A SPECIAL REPORT: YARD SALES

Signs of the ‘Hood

Garage sales have become suburban institutions that say as much about communities as they do about individuals. In older enclaves such as Toluca Lake and Sherman Oaks, antiques prevail, and rustic Sunland-Tujunga also offers horse tack. Encino seems to be the place for used exercise equipment. . . . In Reseda, where whole apartment complexes stage joint yard sales, it’s kids’ clothes and toys. Along Topanga Canyon Boulevard, beach bums can find tie-dyed bikinis.

Buzz You In

You won’t see folks sitting on their porches during garage sales in upscale Calabasas, the Valley’s newest city. Even addresses are absent--just signs announcing “Estate Sale,” and gated estates at that. Shoppers had better pack a car phone--first to find the sale, then to call ahead to be buzzed in.

The Enforcers

Just as the goods vary from place to place, so do the rules. Burbank has the most restrictions, including size and location of the sign. Santa Clarita allows the most sales per household per year (three). In San Fernando, which has the highest permit fee ($5), those slow-moving, white sedans aren’t trolling for Minton china. They carry code enforcers looking for repeat offenders or professional vendors.