Los Angeles, CA —I took an early interest in the case because of my closeness to past and present UCLA students and alumni.  It was about 7:00 AM when LAFD emergency vehicles came screaming to the Scene midblock at 10900 Roebling adjacent to the UCLA Campus. It was a lucky break that some of the students there were awakened by screams and fellow residents were up trying to combat the fire with a fire extinguisher on the first floor, Eastern side of the complex.   That was the residence of UCLA Spanish and Psychology major, Andrea “Andy” DelVesco .     Andy was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.   Some of the more observant kids present were able to tell the firemen that Andy was unaccounted for and they began an aggressive search.   They found Andy badly burned and beyond all medical aid.   Some 30 firefighters were able to contain the blaze within ten minutes. Thankfully no others suffered injuries considering this was early ...

Los Angeles, CA —Nestled between  Brentwood and Westwood on the North side of Wilshire Blvd. is the sprawling Veteran’s Administration campus . It contains the Veteran’s Cemetery, The West Los Angeles VA Hospital, a stadium and even a golf course. There is limited housing for some of our old soldiers riding out what time they have left on this earth. Standing there is this grand old white Victorian designed building with peeling paint.   What it his building and what’s it’s story? This old Army veteran had to take his little camera drone and check the place out.   Along the way I learned its history. Sit back and watch my report on the old Wadsworth Chapel.

Los Angeles, CA —On a quiet Sunday Morning my little drone took a ride above Westwood area of Los Angeles.   The video shows the Southern portion of the UCLA campus, Wilshire Blvd and beyond.   On the West you can see the Veteran’s Cemetery, The VA Hospital and the 405 Freeway.     Unfortunately because of the terrific music attached this cannot be seen in Europe. 

Los Angeles, CA —I thought I learned how to fly my new Blade 350 quadcopter very well.  It was now time to shoot some cool video over the trendy UCLA neighborhood of Westwood while I was in town.  I wanted video of the old movie houses and such from not so high above.  I carefully placed and set up a brand new GoPro 3+ camera on the gimbal and sent the drone all over the area for nearly 10 minutes.  I landed it perfectly and changed the battery sending it up to the Western sky.   I sent it up really high and unfortunately this time directly into the sun.  I was completely blinded and I maneuvered the control to the North.  However I completely lost sight of it and the advertised return home feature failed miserably.  It simply vanished from view. The little drone should have flown until the battery discharged and the thing would have slowly descended until it made a soft landing, but where?  I don’t have a clue!...

Los Angeles, CA —When I’m in L.A. it’s in Westwood Village this is what I see. It’s primarily the land around UCLA and there are students everywhere out celebrating their youth. Needless to say there are some smashing looking coeds among the ordinary. Westwood is on the West side next to toney Brentwood. There are four large movie theaters here that are the scene of Hollywood film premiers. There are many restaurants, stores and places for ice cream and yogurt competing for the student trust fund accounts. Westwood Memorial Park is here that houses the remains of some many well-known actors, including Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Don Knotts, Burt Lancaster , and Jack Lemon . The area is well protected by both L.A.P.D. and the UCLA Police Department . Serious crimes here are rare accordingly. Sit back and enjoy two short videos I shot, one and night and the other in daylight.

Los Angeles, CA-- Shopping with his wife is one of my all time favorite actors, Clint Eastwood . They were shopping at the Whole Foods in Westwood Village. I quietly complimented him on his achievements and let him shop in peace. Eastwood extended his hand for a handshake and flashed a broad smile. As much as I wanted to have his wife take a picture of him and me it would have made a spectacle of his shopping so I ruled that out.

Los Angeles, CA—Westwood Village is the neighborhood where UCLA is located. I took a walk there the other day with my little $200.00 Flip HD camera. The music reflects my unusual demeanor that day. Westwood has been hit hard by the economy’s troubles as two of its many grand and historic theaters will be closing. Please enjoy the sights and sounds.