The Controversial Camellias of Descanso Gardens A few years ago, I wrote about the beautiful story of how Descanso Gardens acquired its world-famous camellia collection. The flowers came to the gardens when it was the estate of Manchester Boddy, a self-made millionaire with a soft spot for horticulture and Japanese culture. The popular legend I […]
One Year After Jan. 6, Democracy is Still On the Line One year ago this month, on Jan. 6, 2021, I was on the House floor preparing to play a small but important role in what, until that day, had always been a hallmark of American democracy: the peaceful transfer of power. I was one […]
Verdugo Hills Bowl – The End Verdugo Hills Bowl was responsible for some great childhood memories for many residents. It remained popular well into the early ’70s. Perhaps with that in mind the bowling alley financed a major expansion in June 1977. The alley expanded from 28 lanes to 40 lanes, adding new ceilings, carpets […]
2022 Budget Perspective Every January, the governor is required by the California Constitution to release his budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. It’s his chance to lay out priorities for spending across a multitude of programs and services that Californians depend upon. In lean years, it can be a grim document full of painful […]
Mask? The big question … do masks really protect us? It seems to be debatable! If you’re a sports fan and watch baseball, football, soccer – that is any sport being played in a stadium indoor or out – and if you attend the event, you most likely will be sitting next to someone who […]
Sharing 2021 Thoughts and Best Wishes for 2022 First off, Happy New Year! May 2022 bring you joy and prosperity. We are the community that cares and may we live up to these words. It is my greatest honor serving our community and I look forward to yet another year as president of the […]
Verdugo Hills Bowl – Fond Memories Part 2 Some of the most vivid memories come from Kathy Reger Souza, who began bowling as a kid in 1970: “Verdugo Hills Bowl was a world unto itself, an air-conditioned haven on a scorching July summer day and a warm glove in January cold. It was accessed through […]
TINSTAAFL I am writing in regards to Mary O’Keefe’s article titled “Test Positive With COVID? How to Respond” that appeared in the CV edition dated Dec. 30. No offense, Mary, however the issue I have with this particular article is spreading the false pretense that these tests are free. (Please see the picture with the […]
Battling Armed Drug Dealers I have been thinking about this for some time. When I read the Glendale PD blotter, it seems like the majority of arrests include convicted felons in possession of loaded firearms. Some of these end up with a zero bail release. Many years ago, Arlington, Virginia had a big problem with […]
Getting Involved in 2022 As we move into the new year with hope and expectation, many of us will go through a process of evaluation and self-reflection. How can we be healthier, happier and more satisfied with our lives? What can we do to better our community and contribute to the greater good? For us, […]