THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
Valley's Namesake is a Front of History
By Amy Orozco
Tucked in the northeast corner of its namesake valley, the city of San Fernando is a treasure trove of Early California architectural delights. Spanish Colonial Revival buildings fill downtown, but between the Golden State Freeway and San Fernando Road along Brand Boulevard (and side streets) are many original bungalow and Arts & Crafts-style homes. For Mid-Century Modern residences, see the neighborhood bordered by Glenoaks on the north, Library Street on the south, and in between Lazard and Harding streets.
Neighborhoods: Hang Around Above Sylmar
By: Amy Orozco
Named by Italian immigrants for its once abundant olive groves, Sylmar means sea (mar) of trees (silva). Now, L.A.'s northernmost neighborhood is more synonymous with fires and earthquakes, but its ties to the Mediterranean fruit live on in the names of local institutions such as Olive View Medical Center and Olive Vista Junior High School.
The Toast of the Coast
By Amy Orozco
The Shore, as locals call it, is a Long Beach neighborhood known for its sunny vibe and the 250 or so businesses lining 2nd Avenue, including eateries, boutiques, and a vibrant night-life mix of bars, pubs, restaurants and live-music venues that keep the sidewalks busy almost 24 hours a day. Just east of downtown Long Beach, Belmont Shore is still a place where people go to spend seasons by the Pacific.
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