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Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Real Estate
626-497-4606
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La Canada Flintridge Fire Continues to Spread

August 28, 2009

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles County as the fire in the foothills of La Canada threatens the nearby residents. The fire, which started Thursday, has currently blazed through over 1200 acres surrounding Angeles Crest Highway and the northernmost sections of La Canada. As of Friday afternoon the fire has spread east bound towards Altadena, and is also spreading South towards the La Canada homes and that lie below.

So far evacuations have been only made voluntary to more than 870 homes by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The homes being threatened by the fire lie north and east of Vista Del Valle Road and the streets surrounding the La Canada Flintridge Country Club.

After removing items from my father's La Canada home, which lies in the path of the fire, I took these amateur photos with my camera phone. If my lungs are hurting after just removing a few valuables from the inside of a house, I can imagine how the 800 firefighters that are currently working on putting this one out are feeling.

ERICA SWANSON

RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM

Erica@RivasEstates.com

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE HISTORY

Photo of San Gabriel Mountains from the new town center.

Having been born and raised as a second generation La Canada resident, I felt the need to get to know the history of the quaint town that I grew up in. I vividly remember the summers when my brother and I had the opportunity to ride our bikes up to the dirt trails in the foothills "running wild" and in the same day meet up with friends at the retail stores on the boulevard and just be kids. It was, and still is, a place that we could be active outdoors without my mother worrying if we would be safe. It's a reason that I now as an adult greatly appreciate the childhood I had.

La Canada Flintridge is located within Los Angeles county where one can be removed from the congestion of the city but close enough to experience the cultures that Los Angeles has to offer. I credit much of the history I provide in this article to the educational, and entertaining, documentory movie Rancho La Canada.


EARLY HISTORY OF LA CANADA

The first inhabitants to occupy the areas covering what is today known as the Crescenta-Canada Valley were the Tongva Indians. It was the later years of the 18th century when missionaries were sent from Spain to convert the native occupants throughout California to Catholicism. The natives who did not go to the California missions to live and work were either collected by soldiers, fled to the hills and canyons, or gave way to diseases that were brought by the new settlers.

It was Don Jose Maria Verdugo who first claimed ownership over the area, which was granted to him after asking the governor of California for a piece of land for him to retire at and to raise cattle after having served the King of Spain. Ignacio Coronel, who was granted a portion of the Verdugo family’s land in 1843, named La Canada, meaning “a glen between the mountains”. The section of Verdugo’s land that Coronel was granted extended from Tujunga all the way across from the northern tip of Glendale to the Arroyo Seco and it was this entire area that made up what was Rancho La Canada. It was in 1871 that the first U.S. citizen, by the name of Colonel Theodore Pickens, moved into the Crescenta-Canada Valley area, who built a small residence at what is now known as Pickens Canyon, an area that lies along the La Crescenta-La Canada city border line. He built a small, humble residence up against the foothills close to one of the valley’s only water sources.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF LA CANADA

The three key players in the planning and development of what was Rancho La Canada were Dr. Benjamin Briggs, Dr. Jacob Lanterman, and Frank P. Flint.

Suffering from tuberculosis, a man by the name of Colonel Adolphus Williams moved to California as a healthseeker from Lansing, Michigan in 1874 for its warm, dry climate. He settled in at one of the many health resorts that were open at the time in La Canada. As word of the area’s healthful air quality began to spread, the valley became a tourist attraction. Hotels and sanitariums sprang up. At one time there were as many as 25 health sanitariums in operation. Williams, almost immediately recovering from his tuberculosis, wrote to a friend from his hometown in Michigan, Dr. Jacob Lanterman, who was suffering from bronchitis, and strongly urged him to move to California, insisting that it’s climate will cure any illness. Lanterman made the trip, joing up with Williams at the Dunks Hotel, which was located roughly where today Green intersects with Angeles Crest Highway.

Because both Williams and Lanterman praised the valley’s air quality they made the decision to collectively purchase what was the entire Rancho La Canada land Grant from the Verdugo family for $10,000, which was a low price even for that time. Water was hard to come by in the valley which made the land in the area unappealing for settlers and developers.

Upon purchasing the 5830 acres of land, Lanterman and Williams immediately took up a search for a water source in the area, which was not an easy task. Gravity water and run off was all there was to suffice. It wasn’t until Frank P. Flint, one of La Canada’s other developers, came into the area that this problem became solved.

In the process of subdividing off the land for resale, Lanterman and Williams began to develop the main road that ran across La Canada, naming it Michigan Avenue after their hometown state, which in later years was renamed Foothill Boulevard. Michigan Ave was initially a dirt road that ran along the foothills of the land grant and was hard to travel across because of the ditches and ravines in the valley that it dipped up and down into. Eventually over the years these ditches and ravines were filled in, and Michigan Avenue became a well traveled road.

In working at subdividing and selling off parcels of Rancho La Canada, Lanterman and Williams fell into a law suit with eachother, with Lanterman accusing Williams of falsely surveying and dividing the parcels. During this time Benjamin Briggs, an accomplished man who originally moved west from the east coast for the gold rush, purchased the western half of Rancho La Canada from Lanterman and Williams.

Briggs had arrived to the West Coast in his early 20’s in 1881 with his two brothers, and eventually settled into Rancho La Canada after he and his brothers had succeeded in pioneering California’s fruit growing industry. Briggs felt that the Crescenta-Canada valley offered the best climate in terms of aiding ones health, which he felt to be important in a time that he was morning the death of his young bride, Abby Briggs, who had died of tuberculosis.

After purchasing his portion of land from Lanterman and Williams, he began surveying and subdividing 10 acre lots to be sold as ranches, which included what eventually became Montrose as well as the land that he named La Crescenta, named after the crescent shapes that the mountains formed along the foothills. Briggs built his home near where Theodore Pickens had lived, in Pickens Canyon. It was the road that led up to his home that eventually became named Briggs Avenue, a road that exists today running north and south, close to the La Canada, La Crescenta border.

Briggs is remembered for having started the first school in the valley, as well as forming the first church, which he initially started in his own home, the first public park, and the first full-time medical practice in the area.

La Canada Flintridge is named in part after Frank P. Flint due to his part in being one of the main players in the development of La Canada. As Senator of California, Flint played a great part in making the Mission style the official architecture of government buildings in Southern California and played a major political role in bringing Owens Valley water to metropolitan Los Angeles. In addition to his title as a United States Senator, Flint was also a judge, a banker, a deputy Marshall, a lawyer, and a real estate developer.

After many political endeavors, in 1912 Frank Flint gained an interest in developing a wealthy suburb adjacent to Pasadena, which at that point had been already fully developed for some time and was one of the wealthiest addresses in the nation. He purchased 1700 acres of Rancho La Canada that lied south of Michigan Ave (now Foothill) and named it Flintridge.

Along with the Flintridge Equestrian Center and the Flintridge Country Club, Frank Flint built the Flintridge Hotel at the top of the southern end of the San Rafael mountains, all within his 1700 acres of land. Designed by the renowned architect, Myron Hunt, the hotel opened in 1927 but because it was remotley located and the rooms were expensive the hotel failed and was forced to sell it to the Biltmore Hotel chain, who not long after sold it to the Catholic church. Shortly after the onset of the great depression it was founded by Dominican Sisters and since 1931 it has been an all girls Catholic high school, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy.

Even though the 210 freeway, which was built in the 1970’s, cut through what was the Golf Course that Flint had built, the Flintridge Country Club became what is now St. Franics High School, and his hotel became Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, Frank Flint’s name is still reflected in the name of La Canada-Flintridge, as well as the cities clubs, schools, and businesses.

POST WWII

It was after the second World War when most of our country was settling and starting families after the war that La Canada changed from a ranching community to the residential family community that it is today. In 1950 Frank Lanterman, as resident of La Canada and relative to one of La Canada’s founding member, was elected to the California State Assembly and succeeded in gaining Colorado River water for La Canada in 1955. This was a pivotal event in La Canada, allowing further development of residential communities in the town. Many post war defense industry workers saw La Canada as an appealing place to settle, increasing the demand to built in the valley and with a new water source the area began to boom.

Many of the homes in La Canada that exist today are mid-century California Ranch style homes that were built during this time, and serve as homes for families to raise new generations of La Canada residents with the interest to have their children attend the cities blue ribbon schools.

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE TODAY

In 2003 La Canada property values rose by 23.4%, an astronomical increase that placed the city at the top of the charts for the entire nation. Although now, five years later, the market has shifted, the community of La Canada, as well as many surrounding areas, have held its own in comparison to the nationwide drop in house prices. La Canada has not dropped anywhere near a number that would compensate for the rise in property values that have occurred like that 23.4% increase in 2003. Profiled as having one of the lowest crime rates in the country has been one of the contributing factors for the desirability to live in La Canada.

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ERICA SWANSON

RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM

LA CANADA FORECLOSURES

FORECLOSURE OF THE WEEK

$774,900

This La Canada bank owned California Ranch style home is located on a quiet tree lined street. The large living room features hardwood floors and a fireplace. The kitchen was remodeled with granite counter tops and newer cabinets. The property has park-like gardens and patios, with a bonus room off the garage that could be utilized as an office or recreation room.

3 Bed/ 2 Bath

14,810 sq. foot lot

Structure 2000 sq. ft.

Built in 1952

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RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.LIVINGLACANADA.COM

TAYLOR'S STEAKHOUSE LA CANADA

La Canada restaurants seems like a rarity within the residential city, but at least La Canada’s residents do have a high caliber restaurant to choose from, the infamous Taylor’s Steakhouse.

The history of Taylor’s goes back to 1953 when “Tex” and Margie Taylor opened their first restaurant location on the corner of Olympic Blvd. and Western Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, which was relocated a few blocks away to it’s present location at 8th Street and Ardmore. “Tex” and Margie’s son, Bruce, took over the family business in the late 70’s, and eventually decided to open a second restaurant location in the Foothills where he and his family lived.

In 1996 La Canada Taylor’s Steakhouse was opened. Taylor’s Steakhouse was the only business that remained when groundbreaking took place to make way for the new La Canada Town Center-Sport Chalet complex. During the construction of the Town Center Taylor’s got a “new face”, remodeling the exterior and interior of the restaurant. Although recently updated the restaurant retained it’s old fashioned, warm, low-lit atmosphere.

Taylor’s takes pride in serving steaks that are selected from USDA eastern prime or certified Angus corn-fed beef exclusively. They also have a variety of fresh fish items, Australian lamb and free range chicken. Taylor’s also has a renovated bar that typically offers only standing room, particularly when patrons go for pre-dinner cocktails.

Taylor's Lunch Menu ~ Taylor's Dinner Menu

Taylor's Steakhouse. 901 Foothill Boulevard, La Canada, Ca 91011 (818) 790-7668

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RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.LIVINGLACANADA.COM

PENELOPE’S CAFÉ, BOOKS & GALLERY

1029 Foothill Boulevard, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

Penelope's La Canada is a garden cafe, book store and gallery that has been in business since 2001. Providing a homey setting, you can lunch in their beautifully landscaped garden, or take a seat by one of their inviting fireplaces and browse through their inventory of books they have for sale. Penelope’s Cafe features both new and used hardcovers and paperbacks, as well as a small selection of used magazines.

Bring your kids Saturday mornings at 10:15 for childrens' story time, and browse among their interesting and eclectic selections of visual art, wood carvings, jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, and skin care products, just to name a few. Those of you who were patrons of La Canada’s former Tudor Cottage will feel right at home at Penelope's.

Penelope's Cafe features live entertainment every Saturday, as well as the occasional Friday, from 11:45 am to 2:45 pm. Its large indoor and outdoor dining areas provide the perfect atmosphere for that bridal, baby, or wedding shower.

Hours: Tue-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. www.PenelopesCafe.com (818) 790-4386

LA CANADA SCHOOLS: FROM K-12

The La Cañada Unified School District serves most of the city. Three public schools serve grades K-6: La Cañada Elementary, Palm Crest Elementary, and Paradise Canyon Elementary School. The public high school, La Cañada High School, which also serves as a middle school for grades 7-8, is a 2004 Blue Ribbon School and is ranked as one of the top 100 high schools in the country.

In addition, a small portion of the city is served by the Glendale Unified School District, with La Canada Flintridge students attending Mountain Avenue Elementary School (a 2005 Blue Ribbon School), Rosemont Middle School, Clark Magnet High School (a 2005 California Distinguished School), and Crescenta Valley High School (a 2005 California Distinguished School).
The city is also home to many private schools including the very highly regarded St. Francis High School, Flintridge-Sacred Heart Academy, and Flintridge Preparatory School.

LA CANADA ELEMENTARY
The staff of La Cañada Elementary School is dedicated to the mission of providing a rich educational environment which challenges all students to think critically, solve complex problems, express themselves articulately, in speaking and writing, and work cooperatively and individually in a diverse and multicultural world.

4540 Encinas, La Cañada, CA 91011 (phone)818-952-8350 (fax)818-952-8355

PALM CREST ELEMENTARY
Located at the north end of Palm Drive, Palm Crest Elementary is La Canada’s most west lying school.

5025 Palm Drive, La Canada, CA 91011 (phone)818-952-8360

PARADISE CANYON ELEMENTARY
Paradise Canyon Elementary is located in the northeastern foothills of La Canada Flintridge. It is a K-6 school with a 2006-2007 enrollment of 665. The staff, students, and parents of Paradise Canyon Elementary School are committed to working together to ensure that each student reaches his or her intellectual, social, ethical, emotional, and physical potential.

471 Knight Way, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 818-952-8340(phone) 818-952-8337(fax)

ST. BEDE ELEMENTARY
Mission Statement
To nurture a Catholic learning community committed to faith development and academic excellence which inspires all members to respond generously to the call of the Old Testament to “Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 8)
Philosophy
As a Catholic school, St Bede’s shares a faith which shapes their vision of education in the modern world. This vision is focused first of all on the individuals they teach.

4524 Crown Avenue, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 (phone)818-790-7884 (fax)818-790-0699


LA CANADA HIGH SCHOOL
Mission Statement
It is the mission of La Canada High School, through the coordinated efforts of its faculty, staff, and community, to provide programs so that, upon graduation, all students will be inspired and able to use their developed skills to become leaders in service to society.

Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment
Provide the cohesive and rigorous curriculum, instruction and assessment that enable students to communicate clearly and effectively, to access and apply information, to practice problem solving and inquiry both individually and collaboratively, to think critically, to demonstrate creativity, to become productive citizens, to utilize technology and to become lifelong learners.

4463 Oak Grove Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, California
(phone)818-952-4200 (fax)818-952-4214 lchs@lcusd.net

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL
Mission Statement
St. Francis High School is a Catholic, college preparatory school for boys in grades 9-12. Since its founding by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in 1946, it has been committed to enriching the mind and heart, strengthening respect through service and humility, creating a family environment, and envisioning men of hope and peace. It offers a challenging curriculum and many opportunities for extracurricular involvement. St Francis is fully accredited by WASC and the WCEA.

Accreditation & Governance
St. Francis High School endeavors to develop in its students moral and spiritual maturity, intellectual growth, responsible citizenship, social awareness, physical well-being, and an understanding of the alternatives in their vocational and educational futures. Specifically, the school attempts to develop the intellectual growth of each student by:

2008-2009 Fees
The tuition and fees structure at St. Francis is among the lowest of the private schools in the area.
TUITION: $10,324
REGISTRATION: $650 plus books, and some class and athletic fees dependent upon what classes they take.

200 N. Foothill Blvd, La Canada Flintridge, Ca 91011 (phone)818-790-0325 (fax)818-790-5542

FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
Mission Statement
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy's mission is to educate young women in a holistic college preparatory program, where their unique gifts are viewed as essential for our world, where they are nurtured by a vibrant community of faith and where truth and love are the highest values.

Accreditation & Governance
FSHA is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA), and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).

Student Body
• 404 students are enrolled for the 2008-09 school year
• Approximately 13% are boarding students and 87% are day students
• Minorities represent over 40% of the student body
• Boarding students come from throughout the United States, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Macau, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Hong Kong, Qatar and the Philippines.
• Day students come from 32 local communities, including Pasadena, Glendale, Altadena, La Canada, Los Angeles, Sierra Madre, La Crescenta, San Marino, Arcadia, San Gabriel, South Pasadena, Monrovia, Alhambra, Sylmar, Burbank, Duarte, El Monte, Shadow Hills, Rancho Palos Verdes, Sun Valley, Temple City, Tujunga, and from Azusa, Bradbury, Granada Hills, Montrose, Newhall, North Hollywood, Studio City, Sunland, West Covina and Whittier.
Tuition and General Fee
• Day Student Tuition: $17,950
• Boarding Student Tuition and Room and Board: $39,275
Additional fees, including those for books, uniforms, and special programs may apply.

Financial Aid
Approximately 24% of the student body receives some form of scholarship or financial aid.

Many graduates receive acceptance into multiple colleges and universities, allowing them to have a selection of institutions to choose from . Many students are also awarded substantial scholarships ranging from $2000 to $40,000 per year from the educational institutions to which they are accepted.

440 Saint Katherine Drive, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 (phone)626-685-8500

FLINTRIDGE PREPARATORY
Mission Statement
We at Flintridge Prep believe that the teenage years are an end in themselves, not simply a time to build a transcript for a college admissions office. During these years the brain develops analytically, creatively, and emotionally. Skills and knowledge are acquired that allow students to pursue learning joyfully throughout their life.

Beyond the classroom, these are the years when students develop a sense of themselves and a sense of community. They sample the buffet of life opportunities in athletics, the arts, hobbies, and experiences to discover their passions, and they interact closely with teachers and friends to experience the deep connection among human beings. Individual achievement is balanced with group success, giving with getting, the intellectual life with human development. This is the age to learn what matters in the quest for the good life.

Academics
Flintridge is committed to the fulfillment of the school’s mission as both a platform for college academic preparation and as an environment for intellectual and emotional growth. It is our goal as a college preparatory school to provide for each student, in every discipline, the tools and interests required to excel in college and in life. Flintridge is a community built around and dedicated to the idea of a lifetime of learning.

4543 Crown Avenue, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 (phone)818-790-1178 (fax)818.790.1178

Search available homes for sale in La Canada School District.