GIGA GRANADA HILLS

A flyer being circulated in the Old Granada Hills area warns that "Coyotes are wandering our streets in the early mornings" and says that the coyotes have killed "a number" of cats. The all-uppercase flyer doesn't have a signature, nor does it provide any supporting details of the alleged cat killings, making it difficult to fact-check. It's certainly possible that coyotes are wandering around Old GH, although they tend to be more commonly seen in the less densely populated parts of town, like the Bee Canyon area. But it's also possible that this flyer contains a bit of speculation, too. "Since they feel this is a good meal area, they'll return," the flyer asserts, which of course leads one to wonder how the message's author managed to get the inside scoop on the coyotes' feelings and their future plans. Still, the message is well-intentioned, and a decision to keep cats indoors would find plenty of support, including th...

This Southwestern style house in Old Granada Hills is one of the oldest houses in town, but it's only on its second owner. It's a great example of a remodel that works with the existing architecture instead of against it -- unlike the Eichlers I've seen with doric columns strapped to the front. The current owner told me that this house (an earlier incarnation is pictured at left) was built in 1927, and is one of the 19 of the oldest houses in Granada Hills. She shared some knowledge, gleaned from neighbors, of the home's previous owner. "Her husband was a Mason, and he died, so the Masons got together and each donated a hundred dollars to her. So she had $500 that she used for the down payment on this house, and she raised her two kids here." The house was tiny by modern standards, so the current owner added on what is now the kitchen and an additional bedroom. The kitchen has a vintage stove and wormwood cabinets made in Mexico, which contributes to t...