Applauds Decision

Reluctant or not, the decision by the Design Review Board to approve the project at the site of the Glendale Garden Apartment Homes at 1303 N. Central Ave. is an obvious choice (DRB Reluctantly Approves New Project at Site of Glendale Garden Apartment Homes, Oct. 2, 2025). While a vocal group has spoken out against this development, others – including myself – voice support.

This proposed development is in the ideal location. There are already apartment buildings up and down Central, it is walking distance to five Metro bus lines and three Glendale Bee lines, a supermarket, local groceries, restaurants, a bank, and many other services. It is also a short walk from the shops and restaurants on North Brand near Trader Joe’s. The neighborhood has a “walk score” of 82, which is quite high for Glendale outside of the downtown area.

While claims have been made for the historical significance, even the Los Angeles Conservancy director of Advocacy could not make a compelling argument for preserving Glendale Garden Apartments at the hearing. The current building is cheap, post-war housing boom construction resembling Army barracks and is at the end of its service life. The proposed development has a spacious and beautiful courtyard and the property will be fully landscaped. 

In addition, the new proposal offers many desirable three bedroom/two bath configurations with a storage locker and parking in which families tend to stay, improving neighborhood stability. 

All in all, this is a great development for Glendale allowing more residents to the neighborhood and reducing car dependency which benefits us all. This development will boost local businesses and property values, increase affordable housing options and create more efficient land use. 

David Billett
Glendale

PETA Applauds Ban

Two paws up to California for banning the gruesome disfigurement known as declawing. Every state should follow its lead.

  Declawing isn’t a manicure – it’s a mutilation. It involves amputating not just claws but also bones, ligaments and tendons. It’s painful, debilitating and comparable to cutting off a human’s fingers at the knuckle nearest to the nail.

Removing these vital body parts makes it difficult for cats to balance, climb, stretch, leave scents and defend themselves. It can also cause chronic back and joint pain.

Without claws, cats may resort to urinating and defecating outside the litter box to mark territory and may become morose, reclusive or aggressive. Studies have shown that declawed cats are up to seven times more likely to develop behavioral problems and are more often surrendered to shelters.

There is no need to subject cats to this lifelong trauma. As PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk explainED in 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know, trimming claws weekly, providing scratching posts (tree stumps work great!) and covering problem areas with slippery material protects furnishings – and more importantly, your feline family member’s well-being.

Lindsay Pollard-Post
The PETA Foundation
Norfolk, VA