Griffith Observatory shuttle fee may be dropped

Update: As of Saturday, November 3, 2007, the roads to the Griffith Observatory were re-opened to private vehicle traffic. The observatory shuttle is no longer running, and there is no longer any cost associated with visiting the Griffith Observatory. Read more here and here.

The Los Feliz Ledger reports that the proposed $5.50 fee for the shuttle service is in doubt, due to the terms of Col. Griffith's bequest that the park and its facilities be accessible to all.

According to Jon Kirk Mukri, general manager of the city’s Dept. of Recreation and Parks, it would cost the city $8 million to $10 million to operate the shuttle if it were free of charge to visitors.

“This cost will have to be borne by someone,” said Murki.

The idea of an off-site shuttle has been discussed for nearly two years to alleviate traffic in the greater Los Feliz area and, specifically, the immediate neighborhood surrounding the Observatory when it re-opens.

According to the article, city officials are working to find other possible sources of funding for the shuttles before a planned October 3rd news conference when Mayor Villaraigosa will announce the date of the observatory's re-opening.

Morning at the zoo

Last Friday morning, I spent a couple of hours at the Los Angeles Zoo. When our family went for a visit a few weeks ago, we decided to become members at the family level for $60, since we knew we would be returning around Halloween for the Boo at the Zoo trick-or-treating event.

With an annual membership and some free time, I made my way to the zoo before its 10 AM opening. Though it was a few minutes before 10, I found the gate open a few minutes early for zoo members.

After a few stops for photos and exploring both the aviary and reptile house, I found myself in the far corner of the zoo. Apparently the early morning is feeding time for many of the animals, and it was fascinating to watch the black bears and the hippos during feeding time.

On my way out, I stopped by the alligator exhibit and took a photo of the above fellow posing as a log, waiting for his next meal.