Author Mary Mallory.

Hollywoodland is an interesting history of a very important part of Los Angeles. It was written by Mary Mallory, who is a film historian and member of The Cultural Affairs Committee of the Studio City Neighborhood Council. She is also a contributor to The Tolucan Times as a theater reviewer. Mallory has always had an interest in history and films, so she says putting this book together, although a lot of hard work, was a labor of love. She explains that this is the first history written about the beginning and expansion of the neighborhood where this development took place.

The book is a combination of photographs along with the story of one of the first hillside subdivisions built by Tracy E. Shoults and S.H. Woodruff and its expansion. It was made famous, not only by its landmark sign, Hollywoodland, but by many of its illustrious residents. The photographs are gems to behold, and along with the script that describes each one, it brings to life the era in which this history occurred. Mallory was able to obtain these hundreds of photographs from Hollywood Heritage’s S.H. Woodruff Collection, Bison Archives, the Margaret Herrick Library, and some individuals. The transformation of the sign, Hollywoodland, into the present-day sign, Hollywood, that can be seen on the mountaintop in the Hollywood Hills, is of great interest as is the architecture, development and impact of the area that was created so many years ago.

Hollywoodland by Mary Mallory is available at select bookstores as well as www.arcadiapublishing.com.  All profits go to Hollywood Heritage.

James Tim Walker.

James Tim Walker is an Emmy Award winning animator, director and producer. He has worked for every major studio for over four decades, which includes Hanna-Barbera, Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, and MGM, to name a few. Born in 1948, he says his goal from the age of five was to be an animator, and his goal was accomplished when he began his career in the summer of 1969 in a feature film called Shinbone Alley. In 2006, Walker began to notice a weakness in his right arm that turned out to be diagnosed as Lateral Parkinson’s Disease on his right side, which affects his entire right side. He made up his mind to accept his condition, saying, “I’ve got it, I accept it and I’m moving on…the right side doesn’t work; why can’t I teach myself to draw left-handed? — like it was nothing!” And that is exactly what he did. Not only has he perfected his drawings by using his left hand, he is still working in animated film and has written a book about his ordeal.

Walker’s book, Drawing from the Left, or Parkinson’s Pictures, is his story of challenge and perseverance. It is interesting, inspirational, humorous and uplifting. His drawings feature those prior to his condition, followed by his first “drawing from the left” on June 11, 2007, with pages of drawings in succession through February 22, 2010. His book is available at www.amazon.com. Also, Mr. Walker will be signing his book at the San Diego Comic Book Convention at the Van Eaton Animation Art Galleries Art Booth on Saturday, July 23.

Sharon Noble.

Sharon Noble was born in Texas, grew up in Florida and moved to California in 1984. She is a local author living in the San Fernando Valley. Her book, Autumn Desire, is her first published novel and her first attempt at writing. She proves to be a very talented writer; her strength lies in her ability to give profundity to her characters. Though the book is considered a romance novel, Ms. Noble considers it more a blend of women’s fiction and romance, and I would agree with her analysis.

Paula Wincott was a happy woman who, at a young age, married a chemistry professor at the University of Colorado, a man somewhat older than she. When Sam suddenly dies of a heart attack, Paula blames his death on a young man, Boyd Mackenzie, whom she had never met, but who became Sam’s rival in the department. With her children grown and finding herself alone, she is at loose ends and decides to return to school. Being interested in Sam’s work, she signs up for a chemistry class. Though she had never met Boyd Mackenzie, she finds herself in his class. Because of her disdain for him, she immediately drops his class. However, as the two of them cross paths on campus, a passion stirs between them, putting Paula’s life in chaos. How can she betray her dead husband by falling in love with his enemy?

Ms. Noble’s book will keep your interest throughout because you will find yourself engrossed in all of the characters and concerned about what happens to each of them.

 Autumn Desire is available at Thewildrosepress.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, in paperback, hard cover or ebook.

Love life! Debra Beryle (author) www.SingingTheSongOfLife.com.

Debra Beryle is a new author. In fact, this is her first book. She is simply a woman who has succeeded in life despite many adversities. In the face of failures, she has always been able to pull herself up “by her bootstraps.” When asked if she is writing another book, Debra responded, “No. I was never a writer before but you never know.” April of 2004, I had a dream that woke me in the middle of the night, and I knew I was destined to write this book. It’s my memoir on everyday survival as an independent woman.” I asked Debra how long it took to write the book and she replied, “Five and a half years.”
Each chapter of her book begins with a title from a popular song which relates to an episode in her life and the lesson she learned from it. This is Beryle’s strength, not ever letting bad things that occur in her life keep her down. Throughout the years, she fought back and succeeded. Until now, her life is complete and fulfilled. Debra finally found happiness with her third husband, Ari. I asked her how long they have been married. Debra’s happy answer was: “We’ve been married going on thirteen years—it’s a record! I never ever thought it would happen.”
Debra is a self-motivated and successful businesswoman full of life and humor. Her book reveals everything good and bad that happened to her throughout her fifty years in the hopes that it will bring inspiration to those who read it. Debra told me, “I became a real estate broker in ‘93; I had four careers, not just jobs but real careers.” However, she is not afraid to admit her failures and is delighted to be able to end her book on a happy “note.”
You can meet this valiant lady in person as she arrives in the Los Angeles area on her book signing tour which begins Friday, December 4th at the Grove inside of Chico’s. Saturday, December 5th, you can find her at the Beverly Center inside of the Wave. And Sunday, December 6th, she will finalize her tour in Los Angeles at Borders Book Store in Valencia.

Alitzah as Twinkle in “Twinkle Time.”

Alitzah, aka Twinkle, is from Studio City. She created a kid show entitled “Twinkle Time.” She has recorded tunes from the show and performs all over Southern California.

CKS: Your given name is Alitzah. Is there a meaning to that name?
Twinkle: It actually means “joy.” My mom fell in love with it and, since I was the first, she gave me that name.
CKS: What language is it?
Twinkle: It’s Hebrew.
CKS: When did you become a professional singer?
Twinkle: I started singing in musical theatre from the age of seven. I did a lot of musical theatre in L.A. which led to TV and other things. I didn’t really take it seriously until high school and formed a girl’s pop group called Nobody’s Angel. We were signed to Hollywood Records in the late ‘90s and opened up for Britney Spears and The Backstreet Boys. We did a lot of stuff for the Disney Channel.
CKS: When did you start your children’s show?
Twinkle: About three and a half years ago, the later part of 2006. After my singing group finished, reality struck; I needed to get a job and still be able to pursue my acting and performing career. So I started teaching little kids, from the age of two, singing and dancing. That’s when I discovered a love and passion for working with children. I noticed that there wasn’t anything cool, as well as educational. So, kind of like a dream I had, I started writing songs and from songs, the characters developed in my head, and the whole process began for “Twinkle Time.”
CKS: I understand you have a new CD out.
Twinkle: Yes, it came out November 17th.
CKS: Where is the CD available?
Twinkle: On iTunes and www.Aamazon.com.

(L to R, Back Row): Kimleigh Smith and Gina Torrecilla. (L to R, Front Row): Becky Thyre, Susan Giosa and Cathy Schenkelberg.

CKS: When did your career as a director begin, and how did you get into the field?
JL: I began as an editor for Hogan’s Heroes way back; the producer took a liking to me and made me Associate Producer. As Associate Producer, I’d direct a scene or two in an episode. After about a year, he said, “You do a pretty good job. Why don’t you direct a full episode?” After directing about ten episodes of Hogan’s Heroes, I went on to direct other comedies like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Bob Newhart, The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family and Love American Style. After about five years, I got into drama directing Love American Style. When I said I wanted to direct drama, they sent me to Universal where I directed Kojak, Rockford Files, Six Million Dollar Man and Marcus Welby. Now I was known as a drama director, and started directing movies for television, followed by directing mini-series, doing eleven of them, one of which was Shogun.
CLK: That was your greatest one.
JL: It won an Emmy for Best Show, and I won the Director’s Guild Award that year.
CKS: Now you’re directing a stage play. Do you enjoy that?
JL: I do. When I first began directing, I joined an acting workshop at Theatre East and directed plays there. I studied drama at UCLA and directed stage plays there. I do a lot of teaching and am interested in doing all types of directing. When a good script comes along, I jump at it. I wanted to take a shot at this one. My daughter, who is the casting director, knew the producer, and after we had a long talk she said, “Let’s have a go at it.”
CKS: Do you have a preference as to whether you enjoy directing film, television or theater?
JL: It all depends on the material. It’s all fun to do if you have a good piece of material to work with.
CKS: Since the play already opened, how is it going?
JL: Everybody who has seen it loves it. They think it’s really funny, especially women who have had babies. That’s what it’s about. These are the stories of each of the five women in Toronto who wrote the script.

Jerry London is the director of “Mom’s the Word“ playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm through November 8 at the El Portal Forum Theatre (5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood). For tickets call (818) 508-4200 or visit www.ElPortalTheatre.com.

(L to R): Adrian Elizondo, Eddie Ruiz, Rudy Rodriguez, Daniel V. Graulau and Joaquin Garay III in Ray Bradbury’s “The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit.”

By popular demand and with few changes, The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit has returned to the Fremont Center Theatre in South Pasadena. Written by the inimitable and prolific author, Ray Bradbury, it is one of my Bradbury favorites.
The story is all about the mystical powers of dreams. When five young Latino men talk about their dreams, Gomez tells them about a beautiful white suit that looks like delicious vanilla ice cream that he saw in the window of Shumway’s Sunshine Suits, that, if he owned it, it could change his life and make his dreams come true. As the suit costs $99.99, he cannot afford it but he convinces the other four to pool their money together ($20 each) to buy the suit, and each man could wear it one night a week. Upon returning to Gomez’s apartment with the suit, the excitement of it convinces them not to wait but for each to wear it for one hour that same night.
As each man puts on the suit and goes out into the world, the others are left anxiously worrying about what condition the suit will come back in, if at all. As each man dons the snazzy, white suit, he seems to assume a new attitude of confidence. The fun occurs as the play focuses on each man, Gomez (Rudy Rodriguez), Dominquez (Adrian Elizondo), Villanazul (Joaquin Garay III, Vamenos (Daniel V. Graulau) and Martinez (Eddie Ruiz), leaving in the suit and being transformed into their dreams. There is wonderful Mexican music (Conjunto Los Poshos and Tres Tesoritos), and a lot of comedy in their individual stories. The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit seems to have mystical powers after all.
The cast, that also includes Philip Sokoloff (Mr. Shumway), Don Appleby, James Casanova, Joan Jack, Verona Masongsong, Joy Nash, Roses Prichard and Paul Rentereia, have Alan Neal Hubbs to thank for his fine directing. Scenic design is by John Edw. Blankenchip, lighting design by Peter Strauss and sound design by Robert Arturo Ramirez.

It will play through November 14 at the Fremont Center Theatre (1000 Fremont Ave., So. Pasadena). For reservations, call (323) 960-4451, or visit online at www.Plays422.com/raybradbury.

Jackie Goldberg.

CKS: What prompted you to produce a show?
JG: At this stage in my life, at the age of 77, I have a dream. I’ve been reinventing it for the last six years; letting the world know that a senior is still vital, energetic and enthusiastic. That’s what I wanted to prove. We wanted seniors 60 and over, very few are in their 60’s, mostly 70’s and 80’s.
CKS: Is it a musical?
JG: It’s a musical, variety and comedy show—similar to how “Palm Springs Follies” began about 30 years ago. I would like to bring that type of show to L.A.
CKS: Who are some of the ladies in the show?
JG: There are men and women; no sexism here! I have Ms. Senior California 2009, former Ms. Senior America and former Ms. Senior California in it. We are inundated with beautiful ladies, and the men are terrific. They sing and dance and perform comedy acts.
CKS: Who is directing your show?
JG: Warren Berlinger, a former Broadway and television star himself. My MC is Hank Garrett, who was Tony Bennett’s lead comedian for 8 years in Las Vegas.
CKS: And who wrote the book?
JG: I wrote it with a lovely lady, Grace Farga.
CKS: Why “The Pink Lady?”
JG: You know, pink is such a color that gives the world around me an aura of beauty and love, and it’s just such an uplifting color.
CKS: What is the name of the show, when will it be performed and where?

JG: The show is called “Rockin’ with the Ages.” It opens October 2 for 4 weekends. Sundays are sold out but it is available October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at the Actors Forum Theatre (10655 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood). Tickets are available at PinkLady7@earthlink.net or (818) 606-6679.

Veronica Huston.

Veronica Huston is a young 12-year old author from the Valley who recently graduated from Walter Reed Middle School in Toluca Lake. Her first self-published book is entitled The Magic of Fairy Falls.

CKS: When did you write your book?
VH: Mainly when I was eleven but I started it when I was in third grade.
CKS: How long did it take you to write?
VH: About two years.
CKS: What prompted you to write this book, and where did you get the idea?
VH: I got my idea when I was watching “King Kong,” as weird as that may sound, and then at this preview, it just got me going and then through the whole movie I just got ideas.
CKS: Did anything other than “King Kong” give you some ideas for some of the things that occur in this book?
VH: I think just my imagination.
CKS: For what age group is your book of interest?
VH: From nine to fourteen.
CKS: Are you working on another book at this time?
VH: Yes, it’s called The Hidden Labyrinth.
CKS: When did you begin writing that book?
VH: About six days after I graduated from sixth grade.
CKS: What are some of the kinds of books you enjoy?
VH: I enjoy fantasy, mystery, adventure, pretty much fiction.
CKS: Is the book you’re writing another fairy tale?
VH: Kind of, but it’s a little darker than the other book.
CKS: Your book, “The Magic of Fairy Falls,” did you have anything in mind when writing it to inspire other children?
VH: Yes, to inspire them to write and to read.
CKS: And the book you’re now writing, will it be similar?
VH: It’s a different character; it’s pretty much a whole different setting, though, but sort of the same feel.
CKS: I understand that you have done a lot of travelling. Does some of the travelling give you ideas and inspirations?
VH: Yes, like when we visited Montana, it kind of gave me an inspiration to have it in a wide open place and with a lot of forests and a waterfall.
CKS: How can the public get your book?
VH: It’s available at www.amazon.com, my Web site www.veronicasfavorites.com, themagicoffairyfalls.com and at a few stores.

Designer and creator of Illuminations,” John Tidball.

As an artist, John Tidball has worked with glass, as well as oil on canvas, but today his focus is on a new and unique form of digital art. This dynamic version of “Illuminations” was conceived and developed in an experimental way since 1967.
Tidball developed a way to rotate three glass wheels, fixed to polarizing acetate and two layers of art plastics, at different speeds, affecting the pattern and colors of the pieces that he calls dynamic light paintings, or “Illuminations.” By rotating the polarized acetate behind the art materials, and illuminating the art materials with diffuse, cool white light, colors and patterns are created as if they are a painting. But as one views it, the colors and patterns leisurely evolve into new patterns and colors in various ways similar to observing a series of brilliant still images moving slowly in a slide show. The effect of this evolvement creates a feeling of serenity.
Currently, Tidball is developing ideas to display the film version of this artwork on DVD and high-definition television screens in small exhibition venues, such as corporate building lobbies. They are presented best on standard definition or blu-ray disks through up-resolution and blu-ray DVD players, and could substantially enhance any large room or lobby area.
Tidball says, “Illuminations” portrays beauty for beauty’s sake. These dynamic light paintings will expand your visual awareness much in the same way natural beauty expands one’s sense of wonderment.”