A List of SFV Sites Closing in 2012

It should be of no surprise to readers of this blog and SFV residents that every year we are confronted with the closure of popular and famous hangouts mostly due to a lack of economic viability. The SFV almost lost two of its historic state parks, Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino and the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park in Chatsworth which were fortunately saved this past year.  Below are a list of notable SFV sites set to close at the end of this year or have already closed in 2012. Its possible that I may have missed some sites, so please let me know and I will update accordingly. 

Phil's Diner in North Hollywood. Image courtesy NoHo-Tolcua Lake Patch

JC Penny's in San Fernando Mall

Hostess Bakery in Chatsworth. This closure was part of a bankruptcy filing of the entire company so  all Hostess sites across the country were shut down. 

Henry's Tacos in Studio City. Lease has been extended to January 10, 2013 with a new lease currently in negotiation so it may stay in business. Image courtesy LA Daily News

Sierra's Mission Burrito in Canoga Park. Image courtesy Delta Bravo Urban Exploration Facebook

Family Fun Arcade in Granada Hills. Image courtesy Yelp

Commonwealth Savings Building in North Hollywood. Designed by Gerald Bense in 1961. Image courtesy Craig Clough/NoHo-Toluca Lake Patch 

However, usually the closure of one site means something new is on the way to replace it some form or another like the much anticipated and dreaded The Village at Westfield Topanga or the former Valley Music Theatre site turned residential apartments. 

The Iconic JC Penny Store in San Fernando Will Close This Saturday

As you have probably already heard by now, the iconic JC Penny store in the city of San Fernando will be closing its doors for good this Saturday, July 28th, 2012 as reported by the Daily News. There have been attempts by locals including the Valley Economic Alliance to try to save this historic site which has been in existence since 1920 which moved only once to a 60,000 sqft building on the corner of San Fernando Road and San Fernando Mission Boulevard in 1953.

You can sign a petition at SaveSanFernandoJCPenny.com which also has support from a fellow San Fernando native George Lopez (who now lives in Toluca Lake). While the efforts to save JC Penny are much appreciated and admired, I doubt anything will change for the two simple reasons that San Fernando itself is slowly deteriorating from a lack of blue collar jobs and overall investment. Additionally the San Fernando Mall is no longer a popular spot as people flock to the indoor malls like the Topanga and Promende Malls both operated by the Westfield Company.

Speaking of investments, compare the San Fernando Mall to the proposed expansion at the Village at Westfield Topanga which is surrounded by big and small stores within a 1 mile radius. These expansions are taking place in the West Valley and not in places like San Fernando which appears to be that investors dont want to pursue any development as evidenced by JC Penny shutting its doors. But who knows, maybe there will be a turning point.