By Ted AYALA There is a tendency among many young musicians – especially today – to make a needless show of their musical prowess. Or, worse, to mimic the outward manifestations of what they think “soulful” music-making looks like, turning what could have been a pleasant concert into a saccharine display of pretension and egoism. […]
By Ted AYALA Glendale has long been known as the “Jewel City,” but that nickname may have to make way for a new one: “The Green City.” Presented to the City Council last Tuesday night were a series of awards from Keep America Beautiful (KAB). In existence for nearly 60 years, KAB has made it […]
By Ted AYALA The city is scrambling for time as it assesses its narrowing options in the wake of the State’s move to shutter its redevelopment agencies. The action by Gov. Brown, which was upheld by the State Supreme Court earlier this month, has put an immense burden on cities already struggling with weak economies […]
By Ted AYALA It’s tough enough to be the new guy in the office. Doubly so when the entity you work for – in this case the City of Glendale – is in the middle of a woefully prolonged economic downturn, which brings with it dwindling sources of revenue. Add to that a bitter battle […]
By Ted AYALA No doubt it’s been a rocky path for the Glendale Philharmonic (GPO) until now. Economic woes and injuries to some of its musicians have plagued this ensemble. But like the tough fighter it is, the orchestra has emerged stronger and better, and celebrated its second birthday in grand style on Sunday at […]
By Ted AYALA Promises of a quiet start to 2012 for the Glendale City Council were dashed on Tuesday night. During the oral communications period of the council meeting, a group of four Glendale residents revealed and submitted for public record alleged evidence of felony convictions against Vanguardians executive director Barry Allen. Allen is the […]
By Ted AYALA It’s no secret that Starbucks Coffee has become one of the most ubiquitous beverage brands on the face of the planet with locations even in Beijing’s Forbidden City and Moscow’s famous Arbat Street. Will Honolulu Avenue be next on its glittering roster of shops? That may be the case in the near […]
Future civic projects in doubt after California Supreme Court upholds the state’s decision to abolish redevelopment agencies. By Ted AYALA Projects on the scale of the Americana on Brand and the Glendale Galleria face an uncertain future as the city struggles with last week’s decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold the state’s abolishment […]
By Ted AYALA Sergey Prokofieff and friends will be making an evening trip through your neck of the woods in Glendale this Sunday. The Glendale Philharmonic GPO will be celebrating the beginning of its 2012 season in a concert featuring Prokofieff’s masterpiece for children of all ages, Peter and the Wolf. Leading the orchestra will […]
By Ted AYALA City Council ended the year on Tuesday night by approving the advertising of open bids for the Brand Library’s renovation project. The Brand Library’s renovation, which will include restoring portions of the site to their original appearance, seismic improvements, and opening up accessibility to patrons, has been estimated to cost $7.4 million. […]