You See LA: Winter 2021
5 Things To See And Do In L.A., Handpicked By Design Media Arts Student Gustavo Tepetla
Gustavo Tepetla is a third-year transfer student in the Department of Design Media Arts (DMA) with a minor in Visual and Performing Arts Education (VAPAE).
He's also a UCLA Undergraduate Dean's Advisory Representative, DMA Dean's Council Representative, DMA Student Body President, DISRUPT Co-Founder and President, and a VAPAE Teaching Artist.
Tepetla is a marksman, avid fisher, and father to one daughter, Kayla. In this edition of “You See L.A.,” he shares five ways to disconnect in and around the San Fernando Valley.
Nature is the ultimate space to ground myself and regain the balance that is so difficult to find within our busy urban lifestyle. Please follow CDC safety guidelines, especially when visiting crowded or indoor locations.
Fishing on Lake Casitas, Ventura County
Fishing is one of my favorite ways to disconnect from the stress of city life. I love the visual excitement created by the water and surrounding landscape, as well as the serene feeling of cruising along the lake in a skiff boat searching for the perfect location to cast our rods. Lake Casitas is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and makes for a fun day of fishing.
Lake Casitas
1311 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura, CA 93001
Fishing on Pyramid Lake, near Castaic
If Ventura County is too far a drive but you still want to relax and fish in one of California’s magnificent lakes, then I recommend following the 5N freeway to Pyramid Lake or another of the small lakes along the freeway just outside LA. I like Pyramid Lake best because of its convenient layout and abundant amenities. It has sandy beaches, pre-built fishing stations, picnic tables, and even grills to cook your fish straight out of the water. From the hills, the view of the lake is phenomenally peaceful. This is one of my must-see spots that’s not too far from the city.
Pyramid Lake
43100 Pyramid Lake Rd, Castaic, CA 91384
Oak Tree Gun Club, Newhall
Another way I like to let off steam is heading to one of the many outdoor shooting ranges on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Spending time at the shooting range can be a great stress-relieving activity to do alone or with friends. It’s also a great way to practice self-defense skills while refining one’s sharpshooter/marksmanship skills. I recommend the Oak Tree Gun Club because of the variety of ranges, targets, and the many calibers they permit on the range. I typically take a rifle and three pistols.
Oak Tree Gun Club
23121 Coltrane Ave, Newhall, CA 91321
Juana La Michoacana, Canoga Park
One of the biggest joys and blessings in the world for me is spending time with my amazing daughter, Kayla. We both enjoy snacking on sweets of all types from many regions of the world. Our favorite place to visit for authentic Mexican snacks is Juana La Michoacana in Canoga Park. They offer plenty of snacks to choose from, plus everything is handmade from scratch and reasonably priced. Juana La Michoacana is known for its handmade paletas and handmade ice cream. Be sure to check them out!
Juana La Michoacana
21113 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303
Westfield Topanga & The Village, Canoga Park
Westfield Topanga & The Village offer a large selection of outdoor dining spaces. Kayla and I both enjoy the natural sunlight and love having our meals al aire libre—out in the fresh air. A visit there is never complete for us without a pizza slice from Costco followed by a relaxing stroll near the koi pond. There is also a UCLA playground on site.
Westfield Topanga & The Village
6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park, CA 91303
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