Northwest Glendale Homeowners Association
Largest Neighborhood Association in Glendale
September 2000 Volume 11 #2
Where Rubber met the Road[block] - NWGHA Sponsors Forum on Glenwood Closing
President's Message - Seeking Direction on Glenwood Road Closure
Front Yard Walls and Fences Defeated - For Now
City Planning to Remove Carob Trees in Parkways
Kenneth Village Spotlight- Cucina Italiana Has Warmth of Home
Friends of the Glendale Public Library Need You
Board Members Reelected at Annual Meeting
A Member Writes - Barking Dogs Are Taking Bite Out of Quality of Life
Where Rubber met the Road[block]
NWGHA Sponsors Forum on Glenwood Closing
By Peter Fuad
On July 6th, in anticipation of a city council meeting on the matter, the NWGHA convened a neighborhood forum at the Boy Scout House on Glenwood Road to discuss the Glenwood Road closure and the conversion of Virginia and Concord Streets into one way streets.
Over 70 concerned residents attended. Invited guests included Kerry Morford, Glendale’s director of Public Works, who brought along copies of the Hoover-Keppel-Toll Proposed Traffic Management Plan to redesign Glenwood, Virginia and Concord Streets.
In conjunction with meeting, NWGHA distributed an extensive survey throughout the neighborhoods surrounding Hoover-Keppel-Toll schools concerning the matter. Over 100 residents responded to the survey. The survey results are on the opposite page.
Overwhelming Belief that Traffic Worsened
Respondents to the survey overwhelmingly believed that traffic and parking problems had gotten intolerably worse and that the road closure has merely shifted problems to surrounding neighborhoods. By almost 3 to 1, they wanted Glenwood reopened.
Based on sentiments expressed at the meeting and on the survey results, the Board endorsed the traffic management plan, but recommended that parents be allowed to load and unload students on Glenwood, that traffic enforcement be increased, and that speed bumps be considered at a later date.
Bumps Ahead?
School board members and Hoover-Keppel-Toll school staff and PTA continue to push for more traffic controls on Glenwood, such as narrowing the street, widening sidewalks at intersections, closing the street one hour after school and/or other measures. Who would pay for any changes – the city or the schools – remains to be decided. City officials hope to present new plans to the city council in mid to late September.
Seeking Direction on Glenwood Road Closure
by Randy Carter
The Glendale Police Department in the person of Police Chief Siverling requested that the City Council close Glenwood Road between Highland and Concord after the tragic death of Hoover High School student Raul Aguirre.
In the end it was the Police Chief who persuaded that same Council that the time had come to reopen the street. In the interim, many individuals were affected by the closure and took the time to make their feelings known. Here is a brief overview of the situation that faced your Board of Directors.
Schools Favored Closing
Those in favor of permanently closing the street included a group of parents from Keppel Elementary School as well as the principals of all three schools (Keppel, Toll, Hoover). Citing student safety and the desire to create a campus situation by enclosing the facilities, they encouraged council and residents to adopt a plan that has been in the works since the traffic studies (some four years ago) dealing with the Glenwood Road area.
Residents Oppose
Closing
Vastly outnumbered by residents directly affected by the closure, they gamely presented their case at the July 6th meeting at the Boy Scouts Auditorium.
Their viewpoint did not gain traction because they could not offer any solution to the deleterious effects the closure was having on the surrounding neighborhood. Simply saying “You bought near a school” or “Get used to it” obviously didn’t have much appeal for homeowners suddenly faced with forty of fifty kids camping out on their front yard waiting to be picked up after school.
Board Opposed Closure
The Board of Directors could not support permanent closure and would ask that the administrators of these schools consider that they are indeed surrounded by residential neighborhoods.
In an era when we can rightly ask that the Walt Disney Corporation present full color renderings of the plants they’ll be growing outside their buildings it is not too much to ask school officials to be mindful of the full impact of their actions.
Safety vs. Loitering
They repeatedly spoke of student safety but were more than willing to expose students to criminal prosecution for loitering on private property when they should be assembling on school grounds.
As the proposed street modifications were presented by Kerry Morford (Director of Public Works) the Board made the following observations: An expensive and potentially dangerous median had been proposed for Glenwood Road.
Most parents immediately spotted the hazard of kids waiting on the median for passing cars to pick them up. Discussions about Glenwood Road led us to the conclusion that this area directly in front of the two high schools (Toll and Hoover)...should be utilized to the fullest as drop off points for students.
One could make the argument that Glenwood is the only place kids should load and unload for class. Limited parking provisions for parents picking up children during school hours was also encouraged.
One Way Streets
One way traffic is still in effect on Virginia, School and Concord Streets. We supported the continuation of this policy with close review. There were a number of residents who actually said the traffic flow was better with the one way pattern. We are deeply concerned about disruption for long time homeowner’s and will take the city at its word in promising to reevaluate.
Is Cruising a Red Herring?
“Cruising” has been cited as factor to encourage modifications to the traffic flow on Glenwood Road. We would ask that all parties be cautious in their remarks without quantified evidence. What our we talking about here? Is it hundreds of cars? Dozens? Is two or three? Are they from Glendale? Outside areas? Are some of them Hoover students simply going home? If there is a problem, it is a police enforcement issue. A reconfigured anti-cruising ordinance is in the works and we expect that it will be vigorously enforced.
Slow Ahead
With the situation on street modifications still unresolved, we urge caution befor undertaking costly renovations that will place burdens on the city and the school district.
On reflection, it seems as though opinions about the closure are shaped by proximity to the area. Residents ten blocks away who never go near the schools were obviously less passionate than those who couldn’t get out of their driveways in the morning. We were glad to facilitate the neighbors by offering our knowledge of city hall and its various departments.
Police and Fire Depts. to the Rescue
In the end it was the Police and Fire Departments that spoke the loudest and it was encouraging to hear Chief Siverling say that student supervision is easier and more efficient when it takes place on school property as opposed to some property owner’s flower bed.
Front Yard Walls and Fences Defeated— For Now
By Lawrence Kalfayan
Among the more controversial issues facing the Glendale City Council recently was the proposed revision to the Glendale City Ordinances regarding walls fences in the front setbacks. Glendale is unique among Southern California communities, being one of only two cities with similar restrictions on walls and fences in front setbacks. This ordinance has been “on the books” since the early 1920s and serves the city well.
In Northwest Glendale, we are proud of our unencumbered streetscapes, which contributes to the overall beauty of the area. No doubt the attractiveness of the area also bolsters its property values as well. The Board of Directors of the Northwest Glendale Homeowners Association believes the existing wall and fence ordinance should be preserved and enforced.
Unsightly Fences
We have all seen neighborhoods in neighboring communities that over time have taken on an unsightly, hodge-podge appearance with adjoining properties each having a wall or a fence of differing style, height and building material.
However, every few years, a groundswell of effort arises seeking to modify or repeal the fence ordinance, the intention being to relax the existing standards and allow construction of walls and fences in front setbacks.
These efforts often tend to originate from individuals who have purchased a home with an existing, unpermitted fence and now wish to keep it; or have constructed a non-conforming structure in their front setback areas.
Fence Committee Selected
When the wall and fence issue arose again approximately two years ago, the City Council appointed a committee to study the issue and report to the City Council. A public study session took place where the committee was present together with the City Council and public comment was invited.
A proposed ordinance was drafted, which would allow fences and walls with limitations on height and would require design review. The proposed ordinance was on the City Council agenda on May 31, 2000. Members of the Board of the Northwest Glendale Homeowners Association attended and spoke on the issue, as did many members of the public representing all sides of the discussion.
The City Council directed the staff to do additional work on the proposed ordinance and bring it back for further review and council action. Accordingly, the City Council was subsequently presented with a revised proposed ordinance. This new proposal allowed walls and fences only in the horse overlay zone – the equestrian area of Glendale. Under this revised proposal, only the equestrian area would be affected; the rest of the city would experience no changes from the existing ordinance.
Again, the NWGHA Board’s representative attended City Council and opposed this ordinance as well. The proposed ordinance required 4 votes out of 5 to pass; the vote was 3 in favor of the revised ordinance and 2 against. The measure failed.
The Slippery Slope
While the proposed ordinance was limited to relaxing the standards in the horse overlay zone only, the NWGHA opposed because the stated agenda of at least two City Council members is that such an ordinance would be only the first step to relaxing the fence restrictions throughout the entire city. Therefore, it appeared the plan was not simply to make some changes and restrict them to one area of the city, but instead to use this as a stepping stone towards more sweeping changes throughout the city.
Council votes for fences:
Ginger Bremberg - Against
Gus Gomez - Against
Sheldon Baker - For
Raffi Manoukian - For
Dave Weaver - For
City Planning to Remove Carob Trees in Parkways
The City’s Public Works Maintenance Services Section has announced plans to remove all Carob trees located in the parkway areas of the City over the next 10 years. Carob trees are those gnarled large tress found in many areas of Northwest Glendale such as along Sonora Avenue below Kenneth.
There are presently 2,000 Carob trees in the City, representing about 5% of the city street tree population. The City has lost over 100 trees since 1995 almost exclusively from internal decay (heart and crown root rot) which is undetectable from the outside.
Trees to be Replaced
All Carob trees removed will be replaced with more hearty tree species. There are four primary replacement trees being considered, including the California live oak, the holly oak, the Brisbane box and the Cape chestnut.
The City intends to first remove and replace the older Carob trees located around public and private schools.
The trees were planted largely in the 1930s and 1940s given their beauty and the fact that the leathery pods they produce are rich in sugar and, when ground, may be used as a substitute for chocolate.
Neighbors will be notified prior to any removal and replanting in their neighborhood.
Cucina Italiana Has Warmth of Home
By Kathleen Giachino
George Rostomyan set up his restaurant in Kenneth Village to mirror his home. His intention is to offer the convenience of dining out in combination with the comfort of home.
George started to work in the restaurant business with his family seventeen years ago. Although his father was a master chef and George’s idol, George taught himself to cook. He learned the restaurant business while working at Nino’s Pizza. He and his brother started Pizza Boy #1 and Pizza Boy #2. Pizza Boy #2 on Kenneth Road, with its empty room, is where George spent the days envisioning the Cucina Italiana that exists today.
While working at Nino’s the brothers admired the way the owners created a happy work environment, listening to music while they made the pizza. George’s family eventually owned and operated Nino’s. Although George enjoys the pizza business he pursued and realized the dream of owning a fine restaurant.
Fresh Ingredients
At George’s Cucina Italiana all the ingredients are fresh and chosen by George himself. He supervises the cooking using his family recipes. He plans to bottle his salad dressings for commercial use.
The restaurant prepares all the dough's and grates all the cheeses daily. The chef prepares the meat and marinara sauces in advance to allow the spices to blend, but cooks the pomodoro and al fredo sauces to order. The kitchen prepares hand-made ravioli and gnocchi.
Hidden Secret
Some people refer to George’s Cucina Italiana as Glendale’s hidden secret. The music and ambiance give the restaurant a home-like atmosphere. Although George does not serve alcohol he encourages his customers to bring their favorite wine The servers ask when the patrons are seated if they will be having wine. Patrons are not charged for the corkage. To enhance the diners’ experience there are musicians on Friday and Saturday nights: a jazz saxophonist plays on Friday nights and an acoustical guitarist entertains on Saturday nights.
Catering, too
In addition to dining in, George’s Cucina Italiana provides a catering service and continues to deliver pizza. My husband and I recently spend an evening at George’s with some friends and experienced the pleasure of dining at George’s. George succeeds in creating an atmosphere of comfort and we all enjoyed our salads and pastas.
The restaurant is located at 1418 West Kenneth Road in Kenneth Village, telephone number 818-246-7777, fax number 818-502-2692. Reservations are suggested on weekends.
Friends of the Glendale Public Library Need You
By Carol Brusha
The Friends of the Glendale Public Library (FOL) was founded only nine years ago (in 1991), to support and assist the services and programs of our main library and its neighborhood branches by encouraging and promoting volunteer activities and fundraising.
FOL was started because city budget cuts had impacted the library. To help lessen the problem, former Director of Libraries Susan Curzon brought a group of concerned Glendale citizens together. One of those involved in the formation of the Friends was Northwest Glendale’s Christy Vasquez, who became its first president. Current president is Anna Rundle, who is also a member of NWGHA
Raised Over $200,000
Since its inception, the dedicated members have supplemented city funding by raising or facilitating donations of over $200,000. This has been used to help purchase new books and fund children’s reading programs, among other endeavors. Current Director of Libraries, Laurel Patric, has energetically supported the group’s efforts, as has the entire library staff.
Those who know about the FOL are often eager to join, but there are many in the community who are not yet aware of its existence. Your support of the Friends is important. The group needs your membership and hopes some of you will also volunteer time to help with events, such as the annual book sale and the popular American Heroes program, now in its fourth year.
American Heroes Introduced to Children
American Heroes was created by Sandy Childs, a long time Friends member, who wanted to introduce schoolchildren to important historical and contemporary people. It is an interactive event. Actors and actresses, portraying notable American personages, will be inside the library to talk to everyone about their roles in shaping America. A big crowd pleaser is the famed Civil War Buffalo Soldiers, who have their horses out on the front lawn.
This year American Heroes will be held on Sunday, October 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St. Everyone is encouraged to attend. It is open to the public and is great fun, as well as a valuable educational experience, for children of all ages.
Other popular activities FOL puts on are Authors’ Nights, featuring interesting writers, and Saturday morning Breakfast and Books, where Friends members share books, talk, and, of course, breakfast.
Friends members can find out about these and other events through the Friends newsletter, edited by another Northwest Glendale resident, Katherine Yamada.
Donation Envelopes in Utility Bills
Many Glendale residents have previously donated to the library through an envelope found in their utility bills. This idea to seek voluntary donations came from member Randi Lockwood. The envelopes will once again be found in the Fall 2000 mailings of utility bills. It is hoped that NWGHA members will write a check to the Glendale Library. (Note: This is a straight donation and does not give membership in FOL. Please know that both contributions, or one, are very much appreciated. Memberships in FOL are also tax deductible.)
We hope you will give serious consideration to joining FOL. For an application or information, or to help with the American Heroes event, call the Friends office at 546-2538 and leave a message. Calls can also be made directly to Carol Brusha at 247-7710.
Carol Brusha is a member of the NWGHA board, as well as the Friends of the Glendale Public Library board.
Board Members Reelected at Annual Meeting
All NWGHA Board members were reelected at the Association’s annual meeting held May 21 at the Boy Scout House.
Approximately 30 members attended the meeting.
At the meeting, Ed Chuchla and Kate Klimow of The Walt Disney Company gave a presentation on the company’s proposed Grand Central Creative Campus at the Grand Central Business Centre industrial site.
To show its appreciation to the Boy Scouts for allowing the use of their hall, the Board donated $150 to the group.
Barking Dogs Are Taking Bite Out of Quality of Life
(The following is a personal viewpoint and does not necessarily represent the views of the NWGHA or its Board.)
The sounds of summer have been replaced by the sound of barking dogs. Taken a stroll down a street in Northwest Glendale lately? Sat in your backyard?
Barking dogs are taking a big bite out of the quality of life in Glendale. A neighbor who wouldn’t dream of littering in your yard seems oblivious to his or her dog polluting your home in a much more annoying and insidious way with their dog’s constant barking.
Noise Pollution.
Glendale’s central location in greater Los Angeles comes at a price. Noise pollution is endemic in our city. Most of it comes from traffic, such as the Golden State and Ventura freeways. There are sirens. Then there is the assault from the air: helicopters and small aircraft. Then there are the dogs.
Of course, not all sounds are bad: neighborhood children playing is a good sound. Even a neighbor’s occasional loud party is ok. Even, for that matter, the occasional bark or woof.
Section 8.36.070 of the Glendale Municipal Code provides:
“It is unlawful for any person to keep . . . any animal . . . which by any sound, cry or behavior shall cause annoyance or discomfort to a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness in any residential neighborhood."
Neighborhood Services can enforce this, but prefers to have neighbors work it out. So, please. Stop Fido barking.