Autumn days in Canoga Park

[dedalus_1947]

It’s a winding road from Cuesta Way
Down Sunset to the beach.
Though Canoga Park is a straight safe drive
It’s too far out of reach.
But now the headlights are flashin’ by so fast
All directions seem the same
And the windshield wipers keep repeating
You can’t let go again.

What’s in a name on the street tonight?
I’m only a face in the crowd.
All in the dark and afraid tonight;
Nowhere to run or to hide.
But I can’t let go.
(Can't Let Go, by Bryan Ferry)

I’ve been remiss in my blogging. The homework and mid-term questions for my Hebrew Prophets class at Fuller Seminary have been taking up more time than I expected. I probably write more than I need on the reading reports and essay questions, but carefully composing and expressing my thoughts and impressions into words helps me internalize the themes better. However, I haven’t given up on my Wandering Wednesdays idea, and I started this month’s explorations in my own neighborhood of Canoga Park, concentrating on autumnal themes.

This was the first year I was not actively directing a school for Halloween. Every November for nineteen years, this task meant anticipating the seasonal “holiday”, communicating the criteria for acceptable costumes (no gangsters, cocktail waitresses, or French maids) and props, scheduling the lunchtime activities, and chaperoning the after-school dance. Since the time our own children outgrew Trick-or-Treating, and with declining children solicitors at home, Halloween was primarily a school function. So, to keep myself involved in this festive autumnal rite, I asked Kathy if I could go to her school and take photos of the activities on October 30, the Friday before Halloween. She said "sure".

I had never been at a Catholic elementary school for a Halloween parade. The students did not come to school costumed, as they would at a public school. On this Friday, the children arrived in uniform, ready to attend the school-wide liturgy in the church that morning. They changed into their disguises during, or after, recess. The parade, which was held in the Parish Hall, took the rest of the morning. School dismissed at 12 o’clock, and teachers spent the rest of the afternoon in a staff meeting. I’ve included a few pictures of the preparations, the parade, and the judging which occurred that morning.

Two days later, I attended the 9^th Annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival (which oddly enough, fell on All Saints Day, November 1) on Sherman Way, the Main Street of Canoga Park. This year, I was better prepared to attend this event, and in a much better mood (see Dia de Los Muertos). I dressed lightly for the sunny and warm weather, and carried less equipment, so I was able to move quicker and with more confidence. I noted fewer vendors and artisans this year, but I assumed that was a manifestation of the difficult economy. Regardless, the street scene still generated a large gathering and much positive energy.

Canoga Park always makes a strong cultural and artistic contribution to the positive diversity of the West San Fernando Valley. Woodland Hills, West Hills, and Chatsworth all manage to sponsor some type of up-scale, open-air, musical or culinary events during the year, but Canoga Park still hosts the old-fashioned, patriotic, and ethnically diverse activities that attract working class parents, grandparents, and children of all nationalities and age groups. Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day parades are held annually, as well as ethnic street fairs and large-scale church bazaars. These events generate a warm and friendly environment that seems to harken back to older, gentler times.

I’ve included some photos of the festival, but if you’re interested in a more comprehensive album, click on my hyperlink, 2009-11-01 All Saints Day Album to see my Flickr account. Feel free to suggest any of your favorite sites, locales, or events.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Nice info, Tony.

TRH