TRANSPARENT DEVELOPMENT

SEE HOW THEY WORK
Last June I wrote about a building going up in a rather peculiar place — next to the sidewalk in parking lot on the north side of Erwin Street across from the Westfield Promenade. (I think that’s a better frame of reference than the exact address.)
Then it was just a hole a hole in the ground 28 parking spaces long and 24 paces wide.
To the rear is the Dilbeck Realtors GMAC building, long a West Valley landmark. A Plummers and Cost Plus are on the flanks.
Well the building is finished now.
The the peculiarity persists.
You can still see the Dilbeck building if you’re standing on the sidewalk right in front of the new building.
And you can still see the Promenade parking lot if you are standing in the Dilbeck parking lot looking at the back of the new building.
Turns out that the two-story, 8,000 square foot building is see-through, at least on the first floor. It’s got floor to ceiling windows.
It’s also got at least one tenant, a Financial Partners Credit Union branch.
That’s going to make the Downey-based company one of the most visible financial institutions in the West Valley.
Of course the first thing they’ll do is probably put up blinds.

HOPING FOR A HOME
It happens every time I write an article on about an affordable housing project. People call seeking more information, even though the phone number of group sponsoring the project is usually included in the story.
One of those recent stories was about the Ceicle Younger Gardens project in Van Nuys.
It's 30-unit affordable housing complex at 14649 Saticoy St. in Van Nuys developed by L.A. Family Housing, a nonprofit agency that operates a variety of programs in the county.
The calls came this time, too.
And one call was different from the rest.
It was from Dorothy.
“I need one of those apartments,� she said, the unmistakable notes of hope, despair and determination in her voice. “I’ve lived in a nursing home for 10 years and I’m not very happy at the way things are going.�
A one or two bedroom unit would be fine, she explained.
I explained that the families for that project had already been selected and gave her the phone number of L.A. Family Housing.
She said she didn't usually have access to a phone.
Then I told her the waiting list for that kind of assistance is typically five years or longer.
“OK, thanks,� she said.
And the tone of her voice changed. It conveyed the realization that that kind of an event horizon might just be an eternity.

FROM THE EMAIL FILE
Gone Over the Hill
The venerable Weber’s Place on Vanowen St. in Tarzana, a long-time Valley watering hole, is shuttered.
The joint had changed hands several times and the last owners apparently came on board as the joint was running out of steam.
Loyal patrons might be pleased to know that the former owner, Annie, and staffers Nat and Gun are still in the food service business.
Last weekend they opened Busaba Thai Vegetarian Kitchen at 7168 Melrose Avenue.
The email from webersplace@yahoo.com said: “There's a nice lounge next door, for those of you enjoy a few libations before or after your meal (and we know a few of you do).
There will be specials and entertainment. Please visit our new website linked below. No RSVP is required. We look forward to seeing you again!�
The site indicates that now MSG is allowed on the premisis.
And the food is “mostly organic.�
The phone number is (323)857-1882 and Web site is http://busabathai.com.