-
Classical Houses.
It’s been perhaps 90 years since Americans built well proportioned classical houses. These are houses where the elements are pre-ordained: the windows are aligned with each other, and are placed within the facade to achieve balance and symmetry. The doorway is defined, frequently in the center, and around it are placed ornamental designs originating in…
-
Van Nuys Boulevard 2030
In only five years, it is quite (un)likely that Van Nuys Boulevard will be completely transformed into a walkable, safe, vibrant and urban corridor with a light rail system running down the center. This essay is about VNB between Sherman Way and Oxnard, basically the original part of pre WW2 downtown Van Nuys. Currently a…
-
Metro G Station Construction for Aerial Bridges Over Vesper and VNB will begin.
Ambitious and expensive new bridges will be built along the Metro G Line Bus Route in a six year project to improve public transportation in the San Fernando Valley. About 12,000 riders in black clothes ride the buses every day. Costs are estimated at nearly $400 million dollars, or the equivalent of four new houses…
-
The Social Disaster
In all the days since the disastrous fires destroyed vibrant and sparkling communities of people and their houses and businesses in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, flat and socially unpopular Van Nuys, miles from any combustible forests, sat silent, its empty parking lots and vacant stores along Van Nuys Boulevard mute and abandoned, its daytime as…
-
December 1956: Disastrous Malibu Fire
As front liners, on foot or flying aircraft, are still fighting the worst fires in Los Angeles history, it is instructive to see that this is the inheritance of living in this region. In late December 1956, Malibu was ablaze. Many homes were lost. The same aspects we witness today applied: heroism, narrow escapes, families…
-
Before the Luck Ran Out.
The first job I had in Los Angeles was working at Barley Corn Entertainment, a small documentary production company in Valley Village. It was the summer of 1994. OJ had just not killed his ex-wife and the young waiter who was returning her sunglasses. I was living in Studio City for $400 a month, and…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Here in Van Nuys 