Warning to Los Angeles area Nature Photographers

Just a note of warning to anyone going to the Sepulveda Basin, specifically the Sepulveda Wildlife Area. This morning I was robbed at gunpoint by two "gang members" (police confirm the description). They took my camera, lens, binoculars, etc.

Please do not shoot alone in this area, or avoid it altogether, which I will now be doing. I know in the past, I have taken other folks from here, so please be careful.

Eric

Hello Eric,

Thanks for the warning. Its terrible to have your expensive equipment stolen in this manner. Glad you are ok though. It could have been worse.

Regards.

Thanks for the tip, Eric. I hope you are able to cope with the effects. Never heard of the place, but I'll remember that name from now on. I remember about four years ago, my brother and I were walking along Dockweiler Beach at night to see the 4th of July Fireworks and some guys in a car were screaming "Crips!" at us.

Another caution for travelers: Do not walk or drive through downtown L.A. at night if you can avoid it. I've never been so fearful for my life as my cousin and I once drove through there at night from Chinatown on the way to Santa Monica.

Eric,

Thanks for the tip. It is frightening the degree to which our cities have overrun with gangs and gang influence. Very glad to hear you came of it safely, despite the horrible loss of your gear. It must have been terrifying.

I just moved to the area, thanks for the waning.

Scott

The Sepulveda Basin is located in the San Fernando Valley. off the 405 and Burbank Blvd.. it is a pretty decent spot for wildlife photography at the location Eric is talking about.. Quite nice for flight shots of Egrets, Herons and Pelicans when it is winter time...

I used to go there all the time last winter.. guess I will just frequent Lake Balboa instead...

I grew up not too far from there. Sorry to hear about your loss. That sounds like a miserable experience. I wish you the best.