Christmas Is Over, Glendale!

Posted by
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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Not to put a damper on your holiday spirit, but it's time to let this year's Christmas tree go. Unless you plan to nurse it in your backyard, you should let the city recycle your tree, which it will do between now and January 16. According to the City of Glendale website:

Single-family residents of the City should put their trees on the parkway by 7:00 AM on their scheduled trash day. Multi-family residents and businesses should either:
  • Call the Integrated Waste Management office at (818) 548-3916 to find out their collection day.

  • Map and Schedule information is available to determine the collection day for your area. Trees placed out after 7:00 AM may be missed and will then have to be placed out the following week.
There will be NO Christmas tree drop-off at the Integrated Waste Yard due to security concerns.

Please remove all ornaments, decorations, nails, buckets, bags and stands before putting trees out for recycling. Flocked trees are acceptable. Trees more than eight feet tall must be cut in half. Residents with yard-trimming (green) containers may clip the branches, cut their trees and fit them in their containers. Remember not to jam the container and the lids must close completely.
I guess there's no law if you really wanted to hang onto your Christmas tree for a lot longer—just know that dry trees are a big fire hazard and, more importantly [:)], a cultural faux pas.

However, there is a law against having holiday lighting up for more than 90 days. While some you might think that gives you permission to leave your glowing plastic snowman on your lawn into March, the city recommends that you pack Frosty up by January 31. I personally think that's way too long (holiday decorations in January?!), but I suppose the city's wrath is far gentler than mine.


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Brush Up Your Skills for Free at Glendale Community College

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Wednesday, December 24, 2008
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Don't know your Excel from your elbow? Think mastering PowerPoint could catapult you from back-office obscurity to the Board Room? Glendale Community College offers a bunch of computer classes absolutely free under its Continuing Education program.

A friend of mine who was recently laid off work has been brushing up her computer skills though the college to stay sharp and get ahead in the job market, and she spoke highly of the course structure.

Glendale Community College
Continuing Education Program
Garfield Campus
1122 E. Garfield Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205-2526
818.240.1000, ext. 5678 or 5681
www.glendale.edu/continuinged
The college's Community Services Education also has a program of short courses and workshops at extremely reasonable cost. The Winter 2009 brochure is dizzying – the only problem is trying to make up your mind what to choose.

Last semester I took the excellent Drawing The Human Figure ($95 for six classes), and this time I'm torn between Conversational Chinese ($85 for six classes), Argentine Tango ($79 for eight classes), Beginning Italic Calligraphy ($35 for one class), and Outdoor Survival Techniques ($89 for a six week course).

There's everything from arts and crafts to computer technology, sports, music, dance, cooking, money management, creative writing, and beyond.


Glendale Community College
Community Services Education
Garfield Campus
1122 E. Garfield Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205-2526
818.240.1000, ext. 5015
www.glendale.edu/cse



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Glendale Lube Center: An Oil Change Station I Can Trust

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Monday, December 22, 2008
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I've been to oil change stations that are part of a chain (Jiffy Lube, EZ Lube, etc.), and I've always ended up driving away with the feeling that I've been overcharged or lied to or both.

You've had this experience before, right? You go in for a quick oil change, but the technician tells you about how there are a half dozen things wrong with your car that needs fixing and that he just happens to be able to fix them? And then he issues an estimate in the hundreds of dollars, and suddenly that $20 coupon you're holding in your hand doesn't quite seem like the bargain you were expecting?

The thing is, I'm one of those people who knows next to nothing about cars, and mechanics can easily scare me into submission. After all, who wants their automobile to blow up?

Fortunately, I stumbled across Glendale Lube Center a few years ago, and I've been a loyal customer ever since. Since they are authorized to do more than oil changes, they will on occasion make recommendations (a new air filter here, fuel injection service there), but it never feels like some high-pressured sales pitch. I trust what they're telling me, and their recommendations never come across as urgent prophecies of impending doom. They usually give me an estimate of how long I can go without, say, an automatic transmission drain and fill.

When I swing by weekday mornings or afternoons, I'm usually in and out in under 10 minutes. If you're there during peak hours or if they're unusually busy, it might take 20.

The cost of a basic oil change fluctuates, but it'll always match or be less than what the Jiffy Lube across the street is charging. (Today, for example, Jiffy Lube was advertising a $21.99 oil change; Glendale Lube Center was offering $21.95.)

Admittedly, Glendale Lube Center isn't as pretty as Jiffy Lube or EZ Lube (Glendale Lube Center needs a new sign and their waiting area and soda machine look a bit run down), but, for me, good service from people I trust trumps aesthetic beauty any day (at least when it comes to oil changes).


Glendale Lube Center
605 E. Harvard Street
Glendale, CA 91205
818.243.5282‎
http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=glendale+lube+center&fb=1&view=text&latlng=15715834591134643926

Average Oil Change:
$21.95-$26.95

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
By the way, they used to honor competitor coupons. I don't know if they still do this. Ask.


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Zankou Very Much, Sidewalk Cafe!

Posted by
Friday, December 19, 2008
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Sidewalk Cafe, Zankou Chicken, Glendale, CaliforniaWhen I saw that a new Trader Joe's was opening a mere four minutes away from my home, I didn't scream quite as loudly as I did when I saw the new large red sign at the corner of Glenoaks and Highland. "Zankou Chicken is going in at Sidewalk Café!," I interrupted my best friend's story to yelp. She wasn't nearly as annoyed as I would have been had she interrupted me (what are best friends for?). Instead, she joined my excitement: "I know! Isn't that great? Too bad we're probably going to have to wait a while for it to open."

I know I could drive up to their fancy new location in Burbank or even to their second original location right here in Glendale, but this new Zankou Chicken is opening ("sometime next week," according to an employee) inside one of my favorite spots.

Sidewalk Café is a great place to meet friends for lunch, bring the family for a full dinner, or just grab coffee and read for hours. It has undergone various transformations over the years, but most have been for the better.

Coldstone Creamery (and its silly signage) disappeared. The gelato bar came and then sadly went, but the crepes stayed. New management has improved the service, built a new corner with comfy leather couches for lounging, and updated the menu my new favorite item: creamy vegetable lasagna. They also tried a kebab bar in the Coldstone location, but I never got the chance to try it. It seemed that all I had to do was blink, and it was gone.

Now enter Zankou Chicken. If you've never tasted their amazing rotisserie chickens, then you cannot call yourself an Angeleno (or Glendaleno?). But don't feel bad if you haven't discovered them yet; it took me six years before I did. I'm so happy that I'll be able to return to my favorite spot and order my favorite chicken. Or wait, the vegetable lasagna? Now, I don't know what to do.

Sidewalk Café/Zankou Chicken
901 Glenoaks Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91202
818.246.1000
www.sidewalkcafe.biz

Average Entree:
$8-$11

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Zankou Chicken
1415 E. Colorado Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91205
818.244.2237
www.zankouchicken.com

Average Entree:
$5-$9

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.



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Candlelight Tours of The Doctors House in Brand Park, December 20

Posted by
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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In 1979, The Doctors House, a Victorian home built around 1888-1890, was threatened with demolition. A group of determined Glendale residents came together to save the house, and The Glendale Historical Society emerged from their efforts. Funds were raised, and ultimately the house was moved from its original location at Wilson & Belmont to a space provided by the city in Brand Park.

Over the next four years, volunteers from the Society painstakingly restored the house to the way it would have looked in the Victorian era. In 1984, the house was opened to the public as a museum, showcasing early Glendale history and Victorian life.

Tours of the house are available most Sunday afternoons (except December) from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., but during two special evenings in December the house is decorated for Christmas and lit by candles and vintage lanterns. Guests are invited to stroll through and enjoy the period decorations, live music, and refreshments.


The Doctors House Candlelight Tours

Saturday, December 20, 2008
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

The Doctors House
Brand Park
1601 West Mountain Street
Glendale, CA 91201
818.242.4290
www.glendalehistorical.org/doctors.html

Admission:
Only $1

No reservations needed. Bring the kids!
[We at The Glendale Historical Society enjoy sharing our city's history and preserving its architectural heritage. We are fortunate as citizens to have great old neighborhoods and beautiful buildings from decades past that tell the story of Glendale. Please read more about our efforts at www.glendalehistorical.org and help us preserve Glendale's history by becoming a member.]

[Photo courtesy of Graeme Whifler.]


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Freecycle: Where "Free" Is the Right Price

Posted by
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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Freecycle, Glendale, CaliforniaSome of you have no doubt visited the "Free Stuff" section of Craigslist either to get rid of something someone else might want or to find something you need at no cost. But item-swapping seems to be rare in Glendale itself, with few posts targeting this area. And I think I know why.

There's a cool, highly targeted Yahoo! Group called "Burbank/Glendale Freecycle," where members put up three kinds of notices: "Wanted" for requests; "Offer" for things to be given away; and "Taken" for offers that are now closed. They have a strict set of guidelines, which makes the group pretty focused on what it does best: keeping things in rotation in the Glendale area. Some of the rules include:


**Keep it FREE, Keep it LEGAL, Keep it APPROPRIATE for All Ages!!!

**No SPAM, POLITICS, OFF-TOPIC, TRADES, BARTERS, SELLING, ETC.

**Please limit what you post to TANGIBLE ITEMS that would otherwise be thrown out and end up in the landfill. If it is trash, then trash it! If it is still useable, then offer it on Freecycle™.

**NO Coupons or Tickets. These do not fit our purpose.

**No sob stories or explanations why you want something, just ask.

**Once a month limit to repeating same item in a WANTED message.

**No "curbside" pickups offering an item to first-one-here-gets-it, listing a specific address. Items must belong to you or you must have permission to post for someone else. No "Come and Get It".

**Honor your agreement with the other person in the exchange. Recipients, show up on time with the proper equipment for transporting the item. Givers, meet your recipient on time and have the item ready for pickup.

**PETS -- yes, you can offer pets for adoption here, but you can't try to find a potential mate for breeding purposes. Please don't offer or request farm animals or animals intended as food for
humans or other animals. No requests for pets.

**New Member's messages are MODERATED to keep spam off list.
Pretty cool, huh? You can receive new posts by e-mail (each and every post or a daily digest format), or you can choose to only view posts online.

Click here to join Burbank/Glendale Freecycle. It's currently 4,000+ members strong.


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Creating a Not-So-Secret Garden: Coalition for a Green Glendale

Posted by
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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Coalition for a Green Glendale, Glendale, CaliforniaA few years ago, my best friend moved into a swanky apartment in West Hollywood, right across the street from the Wattles community garden. On the way up to our hike at Runyon Canyon, we snuck a tour of the garden's periphery and saw, beyond the wire fence, an abundant beauty that reminded me of one of my favorite childhood novels, The Secret Garden. There seemed to be a hundred or more small vegetable and herb gardens, separated by a simple mulched pathway. Bordering each farmed plot were creeping vines and blooming flowers. We spotted busy gardeners, working the weeds, schmoozing under lemon trees.

I was insanely jealous. Here was a communal sanctuary, right along Hollywood Boulevard and yet too far from home. When I got back to this side of town, I rushed online and Googled "COMMUNITY GARDEN GLENDALE CALIFORNIA." Sadly, the search proved unfruitful (pardon the pun), as such a garden did not exist.

About a month ago, I became aware of the new Coalition for a Green Glendale, an organization working with the Los Angeles Community Garden Council in building a new community garden at 870 Monterey Road. The Coalition was founded by recent college graduates who have joined with landscape designer Guillame Lemoine (and who I recently had the pleasure of meeting) to "protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the ecological environment of the City of Glendale through conservation, research, education, and activism." Their website also shows that they've been working to make Glendale a more environmentally respectful city by taking even simple steps like handing out reusable bags at the Montrose Harvest Market.

Those who are interested in participating in the new Monterey Eco-Community Garden can go to the Coalition's website for the interest form. According to the Glendale News-Press,
the proposed plan includes communal fruit trees along the edge of the garden (which means anyone could pick 'em!), the possibility of 45 plots of land, and it would serve as a model for future community gardens. Under the current plan, "gardeners would put down a $20 deposit and pay $80 annually for a full plot, $45 for a half plot." Not bad for a year's worth of food and a small slice of Eden.

Visit the Coalition for a Green Glendale website.


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Vanessa Anne Hudgens Back in Glendale; Plus: Play Guess the Mattress Store!

Posted by
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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Vanessa Anne Hudgens, The Americana, Glendale, CaliforniaEven though High School Musical's Vanessa Anne Hudgens looked all shopped out last week, she returned to Glendale on Monday to go mattress shopping. Zac Efron was once again nowhere to be seen. Doesn't he get a say as to the firmness and bounce factor of her new bed?

All the reports I checked about this celebrity sighting (which did not indicate whether or not she jumped up and down on beds like I would) did not identify the mattress store. Click the picture to enlarge, and see if you can identify the shop. I don't know. Is it one of those mattress stores on Central? Does anybody have the slightest clue?

For more Vanessa Anne Hudgens mattress-shopping pics, go here.


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Flu Shots for the Flu-Minded

Posted by
Monday, December 15, 2008
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flu shots, Glendale, CaliforniaFirst of all, I don't personally believe in getting flu shots for myself because 1.) I don't really get sick, 2.) I have knee-jerk reactions against Western medicine, and 3.) needles are my number one fear. But I know that many people online are searching for flu shots, and who am I to deny the public of what it wants?

Flu season ranges between November and March, with most free and low-cost vaccination events happening in October and November. Now that we're well into December what is a health-minded individual to do?

Don't worry. I found you two places within Glendale city limits that will still stick you with a needle. But before you run out the door, be sure to read up on the flu and flu shots on the Center for Disease Control website to make sure vaccination is right for you.

Minute Clinic @ CVS Pharmacy
1122 E. Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
818.547.0170
http://www.minuteclinic.com/flu

Flu shots available everyday. No appointment necessary. Children must be 18 months or older to receive a flu shot at this clinic.

Cost:
$30
(Some insurance accepted.)

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Vons (Pharmacy)
311 W. Los Feliz Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91204
818.246.7161

When I called Vons for specific flu-shot hours, it seemed like only certain people there were authorized to give flu shots and their schedules varied. So call ahead to make sure someone is available when you want to go in.

Cost:
$28
(Some insurance accepted.)

Hours:
Hours for flu shots vary. Call ahead.



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Patrick's Cafe: Where I'm Proud to Be a Regular

Posted by
Monday, December 15, 2008
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Patrick's Cafe, Glendale, CaliforniaMaking your way in the world today
Takes everything you've got
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot
Wouldn't you like to get away? 


Sometimes you want to go 



Where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came
You wanna be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same 

You wanna be where everybody knows 

Your name

—Cheers theme song
A few years back, my husband announced that he wanted to find a restaurant where he could become a "regular." He wanted to find a place where, when he walked in the door, they would say, "Hello, Matthew. Nice to see you."

I was all for the idea. I grew up in my parents' restaurant in downtown Chicago. I was almost quite literally born in a booth. My mother told me that when I was born, before heading home from the hospital, they took me to the restaurant first.

Going out to eat is one of my great joys of life. But as we surveyed our mental roster of local eating establishments, we couldn't think of any that we wanted to call "home."

Our favorite place to go was Patrick's, a quiet café in a strip mall, just off San Fernando and Sonora. It was a great place to grab a quick sandwich or to sit and study for a few hours. The owner, Rogel Aragon, always gave a warm reception, and he even remembered our names.

But, alas, our ideal restaurant would be full-service, and, best of all, it would serve our favorite meal of the day, a full breakfast, complete with French toast, hot pancakes, massive omelets, steaming bacon, the works.

Imagine our excitement when Rogel announced that he would be opening a full-service restaurant just down the road. We became stalkers, peering into windows, driving through the alley, knocking on the door. A few weeks before the grand opening, Rogel was kind enough to give us an exclusive tour, highlighting the beautiful design: the striking artwork, the swanky dark wood, the alfresco dining areas. Rogel had an eye for detail, and I loved that he made a concerted effort to pay homage to the original Googie design, keeping the 1950s boomerang detail of the front counter and overhangs.

The new location opened in September 2006, and my husband and I are proud to be "regulars." The food is indeed as splendid as the design. When we're feeling indulgent, we get the breakfast sandwich or the steak and eggs. A healthier but still satisfying option is the oatmeal, served with hot milk, sliced apples, cinnamon, raisins, and granola. For lunch, my standard favorite is the tuna sandwich, while Matthew loves the burgers, which are always served hot and fresh. I also love the Carnivore, a roast beef and boursin cheese sandwich, but you might also want to try your hand at creating your own with their nifty little order sheets.

When leaving the hospital after our daughter was born, we went to Patrick's first and then home. We went partly because I had to get my hands on a tuna sandwich after nine months of living without, but it was mostly because we wanted to introduce everyone to our daughter. And tell them her name.

Patrick’s Café
6720 San Fernando Road
Glendale, CA 91201
818.291.0025

Average Entree:
$8 - $12

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.



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Reader Comments Roundup

Posted by
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Filed Under:

Everything Glendale is now two weeks old (our official launch was December 1, 2008), and we've seen a terrific amount of site traffic and enthusiasm from the community. And all your comments and encouragement have made it even sweeter. So we're launching a new feature that will gather a small sampling of notable recent comments written by you, dear readers. Here's Round One!

• Regarding Historic Photos Online, Scott (of Tropico Station) informs us that "The Glendale Historical Society site has a research page that contains the definitive list of web resources related to local history." His full comment is here.

• Regarding Glendale Farmers' Markets, Kendyl (of Kendyl's Open House) recommends the roasted corn and the goat cheese stand at the Montrose Harvest Market. Her full comment is here.

• Regarding The Best Salsa Ever...at Baja Fresh?, Mario agrees that the Molcajete Salsa is awesome, but also has an inside tip: "Believe it or not, Pollo Campero (possibly the best fried chicken, ever!) in the Galleria's food court has, basically, the same exact salsa." His full comment is here.

• Regarding Glendale Becoming Eco-Friendlier, Scott clears up my gap in knowledge about "natural gas": "Natural gas is the exact same stuff that probably runs your stove." His full comment is here.

• And finally, regarding Living in Glendale Will Save the Earth, Anonymous plugs the new-ish Coalition for a Green Glendale. His/her full comment is here. And guess what? We have a full post about the organization that will be published next week.

Thanks for your feedback, everyone. Keep it comin'! You can tip us off in the comments section of any post or e-mail us at info@everythingglendale.com.


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Vanessa Anne Hudgens ALSO Goes to The Americana

Posted by
Friday, December 12, 2008
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What the hell is going on this month at The Americana that's drawing the Hollywood elite? Not allowing Britney Spears to hog up the Celebrities-Shopping-in-Glendale spotlight, High School Musical's Vanessa Anne Hudgens was also spotted at Kitson yesterday, looking, shall we say, a little underwhelmed. Maybe she didn't stay around for the fabulous fountain show? That would've put a smile on her face! (Or is she already jaded at 19?)

I have never been in Kitson. I don't know what it is. I don't even know where at The Americana it's located. But if Hollywood keeps this up (and perhaps sends a smiling Zac Efron to shop and pose), I might have to investigate further.

The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
818.637.8982
www.americanaatbrand.com
[Source: Just Jared Jr.]


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Britney Spears Goes to The Americana

Posted by
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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We don't typically get many celebrity sightings this far east of Hollywood, but The Americana at Brand is enough of a glittery paradise to draw the likes of Britney Spears, perhaps the mother of paparazzi bait. She was seen buying some toys and pajamas for her boys and jeans for herself at Kitson last week. Earlier that day, surrounded by security, she ate at Katsuya, a Japanese restaurant. No news on her chopstick-wielding abilities. (Why don't journalists observe the things I want to know?)

And that's about as Hollywood as this blog is going to get. Unless Britney Spears returns to Glendale. And shops at Ross. And eats at Panda Express. Now that I'd like to see—her digging into a big plate of orange chicken. While admiring her marked-down skirt.

The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
818.637.8982
www.americanaatbrand.com
[Sources: E! Online and People.]


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A Whole Lot of Tubas: "Merry Tuba Christmas," December 14

Posted by
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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The announcement on Tropico Station about Merry Tuba Christmas at the Alex Theatre on December 14, 2008, caught my eye because, well, it's free! Hundreds of tuba players will grace the stage to perform holiday tunes, and the audience will be handed song sheets and encouraged to sing along. (Honestly, this sounds like it could be a potential ear sore for me, but, hey, I don't have to go to these things to share them with you.)

I also found a video clip online of last year's concert, so you can decide for yourself if this kind of thing floats your boat:



If you go, let me know how it is.

Merry Tuba Christmas

Sunday, December 14, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Alex Theatre
216 N. Brand Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91203
818.243.2539
http://www.alextheatre.org/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=179&year=2008&month=12

Tickets:
Free

The annual Merry Tuba Christmas event at the Alex Theatre features hundreds of tuba and euphonium players of all ages from throughout Southern California. Special guests include the Tubadours, comprised of professional musicians from Los Angeles, and a special visit by Santa Claus.

Running time is approximately one hour with no intermission, and the performance is suitable for all ages. Photo/video recording by patrons is allowed.
I had to look up "euphonium." It's "a brass musical instrument similar to the baritone tuba but somewhat smaller, with a wider bore and mellower tone, and often having a second bell." So now I know. And so do you. We're learning together!


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Historic Photos Online

Posted by
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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Unlike the other outgoing bloggers on this site, I'm always trying to find ways never to leave my home. And now with the help of the Glendale Central Library, I can browse photographs from its Special Collections Room online. (In my underwear even!)

What's available at this time (with new images added each week) are a handful of historic photos of Glendale people and places, which are regularly featured in Katherine Yamada's "Verdugo Views" column in the Glendale News-Press. (That's Amelia Earhart on the right!)

Take a look at these photographs wherever you happen to be. Or, if you are so inclined, physically visit the library. (Imagine that!)

Glendale Central Library
222 E. Harvard Street
Glendale, CA 91205
818.548.2030
http://www.glendalepubliclibrary.org/special_collections.asp

Special Collection Room Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00p.m.–3:00 p.m.
(Also by appointment.)
[Thanks to Book Talk for posting this.]


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Glendale Farmers' Markets

Posted by
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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[Editor's Note: Hot off the heels of Olivia's terrific post about everything Montrose has to offer comes Kathy's write-up about the farmers' markets in Downtown Glendale and Montrose. Great minds think alike!]

When was the last time you ate an apple? And not a grocery store apple, those tasteless fruits flown in from New Zealand and China. I'm talking about a farm-fresh apple, one that has been picked mere days, if not hours before, one that is so ripe, so sweet, taste buds secrete fountains of approval. What's that? You don't live on a farm? Either do I, but I eat farm fresh produce at every meal, and I gather my harvest right here in Glendale on Thursdays and Sundays at our very own certified farmers' markets.

The Thursday market takes place on Brand Boulevard, right north of Borders. Compared to other markets, this one is not the best, but it is certainly respectable, with a good amount of vendors. You will find mounds of beautiful produce, a local baker selling fresh bread and cakes, and a representative from CSUN supplying heirloom vegetables and potted plants. Unfortunately, the sidewalk is a tight squeeze, and the umbrellas catch the cigarette smoke of passersby (how is this healthy living?), but hopefully that will change after the recent smoking ban. You'll find free parking in the building behind the market—just tell the cashier as you are leaving and they won't charge you.

Montrose's Sunday market is a favorite of mine—they have a beautiful selection of vendors, many who are certified organic or grow without pesticides. One vendor in particular sells fresh goat cheese from Soledad that is truly out of this world; they offer amazing flavors like garlic-dill and lavender. The market also includes hot-food vendors, pony rides, a live brass band, and games for kids. It makes for a lovely Sunday morning. The one warning I would give is to make sure that another festival (like Octoberfest or Halloween) isn't taking place on the Saturday before; twice over the past six months, we have arrived only to find no market (and left practically in tears).

I started shopping the farmers' markets exclusively after reading Michael Pollan. In his book, In Defense of Food, he argues for the benefits of eating real food: food your great-great-grandmother would recognize, and food that is local and fresh. Pollan explains that the widespread use of industrial fertilizers and the fact that food is picked when it is not yet ripe and then shipped overseas means that grocery-store produce is lacking in both taste and nutritional quality. He notes, "You now have to eat three apples to get the same amount of iron as you have gotten from a single 1940 apple."

Walk yourself down to Brand Boulevard, pick up an apple—or an orange or a tomato or plum—and take a big bite, knowing that you're supporting a local farmer and living the good life.

Glendale Certified Farmers' Market
100 Block of N. Brand Boulevard
Between Broadway and Wilson
http://www.farmernet.com/events/one-cfm?venue_id=808

Hours:
Thursday
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Montrose Harvest Market
Honolulu Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard
http://www.farmernet.com/events/one-cfm?venue_id=614

Hours:
Sunday
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.



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Recipes From...the Glendale Fire Department!

Posted by
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
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Not only does the Glendale Fire Department heroically battle natural disasters, it also serves the community by putting its favorite firehouse recipes online! From meals such as the amusingly named "Engine 29 Chum Bucket Chicken Chili" and "Fire Station 21 Ribs from the Crib" to desserts such as "Pride of the Southside Berry Cobbler" and "Fire Station's Death Spirals (Cinnamon Rolls)," now you can experience what it's like to eat like a firefighter. I doubt it's as exciting as sliding down that pole, but who said dining had to be exciting? You just want your food to taste good. And I trust our fire department. Check out the recipes here.

[Thanks to North West Glendale Real Estate for posting this.]


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Montrose: A Hidden Gem

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Tuesday, December 09, 2008
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Montrose is one of the best kept secrets in Glendale, and many of us who live there would like to keep it that way, so if you’re reading this, keep it to yourself, OK?

When I moved to L.A. from the U.K. three years ago, I imagined I'd be living in a brash city. Then I found Montrose and felt like I'd walked into a Frank Capra movie.

Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains on the northern edge of Glendale, this small bedroom community is a bit of a rarity. Part of the City Of Glendale since 1913, it's home mostly to families and a few older citizens. In the early days, Angelenos, including many Hollywood movie stars, would ascend to Montrose's then-"country" heights for clean air and spa treatments.

Now, even though Glendale has reached out in every direction so there are no discernable boundaries, Montrose still offers an escape of sorts to a kind of small-town America where the main street was the hub of the community and you couldn't walk down it without seeing someone you knew.

That main street, Honolulu Avenue, has changed little in character, still featuring a variety of independent stores and restaurants, the only chains in the main strip being Coffee Bean and Subway.

So untouched since the 1950s and '60s are some store fronts that Montrose is often featured in movies and TV shows for its architecture and small-town feel.

The focal point of the week is the Sunday Harvest Market, for which a good part of Honolulu Avenue is closed off. A jazz band adds to the atmosphere as shoppers browse and stop off for brunch at popular haunts like The Black Cow and Montrose Bakery.

The market runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Sunday and features 70 to 80 stall holders selling fresh produce, mainly from the Santa Barbara and Santa Paula areas, plus original arts and crafts, books, bric-a-brac, and bakery items. There's a petting zoo and seasonal pony rides for the kids.

Montrose's annual Christmas parade attracts some 10,000 visitors from miles around. I took a friend and her family this year, and she was bowled over by the great community atmosphere and the size of the parade—it takes a good two hours for all the marching bands, floats, and vintage cars to get from one end of Honolulu Avenue to the next—pretty impressive for one little town.

Montrose is also well-known for its large number of restaurants, many with outdoor dining. There's everything from sushi to Mexican, Italian, American, and beyond.

But there's more than shopping and dining here. A stone's throw away in neighboring La Crescenta, the Deukmejian Wilderness Park has great trails and stunning views, plus a picnic area.

And in next door La Canada, Descanso Gardens is a beautifully landscaped 160 acres of public gardens to enjoy for just $7. It features a café and a tranquil Japanese tea garden.

Montrose is also only six miles south of the Angeles National Forest so everywhere you look, nature's on the doorstep.

One of my favorite views is driving up the Glendale Freeway and seeing Downtown L.A.'s skyscrapers in my rear view mirror. Then I look ahead to the welcoming foothills I'm driving towards and thank my lucky stars I discovered this gem of a town.



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The Best Salsa Ever...at Baja Fresh?

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Monday, December 08, 2008
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I'm going to risk what little street cred I have by writing about a chain restaurant. What's more, it's a fast food chain restaurant. The horror, the horror! But I'm willing to face alienation and ridicule because I have to tell you about the best salsa I have ever had. Ever. And I have to tell you that it's at Baja Fresh. Seriously.

Look, I don't know anything about Baja Fresh's corporate history or if its company uniforms are made in sweatshops in Borneo or what, but last summer they introduced, for a limited time, Molcajete Salsa, which is hands down the most delicious, flavorful salsa that has ever touched my tongue. Ever.

According to a press release I found online, it's "made of smoky char-grilled tomatoes, fresh and spicy charred jalapenos, and cilantro all crushed together into a bold and spicy chunky textured bite." That's exactly what it is, and, hot damn, does it deliver.

I'm sure it's good on different foods there, but I'm a simple guy. I love it with tortilla chips, and that's it.

When the summer was over last year, they pulled the Molcajete Salsa and replaced it with the inferior Mango Salsa. I was devastated. I asked a manager about bringing the Molcajete back, and I e-mailed corporate headquarters, both to no avail.

Well, my favorite salsa returned this past summer, much to my surprise and delight. We're well into December now, and guess what? The Molcajete Salsa is still there! I honestly hope it's become a permanent member of the salsa bar.

If you ever see me at Baja Fresh looking dejected, you'll know that the company has decided to inexplicably punish my loyalty. But for now I weep—tears of joy and tears of spiciness.

Baja Fresh
Glendale Marketplace
114 S. Brand Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91205
818.549.9835
www.bajafresh.com

Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Average Entree:
$5-$10



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Someone to Watch Over You: 17 Cameras Oversee 160 Intersections

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Monday, December 08, 2008
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Did you know that Glendale used to be considered the most dangerous city in California for pedestrians over 50? I don't think they give awards for that. But anybody who's lived here long enough knows that some of the drivers in this town are freaking crazy.

According to a CBS 2 report that just aired, Glendale is now 30% less dangerous than it previously was because of a new traffic program that has 17 cameras trained on 160 intersections around the city. Live video of these intersections are transmitted into Glendale's Traffic Operation Center at City Hall, where traffic engineers are watching closely and even controlling the frequency of red and green lights.

Creepy? Or cool? And what am I to make of the ridiculously ominous tone of the news report, in which they throw around words and phrases like "deadly" and "life-and-death" when referring to pedestrians and traffic? Ah, local news—gotta love it. Watch:




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Brand Park: A Lovely Urban Retreat

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Friday, December 05, 2008
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I grew up in Chicago, among the grandeur of Daniel Burnham's lakefront parks, the ones that call back to Paris, the ones that make you want to hold hands, find hidden woodlands, loiter for hours under dappled sunlight. Southern California has beautiful public lands, but they are different: block-long parks flanked by urban sprawl, Griffith Park with its rustic Western charm, and the odd reservoirs of Silver Lake and Rowena that are carefully landscaped but fenced in to prevent actual human activity. In Glendale, however, we have our own miniature Jardin des Tulieres, a lovely urban retreat that displays the turn-of-the-century interest in combining natural California landscaping, Moorish architecture, and neoclassical symmetry: Brand Park.

Walk through the front gate of the park, up the hill under stately palms to "El Miradero," the private residence of Leslie Coombs Brand, an early Glendale business developer. The library itself is interesting, if not entirely accessible since it contains more specialized collections of history, art, and music. The library also hosts gallery exhibits, performances, and classes that I'm told that are worth taking, especially those for children.

Further up the hill, the "Shoseian" Whispering Pine Teahouse & Friendship Garden is always serene. Although its hours are inconvenient, since it is only open from 10:00AM to 4:00PM from Mondays to Thursdays, it does make it a great place to play hookey from work.

Just past the Japanese Garden, the Doctor's House is a Victorian style home that was relocated from Wilson Avenue to its present location in 1979. Every Sunday from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, they offer a tour of the House for one dollar. It's been years since I went, but I do remember enjoying myself, learning about life in California during the Victorian era and seeing framed, embroidered human hair art. (Ew.)

Besides these lovely architectural finds, Brand Park contains other special details that make me love it even more. The lady of the Green Cross, a hidden sculpture that was "created in 1928 as a tribute to an early 20th century tree society and a symbol of… deforestation," welcomes hikers with open arms to a satisfyingly steep climb up the rocky hill toward breathtaking views of the city. (Keep walking up, and you'll be able to save your knees by taking the leisurely path down the fire road).

I also love the happy shouts of Little League games, the vibrant wedding parties congregating on the library steps for portraits, the shaded playground that plays host to playdates and birthday parties, families picnicking, and the summer wading pool.

An afternoon in Brand Park takes me back to Chicago; I'm standing in the great hall of the Art Institute, gazing at George Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." It is a convivial oasis, one that embodies urban living and idyllic pleasures. Brand Park is alive, and that is the key.

Brand Park
1601 West Mountain Street
Glendale, CA 91201
www.ci.glendale.ca.us/parks/brand_park.asp

Hours:
7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.



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Glendale Becoming Eco-Friendlier

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Thursday, December 04, 2008
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Between Mister B's declaration that "Living in Glendale Will Save the Earth" and all these posts on Green Living lately, I've been thinking that this blog has become prone to gross exaggeration, particularly when it comes to Glendale and the eco-friendly movement.

But did you see the following announcement on the Los Angeles Times site?:

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. said today it plans to open a compressed natural gas station at the Glendale train station off San Fernando Road by summer 2009. The station will be open to the public and also service the city of Glendale’s CNG-powered Beeline buses and its growing fleet of CNG-fueled trash trucks....

Seal Beach-based Clean Energy, co-founded by Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens, is a major local operator of CNG stations open to the public, with about 20 in the Los Angeles area and north Orange County....

Natural gas costs the equivalent of about $1.65 a gallon at Clean Energy stations. That's cheaper than the $1.95-a-gallon statewide average for regular gasoline, although CNG's price advantage has narrowed considerably as gasoline prices have plummeted.
I don't know what "natural gas" is exactly, and I'm too busy this morning to look it up (maybe I'll go to the Wikipedia page later?), but this sounds good for the environment, doesn't it? And the fact that Glendale has been chosen as one of the cities to be at the forefront of the movement is pretty damn cool.

(On a side note: There's a train station in Glendale?!)


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Redefining Craft Fairs: MOMS Club Holiday Boutique, December 13

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Thursday, December 04, 2008
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I hate craft fairs. Actually, let me rephrase: I hate receiving useless, pseudo-art, so-called crafts that are mere replications from instruction manuals purchased at Michael's. I just had a yard sale last Saturday to clear out junk inherited from my mom, and I can guarantee that half of the tsotchkes on the one-dollar table originated from a craft fair. My mother was a good woman, but she loved her junk. I, in turn, hate it.

So when I heard that the MOMS Club of Glendale West was holding a "Holiday Boutique," I wasn't just skeptical; I was mortified. I joined our local chapter of MOMS Club in January 2007 after my daughter was born and found the group of moms to be fascinating, vibrant, and classy. I couldn't believe that these same women were organizing a cheap craft fair, all the while shrouding it with the euphemism "Holiday Boutique."

I didn't want to go. I only went because friends of mine were considering moving to Glendale, and I wanted to introduce them to the neighborhood. I will readily admit: the MOMS Club proved me wrong about craft fairs—well, except that the Holiday Boutique is not a craft fair; it is a specialty fair, one that is truly distinct.

According to this year's flyer, the boutique offers "a variety of handmade and unique quality items," but I would venture to say that they offer more than "items." They offer "art," in the true sense of the word. Each vendor is an artist in his or her own right, each offering beautifully inspired pieces that represent their unique human perspective.

This year, three visual artists—Julie Caplan, Dacia Lamb, and D'Jeff Baker—will be offering original paintings, photographs, and studio sessions. Other vendors will offer handmade scarves, jewelry, vintage frames, and children's clothing. Also available will be Sunny Cannon's super-cute hand-knit purses and Sarah Barrett's unique cardstock creations. I am especially excited to see the return of Swirl Syndicate, a line of tongue-in-cheek tees inspired by "multi-culti-cuties."

This year, 24 vendors will be participating, including Eve, a daughter of the Glendale West chapter, who will be celebrating her 50th birthday with the grand opening of the Frou Frou Bunny Shop, featuring handmade items she's made throughout the year and whose proceeds "will go to help the earth," namely the Surfrider Foundation and the Sierra Club. They will also have a concession table, offering coffee, hot apple cider, and other simple food items.

Besides supporting local artists and entrepreneurs, you will take heart knowing that proceeds from the entry fee will be donated to Glendale Healthy Kids, Child Share Program, and Hillsides.

In this tight economy, one of the greatest things you can do is to support local vendors, those tough and firm individuals who are struggling to pursue their dreams for an artistic world amongst a sea of mass-manufactured chaos.

MOMS Club of Glendale West 3rd Annual Holiday Boutique

Saturday, December 13, 2008
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Grandview Presbyterian Church
1130 Ruberta Avenue
Glendale, CA 91201
www.momsclubglendalewest.org

Entrance Fee:
$2.00
(Children are free)

There will be plenty of fabulous gift items under $30.00 and wonderful gift baskets that you can win in the raffle!



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How Can You Resist a Bucket o' Crab?: Clancy's Crab Broiler

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Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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My friends accuse me of having undiscerning taste buds, so you're not going to see me doing many restaurant reviews here. (In other words, I'll eat anything.)

But I must say a few words about Clancy's Crab Broiler because I've been there for Thanksgiving dinner two years in a row now. And no matter how unsophisticated I may be when it comes to food, may I entice you with the appropriately named "Bucket o' Crab," a bunch of Alaskan snow crab legs served to you in a big gray pail?

But that's not really what I wanted to tell you about. If you eat at Clancy's on Christmas Eve (they're closed Christmas Day), they'll give you a gift certificate in the amount of whatever you spend on your meal that day and you can use the gift certificate up to six months later. Can you believe that?! They'll match your bill dollar for dollar!

Reservations for Christmas Eve fill up fast (I missed out last year), so call now if you're interested. I booked my table already, and, for someone with crappy taste buds, my mouth is already watering.

Clancy's Crab Broiler
219 N. Central Avenue
Glendale, CA 91204
818.242.2722
www.clancyscrabbroiler.com

Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Saturday: 12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Average Entree:
$15-$25
Oh my god, their website is an eyesore, but I guess it's okay because they're known for their seafood, not their tech skills.


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Composting Workshops Alleviate Anxiety

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Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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I have an ash tree on my front lawn. I know this now, but, four months ago when my father-in-law asked me what kinds of trees I have on my property, I was embarrassed to admit that I didn't know.

My husband's family lives in a woody suburb of St. Louis and have been composting for decades. I was excited to tell them that I'd be joining the new locavore movement: buying produce only from farmer's markets, starting my own vegetable garden, and keeping my own compost bin. When my father-in-law highlighted the fact that I didn't know the first thing about quality of foliage that I would be adding to this bin, I thought I was in trouble.

When we returned from our Midwest retreat, I decided attempt composting anyway. And I was nervous. Not only did I not know what trees were on my property, I was an English major in love with all things poetic and metaphysical, and I here I was venturing into the natural world of the sciences. I had picked up one introductory book on composting and was immediately frightened by the specialized technical vocabulary of words like "aeration" and "actinomycetes" and "nematodes" and even some murderous terms as "thermal kill." I never realized composting could be dangerous.

Fortunately, I live in a city that is at the forefront of the eco-movement—and a user-friendly version at that. Each year, the City of Glendale offers composting workshops, "in order to make composting as convenient as possible."

The workshop alleviated any anxiety I held about composting. The presenter definitely reminded me of the many biology and chemistry teachers whose classes I nearly failed. His seriousness about composting was intimidating at first; when he summarized the scientific theories behind the process, my eyes glazed over. But he was also insistent about composting's ease and value. He offered a few sample "recipes" for a typical bin and insisted that you could throw yard waste in haphazardly and still produce quality compost in eight to ten months in a simple home composter.

And, of course, the best part is the free stuff. For an hour's worth of attention, each participant receives a free compost bin and a pitchfork. You can choose between a home composter or a Smith and Hawken Biostack. When I looked them up later, I found that the home composter sold for at least $100 and the Biostack for $129. Unfortunately, on the day I attended, they ran out of pitchforks, so I had to purchase my own. (Get in line early!)

So, my compost pile is built. All I had to do was dump my grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen waste into the bin. And find out what kind of trees I own.

I asked my next-door neighbor if she could identify the tree on our front lawn.

She said, “Oh, sure. That's one big-ash tree.”

Now I know.

City of Glendale Composting Workshops

Friday, March 13, 2009
11:30 a.m.

Saturday, March 14, 2009
9:00 a.m.

Integrated Waste Management Section Yard
548 W. Chevy Chase Drive
Glendale, CA 91204
818.548.3916
www.ci.glendale.ca.us/public_works/backyard_composting.asp

See website for more information on worm composting.



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Hoover Tour of Homes, December 13

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Tuesday, December 02, 2008
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51st Annual Hoover Tour of Homes

Saturday, December 13, 2008
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

For more information, call Julie Iezza at 818.843.7966.

Tickets:
$20 Advance
$25 Day of event

A Glendale tradition, the Hoover Tour of Homes gives the public an opportunity to view some of the city's most historic private homes up close and personal. Professional holiday decorations by local florists provide a festive and whimsical touch to this Hoover High School fundraiser.

Advance tickets available at:
  • Beverly Ann Flowers & Gifts, 1150 N. Brand Boulevard, Glendale CA 91202
  • Kenneth Village Flowers & Gifts, 1040 W. Kenneth Road, Glendale, CA 91202
  • Ivy's Flower Station, 1435 W. Kenneth Road, Glendale, CA 91202



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A Place to Take Your Hazardous Waste

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Monday, December 01, 2008
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I have a large container of antifreeze that's been sitting in the trunk of my car for, like, years, and I've been meaning to get rid of it. (I mean, I'm no scientist, but after a certain amount of time doesn't that stuff release deadly toxins in the air? I don't know.) But I'm environmentally conscious enough to know that I shouldn't just pour it down the drain. However, I've never really looked into how to dispose of it properly.

Well, I just stumbled across Glendale's Household Hazardous Waste Program, which encourages residents to take waste such as paint, oil, chemicals, pesticides, and batteries to the city's Environmental Management Center. Here are the details:

Household Hazardous Waste Program

Wednesdays and Saturdays
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Environmental Management Center
780 Flower Street
Glendale, CA 91201
818.548.3862
www.ci.glendale.ca.us/public_works/hazardous_waste.asp

Serves residents of Glendale and La Cañada. The service area also includes the Glendale annex communities of La Crescenta and Montrose, households that pay their utilities to Glendale Water and Power. ALL participants are required to bring a proof of residency or a copy of their utility bill. Call for a pre-recorded message on types and quantities of waste accepted as well as who is eligible to use this city service.



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Pacific Theatres' Christmas Spirit

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Monday, December 01, 2008
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Last month, I was but one of the thousands lucky enough to get into The Americana at Brand to witness its first Christmas tree lighting. It's amazing how they were able to close the "doors" to an outdoor event, but they did—and without any riots.

The Americana was packed full of people, so I squeezed my way to the front of Pacific Theatres, which was relatively empty, given how there was a line of Glendale's Finest nearby. I staked out my piece of wall, plugged in my earbuds, and settled down to wait for my husband.

Unbeknownst to me, he was on the other side of a line of security guards, unable to get in. So I waited for more than an hour, getting thirstier and thirstier. But I was hesitant to move from my plum spot—not only because this was where I told my husband I would meet him, but also because I didn't want to lose my piece of wall.

So, unwilling to venture forth through the crowd in a quest for icy cold water, I got thirstier and thirstier. By this time, I had been there for an hour and a half.

But then, what did I see? Angels coming forth from the theater, bearing gifts of bottled water!

Theater employees came out and passed water out to several of us and didn't even charge us! Which they could have, because by this time I was willing to pay up to $10 for a bottle. An employee also let me borrow his cell phone so I could call my husband and let him know where I was.

These simple, kind, and generous gestures inspired me to admit something I rarely do: I guess all people don't suck! Thank you, Pacific Theatres at The Americana. You have won a loyal fan.

The fact that Santa later floated down to light the Christmas Tree while harnessed to a giant white balloon was just icing on the cake. Santa's all right, but the real Christmas Spirit was at Pacific Theatres.


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U.K. Takes an Interest in The Americana

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Monday, December 01, 2008
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I'm going to kick off another week with yet another post about The Americana at Brand (I know, I know!) because I just read an article on a U.K. news site that covers the rise and fall of "lifestyle centers" and focuses on Glendale's $400 million complex. It amuses me to no end that U.K. readers would be interested in my little corner of the globe, but I suppose The Americana is such a lavish display of American consumerist showboating that everyone's probably heard about it by now.

Anyway, the article gives a short history of The Americana, criticizes developments such as this, and gets into the recent fireworks controversy. The most interesting stuff, though, is a side story that has to do with a man who lived in the Providence Place Mall in Rhode Island for four years!:

There are cheaper ways to live in a mall than spending $2 million on a condominium at The Americana. Take Michael Townsend, 37, an artist from Providence, Rhode Island. He used breeze blocks to build a fully furnished 750 sq. ft. apartment in the parking garage of the Providence Place Mall - using the public lavatories to get running water. He managed to live in the place rent-free for four years before the security guards noticed. “I was surprised at what he was able to accomplish,” admitted the local police chief, referring to Townsend's sofa, TV and PlayStation. “But what he did was clearly criminal. The mall is private property.”
To me, this sounds like an invitation by the Times Online for people to squat at The Americana. If I were younger and less paranoid, this is something that I would definitely do because how fun would it be to shower in that fountain?

Read the entire article here.


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No Fireworks, Just Lights: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 3

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Friday, November 28, 2008
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I was having dinner at Bamboo Panda (an okay Chinese restaurant run by, I believe, Koreans on Brand Boulevard) a couple Saturdays ago when the sky started exploding. When I got up and peeked outside, I saw that it wasn't some apocalyptic byproduct of the then-raging wildfires, but an elaborate fireworks display at The Americana that was set off to celebrate the shopping complex's tree-lighting. (The event, by the way, really cheesed off City Council members, who said going ahead with the proceedings in a time of emergency was "dumb-headed" and "ill-advised.")

There will be less controversy, I'm sure, at the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday—unless, of course, I decide to streak around the tree. Here are the details:

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Wednesday, December 3, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Glendale City Hall
Perkins Plaza
613 E. Broadway
Glendale, CA 91206

This holiday celebration features choral music, lighting of the City Hall tree, and a special visit from Santa Claus! Free parking is available in the Civic Center Parking Structure (enter off of Wilson). Hot chocolate and candy canes will be served. In case of rain, the event will be cancelled.
Or maybe I'll try to pants Santa. Dare me to?


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Ooh, Heaven Is a Place on Earth, Part 2; or: Visiting The Americana at Brand, Part 2

Posted by
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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[Read Part 1 if you haven't done so already. The following post continues my fascination with The Americana, and was originally posted on Bamboo Nation, right after the shopping complex's grand opening in May 2008.]

As you know, The Americana at Brand, that bastion of America's consumer hopes and dreams, just opened in my backyard this past weekend. I am happy (or sad?) to report that I have already visited there five times—count 'em, FIVE TIMES!

My second trip was Friday night with Loren, Gabriel, and Donovan, and we could barely walk through the complex because EVERYBODY IN THE ENTIRE SAN FERNANDO AND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WAS THERE! It was insane. But we did get to watch the awe-inspiring fountain show, choreographed to Bobby Darin's "Beyond the Sea."

"You know," Donovan remarked, "that's someone's job. Fountain Choreographer."

I had never really thought about that before, but whoever it is deserves to make ONE MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR!

On Saturday, I took my mom. She looked through the windows of all the fancy shops and declared, "Everything's so expensive! I'm scared just looking! Is there a Ross here?!" THERE IS NO ROSS THERE, MOM!

We went to the multiplex to see Young @ Heart, a funny and moving documentary about seniors singing rock songs, but the best part of it all was that popcorn only cost a dollar. It was a special week-long promotion. Did you hear me?! POPCORN WAS ONE DOLLAR! I said to the concessions guy, "THAT'S AMAZING!"

On Sunday afternoon, I took Brent, and he was fascinated by the idea of the trolley running though The Americana. But I don't really think anything like this could really impress him—after all, the man works at Disneyland and gets to shoot hippos on the Jungle Cruise. A little train that takes you to The Cheesecake Factory must seem petty by comparison.

You know what did have an impact though? A slight breeze during the fountain show blew several gallons of water directly above our heads. We got so completely soaking wet that it was pointless to even move out of the way—we couldn't have gotten any wetter. So we just stood there to let the show run its course and to allow the world to witness our idiocy.

Sunday evening, it was Loren, Gabriel, and Brent again, this time for Iron Man and MORE ONE DOLLAR POPCORN!

Anybody who's been around me during the past few days knows that The Americana is ALL I WANT TO TALK ABOUT! Be warned.

The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
818.637.8982
www.americanaatbrand.com



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