Lawn Signs

Josh Kleinbaum The American Civil Liberties Union said it will not pursue legal action against the city after City Council members decided to suspend a controversial ordinance limiting residents to one political lawn sign per property. But an ACLU official said the organization will keep a close eye on the city's permanent solution. "This is a victory for democracy and free speech," said Elizabeth Schroeder, associate director of the ACLU of Southern California.

The heat was on this weekend for the 23rd annual Montrose Arts and Crafts Festival, but that didn't stop thousands of Southland residents from flocking to Honolulu Avenue for the popular event Saturday and Sunday. "We were very busy [Saturday] morning, but the temperature hit 102 degrees on the pavement by 1 p.m., so some people started to skedaddle," said John Drayman, president of the Montrose Shopping Park Assn., which puts on the event. "Attendance is definitely down, we are usually at 50,000 to 60,000 and we are about half that, which is still pretty good."

Josh Kleinbaum As the field of nine city clerk candidates solidified Tuesday, Paulette Mardikian moved to the front of the campaign money race for the April 5 municipal election. Mardikian, a customer service representative for the city's Building and Safety Department, received a $50,000 loan from her husband, Glendale Police Sgt. Vahak Mardikian, according to campaign finance disclosure statements. "That is a lot of money," Paulette Mardikian said.

Gerri Cragnotti You have probably read it in the News-Press already -- all of the public hearings and approvals for the Town Center are done, over, finito. The Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved the final design at Tuesday's meeting. Thank you to all the loyalists who continued to show up to speak up. Well, now what? Does that mean you won't be bothered any further by me pleading a case for you to take action? No. The City Council race is just around the corner.

CITY HALL Power out, agents in Darkness, stolen signs and so-called undercover agents marked the week leading up to Glendale's April 5 municipal election. About a quarter of the city lost power for two hours Thursday due to a problem with a transformer at Grayson Power Plant. It was Glendale's third blackout in three weeks, and city officials believe the transformer is responsible for all three. The problems began March 8, when an animal got too close to the transformer and caught fire.

Rosette Gonzales With New Orleans jazz playing in the background, Montrose's Harvest Market seemed like a small town fair out of the 1930s, as politicians shook hands and greeted market goers and children rode ponies and ate popcorn Sunday afternoon. About a dozen candidates for Glendale City Council, School Board and City Clerk had booths and signs scattered throughout the 2200 block of Honolulu Avenue. Patrons leisurely strolled by booths, some discussing issues with candidates, others just inquiring.

Hey everyone, the election is here! Oh, I’m sorry to bother you with this trivial information. I know there are much more pressing matters, like what to do Friday night, or whether that vacation should be in July or August. Let’s face it, you wake up in the morning, only concerned that the power works, and your alarm goes off. As long as the water works, the trash cans get picked up and streets remain freshly swept street, it’s all good. In other words, as long as all the city services work the way you want, you don’t care who sits on the council, or for that matter that there even is a City Council.

Josh Kleinbaum Next week, when Jacqui Bally opens her home to neighbors so developer Rick Caruso can explain the advantages of the proposed Americana at Brand, her husband has no intention of sticking around. "I won't be here," Nico Bally said. "I'll probably be at work." Welcome to the Bally household, which puts a distinct Glendale Summer '04 spin on the term "mixed marriage." Nico, 40, is a dolly grip for the entertainment industry. He also opposes Caruso's proposed outdoor mall, saying that the city's $77.1-million investment is too much.

An 'American Idol' coming to mall GLENDALE GALLERIA -- Kimberly Caldwell, an "American Idol" finalist from the television show's second season, will help JC Penney launch the newest "American Idol" fragrances from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the store in the Galleria, 2148 Glendale Galleria. The event is designed to coincide with Valentine's Day and will be on the store's first level, organizers said. Caldwell will meet people and sign autographs. Ryan Carter Schiff endorses Kerry for president GLENDALE -- Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale)

Josh Kleinbaum When Amiee Klem picked up her newspaper early May 26, she found a surprise. General Growth Properties, which owns the Glendale Galleria, was going to drop off referendum petitions at City Hall challenging the approvals for the Americana at Brand, a day earlier than expected. Klem, a supporter of the proposed 15.5-acre retail and residential project in downtown Glendale, mobilized the troops. By the time General Growth delivered the petitions at 9:30 a.m., a half-dozen Americana supporters were at City Hall to greet them with protest signs.