Voice Your Concerns for the Proposed Village at Westfield Topanga

Voice Your Concerns for the Proposed Village at Westfield Topanga

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 / No Comments

Mall developer Westfield is proposing a $450 million complex between its Topanga and Promenade Malls that is spread out over 31 acres. This Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Warner Center Marriott, there will be a public hearing whereby you have the opportunity to voice your concerns and view the environmental impact from Planning Department officials. 

If approved, this project will be completed sometime between 2013 and 2016 which will include a 275 room hotel, 278,985 sqft of retail, 285,000 sqft of office space, a grocery store, movie theater, community building, six acres of open space and walkways, and a Costco (which may shut down the Canoga Park branch). Additionally, the new complex is expected to generate 3,000 construction jobs, 4,000 permanent positions, add $640 million to the local economy, and bring in $9.4 million in city tax revenue. 

I had discussed this project before in the BTTF series for the Promenade Mall at Woodland Hills. At that time, I was unaware of a proposal by Pratt & Whitney to convert their Rocketdyne site (formerly owned by Boeing) into a 16 story hotel and 4,000 multifamily housing units. So while converting that dump in between the Topanga and Promenade malls into something usable, I cant help but ask, is this sustainable? Consider the following:

1. There is already an excess amount of housing units on the market that will take years to clear out,
2. There are plenty of shops to visit between the recently remodeled Topanga, Promenade, and Fallbrook malls notwithstanding the increased competition from the online world and the numerous mom and pop shops.
3. In terms of hotels, there is already the Marriot and the Hilton, Holiday Inn (on Ventura Blvd), and other hotel chains in the West Valley.

So I have some doubts on the actual demand for all this new complex especially in these difficult economic times. Maybe this site becomes viable but it comes at the expense of taking away business from other Mom and Pop shops and possibly the Promenade and Fallbrook malls. Also add in the traffic nightmare (especially if the Rocketdyne site gets converted to housing) and maybe this entire site becomes avoided, Christmas is bad as it is right now. Hopefully they extend the Orange Line to this area which currently starts/ends at the Promenade Mall.

Changes Coming to the L.A. River

Changes Coming to the L.A. River

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There are some significant changes coming to the L.A. River according to Zev Yaroslavsky, LA County Supervisor - 3rd District. On Zev's blog, there was a post on July 13th stating that the Board of Supervisors accepted a $1.97 million state grant to hlep launch construction of the Los Angeles River Headwaters project, which will create more than a mile of recreational trails at the point where the Calabasas and Bell creeks meet near the football field at Canoga Park High School which is expected to be completed in 2013. This can be viewed from Owensmouth near the Topanga Mall.  

Also, another change coming to the L.A. River is a pilot non-motorized boating program in the Sepulveda Basin. Here is some more info from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

The license allows for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday guided trips beginning August 12 and ending September 25, with no more than two guided trips per day. The license also allows for training trips for guides on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from the date the license is signed through August 7. The south side of Balboa Blvd. bridge (river right, looking downstream) will serve as the put-in location, and the haul-out will be approximately 450 feet downstream of Burbank Blvd. bridge, on the southwest (river right, looking downstream) side. The license includes measures identified in the EA to avoid, reduce, and minimize environmental impacts and safety concerns.

These changes should be a nice boost to the L.A. River and give everyone an opportunity to finally experience it. I always wanted to after watching Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2 ride his Harley in the L.A. River protecting John Conner after being chased by that other evil Terminator. 

Celebrity Real Estate: Anna Nicole Smith's Studio City Pad For Sale

Celebrity Real Estate: Anna Nicole Smith's Studio City Pad For Sale

Monday, August 1, 2011 / No Comments

[Update: March 17, 2013]: This home finally sold on March 13, 2013 for $1,310,000 which was $25,000 less than the original purchase price of $1,335,000 back during the housing bubble days on April 11, 2005. The estate of Anna Nicole Smith unsuccessfully tried to sell at a profit with the original listing price of $1,750,000 back on July 30, 2011 which was significantly reduced over the past two years. 

[Original Post]:

Hot off the MLS presses courtesy of la.curbed.com is news that the late Anna Nicole Smith has listed her home on the market in Studio City. According to the listing information, the property contains 5 Beds/5.5 Baths at 4700 sqft on 0.42 acres with panoramic and city views. The home built in 2002 boasts of hardwood and marble flooring, five bedrooms all en-suite, home gym, video camera security system, four car tandem garage, pool/spa with views, and a master bath with jetted tub amongst other amenities. 

The home was purchased by Smith in April 2005 for $1,335,000 who's birth name is Vickie Lynn Hogan with the last name changed to Marshall after she married that rich old oil tycoon guy, J. Howard Marshall, in the name of love. The home is currently listed at $1,750,000 which is rather interesting because the last time I checked real estate prices they were back to 2003 levels so if this property can sell for higher than the housing bubble peak price in today's economy, that will be an accomplishment in itself. But who knows when the rich get richer. 

As many know, Smith passed away in Feb 2007 due to "combined drug intoxication." A month later, her company, Hot Smoochie Lips, which also owns said property for sale, was shut down due to failure to pay taxes. This is where things start to get interesting, Hot Smoochie Lips is a talent agency owned by Howard K. Stern with only one client, Smith. Stern became Smith's domestic partner in 2006. Stern also claimed to be the father of Smith's daughter, Dannielynn Hope Marshall Stern, but was later reported through DNA testing to be Larry Birkhead. So my reason for bringing up this whole Jerry Springer drama affair is to determine who still owns the property? Was the property immediately transferred to Stern as the property records indicate? Or does Smith's daughter own this property as the sole beneficiary to Smith's estate (assuming she was named a beneficiary)? According to la.curbed.com, the property is under Stern's name but something doesnt add up here. I am confused. 

At any rate, this property has a lot of competition in Studio City which we discussed before. Other celebrity listings include Joseph Barbera's estate. You can view more Celebrity Real Estate at the tab on the top or clicking the link.  

[Update]:San Fernando Valley Youth Excelling In All Walks of Life

[Update]:San Fernando Valley Youth Excelling In All Walks of Life

Thursday, July 14, 2011 / No Comments

[Update: July 14, 2011]: Another San Fernando Valley Youth reported by Studio City Patch was Amy Weissenbach of Harvard-Westlake High won the Gatorade National Track & Field Athlete of the Year award. She had achieved a national federation record in the 800 meters competition at the CIF state finals in June.

Originally Posted on  June 24, 2011 at 9:00 AM PST:
In popular culture, the mention of the the San Fernando Valley conjures up immediate descriptions of Porn Capital of the World, Valley Girls with their Valspeak, and is considered second rate to the Westside. While these stereotypes may be true, they suggest that Valley residents are incompetent, lazy, sexually promiscuous, airheads, etc. It just occurred to me that something remarkable happened in the San Fernando Valley in the past couple of months that refutes these negative connotations.

Despite all the negative news you hear everyday of robberies, murders, fraud, etc occurring in the San Fernando Valley, the Youth have stepped it up big time this past year. Take note of the following

1. Granada Hills Charter High School won the National Academic Decathlon in April
2. San Fernando High School Baseball won the L.A. City Section championship beating Chatsworth, neighboring city in the SFV in June
3. Alyssa Campbell of Sherman Oaks (although she was born and raised in New Jersey) was crowned Miss USA in June.

I am sure I missed other achievements that occurred during the past school year but this is what I can remember at the moment so I mean no disrespect. If you ask me, this is quite a set of accomplishments for the SFV to be proud of. Parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, etc are playing a significant role in the lives of the San Fernando Valley youth and their hard work and dedication can be seen from the list above. Keep in mind this is happening in the face of high unemployment, massive cutbacks in the school systems, and a housing market in the dumps.

Carmegeddon and The San Fernando Valley: Everything You Need To Know

Carmegeddon and The San Fernando Valley: Everything You Need To Know

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Starting this weekend at 10 PM Friday, July 15th through 5 AM Monday July 18, the 405 Freeway between the 10 and 101 will be closed to demolish the south side of the Mulholland Bridge in what has been termed CARMAGEDDON Weekend. Additionally, on-ramps to the 405 between the 10 and 101 will begin closing at 7 PM on Friday. The kicker here is that for each 10 minutes that the freeway is not returned for use on Monday morning, the contractor is fined $6,000 or $72,000 per hour in penalities.

By now I am sure you have heard about this weekend with all the media attention, celebrities tweeting, and freeway signs posted 24/7. I dont remember a time when something like this occurred so I have two burning questions regarding this weekend that I guess will be answered come Monday. The best part about this whole project is that we get to relive it next year around the same time. So hopefully its not as painful.

Courtesy Metro.net

1. How many people are unaware about this shutdown or will forget about it over the weekend? Will visitors from other states and countries arriving at LAX who heading over to the Valley aware of the shutdown? How good is the communication of shutdown at car rentals/shuttles and in general for visitors? Also, what about truck drivers hauling in a load from up North traveling down the 405 into the Westside? Are they aware of the shutdown and alternative routes? Also, what about the late night group partying in the Westside and coming home to the Valley or vice versa. Will they remember about the shutdown seeking alternatives or even better to stay completely away?
2. With the busiest freeway shutdown, what is the spillover effect onto nearby freeways and streets? Will the 101, 5, and 10 (and other freeways), be able to carry the "load" effectively or will those freeways become a living hell. The same applies to streets and major thoroughfares like Ventura, Wilshire, Sepulveda, Sunset, etc.

With that said, I thought I present some alternatives for hanging out in the San Fernando Valley assuming you didnt plan a getaway vacation. If for some reason, you have to travel over to the westside for work, special occassion like a marriage, or moving (I was told of a person who is actually moving from Encino to Brentwood this weekend, no joke), god be with you. One of the rather interesting things to come about because of Carmegeddon was Jetblue offering a $4 plane ride round trip from Long Beach to Burbank which takes about 20 minutes. This option is no longer available since it sold out in a hurry. Maybe this is the future of travel in L.A. 

For the rest, here are 5 ideas for things to do in the Valley if you are not the homebody type and need to get out. Also check out 11 Micro-Itineraries For The San Fernando Valley by Christopher Reynolds of the L.A. Times.

1. Friday Night: relive the 50's car hop experience and have dinner at Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake, Northridge, or Sun Valley. Afterwards, enjoy the free classic car show. The classic car show is on Friday's from 5 - 10 PM and the car hop service is on Saturday and Sundays from 5 - 10 PM. If you have the choice, the Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake is the original and authentic location which incorpates the googie architecture of the 50's discussed in many blog posts. The other locations are just as suitable but the Toluca Lake location makes you feel like you are an in episdoe of Happy Days. If Bobs Bigy Boy is not your thing, I recommend attending a local bar, movie theater, comedy club, or night club. Or you can visit City Walk at Universal Studios and attend one of the above. 
2. On Saturday, enjoy Universal Studios with the newest and redone King Kong exhibit (I actually havent seen this yet, so let me know how it is) amongst the other popular shows and rides.  I wish they never got rid of Miami Vice. For those who live near the orange line, the MTA is offering free rides, so you dont have to worry about driving and parking. 
3. On Sunday, enjoy sites of historical significance such as the San Fernando Mission, Los Encinos State Historic Park (which might be closing down due to budget cuts), Leonis Adobe Museum, and Andres Pico Adobe. Before heading out to one of these locations, check the times. 
4. In addition to the above and going off #3, the Valley has some 84 historical cultural monuments ranging from trees to houses to Post Offices to Museums. If the San Fernando Valley past interests you, I recommend visiting the Things To Do page of this blog which has an interactive map of these historical sites including a picture, link to site, and background info. Additionally, there are links to other things to do in the Valley.
5. Lastly and in addition to the above, the San Fernando Valley has become a pseudo studio for TV and Movies. Numerous filming locations are located in the Valley. If you enjoy seeing the actual filming location, I recommend three that had significant presence in the Valley and have become well known. Back To The Future in Arleta/Burbank/Universal Studios, E.T. in Granada Hills/Porter Ranch, and Karate Kid in Burbank/Encino/Reseda/Woodland Hills.
6. I know I only said 5, but I just remembered one that is fun, free, and time fulfilling in addition to healthy which is a local hike. The Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mountains boast great hiking trails. You can learn more at LAMountains.com

For other great sources check the following:

Zev Yaroslavsky, LA County Supervisor for the Third District which includes the entire San Fernando Valley and the Westside has the following:

• Very informative cheat sheet regarding the shutdown
• 53 Ways to Survive Without the 405
• Getting Hitched - With A Hitch (article about couple getting married)

The Metro website has the following:

• When Mulholland Dr Bridge Was New (great history and photos of the bridges construction from 1960)
• Detour Maps
• Detailed Explanation of How the Mulholland Bridge Over 405 Will Be Torn Down

Celebrity Real Estate: Former Home of Al Jolson, Don Ameche, Kirstie Alley, Katey Sagal, and Charlie Sheen Listed For Sale in Encino

Celebrity Real Estate: Former Home of Al Jolson, Don Ameche, Kirstie Alley, Katey Sagal, and Charlie Sheen Listed For Sale in Encino

Thursday, July 7, 2011 / 1 Comment

[Update November 30, 2015]: This property was purchased by Leeza Gibbons who later sold to Tina Drew, the mother of Jessica Simpson on June 25, 2015 for $5,770,000. You can read more here. 

[Update December 6, 2011]: This historic home finally sold on December 2, 2011 for $5,200,00 which was significantly reduced from the original listed price in January 2011 from $6,495,000 representing a drop of $1,295,000. Moreover, the owners sold this property at a $1,420,000 loss from their original purchase at the peak of the market in 2006. Wow! This is such a massive loss, I am wondering if this became a short sale. Hard to believe the previous owners would take such a massive hit. And now the new buyers get to enjoy a piece of history and who knows, maybe they find some old crack pipes from when Charlie Sheen lived there. 

[Original Post]:

The SFValleyblog found an amazing property for sale while roaming the internet and couldnt believe what has been sitting on the market for several months now in Encino. The property has significant historical value that was owned by a multitude of A-List Hollywood Celebrities which we will discuss later on. 

The property for sale at $5,995,000 sits on 2.25 acres with 8,522 sqft of living space built in 1935 and includes 7 Beds/7.75 Baths. The property contains park like settings with a private gated driveway that leads to the residence, guest house, and a separate pool house complete with fireplace, kitchen, and bedroom. The main house consists of office/library, gym, wine cellar, theater room with bar, and staff quarters. This house has it all and no expense was spared. To get an idea of how massive this property is, check out the aerial view below:

Now lets talk about the owners because this is where it gets interesting. According to the Movieland Directory: 

1. Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler lived here I believe sometime in the 30's and maybe 40's. Jolson was known as "The World's Greatest Entertainer" during his prime. Keeler was a tap dancer and successful actress. 
2. Don Ameche owned this property in the 1960's. For me, I best remember him in the movies Trading Places, Coming to America, and Cocoon. 
3. Steven Seagal supposedly lived here in the 90's but not sure on this one. Seagal is known for various action films and his latest reality show, Steven Seagal: Lawman.
4. Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson lived here sometime in the 90's. Kirsite is known for television hit show, Cheers, and the movie series, Look Who's Talking. Lately she shows off her fat on Kirstie Alley's Big Life. 
5. Katey Sagal and Jack White purchased from Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson in 1997. Sagal is known for "Peggy" on Married with Children. 
6. Charlie Sheen purchased from Sagal in June 2004 for $4,200,000 with Denise Richards living at the residence. Sheen is known for being "Sheen", words cant describe him. I personally remember him as Bud Fox on Wall Street. 
7. Michael and Patricia Jacobs purchased from Sheen in March 2006 for $6,620,000 which are the current owners. Michael Jacobs is a Broadway, Film, and Television producer.

So back to the current listing price. This property has been on and off the market since 2008 according to Redfin. It was last listed in January 2011 for $6,495,000 and was reduced $500,000 in April 2011 to today's current price of $5,995,000. Keep in mind, this property was purchased in 2006 for $6,620,000 so the current owners will be taking a loss not including fees and commissions. The market has dropped some 30 - 40% since 2006 so I dont know how this property will come close to selling near its last purchased price in 2006. Maybe the rich are immune to the real estate woes but that doesnt explain why its not moving. On the other hand, this is a classic property full of history (how much is that worth?) that you cant buy anywhere else.  

You can view other Celebrity Real Estate listings here or the tab in the menu bar above. 

Sources:

Arizona Property Site

Move.com

Property Records at Blockshopper

CarProperty.com

Movieland Directory

Catherine Mulholland Passes Away; Grand Daughter of William Mulholland and Noted Historian and Author of San Fernando Valley

Catherine Mulholland Passes Away; Grand Daughter of William Mulholland and Noted Historian and Author of San Fernando Valley

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Today brings sad news that Catherine Mulholland has passed away of natural causes at her home in Camarillo at the age of 88. She is most known for being the granddaughter of William Mulholland who designed the Los Angeles Aqueduct which paved the way for exponential growth of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley by bringing water to what was then unreachable locations. William had developed a bad reputation after the St Francis Dam had collapsed killing more than 400 people. Additionally, William gained more controversy when conspiracy theories surfaced that Mulholland actually designed the Aqueduct to steal water from the Owens Valley and profit from the land with other investors which is supposedly the inspiration of the film, Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson. This is where Catherine comes in to provide the truth  behind her grandfather and that the St. Francis Dam tragedy was unavoidable with the engineering knowledge at that time and William did not make any profit off of the Aqueduct. To refute those allegations and also discuss San Fernando Valley History, Catherine wrote Calabasas Girls (1976), The Owensmouth Baby: The Making of a San Fernando Valley (1987), and William Mulholland and the Rise of Los Angeles (2002). 

The Los Angeles Times has an excellent obituary on Catherine Mulholland: 

After the divorce, Mulholland moved back to Southern California and discovered that the "quaint little western villages" that had made up the San Fernando Valley of her childhood had been paved over and "uglified." A Kmart occupied the land where her home had stood. The loss of personal landmarks — ironically, because of development made possible by her grandfather's importation of water from the north — impelled Mulholland to become a historian.

I believe this Kmart was the old Kmart at Corbin and Plummer behind the Northridge Mall which is ironically torn down again at the moment to make way for another new development. 

Sadly, the San Fernando Valley has lost a great contributor to its history.

You can read more about William and Catherine Mulholland below:

The Disaster That Broke Mulholland by Kevin Roderick (author of the book San Fernando Valley)

Meeting a Heroine by Blogging Los Angeles

Southern California Water: Who Does It Belong To? (author unknown)

William Mulholland by Irish Cultural Society of the Garden City Area

Also, here is a video of Catherine speaking at UC Santa Barabara in 2008. She was going strong at 85! The video is about 30 minutes with the rest for Q&A.