It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Casa Adobe de San Rafael and Park in Glendale, CA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Glendale, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“As anyone will tell you, the process of finding someone to take care of”
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“Always Best Care provided excellent service to us during the time our family member needed”
“They gave my mother great care. Worked thru scheduling conflicts. My mom loved her caregivers.”
“My mother is 92 and services we get have been wonderful! Excellent Caregiver! Office staff is”
“Always very caring about your patients and asking them questions about their needs”
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“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for”
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“I am a current client of this provider Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of”
“Diane Pierson was great. She guided us through a very difficult time while searching for”
“I want to personally thank Diane Pierson and Ly French with Always Best Care Senior”
“As anyone will tell you, the process of finding someone to take care of a loved one involves a lot of vetting. We were apprehensive due to the insurance company making the referral. I am happy to report all good! Surprised and delighted. My husband and I just started with Always Best Care. From the initial visit to the home, the office, and the perfectly matched final team of ladies sent to take care of our MAAH-MAH. Top notch. This is our first week, and so far, everything is going well. We pray for a long, successful relationship.”
“Diane and her team were nothing but wonderful to my family and especially my father. I would highly recommend them.”
“The staff is kind, caring, and responsive to any health changes that may occur. The nurses assisted my pops with in-home daily living assistance and medicine reminders. They helped my pops enjoy life again for his last few years. I am extremely grateful ✨️????.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent service to us during the time our family member needed in home care. The caregivers provided were professional and sensitive to the patient's needs and always dependable. Diane was available to answer questions and help us navigate the cumbersome healthcare system. I highly recommend Always Best Care under the direction of Diane Pierson.”
“They gave my mother great care. Worked thru scheduling conflicts. My mom loved her caregivers.”
“My mother is 92 and services we get have been wonderful! Excellent Caregiver! Office staff is extremely helpful. They are happy to answer any kind of questions or concerns I may have.”
“Always very caring about your patients and asking them questions about their needs”
“I am a current client of this provider The owner Diane, is on top of things. They have kind caring and knowledgeable staff and respond in a very timely manner. What a great service they have provided both mentally and physically for our family. Highly recommended.”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”
“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”
“I was trying to get a lifeline alert system for my mom and was having a difficult time finding a right one until I got connected with Diane. She was so professional and productive!!! Definitely a go to person if you ever need her service. Thank you so much Diane!!”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”
“Diane Pierson was great. She guided us through a very difficult time while searching for an assistive living with memory care facility care for my 90 year old step mother. Diane took her time, spoke with us and provided several options. We are now in the process of relocating my step mother to an excellent facility that she recommended and would not be able to do this relocation without her help.”
“I want to personally thank Diane Pierson and Ly French with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena for everything they did to help me find a place for my mother to reside at. They are very dedicated and supportive to all the families they help. My mother could have become homeless without Ly’s expertise, empathy, commitment and clear communication on what to do next. Always Best Care specifically matched my mother's unique circumstances, social needs, desired location and budget. Diane and Ly are very passionate about senior care and will help you and your family with the highest level of service. I will never forget this experience or their kindness. I highly recommend them to everyone! We made the best choice working with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Brand Park in Glendale, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Salt and Olive or visit Doctor's House Museum and Gazebo, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Glendale, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Glendale, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Glendale, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Published on October 12, 2025On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Glendale, California, will host the 8th annual GiniFest, a festival dedicated to celebrating the best of Armenian wine, spirits, and culture. The event is scheduled to run from 3 PM to 9 PM, taking place at 200 North Orange Street. What began as a local celebration has since grown into a highly anticipated event, drawing attendees from not onl...
Published on October 12, 2025
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Glendale, California, will host the 8th annual GiniFest, a festival dedicated to celebrating the best of Armenian wine, spirits, and culture. The event is scheduled to run from 3 PM to 9 PM, taking place at 200 North Orange Street. What began as a local celebration has since grown into a highly anticipated event, drawing attendees from not only the Armenian diaspora but from across the globe. The festival brings together a rich selection of top-quality wines, live entertainment, and delicious food. GiniFest continues to grow in significance, strengthening cultural ties and offering an immersive experience that introduces Armenian traditions to a broader audience.
The Rise of GiniFest: A Showcase of Armenian Winemaking Craftsmanship
Since its debut in 2018, GiniFest has evolved into one of the most significant cultural events in Los Angeles. The festival, which started as a modest gathering of just 300 people, now attracts thousands of visitors each year. This expansion highlights not only the growing popularity of the event but also the rising global interest in Armenian wine and spirits. As the festival continues to attract more attendees, it underscores the increasing appreciation for the artisanal craftsmanship that defines Armenian winemaking.
Over the years, GiniFest has become a prominent platform for showcasing the talent of Armenian winemakers and spirit producers. The festival provides an exceptional opportunity for guests to sample some of the finest Armenian wines and spirits, sourced from top-tier vineyards and distilleries both within Armenia and abroad. By presenting these exceptional beverages, the festival offers visitors an authentic experience of Armenian winemaking traditions, which have been developed and refined over centuries.
For those who are well-versed in the world of wine or newcomers to Armenian culture, GiniFest presents an unmissable opportunity to explore the distinctive qualities of Armenian beverages. It provides a rare chance for guests to taste products that might otherwise be unavailable outside Armenia, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture that influences these wines.
A Full Sensory Experience: Music, Food, and Art at GiniFest
While the focus of GiniFest 2025 is on wine and spirits, the event extends far beyond just tastings. The festival offers a sensory celebration that blends live music, exceptional food, and visual art into an engaging cultural experience. Throughout the day, local and regional musicians will perform, filling the streets of Glendale with music that ranges from traditional Armenian sounds to modern dance performances and performances by local bands and DJs. The diversity of live entertainment ensures the atmosphere remains vibrant, with the music acting as the heartbeat of the festival.
In addition to the musical acts, GiniFest offers a wide variety of global cuisine. Visitors will have the chance to indulge in traditional Armenian dishes, such as khorovats (Armenian BBQ), along with a diverse array of international street foods. The food offerings are carefully selected to pair perfectly with the wines and spirits being served, allowing festivalgoers to enjoy a harmonious fusion of flavors that elevate both the food and drink.
The festival also features an artisan marketplace, where attendees can purchase handcrafted goods such as art, jewelry, and other cultural artifacts. The marketplace not only offers a chance to take home a piece of the festival but also highlights the work of local artisans and global creators. It’s an opportunity to support creativity while experiencing the best of both Armenian and international artistry. The combination of food, wine, music, and art ensures that GiniFest is an immersive celebration of culture and creativity.
GiniFest’s Commitment to Giving Back: Supporting Education in Armenia
Beyond its role as a cultural festival, GiniFest is deeply committed to making a positive impact. This year, the festival has pledged to direct a portion of its proceeds to support education for students in Armenia. Specifically, $20 from every ticket sold will go directly toward providing scholarships and tuition assistance for students in need. This initiative is an essential part of GiniFest’s mission to create opportunities for the younger generation in Armenia, helping them pursue higher education and build better futures.
By contributing to educational causes, GiniFest demonstrates its commitment to fostering cultural pride and social responsibility. The festival is more than just a gathering for wine and music; it’s an event that makes a meaningful contribution to Armenian society. Guests who attend GiniFest are not only indulging in the pleasures of food, drink, and entertainment—they are also helping shape the future of Armenian students.
Event Information: A Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss
Here are the essential details for GiniFest 2025:
Whether someone is an expert in Armenian wines, a first-time attendee, or simply looking for an enjoyable day of cultural exploration, GiniFest 2025 offers something for everyone. The festival provides a rare chance to immerse oneself in Armenian culture while also connecting with others who share an appreciation for fine wine, craft spirits, and artistic expression. As the event continues to grow, it is expected to attract an even larger crowd, further establishing it as one of the most important cultural festivals in California.
GiniFest’s Impact on Travelers and Tourism
As GiniFest attracts increasing attention from both national and international audiences, its influence on tourism will likely grow significantly. The festival offers members of the Armenian diaspora a special opportunity to reconnect with their roots and experience the rich cultural heritage of their homeland. Additionally, the event serves as an accessible and exciting introduction to Armenian culture for visitors from around the world.
The growing popularity of GiniFest is expected to draw substantial numbers of visitors to Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area, contributing to the local economy. The event benefits businesses, restaurants, hotels, and other services, boosting the tourism industry in the region. Furthermore, the increasing international demand for Armenian wine and spirits has created a new niche within the travel market. Travelers who are keen to explore the wine culture of Armenia will now have a reason to visit Glendale as it becomes a significant stop on the global wine tourism map.
GiniFest serves as an excellent example of cultural tourism, a growing trend where travelers seek authentic, immersive experiences that allow them to engage directly with local traditions. The festival provides an ideal setting for tourists to discover Armenian wines, enjoy local cuisine, and experience live performances that showcase the vibrant culture of Armenia. This aspect of the festival draws both casual visitors and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Moreover, GiniFest’s philanthropic focus enhances its appeal for travelers who are increasingly interested in supporting causes that align with their values. By contributing to scholarships and tuition aid for Armenian students, the festival offers visitors a chance to participate in a meaningful cause while enjoying a world-class cultural event. This sense of contributing to something greater adds an extra layer of social responsibility to the festival, attracting a diverse and conscientious audience.
A Global Event with Local Impact: Bringing People Together
In conclusion, GiniFest 2025 in Glendale is much more than just a celebration of Armenian wine, spirits, and culture—it is a truly global event that fosters connections between people from diverse backgrounds. As the festival has grown, it has become a platform for showcasing the best of Armenian winemaking and artisanal craftsmanship, while offering attendees a chance to experience Armenian traditions firsthand.
The festival’s success reflects the increasing global interest in Armenian culture and highlights the growing importance of cultural festivals in the modern tourism industry. GiniFest has the potential to become a key destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences that allow them to engage with a country’s cultural heritage. It also offers a unique opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the diverse flavors and sounds of Armenia, all while supporting a meaningful social cause.
For GiniFest 2025 attendees, the festival will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience that combines culture, community, and compassion. Whether it’s their first visit or they’re returning for another celebration of Armenian heritage, the event promises to be a memorable journey through wine, food, music, and a deeper connection to the rich cultural legacy of Armenia. GiniFest continues to grow as an important cultural landmark and a must-attend event for anyone interested in celebrating the best of Armenian traditions.
Plans to redevelop a onetime anchor of Downtown Glendale have hit an unexpected roadblock, following a vote taken by the Glendale City Council.On October 21, the City Council rejected plans from Trammell Crow Residential for the redevelopment of the former Sears department store, located at 236 N. Central Avenue. The proposed project would call for the construction of an eight-story, approximately 650,000-square-foot mixed-use complex containing 682 rental apartments - including 72 very low-income units - with 1,515 square feet of gro...
Plans to redevelop a onetime anchor of Downtown Glendale have hit an unexpected roadblock, following a vote taken by the Glendale City Council.
On October 21, the City Council rejected plans from Trammell Crow Residential for the redevelopment of the former Sears department store, located at 236 N. Central Avenue. The proposed project would call for the construction of an eight-story, approximately 650,000-square-foot mixed-use complex containing 682 rental apartments - including 72 very low-income units - with 1,515 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and a 930-car garage.
As a proposed condition of approval, Trammell Crow Residential was also to set aside a portion of the former Sears complex, located off-site to the north at 201 California Avenue, for potential redevelopment as a public park.
The project took advantage of the provisions of AB 130, a recently adopted state law which granted the proposed development an exemption from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act, and forced the City to either vote to approve or deny the project by October 21. A staff report to the Council concluded that the project was eligible for an exemption under AB 130, and Glendale's city attorney also cautioned the Council that the legal findings required for denial of a density bonus project could not be made.
Members of the Council nonetheless chafed at the design of the project, with some expressing that the project lacked sufficient Art Deco detailing to match the former Sears building at its heyday. On a 4-1 vote, the Council moved to deny the project, with the lone voice of dissent coming from Mayor Ara Najarian, who warned that the City could find itself in legal jeopardy and risks decertification of its housing element.
Christopher Burt of Cox, Castle & Nicholson, the project's attorney, stated that a lawsuit over the decision is likely, and described the potential case as a "slam dunk" due to the fact that the City Council did not attempt to make the required findings for denial. Alternatively, the City Council could elect to reconsider the project at a later date depending on guidance from state regulators.
The project, which is the first AB 130 development to come before the Glendale City Council, is not the first density bonus development to be denied in Los Angeles County against the advice of a City's legal counsel. In 2024, the East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission voted to deny a density bonus project at 2115 E. Cesar Chavez Avenue in Boyle Heights despite warnings from the Los Angeles City Attorney's office, and was later forced to rescind that decision and approve the development under court order. The South Los Angeles Area Planning Commission was similarly forced to rescind its 2019 denial of the District Square development on Crenshaw Boulevard.
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Director and Producer Brent Pace of Pace Live Productions with Executive Producer and Assistant Director Ceili Moore have put together a commercial entertainment and loosely tried to attach it to the history of Ireland. “Tried” being the operative word. Although I was asked to attend the show and write a review of it, upon arrival to the theater I was surprised to find that there was no program, no way for me to know who was performing in what role or capacity. There was not even a QR code with a program attached as is s...
Director and Producer Brent Pace of Pace Live Productions with Executive Producer and Assistant Director Ceili Moore have put together a commercial entertainment and loosely tried to attach it to the history of Ireland. “Tried” being the operative word. Although I was asked to attend the show and write a review of it, upon arrival to the theater I was surprised to find that there was no program, no way for me to know who was performing in what role or capacity. There was not even a QR code with a program attached as is sometimes the case. It would seem the cast is unimportant and that the reviewer is to focus on the construct of the show rather than the personalities inhabiting it. So be it. This is badly done and does a great disservice to the hard work of the cast in delivering this show.
Let me say at the outset that I have had some experience in choreographing and directing Irish Dance having worked with Mark Howard and the Trinity Irish Dance Company of Chicago. It is possible to marry Irish Dance with other forms such as Contemporary and Modern. “A Taste of Ireland” does not do this. Instead, it relies on the uncredited dancers to supply all of the various types of movement that the choreographers think will wow the audiences. Unfortunately, while all of the dancers have backgrounds in competitive Irish Dance (and they are all excellent in this format) they have little if any experience in contemporary or modern, jazz or ballet. This was made painfully obvious in the port-de-bras and lack of follow through in the body during the moments infused with jazz or contemporary movement.
I want to say here that the dancers were fantastic at the sections of the show where Irish Dance was featured. In groups or solos they were clean, the footwork exacting and powerful. However, they fared less well when rolling to the floor in order to accomplish a sexy head roll with a back attitude leg in a suggestive pose. This made the whole event seem amateurish. Truly this show is at best suitable for a Universal Theme Park or even a Disney Cruise. There were moments when it devolved into a mere recital. It is by no means a theatrical spectacular worthy of the heritage of “Riverdance” or “Lord of the Dance”.
Part of the “History” of the show was a series of projections on the back scrim ostensibly telling us what period in Ireland’s history was being performed. This proved far too vague to actually attach the choreography to, as there was little in the movement to suggest the particular dates and events on the projections. This was exacerbated by the costumes for the show, of which there were many. All of them out of synch with the projections and certainly out of touch with the history. My case in point was the slide which tells us of the invasion of the Vikings into Ireland. Here the men wore black shirts and black leggings with a shredded part of a kilt, just the suggestion of a kilt I should say, along with various leather harnesses and arm bands one buys at Chi-Chi LaRue’s Sex Store and Dungeon Wear in West Hollywood. For the women there was an over abundance of sequins and short skirts meant to be sexy but only succeeded in raising my eyebrow in wondering why the history of Ireland needs to be filtered through Las Vegas glitz in order to be palatable to today’s audiences? This was most strongly felt when we got to the Great Famine and the women wore pajama tops with black booty shorts and held their stomachs as if they were going to be sick. This was all the Great Famine brought out in the creators of this show? Either they are incredibly naïve or they wanted a quick money maker by billing this as “A Taste Of Ireland” for an American tour. Unfortunately, not all Americans are ignorant of the Irish History nor are they unaware of the incredible struggles the Irish have gone through for hundreds of years for their independence and the price it has exacted. The History of Ireland deserves a much more serious focus which dance companies such as Mark Howard’s Trinity Irish Dance in Chicago is doing. Pace Live is far off the mark. I cannot tell you the performers names, nor the musicians, and I am sorry for that as they delivered to the best of their ability this weakly organized and overly glamorized show.
For more information about the Alex Theatre, please visit their website.
Written by Brian Fretté for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Male ensemble in “A Taste of Ireland” – Photo by Chris Hardy.
GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Glendale's historic Sears and Roebuck building used to be an art deco centerpiece of downtown Glendale. Now, it's the center of a battle between a property developer and the city's mayor.Located at the intersection of Central and California avenues, the Sears building opened its doors in 1936. But Sears declared bankruptcy in 2018, and the building has now been vacant for about a year and a half.The owner of the building has submitted plans to tear it down and replace it with housing, commercial space...
GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Glendale's historic Sears and Roebuck building used to be an art deco centerpiece of downtown Glendale. Now, it's the center of a battle between a property developer and the city's mayor.
Located at the intersection of Central and California avenues, the Sears building opened its doors in 1936. But Sears declared bankruptcy in 2018, and the building has now been vacant for about a year and a half.
The owner of the building has submitted plans to tear it down and replace it with housing, commercial space and a public park.
Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, however, argues the building should be preserved for its historic significance.
"This was a favorite store. Many people had their first jobs here, they met their spouses here, they bought their first bicycle, first washer and dryer for newlyweds," said Najarian.
According to Najarian, the developer's proposal includes 682 new apartments. Some argue that the increased housing would be beneficial for the community.
"If it's going to turn into another corporate or commercial building, I'd rather have it turn into a residential because Glendale is so congested, I think we need additional housing for people," said Glendale resident Tina Amirkhanyan.
Despite the mayor's wishes, the city no longer has a say in the matter. A new state law can't force developers to go through a historic review process if the building isn't already registered as a historic landmark when the plans are submitted.
Najarian says this is just one example of the city losing control over its own history. He wrote a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom about his concerns, but has not heard back yet.
Najarian says the Sears building could be demolished by the end of the year. He urges the community to be proactive and fight to preserve pieces of local history.
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