Monthly Archive for March, 2006

Wildflower chasing

Published on March 27, 2006 in botany, outdoors and photography. 0 Comments

My favorite Spring activity is wildflower chasing.

Here are some links I peruse to find out the wildflower reports:

Wildflower Hotsheet
Desert USA
Theodore Payne Foundation

In Southern California, the places to go are Anza Borrego, Death Valley, Mojave, Carrizo Plain, Gorman, and Antelope Valley.

In Northern California, the places I know of to go are Yosemite, Daffodil Hill, and Mount Diablo. I’m still learning the area. Also, Hwy 140 from Merced to Yosemite National Park was covered with lupines last April for miles – seriously, the land was just blanketed with purple.

By the way, Daffodil Hill is blooming now – it’s just outside of Sacramento and is an area with 6 acres of daffodils.

2003 was the best year for wildflowers that I have ever seen. Just-right conditions contributed to this; a good amount of rainfall and a warm, dry spring caused seeds to germinate and explode all over. It was this year that I went to Gorman and ran into National Geographic photographer Thomas Mangelsen. It does not look like 2006 will be a good year – there was barely any rain this past winter. Anza Borrego should be at peak bloom right now, but the blooms are very dry and sparse. Antelope Valley has been disappointing so far, and Gorman & Joshua Tree are covered in snow. There is potential for desert cactus blooms though.

This year I am determined to track down and photograph the elusive desert candle. It has evaded me over the years and I will not let it happen this year.

Los Angeles: South Central Farm – Continuing the Fight

Published on March 25, 2006 in activism, food, los angeles and photography. 0 Comments

On March 1, 2006, South Central Farm was served with an eviction notice by the sheriff’s office. It stated that the farmers had to evacuate the premises by 03/06/2006. On the morning of March 3rd, protesters stood outside City Hall, in the rain, in downtown Los Angeles and showed their support for the farmers. On March 5th, there was a candlelight vigil at the Farm. On March 6th, the eviction was stayed until 03/13/2006. It has been stayed again several times. As of today, 03/28/2006, the farmers still have not been evicted, but the farm is not out of danger – the threat of eviction remains. The farmers and supporters of the farm are continuing the fight, appealing to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and others to lift the eviction. The story is not over yet.

Click on all images to see a larger image. If you want to use any of these images, please contact me at kosmonaut at gmail dot com.

Supporters at Los Angeles City Hall.