Springtime is here, and one very beautiful sign of its arrival full-force is to see the cherry blossoms that seem to explode in their lush, pink glory all around Lake Balboa. Here's a look thanks to LAist Featured Photos pool contributor Robbie. We can't help but agree with the caption she offers: "Yay!" more ›

The first of three expected storms has passed and with not too much incident, considering this was one of the harder rains the Los Angeles area has seen in awhile. However, the worst has yet to come. Here's what's happening out on the streets, per the LAFD: more ›

After a year of restoring its wildlife and native habitat, Bull Creek, between Victory Boulevard and the LA River in the San Fernando Valley, re-opened to the public this morning. As with the LA River, the Army Corps of Engineers adjusted the creek for flood control purposes years ago leaving the ecosystem and habitat weakened. more ›

Around the perimeter of Lake Balboa in the San Fernando Valley are hundreds of slender trees with fragile branches soon to be fully burdened by the buouyant pink of gorgeous cherry blossoms. These trees know it's verging on spring, and about 30% of them are sporting their cheerful buds and blooms. An daytime jaunt these days to the park and a stroll around the lake will grant you a hint of what's to come. more ›

1st Annual Lake Balboa Music Experience happens this Saturday, Oct. 11th, from 4pm to 10pm. more ›

Valley Glen got a boost in neighborhood pride last week when the US Postal Service finalized the official recognition of the neighborhood by designating all or part of 91401 (Van Nuys), 91405 (Van Nuys) and 91606 (North Hollywood) to be Valley Glen, according to Mark Kellam's neighborhood blog at the Daily News. more ›

more ›

When you drive north on Balboa from the 101, you may notice a constant stream of joggers and runners passing on the right. If you turn in the driveway there, you will stumble upon one of the valley's hidden gems. Lake Balboa was built in the 1990s (in Encino) and attracts a surprising array of birds and other small wildlife. Just before sunrise, a heavy fog blankets the area. As the sunrise approaches, the... more ›

If there is anyone who is prepared for an earthquake of a much higher magnitude than last night’s 4.5, Captain Stacy Gerlich of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is that person. Gerlich, whose official title is Captain I/Paramedic CERT Program Coordinator Special Operations Section, Disaster Preparedness CERT Unit, is in charge of the complimentary program that trains Los Angeles citizens to prepare themselves, their families and their neighborhoods for disasters. This program is the... more ›

The 96 year-old town of Van Nuys is awash in history and witness to a vibrant international culture exemplified by its many ethnic eateries, shops and government offices. Considered by many to be the nerve center of the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys, or, The Nuys, is bordered by Sun Valley to its north, Valley Glen to the east, Sherman Oaks to the south, and Lake Balboa to the west. more ›

It is a shame that it took us a year and some months after the Orange Line's opening to bike it from end to end. So we braved the chilly weather today and did it. We even did it from the Clybourn St. Burbank border on the Chandler Bike Path that connects to the City of Burbank's 4-mile bike path. One way, the Orange Line ride is 14 miles (add 1.2 miles for the... more ›

Google and MySpace team up. Playboy's Hugh Hefner is immortal. The octogenarian denies a mini-stroke this past weekend. Internet use for extreme local community activism at its best: PaveMyStreet.com (via LAVoice via Curbed L.A.) More laughing at crappy singers to come as American Idol auditions were held today at the Rose Bowl. Lake Balboa in the Valley is a fake lake. Today's Transit Coalition e-newsletter talks up more than we can dish out. But... more ›