For many Angelenos The Valley is somewhere they never go or somewhere they escaped from. The original suburbia, tract homes and swimming pools. I live here and as much as I love exploring other parts of the city, I am very happy to be here.
Ventura Blvd is our main street, it runs for 18 miles from Studio City out to Woodland Hills. Mostly a commercial thoroughfare, it changes personality as it moves west.
Today I was in Woodland Hills and noticed this wonderful restaurant sign.
I have no idea what the food is like, but as far as signage is concerned, it sure beats the Chinese restaurant next door. I have no idea how long they have been in business, one doesn’t see this kind of signage anymore. I could only find restaurant reviews – some good, some bad, but no one mentioned our little Thai boy. I guess I’m one of the few who actually looks up.
Just like people in the city distain the Valley, we have a way of looking down on the newer suburbs, not that it stops them from advertising right on our main street.
So on my drive home, I stayed off the freeway and stopped to capture some other great signs, that may not be here for long.
This Bar-B-Q joint has been here for more than 50 years and seems to be going strong according to the reviews I read. One thing they have going for them is their real estate.
Even in the Valley having such a large privately owned parking lot is quite a luxury. 
Right down the street is a store selling BBQ equipment, not sure how functional this is…
…but it sure is cute.
Back in the car and on to another Ventura Blvd landmark.
My kids used to go to parties here, there is a bowling alley closer to us, so this wasn’t our regular hangout. I love the 1950s’ sign.
It was the middle of the day, they do turn on the neon at night.
I can just see the Jetson’s coming in for an evening of fun.