STREET SIGNS - We Never Die

This is another mural at the Branded Arts complex at 8810 Washington Boulevard in Culver City, which is scheduled to be torn down at the end of this month. Several of the pieces, including this one by Los Angeles' Cyrcle collective, are going to be preserved and put on display at Culver City High School. Warren Brand, curator of the project, is working on a documentary to capture the entire process. You can watch the trailer and contribute to the film's completion here.

STREET SIGNS - The Guardian

The Guardian is one of my favorite murals in the Branded Arts complex at 8810 Washington Boulevard in Culver City. The piece, a collaboration between Downey's Bumblebee and San Francisco's Zio Ziegler, faces National Boulevard and is best seen from above while standing on the Metro platform. A sweet girl wearing a floral dress in Bumblebee's trademark yellow-and-black color palette stares at passerby as her guardian, painted by Ziegler, is enchanted by a plucked flower of the same variety that appears on her dress.

STREET SIGNS - Angels Come In Various Sizes

If you love street art, then any trip to Los Angeles isn't complete without a visit to the Branded Arts Building at 8810 Washington Boulevard in Culver City. What was once a car dealership is now the site of a collection of murals designed by some of the world's best street and graffiti artists. This piece, with a blue-eyed and be-winged skater boy chilling on his board beneath the words 'Angels come in various sizes,' is one of the first you see as it faces out onto Washington. The painting was done by the German duo of Jasmin "Hera" Siddiqui and Falk "Akut" Lehmann – aka Herakut.

Ice Skating in L.A.

L.A. Kings Holiday Ice skating rink in Nokia Plaza at L.A. Live

 

HOLIDAY SKATING RINKS

My favorite rom-com is Serendipity, and one of its most memorable scenes is when John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale go skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park. Seriously, what could be more romantic? Grab your significant other or a bunch of friends, and get into the holiday spirit by going for a glide at one of these L.A.-area outdoor skating rinks.

Beverly Hills Holiday Ice Rink
Now-Jan. 6, 2013 @ Crescent Drive, between North and South Santa Monica Boulevards (Beverly Hills); $15 for admission and skate rental
This is the first time the Golden Triangle is hosting a public rink, and it will be located directly in front of City Hall.

Chill Ice Rink
Now-Jan. 2, 2013 @ The W Hotel (Westwood); $10 for one hour of skating and skate rental
If you're seeking more of a club environment, the W has transformed their pool area to a hybrid-ice rink, complete with private cabanas, specialty cocktails and food. Plus, snow falls every hour.

Downtown on Ice
Now-Jan. 21, 2013 @ Pershing Square - 532 S. Olive Ave. (Downtown); $8 for a one-hour skate session and skate rental
Besides skating, there is also a concert series, exhibitions, broomball games and a holiday festival.

Holiday Ice Rink
Now-Jan. 6, 2013 @ 9300 Culver Blvd. (Culver City); $14 for admission and skate rental
Work up an appetite at this rink located in downtown Culver City, next to the Culver Hotel. Then walk across Washington Boulevard to go eat at one of the best Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles, K-Zo.

ICE at Santa Monica
Now-Jan. 21, 2013 @ 1324 5th St. (Santa Monica); $12 for admission and skate rental
This is one of the only places in Los Angeles where you can spend a day at the beach then go ice skating – all within walking distance. There's even a broomball league that plays games here every Thursday night.

L.A. Kings Holiday Ice
Now-Jan. 2, 2013 @ Nokia Plaza, L.A. Live (Downtown); $13 for admission and skate rental
You can also purchase a Supper & Skate package for $30, which includes admission, skate rental and a prix fixe dinner from ESPN Zone, LA Market or Trader Vic's.
 
The Queen Mary Presents CHILL
Now-Jan. 6, 2013 @ 1126 Queens Highway (Long Beach); $12.90 for admission and skate rental
After skating, you can go ice tubing, visit The Ice Kingdom exhibit and a Holiday Village.

The Rink
Now-Jan. 3, 2013 @ Hyatt Regency Century Plaza (Century City); $10 for a one-hour skate session
Annenberg Space for Photography is a sponsor of this rink, which features eco-friendly synthetic hybrid ice.

Woodland Hills Ice
Now-Jan. 27, 2013 @ Westfield Promenade (Woodland Hills); $15 for one session and skate rental
Now in its fourth season, this rink offers lessons, as well as special theme nights and giveaways through New Year's Eve.