Views From the Valley » Susan BOLAN

The Man Who Would Become Google-Able Every community has them, the town characters. People who, for whatever reason, dress a little differently and act a little differently than others. They add texture to the fabric of our lives while they are here and we remember them fondly when they are gone.  I met one such […]

Views from Valley » Susan BELON

You Can’t Take It With You   I have many friends and relatives who live a minimalist lifestyle. Their houses are immaculate and there is no clutter in any of the rooms. Everything has its place, which is out of view, most of the time. Yeah, that’s not me. The truth is, I like my […]

Views from the Valley » Susan BOLAN

Countdown To Elections One year from now we will be having an important election. Sadly, that means the gloves are coming off like never before. Heated family discussions. Neighbors pitted against neighbors.  Hushed voices at the office. It’s happening already with a current election. I just read a discussion on our community Facebook page where […]

VIEWS FROM The VALLEY » Susan BOLAN

The Benefit Of Grass   Not what you’re thinking; I’m talking about the turf kind. What a wonderful community we live in; there is so much beauty around us. Look up and you will see the gorgeous mountains just beyond our backyards, beckoning us to visit.  Growing up at the mouth of Big Tujunga Canyon, […]

Views from the Valley» Susan BOLAN

Science and Spirit I’ve given a lot of thought about how the universe works, especially this week, the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. I am old enough to remember where I was on that day, the date etched in my mind since July 20, 1969. It was six days before my ninth birthday and […]

VIEWS From The Valley » Susan BOLAN

Be The Change   I come from a long line of strong women including my maternal grandmother who worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII and my mother who was a “women’s libber” back in the day. My mom did it all; she worked, she volunteered and she cared for us, which wasn’t always […]

VIEws From THE VALLEY » SUSAN BOLAN

   Killing it with Kindness Have you ever heard these words, “Always be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle?” They are so true. Almost every person I know has a struggle of some kind whether it is a financial situation, medical condition or grief. The truth is, unless […]

News From The Valley » Susan BOLAN

Parenting By The Seat of Your Pants My three kids are all big people now at 6, 6’4” and 6’7” tall. At 5’11”, I am now the shortest one in the family. Theoretically, I could be wrapping up my parenting job but I don’t think I am done yet. It seems that raising other human […]

Views From The Valley » Susan BOLAN

What’s Your Jurisdiction?   I consider myself to be a stakeholder of the entire Crescenta Valley. I grew up and lived in Sunland-Tujunga for 36 years. I married, had children and we moved to La Crescenta 22 years ago. I worked in La Cañada Flintridge for seven years. I shop, eat and drive in all […]

NEWS FROM The Valley » Susan BOLAN

Verdugo Hills Golf Course Update   A couple of weeks ago, I took the opportunity to attend a Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council meeting. I was interested in the presentations related to 6433 La Tuna Canyon Road, the former Verdugo Hills Golf Course property. Many in attendance expressed sadness at the loss of recreational space and frustration […]