Employment Attorney in Glendale, CA

Published on October 12, 2025

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Glendale, California, will host the 8th annual GiniFest, a festival dedicated to celebrating the best of Armenian wine, spirits, and culture. The event is scheduled to run from 3 PM to 9 PM, taking place at 200 North Orange Street. What began as a local celebration has since grown into a highly anticipated event, drawing attendees from not only the Armenian diaspora but from across the globe. The festival brings together a rich selection of top-quality wines, live entertainment, and delicious food. GiniFest continues to grow in significance, strengthening cultural ties and offering an immersive experience that introduces Armenian traditions to a broader audience.

The Rise of GiniFest: A Showcase of Armenian Winemaking Craftsmanship

Since its debut in 2018, GiniFest has evolved into one of the most significant cultural events in Los Angeles. The festival, which started as a modest gathering of just 300 people, now attracts thousands of visitors each year. This expansion highlights not only the growing popularity of the event but also the rising global interest in Armenian wine and spirits. As the festival continues to attract more attendees, it underscores the increasing appreciation for the artisanal craftsmanship that defines Armenian winemaking.

Over the years, GiniFest has become a prominent platform for showcasing the talent of Armenian winemakers and spirit producers. The festival provides an exceptional opportunity for guests to sample some of the finest Armenian wines and spirits, sourced from top-tier vineyards and distilleries both within Armenia and abroad. By presenting these exceptional beverages, the festival offers visitors an authentic experience of Armenian winemaking traditions, which have been developed and refined over centuries.

For those who are well-versed in the world of wine or newcomers to Armenian culture, GiniFest presents an unmissable opportunity to explore the distinctive qualities of Armenian beverages. It provides a rare chance for guests to taste products that might otherwise be unavailable outside Armenia, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture that influences these wines.

A Full Sensory Experience: Music, Food, and Art at GiniFest

While the focus of GiniFest 2025 is on wine and spirits, the event extends far beyond just tastings. The festival offers a sensory celebration that blends live music, exceptional food, and visual art into an engaging cultural experience. Throughout the day, local and regional musicians will perform, filling the streets of Glendale with music that ranges from traditional Armenian sounds to modern dance performances and performances by local bands and DJs. The diversity of live entertainment ensures the atmosphere remains vibrant, with the music acting as the heartbeat of the festival.

In addition to the musical acts, GiniFest offers a wide variety of global cuisine. Visitors will have the chance to indulge in traditional Armenian dishes, such as khorovats (Armenian BBQ), along with a diverse array of international street foods. The food offerings are carefully selected to pair perfectly with the wines and spirits being served, allowing festivalgoers to enjoy a harmonious fusion of flavors that elevate both the food and drink.

The festival also features an artisan marketplace, where attendees can purchase handcrafted goods such as art, jewelry, and other cultural artifacts. The marketplace not only offers a chance to take home a piece of the festival but also highlights the work of local artisans and global creators. It’s an opportunity to support creativity while experiencing the best of both Armenian and international artistry. The combination of food, wine, music, and art ensures that GiniFest is an immersive celebration of culture and creativity.

GiniFest’s Commitment to Giving Back: Supporting Education in Armenia

Beyond its role as a cultural festival, GiniFest is deeply committed to making a positive impact. This year, the festival has pledged to direct a portion of its proceeds to support education for students in Armenia. Specifically, $20 from every ticket sold will go directly toward providing scholarships and tuition assistance for students in need. This initiative is an essential part of GiniFest’s mission to create opportunities for the younger generation in Armenia, helping them pursue higher education and build better futures.

By contributing to educational causes, GiniFest demonstrates its commitment to fostering cultural pride and social responsibility. The festival is more than just a gathering for wine and music; it’s an event that makes a meaningful contribution to Armenian society. Guests who attend GiniFest are not only indulging in the pleasures of food, drink, and entertainment—they are also helping shape the future of Armenian students.

Event Information: A Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss

Here are the essential details for GiniFest 2025:

Whether someone is an expert in Armenian wines, a first-time attendee, or simply looking for an enjoyable day of cultural exploration, GiniFest 2025 offers something for everyone. The festival provides a rare chance to immerse oneself in Armenian culture while also connecting with others who share an appreciation for fine wine, craft spirits, and artistic expression. As the event continues to grow, it is expected to attract an even larger crowd, further establishing it as one of the most important cultural festivals in California.

GiniFest’s Impact on Travelers and Tourism

As GiniFest attracts increasing attention from both national and international audiences, its influence on tourism will likely grow significantly. The festival offers members of the Armenian diaspora a special opportunity to reconnect with their roots and experience the rich cultural heritage of their homeland. Additionally, the event serves as an accessible and exciting introduction to Armenian culture for visitors from around the world.

The growing popularity of GiniFest is expected to draw substantial numbers of visitors to Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area, contributing to the local economy. The event benefits businesses, restaurants, hotels, and other services, boosting the tourism industry in the region. Furthermore, the increasing international demand for Armenian wine and spirits has created a new niche within the travel market. Travelers who are keen to explore the wine culture of Armenia will now have a reason to visit Glendale as it becomes a significant stop on the global wine tourism map.

GiniFest serves as an excellent example of cultural tourism, a growing trend where travelers seek authentic, immersive experiences that allow them to engage directly with local traditions. The festival provides an ideal setting for tourists to discover Armenian wines, enjoy local cuisine, and experience live performances that showcase the vibrant culture of Armenia. This aspect of the festival draws both casual visitors and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Moreover, GiniFest’s philanthropic focus enhances its appeal for travelers who are increasingly interested in supporting causes that align with their values. By contributing to scholarships and tuition aid for Armenian students, the festival offers visitors a chance to participate in a meaningful cause while enjoying a world-class cultural event. This sense of contributing to something greater adds an extra layer of social responsibility to the festival, attracting a diverse and conscientious audience.

A Global Event with Local Impact: Bringing People Together

In conclusion, GiniFest 2025 in Glendale is much more than just a celebration of Armenian wine, spirits, and culture—it is a truly global event that fosters connections between people from diverse backgrounds. As the festival has grown, it has become a platform for showcasing the best of Armenian winemaking and artisanal craftsmanship, while offering attendees a chance to experience Armenian traditions firsthand.

The festival’s success reflects the increasing global interest in Armenian culture and highlights the growing importance of cultural festivals in the modern tourism industry. GiniFest has the potential to become a key destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences that allow them to engage with a country’s cultural heritage. It also offers a unique opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the diverse flavors and sounds of Armenia, all while supporting a meaningful social cause.

For GiniFest 2025 attendees, the festival will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience that combines culture, community, and compassion. Whether it’s their first visit or they’re returning for another celebration of Armenian heritage, the event promises to be a memorable journey through wine, food, music, and a deeper connection to the rich cultural legacy of Armenia. GiniFest continues to grow as an important cultural landmark and a must-attend event for anyone interested in celebrating the best of Armenian traditions.

Plans to redevelop a onetime anchor of Downtown Glendale have hit an unexpected roadblock, following a vote taken by the Glendale City Council.

On October 21, the City Council rejected plans from Trammell Crow Residential for the redevelopment of the former Sears department store, located at 236 N. Central Avenue. The proposed project would call for the construction of an eight-story, approximately 650,000-square-foot mixed-use complex containing 682 rental apartments - including 72 very low-income units - with 1,515 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and a 930-car garage.

As a proposed condition of approval, Trammell Crow Residential was also to set aside a portion of the former Sears complex, located off-site to the north at 201 California Avenue, for potential redevelopment as a public park.

The project took advantage of the provisions of AB 130, a recently adopted state law which granted the proposed development an exemption from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act, and forced the City to either vote to approve or deny the project by October 21. A staff report to the Council concluded that the project was eligible for an exemption under AB 130, and Glendale's city attorney also cautioned the Council that the legal findings required for denial of a density bonus project could not be made.

Members of the Council nonetheless chafed at the design of the project, with some expressing that the project lacked sufficient Art Deco detailing to match the former Sears building at its heyday. On a 4-1 vote, the Council moved to deny the project, with the lone voice of dissent coming from Mayor Ara Najarian, who warned that the City could find itself in legal jeopardy and risks decertification of its housing element.

Christopher Burt of Cox, Castle & Nicholson, the project's attorney, stated that a lawsuit over the decision is likely, and described the potential case as a "slam dunk" due to the fact that the City Council did not attempt to make the required findings for denial. Alternatively, the City Council could elect to reconsider the project at a later date depending on guidance from state regulators.

The project, which is the first AB 130 development to come before the Glendale City Council, is not the first density bonus development to be denied in Los Angeles County against the advice of a City's legal counsel. In 2024, the East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission voted to deny a density bonus project at 2115 E. Cesar Chavez Avenue in Boyle Heights despite warnings from the Los Angeles City Attorney's office, and was later forced to rescind that decision and approve the development under court order. The South Los Angeles Area Planning Commission was similarly forced to rescind its 2019 denial of the District Square development on Crenshaw Boulevard.

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Director and Producer Brent Pace of Pace Live Productions with Executive Producer and Assistant Director Ceili Moore have put together a commercial entertainment and loosely tried to attach it to the history of Ireland. “Tried” being the operative word. Although I was asked to attend the show and write a review of it, upon arrival to the theater I was surprised to find that there was no program, no way for me to know who was performing in what role or capacity. There was not even a QR code with a program attached as is sometimes the case. It would seem the cast is unimportant and that the reviewer is to focus on the construct of the show rather than the personalities inhabiting it. So be it. This is badly done and does a great disservice to the hard work of the cast in delivering this show.

Let me say at the outset that I have had some experience in choreographing and directing Irish Dance having worked with Mark Howard and the Trinity Irish Dance Company of Chicago. It is possible to marry Irish Dance with other forms such as Contemporary and Modern. “A Taste of Ireland” does not do this. Instead, it relies on the uncredited dancers to supply all of the various types of movement that the choreographers think will wow the audiences. Unfortunately, while all of the dancers have backgrounds in competitive Irish Dance (and they are all excellent in this format) they have little if any experience in contemporary or modern, jazz or ballet. This was made painfully obvious in the port-de-bras and lack of follow through in the body during the moments infused with jazz or contemporary movement.

I want to say here that the dancers were fantastic at the sections of the show where Irish Dance was featured. In groups or solos they were clean, the footwork exacting and powerful. However, they fared less well when rolling to the floor in order to accomplish a sexy head roll with a back attitude leg in a suggestive pose. This made the whole event seem amateurish. Truly this show is at best suitable for a Universal Theme Park or even a Disney Cruise. There were moments when it devolved into a mere recital. It is by no means a theatrical spectacular worthy of the heritage of “Riverdance” or “Lord of the Dance”.

Part of the “History” of the show was a series of projections on the back scrim ostensibly telling us what period in Ireland’s history was being performed. This proved far too vague to actually attach the choreography to, as there was little in the movement to suggest the particular dates and events on the projections. This was exacerbated by the costumes for the show, of which there were many. All of them out of synch with the projections and certainly out of touch with the history. My case in point was the slide which tells us of the invasion of the Vikings into Ireland. Here the men wore black shirts and black leggings with a shredded part of a kilt, just the suggestion of a kilt I should say, along with various leather harnesses and arm bands one buys at Chi-Chi LaRue’s Sex Store and Dungeon Wear in West Hollywood. For the women there was an over abundance of sequins and short skirts meant to be sexy but only succeeded in raising my eyebrow in wondering why the history of Ireland needs to be filtered through Las Vegas glitz in order to be palatable to today’s audiences? This was most strongly felt when we got to the Great Famine and the women wore pajama tops with black booty shorts and held their stomachs as if they were going to be sick. This was all the Great Famine brought out in the creators of this show? Either they are incredibly naïve or they wanted a quick money maker by billing this as “A Taste Of Ireland” for an American tour. Unfortunately, not all Americans are ignorant of the Irish History nor are they unaware of the incredible struggles the Irish have gone through for hundreds of years for their independence and the price it has exacted. The History of Ireland deserves a much more serious focus which dance companies such as Mark Howard’s Trinity Irish Dance in Chicago is doing. Pace Live is far off the mark. I cannot tell you the performers names, nor the musicians, and I am sorry for that as they delivered to the best of their ability this weakly organized and overly glamorized show.

For more information about the Alex Theatre, please visit their website.

Written by Brian Fretté for LA Dance Chronicle.

Featured image: Male ensemble in “A Taste of Ireland” – Photo by Chris Hardy.

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Glendale's historic Sears and Roebuck building used to be an art deco centerpiece of downtown Glendale. Now, it's the center of a battle between a property developer and the city's mayor.

Located at the intersection of Central and California avenues, the Sears building opened its doors in 1936. But Sears declared bankruptcy in 2018, and the building has now been vacant for about a year and a half.

The owner of the building has submitted plans to tear it down and replace it with housing, commercial space and a public park.

Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, however, argues the building should be preserved for its historic significance.

"This was a favorite store. Many people had their first jobs here, they met their spouses here, they bought their first bicycle, first washer and dryer for newlyweds," said Najarian.

According to Najarian, the developer's proposal includes 682 new apartments. Some argue that the increased housing would be beneficial for the community.

"If it's going to turn into another corporate or commercial building, I'd rather have it turn into a residential because Glendale is so congested, I think we need additional housing for people," said Glendale resident Tina Amirkhanyan.

Despite the mayor's wishes, the city no longer has a say in the matter. A new state law can't force developers to go through a historic review process if the building isn't already registered as a historic landmark when the plans are submitted.

Najarian says this is just one example of the city losing control over its own history. He wrote a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom about his concerns, but has not heard back yet.

Najarian says the Sears building could be demolished by the end of the year. He urges the community to be proactive and fight to preserve pieces of local history.