Farmers Market Debuts in Village

 By Carol Brusha

Beginning Friday, July 3, Kenneth Village will be the location for a new weekly Certified Farmers Market that will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.  It is planned as a year-around event.

Sponsored by the Kenneth Village Merchants Association, it is being held in the parking lot next to Ivy’s Flower Station and could possibly overflow into that area as the market expands.  Early concerns by some merchants that the market would disrupt shopping in the village were addressed by other merchants and Scholastic Gardens, the non-profit group heading the market. 

For the official dedication, new City Councilmember Laura Friedman will cut the ribbon. 

Scholastic Gardens currently runs markets in Toluca Lake, Sierra Madre, Monterey Park and Duarte.  As our new market opens, twelve to fifteen vendors will be selling a combination of organic and non-organic vegetables and fruits.  If there is a big demand for the market, more items may be brought in.  Plans call for hot food vendors to sell tamales and vegan meals and there will also be pre-packaged foods, such as hummus and pita bread.

Local merchants will also be involved.  For instance, Art’s Meat Market and Deli will be serving hamburgers and chicken, among other items, outside his store.  He will also have his outstanding barbequed corn, a special summer delight.

Scholastic Gardens’ goal is to promote health and nutrition through Certified Farmers Markets by providing communities with California-grown produce.

Its website states, “We recognize that children today are exposed to poor eating habits and faulty propaganda that encourages them to consume foods lacking in real nutrition.  We support efforts by schools and youth groups to educate children in the importance of healthy nutrition.”  The company donates funds to such programs.  It works with local elementary schools to distribute “Fruit and Vegetable of the Month” coupons to classes which can be redeemed for free merchandise.  There is a different coupon each month.

Additionally it supplies seedlings, plants, trees and organic fertilizer for school gardens.

The company also accepts Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks to help senior citizens maintain a nutritional diet.

Other events planned at the Village include a film festival in September and the annual fall festival on Saturday, October 31.  A car show is also in the planning stages but no date has yet been set. 

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Remodeled Home a Good Fit For Family and Neighborhood

By Tammi Relyea

During the Association’s appearances at numerous Design Review Board meetings, and speaking with many residents, NWGHA continues to witness how poorly remodeled and incompatible homes have a lasting negative effect, not just with the immediate neighbors but the entire neighborhood

However, while the challenge of preserving the character of our neighborhood continues, NWGHA is encouraged to see a variety of newly remodeled homes where homeowners have taken great pride and effort in making sure their new design remains compatible with the architectural style of the neighborhood.

In that spirit, in this edition of Home Spotlight, rather than focusing on a home where homeowners preserved unique architectural details, we want to feature a newly remodeled home that exemplifies quality design and sensitivity to the established homes in the neighborhood.  

The wonderful home of Vhaik and Verjine Orojian at 1413 Irving Road is just such an example. 

NWGHA believes the Orojians’ recently remodeled home illustrates homeowners who recognize the importance and value of good architectural design and quality materials.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Orojian. It was a great opportunity to learn more about our delightful neighbors and how they were able to complete such a successful home remodeling project.

Q: How long have you and your family lived in your home?

We have been living in Glendale since July of 1991.  We bought our house on Irving Road in the end of October 2000 and moved in mid November.

We purchased the house from the original owner Mrs. Queenie Ann Lynch, who lived in this house along her husband and their daughter since it was built in 1939.

Q: Was the original style Spanish prior to the remodeling?

The reality is that our original house was not a Spanish style home, it was a ranch style single story house with cider wood sidings.  However, since we had lived close to Rossmoyne and had taken long walks almost every day in that area, my wife and I had fallen in love with the architectural designs and style in Rossmoyne and had the dream of owning one.

When we were planning on purchasing our first home we began to survey different  neighborhoods in Glendale. We came to the conclusion that Northwest Glendale was the best place for residing and raising our children because of the award winning schools, the historic Brand Park and the view of the mountains. 

Q: You mentioned that the Design Review process was easy, unlike other projects you have seen go back for re-design multiple times.  Why do you think your experience was different?

Since we had been planning our remodel for a long time, we took an interest in the process and decided to watch the Design Review Board meetings, which are regularly broadcasted on GTV6.  We spent a lot of time following the various projects and listening to the guidelines from city staff and commissioners. After a while, we became pretty confident in knowing which proposed projects were going to go smoothly and which ones were going to be very concerning, not only to the commissioners and staff but most importantly to the neighbors.

Because my wife and I took the time to get educated about the Design Review process and the excellent work of our architect and his team, getting our project approved was very smooth.

It’s unfortunate that some residents believe the DRB is an obstacle to accomplishing their project. However, my wife and I never thought that to be true. In our opinion, the DRB is there to help preserve the uniqueness of the neighborhoods.  We believe that DRB is an essential tool to control over-building and poor design. Furthermore, one of the most important roles of the DRB is to preserve our City’s rich history and charm, unlike some of other neighboring cities that are filled with squared large boxed houses and structures.

Q: Who did you choose as your architect and how important was it for you to select someone that understands the importance of being sensitive to the needs existing character of the neighborhood?

The architect we choose for our project was Mr. Edward Hagobian.  We did not know Mr. Hagobian personally but had seen him many times in front of DRB presenting for approval various projects. We liked his style of design and were impressed with his principles.

From the first meeting he understood our goal and dream and our concerns, and since he has been designing beautiful structures both residential and commercials in the city of Glendale for more than two decades, he was ready for a project like ours, and we are very thankful that he agreed to our request. 

Q:  Is there anything you would like to share with regard to the importance of using good quality materials such as your decision of using wood windows over the vinyl windows?

My wife and I believe that using quality materials is an essential part of the design from the beginning. Wood windows and doors not only enhance the appearance and the curb appeal of the house, but are sound investments that add to the value of the house.

Unfortunately, the low cost and relatively low maintenance of vinyl windows are attracting a lot builders and home owners who are planning a remodel. Personally, we would discourage anybody from installing vinyl windows, and we strongly encourage homeowners to do their  homework and look into other options.

In closing, we would like to express our appreciation to the NWGHA for the opportunity to share our experience and inquiring about our home!  We are very appreciative and grateful. We believe that we are truly living a dream in our dream home, in our chosen home town, in a country where dreams can become reality.  

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The Orojians remodeled home at 1413 Irving Road

Vhaik and Verjine Orojian and daughters

President's Message--

By Carol Brusha

Gerri Cragnotti, one of Northwest Glendale’s most prolific realtors, has come to Kenneth Village.She opened her new office at 1417 W. Kenneth Road, Suite B, on April 1.  It is located in the small passageway between the liquor and jewelry stores.

Gerri has wanted to be in this area for several years and feels fortunate that the appropriate space finally became available.  To use a hackneyed phrase, it is a dream come true for her.

“The main part of our residential sales takes place within a mile radius of the Village.  We feel we are such a part of the community and know so many of the people in the area that we wanted to have our boutique real estate offices located here, where we feel right at home,” she said.  “Also, it is so convenient for clients to drop over to discuss their real estate needs or to just drop in to sign a paper.”

She spent a month remodeling the interior and the result is a tastefully furnished space that exudes cozy warmth which gives clients a feeling they are sitting in her living room rather than an office.

Realtor Since 1973

Gerri has been a realtor since 1973, when she started with a large company that had offices in an old craftsman bungalow on Brand Blvd., north of the 134 freeway, before the high-rise offices were built.  At the time, she had two children in elementary school and was pregnant with Chris, her third.  After he was born, she took him along while showing and previewing homes.  Not only did Chris get an early indoctrination in his Mom’s business, he is now a licensed realtor in her company, known as G&C Properties.  Others on staff are Leanne Reynolds and Mary Jo Pulk, who are also licensed realtors.  Chris and Leanne have their own clientele.  Mary Jo, who has been with Gerri for 18 years, is office manager and transaction coordinator, as well as the photographer of the listed homes.

The company deals primarily in residential, single family home sales but she also helps clients find and sell small income unit, as well as representing small commercial sellers and buyers.  Last year, Gerri represented both the seller and buyer in the sale of the Kenneth Village building that is now the Pilates studio.

Gerri and Art 38-Year Residents

Gerri and her husband of 45 years, Art, have lived in Glendale 38 years.  They both grew up in single story Spanish homes and after marrying they wanted to buy an affordable two-story Spanish.  When it was time to find a place to live and raise their family, Art, an LAPD officer, wanted to be near both Parker Center, headquarters for the department, and inner-city L.A., which was his beat.  A fellow officer suggested Glendale.

“I remember when Art came home that evening and told me and I asked ‘Where the heck is Glendale’?” she reminisced.  Gerri was a native Angelino who graduated from UCLA.  She is now enamored with Glendale many times over.

“I love this city.  I love that we have our own services and are not part of the big city.  I love the way Glendale is nestled against the foothills in such a picturesque setting.  I love the streets upon streets of beautiful and architecturally interesting homes from the 20s and 30s era.  Glendale has the small town feel without the lack of things to do that is typical in a small town.”

She is quick to point out that Glendale residents are conveniently close to downtown L.A. as well as other

“interesting” towns so we can benefit from “a multitude of entertainment day and night.”

Visitors Amazed by Clean Streets
and Feeling of Safety

Her buyers who are new to the area continually tell her how amazed they are at the clean streets and the feeling of safeness that they often say to her, “Gerri, please don’t tell anyone else about Glendale, we want to keep it this way.”

Because of the 36 years Gerri has spent representing buyers and sellers of homes in Glendale, she knows many people and has repeat clients.  Her success comes from word of mouth and referrals.  “I feel very fortunate to continue to receive many referrals,” she said.

Before she puts a house on the market, she helps sellers “tweak” it so prospective buyers are interested.  Signs are put up in front of the home saying, “Coming Soon,” to alert everyone that it will soon be available after the important prep work is finished.  “The idea is to get the word out early,” Gerri explained.  The result of her assistance is that most of her homes sell quickly.

Symphony Board Member

Gerri is active in various realtor associations and is on the board of the “New Glendale Symphony,” which she promises we will soon be hearing a lot about from her.  Passionate about promoting awareness in preserving Glendale’s character homes and neighborhoods, she is active in historic districting.

Art, now retired from the LAPD, is also a retired general contractor.  He currently manages the business end of G&C Properties and the units they own.  His hobby is restoring classic cars and he will be spearheading the upcoming Kenneth Village car show.  (A date for this has not yet been set.)

Four Alpha Children

The couple has four children – Adrienne, Brian, Chris, and David.  “As you can see, our children’s names are A B C D.  No, we did not plan it on purpose, until we got to D,” she laughingly explains.  There are two grandsons, ages 10 and 12, who live nearby.

Adrienne, a free lance photographer, specializes in boutique and retro type pin-up photos that resemble photos from the 1940s era for military wives and girlfriends to send overseas to their spouses or sweethearts.  Brian is a general contractor specializing in restoring character homes.  David is in private equity finance and the CFO of a small entertainment company.

Open House on Fridays, 5—7pm

Everyone who is interested in getting to know more about Gerri is invited to stop in for a glass of wine from 5 pm to 7 pm on Fridays.  It is held almost every week; all one has to do is look for her “Open House” sign on Kenneth Road near her office.  Her business phone is 1-818-244-5400.

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Planners Discuss DRB; Eyesores with Board

Director of Planning Hassan Haghani and Assistant Director Tim Foy met with the NWGHA board June 11 to discuss design review issues.  The meeting is a result of board member Tammi Relyea appearing before Council last month stating NWGHA’s concern about a large remodeling project at a prominent Northwest Glendale corner.

A recent inspection of the site revealed numerous differences between the project as approved by DRB and the project as being constructed, including framing.  Haghani emphasized that Planning will not approve the project unless it is built according to DRB approval.  He said plainly, “We are not signing off on the framing.  We are going to hold them to the DRB plan that was approved.”

That led to a discussion of “piecemealing,” the process by which applicants obtain permits for one piece of a remodeling project at a time, with the result that when all pieces are completed, the home has been drastically altered without design review .

In response, Haghani mentioned Planning’s evolving approach to tracking projects and enforcement.  For instance, staff counter approvals of exemptions are now reviewed by supervisors.  Under new Council direction, Haghani assured board members that Planning is now sending the message that piecemealing and unpermitted projects will no longer be tolerated and that enforcement action will be now be more regularly taken where appropriate.

Haghani stated that Planning is now studying a series of changes to the revamped DRB process as its one-year mark approaches.  Proposals under consideration include discouraging DRB members from setting open-ended conditions of approvals and relaxing  the two-hearing limit on projects when appropriate.  See the box above announcing the study session on these changes.

Elyse Kalfayan contributed to this article.

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 Blogging Glendale

 A partial listing of blogs covering Glendale:

Sunroom Desk.  News about local events, such cell towers, design review and more.  sunroomdesk.com

Tropico Station.  Topical blog focusing on southwest Glendale.  tropicostation.blogspot.com

Everything Glendale.  Events, food, shopping and Glendale history.  everythingglendale.com

Book Talk.  Glendale Public Library-related news; book reviews.  gplbooktalk.blogspot.com