Coral Aloe

Coral striata, known as coral aloe, comes from South Africa. This drought-tolerant plant does very well in South California, and is popular in low-water landscaping. The grayish-green leaves develop a pink tinge on the edges in cold weather, and the plant blooms in winter or early spring. A mature plant can grow to as much as two feet wide and three feet tall.

San Fernando Valley: The Movie, The Song

San Fernando Valley was a 1944 movie filmed here and starring Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, who had a home in the valley. The film included a song of the same name, written by Gordon Jenkins. Bing Crosby recorded the song, and it became a surprise top hit, possibly because of its appeal to returning GIs who were ready to start fresh lives, or possibly just because of Crosby's popularity. People from all over the country were flocking to South California. "I'm gonna settle down and never more roam. And make the San Fernando Valley my home." Nancy Sinatra resurrected the song in 2002 on her California Girl album.

Blast From the Past

During World War II, hundreds of air raid sirens were installed throughout Los Angeles County as part of a civil defense system. The idea was to warn citizens and mobilize local defense plans in case of an enemy attack. The sirens were used in 1942 in the so-called "Battle of Los Angeles", an apparent false alarm that caused panic and injury, resulting in the deaths of five people. The sirens were also set off as part of the celebration on August 14, 1945, the day that Japan surrendered, ending the war.

After the war, the sirens were switched off, but during the Cold War of the 1950's they were reconditioned and reactivated, and some new sirens were added. They were tested on the last Friday of each month, which probably would have been a good time to attack the city, if one were so inclined. They also occasionally frightened citizens by short-circuiting at odd hours. Over time, the sirens deteriorated, replacement parts could not be found, and the system came to be seen as useless. They were officially silenced in 1985.

Because of the potential expense, there has been no project to take down the old sirens. From time to time, they are removed as safety hazards, or to make way for new projects. Most people don't notice them, just a few more poles in a city full of light posts, electrical wiring, telephone poles, satellite dishes and cell towers. Dennis Hanley, whose website documents the location of these relics, reports that as recently as April 2007, more than 85% of the sirens in the Valley were still standing, compared to nearly 77% city-wide. You can see Dennis's Air Raid Siren Page for a detailed list of locations.

Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is a 6 1/2 acre park located in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. It incorporates elements traditional to gardens built for feudal lords in the 18th and 19th centuries. There are paved paths, water features and a tea house. Many water birds, especially egrets and ducks, can be seen enjoying the area. The garden shares its address on Woodley Avenue with a wastewater treatment plant which supplies the water for the garden's lake. Although visually appealing, the experience is affected by a distinctive odor whose pungency varies depending on the weather and the direction of the wind. The treatment plant can be viewed from an elevated walkway at one end of the garden.