By Ted AYALA With redevelopment monies now being siphoned off from cities by the state, local projects that were in progress are being pressed to find new alternatives for funding. Glendale, which in 2010 allowed the use of $10 million in bonds to cover costs for improvements to the Central Library, is now grasping for […]
By Ted AYALA It was a fitting close to a year that has been one of the California Philharmonic’s most eventful – even controversial: the ecstatic, all-consuming affirmation of life that is the finale to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the “Ode to Joy.” The past year saw the orchestra abruptly leaving its former home at […]
By Ted AYALA Southwest Chamber Music’s retrospective of the music of France came to an end on Sunday at the Huntington Library in Pasadena with a program that highlighted charm and the sense of frivole in French music. There was plenty of the latter in Darius Milhaud’s “Le boeuf sur le toit,” a breezy love […]
By Ted AYALA Proponents for alternate modes of transportation secured a victory on Tuesday. Glendale City Council passed a bicycle transportation plan that will enable Glendale to accommodate its growing demographic of bicyclists on city roads along with motorists. The plan – costing an estimated $5.8 million – may see the city doubling the amount […]
By Ted AYALA As August winds down, so too do the long, warm days of summer. This weekend may be among the last chances to enjoy some food and wine al fresco while listening to great music. Both Southwest Chamber Music and the California Philharmonic Orchestra are offering some appetizing options before Labor Day signals […]
By Ted AYALA The Glendale Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department took measures Monday to save the Verdugo Skate Park by implementing fee increases on the park’s patrons. Park fees, which had previously only been imposed on non-residents, will now be forced upon residents as well. It was a move that reflected pressure on the […]
By Ted AYALA The California Philharmonic brought some cool musical relief from the persistent heat wave on Sunday afternoon. Those who packed Disney Hall in search of refuge from the wilting heat were met with the refreshing sound of the orchestra in its usual mash-up of friendlier classical fare and show tunes. A choice sampling […]
By Ted AYALA Oppressive heat, stifling humidity, and the mournful wail of the dàn-bu (a kind of cross between a theremin and a monochord) mingling gently with the chorus of crickets and the sound of the occasional mosquito. A scene that only needed the joyous noise of the night markets and the taste of a […]
By Ted AYALA Glendale citizens who enjoy a puff or two on their cigarettes can rest for another week. On Tuesday, Glendale City Council postponed a decision on indoor smoking in residences until next week’s council meeting. The decision was made to allow Councilmember Rafi Manoukian, who was absent from the meeting, to be part […]
By Ted AYALA Cheers and applause met Councilmember Ara Najarian when he spoke out against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at their community liaison meeting held at La Cañada High School Monday evening. “There is a snow job going on at the highest levels of the board,” he said. “I just want everyone to know […]