A Politically Incorrect Blog About Living in Woodland Hills, California

Woodlake & Ventura Christmas Tree Lot Now Open In Woodland Hills And Doing Brisk Business

I noticed last week that the pumpkin patch at Woodlake & Ventura Blvd (23210 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA) had been fully converted to a Christmas tree lot.  Today I decided to drop by and get some pictures for your viewing pleasure.  They were doing a brisk business – it’s nice to see folks in the holiday spirit!  They have just about every size of tree you could imagine, they offer delivery services, as well as having any and all conceivable tree supplies you might need!  Check out the pictures above.

Popularity: 3%

Smooch Going Out Of Bussiness Follow Up Pictures, 50% Off Everything

In a follow up to yesterday’s article about Smooch’s eventual closing, I stopped by to take a picture of the storefront.  The follow note was also posted on the door:

Popularity: 1%

Pomodoro Cucina Italiana In Woodland Hills Closing December 13th

As I approached the door to Pomodoro today, I came upon a disturbing sight.  Posted right at the entrance is a notice of ownership change, relating to their beer and wine license.

I had hoped that perhaps Pomodoro is a franchise based company, so the change in ownership would only be to a new franchisee.  Sadly, this is not the case.  Written on the chalk board above the bar/waiting area was “WE WISH TO THANK YOU ALL FOR MANY YEARS OF LOYALTY.  LAST DAY OF BUSINESS – SUN 12.13.09.”

Brutal.  I have been coming to Pomodoro for many years.  It is a good, convenient, and affordable Italian eatery here in Woodland Hills where I have had lunch many, many times.  I will be very sad to see it go.

I got to speak to the General Manager, Jimmy Stevens (on Facebook), while I was there having lunch.  He explained to me that the corporate office has been under pressure from investors to cut loose under performing stores.  Stevens noted that the company had expanded rapidly since its inception in 1994, and had made several poor choices for locations along the way.

Yielding to investor pressure, Pomodoro has begun a process of getting rid of these locations.  Interestingly, the Woodland Hills location was not a money loser for Pomodoro, but was added as a deal sweetener so the company could unload two other poorly performing locations in Orange County.

These three stores were sold to Irvine based Panini Cafe – a rapidly expanding “Italian & Mediteranian” restaurant chain of which I was previously unaware – who also purchased Pomodoro’s Sherman Oaks location (which closed last month) in a separate deal.  Jimmy said in his estimation the Panini Cafe will open in the Pomodoro Woodland Hills’ former location in early 2010, perhaps even January.

I will be sad to see Pomodoro go, although they do still have other locations in Los Angeles, should I feel nostalgic.  Many people have remarked to me the noticably few places offering a nice breakfast in Woodland Hills, and at the very least from what I can see on their website, Panini Cafe has a sizable breakfast menu.  The rest of the cuisine seems Corner Bakery-esque will heavy Mediterranean influence.  Jimmy referred to it as a “kabob place,” but hopefully for our sake it will prove to be more than just that.

We will miss you Pomodoro.  Good luck to future employees on their pursuit of new employment.  Any restaurant owners reading this blog should feel free to drop in on Pomodoro’s to poach their staff.

Oh, I almost forgot.  The Penne Salsiccia lunch special that I had for $8.95 (which included Minestrone soup) was delicious, but I was too sad to enjoy it.

Popularity: 4%

Reminder: Motor4Toys Charity Toy Drive 8am-12pm Tomorrow

Nixle (see  this post to learn how to sign up for Nixle) sent me a notice to remind me about the charity toy drive and car show tomorrow in the Anthem parking lot:

Community Message has been issued by the Nixle Administration.

Saturday December 5, 2009 12:46 PM EST

Tomorrow come to the 6th Annual Motor4Toys Charity Toy Drive and Car Show from 8am-12pm. See full msg for more detail

When:
Sunday, December 6, 2009
8:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon

Where:
Anthem Building (Blue Cross) Parking lot in Warner Center
21555 Oxnard Street
Woodland Hills, CA  91367

Who:
West Valley and Topanga Community Police Stations and Staff

Why:
Motor4Toys is a charitable foundation that has partnered with local law enforcement agencies to host a Car Show and Toy drive for this Holiday Season.  Their mission is to bring the motor sport community together to collect as many toys as possible for less fortunate children.

Classics, Customs, Hot Rod, Muscle Cars, Specialty Cars, Police Cars, Trailered Cars, Motorcycles, Raffles, Food, Drinks, Silent Auction, Music, Los Angeles Police Department SWAT, Air Support, Dive Team, Mounted Unit, K-9, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Sheriff Department, Celebrities.

Family fun for ALL ages! Entry fee is FREE. However, we do ask that each guest donate an unwrapped toy.

Come and join us for a wonderful cause!

For more show information go to www.motor4toys.com or contact Dustin Troyan d@motor4toys.com.

I’m going to try to check it out, hopefully some of you can attend!

Popularity: 1%