Finding CV’s First Inhabitants is Difficult Writing about the native people of our valley, the Tongva, has been among the most frustrating research work I’ve done. The sources of info are scattered, and some of what exists can be suspect in accuracy. There are really no contemporary historical accounts of what the Tongva were […]
Glendale Quality of Life and Essential Services Protection Measure The City of Glendale provides unmatched services to its residents and businesses – from public safety to recreation and parks, libraries, arts and culture, and quality of life programs – to help our community thrive. But by no means are we perfect or without challenges. Honestly, […]
Info on Historical Preservation I was sorry to learn that the oldest house in Montrose was recently demolished (Then and Now, June 7). I am writing to correct a possible error regarding historic resources and their protection. The caption stated that the house was “perfect Craftsman-style” but that “historical protections for the 105-year-old home would […]
Tujunga’s Cross of San Ysidro On a hilltop of the Verdugo Mountains overlooking Tujunga is a tall white cross. Standing an impressive 30 feet tall, it can easily be seen from Foothill Boulevard, although many hurrying down the boulevard never notice it. It is the Cross of San Ysidro, and it is an important […]
Happy Return to School! I was honored to acknowledge Hayden Dinger, who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, at our July general town council meeting. Congratulations again, Hayden! Thanks to our supervisor, Kathryn Barger, for providing us with the beach bus to relax from the excessive heat. Supervisor Barger introduced a motion at the board […]
Open Letter to City Manager Dear Yasmin Beers: I would like to compliment you on the presentation you made at [the Aug. 2] MSP meeting. You did an excellent job. I understand why and how we view this measure [regarding a sales tax increase] differently. My view is how this sales tax increase will affect […]
The Story of Tongva Peak in the Verdugo Mountains As we drive from Verdugo City down Verdugo Road toward Verdugo Canyon on our way to Verdugo Park, we might look over at the Verdugo Mountains and notice the highest point in the range, Verdugo Peak, at 3,126 feet. Verdugo, Verdugo, Verdugo! However, a little […]
Let’s Meet Halfway It’s hard to believe that, due to the spacing of my children, I have had students in Glendale Unified schools since 1996. I still have two more years to go before that chapter closes. With that time span, I have acquired a lot of “mom wisdom” along the way. I have […]
Asks for Open Eyes and Open Hearts Dear Mayor, Council Members and Senator, A beautiful piece of property – a treasure of history for the city of Glendale – awaits in north Glendale to become a lovely park for the enjoyment of the people of Glendale. The green and restful properties in the city are […]
The Verdugo/San Rafael Fires of 1964 – Part 3 We continue the dramatic story of the dual fires on the Verdugo Mountains and the San Rafael Hills in March 1964. This massively destructive fire was driven by winds with gusts of up to 100 miles per hour. It burned thousands of acres and destroyed […]