I took off with camera in hand at 6:00 AM this morning to see what the wind had done.  Here is my show…

Yesterday I abandoned my usual hiking ladies for the inaugural hike of the Montrose Patch Hiking Club. Our intrepid leader, Tanya, decided on the Deukmejian Wilderness area for the first meeting and it was simply magical.  I have not done this area before and I was completely surprised at how lush and interesting the hike was.

We passed a 200+ year old oak tree the firefighters managed to save from the devastating Station Fire.  The first part of the hike was dry and “moonscape-esque”.  Pretty soon, however, things started to green up and we saw a ton of waist and chest high chaparral that has grown over the burned out trees.

The trail started to slope downward and we were suddenly at the bottom of a ravine with a lovely rivulet of water gurgled along- pooling in some areas, cascading over small boulders in others.  As a native of dry Southern California, I find the sound and sight of running water irresistible.

Our group was awesome with a wide range of ages and temperaments.  I hear we might tackle St. Lukens, next.  Details of upcoming hikes will be posted to Montrose Patch and 365 Things To Do in Glendale in Facebook.  I personally invite you to come along- it is fantastic way to start your weekend!

Yesterday, Husband and I had a rare day without the teenagers, and decided to pop down to Chinatown for some hot soupy goodness at a favorite Pho place.  (Broadway Pho- the owner is just like the innkeeper of any Kung Fu movie.  Friendly, loud, and slightly comical.  The food is outstanding)

We strolled across Broadway to the main Chinatown Plaza and stumbled upon a delightful store filled with art and handcrafts from (mostly) local artists.

Flock Shop is quite hidden- located across the street from the old General Lee’s, and it is simply one of the most delightful stores I’ve visited in a long time.  The selection is quirky, cool and unique and the prices are very reasonable.  Many of the items are made from repurposed items- like the wallet made from old bicycle innertubes, and a sense of smart whimsy pervades the store.

I was completely taken by a wall of these super colorful Ninja Bunnies.

Chad and Michelle run the Flock Shop out of a passion for these artist crafted items.  Like many small businesses, Chad and Michelle are trying to eek out an existence while remaining true to their passion.  Their shop is awesome- I recommend a visit!

It started as a joke…

Bob Stane and Ken Marshall would drive down S. Pasadena Ave and, just before Bellefontaine,  they would say, “you know, someday we should put a fork in this road” (you have to look at the map above to get the joke).

As a surprise for Stane’s 75th birthday, Marshall and a few friends did just that- they installed an 18ft high fork right in the median.  It was a fantastic bit of public art and it attracted lots of attention.  So much attention, that another of Stane’s friends, Realtor (and Pasadena Teles agent) Phillip Coombes said, “we should put the fork in hunger!”.

All of the friends thought this was a grand idea and the first “Put the Fork in Hunger” food drive was started. The friends billed it as the largest food drive in Pasadena, collecting two tons of food as people “drove by” the fork, handing over bags of food to volunteers.

It is 2011 and the Fork is now back, this time as a permanent art installation.  The food drive is also back with proceeds to benefit Union Station- a large social services organization assisting the homeless throughout San Gabriel Valley.

There are three ways you can help to “Put the Fork in Hunger”

1. Bring your non-perishable goods to our Kick Off party at my office Thursday, November 10 (info below)
2. Drive by the Fork Saturday or Sunday from 8-4 and drop off your donation
3. Call me and I will pick up the donation from you!

Put the Fork in Hunger Food Drive- Kick Off Party

A little ways into the El Miradero section I wrote,

In 1925 Mr. Brand died, leaving the estate to the City of Glendale upon the death of his wife. In 1945 Mrs. Brand died and by 1956 the 5,000 sf mansion had been turned into a beautiful Art and Music Library for the public to enjoy. A little known rumor is that the ghost of Mr. Brand might still inhabit the building. Here is a wonderful article by Nancy Garza, originally printed in the Glendale News Press in 1993.

Just think, we have our very own ghost, right here in Northwest Glendale!  Make sure you click on the link.  The article is a gas.

I thought I would see the lei cutting ceremony at Trader Joe’s this morning. I figured it would be a quiet affair- a few friends from our neighborhood Facebook group, a city official or two- heck, maybe I’d get to say “hi” to John Drayman. It could happen.

I was completely unprepared for the excited throng of people gathered in front of the store by 7:45 AM. Don’t tell the Wells Fargo manager, but I snuck into their lot because the TJ lot was packed. Everyone was so happy and excited. No more schlepping up or down the hill for my Trader Joe’s Belgium Chocolate Pudding!

I chatted up Trader Joe employee Heather early this morning during my so-called run. She is very excited to be part of the opening crew. She lobbied for eight months to get on staff at this store and she says the whole crew is very excited to be serving Montrose.

After the obligatory speeches by Najarian and Weaver (nice job, guys) the manager said how excited they all were and then we all got to enter. Lovely fabric leis were draped around our necks while a steel drum and keyboard played reggae. People danced (reason enough to see my video. The old dude was awesome!) and chatted with neighbors and everyone was just darn happy.

Yes, the traffic both in and out was horrendous. But the staff was on top of it and check out lines moved swiftly and it seemed like drivers took the jam in stride. I predict that things will smooth out in a few weeks.

Enjoy the video!

Part of the “Secret Sauce” of Keppel is the amazing parent support that finds ways to make things happen despite bleak economic times and dwindling government support.  Two organizations,the PTA and Make Keppel Special or MKS, work closely with an uber dedicated staff to raise funds and offer a number of extra curricular activities.  While it is true that Keppel is now a magnet for visual and performing arts – this would never have happend if not for the efforts of the staff, the PTA and MKS, before the magnet program and it’s funds were ever available.  Ok- that’s my two cents.

All of this to say- an amazing parent corps like this is going to throw a wackin’ good party with the Harvest festival.  And, boy howdy- did they ever!  This was an extremely well run event with a literal army of volunteers- parents, alumni and a large number of police and fire personel.  The Kepple Drill team performed (precious!) and the DJ spun music that hurt my middle aged ears.  I am sure it was good stuff.

I had planned to drop off some notepads at the booth I sponsored- but would up staying for a couple of hours visiting with old friends (like Mrs. Zierhut!) and dropping piles of tickets on unsuspecting little kids.  It was a blast.

I made a video of my afternoon at Keppel- I hope you enjoy it.

Sunday was the 10th anniversary of Glendale’s Unity Fest- a gathering of performances, groups and cuisines that spans the great diversity of the citizens of Glendale.

This is one of my favorite events of the year and this year was fantastic. The performances were interesting, endearing (those little Korean girls were too-too!) and energetic. The food trucks were amazing and I totally dug the Arabic Bagpipe dude. Really- who would have put Arab and Scottish culture together?

Hope youenjoy my little video- I had fun and I hope to see some of you out there, next year!

He spent a little time telling me the Museum’s plan for their new site on Brand Blvd. and showing me some of the pieces that will be part of the permanent exhibit.  I also got just a little bit of him on video, being his enthusiastic self- and I decided to share.  He is fun and loves to share his passion for neon art.

David feels the museum will open by this time next year.  I can’t wait!

The Porto Family is the very definition of the American Dream and their history is well documented.  Today, however, I wanted to do something just a little bit different.  Today Betty Porto, herself, is going to take us on a tour behind the scenes, to the bakery, where all the magic happens.

Let’s all join her…