Five Civil War veterans buried at the old cemetery will be honored in a presentation about the Civil War by a Daughters of the American Revolution historian, coinciding with the national 150th anniversary observance of the Civil War.  Visitors will also be given an update on the results of the recent ground penetrating radar survey conducted to find unmarked gravesites at the cemetery. 

During the observance, the public will be invited to buy a memorial brick ($60) to help support the cemetery. A special brick will be installed in the cemetery entrance honoring Sylmar resident USMC Cpl. Julio Vargas, who perished in Afghanistan last July.

The old cemetery is located at 14451 Bledsoe St., Sylmar, at the corner of Foothill Boulevard. (Directions: From the 210 Freeway, exit at Polk Street and go south to Foothill. Turn right onto Foothill and drive a half mile to the stoplight at Bledsoe. Parking in rear of cemetery.)

For additional information, please call 818-970-1286 or visit www.sfvhs.com.

The public is invited to join the volunteers in weeding, painting, removing damaged shrubs, and other beautification tasks in preparation for the cemetery’s annual Memorial Day Observance on May 30. Anyone interested in volunteering should bring a pair of protective work gloves.  Any other tools (if needed) will be provided, as will water and lunch for all volunteers.

The historic cemetery was established in 1874 and is currently operated by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society and supported entirely through donations.

For additional information, please call 818-365-5860 or visit www.sfvhs.com.

Directions: From the 210 Freeway, exit at Polk Street and drive south to Foothill. Turn right onto Foothill and go a half mile to the stoplight at Bledsoe.

The uniqueness of the Sylmar Certified Farmers Market is that it is on the first floor inside the parking structure at L.A. Mission College. That’s right…you are under shade and protection from the weather at all times while shopping!  When our searing hot August days arrive, you’ll be comfortable and protected from the sun by the parking structure’s shade and a cool breeze that stirs through the parking spaces while you shop. When the rains come during our mild winter months, you’ll enjoy the protection of the parking structure and still be able to purchase farm fresh produce. The Sylmar Certified Farmers Market at L.A. Mission College will be open and operational all year round.

Having the Sylmar Certified Farmers Market at L.A. Mission College inside the parking structure is truly brilliant!

I spent almost three hours at the Sylmar Certified Farmers Market at L.A. Mission College chatting with local Sylmarians and talking with vendors.  I also taste-tested many picture-perfect fruits and vegetables, and purchased beautiful fresh produce at great prices.

Many of the vendors come from far distances to participate: Fresno, Santa Maria, Oxnard.  They are among the friendliest I’ve encountered at any Farmers Market, and I’ve been to all of them in the Valley and many points beyond.

Other vendors are local residents with very nice arts and crafts to sell, again at great prices. You can also buy cookware, handbags, and fresh flowers. The day I visited, the agricultural department from North Hollywood High was selling their fresh cut flowers grown on the school grounds. Beautiful and very inexpensive. 

Food booths are also available at the Sylmar Certified Farmers Market at L.A. Mission College. You’ll find many great foods ranging from barbecued meats to kettle corn to fresh doughnuts to puffy tacos to Peruvian fare, such as a wonderful delicate sauce made from blended lettuce and jalapenos that tops a delicious rice and meat dish.

Los Angeles Mission College, the Sylmar Neighborhood Council, the Sylmar Chamber of Commerce, and the Sylmar Business Improvement District have done a wonderful job in bringing the Sylmar Certified Farmers Market at L.A. Mission College to Sylmar and the northeast San Fernando Valley. Heretofore, we have had to drive long distances to enjoy the festive atmosphere, farm fresh fruits and vegetables, and energy a farmer’s market brings. 

If you haven’t gone to the Sylmar Certified Farmers Market at L.A. Mission College, give it a try. It’s great, it’s unique, and it’s in the shade.

The Sylmar Certified Farmers Market at L.A. Mission College is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar (Hubbard exit off 210 Freeway, north to Mission College), 818-833-3417.

The story talks about local resident Edie Reber and how her dream of turning the cemetery into a park has now been revived by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society. We have been awarded a $5,000 grant to find lost graves at Pioneer Cemetery, but we need to raise $15,000 to fund the balance of the project.  You can help!

- MAKE A DONATION. We accept cash, coin and checks in any denomination. Mail donations to SFVHS-Pioneer Cemetery, P.O. Box 7039, Mission Hills, CA 91345, or stop by on Mondays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10940 Sepulveda Blvd (across from the Mission Hills PO Annex).

- BUY AN ENGRAVED BRICK FOR ONLY $50.  We will inscribe your brick with any message in good taste and place it in the front entrance to the cemetery. (You can also keep it if you like). This is the least expensive engraved brick for fundraising that you will find in the Valley.
Brick Order Form: http://www.sfvhs.com/brickorderform_new.pdf
Historical Society Website: www.sfvhs.com

- BUY A SPOT on our “Lost Graves Discovery Project” permanent plaque for you, your family or business/organization. There are only 10 spots and the cost is $1,000. Call me for details at 818-970-1286.

- BRING CLEAN CRV RECYCLABLES to the cemetery on our Open House days – June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18.  We’ll also have a yard sale those days to help raise money. We’re at Foothill & Bledsoe in Sylmar.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

Jacky Walker
Co-Chair, Pioneer Cemetery Committee
San Fernando Valley Historical Society

Why do I have news of the San Fernando Valley Historical Society on my blog? Easy! I’m a lifetime member and serve on the Society’s Board of Directors and also serve as Co-Chair of the Pioneer Cemetery Committee. I’m a Sylmar real estate agent who likes to preserve instead of develop!

“Ms Jacky” Walker
REALTOR®
DRE License #01124140
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
Office: 818-363-1717 x231
Fax: 818-360-5676
jacky.walker@gmail.com

http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com
http://www.SylmarRealEstateInsider.com

Probate Sales Specialist
Please call me when you are ready to make a move. Thank you!

Here are a few tips for homeowners with homes for sale in Sylmar for those last minute home showings:

Your tools:
- Disinfectant wipes
- Air freshener
- Window/mirror cleaner
- Paper towels
- Large plastic trash bag
- Vacuum cleaner 

Get into high gear immediately (you may sweat a bit on this one if your place isn’t already “leave no trace” clean for showings. Remember, your goal is to sell the house in Sylmar or the San Fernando Valley!  Using my guideline below, a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house should take no more than 39 minutes to prep for potential buyers:

1. Do the Bathrooms
Remove clutter from around the sink. Wipe everything down with a disinfectant wipe.  Clean mirror with paper towels. Spray air freshener and close the door.  Allow 3 minutes per bathroom.

2. Do the Kitchen
Clear countertops. Put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher. If need be, stack items in the sink. Wipe countertops with disinfectant wipe. Remove dirty pots and pans to the oven (few buyers will actually open the oven or dishwasher on the first visit). Allow 7 minutes for the kitchen.

3. Make the Beds
The biggest eyesore is an unmade bed, so make sure all beds are straightened and made. If you have clothes and stuff everywhere, shove all of it under the bed.  Close closet doors. Spray air freshener. Allow 3 minutes per bedroom.

4. Clear the Living Room/Family Room
This means removing all non essentials and clutter (clothes, dirty dishes, shoes, toys or video game set ups). Straighten magazines and newspapers. Wipe off tables with a disinfectant wipe. Spray air freshener. Allow 4 minutes.

5. Take out the Trash
Take a big plastic trash bag and dump trash from all rooms. Replace plastic liners, if used. Spray with air freshener. Allow 3 minutes.

6. Vacuum Paths of Foot Traffic
You’ll need to vacuum carpeting, wood or tile floors at least in the front entryways and main walking areas. (If you have pets that roam, you cannot skip this step!) Spray air freshener. Allow 10 minutes.

Extra time?
Open windows, turn on lights.
Wash off outside entry, porch and walkways with garden hose.

Remember, clutter free is better than perfectly clean. The “big picture” overall impression is more important than whether the windows are sparkling clean (although it helps!).

Be sure to call me if you are interested in buying or selling a home in Sylmar or the San Fernando Valley, or if anyone you know wants to buy or sell a home. Thank you!

Ms. Jacky Walker
Realtor – DRE License #01124140
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
Jacky.walker@gmail.com
http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

Visitors will have the opportunity to view and read the engraved bricks placed in the cemetery’s memorial brick entrance. These engraved bricks were placed in remembrance of the 600-plus individuals buried at the cemetery but whose graves are now unmarked due to vandalism and neglect, including five Civil War veterans and nearly 300 children. During the observance, the public will be invited to buy a memorial brick ($50) to help support the cemetery.

The old cemetery is located at 14451 Bledsoe St., Sylmar, at the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Bledsoe. (Directions: From the 210 Freeway, exit at Polk Street and go south to Foothill. Turn right onto Foothill and drive a half mile to the stoplight at Bledsoe. Parking in rear of cemetery.)

For additional information, please call 818-365-5860.

Why do I have news of the San Fernando Valley Historical Society on my blog? Easy! I’m a lifetime member and serve on the Society’s Board of Directors and also serve as Co-Chair of the Pioneer Cemetery Committee. I’m a Sylmar real estate agent who likes to preserve instead of develop!

“Ms Jacky” Walker
REALTOR®
DRE License #01124140
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
Office: 818-363-1717 x231
Fax: 818-360-5676
jacky.walker@gmail.com

http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com
http://www.SylmarRealEstateInsider.com

Probate Sales Specialist
Please call me for information if you, or anyone you know, would like to buy or sell a home. Thank you!

The Lankershim Reading Room was recently designated cultural-historic landmark No. 978 by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission.  Built in 1904, the gazebo-style octagonal building represents a time span in Valley history when cattle and sheep ranches gave way to golden wheat farms and agriculture, and finally to home subdivisions and commercial development. The Lankershim Ranch once encompassed most of the southern half of the San Fernando Valley, extending south of Roscoe Boulevard down into the southern hills below Ventura Boulevard and across from Toluca Lake to Woodland Hills.

The Lankershim Reading Room will be formally dedicated to the late James B. Gulbranson, a past president of SFVHS, who is credited with saving the building from a bulldozer back in 2001. At the time, the building was located at Chapel in the Canyon on Topanga Boulevard and was subsequently moved to Andres Pico Adobe Park for restoration. The restored building now houses a collection of memorabilia from the nearly 60,000-acre Lankershim Ranch, which was purchased in 1869 by prominent investor Isaac Lankershim from Pio Pico (last governor of Mexican-ruled California) for approximately $115,000.

Highlights of the dedication ceremony will include presentations by civic leaders, historical speakers, and special performances by the Yesteryears Dancers.  Complimentary refreshments will be served.   For additional information, please contact the San Fernando Valley Historical Society at 818-365-7810.

Why do I have news of the San Fernando Valley Historical Society on my blog? Easy! I’m a lifetime member and serve on the Society’s Board of Directors and also serve as Co-Chair of the Pioneer Cemetery Committee. I’m a Sylmar real estate agent who likes to preserve instead of develop!

“Ms Jacky” Walker
REALTOR®
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
Office: 818-363-1717 x231
Fax: 818-360-5676
jacky.walker@gmail.com

http://www.msjacky4homes.com

http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

http://www.SylmarRealEstateInsider.com

DRE License #01124140
Probate Sales Specialist
Please call me if you, or anyone you know, wants to buy or sell a home. Thank you!