NORTH HOLLYWOOD Colorfully painted crosswalks and street banners make up the first phase of a streetscape program by the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency to highlight the NoHo Arts District. Three out of four intersections in the area have been painted in a pattern of linear brushstrokes colored green blue and red. The fourth intersection at Magnolia and Lankershim boulevards will be done in the next week or two. Street banners will be in place in coming weeks that use the same pattern and color scheme. “The banners and crosswalks will complement each other,” said Gazala Pirzada, project manager for the streetscape project. The other painted crosswalks are at Tujunga Avenue and Magnolia, Weddington Street and Lankershim and Chandler Boulevard and Lankershim. The project is expected to take a year to complete. Future phases include planting street trees, construction of a median strip, placement of artistic pieces in the district, and a gateway at the intersection of Camarillo Street, Vineland Avenue and Lankershim. The agency has received a construction permit for the gateway but still needs final approval from its board, Pirzada said. “We are trying to accentuate the arts district that forms the core of the commercial area of NoHo. ANTELOPE VALLEY Lancaster Poppies: “The Tonight Show” bandleader Kevin Eubanks will headline the 2007 California Poppy Festival, a two-day celebration of the Antelope Valley’s signature flower April 21 and 22 at Lancaster City Park, 43011 N. 10th Street West. The festival will include animals, arts and crafts exhibits and a flower market, in addition to the Eubanks concert April 22. For information, call (661) 723-6075 or visit poppyfestival.com. Tunes: SunCal Cos., the housing developer behind the master-planned Ritter Ranch community, has sponsored a search for emerging vocal artists. The “Music from Home” program for the past few months has accepted applications from singers and songwriters from Lancaster and Palmdale. A winner, who will receive $10,000 and a chance to perform at the opening of Ritter Ranch, was scheduled to be announced April 12. SANTA CLARITA VALLEY Santa Clarita Kudos: The Santa Clarita chapter of the Junior Chamber of Commerce has been named the No. 1 Jaycees chapter in the nation at the organization’s national convention last month. The designation recognizes the Santa Clarita chapter’s community impact, member development and its projects that foster leadership skills and community involvement. The chapter was also honored for its Santa’s Helpers project and Tijuana Home Build project, in which dozens of Jaycees traveled to the Mexican city to help build a home for a family. The chapter is only the second in the state to receive the national recognition. Newhall Arts: Santa Clarita city officials are considering making a portion of downtown Newhall into an arts and theater district. The five-block neighborhood, which already has two live theaters, could include art galleries, studios or other creative businesses. Officials are looking into the designation. SAN FERNANDO VALLEY Glendale Cooks: Williams-Sonoma is cooking up some improvements at its Glendale Galleria store. The company has closed up shop as it expands the location, more than doubling the size of the store and adding more products and specialty items including French Le Creuset and Mauviel cookwear. The remodeled store will become one of the company’s Grand Cuisine formats. It will offer cooking classes and demonstrations, among other special events. The store will reopen on June 9. La Canada Flintridge Blooming: The San Fernando Valley Rose Society hosts its Rose Show on April 21 & 22 at Descanso Gardens in La Canada. The public is welcome to attend from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., April 21 and from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., April 22. Bouquets, miniature roses and other plants will be for sale. For more information, call (818) 360-1162 Northridge School: The National Institute for Health has asked the Center for Cancer and Developmental Biology at California State University Northridge to help battle cancer. The NIH awarded the school $400,000 over four years to study cancer cells and the role sugar biology plays in spreading deadly viruses and bacteria. San Fernando Swim: Construction has started on the second phase of a $14 million new aquatic center. The center includes a competition and instructional pool, splash area and 15,000-square-foot building that houses offices, classrooms and locker rooms. It replaces a 1950s-era facility that closed in 2004. Sherman Oaks Best: The Valley Industry & Commerce Association hosts its 7th annual Excellence in Business Gala on June 15 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. The event pays tribute to employers distinguishing themselves as the best of the San Fernando Valley in their respective fields by providing an innovative or outstanding service, product or process. Awards will be given in entertainment, finance, health care, manufacturer, public official, real estate/retail, technology, and VICA Business Advocate. Individual tickets are $250 when registered by May 15; $350 afterward. Call (818) 817-0545 or visit vica.com. Meet: Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick is the special guest at an April 24 reception sponsored by The Valley Industry and Commerce Association and Sherman Oaks Hospital. The reception takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Spazio Restaurant, 14755 Ventura Blvd. A meeting for how members can get more out of their investment in VICA takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration for both events is free. Reservations must be made by April 20. Call (818) 817-0545 or visit vica.com. Van Nuys Chocolate: The San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc. hosts a fine wine and chocolate tasting event May 20. The tasting event takes place at the “Collection at Galpin Motors,” the private car collection of Galpin owner Bert Boeckmann. Actress Sally Struthers will be the special guest host. The SFV Mental Health Center is a private, non-profit agency enhancing the mental health of individuals and families through services to children and adolescents with serious emotional disorders and rehabilitative services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Tickets are $100 each or $125 after May 7. Call (818) 901-4830 or visit centerevents.org. Woodland Hills Award : Nexsan Technologies received the New Product of the Year Award for its Assureon Archiving Appliance at the Network Computing Awards presented in March in London. The Network Computing Awards recognize technology, tools and products at the forefront of the evolving technology market. Nexsan’s Assureon was named best new product over six other finalists. “This award is a validation of our dedication to providing business of all sizes with simple-to-use, secure and cost-effective archiving appliances that ensure the integrity and availability of information assets over their life time,” said Vice President of Marketing Brendan Kinkade. Veggies: The Northridge Fashion Center seasonal Farmers’ Market & Family Festival opened again for business on April 11. In addition to organic produce, hot foods and fresh flowers, the weekly market features entertainment, children’s rides, a petting zoo and local crafts. Opening day ceremonies included the Granada Hills High School Highlander Marching Band. The market takes place every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Tampa Avenue parking lot at the mall. It runs through Oct. 24. Careers: The Los Angeles. Pierce College Spring Career Fair takes place on May 15 at the school’s campus mall. The fair targets students, past students and the surrounding community members for employment opportunities. A $135 fee is charged for an employer to reserve a space to advertise their company or business. An employer must register by April 28. Call (818) 719-6453 VENTURA COUNTY Camarillo Art: California State University Channel Islands has opened a new art gallery in Old Town Camarillo. The CSUCI Exhibitions space at 92 Palm Drive will feature ongoing exhibits by students and faculty and curated shows. The galley is a collaboration between the school’s art program and building owner Dr. Michael Czubiak.
