Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts
Posted by
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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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Posted by
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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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Posted by
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
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 51st 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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Posted by
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Filed Under: Classes, Community Happenings, Community Services Education, Continuing Education, Education, Events, Glendale Community College, Workshops
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 CollegeThe 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.
Continuing Education Program
Garfield Campus
1122 E. Garfield Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205-2526
818.240.1000, ext. 5678 or 5681
www.glendale.edu/continuinged
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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Posted by
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Filed Under: Architecture, Brand Park, Candlelight Tours, Community Happenings, Events, History, The Doctors House, The Glendale Historical Society, Tours
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.
[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.]
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!
[Photo courtesy of Graeme Whifler.]
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Posted by
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Filed Under: Alex Theatre, Downtown Glendale, Events, Music
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 ChristmasI 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!
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.
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Posted by
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Filed Under: Downtown Glendale, Events, Farmers' Market, Food, Green Living, Montrose, Shopping
[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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Posted by
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Filed Under: Events, Farmers' Market, Food, Montrose, Parks and Recreation, Shopping
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.
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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Posted by
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Filed Under: Art, Events, Michael's
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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Posted by
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Filed Under: City Services, Composting, Events, Green Living, Workshops
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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Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Filed Under: Community Happenings, Events, Hoover High School
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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Monday, December 01, 2008
Monday, December 01, 2008
Filed Under: Downtown Glendale, Events, Pacific Theatres, The Americana
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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Friday, November 28, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Filed Under: Bamboo Panda, City Politics, City Services, Community Happenings, Events, News, The Americana
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 CeremonyOr maybe I'll try to pants Santa. Dare me to?
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.
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