ARTS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AND ALL OF LA IN CRISIS

URGENT CALL TO ACTION

The arts in Los Angeles are in crisis and they need your voice.
The City of Los Angeles Budget and Finance Committee has put forward a motion to eliminate the Department of Cultural Affairs' dedicated source of revenue.

Voice your support [ http://advocate.artsforla.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1700 ] to maintain the only dedicated revenue source for neighborhood art and culture in the City of Los Angeles.

Take two minutes and send your city council member an email. [ http://advocate.artsforla.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1700 ] Remind your Council Member that the arts:

* Make money
* Attract tourists
* Attract businesses
* Arts, like parks, are for everyone

This motion will go before Council for a vote this Wednesday, February 3rd. Show the City Council the power of the arts community. Attend the Council meeting and provide public comment. We need to remind Council of just how important the arts are to Los Angeles.

Please forward this information to your friends and networks and post it on Facebook to encourage others to take action.

Send a Letter [ http://advocate.artsforla.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1700 ]

SCHOOL OF ISALMIC SUFISM IN RESEDA

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Easily one of the most beautiful places in the San Fernando Valley is
Wrought Iron fence surrounding the School of Islamic Sufism in Reseda, California. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Metalic Rose in the fence surrounding the School of Islamic Sufism in Reseda, California. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Main structure - School of Islamic Sufism in Reseda, California. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Serene gardens in the School of Islamic Sufism in Reseda, California. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
“Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi (MTO) Shahmaghsoudi, School of Islamic Sufism, is an international non-profit organization dating back 1,400 years to the time of the Prophet, Mohammad.
The founder of the School is Hazrat Oveys Gharani, whose way of inward cognition was approved by the Prophet of Islam. The present master of the school is Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Shah Angha.”

Like most Islamic centers in the United State this School of Islamic Sufism is heavily protected. These photographs were taken from an external sidewalk. I will be seeking permission to visit the school soon.
18011 Sherman Way
Reseda, CA 91335-4621

If you have information about a religious organization in the San Fernando Valley, your Museum would like to hear from you. Call
1 (818) 347-9665 and leave a message for Liane Schirmer, Chairperson of The Museum's Religion Committee.

THE CORVALLIS HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE MEETS

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Sundown from the offices of Los Angeles Councilman Greig Smith in Northridge, California -
The first meeting of the committee to preserve the heritage and history of Our Lady of Corvallis High School in Studio City met today. Under the guidance of your Museum, the women who attended the meeting considered the many ways that they can save the history of their Alma Mater. The Committee's chair, Ms. Bronwyn Ralph, will be seeking to expand the group to address the many ways their high school and its alumnae can be celebrated.


If you or a relative or friend has a connection to Corvallis High School, the committee would like to hear from you. Leave your name and maiden name, telephone number and email address on The Museum's telephone: 1 (818) 347-9667
or email your information to Jerry@anchoreducation.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MUSEUM'S NORTHRIDGE100 EVENTS

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures Northridge100
Great Wooden Frieze - Office of LA Councilman Greig Smith- Northridg, California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The San Fernando Valley 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

We in the Museum Community are very excited about the Northridge100 anniversary celebration. This year-long event will open the door to long lost and untold stories about the communities of Northridge, Porter Ranch and historic Zelzah Colony. As great as our Museum volunteers are, we need even more help to make the year a great success. If you or your organization doesn't hear from us soon, pick up your telephone and call The Museum to discover the events that best suit your interests.
1 (818) 347-9665

RANDAL SIMMONS PARK DEDICATED IN THE WEST VALLEY

Councilman Tom LaBonge sent this story about the dedication of
Randal D. Simmons Park in Reseda.
Officer Simmons was a 20-year veteran of the LAPD’s elite SWAT team, and was killed in the line of duty in
February 2008. He was remembered by the assembled as a loving father,
husband, and friend. Councilmember LaBonge personally knew Officer Simmons to be an outstanding public servant and a pillar of the community. Photos from the event are online at:
http://www.tomlabonge.com/

OLYMPIC TORCH IN NORTHRIDGE 1984

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures Northridge100
The Olympic Torch Run - 1984 - Photo gift to the Northridge100 celebration from Art Jacobs - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - (click on image to enlarge)
Olympic torch runners approach the corner of Roscoe Boulevard and Melvin Avenue in Northridge, California. The Olympic torch was lighted at Olympica in Greece, and relayed across the entire United States before its arrival in Los Angeles County.
The Olympic Torch Run - 1984 - Photo gift to the Northridge100 celebration from Art Jacobs - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - (click on image to enlarge) Huge crowds gathered throughout the city as the Olympic torch was carried to its final destination in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Torches became community souvenirs, one of which is in the lobby at the Airtel Hotel by the Van Nuys Airport.
The Olympic Torch Run - 1984 - Detail of Photo gift to the Northridge100 celebration from Art Jacobs - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - (click on image to enlarge)

The Olympic Torch Run - 1984 - Photo gift to the Northridge100 celebration from Art Jacobs - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - (click on image to enlarge)

Do you know the names of these two runners? Give your Museum a call at 1 (818) 347-9665, or include their names in the comment section of this posting.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley has a significant collection of 1984 Olympic Games memorabilia. We add items and images on a regular basis. These great photos from Art Jacobs are a great addition to the Olympics Experience in the Valley.

NORTHRIDGE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1967 WOMEN'S GROUP

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures Northridge100
Northridge Assembly of God Church - "WMC" meeting 1967 - Gift of Art Jacobs 2010 for the Northridge100 celebration - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge) possibly the officers.

Northridge Assembly of God Church - "WMC" meeting 1967 - Gift of Art Jacobs 2010 for the Northridge100 celebration - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)


Join in the festivities of Northridge100 - a year long celebration of the 100th anniversary of Northridge, Porter Ranch and historic Zelzah.

TEDDY - THE MUSEUM'S MASCOT

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Teddy - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Mascot.

Ok, ok! You've been asking for a photograph of Teddy, The Museum's mascot. Well, here is a picture of his excellency cropped from a document used at one of his many dog-show appearances. Teddy isn't always this formal. Growling at the mail carrier is not beneath his dignity. Let us know what you would like to know about this guy.

IDLE HOUR CAFE MOVES FORWARD TO CULTURAL MONUMENT STATUS

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
The Idle Hour Cafe on its opening day - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley Archives from Chris Nichols 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
Isabel and Michael Connolly at the opening of the Idle Hour Cafe. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley Archives from Chris Nichols 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

Working on behalf of the preservation of history and protection of historic artifacts is a little bit like working in the emergency room of a hospital. A crisis can happen at any time. In the blinking of an eye The Museum’s Chairman for Historic Preservation, Richard Hilton, saw the oldest home in Van Nuys destroyed contemptuously during a single night. The loss to future generations can happen without warning and often with callous disregard in a matter of hours.
It is great news for the San Fernando Valley that the group to save the precious old Idle Hour Cafe, led by Chris Nichols, has brought the landmark building one step closer to the protections of being designated a “cultural landmark.” THE WHOLE VALLEY OWES CHRIS AND HIS FOLKS A DEBT OF GRATITUDE!
The fearful “doomsday clock” and ticking ruin for the Idle Hour has been pushed significantly back.
Once there were as many as a dozen barrel-shaped buildings in our area of California. Today, in all of greater Los Angeles there remains only one, the Idle Hour Cafe at4824 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood. Once, also there were wonderful “programmatic” structures shaped like oranges, hot dogs, giant donuts etc. all over Southern California. Today in LA, there are only 10 such buildings remaining (and, some like the Tail of the Pup and the Brown Derby, are languishing in some forgotten warehouse or another.)
border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432023934414147890" /> Interior Bar (still in the Idle Hour Cafe)

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley calls on our friends and neighbors to speak out on behalf of the Idle Hour Cafe – not for some gutted facade or placating bronze plaque. The Idle Hour is a true “anchor building” to the exciting new NoHo Arts District. We have a chance of seeing it restored to its once rightful position of a key nightspot in historic North Hollywood.
Besides! It’s the right and fun thing to do!
Interested parties should contact The Museum’s Chair for the Preservation of the Idle Hour Cafe, Sheila Kodimer at our telephone number:
1 (818) 347-9665
Leave your name, telephone number and email address, and Sheila will get back to you soon.

ARTIE AND HELEN JACOBS 1969

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Artie and Helen Jacobs 1969 at the "new" McDonalds on Parthenia Avenue in Northridge. Gift by Art Jacobs to the Northridge100 celebration - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.
Artie Jacobs and Santa Claus 1969 at the "new" McDonalds on Parthenia Avenue in Northridge. Gift by Art Jacobs to the Northridge100 celebration - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.

Your Museum seeks to capture the "Valley Experience" in many ways. Here, images of little Artie Jacobs add their part of the "Growing Up In The San Fernando Valley Experience" and help our residents celebrate 100 years of Northridge.
Want to add your family photos to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 today.

HOMECOMING AT PRE-CSUN SAN FERNANDO VALLEY STATE COLLEGE c. 1969

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Homecoming Parade SF Valley State College c.1969 (photo for non-commercial use by permission of CSUN University Archive)
"Judge Julian Beck and Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Prator drive by the reviewing stand in the homecoming parade. Judge Julian Beck co-authored the state resolution that led to the founding of San Fernando Valley State College. Dr. Prator served as the college’s first president."

One of many photographs and newspaper clippings brought to the kickoff ceremonies for the Northridge100 celebration year at Northridge Park.

THE SMOKEHOUSE - CLASSIC RESTAURANT IN BURBANK

2010 The Year of Valley History
The Smokehouse Restaurant Burbank, California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
When our great friends Lonnie and Jim, who now live in Portland, Oregon, came to the Valley in time for our big time rainstorms, we decided that they needed an infusion of old time Valley garlic bread at the Smokehouse. Since they were driving back to Portland that night, we treated them to the Smokehouse's massive champaign brunch - enough food to get them home --- and, for most of next week.
The Smokehouse Restaurant Lobby - Burbank, California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2010 (click on image to enlarge) Appropriately, the lobby of the great old Smokehouse Restaurant is decorated with posters from classic Warner Brothers films. The movie Casablanca's scenes of Paris were done across the street at the WB. The airport scenes in Casablanca were filmed at the Van Nuys Airport.
The Smokehouse Restaurant Lobby - Burbank, California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
The Smokehouse was originally located north of its location of 4420 West Lakeside Drive - off of Olive Avenue - at Pass Avenue and Riverside Drive. The doors were opened in 1926, and the move to today's present location done in 1947.
The Smokehouse Restaurant Bar - Burbank, California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
No visit to the Smokehouse is complete without three or four loaves of Chef John L. Sullivan's original recipe garlic bread concocted sometime around 1959.
Take a few minutes after dinner to walk a bit in the neighborhood of the grand old Smokehouse. Just south on Olive Avenue is an amazing view of the concrete Los Angeles River. Watch tourists arrive for the Ellen Show and the Super Heroes sign at the WB. Burbank is a great town to explore - it's an essential part of the San Fernando Valley.

LANKERSHIM BOULEVARD 1925

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Historic Lankershim Boulevard 1925 - book donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by James Jolicoeur 2009. Scanned by Phyllis Hansen for The Museum's Archives. (click on image to enlarge - use mouse to move about the image)
Getting ready for next July's Trans-Iowa bike ride means being busy scanning, copying and preparing cds to take back to the Buena Vista Iowa Historical Museum. Confused? Don't be. Remember the wonderful collection of historic photographs donated last year to The Museum by David High? Well, many of the photographs are yet to be identified and some are marked as being taken in various towns in Buena Vista Country.
Our family's trans-Iowa bike ride gives me an excuse to present our unidentified images to the folks in Buena Vista County and, who knows? maybe we'll make more Lankershim, North Hollywood and old Toluca connections.

2010 is the year for you to get involved with Valley history and culture. Join one of The Museum's many "Valley Experience" Committees and make a difference. 1 (818) 347-9665

ANDREA FAVILLI "THE CAMERAMAN" BURBANK'S TREASURE

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures

The Cameraman by Andrea Favilli in Burbank
Andrea Favilli - The Cameraman - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht - January 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
One of my favorite public sculptures in the San Fernando Valley is the heroic-sized statue of the Cameraman on Olive Avenue just across from gate 2 of Warner Brothers studio. Because of flowers planted at its base some of the most dramatic aspects of the work aren’t readily seen, unless one climbs up on the concrete seat that surrounds it.
Hard to find are an old time voice powered megaphone..... One can almost here the cameraman’s shout of “All quiet on the set” or “Action”, and an open book with names of those who inspired Andrea Favilli’s exciting career.
Graduating from Art Center College of Design 1986, Favilli seems to have movies in his blood. His father is Aldo Favilli, once an art director for Rome’s famous Cinecittà Studios.

Andrea Favilli’s involvement in the great Dancing Raisins commercial, his design of Disney’s Legends Award, the American Teacher Award and the massive statue of Dr. David Burbank make him a San Fernando Valley treasure.



Share the treasures you discover about the San Fernando Valley. Send your photos by jpg format or share hard copies with your Museum.

CELEBRATING AT CAMPO DE CAHUENGA

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Mexican Dancer performing at the historic re-enactment at Campo de Cahuenga - Nov. 2009 - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Michael Stevens.

Make 2010 the year you get involved in preserving Valley history and culture. 1 (818) 347-9665

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GRANADA HILLS - NORTHRIDGE100

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures

The following is a partial list of images and documents contributed by the First Presbyterian Church of Granda Hills for the Northridg100 centennial celebration. These items are now part of the permanent archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley and will be available for scholars, future historians of the Church, and other historical organizations. Photographs have been scanned and archived electronically. Later the documents will be copied and transcribed for historical purposes.
The materials were amassed by Sara Bauer. They were accompanied by an historical timeline and a brief history of the church from its origins the Granada Hills Memorial Church to the present First Presbyterian Church of Granda Hills.
10400 Zelzah Avenue, Northridge, California.

1293 Areal First Presbyterian Ch. Granda Hills 1964 (photograph)
1294 First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills 1967 (photograph)
1295 First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills Dedication 1960
1296 First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills Interior 1960
1297 First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills 50th Anniv. 1997
1298 First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills 1847-1997 (brochure)
Granda Hills Memorial Church – Community Presbyterian
1299 Granada Hills Mem. Church – Bulletin April 13, 1952
1300 Introducing the First Presbyterian Church (between 1954 - 1971)
1301 First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills 25th Anniv. 1972
1302 The Celtic Pres. September 1972 25th Anniv. (Church bulletin
1303 First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills 45th Anniv.
1304 First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills Jan 20, 2010
1305 First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills 40th Anniv. brochure
1306 Granada Hills Memorial Church Church Officers 1951 (photo)
Officers of Granada Hills Memorial Church Feb. 27, 1951
Church officers on the first anniversary of the new church building on Zelzah Avenue.
l-r (front row) Carl Koons, Thomas Decker, Floyd Balding, Maynard Solt, Margaret Rizer, Eleanor Hawkins, Edwin Hardin, and Walter Ott
(second row) Miles Von Heeder, Harvey Schlepp, William Roberts, Rev. Alfred McNair, Albert Green and Thurlow Culley.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GRANADA HILLS - NORTHRIDGE100 CELEBRATION

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Aerial view of the First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills, California -
Sara Bauer - Firist Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley January 2110
Sara Bauer, or as we like to call her, the great Sara Bauer, was the president of the Museum Community when we operated the historical museum at Los Angeles Valley College. Here she is supporting the Northridge100 anniversary celebration on behalf of the First Presbyterian Church Granada Hills. The Presbyterian Church presented the centennial's files with programs from the dedication of its sanctuary in 1960 to modern times.

CAPTURING NORTHRIDGE IN PHOTOGRAPHS CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Northridge Park Cougars 1986 - From Northridge Park's 25th Anniversary Silver Celebration Souvenir Program June 6, 1987

Almost a quarter of a century has passed since these energetic kids played for the Cougars of Northridge Park. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley would like to know their names. Refer to Photograph 1290 - left to right.
Your Museum is saving many Valley stories, among which are Growing Up In The Valley and the Valley Sports Experience. Become a Museum activist today. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 and become a protector of the past and shaper of the future.

The Northridge100 celebration needs volunteers - call your Museum today and become part of history.

BIRMINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL / HOSPITAL MYSTERY TUNNELS

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures

Huell Howser had a program on KCET this week on the Los Angeles County - USC Hospital, a part of which showed extensive underground tunnels in the complex. That must have triggered folks to think about tunnels in their lives.
Today, I got a call from a gentleman living in Encino Park, about tunnels that he once explored while a student at Birmingham High School.
If you know more about these tunnels, your Museum would like to hear from you.

And, speaking of Birmingham High School, if any of you are interested in heading up a Committee for Birmingham High School / Birmingham Hospital History, please contact your Museum today. Our telephone number is: 1 (818) 347-9665

Have a nice, a little less rainy day. Jerry Fecht

WHERE IS THIS ISLAND PARADISE?

2010 - The Year of Valley Adventures


Ok, where was this photograph taken? Dominica? Costa Rica?
Nope, from my patio in Tarzana this morning. The waterfall is coming off my roof in an absolute deluge! This gives the viewer a good idea of why we canceled the regular meeting of The Museum's Board of Directors and Advisors last evening.

MUSEUM CALLS FOR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY HISTORY VOLUNTEERS

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures

Historic postcard of the Home of Entertainer Lou Costello - Gift to The Museum from Gary Fredburg 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

Your Museum needs volunteers to join our Valley-wide committee for the Preservation of Entertainment Industry History.
Interested? Leave your name, telephone number and email address, and we'll get back to you pronto!

KICKOFF OF THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF NORTHRIDGE AND PORTER RANCH

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures.
Jan Perry, President Pro Tempore of the Los Angeles City Council and Dr. Gerald Fecht, President of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley at the grand kickoff of the Northridge100 celebration year.
Over 200 resident of Northridge and other Valley communities attended the Northridge100 kickoff event
Richard Hilton, (left) Chairman of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Northridge100 Committe and Gary Fredburg, Board Secretary of The Museum at The Museum's information table at the Centennial's kickoff in Northridge Park.
Richard Hilton signs up Northridge resident for The Museum's exciting guided bus tour of Northridge.
Interested in the Northridge Bus Tour, historic walking tours of North Hollywood and Van Nuys, or the Insiders' guided bus tour of Toluca Lake. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 and we'll put your on the tour information list.

A great Museum of history and culture is growing in the San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World.

DAILY NEWS ARTICLE ABOUT NORTHRIDGE100 CELEBRATION AND THE MUSEUM'S IMPORTANT ROLE

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures

The following article by the Valley's favorite columnist Dennis McCarthy appeared in today's Daily News
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_14233528

"If your family roots go back to the time when Northridge was called Zelzah - a whistle stop on the Southern Pacific railroad - Richard Hilton wants to talk to you.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley wants to invite you to a yearlong celebration it's throwing for the 100th birthday of Northridge this year.
It kicked off Tuesday night at the local offices of City Councilman Greig Smith, who's serving as the honorary chairman of the Northridge 100 events.
Dozens of longtime residents stopped by with family pictures and stories, including brothers David, Daniel and Robert Gallardo.
Their parents, Manuel and Maria, raised their two oldest children in a tent on property which is now part of California State University, Northridge.
"My dad was a ranch hand," says Daniel, 71, who has lived his whole life in Northridge. "He bought our first house in 1924 for $325. Six dollars down and $6 a month. Imagine."
CSUN, along with the Valley Economic Alliance, Northridge Hospital Medical Center and others, are co-sponsoring the 100th birthday celebration.
"We're hoping to get as many old pictures and oral histories from families that have lived in Northridge for generations so we can share them with everyone," says Hilton, a board member of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
The area was originally named for the Zelzah train station built in 1910 at the northwest corner of what's now Parthenia Avenue and Reseda Boulevard.
"Field workers would load it up with locally grown agriculture and it'd be taken by train to towns up north," Hilton said.
"Across the street from the train station was a water well. That's where the town got its name. In the Bible, Zelzah is the name for oasis."
The town was renamed North Los Angeles in 1929, but that confused too many people, so it was finally changed to Northridge in 1938.
"Who would have thought we'd be around to see Northridge turn 100," said Daniel Gallardo, who worked in landscape construction before retiring.
"It's nice to see that our family will be remembered as local pioneers," he said.
For information on future events for Northridge 100 or to share your family's history and pictures with the museum, e-mail northridge100@gmail.com or call the museum at 818-347-9665.

Dennis McCarthy's column appears Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.


Credit: Gallardo Family/CSUN Oviatt Library Title Robert Gallardo as a baby at his home in Northridge Description Photo collage of Robert Gallardo, his aunt Carmen Caralejo, and the tent where Robert was born. The tent was the home of the Gallardo family, which included Robert, his parents and seven other siblings. They lived there for several years while they worked as laborers on a farm in Northridge. The Gallardo family was one of the first families in Northridge of Mexican descent. The pipe on the left corner of the tent served as ventilation for the stove. Black and white photograph. 8 x 10 in.

NORTHRIDGE100 KICKOFF - A BIG SUCCESS

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Northridge Railroad Station - From Northridge Park's 25th Anniversary Program - June 6, 1987 - date of original photograph unknown.
The first hundred years of the communities of Northridge and Porter Ranch began this January 19th with a celebration at the community center at Nothridge Park. Lots of good food, "short" speeches and interesting people. Stay tuned to your Museum blog for more information about Northridge100.

CAMPO DE CAHUENGA COLORING BOOK

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures.
Finding themselves in the Campo de Cahuenga coloring book - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht (click on image to enlarge)
This family discovered themselves in the Campo de Cahuenga coloring book. They returned to the historic re-enactment at Campo de Cahuenga last week. The coloring book was written by Phyllis Hansen, Board member of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley and Board member of the Campo de Cahuenga Memorial Historical Association.

FAMILY OF JOSE ANTONIO CARRILLO

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Descendants of Jose' Antonio Carrillo at Campo de Cahuenga Celebration January 2010 - Photo by Phyllis Hansen for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
From left: Glory Hernandez, Schuyler Hernandez, Charlotte Carrillo Geiser, three generations of direct descendants Jose Antonio Carrillo who scribed the Articles of Capitulation and whose portrait by Orpha Klinker will soon hang again at the Campo. Her brother also attended, but left before this picture was taken.

One of the major interests of your Museum is the restoration of the San Fernando Valley's missing Latino history. If you have an interest in the Valley's Latino heritage, please contact The Museum soon. 1 (818) 347-9665

SALUTE TO MARGO MURMAN

2010 - The Year of Valley Adventures
Margo Murman - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010 (click on image to enlarge) Ms. Murman is standing on historic El Camino Real - Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills, California
For most people establishing a new home in Oregon would mean setting aside old Valley loyalties, but not for Margo Murman. From her home in Elmira, Oregon, Margo continues to work for the betterment of the entire San Fernando Valley. As Board Secretary for the Foundation for Pierce College, Margo understands the vital importance of keeping the Grand Old Farm's presence at L.A. Pierce College, in spite of some short-sighted sell off of the Farm Center and a significant loss of our Valley agricultural heritage.
The Museum Community salutes Margo Murman, and other members of the Foundation for Pierce College.

AIDS LIFECYCLE RIDE KICK OFF PARTY

This Saturday evening, my wife Janne and I went to the "Kickoff Party" for the 2010 AIDS Lifecycle Ride. It was held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History across Exposition Boulevard from USC. There is something about being in a museum at night with giant dinosaurs that, despite the festive crowd, is just a bit intimidating.

The great "Ginger Brulee" is one of the big time morale boosters for the AIDS Ride. Janne and my son Brendan will work on the Ride as "Sweepers", gathering up disabled bikes and bikers in need. I will be working the camp store, recruiting folks for next year's adventure ride.

A CUPID'S HOT DOGS POP CULTURE ICON IN THE VALLEY

2010 - The Year of Valley Adventures
Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2010. (click on image to enlarge)
Nothing beats a Cupid's hot dog on a brisk January afternoon, unless you are surrounded by Los Angeles Dodgers memorabilia. Tucked away on Maclay Road in old San Fernando you can relish (pun intended) your hot dog on a European style patio or hide out in this Dodger baseball shrine. Nice experience.
___ and, Gary Fredburg bought my lunch.

TROVE OF WWII ERA VALLEY PORTRAIT PHOTOS FOUND

2010 - The Year of Valley Adventures

Portraits of His Son by John Charles Steele 1936 to 1943 - Images courtesy of James "Mitch" Steele 2010 (click on images to enlarge)
For a decade in the San Fernando Valley, Jack Steele took photographs of his favorite subject, his son John Steele Jr. Upcoming may be some photographs taken at the omni-popular Pop's Willow Lake.
John Charles Steele Sr. and his son - Father_Son Day at the Beach.