Tel: (818) 347-9665 PST

TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com

www.TheMuseumSFV.org




Monday, January 31, 2011

NEW HINDU TEMPLE IN RESEDA

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY           2011

I've been doing my morning exercises and watching a PBS series on The Story of India at the same time. I'm actually on my second round viewing the series. There is so much of Mother India that I want to and need to know.
Coincidentally, last week on the way home from a meeting with David Moon of CSUN's VISCOM program, I saw the recently completed Hindu Temple on Roscoe Avenue in Reseda. I stopped and learned that I need to come back in the early morning, or late afternoon.  I shall.  In the meanwhile, here's a gate ornament to invite us to learn more about the Hindu Religion and a little more about India, the place where nearly all western languages were born.

NATHAN'S TATOO AND PIERCING - CANOGA PARK

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY     2011

I followed the owner and builder to this amazing bike into Nathan's Tatoo and Piercing shop, to ask his permission to photograph his treasure. To my good fortune I got to meet the owner of Nathan's as well.


Nathan asked if I would like to explore the store and photograph the tatoo cartoons that he offers his customers. I did. Mixed with a universe of tatoo cartoon choices, there were Christian icon reproductions by Raphael, Bosch and Mexican folk painters. Naturally, there were lots of skulls, biker symbols and original art pieces as well. Nathan and I talked about Renaissance fresco paintings, the lack of art classes in schools, and the emergence of tatooing as main stream popular art.


Selection chart - Nathans Tatoos and Piercing - Canoga Park - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2011 - (click on images to enlarge.)

Original art works based on Tatoo themes - Nathans Tatoo and Piercing - 2011

Public tatooing station, with original art work behind an armrest.  Photo by Gerald Fecht

Nathan's Tatoos and Piercing - 7222 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Your Museum has an abiding interest in Popular Culture and Public Art. Recommend places in the San Fernando Valley for The Museum Community to visit.  Art is the center of our Valley, at the heart of the Creative Capital of the World.

SAY RABBIT! A MONTH OF GOOD LUCK

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY     2011
I suppose some of you who read this too late on February 1st won't have said "Rabbit" first thing - before saying another word. Well, you've missed a whole month of good luck. BUT, because this February marks the Chinese YEAR OF THE RABBIT, you will (despite missing out on two days of good fortune) have the splendid chance of a Whole Year of Good Happenings. Just say, "Rabbit, Rabbit" on February 3rd and you are in!
Today, on a walk in historic Canoga Park / old Owensmouth, I encountered none other than Quan Yin, the beloved Goddess of Mercy and Good Fortune. She watches over the patrons of Follow Your Heart right on Sherman Way. Rabbit, Rabbit!

Quan Yin, Goddess of Mercy - Follow Your Heart Market and Cafe - Canoga Park, California
Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2011

Sunday, January 30, 2011

JOHN CALVIN's WINDOW IN TARZANA

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY      2011

Stained glass windows in Christian churches throughout the San Fernando Valley, tell nearly every major aspect of Christian religion and theology. Here, one of the men most instrumental in the Protestant Reformation looks over the congregation of Saint James Presbyterian church in Tarzana. John Calvin influenced the formation of Reformed and Presbyterian churches throughout the world.

John Calvin was born in Noyan France in 1509. This widow was one of the few surviving artifacts from the original Saint James church in Tarzana after the great Northridge earthquake. Photograph by Gerald Fecht 2011 for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge)
Plans are underway for a bus tour of the major religious sites of the San Fernando Valley. Interested?
Call   1 (818) 347-9665 to stay informed on the tour's progress.
 
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley encourages your religious organization to share its history with the Library of The Museum.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

PHYLLIS HANSEN SHARES 1935 POSTCARDS OF HOLLYWOOD BOWL




INTERVIEWING MONTIE MONTANA JR.

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   -  2011      Northridge100

Montie Montana Jr. purchases a replica of the Butterfield Stage Coach. that once made
regular trips across the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge)

The Montana family seems to have show business in its blood, at least where Western show business is concerned. Montie Montana Sr., sponsored by Webers bread made thousands of appearances throughout San Fernando Valley schools, and became world famous for roping the newly elected President Dwight Eisenhower during Ike's inauguration.

 Little Montie Montana Jr. made his first parade appearance at the age of three.

Montie Jr. and his sister Linda were raised in the Valley, on a modest ranch in Northridge. Because the family was on-the-road so much, their mother rigorously home schooled them. Montie Jr. attended school in Van Nuys, before there was a middle school there. He graduated from Canoga Park High School, and went on to college at the University of California Davis.
Montie Montana Jr. was interviewed on January 29th in Northridge as part of The Museum's "Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley," funded by a grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Los Angeles.

Descendants of the world famous rodeo cowboy entertainer Montie Montana Sr.

Friday, January 28, 2011

TWO HISTORIC ANNIVERSARIES

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011                            -     Northridge100

Fifty years after the founding of Northridge, California, the Roman Catholic parish of Our Lady of Lourdes was established. Today, the parish and its parochial school are two of the most successful institutions in the San Fernando Valley.

 Shrine statue of Our Lady of Lourdes within the parish church in Northridge, California. (click on image to enlarge) Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2011.
 Photo-quilt celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church in Northridge. It is located in the vestibule of the church.

Stained glass window with symbols related to the Incarnation of Jesus. The descending dove represents the Holy Spirit, the lily symbolizes the Virgin Mary. Below is a green Fleur d' Lis
the French symbol for Mary.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

OAKRIDGE ESTATE MEETING ON JAN. 27th

      DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY      2011                  Northridge100

The great Jack Oakie and Alice Faye in a scene from the film Tin Pan Alley, a 20th Century Fox production - Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011. The movie was released in November of 1940.

A message from Patricia LoPresti - Outreach Committee re: Oakridge Estate
Please bring your friends and neighbors to the Thursday, January 27, 2011 Oakridge PAB meeting.  At the request of some interested residents, this meeting will be held in the evening at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting location is Northridge Park's Devonshire House at 18300 LeMarsh St. ( Limited handicapped parking is available at the top of the hill near the entrance.)  Board members will be giving committee reports and updating the community on the preservation efforts. 

In 2011, PAB meetings will be held every other month:  March, May, July, September and November.  Meeting times and locations to be announced  at meetings and by gmail messages.

 Please forward this email to neighbors and encourage them to contact us at Oakridgepab@gmail.com.  We will soon have a website address to announce.
We look forward to seeing you on the 27th.



Sunday, January 23, 2011

GATHERING ORAL HISTORIES BEGINS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY        2011                     Northridge100

On Saturday, January 22, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley began its first campaign to secure important personal histories of Valley residents. Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley, is the beginning of The Museum's permanent commitment to securing the histories of individuals and organizations that impact our community's culture and lifestyles. Narrating Lives, sponsored through a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, will activate Valley leaders to learn practical ways of securing oral histories, gather vital histories and to share the results with educational institutions across our city.

 Scott Sterling, Chairman of Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley, addresses key North Valley residents. Scott is the owner of Sterling Construction and a community activist.

A modest grant will not capture all of the valuable histories of Valley residents, but it is a very important first step. Oral history interviews will concentrate on people who reside or who have lived and worked in the Northern regions of the Valley, with a special emphasis on artists and those who have been part of the entertainment arts. However, the endangered histories from the entire Valley will also be acquired.
The great Elisabeth Waldo addresses community volunteers who set to work on the Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley. Ms. Walso is a composer, violinist, songwriter, producer and conductor. She creates multi-cultural events in music and the arts from her Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge.
 Mitch Englander, from Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith's office, addresses the gathering on the importance of the oral histories project.

Member of the Oral Histories Committee, Semee Park, explains the process of nominating people to be interviewed and the interviewing process.

LINDA MONTANA JOINS MUSUEM'S ORAL HISTORIES PROJECT

DISCOVERING THE VALLEY   - 2011                  Northridge100

Richard Hilton and Linda Montana 
Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
(click on image to enlarge)

The Museum's Board Member Richard Hilton welcomed lifelong Valley resident and actor Linda Montana to our Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley project. (January 22).
Linda, a successful performer in her own right, is the daughter of Valley legend and American film and rodeo star Montie Montana. She will participate in the Oral Histories project with her own history and will interview others whose lives reflect Valley entertainment industry history.
Richard Hilton is a professional actor and Director of The Museum's Tour and Adventures.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT IS ALMOST HERE.

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Soon Chinese New Year will arrive in our Valley. There has been a Chinese presence in the San Fernando Valley since the building of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the planting of America's luxury orchards at the end of the 19th century. Securing the histories of the Valley's Chinese residents is an important mission of your Museum.

 Boat relief scene from the Great Wall Restaurant in Reseda.  (click on this to enlarge)  Photo by
Jerry Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.

 Red-faced dragon calls out good fortune to patrons of the Great Wall Restaurant. I love the old fashioned hospitality and good food of the place. And, candied apples for desert, who could ask for more!
Very soon now, the Year of the Rabbit will arrive. Don't forget to say Rabbit! Rabbit! before you say anything else for a full year of GOOD LUCK!  Bridge over a very busy Chinese river at the Great Wall Restaurant in Reseda.
\18331 Sherman Way - Reseda ..........  great house tea too.

Friday, January 21, 2011

TOM SELLECK - ANOTHER REASON WHY WE ARE CALLED "THE VALLEY OF THE STARS"

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   - 2011

Every day, your Museum gets more information about genuine notables from entertainment, science  and sports who share our Valley's history with us.  Did you go to Los Angeles Valley College with the great Tom Selleck?

 Tom Selleck

Photograph of Tom Selleck - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)
If you went to school or were a neighbor of a person whose life or career deserves a star in the Valley's crown, drop us a line.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
818.347.9665
http://museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/
www.TheMuseumSFV.org



A MEETING WITH PAUL ESTAVILLO

DISCOVERING OUR VALLE    2011

I met at lunch today with Paul Raymond Estavillo, who was once the President of the Tri Chi Fraternity at Pierce College. Students who knew Paul at Pierce thought he was a really fine man and a terrific student leader.

In 1972, after he returned from a stint in the US Air Force, Paul served as AMS president at Pierce and was chosen the school's Man of the Year. Competition from his Tri  Chi fraternity made other groups to work harder and to try to "out class" them. 
Today Paul is dedicated to Catholic education, having taught at St. Catherine of Siena school in Reseda, Providence High School in Burbank and working at  Villanova Preparatory in Ojai. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology and History from California State University Northridge. 
 
Paul Raymond Estavillo
It is our hope that Paul will be working with The Museum to preserve Tri Chi history, the Valley's Catholic heritage, helping to expand The Museum's education programs and support for the arts.
Members of The Museum Community who wish to contact Paul, may leave messages at The Museum's telephone - 1 (818) 347-9665

HARRY JAMES AND BETTY GRABLE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   -  2011

When we first began to really look at a calendar of San Fernando Valley notables, Steve Falk a founder of the Maple Leaf Society, said: "Well, Betty Grable and Harry James used to board their horses at our ranch." The Falk Ranch was at the top of the hill in Granada Hills. Steve added that the famous couple lived in Northridge nearby.
Note: In March 2011, we discovered that the Betty Grable - Harry James "Baby J. Ranch" was actually between Woodland Hills and Calabasas.
Harry James was considered in the Swing Era to be one of the world's greatest trumpet players. His big band enriched the lives of "the greatest generation." Betty Grable was the pin up girl of World War II.
Harry James, holding his trademark trumpet, speaks with an unknown man from the stage. Photo is a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011, courtesy of Schwartz Collectibles in Westlake Village. (click on image to enlarge) Refer to photo 2312

THANKS TO SCOTT AND DAN SCHWARTZ

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY     2011

A special note of thanks to Dan and Scott Schwartz of Westlake Village for being on the lookout for images and memorabilia related to San Fernando Valley history. Dan and Scott are invaluable in The Museum's effort to acquire photographs of the important notables in the entertainment industry and sports, who have made the San Fernando Valley their home.

BOOGIE WOOGIE - THE GREAT ANDREWS SISTERS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY                                Northridge100

When the old Nazis encountered Americans on the playing fields of the Olympic Games or were baffled by music like boogie woogie and swing, they were convinced that a society made up of so many different kinds of people couldn't stand a chance against the "purity" of their racism. The diversity of Americans, exemplified in a Los Angeles "home of the kosher burrito", made the USA a "mongrel" people. Americans with all their different opinions could never defeat their goose stepping regiments!  No wonder, they thought, could such a people produce something so undignified as jazz, be bop, ragtime, swing and yes....... boogie woogie.

The world famous Andrews Sisters
The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B.
Photo courtesy of Dan and Scott Schwartz - gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011. (click on image to enlarge)
Patty Andrews made her retirement home in Northridge, CA. 

GERMAIN'S NURSERY - ONCE A SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SHOWCASE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011
 These commercial images were made for Germain's Nursery - Ethel Avenue at Victory Boulevard in Van Nuys (now, Valley Glen).  The postcards were donated to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg in 2011.  (click on images to enlarge.)

Germain's Nursery - Van Nuys - Rose Garden
"The rose garden in spring, summer and fall is one of the most attractive features. Here you
will find in bloom most the world's finest roses. An ideal spot to make your selection of favorite
 varieties. Many new roses, not yet names. also included may be seen here. The bordering
 avenues of large Cocos palms give the rose garden a very beautiful setting."

Germain's Nursery - Van Nuys -Camellia Lane
"One of the most talked about collections of camellia specimens in California.
The beautiful avenue which comprises Camellia Lane is lined with very old Olives brought from
one of California's oldest orchards. The two large lath houses bordering the lane are filled with
some of the largest camellia specimens in the country. Camellia Lane is at its best during January,
 February, March and April

Germain's Nursery - Van Nuys - The Patio
"Adjacent to the retail store is "The Patio" one of the brightest spots in the Nursery. Here, an ever
 changing picture of flowering and folage plant is seen from season to season. Just the place to browse and become acquainted with new and rare varieties of plants for your home and garden."

Germain's Nursery - Van Nuys - "The Entrance"
"At the entrance gates, green lawns and driveways lined with Cocos palms extend a friendly welcome.
 All garden lovers enjoy to stroll along the cool, green pathways, where many choic and unusual plants meet the eye with every step. You'll find the gates open for you all seven days of the week.

DON'T FORGET - THIS SATURDAY  - JAN 22 - HISTORY COMES ALIVE ON THE MUSEUM WALKING TOUR OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD - 

Ge

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

HISTORY'S LITTLE SURPRISES

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY     2011

Your Museum hopes that you have your "Valley History Glasses" on by now, and are on the lookout for the large and small things that add up to our special heritage. Musuem Board member, Phyllis Hansen sends this along as a reminder for us all to be Valley detectives.  She found this invitation from 1950, the back of which was used as an index card.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

MUSEUM PUBLIC ARTS COMMITTEE FORMING

EXPLORING OUR VALLEY    2011

A special committee is being formed by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley about Public Art. If you have an interest in Public Art and would like to be on the emerging committee's contact list, drop us a line or make a call to:  1 (818) 347-9665.
email: gerald.fecht@the MuseumSFV.org

Excelsior Ginger Ale Poster - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.  (click on image to enlarge).  Posters, such as this, were reproduced commerciall by Van Nuys printing firms throughout the 1970s. 

CAHUENGA PASS 1899

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   - 2011

Among Porky Johnson's many treasures is this image of the Cahuenga Pass from 1899.  A simple thing such as a date can really help future generations to identify, enjoy and learn from photographs. If you or your associates want you photographs to be part of San Fernando Valley history contact Gary Fredburg, Museum VP at 1 (818) 347-9665. He'll guide you through the procedure.


Cahuenga Pass 1899 - (click on image to enlarge)

NARRATING LIVES - ORAL HISTORIES OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY


      The Museum of the San Fernando Valley has received a grant from the Los  Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs for an Oral History project  beginning now and ending on June 30th.  We have named it, "Narrating  Lives: Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley."
     The grant is to be focused in the Northridge/northwest Valley Communities, but others who  have particular reasons, i.e., older people, artists with a long history  in the Valley, will be considered.    
   *_Today Tuesday January 18th, we are holding a training session for people interested in being interviewers.  (See below for details)  
    This Saturday, at 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. we are holding a kick-off event for  anyone interested in learning about the project and to gather any  information about potential interviewees, and all interested parties.   
    On Saturday, January 29th, we will hold our first interviews in a public space.If you are interested in being an interviewer, please join us tomorrow at: 4:30p.m. Fire Station 87 10124 Balboa Boulevard Granada Hills, CA 91344 This is south of the Shopping Center on the East side of the street.   Please RSVP is you intend to come to: narratinglives@gmail.com. Or call, Councilman Greig Smith's office at:  (818) 756-8501. If you cannot attend tomorrow, please let us know and we will schedule  you for a session at a later date.
     If you have particular expertise in this field, please let us know, we  would love to have you join us.     
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will be making this project a part  of "what we do" on a continual basis.  There are unlimited, fascinating  stories throughout the Valley we intend to chronicle for future generations. If you or someone you know deserves to have their story  told, please contact us. We may have to put you on a waiting list, but we want to hear your story. 
     Thanks for your time. We welcome your input.   
     Richard Hilton 
     Board Member The Museum of the San Fernando Valley  

Monday, January 17, 2011

CLYDE BEATTY POSTER PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHYLLIS HANSEN

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Phyllis Hansen, Board Member of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley writes:
"After reading your blog...I went and dug these up in my photos from a Sunday at the Melrose flea market." (referring to Jan. 14th blog entry "A Tatoo - 1940s Style")

The famous Clyde Beatty lived in the San Fernando Valley and is buried above Burbank in Forest Lawn Cemetery. (Photos by Phyllis Hansen)
When Karen Whittaker and I worked to market the Exotic Animal Training and Managment program at Moorpark College, I named the site, "America's Teaching Zoo."  Today, the Zoo at Moorpark College is the 5th largest zoo in California.

A SMALL TRIBUTE TO THE LIVES OF CATHERINE ANN AND LUVERNE OLSON


Sixty one years ago Catherine Olson and her husband LuVerne moved to Tarzana, California. She and her husband were remarkable people, not because they won important prizes or amassed an impressive fortune. Catherine’s and LuVerne’s real importance came from the steady and positive influences they made on the lives of those of us who shared their San Fernando Valley.
Catherine Olson died in Tarzana just as the year 2010 was coming to an end. Her final days came not far from the Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, where she worked for many years. Over the years, Catherine attended to the needs of her three children, and made time to volunteer for their school’s PTA and many other activities. Catherine donated her time for the Encino-Tarzana Library, the American Red Cross and the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults. She especially cared about the Special Olympics and was a volunteer for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
LuVerne and Catherine were original parishioners for Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church in Encino. It was in this church that many of us first learned about LuVerne’s relentless efforts to glean fields and to help feed the poor and homeless in our city. Catherine and LuVerne Olson’s lives enriched us all. The January meeting of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will be dedicated to their generous spirits and memory. 
 Medallion gift to Catherine Olson for her volunteer services to the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010 from her daughter Mary Olson-Friedman in Catherine's memory.

ROLE OF PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN - CACTUS MACK'S PROUD MOMENT

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Cactus Mack, who was born Taylor McPeters, was one of the most successful actors in San Fernando Valley history. His filmography is truly impressive. Mostly featured in Westerns, or Cowboy Movies, Cactus Mack lived in North Hollywood throughout his working career. His son in law, Porky Johnson, now 86 years old, has been sharing his father's history with The Museum.  This head-shot as President Abraham Lincoln gave Cactus Mack the proudest moment of his film career.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

SAINT JAMES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN TARZANA

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

Very little was saved from the original Saint James Presbyterian Church in Tarzana from the great Northridge earthquake. But, to the San Fernando Valley's good fortune, many of the original windows of the sanctuary were rescued and used when the church was rebuilt.
The Apostle James, sometimes referred to Saint James the Greater possibly due to his height, was martyred. According to legend, his followers took his remains to Roman Spain (Iberia) where his burial site remains a major shrine for Roman Catholics and others such as the Anglican/Episcopal Churches. His statue on the ruined bell tower in Paris points the way for pilgrims to the shrine. Pilgrims who make the journey are rewarded with scallop shells, symbolized in Tarzana by the three shells to the right.
photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum 2011


 The saint depicted in this window may be either St. Mark the Evangelist or St. Bartholomew the
Apostle. The heart like medallion in the icon's hand appears to me to be a winged lion, definitely the sign of Mark (example: Saint Mark's basilica in Venice). But, Mark is almost always shown with an open book or writing instruments.
The Apostle Bartholomew, it is sometimes said, was selected to be among the twelve, after Judas Iscariot killed himself. The martyred saint was flayed, thus accounting for the knife symbol to the icon's right.
The letter T to the left is the Greek letter Tau. It was used very early in the Christian church as a symbol of the cross upon which Jesus was killed. It is still a popular symbol among Eastern Orthodox Christians, and may be a form of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph Ankh, the key of life. 

Saturday, January 15, 2011

TARZANA TREE PLANTING MAKES SOME NEW HISTORY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   - 2011

 Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine steadies a newly planted tree, sponsored by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. 

left - Gary Fredburg (Vice President of The Museum), Rob Friedman (Member of The Museum's Spearkers Series Committee) and Jerry Fecht (President of The Museum display the triangular sign with The Museum sponsorship at our very own tree in progressive Tarzana.

 Worker arrives to the Tarzana tree planting on Sunday January 15th, 2011. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is dedicated to the enrichment and protection of our city's ecological resources.


 Ed Crane (Tarzana Community activist and Community Center officer) displays Tarzana tree planting t-shirts with Willard Simms.  Willard was the chair for the tree planting event. He is a member of the Board of Directors of The Museum, and a playwright and accomplished poet.

The willingness of volunteers to plant trees in their community demonstrates an understanding of accomplishing things that may take years to mature. Here at 19423 Ventura Boulevard, young people and community members plant trees along the very route of El Camino Real