Q&A: De-car-ing in the Valley

Your eco-questions answered:

Question: I was reading your blog and noticed that you've been hanging out in the 818 (the Valley).  I recently just got rid of my car (long story, but it was a lemon) and have been somewhat car-less for the last couple of weeks and enjoying it. I freelance, so I commute only about twice a week and for those occasions I carpool with my husband (he still has his car, hence the "somewhat" car-less).

Anyway, I was curious how you traveled to the Valley from Santa Monica. I ask only because I'm trying to gather other recommended modes of transportation from fellow car-less folks.  Did you cab it or do that hourly car rental thing (forgot the name)?  I live in the Valley and I love to hear the best way you've found to travel between the Valley and Santa Monica. Cheers, Liza

Answer: First of all, congrats on the de-car'd lifestyle! Second, it's car-free, not car-less :)

Third, to say I've been "hanging out in the Valley" is not quite accurate, especially as I have many readers who get angry because I allegedly don't give the Valley enough attention or because I make fun of it (my ribbing's just jovial teasing, people).

In any case, I only go to the Valley a few times a year! It's simply that I happened to make two trips last month. Once in a blue moon, I have to rent a car for the weekend -- and when I do, I make a trip to a relatively faraway L.A. spot and hit all the places there I've been meaning to visit. That's why I have a buncha recent posts highlighting places in the Valley -- all of those were from one trip.

The second trip was to a party at my friend's who'd just moved to the Valley. I did that by bus, and it wasn't a happy trip due to the buses not showing up or being late.

This also answers your main question: No, it is not easy getting from Santa Monica to the Valley sans car, IMHO. However, I did notice that the Valley itself has gotten somewhat nicer, with lively shopping and arts districts, colorful sidewalks, etc. The main concept of de-car-ing isn't so much about taking public transit to far-off places, but being able to avoid having to travel far at all because you have everything you want and need near you. For ex., lots of people in less-than-lively places in the Valley (and the O.C.) drive into Santa Monica and spots in L.A. because they have no good shopping/restaurants/bars near them -- at least not more than 1 or 2 (which one can get tired of relatively quickly).

What I'm saying is, if you really need to get to Santa Monica or environs relatively often, not having a car may not work so well right now, unless you have a masochistic streak. (Though I'd say any driver who fights traffic to cross that distance on a regular basis also must have a high threshold for pain.) A cab ride between the Valley and Santa Monica's gonna be quite pricey -- and Flexcar, the car-sharing service you were referring to -- has pulled all the cars out of its L.A. locations except at USC and UCLA.

So what I'm wondering is if you live in a part of the Valley where you have easy access to important amenities. If so, definitely stay car-free and just borrow your hub's car once in a while when you need it.

Part of the de-car-ing effort might simply be an adjustment in your habits, i.e., finding more fave restaurants in the Valley instead of sticking to the tried-and-true ones you may have in the Westside. It may take a lil more effort at first, but over time, you are likely to derive more satisfaction from discovering nice neighborhood spots that become your new favorites that you can walk or bike to.

Lastly -- If you bike and can do the bike-plus-bus thing, you may very well be able to travel between the Westside and the Valley with relative ease. Zach Behrens, editor of LAist, lives in the Valley and manages to get all over L.A. sans car. He does, however, still own a car...

Earlier: Freeways have failed us -- Valley girls

Photo of Sherman Oaks' gas station by Gregg Moscoe

Deborah Lindquist: Couture re-fashions, made in NoHo

Deborah Lindquist, the queen of recycled eco-couture, has a cute little boutique in North Hollywood, I found out. So a couple weeks ago I tried to drop by this stained-glass-decorated, sign-less store next to a tattoo parlor -- only to find that the front door was locked, despite the fact that the store was officially open. "The owner just went out and took the key," said the woman who let me in the back door.

One benefit to coming in the back: I got to see how Lindquist's fashions get made! Three women were working at their sewing machines in a big, cool back room. I wound around them to get into the store.

While many eco-fashion designers use virgin fabrics (albeit organic or eco-friendly in some manner), Lindquist made her name by reusing pre-loved fabrics, turning outdated clothes into fashionable new ones. She's dressed everyone from Gwen Stefani to Paris Hilton, according to her website.

Such detailed attention to metamorphosing dated duds into today's IT items doesn't come cheap. Get ready to fork over about $400 if you're dying to own that recycled cashmere sweater. The sticker price is the downside, though you'll walk away with your purchase knowing your new fashion item is truly eco-friendly AND locally made.

Well-heeled mamas can get their kids matching mini baby sweaters, modeled here by a ruddy, slightly petulant doll. Dog lovers with money to burn can get designer re-fashions for their pooch too. Cooler, summer-friendly fashions, from vintage fabric skirts to intricate corsets, also adorn the racks. Too bad the boutique isn't where the Rodeo Drive or Robertson Boulevard crowd can find it.

Deborah Lindquist. 10500 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood. (818) 762-7199

Bicyclists celebrate Earth Day in NoHo 4/30

Earth Day festivities continue on! All cyclists are invited to pedal over to Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition's Earth Day Celebration, which'll feature raffles and prizes, bike films, art, as well as both live music and dance music sets from DJs. The event is sponsored by New Belgium Brewing, so I'm guessing there'll be beer too.

When: Wednesday, April 30, 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: NOHO Gallery in Lankershim Art Center, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
Cost: $8 for LACBC members. Non-members can get in for $10 -- or free, by joining LACBC at the door.

Brave hard-core bikers can get there by following this bike route, while the somewhat less intrepid can take the Metro Red Line. I'm gonna have to sit this one out because it'll just take too long for me to get to NoHo from Santa Monica -- but I'd like to take this opportunity to remind LACBC that the Republic of Santa Monica is still officially part of L.A. County. Cyclists here eagerly await future LACBC activities on the Westside.