New mall brings out the stars

Caruso apparently had tracked them down and added them to the guest list.

"They are a great group of people," Caruso said. "They are not only the jury on this trial, they are the jury on my next trial," he joked.

Glendale officials, who recently agreed to name a street after the developer, were a little star-struck by the festivities.

"I don't think the city of Glendale will ever see a gala of that nature again," said Councilman Ara Najarian, chairman of the city's redevelopment agency.

"Even if someone builds a $500-million mall" -- he corrected himself -- "lifestyle center, like Caruso did, I don't think anyone has the commitment and flair that Mr. Caruso has."

Glendale Police Capt. Lief Nicolaisen said that about 11 p.m., the event generated more than a few calls to the department's communications center from people wondering whether they had just heard gunshots. Nope, they were assured; it was just fireworks, marking Americana's loud debut in their city.

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cara.dimassa@latimes.com