Tag: Los Angeles

Los Angeles County, located in Southern California, is a vibrant and diverse region known for its cultural richness, entertainment industry, and sprawling urban landscape. It encompasses a dynamic mix of bustling city centers, iconic neighborhoods like Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and picturesque coastal areas such as Santa Monica and Malibu. Home to over 10 million residents, it is the most populous county in the United States. LA County is celebrated for its Mediterranean climate, renowned institutions like the Getty Center and Griffith Observatory, and a melting pot of cultures reflected in its cuisine, arts, and entertainment offerings. With a storied history in filmmaking and music, it remains a global hub of creativity and innovation, drawing millions of visitors annually to experience its unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.

Llano del Rio

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Llano Del Rio, located in the Antelope Valley of Los Angeles County, California, was a socialist utopian commune founded in 1914 by Job Harriman. Established as a cooperative experiment to demonstrate the viability of socialist principles, it is recognized as one of the most significant non-religious utopian communities in Western American history. Despite its ambitious vision, the colony faced numerous challenges, leading to its eventual abandonment in 1918. This report explores the origins, development, daily life, challenges, and legacy of Llano Del Rio, drawing on historical sources to provide a comprehensive overview.

Origins and Founding

Llano Del Rio was the brainchild of Job Harriman, a charismatic lawyer, ordained minister, and prominent socialist who ran as the Socialist Party’s candidate for vice president in 1900 alongside Eugene Debs and for mayor of Los Angeles in 1911, narrowly losing with 44% of the vote. Disillusioned by political setbacks, particularly after his mayoral defeat, Harriman shifted his focus from electoral politics to creating a practical demonstration of socialism through cooperative living. He believed that a functioning socialist community could inspire broader societal change by showcasing the benefits of collective ownership and shared labor.

In 1913, Harriman and his associates acquired approximately 9,000 acres of land in the Antelope Valley, 45 miles north of Los Angeles, previously partially developed by a temperance colony. The site, located along Highway 138 near Big Rock Creek, benefited from water rights purchased from the Mescal Water and Land Company. The Llano Del Rio Company was incorporated in 1914, with a nine-member board of directors and a stock-selling campaign to finance the venture. The colony officially launched on May 1, 1914, with an initial group of five settlers, primarily members of the Young People’s Socialist League.

Development and Community Life

Colonists outside a crude machine shop at the Llano del Rio colony, 1914.
Colonists outside a crude machine shop at the Llano del Rio colony, 1914.

Llano Del Rio grew rapidly, reaching a peak population of around 1,100 by 1917. The colony aimed to be self-sustaining, with a local economy that included agriculture, orchards, a poultry yard, a rabbitry, a print shop, a paint shop, a sawmill, a lime kiln, and a fish hatchery. Using water from Big Rock Creek, colonists transformed the arid desert into fertile farmland, producing 90% of their food by 1916, including alfalfa, corn, grain, and fruit. The warm Southern California climate supported robust agricultural output, though the colony’s distance from a train depot limited exports, with only minor goods like rag rugs and underwear sold externally.

The colony’s infrastructure, built with local granite boulders and lumber, included a hotel, meeting house, water storage tank, and a small aqueduct. Housing initially consisted of tents due to the desert’s mild climate, with permanent structures added later. Llano boasted one of California’s first Montessori schools, blending Montessori and industrial education principles, and a “kid colony” where children managed their own affairs to foster responsibility. Social life was vibrant, with cultural activities such as a champion baseball team, a mandolin orchestra, ragtime bands, drama societies, and weekly dances that attracted visitors from nearby communities.

Feminist architect Alice Constance Austin contributed designs for a circular city plan with innovative features like kitchenless houses, communal daycare, and built-in furniture to reduce domestic labor for women, aligning with the colony’s socialist ideals. However, these designs were never fully implemented due to financial and resource constraints.

Challenges and Decline

Despite its early success, Llano Del Rio faced significant challenges. Internal dissent, exemplified by the “brush gang” faction that sought to oust Harriman, created tensions. Critics, including the Los Angeles Times, portrayed Harriman as autocratic, and a 1915 report by Deputy Commissioner H.W. Bowman criticized the colony for poor hygiene, inadequate food variety, and unequal control, alleging Harriman’s dominance undermined the cooperative ethos. The colony’s racial policy, which restricted membership to white individuals, was a significant flaw, justified at the time as a pragmatic decision but later criticized as exclusionary and contrary to egalitarian ideals.

The most critical blow came in July 1916 when the California Commissioner of Corporations denied the colony’s application to secure water rights and build a dam, citing insufficient experience and funds. This decision, compounded by an unreliable water supply possibly affected by an earthquake fault, crippled agricultural sustainability. By late 1917, financial difficulties and legal pressures, including lawsuits from local ranchers over water rights, pushed the Llano Del Rio Company into bankruptcy. In 1918, the colony was abandoned, with approximately 200 members relocating to Vernon Parish, Louisiana, to establish New Llano, which operated until 1937 and is considered America’s most successful socialist utopia.

Legacy and Modern Significance

Today, the ruins of Llano Del Rio, including stone chimneys, foundations, and a grain silo, stand along Highway 138 as California Historical Landmark No. 933. Despite its designation, the site lacks protection, and a bronze plaque installed in the 1980s was stolen. Efforts to preserve the site, such as a proposed county park in 1989, have been unsuccessful, and the land is split between private owners and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. The ruins, visible from the highway, serve as a poignant reminder of Harriman’s ambitious vision and its ultimate failure.

Llano Del Rio’s legacy endures in cultural and historical discourse. It inspired works like Aldous Huxley’s essay “Ozymandias: the Utopia that Failed,” referencing the Shelley poem to highlight the colony’s grand but fleeting aspirations. The Llano Del Rio Collective, an artist group, continues to explore its history through publications and events, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary discussions on social justice and cooperative living. The colony’s innovations, such as minimum wage, social security, and universal healthcare, predated national adoption, underscoring its forward-thinking ethos despite its shortcomings, particularly its racial exclusivity.

In Summary

Llano Del Rio was a bold experiment in socialist utopianism, reflecting Job Harriman’s vision of a cooperative society that could challenge capitalism’s dominance. Its flourishing community, self-sustaining economy, and vibrant cultural life demonstrated the potential of collective living, yet internal conflicts, external opposition, and environmental challenges led to its demise. While its physical remnants are minimal, Llano Del Rio’s story continues to resonate as a symbol of idealistic ambition and a cautionary tale about the complexities of utopian endeavors. Its history invites reflection on the possibilities and pitfalls of building alternative societies within a broader capitalist framework.

References

  • California Historical Landmark No. 933, Llano Del Rio Cooperative Colony
  • Huxley, Aldous. “Ozymandias: the Utopia that Failed.” Fortnight, April 27, 1953.
  • Mike Davis, City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles (1990)
  • The Western Comrade, November 1914, courtesy of the City of Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery
  • Llano Del Rio Colony Records, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

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Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Photo by James L Rathbun.

Established in 1976, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is located just west of Mojave and boasts the most consistent blooms that the California Poppy.  The reserve does not plant or water the flowers, so the timing and abundance of the flowers is solely dependent upon rainfall each year.  The bloom season begins late winter and may last throughout the spring depending upon conditions.  In addition to the poppy, the Reserve also hosts a variety of species including Owl’s Clover, Davy Gilia, Goldfields, Lupine and Cream Cups.

The 1745 acre flower reserve ranges in elevation frim 2600 to 3000 feet in elevations and boasts 7 miles of trails.  There are limited facilities, but the reserve does have some wheel chair access.

The California Poppy the state flower of California.
The California Poppy the state flower of California. Photo by James L Rathbun.

The California Poppy ( Eschscholzia californica ) is a small perennial is typically a short flowering planet which boasts a vibrant orange bloom.  The flower itself grows on top of a sledder stalk and the four petal flower which has a silky texture, appears extremely delicate and vulnerable to the elements.  The flowers open each morning and close in the evening with the cooler air.

A Davey Gilia stalk poking up between the California Poppies. Photo by James L Rathbun.
A Davy Gilia stalk poking up between the California Poppies. Photo by James L Rathbun.

The California Poppy has a large range which included more of California, parts of Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and Northern Baja California.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Map

Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri)

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Crotalus helleri is a venomous pit viper species commonly known as the Southern Pacific rattlesnake. It is part of the family Viperidae, which includes venomous snakes known for their long, hinged fangs that allow them to deliver venom deep into their prey.

The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri) hiding under a granite boulder in Bid Bear, California.
The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri) hiding under a granite boulder in Bid Bear, California.

Description

Crotalus helleri typically ranges from 60 to 120 centimeters (2 to 4 feet) in length, although some individuals can grow larger. The snake exhibits a variety of color patterns depending on its geographical location. Common colors include brown, olive, gray, and occasionally greenish tones. The body is marked with dark, diamond-shaped blotches running along the length of its back, often bordered by lighter scales. These blotches may be less defined in older individuals. The snake’s head is triangular with a distinct neck, and it has a characteristic rattle at the end of its tail, which it uses as a warning signal.

Distribution and Habitat

Crotalus helleri is primarily found in Southern California, extending into Baja California, Mexico. Its range includes a variety of habitats such as coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands, woodlands, and deserts. The snake is adaptable and can be found at elevations from sea level to over 2,000 meters (6,600 feet).

Behavior

This species is generally diurnal in the cooler months and becomes more nocturnal during the warmer summer months to avoid the heat. Crotalus helleri is a sit-and-wait predator, typically ambushing its prey, which includes small mammals, birds, lizards, and amphibians. The snake’s heat-sensing pit organs, located between the eyes and nostrils, allow it to detect warm-blooded prey even in total darkness.

Reproduction

Crotalus helleri is ovoviviparous, meaning that the females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Mating occurs in the spring, and after a gestation period of about 5 to 6 months, the female gives birth to a litter of 4 to 12 young, usually in late summer or early fall. The newborn snakes are independent from birth and are capable of hunting and defending themselves immediately.

Venom

The venom of Crotalus helleri is highly toxic and is composed of a mixture of hemotoxins, neurotoxins, and myotoxins. This potent combination can cause significant tissue damage, disrupt blood clotting, and lead to paralysis. Envenomation in humans requires immediate medical attention, as the venom can be life-threatening if untreated. Antivenom is effective, but the severity of the bite varies depending on the amount of venom injected.

Conservation Status

As of now, Crotalus helleri is not listed as endangered or threatened. However, like many species, it faces threats from habitat destruction, human encroachment, and intentional killing due to its venomous nature. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and public education to reduce unnecessary killings.

Ecological Role

Crotalus helleri plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as both predator and prey. As a predator, it helps control the populations of small mammals and other prey species, which in turn influences the population dynamics of these animals. As prey, it provides food for larger predators such as hawks, eagles, and some mammalian carnivores.

Human Interaction

Encounters between humans and Crotalus helleri are relatively common in Southern California, especially in areas where urban development encroaches on natural habitats. While the snake is generally not aggressive and prefers to avoid confrontation, it will defend itself if threatened. Public education on rattlesnake behavior and safety is essential to minimize negative interactions and ensure the safety of both humans and snakes.

Taxonomy and Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Squamata
  • Family: Viperidae
  • Genus: Crotalus
  • Species: Crotalus helleri

Conclusion

Crotalus helleri is a fascinating and important species within its range. Understanding its biology, behavior, and ecological role is essential for promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife in regions where this rattlesnake is found. Conservation efforts should focus on habitat protection and educating the public about the importance of this species in maintaining ecological balance.

Chuck Yeagers NF-104 Crash Site

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On December 10, 1963, Chuck Yeager, a legendary test pilot, crashed while flying an F-104 Starfighter at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mohave Desert of California. The incident resulted in serious injuries for Yeager and the grounding of the entire NF-104 fleet.

NF-104 Starfighter under rocket propulsion.
NF-104 Starfighter under rocket propulsion.

Background

The NF-104 and F-104 are both variants of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter aircraft, but they have some significant differences.

The F-104 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that was developed in the late 1950s for the United States Air Force (USAF). It was widely used by many countries, including Canada, Italy, Germany, and Japan. The F-104 had a single engine and was designed to be a high-performance interceptor aircraft. It had a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 and was capable of flying at high altitudes.

The NF-104, on the other hand, was a modified version of the F-104 that was used for high-altitude flight training. The “NF” stands for “NASA Flight” because it was used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for astronaut training. The NF-104 was fitted with a rocket engine that allowed it to climb to higher altitudes than the F-104. The ceiling of the aircraft was supposed to be 125,000 feet. It was also equipped with a reaction control system (RCS) that allowed it to simulate the handling characteristics of a spacecraft.

Overall, the main differences between the F-104 and the NF-104 are that the latter had a rocket engine and RCS, which made it suitable for high-altitude flight training, while the former was a high-performance interceptor aircraft.

Chuck Yeager, on the other hand, was a highly experienced test pilot with a distinguished career. He was the first person to break the sound barrier in level flight, flying the Bell X-1 in 1947. Yeager was also known for his contributions to the development of several other aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre, the F-100 Super Sabre, and the B-58 Hustler.

The Crash

On December 10, 1963, Yeager was conducting a test flight of an NF-104 Starfighter equipped with a rocket engine at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The purpose of the flight was to evaluate the aircraft’s performance at high altitudes and high speeds. Yeager was flying at an altitude of 80,000 feet and a speed of Mach 1.5 when he experienced a loss of control.

According to Yeager’s account of the incident, he had just completed a steep climb to 108,000 feet and was beginning to level off when the aircraft suddenly pitched up and rolled to the left. Yeager attempted to recover the aircraft using the reaction control thrusters on. and applying opposite rudder and aileron, but the NF-104 continued to roll and dive and eventually fell into a flat spin.. Yeager ejected from the aircraft at an altitude of around 8,500 feet and landed safely, but he suffered several injuries, including a broken collarbone, several ribs, a punctured lung and severe burns to his face.

Investigation

Chuck Yeagers NF-104 crash site is located in the Mojave Desert
Chuck Yeagers NF104 crashed in the Mojave Desert

Following the crash, the United States Air Force launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident. The investigation revealed that the F-104 had a notoriously difficult flight envelope, with a high stall speed and a tendency to enter a flat spin at high angles of attack. The investigation also revealed that Yeager had been flying with a faulty attitude indicator, which may have contributed to the loss of control.

However, the investigation ultimately concluded that the cause of the crash was pilot error. The investigation found that Yeager had exceeded the aircraft’s design limitations by flying at an altitude and speed that were beyond the F-104’s safe operating range. The investigation also found that Yeager had not received adequate training on the F-104 and had not been briefed on the risks associated with flying the aircraft at high altitudes and speeds.

Consequences

The consequences of the NF-104 crash were significant. The incident highlighted the dangers of flying high-performance aircraft without adequate training and briefing. As a result, the United States Air Force grounded the entire NF-104 fleet until additional training and safety measures could be implemented. The incident also led to changes in the way that test pilots were trained and briefed on new aircraft.

In 1922, the movie Top Gun: Maverick featured a similar incident written into the story of the movie. Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick is attempting to reach a new speed record or Mach 10, when, at high alititude he is forced to bail our of the experimental plane he was piloting.

Crash Location

Chuck Yeager’s NF-104 cam to rest in the Mohave Desert, just west of I-14 and south of California City Blvd.

Summary

NameChuck Yeagers NF-104 Crash Site
LocationMojave Desert, Los Angles County, California
Date of IncidentDecember 10th, 1963
Latitude, Longitude35.1236, -118.1469

References

YB-49 Crash Site

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The YB-49 was a prototype jet-powered flying wing aircraft designed and built by Northrop Corporation in the 1940s and 1950s. On June 5, 1948, the YB-49 experienced a catastrophic crash near Mojave in Los Angeles County, California, which resulted in the death of all five crew members on board. Captain Glen Edwards was the co-pilot of the flight, and the namesake of Edwards Air Force Base. The crash was a significant event in aviation history, as it raised questions about the safety of experimental aircraft and the future of jet-powered flight.

On June 5, 1948, the YB-49 experienced a catastrophic crash that resulted in the death of all five crew members on board.
On June 5, 1948, the YB-49 experienced a catastrophic crash that resulted in the death of all five crew members on board.

The YB-49 was designed as a successor to the earlier Northrop XB-35 flying wing bomber, which had been developed during World War II. The YB-49 was a radical departure from traditional aircraft design, with no tail or fuselage and a single large wing that housed the crew, engines, and weapons. The aircraft was powered by eight General Electric J35 turbojet engines and was capable of speeds up to 500 miles per hour and altitudes up to 40,000 feet.

On the day of the crash, the YB-49 took off from Muroc Air Force Base in California for a test flight. The flight was routine until about an hour into the flight, when the aircraft suddenly went into an uncontrolled spin and crashed into the desert floor. The cause of the crash was later determined to be a malfunction in the aircraft’s flight control system, which caused the elevons (the wing-mounted control surfaces that control pitch and roll) to become stuck in a partially raised position. This caused the aircraft to become unstable and enter the spin.

Brave Men Lost

The crash of the YB-49 cost these men their lives:

  • Major Daniel H. Forbes, Jr. – Pilot
  • Captain Glen W. Edwards – Copilot
  • Lt. Edward L. Swindell – Flight Engineer
  • Clare C. Lesser – Air Force civilian engineers
  • Charles H. LaFountain – Air Force civilian engineers

Muroc AFB was renamed Edwards AFB on December 5, 1949 in honor of the late Capt. Glen W Edwards

The crash of the YB-49 was a major setback for Northrop Corporation, which had invested significant time and resources into the development of the flying wing design. It also raised concerns about the safety of experimental aircraft and the need for more rigorous testing and evaluation of new designs before they are put into service. In the years following the crash, Northrop continued to develop and refine the flying wing design, eventually leading to the development of the B-2 stealth bomber, which entered service with the U.S. Air Force in the 1990s.

The crash of the YB-49 was a tragic event that highlighted the risks and challenges of experimental aircraft design. However, it also spurred innovation and development in the aviation industry, leading to the creation of new and advanced aircraft designs that continue to shape the field of aviation today.

YB-49 Crash Site Location summary

NameYB-49 Crash Site
LocationMojave Desert, Los Angeles County, California
Latitude, Longitude35.04243, -117.9926

YB-49 Trail Map

The YB-49 came to rest East of Mojave just North of Highway 58. The site contains a small memorial and one should remember that this is the location of the deaths of five brave men.

References