Suggested preflight reading: connected Stones expert Harvey Kubernik's "Canyon of Dreams, The Music and Magic of Laurel Canyon." This elaborate coffee table book offers a very colorful and detailed picture of the scene, with a detour to Monterey. Another sight to see: The Phil Spector murder house in the outer suburb of Alhambra. The various celeb-laden graveyards are also a blast. The one in Westwood is the most concentrated, while Hollywood Forever is a great park to relax, bring a picnic, and sometimes they show movies.

Whatever you do in SF be sure to pack warm Clothes. July is CCCCOLLD here!