City news
‘Buy Glendale’ debate continues on
The Glendale City Council continues to be split on the usefulness of a proposed “Buy Glendale” campaign to be paid for with some $90,000 in promotional funds from the Glendale Redevelopment Agency.
After a tepid response from council members in March, the GRA has met with a number of local business groups, including the Montrose-Verdugo City and Crescenta Valley chambers of commerce and the Montrose Shopping Park Association.
What emerged from discussions was a two-stage effort, the first to promote local businesses to local residents and the second an outreach to neighboring communities.
GRA chair John Drayman said, “We have unique things to offer here,” citing events in Montrose, Kenneth Village and other business districts.
Councilwoman Laura Friedman said a key issue is having events which draw people. “The ‘Man’s Inhumanity to Man’ exhibit at Brand Park drew a thousand people to the opening,” she said.
Drayman added, “The Montrose Arts and Crafts Festival is the third oldest and third largest in the state, and there are still Glendale residents who don’t know how to get to Montrose.”
Councilman Ara Najarian said it was important also that residents realize revenue from local business helps support the city. “We get a penny on every sales tax dollar,” he said.
A sample cable TV ad and other informational items will be brought back to the GRA board in round three. Councilman Dave Weaver continues to oppose any program at this time.
City rejects bids on barn work
The city has rejected all bids for seismic work on the Le Mesnager stone barn in Deukmejian Wilderness Park, and will do the bid process over in the near future.
The project was rejected for two main reasons; the state has frozen a $1 million grant to cover much of the cost, and none of the six bidders met the qualification of having done at least two comparable historic projects within the last five years.
The state grant is expected to be released no earlier than this fall, and the bids received would no longer be considered timely by then.
Six bids were received, all but one lower than the city estimate. When the bidding process resumes, the city will issue a request for qualification to be sure all bidders meet the experience requirement.
Vons redesign returned for changes
Glendale’s Design Review Board #2 acted recently to send back for redesign the facade of the Vons Shopping Center at 2027 — 2033 Verdugo Road, on the La Cañada city line.
The center, which opened in 1971, was built on the site of the Indian Springs Resort, which featured swimming, equestrian and picnic areas.
It was built by Charles Bowden in 1928.
The redesign work will include an historical plaque recalling Indian Springs and explaining the area was a Tongva Indian gathering place.
Architect Bob Taylor said that the project will add Mission Revival elements to the main building, a new double height pavilion center for the building, and outdoor dining under a front canopy.
The property also features a smaller commercial building, and a third structure will be added on a connected parcel in La Cañada.
The DRB asked the designer for more natural wood elements in the new facade, and to study the driveway for safety access for trucks.
The project also calls for relocation of a recycling center from the front to another location on the property, and the elimination of a non-period well on the site.
Board members also asked for enhancements in the landscaping.
— Charles Cooper