20 Tips for Relocators to Burbank and the San Fernando Valley

Angela Bergman and Christopher Tucker are clients of mine who relocated in 2006 to Burbank from Seattle.  They have a darling daughter who just began school here.  I received this list of local discoveries from them in the form of a Christmas letter.  It is so funny, and so true, that I asked their permission to share it on this site.  Of course, many of these tips also apply to Toluca Lake, Studio City, and the San Fernando Valley at large.  If you're thinking of relocating, please phone me at 818-450-2055 or 818-370-4837.

1.  French is the alternative language in Beverly Hills.  In Burbank they're Chinese, Spanish and Armenian.
2.  Driving to work in downtown LA is a poor choice.  Trains are actually faster.
3.  Sometimes trains do not run on time.  Sometimes they do not even show up.
4.  News coverage of fires in Southern California is not very accurate in other states.  If someone so much as blows out a candle, Angela needs to call her parents in Seattle immediately to reassure them that all is OK.
5.  Too much smoke in the air will cause the cancellation of Christopher's softball game.
6.  Water temperature of 68 degrees is too cold for swimming.  Trust me.
7.  Lemon and loquat blossoms smell wonderful.
8.  Coyotes don't care if it is broad daylight -- they will still cruise the streets in search of Chihuahuas.
9.  Disneyland is easier to manage if broken down into smaller trips and spread throughout the year.
10.  Santa Monica's beach will fill up with an umbrella-city by noon on a sunny weekend.  Get there early!
11.  Speaking of umbrellas, keep the patio umbrella closed when the Santa Ana wind come to town.  It will fly into the hills if left open.
12.  Halloween without rain is a completely different experience.  Halloween is a big deal here.  (Must have something to do with dressing up without having to wear a raincoat.)
13.  The Santa parade in Hollywood apparently does not feature Santa.  There are plenty of other characters working the crowd, however, such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Jedi Knights and Snoopy.
14.  Live theater and cinema events are plentiful.
15.  The International Market in Burbank sells stuffed grape leaves to die for.
16.  An excellent Cuban cafe -- Portos -- is just down the street and we go often.
17.  Tennis courts are booked in the evenings until after 9:00 p.m. -- even in the winter.
18.  Forget about hiking in the summer.  Hiking is a winter activity.
19.  Sunshine is much nicer than rain, but it is incompatible with a closet full of turtlenecks and sweaters.
20.  While coats are optional here, sunscreen really never is.


Thanks again, Angela and Christopher!  Update:  I just saw Angela and Christopher and everything is going very well for them and Vanessa.  Angela tells me she recently hauled home a 50-lb salt lick for the deer that frequent their backyard.