at the Stoneview Nature Center
A few more hundred feet on your right is the Stoneview Nature Center. Completed in 2017, the county-run complex is a model of adaptive land use, sitting as it does on an abandoned oil mine. Amble along a well-curated trail that takes you past meditative gardens, compost stations, a labyrinth, even a “bee hotel.” There are many classes held here, such as cooking and art creation for kids, yoga in the shade for adults. (You can also drive directly to the center.)
The entrance to the Stoneview Nature Center, which is definitely worth exploring.
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Raised garden beds are just once place where visitors here can learn about raising their own food and native plants.
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Shhhh! It's yoga time on the weekends under the trees here. Extra umbrellas also provide some shade.
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Cooking and arts classes are held here, too.
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There are many places to have a picnic in this area.
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If you like to garden, you'll find plenty of resources here.
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On a breezy day, you can hear the gentle sounds of the wind chimes here, made from kitchen and gardening tools.
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Plan ahead, and find your secret spot to break out a picnic. If the breeze is just right, you just might be serenaded by the soothing sound of metal music. I’m talking, of course, about the two unique wind chimes in the nature center's avocado and orange groves. Designed by the art collective Fallen Fruit, the chimes are made up of discarded kitchen utensils and cookware donated by neighbors.
What's this mural in the middle?
The Lavendar Chiveevi mural. It is a dedication to the land, and its people.
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Exit Stoneview and make a right, continuing on your walk. You'll soon come up on Lavender Chiveeví, a Los Angeles County commissioned mural that honors the biodiversity of the plants found in the area, the surrounding community and roads, and the indigenous people who once called the area home.
Active oil pumpjacks can be seen in the distance, part of the Inglewood Oil Field. The trail will dip once more before it begins a climb of 200 feet over the next half-mile.
Don’t worry, you got this! Just take your time.
Along the way, take an opportunity to pause and turn. At several points, you can enjoy the blissful feeling of seeing nature all around, and barely any signs of "civilization" beyond a glimpse of some power lines and the whirring of traffic in the distance.
Final push to the top
Make your way to the top, and you'll find it's always busy with people getting in a workout or just enjoying the sweeping views. When it's a clear day, you can make out the Hollywood sign.
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The trail will lead you to the edge of the parking lot at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Outlook. Walk all the way through the parking lot, and just before you hit the street on the other side — Hetzler Road — take a right and walk into the outlook area. This spot is almost always busy with people walking dogs, working out and chatting with friends.
Walk past the bathrooms and events area and begin making your way to the left, along a new series of fenced trails, and head to the outer edge and outlook. You'll know you're going in right direction when you hear lots of voices. Follow the voices.
You'll then walk out into an opening and all your hard work will be rewarded with sweeping cities views.
The turnaround point
The famed Culver City Stairs are no joke. There are 282 steps in all.
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Now, you have a decision to make: Turn back, or explore the Culver City Stairs and the trail that zig zags around it. Just remember, what goes down, must come up, and these stairs are no joke. Also fun: Just watching others navigating the stairs while you enjoy the vistas before you including the Hollywood sign, DTLA, and more.
When you're ready, make your way back the way you came, back down the trail, across the bridge, and back up past the koi pond to your parking spot.
No one gives you side eye for ordering a taco on a fresh flour tortilla (instead of corn) at Loqui. There are also plenty of bowls with the protein of your choice served with rice, beans and man options for vegetarians. They also have extra sides of protein (shrimp, chicken, etc.) for those watching the carbs. And chips and quac for those who are not.
Step back into the year 1958, slide into a red booth, admire the Googie architecture and enjoy some classic diner fare at Pann's, such as eggs and buttermilk biscuits, hot cakes, and country fried steaks, milkshakes, burgers and more.
Location: 6710 LaTijera Blvd., Los Angeles Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If it's a Saturday or Sunday, and you're not too grimy from the hike, head to Post & Beam for their weekend brunch. They're known for Southern food with a California twist, such as shrimp and grits and fried chicken and waffles and pecan pie French toast. Plant based and gluten free options, too.
Location: 7367 Santa Rosalia Drive, Los Angeles Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where to next?
Any suggestions for great hikes in and around L.A.? Don't keep it to yourself! Let us know, and we might check them out for a future story.
Friday's nationwide ground stop started when a contractor updated old Federal Aviation Administration telecommunication lines, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Saturday.
Why it matters: Tens of thousands of passengers across the U.S. are still stranded Saturday after the rare ground stop. Bryan Bedford, the FAA administrator who joined Duffy at Saturday's media briefing, said schedule problems should be resolved by Sunday evening.
What happened: L3Harris, a long time contractor for the FAA, was doing routine maintenance in at least one remote location changing copper wire to fiber optics, Duffy said. "When I tell you that we're using old equipment, we're using old equipment," he said. He said the FAA is still investigating the exact error that started flooding other routers in the air traffic control system, and if L3Harris was at all responsible.
Updated November 14, 2026 at 13:52 PM ET
WASHINGTON— Friday's nationwide ground stop started when a contractor updated old Federal Aviation Administration telecommunication lines, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Saturday.
Tens of thousands of passengers across the U.S. are still stranded Saturday after the rare ground stop. Bryan Bedford, the FAA administrator who joined Duffy at Saturday's media briefing, said schedule problems should be resolved by Sunday evening.
Nearly 25,000 flights were delayed, and over 9,000 were cancelled on Friday, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking site. The disruption seeped into Saturday morning with more than 4,000 cancellations recorded, which is 18% of flights departing the U.S., according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company.
L3Harris, a long time contractor for the FAA, was doing routine maintenance in at least one remote location changing copper wire to fiber optics, Duffy said. "When I tell you that we're using old equipment, we're using old equipment," he said.
He said the FAA is still investigating the exact error that started flooding other routers in the air traffic control system, and if L3Harris was at all responsible.
"It's pretty straightforward work that we were doing yesterday at, again, a very remote location. So what we're working to determine was whether we had incompetence, meaning was it user error, installator error from L3Harris, or did they install a faulty router?"
L3Harris did not immediately respond to NPR's request for comment.
These updates have been happening in American institutions for decades, Duffy said.
"Virtually every single institution in America has gone from copper to fiber, from analog to digital," Duffy said. "Just maybe the FAA is the last one to be doing this work because the investments haven't been made, but this is not complicated."
Bedford said there was no evidence of anything nefarious happening or any AI-related issues.
Since his time in office, Duffy said he's been asking Congress for money to make more upgrades. In July 2025, Congress approved $12.5 billion to modernize the nation's aging air traffic control system.
With that money, 70% of copper communications have been replaced to high-speed fiber, Bedford said. Duffy called the innovations and the need for more a "bipartisan moment."
"This is the moment, if we don't start to switch out our systems, when, how long are we going to wait, America, and Congress?" Duffy asked.
Thousands of passengers miss flights
Passengers wait at boarding gates at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, DC on November 13, 2026.
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For about four hours on Friday, thousands of flights at U.S. airports were grounded in one of the biggest disruptions of the nation's air travel system since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
The aviation system is back online and slowly returning to normal Saturday morning, but delays and cancellations will continue, Duffy said. Bedford said all passengers will be put on new flights or they'll get a full refund, but that people should reach out to their airlines directly.
Flight boards at airports across the country Saturday morning continued to be riddled with red cancelled marks. At Tampa International Airport in Florida, people in the main terminal area before security curled up in chairs to grab a wink of sleep.
On Friday night, a flight board at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in D.C. showed dozens of flights delayed into the early morning hours or cancelled.
Passengers Erin and Jake Britt spent half the day at the airport in D.C. on Friday. Their plane to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. boarded at 3 p.m. By 5:30 p.m., they were getting off the plane — but they were still in D.C.
"Overall, our plane was definitely annoyed, but reasonable," Erin Britt said, as the couple left the airport at 8 p.m. "People being upset and asking like, 'Well, how are you not prepared for this?' And it was like, 'Well, no one was prepared.'"
She said neither the pilot nor flight attendants had any more information than passengers."They seem just as in the dark," she said.
The pair decided to cancel their weekend trip, but the night didn't end there. They spent over nine hours overnight waiting on the JetBlue customer service call line to be reimbursed. "I was setting alarms in 20 minute intervals in case I fell asleep," Erin Britt said.
For people who had events or plans over the weekend – the delay added an extra layer of stress. Joe Romano and Maddie Cabana had a cruise leaving Orlando, Fla. Saturday afternoon.
"It was a big eye roll. I mean, I travel a lot for work already, so I'm constantly dealing with flight delays," Romano said. "When this happened, I was just like, 'Of course, it always happens to me.'"
"Just rather inconvenient and frustrating," Cabana added, as the pair contemplated checking their bags or going home. They even thought about driving to Florida. "Hopefully, everything will be fine. It'll all work out. It always does."
And it did— eventually. After their JetBlue flight was ultimately cancelled, they quickly booked another one on Southwest Airlines and made it early Saturday morning.
Others, like Suze DiPietro decided flying wasn't worth it anymore. Her husband drove about four hours down from Ocean City, New Jersey to pick her up in D.C. Luckily, they had friends in the area where they spent the night.
"My husband, my hero, is driving down from New Jersey to come get me," DiPietro said.
Other alternatives included people switching to Amtrak trains as they struggled to get to their destination. Although, even Amtrak's system had a brief outage Friday night.
This was only the second nationwide ground stop since September 11, 2001. The U.S. last issued a ground stop of this scale in 2023, when all U.S. airports were shut down due to an outage in the NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) system, which alerts pilots and airports of real-time hazards.
That outage prompted fears of a cyberattack, but the FAA later determined the issue was caused when contract workers inadvertently deleted critical files.
The FAA has recently begun rolling out an AI-enhanced software tool known as the SMART system as part of its ambitious overhaul of the nation's air traffic control system. But Air Space Intelligence, the company that makes the tool, quickly dismissed speculation that its product could be connected to the flight disruptions.
"The current ground stop is not based on or a result of the SMART system, any product of ASI or our integration with FAA and ATC," the company said on social media.
A number of rare sea turtle eggs laid on Southern California beaches in September have hatched.
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Topline:
Eggs from the first confirmed sea turtle nests found on the U.S. West Coast have hatched.
Why it matters: The Long Beach-based aquarium has been keeping watch over 204 Olive Ridley Sea Turtle eggs, laid on Seal Beach and Huntington Beach in September.
Why now: The aquarium said the hatchlings were released early this morning in a coastal area with little light and human disturbances.
Read on to check out a video of the baby turtles.
Eggs from the first confirmed sea turtle nests found on the U.S. West Coast have hatched.
"We are excited to share that some of the olive ridley sea turtle eggs from Seal Beach successfully hatched after a 58-day incubation period," said the Aquarium of the Pacific in a social media post.
The Long Beach-based aquarium has been keeping watch over 204 olive ridley sea turtle eggs, laid on Seal Beach and Huntington Beach in September. A second set of eggs found on Huntington Beach is still incubating
The aquarium said the hatchlings were released early Saturday morning in a coastal area with little light and human disturbances.
Baby turtles, the aquarium said, go through a “frenzy period” after hatching, where they swim nonstop for up to two days
The eggs came from the first confirmed sea turtle nests found on the U.S. West Coast. Scientists say unusually warming water tied to El Niño likely drew the rare turtles to the Southern California coast.
PSA
If you see a stranded sea turtle, immediately notify a local lifeguard. If a lifeguard is unavailable, contact the NOAA California Sea Turtle Stranding Line at (562) 506-4315.
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Fiona Ng
is LAist's deputy managing editor and leads a team of reporters who explore food, culture, history, events and more.
Published November 14, 2026 5:00 AM
Michael Schneider (guy in hat) leading the 2025 edition of Great L.A. Walk
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Topline:
Topline: Hundreds of people will walk the entire 14 miles of Santa Monica Boulevard on Saturday, Nov. 21, in the latest expedition of the Great Los Angeles Walk.
What is it: The annual event started in 2006 by Michael Schneider, who wanted to mark 10 years of living in L.A.
Now: Some 600 people join Schneider the Saturday before Thanksgiving for the walk. This year, the theme is Route 66.
Read on for details and how to join.
If you happen to see 600 people snaking down 14.3 miles of Santa Monica Boulevard (and then some) on Saturday, Nov. 21 — their sole purpose is just to … walk.
“For years people were asking us, ‘What are you doing?’” said Michael Schneider, founder of the Great Los Angeles Walk.
These strolls are maximalist in nature, usually covering the entire length of a given thoroughfare. Sunset Boulevard. Melrose Avenue. Ventura Boulevard.
The inaugural Great L.A. Walk in 2006 along Wilshire Boulevard.
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How the walk began
The pre-Thanksgiving tradition started in 2006 with Wilshire Boulevard. Schneider, who had reached the milestone of living in L.A. for a decade, was inspired by a book about the street’s history to walk its entire 15.8 miles on foot. He asked others to join on his blog Franklin Avenue.
About two dozen people showed up. That day, they popped into storefronts, stopped by restaurants, sneaked into the Park Plaza Hotel near MacArthur Park and shot up to the roof. “That kind of unearthed a whole new side of Los Angeles as we walked down Wilshire,” he said.
By the time the trek reached the ocean, folks were asking Schneider about next year. Now, it's always on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
“I inadvertently turned it into an annual tradition,” he said.
The 2016 edition of Great L.A. Walk along Pico Boulevard.
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The 2007 installment was Pico Boulevard — with restaurant recommendations along the route handpicked by the late Pulitzer-winning food critic Jonathan Gold.
Eventually, Schneider included themed walks. March of Los Pobladores — which retraces the final leg of the 1781 journey taken by the original founders of L.A. — from the San Gabriel Mission to downtown. And USC to UCLA when the rivals faced off on game day.
This year’s route: Route 66
This year's theme is Route 66.
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This year’s focus is Route 66, marking the centennial of the iconic road. Saturday's walk will start in Echo Park, then go the whole way down Santa Monica Boulevard and end at the pier, totaling about 16 miles.
“You see so many different versions of Los Angeles,” he said.
Michael Schneider, founder of the Great L.A. Walk, at last year's trot along Wilshire Boulevard.
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Celebrity sightings and a marquee shout-out
One year, he said, the group walked by Magic Johnson.
“He waved at us," Schneider said. "Probably was wondering why [there were] hundreds of people walking past where he was."
As many as 600 people now join the walk, he said. As the number grows, so too has its legend.
“Now we find a lot of people who know who we are,” he said. “You hear people say, ‘Hey, it's the Great L.A. Walk.”
Walk the walk
The Great Los Angeles Walk When: Saturday, Nov. 21, starting at 9 a.m. Starting point: Meet up at Echo Park Lake near the Lady of the Lake statue End point: “End of Route 66” marker atthe Santa Monica Pier Cost: Free, just show up More info:greatlawalk.blogspot.com/
Pro-tip: Schneider said the walk is meant to be leisurely and everyone walks at their own pace. “ I try to tell people every year, ‘Take your time,’” he said. “Your body will thank you, too.”
Suzanne Levy
is a senior editor on the Explore LA team, where she oversees food, LA Explained and other feature stories.
Published November 14, 2026 5:00 AM
LAist Senior Editor Suzanne Levy pushing herself to feel the fear and do it anyway.
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Topline:
LAist Senior Editor Suzanne Levy had held a dream for years to go on stage at The Moth, but fears had always fearheld herself back. But when she heard about an event in Los Angeles, she had to decide whether to let her fear stop her — or to feel the fear and do it anyway.
Why it matters: The Moth (of which LAist is a media sponsor) holds open mic story StorySLAMs in Los Angeles throughout the year. If you've thought about doing it, but have held back, Levy wants her experience to motivate you to fulfil your dream. "Life's too short," she says. "If you want to do something you just have to do it."
Why now: The next StorySlam is on Wednesday, Nov. 18, in Culver City and Tuesday, Dec. 1, in Silver Lake.
A couple of decades ago, a friend in New York told me about something happening that was kinda underground and just getting traction. It was called “The Moth.” People took turns telling a true, personal story, with no notes, named after the Southern tradition of sitting on front porches and sharing spellbinding tales — with moths flying mesmerized around the porchlight.
It sounded amazing. And terrifying. I filed it under the same list as bungee jumping — no doubt exhilarating but something I’d never do — and got on with my life. Over the years, as it grew bigger and bigger, I went to several Moth events in different cities, and was always so impressed with the storytellers — and equally adamant I’d never do it.
Cut to this September, when a message went out to all the staff at LAist. We’re a media sponsor of The Moth, and an event, a open mike StorySLAM, was coming up in Silver Lake. There were a few tickets available. Did anyone want one? The theme was "Divas." Sure, I thought. I’d go watch. It's always fun.
Nagging thought
As the days went by, the same thought kept nagging at me. How about getting on stage yourself? No, I thought. Too risky. But this time there was another thought, even more vehement. Why are you being held hostage by fear? Life is too short. If you want to do something, you just have to do it. And this opportunity has just fallen into your lap.
So when the day came, I went to the event, and put my name in the hat. Would I be picked? I sat there with sweaty palms as the show started and people came up tell their own funny, moving, poignant stories.
Finally, near the end of the show, my name was called out. Gulp. I walked on stage to the mic, and began telling my story.
“Some years ago I was a BBC radio producer. A show host and I were at Albuquerque airport, on our way to Los Alamos to do interviews about the Manhattan project. But when we got to the gate, it was closed. They’d boarded the plane 15 minutes early. We couldn't believe it. There was only one plane per day and we'd flown in from London and were on a tight schedule. What should we do?”
Holding their breath
It was a strange experience, simultaneously storytelling while looking at the audience and scanning for their reactions. They seemed to be enjoying themselves.... and were holding their breath, waiting to see what came next.
“I could see the plane on the tarmac, one of those regional planes with propellers, on the other side of an alarmed emergency exit door. So I decided, in the heat of the moment, to push it open, and started dashing across the tarmac, yelling for the host to follow me. Security men began running towards me from every direction as the alarm blared loudly.”
The audience was laughing with delight and disbelief, and I was laughing, too, at the recollection. What on earth had made me do that? Ah, my young, impulsive, determined self. Just as well it wasn’t today, post 9/11. I’d be dead.
“As I reached the plane, the security men were shouting 'What are you doing? You can’t run onto the tarmac!' That’s when the diva part came in. I drew myself up to my full 5’ 2” and said, determinedly, 'No, YOU were the ones who boarded the plane early. We did everything right! We have our tickets, we have interviews to do and we are going to get on this plane.'"
The security men looked at each other, unsure what to do. Maybe it was the British accent, or not being used to a woman giving them a dressing down. But one of them shrugged, moved out of the way, and they let us get on the plane. "Hurray! And we made it to Los Alamos, in time to do our interviews. Thank you.”
The audience went crazy, clapping and whooping. I was standing there grinning stupidly. I couldn’t believe I’d done it.
Yes, the story went down well. And the audience hadn't eaten me alive. But there was something bigger, something even more satisfying in my reaction. I’d had made myself do something I was scared of. I'd faced my demons.... and survived.
A lesson for us all.
HEAD TO THE MOTH
Next StorySLAMs: Culver City: Wednesday Nov. 18 Silver Lake: Tuesday Dec. 1 More details:here.
