Metro: PM Closures for Thursday, November 29, 2012

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The abbreviations below help us organize the Daily Updates by segment.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday	SU MO TU WE TH FR SA	All Wilshire Sunset Mulholland	ALL WIL SUN MUL

 

We apologize for the tardiness of this email. We wanted todouble check weather conditions with the management of traffic team. Thoseconditions might result in some cancellations.
PM Closures for Thursday, November 29, 2012. Closures aresubject to change. The latest closure information can be found atmetro.net/405. The Wilshire Segment runs from National Bl to Constitution Av.The Sunset Segment runs from Constitution Av to the Getty Center ramps. TheMulholland Segment begins at the Getty Center ramps and ends at Ventura Bl.
StreetsTH-WIL: Sepulveda Bl reduced toone lane each direction from north of Constitution to Salvation Army tonight, 9pmto 5am.TH-WIL: Sepulveda Bl reduced toone lane each direction from Montana to Salvation Army tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Wilshire westbound 2, 3,4 lanes closed from west of Sepulveda to Federal tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Wilshire eastbound 2, 3 lanesclosed from southbound /eastbound Wilshire off ramp to Sepulveda Bl tonight,10pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Wilshire westbound 4lane closed from northbound on-ramp to Sepulveda Bl tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Exposition fully closedfrom Sawtelle to Sepulveda tonight, 9:30pm to midnight.TH-WIL: Pico fully closedfrom Sawtelle to Cotner tonight, 12:30am to 5am.TH-WIL: Ohio fully closedfrom Beloit to Cotner tonight, 9pm to 5am.TH-SUN: Sepulveda Bl  fullyclosed from Montana to Church Ln tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-SUN: Sepulveda Bl reduced toone lane each direction Getty off-ramp to Moraga on-ramp tonight, 9pm to 5am.TH-SUN: Sepulveda Bl reduced toone lane each direction Moraga off-ramp to Church Ln tonight, 9pm to 5am.TH-SUN: Sunset fully closedfrom Thurston to Church Ln tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-SUN: Church Ln northbound 1,2 lanes and right-turn pocket closed from south of Sunset to southbound rampstonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-MUL: Sepulveda Bl reduced toone lane each direction from Mountaingate to Skirball tonight, 9pm to 5am.TH-MUL: Sepulveda Bl reduced toone lane each direction from Sherman Oaks to Fiume Walk tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-MUL: Bel Air Crest reducedwith flaggers from gate entrance to Sepulveda Bl tonight, 10pm to 5am.
FreewayTH-WIL: Northbound connector toeastbound I-10 closed tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Northbound connector toeastbound I-405 closed tonight, 9pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Northbound on-ramp fromSanta Monica Bl closed tonight, TH-WIL: Northbound on-ramp fromeastbound Wilshire closed tonight, 8pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Northbound off-ramp towestbound Wilshire closed tonight, 9pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Northbound off-ramp toeastbound Wilshire closed tonight, 9pm to 4am.TH-WIL: Southbound connector towestbound I-10 closed tonight, 11pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Southbound connector toeastbound I-10 closed tonight, 11pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Southbound 5 lane closedfrom Olympic to 1-10 tonight, 11pm to 4am.TH-WIL: Southbound 5 lane closedfrom Waterford to Wilshire tonight, 8pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Southbound on-ramp fromwestbound Wilshire closed tonight, 11pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Southbound on-ramp fromeastbound Wilshire closed tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-WIL: Southbound off-ramp toeastbound Wilshire closed tonight, 9pm to 4am.TH-SUN: Northbound off-ramp toMontana partially closed tonight, 9pm to 5am.TH-SUN: Northbound 1, 2 lanesclosed from south of Sunset to north of Sunset tonight, 11pm to 5am.TH-SUN: Northbound 1, 2, 3 lanesclosed from south of Sunset to north of Sunset tonight, midnight to 4am.TH-SUN: Northbound off-ramp toSunset closed tonight, 7pm to 5am.TH-SUN: Northbound on-ramp fromSunset closed tonight, 8pm to 4am.TH-SUN: Southbound 4 lane closedfrom north of Sunset to south of Sunset tonight, 10pm to 4am.TH-SUN: Southbound 3, 4 lanesclosed from north of Sunset to south of Sunset tonight, 11pm to 4am.TH-SUN: Southbound 2, 3, 4 lanesclosed from north of Sunset to south of Sunset tonight, midnight to 3am.TH-SUN: Southbound on-ramp fromwestbound Sunset closed tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-SUN: Southbound off-ramp toSunset closed tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-MUL: Northbound on-ramp fromSkirball Center Dr closed tonight, 10pm to 5am.TH-MUL: Northbound off-ramp toSkirball Center Dr closed tonight, 7pm to 5am.TH-MUL: Southbound US 101connector to southbound I-405 closed tonight, 11pm to 4am.TH-MUL: Southbound on-ramp fromValley Vista closed tonight, 7pm to 5am.TH-MUL: Southbound 5 lane closednear Valley Vista tonight, 7pm to 5am.TH-MUL: Southbound 4,5 lanes closednear Valley Vista tonight, 10pm to 4am.TH-MUL: Southbound 3,4,5 lanesclosed near Valley Vista tonight, 11pm to 4am.


www.metro.net/405www.facebook.com/405projecthttp://twitter.com/I-405

Full Exposition Bl Closure, Sawtelle to Sepulveda

To contact us Click HERE
ATTENTION RESIDENTS, BUSINESS OWNERS AND TRAVELING PUBLIC IN THE VICINITY OF EXPOSITION BL BEWTEEN SAWTELLE BL AND SEPULVEDA BL

Exposition Bl will be fully closed on Thursday, November 29, 2012, 9:30pm to 12am, from Sawtelle Bl to Sepulveda Bl. This night closure is necessary for a concrete deck pour at the I-405 Exposition Bl bridge undercrossing.

What: Full closure for bridge construction

When: Full night closure of Exposition Bl on Thursday, November 29, 2012. Closure and work hours are from 9:30pm to 12am.

Where: Exposition Bl between Sawtelle Bl and Sepulveda Bl.

What to expect:- Detour will be Sawtelle Bl to Pico Bl to Sepulveda Bl and vice versa.
- For daily closure information, please visit metro.net/405

Lane Reduction on Eastbound Pico Bl, Sawtelle to Sepulveda

To contact us Click HERE
ATTENTION RESIDENTS, BUSINESS OWNERS AND TRAVELING PUBLIC IN THE VICINITY OF PICO BL FROM SAWTELLE BL TO SEPULVEDA BL

Eastbound Pico Bl lanes #3 and #4 will be closed from Sawtelle Bl to Sepulveda Bl, 1am to 6am. This night-time lane reduction is expected to occur for one night on Thursday, November 29, 2012. The lane reduction is necessary to conduct concrete pours for the Pico Bl freeway bridge undercrossing.

What: Lane reduction for bridge construction

When: Lane reduction is expected to occur one night, on Thursday, November 29, 2012, from 1am to 6am.

Where: Eastbound Pico Bl lanes #3 and #4, from Sawtelle Bl to Sepulveda Bl

What to expect:
- No access restrictions expected
- For daily closure information, please visit metro.net/405

Excavation for the installation of a sewer line in the Sunset cul-de-sac

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ATTENTION RESIDENTS IN THE VICINITY OF THE SUNSET BL CUL-DE-SAC,
EAST OF THE NB RAMPS

Excavation for the installation of a sewer line in the Sunset cul-de-sac is anticipated
to start on Monday, December 3, 2012. This work requires the closure of the cul-desac
to thru traffic.

What: Sewer line excavation and installation

When: Work is anticipated to start on Monday, December 3, 2012 for eight
weeks. Anticipated work hours are from 7am to 5pm, weather
permitting.

Where: East of the NB Sunset Bl ramps at the Sunset Bl cul-de-sac

What to expect:
• Access to local residents will be maintained in the Sunset cul-de-sac during
the full street closure with a flagger.
• Access to pedestrians will be maintained outside the construction zone.
• Driveways may be intermittently blocked by equipment, but will remain
accessible throughout the operation.
• Temporary interruption of service may be necessary during tie-in of lateral
connections to residences. Affected residents will be contacted 48-hours in
advance of tie-in and service interruption.
• Emergency vehicle access will be maintained.

Catch basin replacement work at the north east corner of Montana Av and Sepulveda Bl

To contact us Click HERE
ATTENTION RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE VICINITY OF
MONTANA AV BETWEEN SEPULVEDA BL AND GLENROY AV

Catch basin replacement work at the north east corner of Montana Av and
Sepulveda Bl is anticipated to start on Friday, November 30, 2012. This work
requires Montana Av be reduced to one lane in each direction during work
hours.

What: Catch basin replacement

When: Work is anticipated to start on Friday, November 30, 2012 for five
weeks. Anticipated work hours are from 9am to 3:30pm, weather
permitting.

Where: North east corner of Sepulveda Bl and Montana Av

What to expect:
• Access to residents and businesses will be maintained.
• Montana Av traffic will be maintained with one lane in each direction
during work hours.
• Pedestrians will be rerouted to a safe area outside the construction
zone.
• This work is necessary to maintain correct elevation for proper
drainage.
• Emergency vehicle access will be maintained.

Bash and Dash's Big Debut!

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For the last 38 years, my parents have cut down their Christmas tree on the Friday morning after Thanksgiving.  I have cut down my Christmas tree on the Friday morning after Thanksgving for the last 31 of those years.  Jon has joined us for the last 10 years.  Today was the boys 4th Christmas tree!


 And guess who decided to join us this morning?! 


Sneaky little things found us the perfect tree!!

Caleb discovering Bash and Dash!

Pure Christmas magic

Bash and Dash officially join the Paddock Family!!

Dadd cutting down the tree Bash and Dash picked out for us :) 

It Came With The Frame: An Embroidered 'Burbs Retrospective

To contact us Click HERE



Fall is coming, which means Halloween stuff is invading the stores, but it's still summer for a few more weeks. That means it's time for you to watch The 'Burbs. It's the perfect, highly underrated spooky summer classic! The Burbs isn't a great movie, but god, it's good. A paranoid Vietnam vet, an obnoxious putz, some mysterious Europeans, and a skinny, manic Tom Hanks deliver so many zingers, you can watch the movie a thousand times (as you should anyway) and find new laughs every time. Cheesy, yes, but so, so good.
The lovely stitcher Melissa McCullough, aka mintpoppiesandpolkadots, is a fellow 'Burbs lover, and when I saw the beginnings of her latest embroidery endeavor, I flipped my lid! She cross-stitched the whole evil-fighting crew in perfect detail! After my Cal Worthington project, I had cross-stitch pop culture on the brain, and I was stoked to see this pop up in my Instagram feed. 

Rumsfield: "Nice picture." Hans: "It came with the frame."

I love The 'Burbs because it is hilarious, obviously, and it reminds me of being a kid. Back in the pre-Netflix days of the early 90's, when VHS was still king, families only owned movies that they really, really loved. My family owned The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Princess Bride, and Willy Wonka, all taped off of TV. My friend Natalie's family had the Hallmark Hall of Fame version of The Secret Garden, and The 'Burbs. I remember watching it at her house during a crazy winter storm that caused a tree to fall across the entrance to my little, Burbs-esque neighborhood, and I was staying with her fam until it opened up again. Watching recent movies at home was such a big deal!
 
I asked Melissa why she was so drawn to the movie; here's what she had to say:   

Anyone who has lived in the suburbs can see there's an underlying truth in the story. That idea of "detatched," referring to the houses, also extends to Ray's relationship with his neighbors and Carol, his job and what can happen when adults let their imagination run away. It's one of those movies everyone can identify with, and because of that, it stands the test of time. Aside from that, it's probably one of Tom Hanks' best non-animated comedic performances to date.

Spatula and hose weapon detail.

"There go the goddamn brownies!"

Agreed! I love fun, middle-of-the-road, family comedies; just 'cause it ain't Truffaut doesn't mean that there isn't value to be had in great storytelling.

"That kid next door's a meatball!"

In conclusion, I will also posit that this was Corey Feldman's best performance since The Goonies. He is delightful. Keep your eyes open for his epic Vision Street Wear pants (if those come back into style, my brain will spontaneously combust). Follow Melissa on Instagram for more crafty surprises! 
Does your family have a The 'Burbs? What is it and what makes it a favorite rewatch? (While I typed this question, I just came up with an excellent idea: a What About Bob? cross-stitch! It never ends.)

"Yeah, I'll take one of those."

To contact us Click HERE

Holiday super-pillow fabric front from Atomic Vixen Vintage. It's got all the holidays except Christmas!

 It's time for me to start thinking about Christmas. For reals. I'm excited about it and I want to allow myself adequate time to remain excited before it's all over (less than 100 days!). Did you know that I have a recurring nightmare that I wake up on Christmas Day and haven't done anything Christmassy previous to the big day? Total devastation! I feel like Macaulay Culkin-screaming, but then I wake up and realize it's June/January/etc and I'm just having a classic anxiety dream. (My fellow Christmas-lover Oh Meaghan may be able to add some insight into this situation.)


One of the things I fear most about getting older is that I'll stop being excited about things. I think this is a depression issue too, as there are days when you could put me in a Wes Anderson-Jon Hamm-Santa Claus sandwich and I would just stare blankly out the window. But I just never want to be blase about the good stuff in life, you know? Here's a good example: I was so freaking excited after seeing Rushmore in the theater back in 1998. I bought the soundtrack, the screenplay, everything. Excited! I don't know if I would respond the same way at 33 vs. 18. I don't even go to movies anymore. I want to work on that. I mean, come on:
I don't want my Christmas nightmare to be realized! Thusly, I just ordered a bunsload of Christmas crafting supplies from Meyer Imports, which is a place you should spend some time if you like to be excited.

pic from Craft Critique

Are there things that you forget to get excited about? How do you bring back that magic feeling?

I Made a Cake of Jeff Goldblum's Back from THE FLY.

To contact us Click HERE

 Last year I had a small Halloween gathering because I had an idea that I wanted to bring to fruition. My favorite horror scene of all time is in The Fly when Geena Davis discovers wiry hairs on Jeff Goldblum's back (I also like the scene when all his teeth fall out!). It's disgusting and hilarious and everything I love about that movie. I also thought that it would make a really great cake. 

 So I made a cake, and I had some people over to eat it and watch The Fly.

It was just a chocolate sheet cake with black licorice hairs and a white frosting with a little raspberry puree for color. Easy! I cut off some edges to make shoulders and a neck, and surrounded the whole thing with donuts, marshmallows, and also served candy bars as they are the fly's foods of choice, in lieu of straight-up sugar. 

I'm posting all of this today because I just spaced out last year and didn't get around to it until way after Halloween. Just pretend I made it today. That's the magic of the Internet!

 I also served a delicious cocktail. If you recall, the Fly can't eat anything without barfing gross white stuff onto it first, so I made a coconutty concoction to help with digestion. 

It was an awesome party; we all drank way too much digestion enzyme and ended up watching The Fly II, which is an abomination against film and all that is good in this world. Don't make that mistake; watch the original The Fly instead. Help meeeeeee! Help meeeeeeee! Help meeeeee!
I also made some signage for the house. 

I couldn't find the back hair discovery scene, but the trailer does show and discuss the hairs in question.  Happy Halloween!

It's here! Craft fair season, that is!

To contact us Click HERE

I had an excellent first holiday craft fair of the season last weekend! It was a total pleasure to get to spend a few hours inside the lovely Bedford Gallery; the current exhibition was so awesome and is actually worth going all the way out to Walnut Creek to see. 

These little critters were part of the exhibition and were tucked away next to my booth. I love doing this show because the crafters get to be right there next to the art, and it's a really neat mix. 

I'm happy with how my display turned out for once! This is how I'll keep it for the rest of the shows this year. 

Next up: PATCHWORK OAKLAND next weekend!

Revision: Waterford St to Constitution Av Bikepath Closure

To contact us Click HERE
ATTENTION RESIDENTS, CYCLISTS, AND GENERAL PUBLIC IN THE VICINITY OF WATERFORD ST AND CONSTITUTION AV

This is a revision to an originally-released notice: the bike path on the west side of the southbound 405 freeway from Waterford St to Constitution Av will now be closed until December 28, 2012. The closure is necessary for construction of the moment slab for MSE Wall 1685.

What: Full closure of bike path between Waterford St and Constitution Av for MSE Wall 1685 construction.

When: Closure is effective until approximately Friday, December 28, 2012.

Where: Waterford St to Constitution Av, west of southbound 405

What to expect:

- Detour signs posted directing cyclists around the bike path closure via Sepulveda Bl.
- Pedestrian detour is Church Ln to Sunset Bl to Barrington Av to San Vicente Bl and Wilshire Bl.
- Schedule is subject to change based on daily progress and field conditions.
- For a listing of daily closures and latest updates visit our website at www.metro.net/405 or follow us on twitter: twitter.com/I_405 and Facebook at facebook.com/405project

It Came With The Frame: An Embroidered 'Burbs Retrospective

To contact us Click HERE



Fall is coming, which means Halloween stuff is invading the stores, but it's still summer for a few more weeks. That means it's time for you to watch The 'Burbs. It's the perfect, highly underrated spooky summer classic! The Burbs isn't a great movie, but god, it's good. A paranoid Vietnam vet, an obnoxious putz, some mysterious Europeans, and a skinny, manic Tom Hanks deliver so many zingers, you can watch the movie a thousand times (as you should anyway) and find new laughs every time. Cheesy, yes, but so, so good.
The lovely stitcher Melissa McCullough, aka mintpoppiesandpolkadots, is a fellow 'Burbs lover, and when I saw the beginnings of her latest embroidery endeavor, I flipped my lid! She cross-stitched the whole evil-fighting crew in perfect detail! After my Cal Worthington project, I had cross-stitch pop culture on the brain, and I was stoked to see this pop up in my Instagram feed. 

Rumsfield: "Nice picture." Hans: "It came with the frame."

I love The 'Burbs because it is hilarious, obviously, and it reminds me of being a kid. Back in the pre-Netflix days of the early 90's, when VHS was still king, families only owned movies that they really, really loved. My family owned The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Princess Bride, and Willy Wonka, all taped off of TV. My friend Natalie's family had the Hallmark Hall of Fame version of The Secret Garden, and The 'Burbs. I remember watching it at her house during a crazy winter storm that caused a tree to fall across the entrance to my little, Burbs-esque neighborhood, and I was staying with her fam until it opened up again. Watching recent movies at home was such a big deal!
 
I asked Melissa why she was so drawn to the movie; here's what she had to say:   

Anyone who has lived in the suburbs can see there's an underlying truth in the story. That idea of "detatched," referring to the houses, also extends to Ray's relationship with his neighbors and Carol, his job and what can happen when adults let their imagination run away. It's one of those movies everyone can identify with, and because of that, it stands the test of time. Aside from that, it's probably one of Tom Hanks' best non-animated comedic performances to date.

Spatula and hose weapon detail.

"There go the goddamn brownies!"

Agreed! I love fun, middle-of-the-road, family comedies; just 'cause it ain't Truffaut doesn't mean that there isn't value to be had in great storytelling.

"That kid next door's a meatball!"

In conclusion, I will also posit that this was Corey Feldman's best performance since The Goonies. He is delightful. Keep your eyes open for his epic Vision Street Wear pants (if those come back into style, my brain will spontaneously combust). Follow Melissa on Instagram for more crafty surprises! 
Does your family have a The 'Burbs? What is it and what makes it a favorite rewatch? (While I typed this question, I just came up with an excellent idea: a What About Bob? cross-stitch! It never ends.)

I Made a Cake of Jeff Goldblum's Back from THE FLY.

To contact us Click HERE

 Last year I had a small Halloween gathering because I had an idea that I wanted to bring to fruition. My favorite horror scene of all time is in The Fly when Geena Davis discovers wiry hairs on Jeff Goldblum's back (I also like the scene when all his teeth fall out!). It's disgusting and hilarious and everything I love about that movie. I also thought that it would make a really great cake. 

 So I made a cake, and I had some people over to eat it and watch The Fly.

It was just a chocolate sheet cake with black licorice hairs and a white frosting with a little raspberry puree for color. Easy! I cut off some edges to make shoulders and a neck, and surrounded the whole thing with donuts, marshmallows, and also served candy bars as they are the fly's foods of choice, in lieu of straight-up sugar. 

I'm posting all of this today because I just spaced out last year and didn't get around to it until way after Halloween. Just pretend I made it today. That's the magic of the Internet!

 I also served a delicious cocktail. If you recall, the Fly can't eat anything without barfing gross white stuff onto it first, so I made a coconutty concoction to help with digestion. 

It was an awesome party; we all drank way too much digestion enzyme and ended up watching The Fly II, which is an abomination against film and all that is good in this world. Don't make that mistake; watch the original The Fly instead. Help meeeeeee! Help meeeeeeee! Help meeeeee!
I also made some signage for the house. 

I couldn't find the back hair discovery scene, but the trailer does show and discuss the hairs in question.  Happy Halloween!

It's here! Craft fair season, that is!

To contact us Click HERE

I had an excellent first holiday craft fair of the season last weekend! It was a total pleasure to get to spend a few hours inside the lovely Bedford Gallery; the current exhibition was so awesome and is actually worth going all the way out to Walnut Creek to see. 

These little critters were part of the exhibition and were tucked away next to my booth. I love doing this show because the crafters get to be right there next to the art, and it's a really neat mix. 

I'm happy with how my display turned out for once! This is how I'll keep it for the rest of the shows this year. 

Next up: PATCHWORK OAKLAND next weekend!

There's Something About Matty

To contact us Click HERE
Today's "You've Got To Be Kidding Me" was done There's Something About Mary Matty" style.  I am quite certain that I spoke very clearly when I said "go into the bathroom and go potty before we can go outside" so I'm not sure how Matthew misinterpreted that to read "go into the bathroom and squirt half a bottle of daddy's hair gel onto your head" but somehow that is how he heard it because he came running out looking like this...



He managed to not only open the flip lid, but to take the entire lid off and squeeze a giant gob in the middle of his head...  needles to say this resulted in an impromptu bath, after which we finally made it outside and he immediately rolled in the mud.  Awesome.  Just.  Awesome.

"Yeah, I'll take one of those."

To contact us Click HERE

Holiday super-pillow fabric front from Atomic Vixen Vintage. It's got all the holidays except Christmas!

 It's time for me to start thinking about Christmas. For reals. I'm excited about it and I want to allow myself adequate time to remain excited before it's all over (less than 100 days!). Did you know that I have a recurring nightmare that I wake up on Christmas Day and haven't done anything Christmassy previous to the big day? Total devastation! I feel like Macaulay Culkin-screaming, but then I wake up and realize it's June/January/etc and I'm just having a classic anxiety dream. (My fellow Christmas-lover Oh Meaghan may be able to add some insight into this situation.)


One of the things I fear most about getting older is that I'll stop being excited about things. I think this is a depression issue too, as there are days when you could put me in a Wes Anderson-Jon Hamm-Santa Claus sandwich and I would just stare blankly out the window. But I just never want to be blase about the good stuff in life, you know? Here's a good example: I was so freaking excited after seeing Rushmore in the theater back in 1998. I bought the soundtrack, the screenplay, everything. Excited! I don't know if I would respond the same way at 33 vs. 18. I don't even go to movies anymore. I want to work on that. I mean, come on:
I don't want my Christmas nightmare to be realized! Thusly, I just ordered a bunsload of Christmas crafting supplies from Meyer Imports, which is a place you should spend some time if you like to be excited.

pic from Craft Critique

Are there things that you forget to get excited about? How do you bring back that magic feeling?