"Welcome to the Hotel California"
The Rock & Roll Legacy of California's Inns
by Jamie Reno
In the film "Almost Famous," Cameron Crowe's wistful 
account of his heady days as a San Diego teen scribe for Rolling Stone magazine in the early 1970's, there are several lively scenes set at the Continental Hyatt House, a Hollywood hotel that was dubbed the "Riot House" because it was party central for that era's biggest rock stars and their groupies. To give you some idea, Jimmy Page and other members of Led Zeppelin used to ride their Harleys up and down the hotel's hallways.
Of course, those "Riot House" days are long gone. Even the name of the hotel has been changed to the Hyatt West Hollywood. But the rock & roll spirit remains. Staying at the Hyatt West Hollywood still conjures up ghosts of California's glorious musical past, especially if you stay in room #1015: that's where Rolling Stone guitarist Keith Richards once hurled a TV out the window.
The "Riot House" isn't the only California hotel with a storied rock and roll legacy. When traveling throughout this state, it's fun to stay in hotel rooms where your favorite music legends once stayed. Like room #32 of the Alta Cienega Motel (also in Hollywood). That's where Doors' lead singer Jim Morrison actually lived from 1968-1970 during the band's heyday. Since Morrison's death in Paris in 1971 at age 27, his fans have flocked to room #32 from all over the world to write personal messages about the "Lizard King" on the walls. Rooms at Alta Cienega are $60, but "Morrison's room," as they still call it, is $65.
Not far from the Alta Cienega is the more posh Beverly Hills Hotel, which has formidable rock credentials of its own.While it's never been the kind of place where TV's or anything else are thrown out the window, rock stars do frequent the hotel, which was immortalized as the subject of the haunting photo on the cover of the Eagles' classic "Hotel California" album.
Of course, in the title song of that memorable album, when Don Henley sings "Welcome to the Hotel California" and insists that "you can check in, but you can never leave," it's an allegory; he's singing about a fictional place, not a real California hotel. Or is he? Anyway, contrary to popular belief, the album's inside photo of the band standing in the hotel "lobby" was not taken at the Beverly Hills Hotel, but at the Lido Apartments on Yucca Street in Hollywood.
Speaking of the Eagles, there's also an interesting, if somber California hotel story involving the late Gram Parsons, who was considered by some to be the Eagles' mentor and father of country-rock music. On Sept. 18, 1973, Parsons checked into Room #8 of the Joshua Tree Inn in the Southern California desert. He had just finished a national tour with duet partner Emmylou Harris and had returned to the inn, a charming, rustic desert getaway for which he had a special affection. Sadly, Gram died in the room that night after consuing much tequila and morphine. He was 26.
Appropriately, the folks at the Joshua Tree Inn, which is still open for business and still frequented by music stars, pay homage to Parsons, one of music's most underrated artists, in a guest journal kept on a bedside table in that very room #8 where he passed away. If it isn't too creepy for you, you can stay in that room, which looks identical to the way it looked in 1973, with the same mirror and picture still hanging on the peach-colored walls.
Finally, if you head north to San Francisco's Executive Hotel Mark Twain, room #203 to be exact, you'll discover where jazz great Billie Holiday was falsely arrested for drug possession on January 22, 1949 (it was a Ramada Inn at the time). Holiday was eventually acquitted after her lawyers convinced the jury that she had been framed. Nearly 60 years later, you can still stay in room #203, which they proudly call the "Billie Holiday Room." It's the same price as other rooms. While you're there, check out the plaque and artwork in the lobby of the hotel in salute to Holiday, the lady who sang the blues.
The Adamson House and Malibu Tile…..
Story & photos by Julie Lugo Cerra ©2006
Like a stately matriarch, the Adamson House stands away, overlooking 
her charge, the famous town of Malibu and its waters below. It presents itself along Pacific Coast Highway, a treasure recognized as a California State Landmark that is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Spanish Colonial Revival home is like a catalog showroom for colorful Malibu Tile, made nearby from 1926-32. It sits on “Vaquero Hill” where one can glimpse down at local surfers, in clear sight of the Malibu Colony, with its movie star residents.
Well-kept grounds greet Adamson House visitors. Native trees, sycamore and valley oak, are surrounded by a plethora of vegetation. A huge coral tree is said to be the mother to all the coral trees on San Vicente Boulevard. Malibu Tile Jardinières are posted at the gates to the home near the garages that housed the family’s two Pierce Arrow automobiles. The house was laid out by compass for efficiency. The five-layer Spanish tile roof is supported by double-frame construction, which provides incredible insulation. A combination of architecture and art, well-versed docents offer insight into a home that can only please its guests with a rich cultural experience. How many homes have tile Persian rugs on the floor?
The early story of the land could be told by Native Americans. Their Chumash village surrounded the lagoon, where they lived in harmony until the late 18th century. The Malibu name is said to come from the Chumash word “Humaliwu” translated “where the surf sounds loudly.”
The next chapter saw this sun-drenched paradise in the Rancho Era when 13,315 acres became Jose Bartolome Tapia’s grazing land in 1802. Known as Rancho Topanga Malibu Simi Sequit, the land was kept in the family by Victor Prudhomme, who married Tapia’s granddaughter. Titles were blurred from Spanish to Mexican rule, then under the United States. In 1857, Prudhomme sold the land to Matthew Keller, who spent 15 years getting clear title. Later, Keller’s son, Henry Workman Keller, sold the ranch to Frederick Rindge.
Frederick Hastings Rindge, the sole surviving child of six, inherited his family’s considerable fortune. A well-traveled Harvard man with a diversity of interests, he married May Knight, a Michigan schoolteacher, in 1887, and they moved to California. Rindge became a prominent businessman and philanthropist. He lived with his wife and three children in Santa Monica, but built a home on the Malibu property. It became a successful working ranch with a variety of animals, including three pigs named Breakfast, Dinner and Supper, and the children’s donkey, Don Quixote. Rindge’s love for his life in Malibu is apparent in his book Happy Days in Southern California.
The Malibu Rindge home burned in 1903, followed two years later by Frederick’s death. May, his wife, worked to maintain the ranch. She even established her own railroad to ward off the Southern Pacific from coming through their property.
LA born Merritt Huntley Adamson completed his USC Law degree, became the Malibu Ranch superintendent, and fell in love with the Rindge’s daughter, Rhoda May. They married in 1915. The newlywed Adamsons established the Adohr Stock Farms in 1916. Adohr, Rhoda spelled backwards, featured an Adohr-able baby in their dairy’s advertising. Rhoda’s mother, still struggling to keep the Malibu property, founded the Malibu Tile Company in 1926, which utilized the red and buff clays and sweetwater on the ranch.
The Adamson House, built on Rindge property, was designed by Stiles O. Clements. Completed as a summer home in 1930, frequent visitors like neighbor Will Rogers, delighted family and friends with rope tricks outside and stories from his leather chair that remains in place. Merritt Adamson passed away in 1949, leaving his widow, Rhoda, to take care of the family business, the same role her mother May, had assumed. Sometimes called The house that milk built, the Adamson house was later owned by Franciscans, but has been under California State Parks since 1968.
Side Bar:
The historic Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum
23200 Pacific Coast Highway, P.O. Box 291, Malibu, CA 90265-0291
For information or reservations, call 310 456-8432
Open Wednesdays- Saturdays
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (last tour at 2:00 PM)
Tuesdays- bus tours only
www.adamsonhouse.org
Parking adjacent on Pacific Coast Highway
Docent Tours: $5 for adults
Meet your docent at the Malibu Lagoon Museum for an insightful tour of the Adamson House, patios, garage, and pool/bath house. Donations gratefully accepted. Unique Books and items available in the Gift Shop.
Old Sacramento
Story and photos by Julie Lugo Cerra
Historic Old Sacramento brings new life to “the olden days” of the California Gold Rush era. To fully enjoy the concept, significant time should be allowed to walk, visit museums, shop and dine in the 28-acre historic district. It offers something for everyone to share with friends, a date or family. This State Historic Park, bordered by the Sacramento River, and Interstate 5, from the Capitol Mall to the I Street Bridge has earned a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers a magnificent collection of historic commercial structures, enhanced by wooden boardwalks, cobblestone streets, and the Delta King on the Sacramento River.
One can walk Old Sacramento as” Mark Twain” talks through an audio self-guided walking tour—or the vintage Living History presenters take us back in time, personally. The latest nuance is in the form of “Hysterical Tours” guided by “prospectors” or “riverboat gamblers.” It can also be driven in a car, 
a surrey or ridden in a horse drawn carriage or on a rented bicycle. With blocks of shops and restaurants, frequent stops are recommended! And for a little different feel, there’s a Riverboat Cruise.
Entertainment is eclectic. Staying at the Delta King Hotel gives time to explore more…. or just enjoy dinner/theatre on the river. For those who have been to Frank Fats’ – a downtown Sacramento hangout for politicos, for a little different take on the Fats family establishments visit their Front Street California Fats Asian Grill or the Fat City Bar and Café. Adaptive reuse, takes on a new meaning, visit My Best Friend’s Bakery. (Ruff). Merchandise runs the gamut from a sampling of the old (candy, toys…remember the clicking Jacob’s Ladders?) to the new and futuristic.
The Old Sacramento Visitor’s Center, located in the B. F. Hastings building at 1004 Second Street, (open from 10Am to 5PM daily), can help plan an adventure to Old Sacramento. Rising out of the ashes of the 1852 fire, the building was once home to the State Supreme Court, Sacramento Valley Railroad, and it was the western terminus of Wells Fargo. Phone 916-442-7644 or go to: www.discovergold.org. There are annual special events, like the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, which draws 300,000 over Memorial Day weekend, and the Gold Rush Days over Labor Day weekend. For the event hotline, call 916 558-3912, or go to: www.oldsacramento.com. 
Museums are interspersed throughout Old Sacramento, offering to satisfy a broad scope of interests. Times are listed, but check for holiday closures.
The California State Railroad Museum is a complex of unique museum space, exhibits and attractions. The restored trains and events help make this one of the continent’s finest and most visited railroad museums. An added bonus on weekends from April to September is the opportunity to ride behind a steam locomotive on the Museum’s Sacramento Southern Railroad. (Open Daily 10AM-5PM).
California Military Museum’s 30,000-plus artifacts tell the story of the armed services in California and the U.S.A. It also offers a library and substantial archives.
The Gold Rush Museum’s History Center is housed in a brick replica of Sacramento’s 1854 City Hall and Waterworks building. The “mine shaft” entrance sets the tone for the Lure of Gold! (Open Daily Tuesday-Sunday, 10AM-5PM)
The Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum takes all ages “back to school” in a reproduced 19th century schoolhouse. (Open 10AM –4PM, Monday through Saturdays, and 1-4PM Sundays, depending on volunteer staff available.
The Wells Fargo History Museum, within the B.F. Hastings Building, is a free draw that boasts an active telegraph, along with documents, photographs, a gold scale and other bits and pieces important to the history of banking, mail and express operations. And their ATM brings you back to the present!
Don’t miss the plaque on a wall at 2nd Street between J and I streets, which reads:
“No. 812 Old Sacramento Founded in December 1848 by John A. Sutter, Jr., Sacramento was an outgrowth of Sutter’s Fort established by his father, Capt. John A. Sutter, in 1839. State capital since 1574, during the gold rush it was a major distribution point, a commercial and agricultural center and terminus for wagon train, stagecoach, riverboat, telegraph, pony express, and the first transcontinental railroad.”
When Capt. John Sutter arrived in 1839, he founded the first permanent settlement in the area. In January, 1848, according to Sutter’s diary, gold was discovered in nearby Coloma, “where I was building a saw-mill.” It was his contractor, James W. Marshall from New Jersey, who is credited with the first gold. This find yielded the riverfront’s fertile business climate. The key words were “supply and demand” as aspiring miners flooded the area, looking for hotels, shops, saloons and bathhouses. “Old Sacramento” prospered as it became a gold trade center in the 1860s, although Sutter himself found the Gold Rush a crushing blow to his own financial well-being.
Old Sacramento draws an estimated 5 million visitors annually and even the locals rate it highly for “first date” experiences. Old Sacramento is accessible, with convenient parking. What is old is new again!
The Day The Earth Moved
The Centennial: Great San Francisco Earthquake
by Ruby Elbogen
As most of the city snuggled in their beds, on the chilly spring morning of April 18, 1906, the last thing they expected to rouse them from their sleep was the earth as it violently erupted into chaos. The 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck, leaving most of San Francisco in a heap of rubble in less than a minute. 
In a blink of an eye, hundreds were trapped under collapsed buildings, and thousands left homeless. Within a short time, fires began to break out across San Francisco, leaving the city in ruins. Unable to handle a catastrophe of such immense proportions, all that could be done, after the futile attempts at fire fighting was to let it burn.
The army moved into San Francisco within a few days, erecting tents for the homeless, to enforce law and order, and to remove the massive piles of rubble.
THE PALACE HOTEL
While the earthquake, and the conflagration that followed reduced most of the buildings in San Francisco to dust, the Palace lost just eight percent of it’s magnificent hotel. The Palace used the water from its own rooftop and basement reservoirs to put out most of the fire. It was only when the reservoirs were drained, that flames took hold.
It was decided to rebuild the entire hotel with steel, concrete and bricks, rather than make repairs, and a new and even more elegant Hotel debuted in May of 1907.
Dining in the Palace Hotel’s Garden Court is a treat for both the palate and the senses. Originally a carriage entrance, the magnificent room is graced with columns, a breathtaking domed stained glass ceiling and a floor laid with thousands of small tiles.
The hotel went through an extensive renovation in the l990’s, and, architectural treasures that for some strange reason had been covered over, were restored, bringing the Palace back to its original glory.
The one-hundredth anniversary of the Great San Francisco Earthquake will be on April 18, 2006. Titled San Francisco Rising, a benefit commemoration of the centennial, sponsored by the San Francisco Museum & Historical Society, and the Chinese Historical Society, will be held on April 17, 2006, at the Palace Hotel.
For information:
www.sfhistory.org
www.chsa.org" www.chsa.org;
www.info@irelandpresentations.com
Pacific Palisades
Will Rogers Historic State Park
Photos and story by Julie Lugo-Cerra
The scenic route is the only route to Will Rogers Historic State Park. Rogers, a long way from his Indian (Oklahoma) Territory beginnings, acquired this respite “hidden” in Pacific Palisades in 1928. After Rogers died in an aircraft accident with Wiley Post in 1935, the ranch remained in the family until 1944 when it was deeded as a memorial museum to Will Rogers. In March, 2006.
Wind your way along Sunset Boulevard, to Will Rogers State Park Drive, and your destination immediately presents itself as “wide open spaces.” Rogers loved his polo field, which still offers matches on Saturdays, from April through the summer. Although Rogers’ character is evident in the ranch house, the immediate feel for America’s favorite star/cowboy humorist/philosopher, is apparent in the landscaping which was his “living room” to plan and furnish. Will’s little golf course is adjacent to the house, and beyond, a wonderful picnic area begs for company. 
A short hike beyond the house reveals what Rogers called “The barn that jokes built.” The stables extend from a center rotunda. Some found the rotunda reminiscent of the California State Capitol, suggesting the cowboy had political ambitions. Rogers’ response was to drop the height! Walking outside, you see it is “the barn with the view.” It takes your eye from the Riding Arena straight to the ocean. Off to the left, is a Roping Arena. Other amenities include a Nature Center, and leading to the edge of the property, are canyons and trails, wonderful opportunities to hike and ride.
Will Rogers’ Ranch was initially a six-room cottage where he and his wife, Betty, and children Will, Jr., Mary and Jimmy lived. Historian Randy Young likens it to the Winchester Mystery Mansion, since Rogers kept adding rooms to suit the family’s needs—the final count was 31!
Restored vegetation makes for a welcome walk up to the Ranch House. The front door opens into an airy living room with high rafters—raised by Rogers to accommodate his rope tricks. Just a quick look around reveals warm wood, Monterey furniture, an imposing stone fireplace, and a wonderful collection of art. It is clear that Will Rogers loved cowboy art. You can identify pieces by Russell, and Borein.
Many of the Native American rugs and other furnishings were gifts from friends. Artist friend Ed Borein, claimed he was tired of being roped every time he visited, so he gave Will Rogers a stuffed calf to rope instead. It became such a target for Will’s roping, that he roped the ears off! At one point, there were plans to restore it, but the family objected, citing that it was authentic from Will’s use.
Beyond the calf, a cabinet contains dioramas of another friend, Joe De Yong. Even the backdrops for the cowboy themed art were painted by De Yong, a protégé of Charles M. Russell.
A huge Native American basket , a gift from E. F. Hutton, is seen in one corner. Look the other way to see two of Leo Carrillo’s ornate saddles that were placed in the position of Will’s saddles that are now in Oklahoma. Beyond them, another example of
saddle-maker to the stars, Ed Bohlin’s work. Stories of the ranch abound. The picture window that frames the polo field and beyond was a gift from Rogers’ former boss, Florenz Ziegfeld. Apparently, Ziegfeld saw that the living room window panes cut up the spectacular view, so he asked “Why don’t you put in a big window?” Will ignored him, so Ziegfeld sent over a crew and had it done. Although a bit miffed, Will saw that it was a prime view, and on a clear day you could see the ocean, so he credited his old boss.
Touring the kitchen is a reminder of Will Rogers’ appreciation of technology. The stainless steel double sinks are separated by a modern “S”shape. The refrigerator and freezer are built-ins. The old fashioned stove is vintage early electric. On the other hand, the kitchen houses an old wooden table that served as a card table in front of the fireplace. It has a much deeper significance to the family however. While in Mexico, Will Rogers introduced Charles Lindbergh to Anne Morrow, who became Mrs. Lindbergh. When the Lindbergh baby was kidnapped, Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh spent a great deal of time at the ranch. They shared meals at that very table, so meaningful to the family.
An adjacent room boasts a vast collection of artwork, some pieces will be rotated into the house while others, memorial pieces, will eventually be shown in a museum.
The Library/Music Room shows that Will Rogers was a prodigious reader. Photos helped to restore the room and place the Rogers family collection in their original spots. Helen Keller was one of many authors who penned works to Rogers. Titles range from “Etiquette” by Emily Post, to the compete works of Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, to “Hold Yer Hosses” by Sherwood, and a broad spectrum of political material. Little intricacies of the house help date it. Careful inspection reveals little doors leading to Prohibition era “hideaways” for a whiskey bottle. Don’t miss the branding irons displayed. A piano, a mandolin and a banjo remind that the Rogers were a musical family too.
Will Rogers’ office looked out to the lawn and the barn. His private bath is equipped with a sauna! Betty Rogers’ office, where she wrote her husband’s biography, was The Sunroom, shaded by a pepper tree that was rescued by Leo Carrillo.
Will Rogers, born in 1879 on a ranch in territory that became Oklahoma, was an Indian, a cowboy, and eventually an international figure. Historian Randy Young calls him “ a multi-media star,” citing his work on the stage, in radio, films, his travels and writings. He wrote a short daily column and a weekly Sunday column syndicated through Hearst and several books and political treatises. He made fun of special interests. Young, who characterizes him well, sums it up when he calls Will Rogers “a multi-tasker of amazing proportions.”
Will Rogers Historic State Park
Pacific Palisades
310.454.8212 www.parks.gov
Some Common Sense from Will Rogers:
Human Philosophy: “…I never met a man I didn’t like.”
Indian Heritage: “My ancestors didn’t come over on the Mayflower, but they met the boat.”
"Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in."
"If you're riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there."
"If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around."
"There's two theories to arguing with a woman.
Neither one works."
"If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging."
"The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket."
"Don't squat with your spurs on."
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."