Tropico's beautiful Southern Pacific Railroad Depot is a crucial location in Billy Wilder's wonderful film noir Double Indemnity, based on the novel by James M. Cain. Here's a screen capture of the station in the film accompanied by shots I've taken recently.
My friend and musician, dedicated cyclist and all around good guy Alan Deane took a moment to write a nice little note to the News-Press today about the excellent Glendale Noon Concerts organized by Jackie Suzuki at the First Baptist Church in downtown Glendale.There’s a great little free opportunity that I take advantage of here in Glendale, and you should too: Glendale Noon Concerts. I go every time and they’re top notch — let’s spill the secret! If you live in the area and are free at noon, so is the concert. In these hard times, when money is scarce and no one is working, come on out. It’s a bright little half hour every other Wednesday on Wilson Avenue and Louise Street.I couldn't agree more. There is now a blog for the Glendale Noon Concerts with info on upcoming shows. I highly recommend stopping by on your lunch hour for a free concert. Bring friends.
ALAN DEANE
From the Glendale Public Library's Book Talk blog:
When police knocked on the apartment’s front door, Asatryan jumped out of a kitchen window, Lorenz said. But an officer saw him and began chasing him east on Lomita to Central Avenue, he said.
The officer tried to catch Asatryan and cut a corner, but ran into a chain that was used to close off a parking lot, Lorenz said.
The officer was hurt, but kept running after Asatryan, who had already gotten into a car, he said.
“The suspect attempted to run down the officer and, in doing so, he collided with another vehicle,” Lorenz said.
The officer feared for his life and safety, so he pulled out his gun and fired numerous shots at Asatryan’s car, he said. Asatryan was not struck by bullets, Lorenz said.
Gunfire hit the car, but Asatryan kept driving on Central and turned east onto Colorado Street, he said.
Asatryan lost control of his car and crashed at Colorado and Central, where he got out of the car and continued to run from police, Lorenz said.
Another officer caught up to Asatryan, tackled him to the ground and arrested him at Orange and Colorado streets, he said.
And so I am asking you all for one more thing as we embark on the process of finding my replacement: Tell us what you think we should be looking for. I invite, and encourage, input. This is your community paper. You’ve never been shy in giving me your opinion before, so let it fly.I pass the building every day and am curious to see the newsroom.
E-mail your thoughts to me, or better yet, come on down and tell me. We’re holding an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Glendale News-Press’ office, 221 N. Brand Blvd., where you will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the entire staff, say good riddance to me and tell John O’Loughlin and me in person what you think we should look for in a new newsroom leader.
Not only did Lux die here in Glendale, but he and wife/fellow Cramps member Poison Ivy lived right here in Adams Hill. The GNP is such a small-town newspaper that it runs photos of people holding up the newspaper on vacation, yet it can't be bothered with the death of a local icon. Blogs and newspapers all over the country mentioned his death in Glendale. But the hometown newspaper? Nothing.
So on to the GNP. Yes, it's a small-town newspaper... but Glendale isn't exactly a small town. It's a city with a population of 207,000. Take Glendale away from the L.A. region and it would be big enough to support a full newspaper, as well as TV and radio stations. (At least before the economic collapse; but I'm comparing it to smaller cities like Rockford or Duluth, both of which support a slew of media outlets.)
A community bike ride in the City of Glendale is in the works as well as promotions at the Glendale Downtown Dash (March 8th) and Bike to Work Day (May 14th). Stay tuned!Colin Bogart, the Bicycle Coalition's liason to the city of Glendale, is forming a stakeholder group of Glendale community members. If interested, please contact him directly.
February 4, 2009
Lux Interior, lead singer of The Cramps, passed away this morning due to an existing heart condition at Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, California at 4:30 AM PST today. Lux has been an inspiration and influence to millions of artists and fans around the world. He and wife Poison Ivy’s contributions with The Cramps have had an immeasurable impact on modern music.
The Cramps emerged from the original New York punk scene of CBGB and Max’s Kansas City, with a singular sound and iconography. Their distinct take on rockabilly and surf along with their midnight movie imagery reminded us all just how exciting, dangerous, vital and sexy rock and roll should be and has spawned entire subcultures. Lux was a fearless frontman who transformed every stage he stepped on into a place of passion, abandon, and true freedom. He is a rare icon who will be missed dearly.
The family requests that you respect their privacy during this difficult time.
Glendale just got less interesting.
City should go out on a limb
Regarding “Najarian introduces traffic plan,” Wednesday:
If the Glendale City Council, by raising penalties, can protect certain tree species from tree-butchers, the Glendale City Council, by raising penalties, can protect citizens from motorized people-butchers.
STEVE FOSTER
Glendale
