NEW ADULT CENTER IN WAR MEMORIAL PARK SHERMAN OAKS.

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Art Jacobs takes along his camera when he goes on his walks in the San Fernando Valley. He often captures history in the making.
"I was walking in the neighborhood and thought I would send over some pictures of the new Adult Center located in War Memorial Park on Van Nuys Blvd.       Enjoy"

LOOKING FOR THE ADDRESS OF THE OLD NORTH HOLLYWOOD LITTLE THEATRE.

 Robert Peppermuller inquires"

'My wife and him were talking about the North Hollywood Little Theater people think "we" are crazy when we talk about it. I was at work when she took our kids over their during the day. Not much known."

I found it in the LAPL digital archives (looking for other stuff)  but the big thing missing is the actual street address. I Googled it and found nothing on the street address so far. The LAPL image order numbers are 00022545 through 00022554. Go to lapl.org - photo collections - search and plug in the first number and it will lead to the picture which will be at the bottom of the displayed page. Click NEXT to go to the next page for all the rest of the pictures.

Click for Image		http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics06/00022546.jpg
Title(s)		North Hollywood theater [graphic]

DAD WEARS TATOOS OF HIS SON'S DRAWINGS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY     2011

This proud dad, and AIDS Lifecycle rider, tatoos that he had made from his little son's drawings. The AIDS Lifecycle Ride has raised millions of dollars for AIDS and HIV care from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Hundreds of San Fernando Valley residents receive life-giving medications from the Jeffrey Goodman Clinic in Los Angeles because of funds raised by the AIDS Lifecycle Ride.

THE VERDUGAN IN TUJUNGA

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

OK. I got the message. Some of you Museum Possums want to see more of the recent collection of matchbook covers donated by Gary Fredburg this month.

The Verdugan

7577 Foothill Blvd. (California Highway 118) Tujunga, Calif.

Coffee Shop - Dining Room

FLorida 3-6065

Serving the residents of Tujunga is part of the mission of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, 

CALIFORNIA CRIMSON COLUMBINES IN OUR CANYONS

On north facing outcroppings, where water seeps into Calabasas Creek or into the stream that emerges from Bell Canyon, observant hikers are on occasion treated to the delicate lanterns of the native California Crimson Columbine plant. Spotting one always is a challenge to me, since as pretty as they are from above, getting a peak from below often holds a stunning reward. Planting this at-right-at home Southern California wildflower has the extra reward of humming bird visits and the attention of butterflies. The California Crimson Columbine is additional evidence of the San Fernando Valley's ground water heritage.

View of the California Crimson Columbine from ground level - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

Willard Simms should consider a poem about the botanical treasure of the American West.

GENE AUTRY POSES IN THE CHATSWORTH ROCKS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Gene Autry is one of those larger than life figures in San Fernando Valley history who became world famous as an entertainer and movie star. Because of the nearness of the great Autry Center in Griffith Park, lots of information is available on the actor - singer's life and career. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley seeks information about his work and life in the Valley.

Vintage postcard of Gene Autry in the Chatsworth Hills - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg in 2010. (click on the image to enlarge it.)


Do you care about the history of the Entertainment Industry in the San Fernando Valley? Well, now's the time to come aboard as a Member of the Museum. Check out how to join on The Museum's website, and when you do, consider becoming a volunteer Friend of The Museum. All of us, from the most recent member to our president are VOLUNTEERS. Join us, it's great fun.

Here’s how to contact your Museum:

THE MUSEUM’S MAILING ADDRESS

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE         1 (818) 347-9665

MUSEUM’S BLOG

http://museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

MUSEUM’S ORAL HISTORIES     

narratinglives@gmail.com

MUSEUM’S E-MAIL

gerald.fecht@themuseumsfv.org

FLAG FOOTBALL AT PIERCE COLLEGE IN 1960

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

Once flag football was a serious thing for the college boys of Pierce College. Games were played regularly between clubs. Matches between the fraternities, and in the case of this photograph between chapters of the local Fraternity Phi Delta Psi were serious matters. Few people came to watch the games, but that mattered little. What did  matter was the experience.

The best game that I saw at Pierce was played right after it rained. The Fraternity boys were covered in mud, shirts torn, a black eye and even a dislocated shoulder. On the way to the emergency hospital, the fellow with the damaged shoulder said to me that he had "never had so much fun in his life".

Phi Delta Psi - Beta Chapter Flag Football Players

Pierce College - Fall 1960

Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Jerry Berns  2009 - refer to photo number 2829 - click on image to enlarge.

THE GOOD WIFE RESTAURANT - ONCE ENCINO MEETING PLACE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

If you read this blog regularly, you know that The Museum's Vice President, Gary Fredburg, is always on the lookout for treasures big or small to add to your Museum's archives. This week Gary added 25 vintage matchbook covers to our collection. Most of the covers represent Valley restaurants from Chatsworth to Burbank. Sadly most of the eateries are long gone, only memories to longtime Valley residents.

Do you remember, or have you ever heard of The Good Wife Restaurant in Encino"

I did a small search on Google to find out details about The Good Wife, but alas all that I have is the information on the cover, and inside of this matchbook cover.  Gift from Gary Fredburg 2011 (click on image to enlarge)

Go

              Superb dining in luxurious English Country 
              House atmosphere.

              Steaks, Prime Rib, Continental specialties.

              Restaurant hours 11 am to 2 pm

              Executive dining room for private parties.

              Coffee shop open 24 hours – Entertainment.

              Balboa and Ventura, Encino, Calif.

             

 

      

ORAL HISTORIES COMMITTEE TAKES TIME OUT AT THE DODGERS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley Committee takes in the Dodgers.

Following The Museum's concept of "making history - while preserving history", Scott Sterling (with glasses on his shirt) treated members of the Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley committee to an evening at the Los Angeles Dodgers. The boys in blue didn't win this one... oh well, there's always next time.,

ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW WITH GUY WEDDINGTON McCREARY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

As part of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's "Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley", Guy Weddington McCreary was interviewed this May at historic Campo de Cahuenga in North Hollywood. Funded by the Cultural Affairs Department of the City of Los Angeles, The Museum's oral histories project is building an archive of interviews of men and women who have made significant impacts on San Fernando Valley culture and history. 

 Guy Weddington McCreary at his interview for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Photo for the Archives of The Museum by Gerald Fecht 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

Guy Weddington McCreary was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He is a descendant of Wilson Weddington, the founder of North Hollywood (once called Lankershim). Guy attended Lankershim Elementary School and North Hollywood High School. His memories include the World War II era and observations of a Valley that experienced an explosion of growth during the 1950s and '60s. Among his significant achievements was being the Executive Director of the Republican Party for Los Angeles County in the 1970s. 

As the president of the Campo de Cahuenga Memorial Historical Association, Guy McCreary was instrumental in saving and restoring the Campo for future generations.

CAMPO'S WORKING BOARD REOPENS HISTORIC SITE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

It has taken months of work and dedication for the Campo de Cahuenga Memorial Historical Association to restore and reopen its historic treasure. Now, on selected Saturdays the public can visit one of the most important historical sites in California, because of its all-volunteer Board.

 Campo Board Member Richard Bogy not only donated funds to restore Campo de Cahuenga's historic fountain, and now takes time to maintain the fountain pool for visitors as well.
Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2011 (click on image to enlarge)

 Working to preserve the site where America became a nation from sea to shining sea, Campo de Cahuenga's Historical Memorial Association meets regularly to plan events and keep the site in shape.
Photos by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2011 (click on image to enlarge)

FREMONT COTTONWOODS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY        2011

To those early pioneers who made their way across the great Mojave Desert into the San Fernando Valley, one of the most welcomed sights was the tree we now call the Fremont Cottonwood. Not only were these trees, with their shining leaves shimmering in wind beautiful, but they signaled the presence of water! For those early American pioneers, the San Fernando Valley was the first abundance of water west of the Colorado River... and, the Fremont Cottonwood was signal of its presence.
Contrary to what is commonly reported in the mom-and-pop museums across the West, that the Fremont Cottonwood was named by the famous American frontiersman/explorer John C. Fremont, the tree was actually named "for" Fremont by the respected botanist Sereno Watson in 1875.

What is known about the Fremont Cottonwood, is that it grew on the banks of the many washes that made their way through the Valley to the Los Angeles River. Parts of the tree were eaten and used as medicine by our Native Tongva people, The inner bark of the Fremont Cottonwood was partially dried and pulled into long strands for the making of rope and possibly fishing lines. Called Alameda by the Spanish and Mexican ranchers who populated the Valley, the cottonwoods were cut for roof beams and as an easy source of fuel for kitchen fires. Uncut for years, the Fremont Cottonwoods used by the Tongva for the dessert sweetness of their sap, and as a gentle remedy for headaches, these trees once challenged live oaks in size. Today's examples are more modest because of their youth.

VINTAGE IMAGES OF UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

From its earliest days in the San Fernando Valley, Universal Studios has played a major role in, not only the history of Valley but in the entire world of popular culture and entertainment. 

 "Street Scene on New York Lot - photographed from Tour Tram" - vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011  (click on image to enlarge)

 Back Lot Ranch Universal Studios  - vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011  (click on image to enlarge)

"30-foot high fall by movie stunt man - stunt amphitheater - Universal Studio Center"- - vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011  (click on image to enlarge)

CATCHING UP ON VALLEY MOTEL IMAGES

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Pink Motel - Sun Valley,  Vintage postcard gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

9457 San Fernando Road

Sun Valley, California

Golden State Freeway (US Highway 99) Take Shelton Street off ramp, travel east to San Fernando Road.
Olympic Size Swimming Pool.
Disneuyland and Knotts Berry Farm.. 45 minutes
Downtown Los Angeles .. 20 minutes
Hollywood and Dodger Statdium .. 15 minutes
San Fernando Mission .. 10 minutes
Public Golf Course Hansen Dam .. 5 minutes
Boating, fishing and rifle club .. 5 minutes

  Manhattan Motel (Glendale) - Vintage postcard gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

15234 East Colorado Boulevard, Glendale
Phone CItrus 4-3862

Recommended by Duncan Hines. One of Glendale's newer and finer motel.s. All units complete with shower or tub baths, Twin Suites, some with Kitchens. 10 minutes to L.A., Hollywood or Pasadena. On State Highway 134 connecting to Highways 66 and 99. One mile to beautiful Forest Lawn Memorial Park ... no pets please.

The Tolucan Motel -  Vintage postcard gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

3910 Riverside Drive, Burbank California

THornwall 5-8417

In the heart of the San Fernando Valley's restaurant and Toluca Lake District. One block south of the Ventura Freeway - between the Hollywood and Golden State Freeways. 3 blocks from NBC, Warner Brothers and Columbia Studios. Luxurious accommodations, with free t.v. and telephones with 24 hour switchboard, heated pool, car ports, kitchenettes, suites, completely air conditioned - free continental breakfast.

AIR PROGRESS SHOW July 1969 VAN NUYS AIRPORT

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011             Van Nuys is 100

In 1963, aviation lovers committed themselves to an annual "Air Progess Show" to be held at historic Van Nuys Airport. It was the kind of commitment that would make the Van Nuys Airport into one of the most important centers of commercial aviation in America. Over the years, Van Nuys Airport has brought the San Fernando Valley thousands of jobs and has been a major boost to the region's economy.

 6th Annual Air Progress Show program - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on images to enlarge)

 Van Nuys Airport - December 1968  - Terminal Site is right center

FIRST CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHAPEL IN VAN NUYS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

Before building its present sanctuary, the 12 Church of Christ Scientist, met in this modest chapel located at 133 East H Street in Van Nuys. H Street is not Friar Street.

First Christian Science chapel in Van Nuys  (click on image to enlarge)

HIGHT HOME ON ROSCOE - NORTHRIDGE 1954

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Nile Hight, son of the Mary Hight who was recently interviewed as part of The Museum's "Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley, sent this photograph to the Archives of The Museum. Roscoe was a dirt road at the time this photograph was taken.

 

Photograph with comments on back, courtesy of Nile Hight 2011  (click on images to enlarge)

PACIFIC ELECTRIC RR STATION ON SHERMAN WAY IN VAN NUYS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

At the conclusion of The Museum's recent historic walking tour of historic North Hollywood, Mr. Bob Peppermuller mentioned his interest in finding historic photographs of the Pacific Electric Picover freight station on Sherman Way just west of the Van Nuys Airport.

The Museum Community wants to help Mr. Peppermuller locate the images he's looking for, but also photographs of Abner's Yellow Barn before it burned down. 

Here are some images shared by Robert Peppermuller with The Museum's Archives. (click on the images to enlarge them.)

Contact:  Jerry Fecht if you can help on this:
gerald.fecht@theMuseumSFV.org

MACK SENNET BEGAN HIS STUDIO IN THE VALLEY IN 1926

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

 

These great photos were shared with The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by the Studio City Improvement Association. The Museum Community was alerted to the images by Connie Elliot.  (click on images to enlarge)

Site of the original Mack Sennet Studios in Studio City in 1926.

The camera is looking east toward Mr. Cahuenga (sometimes called Mt. Hollywood) and the Cahuenga Pass into Hollywood. The photo was taken at Radford Avenue, just east of Laurel Canyon on Ventura Boulevard, on the onset of construction July 29, 1926.

Mack Sennet Studio 1928

Mack Sennet Studio under construction in 1928. The large building is the Studio's second largest building with smaller support structures nearby.


Learn about the very interesting history of Studio City by visiting
www.studiocitybid.com

Read Studio City Lifestyle Magazine for lots of information about life
in the San Fernando Valley today and Studio City history. 

NBC UNIVERSAL EMPLOYEES HELP CONSERVE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Last evening, during the monthly Board meeting of the Campo de Cahuenga Memorial Historical Association, I listened to a report about the contributions made by NBC-Universal Employees during the recent Earth Week activities in Los Angeles. When President Deuk Perrin listed all of the work done to help the Campo conserve our San Fernando Valley / and American history, I was super impressed.
Here are some the activities, inside and outside of Campo de Cahuenga, done by our NBC-Universal heroes:

 The great NBC-Universal Employees who volunteered to make Campo de Cahuenga just sparkle.

 With big cutbacks in Los Angeles Recreation and Parks budgets, the volunteer work done by these super NBC - Universal employees has really helped Campo de Cahuega look great!

NBC - Universal Employees scrubbed floors, cleaned windows, weeded the gardens and did a million other jobs that made Campo de Cahuenga look like spit-and-polish Marines had landed.

LOOKING FOR BEN TURNER OF NORTHRIDGE

Hi Museum Possums

We've been hearing about a longtime liquor store owner in Northridge by the name of Ben Turner.
The Museum has an interest in doing an oral history with him.
Your leads can be very helpful.   Jerry

gerald.fecht@theMuseumSFV.org

STEEN AMBULANCE SERVICE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011          

Lee Jamieson, a Board Member of the Midtown North Hollywood Neighborhood Council, is hoping
that one of you Museum Possums just might have a photograph or information about the old time
Steen Ambulance Service in the North Hollywood area.
Before the LA and Country Fire Department ambulance response services, the ambulances in the San Fernando Valley were operated by area mortuaries. (Sort of reaching folks coming or going).
Verne Steen had a mortuary in the NoHo. 
Lee hopes you might give us information.
thanks
Jerry

gerald.fecht@theMuseumSFV.org

ART JACOBS DISCOVERS RANCHO SOMBRA DEL ROBLE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011        Orcutt Ranch

     Art Jacobs writes:

     "Just thought I would forward some pictures of just one of the Valley's tiny unknown gems. I've lived in the Valley almost 50 years and I have never been to the Orcutt Ranch also known as Rancho Sombra del Roble. The Ranch is Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument # 31, located in Canoga Park at the end of Roscoe Blvd. (23600 Roscoe Blvd)."

 

Residence Orcutt Ranch - photo by Art Jacobs May 2011

(click on images to enlarge)

        "The home was the vacation and retirement estate of William Warren Orcutt and his wife Mary Logan Orcutt. Mr. Orcutt was a pioneer of the oil production industry in California and discoverer of the prehistoric fossils at the LaBrea Tar Pits."

      Moorish doorway made of California Tiles - Photo by Art Jacobs 2011. Photo captures Art as well.

     "The adobe residence was completed in 1926 by L.G. Knipe, an architect known for designing some of the original structures of Arizona State University in Tempe. The home is surrounded by 24 acres of gardens and citrus orchards."

      Garden sundial at Orcutt Ranch - Photo by Art Jacobs 2011.  The Latin phrase Carpe Diem (made famous in modern times by Robin Williams in the film Dead Poets Society) reminds us that we should

"seize the day".  If you haven't paid a visit to our city owned Rancho Sombra del Roble, seize the opportunity like Art Jacobs did.

The three Divine Graces, in the gardens of Orcutt Ranch. 

Photograph by Art Jacobs May 2011.

     "In July the park allows the public to come on a schedules weekend to pick Valencia Oranges and White Grapefruit for a small fee. The gardens are beautiful as well as, the tile work located throughout the home. It depicts various scenes of days on the California Rancho."

A VALLEY HORS d'OUVRE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

David Keesey shares a memory:
"I still remember going to the S and  H Green Stamp store roaming through the shelves looking for items that we could get with the amount of books we had saved. All that licking and the taste of those stamps. Going to the gas stations to receive them along with drinking glasses. What about getting the towels in your favorite soap boxes.

I still have the spindles for my 45 records which I continue to listen too. The drive-in movies at the Canyon Drive-In and later at Van Nuys Drive-In on Sepulveda Boulevard.

I couldn't wait to ask my grandma if she had any laundry to do as I loved to pull the clothes as they came through the wringer washer! Then put them on the clothesline to dry. Oh, those carefree days of yesteryear.

Who doesn't remember those flocked Christmas trees with the color wheel."

WALKING TOUR SATURDAY MAY 14TH in North Hollywood

North Hollywood “NoHo” Historic Walking Tour

Please join us on Saturday, May 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to learn about real cowboys, pioneer families, movie television and recording stars, the Spanish conquest, Mexican ranchos, great steam trains, vast ranches and orchards, land barons, wars, architecture, and much more! Tour highlights include:

• Amelia Earhart Statue                           
• Security Trust and Savings Bank (1924)
• Amelia Earhart Library (1928)     
• El Portal Theatre (1926)
• NoHo Arts District
• NoHo Fire Station #60                          
• So. Pacific Railroad Depot (1896)         
• Commonwealth Savings & Loan Building
• Weddington Family History                   
• North Hollywood Masonic Temple Lodge 542
• St. Paul’s First Lutheran Church 
• Lankershim Arts Center (1939) (S. Charles Lee, architect)
• Commonwealth Savings & Loan Building
• Air raid siren                                                                                                                            
• Lankershim Elementary School (Marilyn Monroe attended)

RSVP/Pay in Advance:

1.     Call us at 818-347-9665 (Please leave name, address and phone number (walk-ups welcome too!)

 2.     email at events@TheMuseumSFV.org

 3.     Pay in advance by going to Museum website at www.theMuseumSFV.org, go to Events, then Tours and scroll down to Donate button to reserve by credit card or PayPal.

  Cost:                $10 per person suggested donation
 Parking:            Street and metered parking in area
 Tour meets at Amelia Earhart Statue; NW corner of
Tujunga St. & Magnolia Blvd. (at corner of Library)
 
Please visit us on the web at www.TheMuseumSFV.org
 Thank you to sponsor Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
 

TERRIFIC ART GALLERIES AT CSUN

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

The transmission of culture is of primary importance to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Our interest is not only the transmission of history to youth, but to reach our older residents with the exciting contributions of the young to our society.
The Art Galleries at California State University Northridge regularly exhibit outstanding works of art, and the end of the academic year treats Valley residents with wonderful examples of the new artists in our community. 
Go to the parking booth at Prairie Street (crosses Reseda Blvd) into the CSUN campus to DarbyAve.  A parking pass is only $6 for a car-load of people. The person in the booth will direct you to the gallery spaces. It is really worth the visit!

Jerry Fecht, president of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley pays a visit to the main art gallery at California State University Northridge.  Photo for the Archives of The Museum by Michael Stevens.

20th ANNIVERSARY OF L.A. PIERCE COLLEGE - 1967 - 1968

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

Click on this image to enlarge it.

REMEMBER THE PINK PIG RESTAURANT IN SHERMAN OAKS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

Otto Nasser's Pink Pig Restaurant was located at 4954 Van Nuys Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. It advertised itself as "One of the Valley's nicest restaurants, specializing in age steaks, prime ribs of beef, Italian spaghetti and home made pastries."

Otto Nasser's Pink Pig Restaurant - Sherman Oaks - Postcard gift of Gary Fredburg to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009  (click on image to enlarge)

GLENDALE CITY HALL DECEMBER 1918

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

93 years ago, a postcard was sent to Mrs. Jerry O'neill in Tanopah, Nevada. It featured the City Hall of Glendale, California along with this message:

  December 9, 1918

"Dear Mrs. Oneill.  This is one of Glendale's buildings. There sure are some beautiful places down here. How is Mr. S. behaving himself. Make him toe the mark. With love M. Statton
 - 1450 Sycamore Ave. "

Historic postcard of the City Hall of Glendale, California - 1918 - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2009.  (click on image to enlarge)

THANKS TO OUR VALLEY'S GREAT COLLEGE TEACHERS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

It's time to thank the women and men who teach in our San Fernando Valley colleges and universities for their hard work this academic year. Your efforts combine to make the San Fernando Valley the heart of the Creative Capital of the World.

 VISCOM students at California State University Northridge discuss their design projects over lunch. These students, among the most creative young people in America, have made major design contributions to the projects of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. The visual communications program at CSUN is under the direction of David Moon.

Spring classes are finishing at CSUN and other San Fernando Valley colleges and universities this month, as this now empty bulletin board in the CSUN art department demonstrates.

A MYSTERY SHRUB IN SAN FERNANDO

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Here's a horticultural mystery to test you.  Guess what kind of shrub this is growing in the garden of Carmela DeRose in San Fernando. The plant is about six feet high, stays green all year long and can brag that it may have descended from one of the most important agricultural products in San Fernando Valley history.  Scroll down for the answer:

The plant is actually an olive tree. Sylmar and San Fernando were once among the most important olive production centers in the world.