Everything Glendale

Filed Under: Activities, Burbank, Christy Marsden, Exercise, lulemon athletica, The Americana, Yoga, Yoga Blend

Christy Marsden, the owner of Yoga Blend in Burbank, often cites Sutra 1.33 when reminding her students of one of the goals of yoga. It states, “If we can be pleased with others who are happier than ourselves, compassionate toward those who are unhappy, joyful with those doing praiseworthy things, and remain undisturbed by the errors of others, our mind will be very tranquil” (Desikachar).

I love that one of the great revelations of this ancient philosophy is to simply join happy people in celebration, to be near those who are doing what you want to do.

Indeed, Yoga Blend is in Burbank, but happily, they are giving me an excuse to review their beautiful studio because they are coming to Glendale for five dates in the month of May, offering free yoga classes on the lawn at The Americana. Yoga Blend is more than just a studio; Christy has created a welcoming community of kind teachers who delight in offering their extensive knowledge of yoga to newcomers and experienced yogis alike. And how lovely that they are partnering with lulemon athletica, a Canadian yoga apparel store whose shirts don’t roll above my belly during down-faced dog.

At Yoga Blend’s classes, you will find no intimidation, no competition or rivalry. Just simply yoga.

I encourage you to join the celebration at the Americana this month, to get to know the caring teachers of Yoga Blend.

But, if you’re still anxious about the prospect of turning upside-down in the midst of Glendale’s public center, you might turn to the subsequent Sutra 1.34, which states, “The practice of breathing exercises involving extended exhalation might be helpful” (Desikachar).

In other words, just breathe.

Yoga Blend
1921 W. Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91506
818.954.YOGA
www.yogablend.com

lululemon athletica

The Americana at Brand

233 S. Brand Boulevard

Glendale, CA 91204

818.241.3251


www.lululemon.com/glendale/glendale

Schedule of Free Yoga Classes at lulemon athletica Glendale:


Sunday, May 10, 2009: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
 with Christy Marsden and Nicole Honnig 



Sunday, May 17, 2009: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
 with Bekah Finch



Sunday, May 24, 2009: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
 with Nicole Honnig

Wednesday, May 27, 2009: 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

 TRIBAL BLEND with Christy Marsden 



Sunday, May 31, 2009: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
 
with Keric Morinaga


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Filed Under: Crescenta Family Medical, Doctors, Gary Weckbacher, Medical Services, Montrose

[This is a guest post by Phyllis Harb, a realtor who also publishes the L.A. Real Estate Blog.]

I was off to a rocky start in 2009—mid-month I tripped over my 100-pound German shepherd and fractured my wrist. A quick trip to Seventh-Day Adventist, and I was casted and on my way.

I have always been resistant to doctors. I can’t abide the endless waiting in the reception area and then often longer time in the waiting room. A fifteen-minute visit typically results in over an hour (plus drive time).

Realtors are self-employed—we earn a commission, not a salary. I don’t have paid sick days or paid vacation days. As I am right-handed, my right-hand fracture was a major obstacle: I couldn’t drive with only my left hand, and my handwriting and left-handed typing were a struggle. I am not a fan of therapy, but fortunately consulted Dr. Gary Weckbacher, a chiropractic orthopedist with Crescenta Family Medical. Thank goodness I did. While I was “resting” my fracture, it was atrophying—it was the worst course I could take.

In addition, my right arm and shoulder “was out of whack” from babying my hand. Now with twice-weekly therapy, I am typing, writing, and, more importantly, driving—I can show property!

Years ago, after an auto accident, I tried therapy; it never helped. Only later visits to a chiropractor for adjustments finally improved the injury. I was very leery of attempting therapy again as I was convinced it would again be a time-waster, but I was wrong. If you are in the need for therapy, I highly recommend Dr. Gary. He is a great guy, he is courteous with your “waiting” time, and he has healed my hand.

Crescenta Family Medical, Inc.
2048 Montrose Avenue
Montrose, CA 91020
818.957.7612
www.crescentafamilymedical.com


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Filed Under: Architecture, Events, History

Well, my social voyeurism rears its ugly head once again. Always on the lookout for opportunities to peer behind the curtain, as it were, I was quite excited to receive an e-mail from the Los Angeles Conservancy regarding a one-time-only tour.

I’m a sucker for the phrase “one-time-only,” so I didn’t even need to read where we were going before I whipped out my credit card. Once my spot was safely secured, I read about “City of the Seekers: L.A.’s Unique Spiritual Legacy.” Omigosh! Not only were they giving me an opportunity to go into Aimee Semple McPherson’s temple on Sunset that I used to pass every day on my way to high school, but also the Self-Realization Fellowship Mother Center! Just the name on the sign made me want to go in every time I drove past.

I was giddy with delight by the time I saw that one of the stops is going to be in our very own Glendale: The Chapel of the Jesus Ethic (pictured). This is what the tour description has to say about the site: “The Chapel of the Jesus Ethic is a modern gem located on the Glendale campus of the Foundation of Niscience (which means ‘knowing’). Co-founded in 1953 by Ann Ree Colton and Jonathan Murro, Niscience teachings blend religion, philosophy, science, and the creative arts to inspire its members to live creative and spiritual lives.”

Hmmm. Sounds even more interesting. In a world where religion and science are increasingly being seen as two separate and distinct paths, these people not only combine them, but also add creativity. I want to know more.

So how have I missed this place in my local ramblings around Glendale? Granted, I’m less likely to jaunt to the Colorado/Chevy Chase part of town. I’m more of an Americana and north kind of girl. The frontier next to the L.A. border can get a little seedy. But I digress. I’m quite excited about going places where the general public is usually not allowed, and I’d love for all of you to join me. Spirituality not required.

"City of the Seekers: L.A.'s Unique Spiritual Legacy" Self-Driving Tour

Saturday, March 14, 2009
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Los Angeles Conservancy
213.430.4219 (Event Hotline)
www.laconservancy.org

Tickets:
$25.00 for L.A. Conservancy members
$30.00 for non-members
$10.00 for kids 12 and under

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Filed Under: Automotive Services, Guest Bloggers, Lexus of Glendale

[This is a guest post by Phyllis Harb, a realtor who also publishes the highly ranked LA Real Estate Blog.]

Who doesn't appreciate a luxury car? My first automobile was a used Maverick, and it was hideous! After several years of working as a loan processor, I was finally able to afford both a down payment and a monthly payment for a new car. I had my heart set on the Mazda RX7, but due to affordability I settled on a Honda Accord.

My only complaint with the Honda was the poor service at the Glendale dealership. I needed some part for a repair (it's been so long, I can’t remember what), and the dealership scheduled at least three or four appointments with me. My mom met me at the dealership and then dropped me off at Glendale's Allstate Savings & Loan (which was merged out of existence during the late 80s). After several hours at work, I phoned about the car's progress. Each time I was told the part wasn't in, was never in, and that they would call me when the part arrived and reschedule.

The first time, I felt it was an honest mistake; the second time I asked repeatedly if they were certain that the part was there; I think it was the third or fourth repeat of this fiasco when I complained to both the Better Business Bureau and Honda headquarters. The response from the Glendale dealership was that I was no longer welcome–they were refusing me service.

I later drove a Ford Explorer (what was I thinking?), then two Jeep Cherokees, and finally worked my way to the Lexus. Originally, at the time, the Lexus SUV was less expensive than my jeep. I finally splurged on the sedan.

I love the car, but it has never been about the car; it has been about the maintenance experience. As a matter of fact, I am at the Lexus of Glendale this morning, sipping a complimentary cappuccino, and using one of their two computers at the time of this writing.

What am I here for? A complimentary car wash! No service, just the car wash, and I was in and out in less than 30 minutes.

When I do have my Lexus serviced at the Glendale location, I am courteously and quickly dealt with. They offer complimentary shuttle service and often provide a free loaner car upon request.

Lexus of Glendale
1221 S. Brand Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91204
800.640.4479
www.lexusofglendale.com

Hours:

For Service, Parts:
Monday-Saturday: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

For Sales:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.


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Filed Under: Celebrities, City Politics, News, Paul Krekorian, The Americana

We haven't done a news roundup for a couple of weeks now, so there's a lot to catch up on. Here's some noteworthy items that you may have missed:

• That roar you may have been hearing at night isn't in your dreams. The Glendale Police Department has issued a warning to residents to be on the lookout for a mountain lion that's been roaming the Verdugo Mountains.

• While Westfield is cutting the hours of its shopping centers across the country, The Americana at Brand will defy economic forecasts by keeping its normal hours.

• Our friendly neighborhood Assemblymember Paul Krekorian authored tax-credit legislation that aims to lure production on films and TV shows back to California.

• Time published a cool obituary of Glendale resident and punk rocker, Lux Interior, frontman of the Cramps.


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Filed Under: Florists, Ivy's Flower Station, Shop Reviews, Shopping

Valentine's Day came only two weeks after my first date with Matthew, and, as young college students, we were both unsure about how to handle the holiday—to what extent we should declare our feelings, how to tiptoe around the "L" word. He chose a single, long-stem rose. I still have the flower, dried now, 14 years later.

I don't care if Valentine's Day might be a corporate hoax designed to leech our hard-earned dollars. I love that it is a holiday whose sole purpose is to declare our love: our love for our husbands and wives, our children and friends, our love for each other, even if it's through exchanging simple gifts of beauty.

Ivy's Flower Station offers such lovely creations. Each bouquet is a unique artistic creation, specially designed by Marianne the owner, and she will make a lovely bouquet for even the smallest of budgets.

Marianne possesses a joyful kindness that is reflected in the shop, a converted gas station originally built in the 1930s. Marianne opened in Kenneth Village four years ago and made a concerted effort to retain the original details. Paint peels over red Chinese lanterns; a large wooden counter reminiscent of 1950s soda pop stands invites walkers-by to place orders; and goldfish swim in a square pond over the mechanic's pit, reflecting Marianne's sense of humor.

Besides flowers, the store also offers handmade cards and gifts, and just the charm of the shop makes you want to spoil your loved one with such unique little tokens.

Unfortunately, my husband doesn't play on the Internet as much as most of us do. If any of you reading this knows Matthew, tell him he can go to Ivy's Flower Station for Valentine's Day this year. Who knows? He might be getting a little something from there, too.

Ivy's Flower Station
1435 W. Kenneth Road
Glendale, CA 91201
818.500.7599
www.ivysflowerstation.com

Price Range:
$10.00 and up

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. until they run out of inventory
Sunday: Closed

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Filed Under: Divina Cucina, Food, Italian Cuisine, Montrose, Restaurant Reviews

A friend accustomed to fine dining was visiting from London and wanted to take me to a "nice" dinner in my neck of the woods—Montrose. I'd heard good things about Divina Cucina on Verdugo Road, so we decided to give it a try.

We sat on the covered patio by an attractive fountain, as the main restaurant was packed and a little noisy for quiet conversation.

The menu is extensive, and we were struggling to decide from the many tasty sounding offerings when the waiter threw a spanner in the works by coming up with some irresistible-sounding specials.

After much deliberation, I opted for polenta e gamberetti—sauteed shrimp and mixed peppers over grilled polenta with red pepper sauce. And my partner opted for funghi portobello alla griglia—grilled portobello mushroom and red onion, smoked mozzarella, and sweet pepper sauce. Both were beautifully presented and mouth-wateringly good.

For our main course, we both chose handmade pasta—I went for the spinach tortellini and my friend for one of the day's specials, linguine in a light lemon sauce. Even though he's normally a steak man, he was raving about it.

The cuisine could best be described as Italian with an elegant twist, thanks to the charming and equally elegant husband-and-wife owners, Alicia and Horatio Lavanchy, who hail from Argentina by way of Italian parentage.

For a small restaurant, there's a surprisingly extensive wine list with a very nice selection of Italian wines in particular. I counted seven varieties of pinot grigio and 11 chiantis. We opted for a pinot noir, with nine to pick from. There's also a good choice of port, sherry, and dessert wine.

We came out at around $90 for a superb two-course meal, including delicious homemade breads, with wine and coffee.

Divina Cucina is more upscale than your average Italian, but relaxed and friendly as a family run restaurant should be. My friend was so impressed he insisted on picking up the tab—needless to say, he can come back anytime!

It's super busy on Fridays and Saturdays so if you want a quiet romantic dinner, pick a week night. Divina Cucina is also open for lunch. Reservations are recommended for parties, especially on weekends. There is parking at the restaurant but very few spaces on a tricky corner, so best to park in a public lot or on the street and walk.

Divina Cucina
3730 N. Verdugo Road
Montrose, CA 91020
818.248.3077
www.divinacucinarestaurant.com

Entrée Price Range:
$12.95-$20.95
(Plus a selection of daily market price fish)

Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 5:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.


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Filed Under: Automotive Services, Chevron, Gas Stations, Shop Reviews

When you move to a new town, you tend to seek out your local necessities so you can start feeling at home. In my book, these include the local post office, a nice market, a gym, and a smattering of reliable food options. Before I moved to Glendale, this short list never included a local gas station. Service stations are so ubiquitous that I just gassed up whenever I needed it. Or rather, my husband gassed up, since princesses don't pump gas.

When my family moved to Glendale about five years ago, we settled in pretty quickly. The fact that a lot of the north-south streets are alphabetized and on a grid helped a lot, but we really started to feel at home when we found "our" gas station.

Located just a few blocks from our home, this 24-hour Chevron station (formerly a Mobil) has everything that other gas stations offer, including good snacks, gift shop items, and a car wash, but this one was special. When we walked into the convenience store, we found it clean and well-stocked, with very friendly staff, especially a gentleman named Rimon.

We are still impressed that they are on the cutting edge of gum and breath mints. Sometimes we buy breath fresheners here that we can't find anywhere else, such as Hershey's Ice Breakers "Pacs," mouthfuls of goodness in meltaway packets that dissolve on your tongue. Mmmm.

But what really won us over was the bathroom. As you know, if you're out and about and really desperate, you don't care what condition a gas station bathroom is in, since you'll take anything. But this one is wonderful: clean, spacious, and lovely. It even has a chandelier! If the owner cares enough about his customers to maintain such a nice bathroom, then we'll do our part to patronize his business, even if it sometimes costs a few pennies more.

As much as we can, we fill up here. When that little red gas pump lights up on my dash, I will push my gas-guzzling SUV (don't judge) home, so we can make it to "our" gas station. And, now that my daughter has her own car, she has become a regular, too. She always gets a friendly greeting and she wouldn't think of going elsewhere.

It's the little things in life that make us happy on a day-to-day basis, and this Chevron station turns an unpleasant chore into a pleasant respite.

Chevron
Owner: Feiruz Ennabe-Ayoub
825 N. Central Avenue
Glendale, CA 91203
818.240.6134


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Filed Under: Airports, Celebrities, Glendale News-Press, Motley Crue, News, Tommy Lee

• A near-miss with a police helicopter in Glendale got Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee and his chopper pilot busted.

• The neighborhoods around the Bob Hope Airport may get a whole lot quieter because the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority is seeking to ban cargo carriers, airlines, and private planes between 10:00 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.

• The editor of the Glendale News-Press is packing it up and moving to Boston.


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Filed Under: Celebrities, Education, Miley Cyrus, News, Nicollette Sheridan, Shia LaBeouf, The Americana

• Did you know there's a firearms dealer in Glendale that converts old weapons into props for major motion pictures? Cinema Weaponry just made a deal to take the Santa Barbara SWAT team's old firearms in exchange for new ones.

• If the economic stimulus package that just passed the House of Representatives last week is finalized, the Burbank and Glendale unified school districts will receive a combined boost of $33 million over two years.

• Okay, so the reason why Shia LaBeouf seems to be always be "news" in Glendale is because almost every day he walks to his neighborhood liquor store to pick up an Arizona Iced Tea, like last Monday and last Tuesday. But let's give Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday a Shia LaBeouf break and point out that...

• Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) was mobbed by screaming fans at The Americana at Brand and...

• Nicollette Sheridan was photographed on the set of Desperate Housewives in Glendale.


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Filed Under: Food, Grocery Stores, Guest Bloggers, HK Market, Jons Marketplace, Seafood City, Shopping, Super King

[This is a guest post by Kendyl Young. Kendyl is a longtime local realtor, and runs Kendyl's Open House, a hyperlocal blog about real estate and the communities of Glendale, La Crescenta, and La Canada, above the 134. Kendyl's Open House features the best real estate deals and up-to-the-moment community happenings every day.]

We live in an area of amazing culinary diversity, and this is completely reflected in our grocery stores. Now, I'm not even going to address the intimate family markets that populate so many of our corners. These are often hidden gems of ethnic yummies and super fresh backyard produce.

This post is about the supermarkets that cater to our diverse cultures and, frankly, kick the major chains' butts from here to you-know-where.

They all share common traits. First, there is the produce. The produce is amazing. Large. Beautiful. Cheap. Did I say cheap? Okay, when Ralphs has red bell peppers at $4.29 a pound, these markets often have them at $1.29. Sometimes even 2 pounds for a dollar. There are items not available at the major chains—Persian cucumbers, Mexican papayas, and cactus paddles are just a few examples. And everything seems fresher and tastes better.

A word to the wise: avoid shopping mid-morning on weekends. There are crowds of very sturdy people who have a single-minded focus on getting the very best tomato or cucumber from that pile over there. They will knock you down in a New York minute if you get in the way. They are NOT rude (mostly)—they are as oblivious to you as a crowd of sorority honeys would be at Barney's annual sale. Move aside. Your life (and shin bones) are more valuable.

Second, there are the items catering to ethnic cooking. Special vegetables, spices, condiments, and prepared foods. Often you can strike up a conversation with a casual shopper and find out what that strange green veggie is, how it is prepared, and what it tastes like. Everyone likes to talk about their food! I love to buy snacks and drinks labeled in other languages. I've had some real stinkers, but most are just amazingly good.

Third up are the meats, poultry, and seafood. Now, I'm sorry for all you die-hard Middle Americans out there. I know that the cuts of meat that Anthony Bourdain refers to as the "nasty bits" are off limits for you. You are just missing out. My motto is "eat first, ask questions...never." In these markets, I've seen ox tail (so very very very good), whole fish, chicken feet (also delectable), undefined cow innards, and whole sheep's heads (beyond MY comfort level, but who am I to judge?). The great thing is that, unlike the Chinese markets of my youth, none of this stuff smells!!!! It is all as modern and aesthetically pleasing and American as you could want.

So, here is a list of some of my favorites in Glendale and surrounding areas:

Jons Marketplace
1717 W. Glenoaks Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91201
818.244.2575
www.jonsmarketplace.com

600 E. Colorado Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91205
818.956.0999
www.jonsmarketplace.com

This is my first choice, partly due to location, partly due to the outrageous produce. Seasonal fruit and Persian cucumbers are the standouts in a sea of amazing offerings. If the price is really low, the items are sometimes misshapen or irregular. This does not affect the taste! Bulk spices and enticing juices and snacks labels in Armenian are also very good. Watch out for the sturdy peasant-looking women of all ethnicities. They can be dangerous if you try to get that choice tomato before they do!

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Super King
2716 N. San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, CA 90065
323.225.0044
www.superkingmarket.com

2260 N. Lincoln Avenue
Altadena, CA 91001
626.296.9311
www.superkingmarket.com

Too bad this market is a bit of a drive. I would go there every day if it were closer. The San Fernando Road location was formerly the flagship store for Hughes Market. It is spacious, modern, and huge. The produce here is better, more diverse, and even cheaper than Jons! Yesterday I got 4 huge artichokes, 2 for 99 cents, and Kobachan squash, a dollar each. Such a score. Oh, I also got 6 ounces of ground cinnamon for $1.69. I thought the meat looked very fresh.

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Seafood City
Eagle Rock Plaza
2700 Eagle Rock Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041
323.543.2660
www.seafoodcity.com

This market caters to the Filipino population and specializes in seafood (duh). The selection is amazing, and, while it is no Fish King, the quality is very good. There is a definite fishy smell going on here, but nothing like the smells of my youth. There is an entire WALL of frozen lumpia—that delectable Filipino eggroll—and the greens and vegetables are closer to my Chinese heart than the veggies at Jons or Super King. Weekends are an absolute hoot—they always seem to have some sort of event that involves loudspeakers, cheesy music, and announcers speaking a mixture of Tagalog and English.

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

HK Market
831 N. Pacific Avenue
Glendale, CA 91203
818.247.4949‎

The flagship store is located on Pacific. This is a large, modern building, and the offerings are a bit mind-boggling. Produce, like in all these markets, stand out for its diversity, freshness, and price. Things are not as cheap as Jons or Super King, but still very good. I find the Koreans have the most ginormous Napa cabbages in the world. They also love huge Fuji apples and Asian pears. On the far left side of the store are the prepared foods and Kimchee offerings. Thanks to my friend June, I have been tutored in what to buy and eat and it is very exciting food. I recommend the delectable fried chicken wings in the hot case. Sweet, spicy, salty, and crunchy. Totally addictive.

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

In these uncertain economic times, maybe we should rediscover a well-cooked meal in the comfort of our own homes, surrounded by the people we love. It's a thought, huh?


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Filed Under: Celebrities, Forest Lawn Cemetery, News, Shia LaBeouf, Tacori Enterprises

Here's a round-up of intriguing Glendale news stories from this past week:

• What a difference a day makes! Immigration officials who denied a Glendale-based Armenian man an application for political asylum—because he was supposedly a day late in filing—have been forced to recount.

• Glendale-based jewelers, Tacori Enterprises, won a $650,000 copyright infringement suit against an Ohio jewelry manufacturer.

• Unemployment continues to hit the San Gabriel Valley, including Forest Lawn in Glendale.

• Parents are rescued in Glendale after their kid threw a teddy bear down a hillside.

• And, finally, what Glendale news round-up would be complete without a few items about Shia LaBeouf? (Look, if more celebrities lived here, we wouldn't be so limited in our celebrity reporting.) On Wednesday, he was caught looking a bit sad on a friend's porch in Glendale. Later that day, he was seen dashing home and petting a dog. And on Thursday, he walked around with a bag over his head. Seriously.


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Filed Under: Celebrities, Joel Madden, News, Nicole Richie

Joel Madden, lead singer of Good Charlotte, has been a longtime resident of Glendale, but the blogosphere reports that his girlfriend, Nicole Richie, has convinced him to pack up and move to a Spanish Villa in the Hollywood Hills (with baby in tow).

C'mon, Joel, surely you're getting a better deal here in Glendale than the reported $6,500 per month you're forking over to lease your new home at Outpost Estates. And won't you miss The Americana?! Wont' you?!


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Filed Under: City Politics, News

Glendale is number one! According to the Daily News:

The American Lung Association of California on Tuesday graded 297 cities on their success at creating outdoor smoke-free environments and smoke-free housing and reducing sales of tobacco products. The report provided an overall grade for the average of those categories in its first State of Tobacco Control report.

Locally, Glendale topped the list with an A—the only A in Los Angeles County....

Glendale's high mark had city officials beaming Tuesday after imposing a strict anti-smoking ordinance Nov. 6 that limits exposure to unwanted secondhand smoke across the city, including parks, parking lots, enclosed public areas and common areas in apartment buildings.

Now the city plans to hire a fresh-air ambassador to visit apartments, restaurants and bars and engage the public about the ordinance, said Steven Koszis, Glendale administrative analyst.

Wait, wait, wait. Did he say "fresh-air ambassador?" Although it sounds like an intriguing job, I know that I certainly don't want someone coming to my apartment to school me about city laws.


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Filed Under: Celebrities, News, Shia LaBeouf

As long as Shia LaBeouf keeps living in Glendale, this blog will always have fodder. A couple weeks ago, the paparazzi snapped shots of the actor ambling home from a liquor store. This week—are you ready for this?!—Shia LaBeouf...gets into his car!

Yes, dear readers, it's a slow news day.

More Shia LaBeouf-in-Glendale pics here.


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Filed Under: Classes, Community Happenings, Continuing Education, Education, Events, Glendale Community College, Workshops

You know those movies rife with parent-child conflict in which a mother pleads with her daughter something like, "I'm doing the best I can raising you! It's not like they gave me handbook when you were born!" Well, the Continuing Education program at Glendale Community College attempts to shrink the learning curve with its tuition-free Parent Education Program.

Classes, which are held in Glendale and La Canada, feature professional parent educators who lead discussions on discipline, sibling issues, nutrition, eating behaviors, kindergarten preparation, safety, potty training, and communication. Who knew?

Glendale Community College
Continuing Education Program
Parent Education Program
818.243.5196
http://www.glendale.edu/continuinged/classes/parenteducation.htm

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Filed Under: Barnes and Noble, Blockbuster, Borders Books, CVS, Downtown Glendale, Glendale Exchange, Glendale Fashion Center, Ice Cream, Longs Drugs, Mervyn's, News, Shopping, The Americana, Thrifty Ice Cream

The closing of all Circuit City stores across the nation, including the one on Maryland and Broadway, is the latest big news of the worsening economy. (I'm generally an optimist, but 34,000 lost jobs can't be good.) This leaves downtown Glendale looking a bit bleaker—witness the gutted space where the Mervyn's used to be, and the Exchange shopping area is becoming a dead zone. Now, Glendale Avenue is going to take a couple of hits.

The Longs Drugs on the lower level of the Glendale Fashion Center across from Ralphs will be permanently closing its doors on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. CVS bought Longs last year, but decided to shut down this location rather than changing the name. This sucks for me because Longs is within walking distance of my house, and the Rite Aid up the street is not (though the siren song sung by Thrifty Ice Cream may be enough to entice me to walk the few extra blocks).

As if that weren't enough to dampen my neighborhood spirit, the Blockbuster on Glendale and California is closing on February 15, 2009. (Last day to rent is February 8; last day to return is February 19.) Which means I have to drive to the Pacific location or Colorado location for DVDs or stay home and read—I don't like any of those choices.

What will become of you, Glendale Avenue? As much as I love The Americana, I thought it was a pretty crappy move to close the Barnes & Noble in the Glendale Fashion Center and move it to The Americana, especially since there's a Borders just a block away. It's good planning for The Americana, but bad planning for the structure of a city. I live between downtown Glendale and Glendale Avenue, and things seem a bit off-balance. I don't like that feeling.


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Filed Under: Bella Donna Beauty and Wellness Center, Hair Salons, Shop Reviews

I have become vain. I'm not exactly sure when it happened, but I have a good idea as to why it happened.

I've always considered myself an average-looking person. Cute, but not beautiful. I have healthy self-esteem, but I'm realistic when it comes to my looks. In fact, when my daughters turned into beautiful young women, my husband and I looked at each other, scratched our heads and asked ourselves, how did we do that?

Sometimes I look at old pictures of myself in my 20s and think, Wow, I really was a lot cuter than I gave myself credit for.

But this vanity thing is new. Complete strangers come up to me these days and compliment me on my hair, and I accept it as my due. I agree: I just love my hair. If I'm feeling really generous, I may mention my hairdresser and my mother. Because they're the real reason people love my hair: a good cut and genetics.

My whole life hairdressers have always said I have good hair. It's thick and shiny and straight. Pretty boring to me. Until I realized that I have very few gray hairs compared to other people. Hmm. Maybe I'm on to something.

For years, my hairdresser (Thu, pictured above) tried to get me to use a blow-dryer. I'd see her in the market, and she'd say, "Please, oh please, use the blow-dryer. Maybe just a little bit. You'll look great. You'll see."

But no. I was stubborn. Who needs blow-dryer when you can walk out of the house in ten minutes with wet hair?

So when I finally decided to use the blow-dryer, it made her so happy. And when a few months later I decided to add some streaks, she almost cried with joy.

Now my hair is short and hip, with colored streaks. Some months these are bright red; right now they're green, and I'm working toward pink. But since I am now vain, I make sure that people can see a few gray hairs here and there, so they know that I don't add color to hide the gray.

My hairdresser is fantastic. She is a modern artiste with vision. She sees potential even in a rabid feminist who proudly eschews traditional female trappings. She'll tell you what's going to look good on you and what will look like crap. Go and see her; she'll be happy to work a miracle for you, too.

Thu Tran
Bella Donna Beauty & Wellness Center
1154 N. Central Avenue
Glendale, CA 91202
323.369.3710 (Thu's direct line)

Base Price for Men:
$20

Base Price for Women:
$25

Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
By appointment only

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Filed Under: Celebrities, News, Shia LaBeouf

Since Shia LaBeouf lives in Glendale (do any of you celebrity stalkers know where?), I'm actually surprised we don't see more paparazzi pictures of him at Zankou Chicken or Michael's or anywhere else, really, around town.

Well, alas, the star of Transformers, Eagle Eye, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (say that five times fast) was spotted on Wednesday, according to Gossip Girls, walking home from an unnamed liquor store and drinking Arizona Iced Tea.

I would stop posting about these celebrity sightings, but I know how much you love them.

More Shia LaBeouf-in-Glendale pics here.


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Filed Under: Cell Tower, City Politics, News, T-Mobile

We attempt to limit the number of "newsy" items here on this blog because we've never aimed to be a source of breaking stories (think of us more like the Parade section of the Sunday paper or your old neighbor who is filled with timeless wisdom but never watches TV), but the ongoing saga of the impending T-Mobile cell tower on Cumberland Road just keeps getting more and more interesting.

Sunroom Desk has been keeping track of the drama, and Northwest Glendale Real Estate and Kendyl's Open House has reported that the City Council has ruled in favor of a 45-day moratorium on the tower. (Kendyl has pics from last night's City Council meeting.)

Some local residents also got to have their say on a news segment on NBC prior to the City Council meeting. Watch:




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Filed Under: Community Happenings, Event Reviews, Events, Hoover High School

I confess: I'm a social voyeur. I love glimpses into different lifestyles, from polygamists to swingers to priests and nuns and families with litters of children.

This is my only vice and I feed it whenever I can, so imagine my delight when I heard about the Hoover Tour of Homes. You mean, rich people will let me walk around their homes and see their stuff and I only have to pay $20 ($25 at the door)? This is a bargain!

I've made it a tradition every year, and my husband, who isn't as much a social voyeur as I am, says he goes for "decorating tips." Yeah, right. Uh huh. I believe that.

Every year, I gleefully buy my tickets and anxiously await the day. We've gone, rain or shine, for the past five years. Some years, at least one of the houses was a minor disappointment. I won't mention any names because I don't want to hurt any feelings. Plus, it gives me a smug sense of satisfaction when I don't like one of the houses because then I could honestly say I would hate living there.

But this year was no disappointment. (The event took place in December.) Four wonderful, wonderful homes. You show up at the first house, and you're given a booklet with some history of each home and a map. Everything is in Glendale. Plus, you get lovely plastic booties to put over your shoes so no plebeian mud gets inside.

Oh, I almost forgot! This year, I also invited (dragged along) four of my friends. I think they got into it, and I hope they join us in the future. Cable channels like HGTV and the Food Network really help to get converts to this vice of mine. See, everyone just wants "decorating tips."

The menu for the 51^st Annual Hoover Tour of Homes consisted of three California Spanish Revivals and one adorable Craftsman. If you want to be inspired to attend next year, here are the addresses so you can do a drive-by yourself:

• 319 Randolph Street (pictured above)

• 1661 Valley View Road:

• 863 E. Mountain Street:

• 1415 Royal Boulevard:

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Filed Under: Downtown Glendale, Food, Japanese Cuisine, Restaurant Reviews, Sushi

On the largest wall, behind a line of bamboo stalks, is a fresco depicting a picnic scene: three Japanese men and two women dressed in traditional kimonos are seated on a red blanket under a cherry blossom tree. From the high ceiling hang paper lanterns that hover over hungry patrons. The room is dimly lit, with the sushi bar the restaurant's brightest area.

Glendale is home to quite a few Japanese restaurants, and sitting in a prime location at the Glendale Marketplace, in a spot formerly occupied by a shoe store, is Ichiban. "Ichiban," in Japanese, quite simply translates to "number one" or "best," and with a wide selection of combination dinners and an even wider array of sushi selections, the restaurant's name is not far off.

I am no sushi connoisseur. I was well into my early twenties before I could down a bite of food that wasn't either fried, grilled, baked, or broiled. Growing up, sushi always translated into "raw fish." Thanks to the Food Network, however (and Wikipedia, of course), I learned that the term "sushi" refers to the vinegared rice used in this type of Japanese cuisine, not to the fish sitting on top or wrapped in it.

You are in for an affordable (50% off rolls!), well-prepared meal here, not to mention friendly and efficient service. Whether you are craving a hot meal (in the form of a combination lunch or dinner plate with chicken, beef, or salmon teriyaki, salad, miso soup, and a bowl of rice) or are in the mood for a roll or two (the lobster and B.S.C.R. rolls are tasty, the sashimi is refreshing), Ichiban is there for you!

Ichiban
120 S. Brand Boulevard #120
Glendale, CA 91203
818.242.9966
www.sporq.com/glendale/ichiban/120sbrandblvd

Entree Price Range:
$7-$11

Sushi Price Range:
$3-$13

Hours:
Monday–Thursday:. 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m
Friday–Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

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Here's to a fantastic 2009, Glendale!

This blog will be back in full swing next week. We've got some exciting things in store for the new year, and we look forward to you being a part of it all!


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