North of Mulholland: Essays from the San Fernando Valley Business Journal

There is something unique about Southern California's San Fernando Valley.

Whether it's the Valley Girl cliché, the host of movie and television stars and studios that call "The Valley" home, or a whole sun-kissed lifestyle, there is no doubt that nearly everyone is fascinated by this area of nearly two million people.

North of Mulholland: Essays from the San Fernando Valley Business Journal looks at life in this unique part of the world in a series of essays that take on everything from strip malls to Countrywide Home Loans; from the Los Angeles Times to technology; and from Los Angeles' City Council to living up the street from Michael Jackson's family compound. Written in an Andy Rooney-type conversational style, North of Mulholland captures the lifestyle and the foibles of the contemporary Valley as seen through the eye of a long-time resident businessperson and community leader.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis P. Zine said of the book: "North of Mulholland is clearly written by someone who truly understands the San Fernando Valley. This collection of essays by my friend and civic leader Marty Cooper is entertaining, informative, and insightful."