And while yes, I have encountered my fair share of filming -
Like how my junior high was used for exteriors for a Nickelodeon tv show
Or how the local community college was a stand-in for one located in Parks & Rec.'s Pawnee
(*sidenote: I went to high school with the unenthused student seated to the left of Andy)
Or best of all, how the entire city was featured in the opening of Weeds
living so close to the 'movie capital' often proved to be more of a nuisance than anything else.
But never fear! In place of easy access to the beach, or daily run-ins with A-list celebrities, my hometown has a plethora of jolly good amenities.
Six Flags Magic Mountain. Essentially, the only way for people who don't live here to have any clue what I'm talking about.
"I'm from Santa Clarita"
"..."
"You know, Magic Mountain?"
"Oh yeah..." *expression transitions from confusion to vague recognition*
It's a wonderfully average amusement park, which employs every local teenager who couldn't find something better - like as a barista or watching paint dry. Sometimes when you're driving around the city you can spot one of these poor unfortunate souls. They can be identified by their dead eyes and broken dreams all wrapped up in a bright neon polyester uniform. Because in case 9 hour shifts in three digit temps weren't demeaning enough, let's add an iridescent wardrobe to the mix.
Flora & Fauna. Speaking of heat, did I mention that virtually all indigenous plant life that dapples this fine town is combustible? See, most people would take the serious lack of natural water sources as a sign that a place is inhabitable, but not us! The great individuals who founded this grand city looked around, saw they were completely surrounded by kindling and said, 'let's live here!'. Unlike the citizens of the East Coast, school is never canceled for snow days. Instead, we get 'Ash Days,' i.e. the air is filled with so much ash from a nearby fire that it is unsafe for people to venture outdoors. Charming, no?
In the event that strip malls, car dealerships and a small museum dedicated to a western star most people have never heard of (no offense to the avid William S. Hart fan club members out there) just don't do it for you, Santa Clarita is relatively close to a multitude of activities. Such as -
The beach! Often the location of amateur photoshoots, it is a beautiful location to soak up the sun. If you're afraid of skin cancer (or worse in the eyes of Angelinos, wrinkles) then you can enjoy the pretty views and cool water. It should be noted that thanks to the ocean currents, the Pacific Ocean is never warm. Ever. If you start to feel comfortable whilst swimming either a small child is playing nearby or you have finally succumbed to hypothermia.
Movie festivals/premieres/etc. Odds are you won't see anyone from "the biz" you recognize except 'that one guy, from that one thing,' but they're still tons of fun. Plus, they are often held at old movie palaces; making them especially nifty to attend.
The library - since Angelinos have decided that trains are so passe, the old union station was transformed into the public library. True, this doesn't really solve the whole traffic situation, but it is by far one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen.
Hollywood Bowl - hosts a wide variety of performances (with little regard to whether or not they can stage them effectively). Cheap seats have an added bonus of a clear view of the Hollywood sign. And I would highly recommend attending the Fourth of July performances. The intermixing of culchared LA yuppies and homegrown Amuricans is a true sociological treat.
Flora & Fauna. Speaking of heat, did I mention that virtually all indigenous plant life that dapples this fine town is combustible? See, most people would take the serious lack of natural water sources as a sign that a place is inhabitable, but not us! The great individuals who founded this grand city looked around, saw they were completely surrounded by kindling and said, 'let's live here!'. Unlike the citizens of the East Coast, school is never canceled for snow days. Instead, we get 'Ash Days,' i.e. the air is filled with so much ash from a nearby fire that it is unsafe for people to venture outdoors. Charming, no?
In the event that strip malls, car dealerships and a small museum dedicated to a western star most people have never heard of (no offense to the avid William S. Hart fan club members out there) just don't do it for you, Santa Clarita is relatively close to a multitude of activities. Such as -
The beach! Often the location of amateur photoshoots, it is a beautiful location to soak up the sun. If you're afraid of skin cancer (or worse in the eyes of Angelinos, wrinkles) then you can enjoy the pretty views and cool water. It should be noted that thanks to the ocean currents, the Pacific Ocean is never warm. Ever. If you start to feel comfortable whilst swimming either a small child is playing nearby or you have finally succumbed to hypothermia.
Movie festivals/premieres/etc. Odds are you won't see anyone from "the biz" you recognize except 'that one guy, from that one thing,' but they're still tons of fun. Plus, they are often held at old movie palaces; making them especially nifty to attend.
The library - since Angelinos have decided that trains are so passe, the old union station was transformed into the public library. True, this doesn't really solve the whole traffic situation, but it is by far one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen.
Hollywood Bowl - hosts a wide variety of performances (with little regard to whether or not they can stage them effectively). Cheap seats have an added bonus of a clear view of the Hollywood sign. And I would highly recommend attending the Fourth of July performances. The intermixing of culchared LA yuppies and homegrown Amuricans is a true sociological treat.
Angels Knoll - suggest putting any Zooey and JGL reenactments on hold, as the adorable park from the movie is currently closed off to the public. Though, the lack of watering does allow the venue to embrace the whole (500) Days of Summer concept in a very literal sense.
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