EXTERIOR OF SAINT LEON CATHEDRAL IN GLENDALE

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2013

Since the 1990s there has been a significant growth in the Armenian population in the San Fernando Valley. The dissolution of the old Soviet Union and sectarian struggles in the middle east made the safety and economic advantages of the Valley an ideal some for Armenian immigrants. Many Valley residents of Armenian origin can trace their arrival in America (in California, largely in the Fresno area) during and after the first great genocide of the modern era. Saint Leon Cathedral of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America is a major cultural treasure of the San Fernando Valley and a tribute to the faith of its people.

 Cross of Armenia marking the entrance to Saint Leon Cathedral. 

 Saint Leon Cathedral - Glendale, California  2013

 Cloister garden of Saint Leon Cathedral.

 Under the arches of this building are stone sheets from an earlier Armenian Christian sanctuary.

 Dedication wall at the front of Saint Leon Cathedral.

 Handsome door crosses mark the entrance of Saint Leon Cathedral. 

 Angels symbolic of the Ark of the Covenant at the entrance of Saint Leon Cathedral.

 Great bronze friezes greet believers arriving at Saint Leon Cathedral.

LAS HADAS IN NORTHRIDGE

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2013

Las Hadas Mexican Restaurant has been a San Fernando Valley fixture since its Northridge opening in 1981.

 Las Hadas utilizes Mexican and California movies in its decor.

The ancient Aztec symbol of the eagle capturing a rattle snake is the theme of a large stained glass window in Las Hadas restaurant. You will certainly realized that this symbol is the centerpiece of the flag of the Republic of Mexico.

Johnny Vana's Big Band Alumni is a major cultural asset of the San Fernando Valley. The band is in action every Tuesday morning and on Wednesday nights.

Something tells me that the young couple in this image over the cashier's desk at Las Hadas isn't Mexican. It seems East Indian to me. What do you think?

VENTURA BLVD WALK DAY 10

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                   2013

 Metal gate into alley space next to Pitstop Automotive Service - Woodland Hills

 Night drop box - Woodland Hills photo store

 Detail of Fireplace store sign - Woodland Hills

 "One can't believe impossible things."  Store window Pilates Studio 

21133 Costanso Woodland Hills

Mural - Pilates Studio

Dan Schwartz moved his Collectibles store into the Valley last year. Dan is famous for his ability to find important motion picture memorabilia and sports treasures. From his shop at 21144 Ventura Boulevard, Dan is always on the lookout for San Fernando Valley treasures. Half the fun of visiting

his store, is just the chance to meet Dan himself.

 

 My Brother's Bar-B-Q has been a San Fernando Valley "must visit" restaurant since 1957. And, My Brother's is still owned by the Maguire family who founded it.

21150 Ventura Blvd.  - 2 blocks east of Canoga Avenue.

 Fire Magic Bar-b-q supplies

 The doors and the motorcycle speak for themselves - Automotive Pitstop.

 The French Quarter Center in Woodland Hills

 Nicola's Restaurant is my favorite in the French Quarter.

Too bad that the owners of the Whole Foods building at Canoga and Ventura haven't seen fit to make this fountain-sculpture alive again.

TARZAN AND THE JEWELS OF OPAR

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY              2013

In 1918 Edgar Rice Burroughs published his blockbuster novel, Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar. It was illustrated by J. Allen St. John. This illustration is among the many interesting artifacts from the career of Burroughs, the 5th most published author in human history, on exhibit at the Tarzana Community Center (corner of Ventura Boulevard and Vanalden Avenue.)