Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Where to Read a Book, Relax, Sit Peacefully with a Great View
Driving along Mulholland, you pass various overlooks where you can pull over on to the dirt, get out and take in the views. In all, the 55-mile Mulholland Scenic Parkway and Corridor has 18 official overlooks between the 101 Freeway and Kanan Road in the Agoura Hills area, but lucky for us, most can be found east of the 405 (see a map here).
Of those within Los Angeles, some views are not so obvious when driving by. Such is the case with the Barbara A. Fine Overlook at the Summit, about a quarter mile east of Coldwater Canyon. Trees and brush block the view from the street, but once inside, you'll find yourself in a peaceful oasis offering a views of the Valley, shade, three park benches and a drinking fountain. To us, this is a perfect little hideaway for some alone time, book reading, a picnic on the bench or just some peace and quiet.
Fine was instrumental in the remaining beauty along Mulholland. For 30 years, she fought development in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains and eventually helped create Los Angeles' hillside ordinance, which limits the number of homes that can be built on mountain hillsides. She also was part of the fore that brought the city the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, a document that guides development along the 22 miles of the famous artery.
In 2003, the overlook was named after her for these reasons. Specifically, the overlook stands above the upper fork of Fryman Canyon, where Fine fought to stop houses from being built. Today, it remains for the urban wild.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist