History of the Foothills presented in full-length documentary

A film chronicling the history of the foothills by John Newcombe is being screened this week. “Rancho La Cañada: Then & Now” is a feature length documentary about the history of the Crescenta-Cañada Valley that is divided into three parts. Each part is self-contained and can be viewed separately or all at once.

Part I — Ranch presents information on the early settlers to this area that were Civil War veterans in search of healthful climate. They struggled to transform the arid, rocky terrain into productive citrus groves, olive groves and vineyards.

Part II — Health Resort follows the brief period that the valley became a health resort and tourist attraction.

Part III — Suburb covers the evolution of the area. As the population of greater Los Angeles exploded, it was inevitable that the valley would evolve into a suburb.

Special features are included on the DVD that include over an hour of rare footage such as home movies shot in Flintridge in the 1920s, German festivals in La Crescenta in the 1930s, and the Indian Springs swimming pool in the 1940s.

Screenings are being held locally at no charge to introduce “Rancho La Cañada: Then & Now” to the community. The first is being held at St. Luke’s Church at 2563 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta on Saturday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

The second will be an outdoor show at Crescenta Valley Park (west side) on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. For the outdoor showing, viewers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, and a blanket or chair to sit on.

It will take place on the very spot where the big German festivals and Nazi rallies took place at old Hindenberg Park. Finally, a screening will be at the McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga on Friday evening, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.

The DVD will be sold at each of these performances. Newcombe will also be at Once Upon a Time bookstore from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 12 to sign copies of his DVD.