Nikki Kreuzer
Overshadowed by its shiny sister, Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley has often found itself on the wrong end of the joke — and with its substantial history ignored. Determined to preserve remnants from his childhood, lifetime collector Tommy Gelinas opened the Valley Relics Museum in 2013. Located in a large, industrial-type warehouse in Chatsworth, it's jam-packed with fascinating pop culture memorabilia related to his beloved Valley. Tailored to anyone who grew up there, as well as anyone who loves vintage collectibles, this museum holds matchbooks, old restaurant souvenirs, Valley-made BMX bikes, a collection of famous Nudie Western suits and even two of Nudie's wildly bedazzled Cadillacs. Most impressive is its formidable collection of enormous, fully lighted neon signs from long-gone businesses. It is a wonderful tribute to “the other side of the hill.”
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