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FROM THE MARGINS | BY PATRICK AZADIAN
Los Angeles Times Valley Edition | Glendale News-Press | Septemebr 9 2006

Growing roots, recycling environment

I've never understood the lure of the distant suburbs.

I am referring to the type of places that make me feel I've reached the end of the world; a couple of steps too far past the high-tech clubhouse and I fear falling off the edge of the earth. These are the brand new gated communities with cookie-cutter floor plans, where one can purchase a mini-palace for the price of a Glendale condominium.

Beyond the squeaky-clean metal gates, and the not-too-menacing security guards, I often find detachment from the rest of society. The complete alienation of the economically able from the underprivileged, apathy toward issues that do not extend beyond the gates, as well as a "not-in-my-backyard" mentally are some of the features I associate with these quickly sprouting neighborhoods.

Whether it's the false sense of safety that draws people to these communities, the square footage of the new homes, or the desire to live among people with similar household incomes, the bonds that tie the residents of these suburban communities have always struck me as somewhat artificial.

Perhaps, it's also the dream promised by developers that lures people to these distant lands. The promise is simple: "Whatever bad happens outside the gates of your own village, you are going to be immune to it."

The dream justifies the abuse-the-environment -and-flee formula.

The process is not new. We initially settle in areas that we later call downtown. Right before we totally run the place to the ground, we move to an immediately unadulterated area adjacent to the urban center. After leaving this area in an economic ruin as well, we say our farewells to our underprivileged neighbors and move farther out to a newer suburb. And the process continues. Eventually, we end up near Magic Mountain or somewhere in Seattle (by far, the better of the two scenarios).

These new developments never come with a disclaimer. They do not advise the future suburbanites of having to sit in traffic for hours, they don't warn against the consequences of dependency on Middle Eastern oil, and most importantly, they do not tell us about the loss of sense of community. There is also no mention of difficulty for children to grow meaningful roots in surroundings void of family history.

Greater Glendale, however, seems to be one of those unique places, where many residents, regardless of their viewpoint or background, are committed to live and prosper in this city.

Last weekend, I witnessed some proof of this commitment among my family and friends.

On Saturday, I paid an impromptu visit to my cousin Tina and her husband Armen's new home. They are young newly weds, who've just purchased a home in the area. Within the period of a couple of days, and with the help of family, they have already transformed the once-abandoned property into a descent living space. Armen has plans to convert the property into the gem on the block. After talking to him for a few minutes, I had no doubts about his commitment.

On Sunday, I ventured over with my other cousin Fred to a friend's house. This other young couple, Armen and Eleen, had already completed the reconstruction of their newly purchased home. The place was well-furnished and felt like a great home in which to raise children and entertain friends. Under the protection of their gigantic pine trees and the watchful eyes of their Doberman puppy, Charlie, I learned about how they had transformed the space into the fine state it is today.

Up in the hills of Glendale, my not-too-newly-wed friends, Vahe and Carol, are in the process of remodeling their home to accommodate the growing needs of their children.

Once their graceful home is remodeled (no marble columns here), I am hoping they will continue to welcome me for afternoon tea accompanied with homemade pickles (it's a strange combination, I know). For their part, the Peroomians are showing their commitment to continue their roots in this city.

Glendale seems to be in the process of revitalizing itself. For most residents, the "use and flee" policy does not seem to be an option. Locals must be seeing a value in recycling the already existing living structures. Having a true sense of community and growing family roots seems to also be important. And finally, people are also choosing to deal with problems facing the area as opposed to turning their back on them.

Copyright 2006 Glendale News Press