I just returned from an invigorating hike in the beautiful hills above Hollywood, California, in Damon Runyon Park.

On a day like today, when a steady, but not significant rain has just stopped falling, the greens and blues and purples of the scenery are spectacular, and from this elevation you can see downtown Los Angeles on the left, and the Santa Monica Bay, on the right.

The site is spotted with little and big dogs, all of them well behaved, who are obviously regulars, here. Not only do they leave people alone, or come up for a quick pet-in-passing, but also they play with their canine colleagues, or happily ignore them.

Even the occasional firefighter, who drives through the curves of the canyon, is on a mellow vibe, smiling at hikers, slowly monitoring the area for slides.

Whats stunning about this place is how sparkling and picked-up it is. Almost everyone cleans up after his or her pet, and there isnt a piece of trash to be seen, anywhere. Its a real testament to the sense of community that exists among the people, here.

Theres a local feeling, which is friendly, but unobtrusive. The closest thing to it is the attitude of people in the Berkeley hills, but here, theyre just a little bit more upbeat.

Maybe its the proximity of such icons as the Capitol Records building, and the other Hollywood venues, that are literally a stones throw away.

If youre in Southern California for any reason, and you have an extra hour or two, definitely look up this place on a map.

Youll need one, because its nestled into the hills, in an attractive and quiet residential neighborhood.

While street parking is tight, its free; and there is word that 80 public parking spaces are going to be installed, imminently, at the lowest level of the park.

Im sure youll find this trek refreshing and memorable!