Here's a view form my roof from today:

Here's a detail that looks like what the album art should be if Brian Wilson did a Burzum tribute album. (Click image to supersize.)I should be ok, since the fire would need to jump the river and 2 freeways to get to me.

For a sense of scale, here's a map of L.A. I live where the red X is (Click on image to enlarge).

Some things I've planted

Bell Peppers: Rosemary:

Basil and Tomatoes:
Cilantro:

Cactus in the front yard, cut from a 10 foot one with lots of branches from my old place in Pasadena. This one's only about 10 inches so far:
Tiny succulent cuttings from Pasadena I'm hoping I can grow to populate the front yard:

Some views of the outside of the house, since I didn't post any yet:

L. A. River

There's a trail along the river that begins 2 blocks from my place, bounded by the 2 freeway and the 5/110 freeway interchange. A likeably awkward meeting between urban decay and persistent nature. A good hour long stroll each direction.

Figs and pears from my yard.

My new housemate, Ichi the mantis. His eyes are light in these pictures. When it's dim, they darken.