This is NoHo. This is where we live. This is where we work.
This is where we have fun. This is where a new era of community, business, arts, and ideas flourish. This is NoHo: Meet some of the players.

 

Subject: Michael Higby Lives and Works in NoHo Age: 40 Something   What do you do to pay your bills? Evangelize the world for Google and also save people from really bad IT over at SADA Systems, a NoHo hometown IT firm. Give us a call!  What restaurants/coffee shops/Juice Bars/ do you like in NoHo and why? We're still lacking for a good coffee house here in NoHo. Starbucks and Coffee Bean are okay but the NoHo stores are too small and don't have the vibe other stores do. But I guess the main watering hole these days in NoHo is the HOWS Wine Room. Bill, Elece and Brian do a great job running the joint and there's one cast of crazy characters that haunt it regularly. We also don't have enough restaurants but that's maybe changing. Miyako Sushi is a great place for close-by sushi. The staff there is excellent and a lot of fun. Two great bars are NoBar and The Good Nite - both are very hip and not at all dives but they're real neighborhood joints, lacking the usual pretense you see in other parts of LA.  Is there something unique or secretive about NoHo that you’d like to share with others? That we're here!  What’s missing in NoHo?  There's some funky stores here for cool stuff but when it comes to everyday items or things like electronics of other toys we have to wander to Burbank or Sherman Oaks or Woodland Hills to get what you need. It would be good if we had a shopping center here with a Best Buy, Lowes, etc. We also need more high paying jobs in NoHo. We need to bring in architecture firms, software firms, IT companies, public relations firms, law offices, etc. It doesn't make sense that in order to afford to live in NoHo you have to work in Santa Monica. We need high-end jobs people can walk to.  We also need more events. The NoHo Scene is great but not enough. The rest of LA has some really cool activities that we could emulate.  What needs improving in NoHo? The streets for one need to be re-paved. We also need the City, property owners and developers and residents to work together to keep the place clean. There are too many streets with overgrown weeds, trash, old couches, etc. We also have a problem with crime so maybe cleaning the place up will cut down on that a bit.  We also need a civic pride campaign. Unlike a lot of places, most people who live here don't know they live here. I'm not sure how to do that but it seems as if our local elected officials and agencies like the CRA and MTA are out of touch, that decisions about the community are being made elsewhere and that we as residents are not as engaged as we should be. I serve on the local Neighborhood Council and I am going to do what I can to change that.  What is the meaning of life in NoHo?  I think it's about trying to be better. For over a century this piece of land continually has re-invented itself and continues to be something more. Most folks in NoHo seem to be working towards the next big thing. So if anything maybe NoHo is a waystation to success.  Will you attend the NoHo Scene Festival first weekend of October? Yes  Are you involved in any civic, community, or charity organizations in NoHo? Yes I'm on the board of the North Hollywood Neighborhood Council where I'm the Parliamentarian and it's my job to keep everyone in line following the rules. I'm also a Vice President of the Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber and I'm a "senior" member of the Universal City-North Hollywood Junior Chamber. I'd like to get involved with starting Neighborhood Watch as well as Residents Association.  Anything else unique about yourself that you can share with others? I run LA's #1 political blog - www.mayorsam.org - and also work with Video Louis on the Downtown NoHo Blog (though he does most of the work). I would love to invite others to join with us to tell stories of NoHo to the world.    Subject: Kylie Delre Lives and Works in NoHo Age: 30 Something   What do you do to pay your bills? Personal Trainer and Actor  Why did you move to NoHo? It's convenient, safe, get a lot for my money, can park, I love my place and the surroundings.  Have you recently seen a theater show in NoHo? I recently saw "Pest Control". I actually, performed in and directed one-acts in Hurricane Season at The Eclectic Theater, and attended a reading at The Colony.   What do you do for fun in NoHo?  I bike all over, go salsa dancing at various studios and clubs in the area, and frequent the libraries and book stores..  Is there something unique or secretive in NoHo you’d like to share with others?  There is more in this one area than meets the eye, you have to look a little harder, but there are some hidden treasures around - Many Paths bookstore, Age of Innocence dress shop, and an abundance of talent in the theaters, with good food close at hand - like the tiny restaurant - Eat  What’s missing in NoHo?  Trees - would be great, especially in the heat, to find more shady places... It might also be nice to have a common area that housed several things that work together like a theater with a restaurant and maybe courtyard.  What needs improving in NoHo? Some of the surroundings areas, East on Magnolia and North of Chandler, could use cleaning up and modernizing, some abandoned and rundown buildings take away from the aesthetics and the improvements that are being made. Subject: Dana Larkin Lives and Works in NoHo Age:  18   Why did you move to NoHo? I have lived here since I was 4 months old. I have never lived anywhere else.  What do you do to pay your bills? I don’t have any bills to pay…YET.  What restaurants/coffee shops/Juice Bars/ do you like in NoHo and why? I like to go to the Starbucks' in noho because I worked at both and love seeing my old co-workers and getting free drinks.  What is missing in NoHo? A go-kart racing track =]  What needs improving in NoHo? Cleanliness and maybe some shelters within the park for the homeless.  Are you involved in any civic, community, or charity organizations in NoHo? I am involved with the Jaycees. I have been on the relay for life committee for the past 3 years(ACS). I was an active member of the North Hollywood Key Club in high school. I work with Projekt Newspeak that is based in LA but has shows in NoHo. I am also involved with the Kiwanis as a volunteer. What’s going on in your life?  I am attending UCLA and studying Anthropology.  I am going in as a third year transfer student.  Once I’ve completed, I am joining the Peace Corps.

About the Interviewer:
Jack Witt is a Lifestyle Fitness Coach. He helps people and organizations take control of their health and well-being. www.getfitwithWitt.com

He has served 2 years as the President of the UCNH Jaycees, been awarded an “Outstanding Young Californian” by the California Junior Chamber, an “Angel” award by the local Rotary clubs, and a “Small Business of the Year Award” by the United Chambers of the San Fernando Valley.