GIGA GRANADA HILLS

Sometimes, it's tough being a Granada Hillsian. Living out in the sticks as we do, there are so many things we have to travel for miles to get. Want to ride on a roller coaster? You have to go to Valencia to do that. Want some Ethiopian food? It's all the way down on Fairfax, which might as well be on the moon. Want to buy the fabric to sew yourself a frock? JoAnn's is all the way out in Porter Ranch. And if you want a Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich, you have to hitch up your horses and ride all the way out to the forbidden hinterlands of Northridge. It might have been worse, though. When he learned that his brother Keith planned to open a Banh Mi shop, Michael Bao Huynh, a very highly regarded chef who owns several Vietnamese restaurants in New York City, said he should put it on Melrose. But Keith, who lives over by White Oak and has kids at GHCHS, wanted something a lot closer to home. So he opened Bun Me on Reseda Boulevard. GH's sole Vietnamese joint, Goo...

The stereotype of Valley residents is that once you drive over the hill, everyone is over the hill — if not numerically, then philosophically. However, since work began on the new Valley Performing Arts Center at Cal State Northridge, San Fernando Valley residents have had hope that the spectacular new structure could undo a million cultural-wasteland jokes, providing the locals with not only outstanding local shows but a sense of pride. The building is indeed everything the Valley hoped for: soaring walls of glass enveloping an acoustically tuned, 1,700-seat theater, a smaller theater and a lecture hall and classrooms. The center opens with a gala on Jan. 29, followed by the first season of programming. Unfortunately, it's at that point — the programming — where the Valley Performing Arts Center's ambitions run aground. Read More at L.A. Weekly

Granada Hills needs a book to get us through the coming winter months. A book to curl up with on a rainy night by the fireplace, a book to be seen with as you sip your Pumpkin Spice Latte (tm) at the Starbucks over by OSH, a book to fight for the last copy of at the Granada Hills Branch Library, so conveniently located next to Petit Park, a great place for a read during a break in the clouds. The first time I heard of the concept of a "One Book" program, it seemed to have a fascist ring to it --"Ein Buch! Ein Reich! Ein Führer!" But once I heard that Vancouver's version of the program, One Vancouver, One Book , chose perennial geeklarity favorite The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, I realized that I might have been all turned around on the subject -- of One Book , and of Vancouverites, whom I'd always previously thought of as far less nerdy. But the nerds are my people, and I embrace their ideas wholeheartedly, for I am one of them. Chime in wi...

Data chart comparing this year to last year and to average rainfall in Granada Hills. Thanks, Tom Tcimpidis!

It's surprising to think that a street named after a humble 3x5 card could be so ostentatious, but drive along Index Street between Louise and White Oak on any December evening and you'll be dazzled by the number of houses with elaborate, twinkling Christmas light displays. The show continues as you wind through the neighborhood on Donmetz, Lahey, Encino, "Candy Cane" Lasaine, and Jellico streets. This density of decorating can't be an accident, I assume; it looks like an agreed-upon, coordinated effort. And in fact it is, but only in part. This neighborhood light display grew somewhat organically -- one house started up, and then the house across the street from them, and so on, and so on. And ground zero for this explosion of Christmas cheer is Cheryl Ford's house on Jellico Avenue -- the one with the Ferris wheel. read more

There will be plenty of sheltered space to come in from the rain on Sunday and enjoy these food trucks, and remember: Santa suits are warm! Belly Dance performance by Twisted Gypsy accompanied by live drums VFW Post 2323 17522 Chatsworth St. (at Encino) Granada Hills 91344 Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010 1pm-? Fishlips Sushi Classic sushi bar favorites, on wheels! Gourmet Genie Middle Eastern with a twist: Lamb sliders, anyone? Greenz On Wheelz Fortunately, it's not as virtuous as it sounds, thanks to indulgent salads like Steak with blue cheese. Komodo One of the favorite trucks of our last Granada Hills Food Truck Fest, don't miss the Asian marinated chicken and the died-and-gone-to heaven Truffle Fries. Crepen Around This long-term Granada Hills favorite has crepes, yes, but also killer garlic fries. Mandoline Grill offering fresh, crisp vegan and carnivore-friendly bánh mì sandwiches, and of course, her...