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Alhambra, California is a small city just a few miles outside of Los Angeles. While it is just a short drive to LA for shopping, there are also some nice shops right in town and in some of the neighboring towns, so you don't have to travel into the city. Here are a few fun places to shop in Alhambra. Alhambra Place Alhambra Place is a shopping plaza on the corner of Garfield Ave and Main Street. It was recently renovated giving it a whole new modern and updated look with new shops and businesses. You can head here for almost anything from pizza at Blaze Pizza, clothes at Burlington Coat Factory, or cards and gifts at Maido Stationery. There is also a Sprouts, Vidorra, and a Verizon 4G Wireless shop. Nucleus Art Gallery and Store Nucleus Art Gallery and Store is a great place for those who love art. There is both a gallery with exhibits and a store that sells both art-related products and rarities. Nucleus also holds benefit auctions, music events, and they even have artists come in for lectures. There are pieces of art for sale, and you can browse through their collection of original pieces from a variety of genres including contemporary, illustrations, graphic art, and commercial art. more Marini Music Marini Music is the store in Alhambra where people who love music shop. Here, you can buy musical instruments including keyboards, guitars, mandolins, and all the accessories to go with them. They have books with sheet music for all kinds of instruments, mics, music stands, cases, and amps. The owner is very knowledgeable about music and instruments, and he is friendly and helpful. You can bring in your guitar when it needs new strings or other instruments that need repairs or tune ups. Stop in here for all your music needs whether you are just getting started or you are an experienced musician. You'll find Marini Music on West Main Street right in downtown Alhambra. Westfield Santa Anita Westfield Santa Anita is a great shopping mall just a few miles from Alhambra. It has both indoor and outdoor shopping, a playground for the kids, and plenty of seating for when you need to take a rest. There is a huge selection of stores with merchandise for almost any occasion or need, and this mall has many restaurants so you can stop for lunch or dinner. There are two food courts, kiosks with food, and several sit down restaurants. Stop in at the NYX makeup store, or shop at one of the many Asian shops. Check out the website for special events at this mall such as the Refashion the Future or the Yoobi Chalk Party, or you can take in a movie a the AMC theater.   Whether you enjoy shopping and want to head to a large mall where you can spend the day browsing through lots of shops, or you just want to go to one store and get your errands done, there are plenty of places to shop around in the Alhambra area. Image “ Alhambra, California” by Ken Lund, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original

Alhambra, California sits just eight miles outside of Los Angeles and is a small city that has a little of something for everyone. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, it is a great place to live or visit. Here are some of the fun things you can do outside in and around Alhambra. Visit Grenada Park Grenada Park on West Hellman Ave is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. There are picnic tables along with covered shelters so you can sit and relax either out in the sun or under the shade. This park has a playground for the kids for climbing and swinging and a large grassy area where they can run and play. The heated swimming pool is just the right temperature, and there are ball fields and tennis courts for those who want to get a game going or hit the ball around. more Bike Riding Head over to Edison Trails Park in Monterey Park for some bike riding. This park sits on 11 acres of land with hills and beautiful views. Hikers and bikers share the trails that wind through the park, but they are usually not crowded other than the occasional dog walker. There is plenty of parking, updated restrooms, and many places to stop and take a rest. You can also head up to Pasadena and ride the Rose Bowl Loop Track. This is a popular spot for joggers and bikers with a 3-mile loop that is flat and easy to navigate. Hiking There are all kinds of hiking trails in and around the Alhambra and Los Angeles area. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced hiker, there are trails out there for you. For an intermediate hike that is not too easy, but not too difficult, head to Bee Rock. This is a four-mile loop that starts at the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round lot. You'll follow along fire roads, a paved road, and by the remnants of the original L.A. Zoo. The trail eventually leads you to the top of Bee Rock where you can see some amazing views before you descend the trail to your left. To get to the bottom, you'll walk down rocky steps and another fire road that wraps around the hill before you end up back in the parking lot. Hit the Beach What better way to spend a day outside than at the beach. There are several lovely beaches just a short ride away from Alhambra, so you can pack up the car and take a day trip to the ocean. Check out Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, for a mile long stretch of sand with sea cave and tide pools, or go to Malibu Surfrider Beach and either hit the waves yourself or watch the surfers as they try to catch the perfect wave. Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area and is home to the historic Santa Monica Pier. There are many ways to spend the day outside in the Alhambra area. Whether you just want some fresh air or you want to get some exercise while outdoors, there is something for everyone. Image “ Surf’s Up” via Flickr by reggiepen, used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from Original

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the ultimate family off-road vehicle. This SUV has room for up to five passengers, it has luxury features and options, and it can handle almost any terrain with ease. Whether your family likes to take a drive across the country or you prefer to ride up to the mountains, the Grand Cherokee has you covered. Here are some of the things that families love about the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Convenience Features Kids need entertainment no matter how long, or short a ride is. The Jeep Grand Cherokee trims start out with a six-speaker stereo system, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a USB port so the kids can connect their devices. Bump up to the Overland for HD radio, an additional USB port, and a 115-volt power outlet. Starting with the Trailhawk, you'll get an 8.4-inch touchscreen display along with voice controls, and a nine speaker stereo system. The Interior Comfort The Grand Cherokee provides a comfortable ride for the whole family. It features sound deadening glass, comfortable seats with extra support, and plenty of room in both the front and the back for when you want to stretch out. Up front, the seats have extra padding, and in the higher trims, they are both heated and cooled. In the back, there is a good sized cargo space for families who need room for gear. Behind the rear seats you'll find 36.3 cubic feet of space, and when you fold the seats down, it opens up to 68.3 cubic feet. more The Power The base trim comes with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and it has an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the Limited trim and above, there are two optional engines. The first is a 5.7-liter v-8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, and the second is a 3.0-liter V-6 turbo diesel that produces 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee is also a capable vehicle for families that need to tow. The diesel engine will handle up to 7,200 pounds, and the gas-powered V-6 can handle up to 6,200 pounds. This makes it great for hauling trailers and gear for a fun camping adventure. The Technology The kids can stay connected when they ride in the Grand Cherokee with the easy to use Uconnect system. They can connect their phones using Bluetooth or the USB port, and the driver has access to an easy to use navigation system. The Uconnect system also has voice controls so you can use the navigation system without taking your hands off the wheel, and send and receive texts using the voice controls. Safety Systems The high-end Summit trim comes standard with driver assist safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane departure warning system. All the models have a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and keyless ignition and keyless entry. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent all-around vehicle that any family will love. It has space, the latest technology, a powerful engine, and above all, an impressive safety system to protect the ones you love. Image “ Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 3.0 CRD 2010” by RL GNZLZ, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original

No matter how hard you try, even if you're incredibly organized and tidy, it's impossible to keep your car pristine. Instead of paying a ton of money to get your car professionally detailed, there's plenty of things you can do at home to keep your car looking immaculate. Whether you've got a big mess or you're interested in keeping your interior sparkling, these following tips can help you get your car fresh and detailed like you took it to a shop. Always Read Labels It seems like a no-brainer, but really, using the wrong cleaning products can cause some serious issues with your vehicle and can cheapen its overall look. Make sure you read the label carefully before applying. Some cleaners, for example, are harsher than others in accordance with the metal types they're designed to work with. If you apply chrome cleaner, which is extremely acidic, to aluminum, it'll eat away at the metal and can cause cosmetic and structural damage. In addition, you'll want to make sure you're applying products where they belong. This may seem silly, but when you're doing an in-depth detailing, you're bound to have several bottles open. Just make sure that the one you're grabbing is what you think it is before you wash your entire car with wheel cleaner. more Get the Right Products While it's tempting to buy the cheapest products, especially if you're starting from scratch, getting decent products can make a huge difference in the quality of your detail work. We don't mean to suggest that you buy the most expensive products available, but check out online reviews before you head to the auto store. Make sure that you verify that your products are appropriate for your vehicle and that they'll do what you need. For example, not all car washes do well to remove bug residue while others are designed to remove tar. Consider Clay Clay is one of the best ways to deal with difficult-to-remove materials. Tough bonded items like sap, bugs, or overspray are extremely difficult to get off car paint without damaging it. Instead of scrubbing with rough exfoliating pads or chemicals that can strip your car, a clay bar can make all the difference. Clay bars will remove the material, along with any wax around the area. You'll want to be sure to rewax after using them, but they're one of the easiest, and most overlooked, ways to get your car looking spic and span. Remove What You Can When cleaning the interior of your car, get everything out of the interior that you can, from trash to organizing tools to umbrellas. The less you have inside, the easier it will be to get into the smaller nooks and crannies to find debris or trash. While it may be tempting to leave items inside that you know you'll need, it's better to remove them and then put them back afterward than try to clean around them. These four tips can help you get your vehicle looking professionally clean without paying exorbitant prices for detailing. By using these tips and doing light washes in between, your car will stay looking excellent and polished. Image via Pixabay

Alhambra is renowned for its abundance of breathtaking outdoor attractions. One of the best ways to enjoy them is to pull on your walking shoes, pack a lunch, and take a hike. Here is a selection of local treks to inspire your next on-foot adventure. The Six Peaks If you love hiking, you won't be able to resist the allure of Southern California's six highest peaks: Mt. Wilson, Cucamonga Peak, Mt. Baldy, San Bernardino Peak, Mt. San Jacinto, and San Gorgonio Peak. Natives of Los Angeles might be familiar with the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, created by Jeff Hester of SoCalHiker, which attracts thousands of hikers every year. Mt. Wilson Trail is one of the most popular of the six peaks: an adventure that starts at Chantry flats and is about 13 miles to the top. It takes around six hours to complete, and you can reward yourself at the top with a chili dog or a Frito pie. Experienced hikers would regard this climb as moderately challenging, and a map is highly recommended. more Ernest E. Debs Regional Park Ernest E. Debs Regional Park offers excellent views of Highland Park and downtown Los Angeles and would be a spectacular spot to celebrate the Fourth of July. Parking is free, with ample spaces available at both the western and eastern entrances. Romantics will linger in the shade by Peanut Lake, and dog lovers will be happy to know they can enjoy this trail with their best canine friend. The Secret Stairs The Secret Stairs is the name of a walking guide by LA Times journalist Charles Fleming. It describes 42 individual walks around historic staircases in Los Angeles.If you follow Fleming's directions, you will cover about 2.7 miles and almost 1,000 steps winding through some very beautiful neighborhoods. You will need about an hour for this walk, and you can even download a mobile app at the official website. Eagle Rock Canyon Trail Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park is a popular destination for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers, and is a great walk for beginners. Fun fact: The park is traversed by two fault lines — the Topanga and the Santa Ynez faults. This hike is approximately 2.2 miles one way, and when you reach the top, you can see the ocean and the west side of the San Fernando Valley. Pasadena Hiking Pacers If you are looking for a sense of community with an enthusiastic, like-minded bunch, the Pasadena Hiking Pacers take to the trails every Sunday at 7 a.m. The group ranges from beginners to advanced, and tackles new places every week followed by a well-earned breakfast. You can bring your dog on this one, too. LA River Expeditions For a change of terrain, you might prefer to tackle some watersports with LA River Expeditions. Start at Rattlesnake Park and paddle downstream about 2.4 miles, through rocky sections and short rapids, to Egret Park. The return trip involves a well-worn mountain bike trail, adding another exhilarating leg to a wonderful experience. The river expeditions sell out early every season, so book well in advance. From the mountains to the ocean, from the historic San Gabriel Mission to the glorious coastline, the opportunities are endless for grabbing your backpack and enjoying the beautiful landscapes that surround Alhambra. Image “ California: Hiking around Lake Tahoe” by eliduke, used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from Original

The launch of the next-generation Jeep Wrangler is one of the most anticipated of the year. There is little official information about the next-generation Wrangler, but we can expect a lighter and more efficient model to meet impending regulations in the United States and abroad. Die-hard fans, who would no-doubt be happy if the Jeep didn't change at all, will celebrate early reports that the Wrangler won't be ditching the brand's heritage character. The dashboard is still broad and flat, with the trademark seven-slot grille and circular air vents. The steering wheel retains its retro-inspired, three-spoke design. The headlights are still round, and the fenders flared. While the overall silhouette and proportions haven't changed, there have been some subtle modifications to the details, as well as a much-needed upgrade of the current, low-tech interior. There are also improvements to the overall quality of materials, finish, and trim. Here are five of the more significant changes to the Jeep Wrangler that you can expect to see in 2018. more Subtle Details Perhaps the most notable changes from the current-generation Wrangler are in the front and rear details. The turn signals are now on the fenders, rather than the grille — harking back to earlier, open-top Jeeps — and the windshield has a new, rakish design. At the rear, you will still find a flip-up window and side-opening tailgate, and the large rectangular windows remain a prominent feature. However, the back is tidier and trimmer, with new, wraparound taillights. Under the Hood The new Wrangler is expected to inaugurate a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. The upgrade may even offer six different engine options: l Two versions of the 3.6-liter Pentastar engine l A 3.0- and a 2.2-liter diesel l Two versions of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine A Lighter Platform The chassis won't be straying from the Wrangler's traditional design. However, according to a supplier memo leaked to the press last fall, the hood and the doors will now be made out of aluminum to minimize overall weight. It is also rumored that the Wrangler's removable top might be replaced by a more manageable series of individual panels that you can store onboard. Optional power-operated soft top and hardtop glass panel roofs are also anticipated. New Bells and Whistles The appearance of new button controls confirms a number of new functional features and options, including heated seats and steering wheel, parking sensor, a navigation system, engine stop/start functionality, push-button start, and a rear backup camera. Infotainment Expect the inclusion of the new standard in connectivity items, including Bluetooth smartphone, touch-screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces. The 2018 Wrangler will also feature the current fourth-generation Uconnect system with three available screen sizes: 5, 7, and 8.4 inches. Estimated Arrival Jeep is yet to announce the launch date; however, the new Wrangler should make its formal debut in the fall and on dealer lots before the end of the year. Image via Jeep.com