Firehouse No. 37 is a restaurant and sports bar with a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant has a main dining room, a separate bar with six big screen televisions, private dining rooms and even a kids' play area. The menu features American fare, like steaks, fresh fish, burgers, pizzas and pastas, as well as soups and salads. It offers an extensive selection of beers, wines and liquors, including 44 types of beer on tap, including many local varieties.
Established in 1892 as a volunteer group, the Redondo Beach Fire Department is currently led by Fire Chief Dan Madrigal. Chief Madrigal is supported by three Division Chiefs: Operation Chief Frank Mead; Fire Marshal Carl Whitaker; Special Services and Disaster Preparedness Steve Hyink.
The Department's mission is "Serving the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention, education and emergency services."
Fire Station One: Located at 401 S. Broadway, it is the headquarters station for Fire Administration and the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Fire Station Two: Located at 2400 Grant Ave., this station services as a backup Communications & Emergency Dispatch Center for both Fire and Police services.
Fire Station Three: Located at the entrance of the King Harbor Marina, it serves as headquarters for the Harbor Patrol Division.
Laguna Beach Fire Department Station 1, located in downtown Laguna, is Orange County's oldest continually operating fire station, having been constructed in 1931. It is one of four stations within the city limits, and is located next door to City Hall and the police station.
The Suisun City Fire Department is virtually an all-volunteer department. It has a paid Fire Chief and two paid Fire Captains in a forty- three person department that provides 24/7 protection and other emergency services like medical response and help during disasters. Suisun firefighters responded to roughly 1,850 calls for service in 2009.
The Hearst Castle/San Simeon State Historical Monument was inherited in 1919 by William Randolph Hearst, a media magnate, politician, and art collector. Born of privilege, he toured Europe and developed an appreciation of the ornate. His interests included Hollywood and its people, and by 1947 he created "La Cuesta Encantada," a place where he entertained stars at his "castle." See the gardens, pools and living spaces on this sprawling estate.
When to go to the Hearst Castle/San Simeon State Historical Monument
Weekdays are the best time to visit, but there are really no bad times to stop by. Visit at Christmas to enjoy holiday splendor. Reservations are required.
Must see/do at the Hearst Castle/San Simeon State Historical Monument
Start with the Grand Rooms Tour. Experience the thrill of being a guest in Hearst's social parlors.
Explore the magnificent gardens and the incredible tiled pools. Imagine stars of the 40s and 50s lounging poolside.
Learn about the history of "The Enchanted Hill" at the visitor center, which features a five-story theater that features a film, "Hearst Castle—Building the Dream."
Admission to the Hearst Castle/San Simeon State Historical Monument
Reservations are required for the tours, which can be made online. Options include 13 tours, which vary in length and price. 40-minute tours start at about $25 for adults and children are about half price.
Parking and public transportation to the Hearst Castle/San Simeon State Historical Monument
The estate is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco at 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452. Motorists can drive from either city in about four hours, and parking is available on site. Several public transportation options exist, including taking a train to San Luis Obispo and a bus to Hearst Castle.
Author's bio: Connie Jankowski is an award-winning writer and a seasoned traveler. Her interests include education, healthcare, pets, the arts and travel.
This district contains seven fire stations which are responsible for the bedroom communities from West Menlo Park to East Palo Alto and as far north as Fair Oaks. It is responsible for about 30 square miles on the Peninsula, putting out fires and holding educational activities for the community. Budget and expenditure information for the district is available online.
The Alameda Fire Department, under Chief David Kapler, offers fire protection, emergency and disaster response, as well as paramedic services and community education. The department's four open stations can provide emergency response anywhere in the city within approximately three to four minutes.
The department responded to 6,573 calls in 2006, or about 18 calls per day. The 92-member department boasts four advanced life support engine companies, two ladder truck companies, three ambulances, one fireboat and one water rescue boat.
It also offers a variety of safety courses, including an emergency preparedness course, which teaches participants fire suppression and disaster search and rescue techniques, and a fall-prevention program for seniors.