NEWS - Crescenta Valley Weekly
Transcription
NEWS - Crescenta Valley Weekly
Crescenta Valley Weekly TH E F OOTHILLS COMMUNITY NEW S PA P E R May 28, 2015 w w w . c v w e e k l y . c o mVOL . 6 , N O . 3 9 Goodbye to Wanda and Ron Two local icons prepare to leave long-held positions in the Crescenta Valley. By Mary O’KEEFE A fter 46 years, Wanda Bergstrom will put the coffee pot down and retire from City Hall Cafe. “These are not just customers, they’re friends,” Bergstrom of her “regulars” that come to the diner. “I have seen [customers’] children and their children’s children.” She decided to retire on June 5 because June 4 is her 76th birthday. For her it was Wanda Bergstrom stands in front of the dozens of pennants hung in the City Hall Café. just time. “My mother worked here for many years before I started here,” Bergstrom said. Her children and grandchildren have also worked at the diner. Bergstrom now works early mornings. She is always ready with a smile and that pot of coffee though she admits that there have been a few cranky customers throughout the years. Bergstrom sees them as a challenge. “When someone comes in and are very disagreeable, the world is treating them badly … my challenge is to make them smile before they leave,” she said. Bergstrom has raised four kids and, of course, there have been good times and bad times but the constant has been City Hall. “When I come to work I put a smile on my face,” she said. To say this restaurant has strong family ties is an understatement. “I met her daughter here and married her,” said Mark Wagner, Bergstrom’s son-in-law. He started coming to the restaurant 25 years ago. “It’s a great place,” he said. He noticed Shelly (Bergstrom’s daughter) when he first came in. They began to talk and, like most regulars, the restaurant became the place to go to meet friends. “We danced around each other for a while,” he said. But they married in 2001. see WANDA on page 8 By Mary O’KEEFE It may be difficult for many in the Crescenta Valley to believe but Mr. Sowers is retiring from Rosemont Middle School. “Rosemont was here before I started and it will be here after I leave,” Sowers said. But there are many who question if that is true. For 44 years Ron Sowers has been a consistent member of the Rosemont staff. For 20 years he was a teacher. He taught wood shop, print, metal, industrial technology and electronics. “Back then Rosemont was a three-year school – seventh, eighth and ninth [grades],” he said. “I can remember standing in front of my class the first day as a teacher. The first thing, that first day, I thought, ‘Wow - I am responsible for all these kids.’” And he has felt that responsibility ever since. Sowers was promoted from teacher to assistant principal and for the last 26 years has been the school’s disciplinarian. It was his office that students dreaded walking into. “These kids [at this age] are going from dependency to independency. Some make it with no problem, some [struggle],” Sowers said. He added that when he began at Rosemont the big disciplinary issue with kids was smoking and today it is “other things.” The school has drug-sniffing dogs that randomly walk through the school. “In 10 years we have had only one positive hit,” Sowers said. “We even do a demonstration in the classroom.” Sowers said he never thought the school would have to take this type of precaution but times have changed, although kids … not so much. Through the highs [pun intended] and the Photo by Mary O’KEEFE Ron Sowers stands in front of his workplace for the last 44 years – Rosemont Middle School. He will be leaving at the end of this school year. see RON on page 7 Sheehan Announces Departure from GUSD By Mary O’KEEFE Dr. Richard Sheehan, superintendent of Glendale Unified School District, has taken the superintendent position at Covina-Valley Unified School District. The announcement was made at a special board meeting of the Covina-Valley Unified School District Tuesday night. “It is bittersweet,” Sheehan said of his departure from GUSD. “I love Glendale. I love the work we have done here.” He praised the “hard working” teachers, the administration, staff and “the kids are awesome.” Sheehan took over the GUSD superintendent position after File photo Dr. Michael Escalante retired GUSD Superintendent Dr. Richard Sheehan will be leaving the district to in 2010. assume responsibilities in the Covina-Valley Unified School District. Looking back, Sheehan said he has seen several changes in the district since he began as superintendent, from new technology in the classroom to the implementation of Common Core. “When I took over as superintendent, the teachers were talking about going out on strike,” he said. “We had gone through the fact-finding process and were able to come to an agreement. [We now have] a positive working relationship between the teachers’ union and the district. That was huge.” He said he felt that during his tenure at GUSD, the district moved forward in technology and instruction. Although he enjoyed working in Glendale, his new job will really bring him back home. Sheehan attended schools from kindergarten to 12 in the CVUSD and his kids attend those schools. One son will graduate this year and the other is a sophomore. “And I will have a two-minute commute to work,” he added. The district office is three blocks from his home. He worked at CVUSD as a teacher for 17 years and later as a principal at Northview High School and director of curriculum and instruction at the district office. He replaces Catherine Nichols who announced her retirement earlier. CVUSD is about half the size of the Glendale district and has been embroiled in controversy see SHEEHAN on page 8 » news » YOUTH » SPORTS Remembering… Students Present Solutions to State Drought Falcon Baseball Back in Quarterfinals Pa g e 3 Pa g e 1 0 Pa g e 1 1 Don’t forget the sheriff’s rummage sale on saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Page 2 www.cvweekly.com from the desk of the publisher Putting It All Behind Me I am delighted to share with you the success of this past weekend. As most of you may remember, Saturday night/Sunday morning was Prom Plus, the after-prom event held at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA for Crescenta Valley High School seniors and their guests. I’ll tell you now that I was nervous going into the event. Of course, in all honesty, I’m nervous every year that we host Prom Plus. After all, we have no way of knowing how many kids are going to attend, what they’re going to think of the activities offered and the theme chosen. I’ve been associated with Prom Plus since 1999 when my eldest son, Patrick, was a senior, and have seen attendance from the mid-100s to our highest last year of 453 attendees. This year saw changes on our executive board as well as those who traditionally serve during the event. For example, our “smoothie lady” couldn’t help out this year (the first time in 15 years that she wasn’t mixing up batches of smoothies for our attendees). Her mom had taken ill and she was her primary caregiver. Our kitchen diva stepped down after years of running the kitchen – an incredible undertaking when one considers the amount of work and coordination it takes to feed hundreds of kids all night long. We also had a new electrician to hook up the thousands of dollars in activities (bungee jump, laser tag, zip line) that we ordered. No wonder I was biting my acrylic nails. But I could have saved the trouble. We recruited new moms to help out at the smoothie table and they did a phenomenal job. My son Andrew, a graduate of the culinary school Johnson & Wales, oversaw the kitchen and all its intricacies. While I was gnawing away at my fingertips, panicked that we weren’t going to have enough food, Andrew quietly assured me and those in the kitchen that we had plenty. And he was right. Thanks in part to the detailed instructions left by the previous kitchen queen and the experience of Andrew, we had perfect amounts of food. Under the direction of the new electrician, no activities were interrupted due to lack of power. And at 5 a.m., while the last of the attendees were heading out the door, the cavalry – literally – arrived on scene in the form of our local vets. These guys came and in no time were tearing down and boxing up the decorations, dishes and miscellaneous paraphernalia that creates the magic that is Prom Plus. Members of the Prom Plus Club, the student arm of Prom Plus, were also at the Y to help out. By the time the Y members arrived they probably had no idea that just hours before the facility had been transformed into a boardwalk like you find at the beach. And how many kids attended Prom Plus? Well, it wasn’t 453 – it was 450! Pretty darn close to our all-time high. Thank you to everyone who made Prom Plus possible. It’s a $25,000 party that takes months to plan and couldn’t happen without the dedication of many people. So thanks to you all. Now, I’m off to get a manicure. Robin Goldsworthy is the publisher of the Crescenta Valley Weekly. She can be reached at robin@cvweekly.com or (818) 248-2740. INSIDE Support this paper! Visit our advertisers! NewS�������������������������������������� 3 SPORTS���������������������������������11 RELIGION��������������������������19 BETWEEN FRIENDS������13 BUSINESS������������������������������ 21 LEISURE������������������������������15 Local Youth�����������������10 JUST FOR FUN������������������17 CLASSIFIEDS�����������������������22 Viewpoints����������������������� 9 May 28, 2015 Weather in the Foothills “By forces seemingly antagonistic and destructive Nature accomplishes her beneficent designs now a flood of fire, now a flood of ice, now a flood of water; ~ John Muir and again in the fullness of time an outburst of organic life.” Memorial Day, often considered the “unofficial first day of summer,” was cloudy and cool. Just as we began to barbecue the sun broke through inviting us to dine outside. Great idea, but the reality was shorted-lived. By the time the chicken came off the grill, the sun and its accompanying warmth had once again disappeared. The evening cooled quickly, but the spirit and meaning of the day was not lost as we moved indoors. Our holiday weather gave a sobering perspective to conditions to the east of us. Record rainfall across the south central United States including parts of Colorado and northern Mexico caused the loss of life, devastation and people unaccounted for. Flash flooding across Texas and Oklahoma occurred when over a foot of rain fell over the weekend. In addition to even more rain, tornados and “baseballsized” hail were predicted to continue into this week. Nature has no boundaries or limits; a flood is as likely as a drought with unknown duration. Meteorologists in the region are optimistic, though. Meteorologist Forrest Mitchell at the NWS in Norman, Oklahoma has this to say: “It looks like the rainfall that we are getting now may actually officially end the drought that has gripped the southern Plains states for years.” He also noted moisture now reaches about two feet below the soil’s surface. Many lakes and reservoirs have now reached full capacity. Water! Five years of drought may be coming to an end for Texas and nearby states. Could this be true for California as well? The words of climatologist and oceanographer Bill Patzert from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena hints on an affirmative answer. “The headlines that you’re writing today about Texas and Oklahoma you could be writing about California in January (2016),” he said. There are reasons for Dr. Patzert’s guarded optimism. After four years of drought, relief could be on the way. Many scientists believe there is a strong chance the torrential rains in the southern Plains will head to California if the current El Niño pattern continues to intensify. The Climate Prediction issued an advisory, last week: “…there is an 80% chance El Niño will last through 2015 and into 2016.” Long-range computer models indicate a progressing moderate-tostrong El Niño come fall and through the winter months. Historically, in California above average rainfall follows. “A robust El Niño could bring heavy rain to Southern California,” stated Patzert. “But El Niño is hardly a panacea … it won’t bring rain to northern California.” This is a concern because the snowpack accounts for about a third of California’s water supply. The weather news is looking up! The impending summer is evident as the skies clear and the marine layer shrinks. This weekend’s weather is late – it would have been perfect for Memorial Day with temperatures predicted to reach beyond 90 degrees. Oh, no … not for long. A glance at the calendar gives us a clue to an upcoming change. Monday is June 1 and gloom is hanging off the coast, waiting to meet the new month. Welcome “June Gloom!” Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley resident and Official Skywarn Spotter for the National Weather Service. Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com. May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Page 3 NEWS Remembering… IN Brief CVWD Hosting Meeting at Rockhaven Crescenta Valley Water District is having a community meeting at the Rockhaven site in the 2700 block of Honolulu Avenue on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to noon to discuss the installation of a new groundwater well and pipeline. The project is a joint project with the City of Glendale and has received grant funding under Proposition 84 – Drought Relief Grant. This meeting will provide the opportunity to meet the CVWD staff working on the upcoming project, discuss the limits of the project, the type of construction activity, and answer any questions. The new pipeline will affect the 2700 block of Hermosa Avenue, and the 3700 and 3800 blocks of La Crescenta Avenue. There will be refreshments and the CVWD looks forward to meeting the community. All are invited to attend. TSP Accepting Apps Applications are now being accepted for the City of Glendale’s volunteer Trail Safety Patrol (TSP). The patrol is made up of three units, the Hike Unit, the Mountain Bike Unit, and the River Unit. TSP members assist Community Services & Parks staff in protecting and maintaining the safety of park and open space visitors. They educate park visitors and trail users about the safe and courteous use of trails and park resources in the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills and Deukmejian Wilderness Park. They serve as an “eyes and ears” for Glendale’s police and fire departments and observe and report damage to park facilities, unsafe conditions, and police, fire and medical emergencies. All applicants must participate in an all-day training on Saturday, July 11 at the Glendale Police Dept. Mountain Bike Unit and Hike Unit applicants must also pass an additional skills and stamina test. Those who are interested can contact Marc Stirdivant, Community Services & Parks Dept., at (818) 550-4405 or at mstirdivant@ glendaleca.gov. GPD Open House The Glendale Police Dept. is hosting an open house on Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities and learning for the whole family including rock climbing and face painting for children! Meet the K-9 team and see a real police helicopter on display. Free parking in Civic Center parking lot (enter on Wilson) and free food for the first 500 attendees (while supplies last). For more information, call (818) 548-6452. The police department is located at 131 N. Isabel in Glendale. Fundraising Volunteers Needed Second Acts Animal Rescue is a La Crescenta-based 501(c)(3) organization that uses 100% of all donations received to rescue homeless dogs and cats. Generous community service hours will be offered to volunteers who can help collect donations for the rescue via the sale of several items. Second Acts is seeking people who present themselves professionally and who love animals. Interested individuals who can provide some information about their background (e.g. profession/student), their knowledge of animal rescue, and why they want to help are encouraged to apply. This opportunity is ongoing and available immediately. Note that the rescue is not seeking volunteers to walk/bathe dogs, play with animals, etc. This is solely for fundraising. Please contact SecondActsFoundation@ yahoo.com to set up a meeting. Photos by Dick CLUBB and Mary OKEEFE By Mary O’KEEFE Later, after he was married and expecting their first child, he was to be deployed again, this time for only three weeks. He checked with his wife and she told him they could not leave as soon as he wanted because she didn’t have her passport updated. This time he explained that the Air Force would not allow his wife to go to war with him. She said that’s okay, she knew a guy … again Congressman Schiff. Whether that call was made or not, she was not deployed with her husband. “I realized the military spends a lot of time and resources ensuring that the warfighters are ready and when and if the call comes we get trained in chemical warfare, biological warfare, nuclear warfare, cyber warfare, “ he said. “However the families of the warfighters don’t get quite that extensive preparation.” He added they have great resources for families but “the fact remains the families are often unprepared to deal with this reality of war.” The reactions of his mom and wife were typical, he said. “My mom, the surgical nurse, was ready to volunteer in an operating room and my wife, the administrator, was willing to help set up a hospital,” he said. “Here are the names of men and women who have given everything to us. [These men and women] were taken far too early from us,” he said. “There is nothing more we can take from them. They gave us their hopes, their dreams, their future, their lives so that we can gather here this morning, so that later we can barbecue, so we can attend little league games, so that we can voice our opinions. In essence they gave us everything so that we can live free. But look behind the names and what do you see? Behind every name are dozens, if not hundreds, of family and friends who stood behind their soldier supporting him or her in any way possible.” The families who have lost loved ones volunteer and support each other. “Make no mistake these families grieve everyday,” Raffi said. “They stand by, they stand tall and they stand proud.” “I understand.” That single statement made by Warren Spayth identifies the feeling at the Two Strike Park Memorial Day service held on Monday. Spayth served in Vietnam in the U.S. Marine Corps. His comment was made to the event’s keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Raffi Najarian, after a presentation of a rubbing of a name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. Someone had contacted American Legion Post 288 after they noticed the name Michael Najarian on the Wall. They took a rubbing of the name, sent it to the Post and asked them to find his family. Michael Najarian was a cousin to Raffi. Lt. Col. Dave Worley presented Raffi with the framed rubbing of his cousin’s name. Raffi was emotional as he accepted the gift and slowly walked back to his seat. Spayth stood at the podium and said, “I understand.” He understood the emotion and the memory. He had a name on the Wall as well. “Serving in combat with another Marine … you are always brothers,” Spayth said. At Monday’s ceremony, Congressman Adam Schiff shared a story of talking to his colleagues, including Sen. John McCain, who served in the military. Schiff spoke of what their service meant to the country and that Memorial Day was for those who had sacrificed their lives and the families that mourn. “This weekend is most difficult for those who are left behind,” he said. Assemblymember Mike Gatto also spoke at the ceremony. He had been going through letters his uncle, who served during World War II, had sent to his aunt. One of the letters quoted lyrics from the song, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” made popular by Frank Sinatra during WWII. “‘I’ll find you in the morning sun and when the night is new, I’ll be looking at the moon but I’ll be seeing you,’” he sCoTT w. BeeVe, M.d., faCs recited. “This [brings] powerful emotion. To know someone you love – a brother, a father, a husband, a wife or a friend – that the next time you see them may only be in a memory. On Memorial Day we open the chamber of our hearts to allow these emotions to flow freely.” He added Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have made sacrifices. “Our spirits are filled with appreciation for those who sacrificed their last breath for our American cause. Today we drop the often disenchanted spirit of modern times and reflect upon the virtue and nobility of those who gave their life for us,” he added. Raffi spoke of a new understanding he had gained from his service and for those who serve. “The man standing in front of you here is different than the man who went to southwest Asia in 2003,” he told the audience. “I have since re-evaluated my 20-year military career and my experience during Iraqi Freedom.” He shared the story of that first deployment and how his mother, a veteran herself, reacted when he told her he was leaving. “No,” she said to Raffi. He explained that he didn’t have a choice, that these were orders, and she decided he could go but she would go with him. He explained he didn’t think the Air Force would The BesT of Glendale winner Year afTer Year! allow his mother to go with him to war but she said she knew a guy … Congressman Adam Schiff. Whether or not she contacted Schiff, Raffi wasn’t certain, 1809 Verdugo BlVd, Suite 150 • glendale, Ca 91208 but his mother did not go to Iraqi Freedom with him. Beeve Vision Care Summer is Coming Enjoy the outdoors without glasses or contacts. Come in for a FREE LASIK consultation. 818.790.8001 www.drbeeve.com NEWS Page 4 • May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Town Council Says Community Not Heard Over 710 Tunnel By Brandon HENSLEY The Crescenta Valley Town Council is concerned Metro and Caltrans are not listening to the community’s concern about increased traffic on the 210 freeway and Foothill Boulevard if the proposed SR North 710 freeway tunnel is approved. Representatives from Metro, Cal Trans and the engineering company CH2m Hill took questions from council and the audience at the May 21 meeting regarding the SR 710 North Study Report. Councilmember Mike Claessens called the representatives dishonest. “You’re not being honest about it – at least not with us. Not in this community,” Claessens said. That charge has to do with research in how Montrose and La Crescenta would be affected if the tunnel, or its alternatives, were built. Michelle Smith, John Lee and Loren Bloomberg handed out 26-page packets to each councilmember, updating the research done for the 710 freeway’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which was released in March. The research focuses on a roughly 100 square-mile area that, from east to west, spans the 605 freeway in Irwindale to the 2 freeway in Glendale and La Cañada. The packet has scarce information about potential traffic for areas in the foothills. The closest intersection examined is Ocean View and Foothill boulevards. The packet gives a community impact summary table, which labels nine “impacts,” such as business displacement and property tax loss. The table states that none of these impacts in La CrescentaMontrose would be affected by a tunnel or its alternatives. That page doesn’t mention any potential congestion problems with the tunnel, something Claessens and CVTC president Robbyn Battles were more concerned about. “Are they just coming through the 210 and getting on only at Angeles Crest?” Battles asked. “I’m not sure how you can say there’s no impact.” Claesessens said the impacts identified in the packet are not relevant to the community. “What about traffic volume?” he asked. “Isn’t that an impact?” “Traffic impacts are addressed separately,” Bloomberg replied. “Those aren’t community impacts by definition. Claessens then brought up air quality. “I don’t think that’s on the community impact [page],” Smith said. “It’s not here, I know,” Claessens said. “You might as well put down impact on La Crescenta zoo animals – zero. I could think of a lot of other columns of things that aren’t relevant to us on this table.” Smith and Bloomberg said the EIR has a more detailed study of traffic impact, and can be found in the third chapter of the more than 2,000-page document. Chapter 3 contains hundreds of pages on the effects the tunnel or its alternatives could have on the environment and air quality for the communities highlighted in the area study, but it does not include anything for La Crescenta-Montrose. The EIR can be found on the Caltrans website. Glendale city councilmember and outspoken critic of the project Ara Najarian spoke at the meeting. Najarian is upset that the report’s traffic statistics were done by the Southern California Assn. of Governments, and that group’s executive director is on C M Y Bthe record as being in favor of the An abundance of reasons to support Glendale Arts C M Y B ◆ Get discounted tickets to concerts and events at the Alex ◆ ◆ Receive discounts and perks at local restaurants ◆ ◆ Get Alex Theatre concessions bucks ◆ ◆ Be among the first to get invitations to special events ◆ ◆ Access pre-sale tickets ◆ ◆ Support the growth of the Alex Theatre ◆ Find out more at AlexTheatre.org/Membership or call 818-243-2611 ext. 11 or email us at GAMembership@GlendaleArts.org B u i l d in g a S t r o n g e r Community through a rtS & e ntertainment C M Y B project. “If that is not an outrage in any sense of fairness in the democracy that we call the United States, I don’t know what is,” Najarian said. Park stressed to council and the audience the importance of making their voices heard at meetings and through mail. “Right now, these community meetings, we do them at the request of city councils … these don’t get recorded,” he said. “We try to take notes to help us better answer questions at the public hearings when they come up, but these don’t get responded to.” “We feel like we’re not being heard, and that you have not studied the impact it’s going to have on our community,” Battles said. The last scheduled public hearing is June 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at David Wark Griffith Middle School, 4765 E. Fourth Street, Los Angeles 90022. Written comments can be sent to Garrett Damrath, Caltrans District 7, Division of Environmental Planning, 100 S. Main St. MS-16, Los Angeles, CA 90012. In other council meeting news, Thomas Love, new general manager of the Crescenta Valley Water District, introduced himself and gave some water conservation tips while also adding the district will be proposing rate increases. He said pipelines are outdated and need to be updated. “Last week we had a pipeline failure on Pennsylvania Avenue,” he said. “It lifted up the asphalt. It’s a high-pressure main. That pipeline was installed in 1947.” Love said the district would also like to fund the installation of automatic earthquake isolation valves, so that if a quake occurred, the valves would automatically shut off and save water. Also highlighted were CVTC scholarship winners for this school year. Each high school student was given two certificates of appreciation, one from the House of Representatives and one from the state Senate. “It has been a lot of fun getting to know the students,” said councilmember Leslie Dickson. “It’s great to see how involved everyone is and what a great school we have.” The scholarship winners C M are: Liam Huber, Nicole Y B Wilson, Taylor Middleton, Allison Zadrvecz, Jennielyn Bazon, Lisa Chik, Brett Tyler, Deborah Rheem, Kathryn Davis, Gabriel Hoffman, Rachel Achterman, Lauren Harvey, Alexandria Chwierut and Irene Kim. The next CVTC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 18 at the La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta. CV Weekly Subscribers! Don’t forget to show your card and receive your reward This week’s featured business: Offer Expires June 4, 2015 La CresCenta PharmaCy Buy one greeting card and get one free! 2764 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta • 818-248-5851 MISSING YOUR CV WEEKLY? Subscriptions are only $1 a week ($52 a year) to get the foothill community newspaper every week in your driveway. Copies can also be found at local businesses that support this publication. Arianna Pharmacy Cal Tech Credit Union Sunland-Tujunga YMCA Glendale Water & Power La Canada Presbyterian Church NEWS CVHS Student Struck Near School By Mary O’KEEFE At lunch on Tuesday, a Crescenta Valley High School student pedestrian was hit by a CVHS student driver. The pedestrian reportedly had a compound fracture and was transported to the hospital, stated CVHS administration. According to Officer Fan of the California Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at Encinal west of Ramsdell Avenue in La Crescenta at 1:10 p.m. The victim and his friend were apparently playing around on the sidewalk. “The victim then decided to jump into the street from between two parked cars as a car was traveling eastbound on Encinal toward CV High School,” said Officer Fan. The right rear view mirror struck the victim and he fell to the ground. The car’s tire ran over his right leg. He was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital. Several interviews were conducted at the scene with witnesses. There were no charges filed against the student driver, said Officer Fan. May 28, 2015 • Page 5 www.cvweekly.com Fiesta Days Kicks Off Foothills’ Summer WANT THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS? Sign up for our CV Weekly E-BLAST. E-mail info@cvweekly.com to receive an e-mail with the latest community news. Caution Urged as Graduations Draw Near This upcoming Wednesday, June 3 sees graduation and commencement ceremonies at the public schools throughout the Crescenta Valley. There will be crowds of students and their family members hurrying to and from the various schools for these ceremonies. The community is urged to take extra time and care when traveling. GUSD administrators remind the community to take two minutes to remember to do the basic things we all learn in elementary school: • Look before you step out into traffic • Establish eye contact with the driver and wait for them to slow down • Use crosswalks • Drive safely – at or under the posted speed limit while around a school • Focus on driving – don’t allow yourself to be distracted by music, friends or texts By Marissa GOULD The weather may have been gray and cloudy on Memorial Day, but that did not deter foothills’ residents from coming to Memorial Park in La Cañada to sit, talk to their neighbors, and enjoy the various booths that Fiesta Days’ Afternoon in the Park offered. There were 18 booths that surrounded the perimeter of Memorial Park. The Pasadena Humane Society was not only showcasing their shelter animals but also offering them for adoption. Allied Waste Services handed out free root beer floats to all the thirsty kids (and parents) running around the park. Even the U.S. Forest Service showed up with Smokey Bear to entertain and inform everyone. There was also a petting zoo and a bounce house for the kids. Not only was there a myriad of booths to check out, but there was also food offered. The Kiwanis Club barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs. Los Gringos Locos had their food truck on-site as well. The festivities were part of the three-day Fiesta Days celebration, the result of the hard work and dedication of the La Cañada Chamber of Commerce. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Pat Anderson said the preparation for Fiesta Days starts way back in January and not only does the chamber staff work on these events, but so does a “large group of volunteers.” The focal point of Memorial Park, the gazebo, was decorated with balloons and banners to commemorate the Memorial Day holiday. Performing in front of the gazebo was the band Misplaced Priorities that preformed covers of famous songs. Other events over the three days included a French toast breakfast and car show on Saturday morning, fireworks and barbecue on Sunday night, Memorial Day ceremony on Monday morning and the launch of Music in the Park on Monday afternoon. Music in the Park continues through the summer on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. CRESCENTA-CAÑADA TILE FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1975! SALES AND INSTALLATION EXPERTS! Tile • Marble Granite • Caesarstone Cabinets & Countertops (818) 790-8219 1105 Foothill Blvd. • La Cañada, 91011 Come Meet Our Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff! Your HomeTown Pharmacy cal Free lroY Delive 818.248.5851 2764 Foothill Blvd. La Crescenta Independently Owned NEWS Page 6 • May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Congressman Receives Y Recognition By Jason KUROSU Local YMCAs honored Congressman Adam Schiff during a special ceremony Tuesday afternoon, awarding him the YMCA Congressional Champion Award at the Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale. The YMCA Congressional Champion Award is an annual honor given to legislators “for their work in supporting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said JC Holt, president and CEO of the Burbank Community YMCA. “Our friend and representative has done more than support the work of the Y,” said Holt. “He’s lived it with his family’s membership as well as securing funding for important programs like our Youth and Government Program.” Schiff was originally presented the award during a February reception in Washington, DC, but Tuesday’s event allowed him to receive the award in his Congressional district before local representatives from four Los Angeles District YMCAs and city leaders from Glendale, Burbank and La Cañada. “I think in every community there are a few really core institutions that keep the community together, that make it thrive, that are integral to the success of that community and the YMCA is exactly that organization,” said Schiff. “It has been really a privilege to work with all the Y chapters in our Congressional district. I think we have some of the best anywhere in the state, if not in the entire country.” Schiff credited YMCA for its attention not only to “physical health, but attention to mental health and attention to character building.” “I can’t think of anything that pleases me more than to be recognized by an organization that I so admire,” said Schiff. The award was given to Schiff with particular recognition for his co-sponsorship of the Child Protection Improvements Act. The bill would streamline the ability of organizations such as the YMCA to access and request state and national background checks on prospective employees and volunteers. “Tragically, we do have situations where predators and others will seek positions of proximity to young people and we want to make sure we protect all of our kids,” said Schiff. “The worst thing in the world would be for a family to bring a young person to an organization that they know and trust and love and find out that that trust was not fulfilled.” Holt called the bill “legislation that would help many youth-serving organizations better protect those people so dear to us, our youth.” Schiff said the legislation “should be a no-brainer issue, but frankly, there are a lot of very common sense measures that die in U.S. Congress Congressman Adam Schiff was honored Tuesday with the YMCA Congressional Champion Award for his involvement with the Ys’ youth programs. these days.” Members of the YMCA’s Youth and Government Program presented Schiff with the award. Bonners Party Rentals Serving the Foothill Community Since 1939 Chairs • Tables • Linens Tents • String Lights • Heaters Concession Machines Bonners Equipment Rentals 6935 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga (818) 951-9117 www.bonnersrentals.com Earthquake Preparedness Event Hosted by Local Girl Scouts By Isiah REYES Girl Scout Troop 16451 will have a Team Earthquake Preparedness and First Aid Fair on May 31 at Two Strike Park as part of their Community Bronze Project, with special appearance by the CV Boy Scouts. The event is free and will be open to community residents and groups. The objective of the bronze project is for the girls to find a need in the community that has not been filled, so the troop is inviting everyone to learn basic earthquake preparedness tips as well as a little first aid relating to injuries that might be sustained in an earthquake. “There’s a big push for earthquake preparedness and getting the supplies ready but after that it is kind of a big black void,” said Christina Hawes, troop leader. “The girls are not really prepared to be a first responder possibly for their families or for themselves after the big earthquake that is going to happen.” The event will have 10 stations, eight of which will concentrate on first aid and the other two will focus on earthquake preparedness and what to do right after an earthquake. Hawes added that most people do not know what to do and where to go when the next big earthquake hits so it is important for every person in the community to have some sort of first aid training. “It’s a motivating thing,” said Hawes. “It’s not to scare people, it’s to empower people, to bring all ages of the community together to all be prepared but also trained and to do our very best to survive [it].” The Girl Scouts are focusing on getting all ages prepared so there will be a lot of children at this event as well as parents. The event is to promote community resilience. The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Two Strike Park, 5107 Rosemont Ave. in La Crescenta. NEWS May 28, 2015 • Page 7 www.cvweekly.com RON from Cover lows, Sowers has always put the kids first even when they are sent to his office. His philosophy is if the student has done something wrong to own up to it, take the consequences and move on. “I was in the parking lot of Ralphs and this car stopped right in front of me. A kid got out and said, ‘Thanks for not giving up on me. I learned the hard way,’” he said. The kid had gone to jail and told Sowers he had thought of him and how he believed in him. Sowers has many stories of former students who have told him they learned from him and appreciated his stewardship. “When I see a kid who had a [tough time] and had dropped out of school and then see me and say, ‘I am graduating’…” Sowers stops and just shakes his head. “And I am so proud of the kids that are just going along doing what they are supposed to do.” It will be difficult to leave Rosemont but he and his wife Joanne have plans. They are buying a new trailer and plan on traveling across country. “I want to see the leaves change [in the fall],” said the native Californian. For years he worked the tech crew at Pasadena Nazarene Church. With his newfound free time he will be able to help out more with church programs. Joanne retired from Rosemont after 27 years as a teacher and has not exactly been sitting in a rocking chair since. After her first year of retirement she picked up her trumpet and joined the Pasadena City College band and marched in the Rose Parade. She has not seen Niagara Falls, so that is another destination, as well as traveling to Idaho to see daughter Jennifer. The couple also plans to babysit the grandkids for his daughter Amy who lives in the area. There also appears to be some Pilates in his future since both of his daughters own and operate Pilates studios. Amy owns WundaBar Pilates in Montrose. Before he leaves on his many adventures, Sowers has to get through his last promotion ceremony on June 3, which will not be without tears from him, the students and staff. “Rosemont is an outstanding school,” he said. “This is a marvelous staff, from administration to custodians and teachers.” And what will he be doing the first day of retirement? “I plan on sleeping in, going to Starbucks and then to breakfast – in Palm Springs,” Sowers said. And why? Because he can. Burglaries Prompt Sheriffs to Seek Public’s Help On May 8 between 1:49 p.m. and 2:24 p.m., unknown suspects burglarized a home in the 400 block of Starlight Crest Drive in La Cañada Flintridge. One suspect smashed the rear sliding glass door and gained entry into the home. He then unlocked the front door from the inside and let three other suspects in. One of the suspects backed a vehicle into the victim’s driveway, where items were loaded in the trunk. A diamond pattern, dark pants, and was the driver of suspect vehicle. Suspect 4 is described as female black, wearing light-colored hoodie with black emblem on back (possibly a lion), light-colored pants and white shoes. The suspect vehicle is gray crossover, tinted windows, black & white dealer plates, sunroof, possibly BMW X series. Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station detectives are also asking Louis Vuitton handbag, currency, safe, and luggage were stolen. All suspects seemed aware of cameras in the home and kept their heads down the entire time. Suspect 1 is described as male black, wearing a dark-colored hat with white emblem, navy-blue jacket, white t-shirt, dark pants, black & white sneakers, used black umbrella to cover face when entering backyard. Suspect 2 is described as male black, wearing a white towel/ bandana underneath a gray hat, gray shirt, blue jeans, black & white shoes, black gloves. Suspect 3 is described as male black, wearing a gray hoodie jacket with black & white for the public’s help in identifying the following residential burglary suspects. On Tuesday, April 21 between 9:10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., unknown suspects burglarized a home on the 1300 block of Descanso Drive in La Cañada. They entered the home by smashing the rear glass door pane and stole electronics and a credit card. The suspects later used the stolen credit card at a Macy’s in Northridge and at a liquor store in Pacoima. Suspect 1 is described as a male Hispanic, dark hair, mustache, wearing black T-shirt, watch on left wrist, early 20s. Suspect 2 is described as a male Hispanic, dark hair, possibly has mustache, wearing black hoodie with triangle on front, early 20s. Suspect 3 is described as a male Hispanic, dark hair, wearing dark hat backwards, dark sweatshirt with California flag on front, black and white gym shorts, early 20s. Suspect 4 is described as a male Hispanic, dark hair, mustache and beard, wearing white striped zip-up hoodie and jeans, early 20s. Suspect vehicle is described as silver, possibly a Toyota Solara. Surveillance video is available upon request. Anyone with information regarding the identity of any of these suspects is asked to contact the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station, Detective Burt at (818) 236-4014. t s e n i F e h T 5 1 0 5 2 f o Get Ready to Vote! CRIME BLOTTER May 21 2600 block of Foothill Boulevard in La Crescenta, a tote bag, candy and three bottles of liquor were taken from the Rite Aid by a man described as Hispanic or Armenian in his 30s, about 5’7” to 5’8” tall, weighing 180 to 190 pounds with brown hair and a goatee. The suspect allegedly placed the items in the shopping tote bag. A loss prevention employee of Rite Aid followed the suspect out of the store and took the bag with the items off his shoulder. The suspect got into a gray van and drove off. The incident occurred at 11:03 a.m. May 20 Encinal Avenue and Ramsdell Avenue in Montrose, a catalytic converter was stolen from a 2003 Toyota Sequoia between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. 1900 block of Foothill Boulevard in La Cañada, a Sunland man was arrested for battery after he allegedly shoved an employee at the Crescenta Cañada YMCA. The man entered the swimming pool area during a swim class. The area was closed to only those who were part of the class. The swim instructor explained the man could not swim; there was a verbal altercation. Another member of the Y staff escorted him to the men’s locker room and advised him to leave. The man came back, another verbal altercation occurred then the man allegedly rushed the staff member and pushed him in the chest causing him to fall into the swimming pool. The man was arrested at 7:25 p.m. CV WEEKLY is online! www.CVWEEKLY.com NEWS Page 8 • May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com SHEEHAN from Cover recently with staff arrested on charges ranging from financial to sexual misconduct. What Sheehan’s departure means for Glendale is a hunt for a new superintendent that will begin immediately. At a special meeting Tuesday night, the GUSD board discussed hiring a search firm to reach out to qualified candidates. Sheehan said the firm should be chosen by June 16 and the search will begin shortly thereafter. There will be community outreach to parents, community leaders, teachers and students to share what they would like to see in a new superintendent. Sheehan will be on hand through the schools’ graduations on June 3. “My last day is June 30,” he said. That does not mean the superintendent will be chosen by that date. “[The board] will go with an interim superintendent while the selection process continues,” Sheehan said. GUSD Plans for Future By Jason KUROSU GUSD Superintendent Dr. Richard Sheehan has accepted a position with the Covina-Valley Unified School District, necessitating a search for a new superintendent to lead Glendale’s schools. The GUSD board of education discussed the process for replacing Sheehan during a special meeting Tuesday night, laying the groundwork for a search process that will get underway, continuing through the summer. Sheehan will succeed Covina-Valley Unified Superintendent Catherine Nichols, who announced her retirement plans in March. GUSD Board President Greg Krikorian said that the district would “step up the timeline” to seek a replacement for Sheehan, beginning with the hiring of a consultant or firm to help the district select a worthy candidate. Krikorian said that Superintendent Sheehan recommended the hiring of consultants in order to maintain impartiality during the evaluation process and allow board members to focus on district business. GUSD Board Vice President Christine Walters said the hiring of a third party “will help us to organize the process and make sure we get the best breadth of qualified candidates.” The board will begin hearing proposals from consultants immediately, with a June 5 submission deadline for prospective consultants. The board hopes to select a consultant or firm at their June 16 board meeting. The district is also planning to hold community meetings for gathering public input once the consultant or firm is selected, giving stakeholders a chance to weigh in on their criteria for the next superintendent. The district will also consider having an interim superintendent for “two to four months” until an official replacement is chosen. Doing so would ensure “we don’t rush the process to find the right candidate,” said Krikorian. Board members expressed that they did not want to see Sheehan leave, but that it made sense for him to want to work in Covina, where he lives and has history with the school district. Sheehan was formerly the principal at Northview High School and a teacher at Covina High. “We’re going to deeply miss him,” said Krikorian. “We had slated Dr. Sheehan to be here until he retired,” said Walters, who said that Sheehan’s acceptance to work with the Covina-Valley district where he served as a principal, teacher and student, was “certainly understandable.” Sheehan’s last day as GUSD superintendent will be June 30. WANDA from Cover “This is a hard job. [Bergstrom] is up at 4:30 every morning,” Wagner said. Bergstrom has become part of the City Hall history and is responsible for the most notable traditions. Walking in the diner the first thing customers notice are the pennants that line the walls. Bergstrom, a loyal Dodgers fan, put a pennant up from her favorite team. “A customer came in one day and asked where her Ohio State pennant was. [Bergstrom] told him she would put it up if he brought one in. He did,” according to “Images of America Montrose” by Robert Newcombe. Another City Hall Café tradition is the coffee mugs that hang on the walls. This was started when a customer, a reporter from the Herald Examiner, complained about the coffee mugs. “He had huge hands and he complained the cups were too small. I told him to bring his own coffee mug in, and he did,” Bergstrom said. “I hung up this little rack (she pointed to a small rack near the coffee machine) and it just grew.” She has seen the ownership of the City Hall Café change three times. About 40 years ago Young Rhee purchased the Café. “I can’t say enough nice things about Young. We have worked together for 40 years,” Bergstrom said. Although Bergstrom is still smiling and still loves her customers, she said it is just time to retire. “I wish I could stay longer, but my body is telling me it’s time,” she said. And although her husband of 57 years retired 16 years ago, Bergstrom’s retirement will not only allow her to sleep in but he will as well. “He comes down here every morning to help me set up [the tables],” she said. She will miss both her regulars and new customers that are discovering City Hall Café for the first time. But retirement means spending more time with her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. “And if we decide to do something we can just do it,” she said. “I have never had that freedom.” For those who want to say goodbye to Wanda Bergstrom, they are invited to join her retirement party on June 5 at City Hall Café, 2327 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose at 5 p.m. WANT THE LATEST CV WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWS? Sign up for our CV Weekly E-BLAST. E-mail info@cvweekly.com to receive an e-mail with the latest community news. Foothill 1Ne0w%C OFF Plumbing SenioMrsil•ituEstdoumcaetorsrs For all your plumbing needs new and old. Trusted in Sunland-Tujunga for over 25 years. Michael Lonsdale (818) 352-0015 ary Call for details! Lic. #866813 spacious new boarding kennels & air conditioned runs 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE 6934 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042 • (818) 352-6085 www.FoothillPlumbing247.com COMPLETE PLUMBING AND ROOTER SERVICE FAST EFFICIENT SERVICE foothillplumbing247@gmail.com Public Outreach Meeting The public is cordially invited to a Crescenta Valley Land-Use Committee meeting on June 11 to discuss the construction of a communication tower at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station as part of new regional network linking Los Angeles County police, fire and emergency response agencies. Discussion will follow a presentation about the need for the project, photos of the proposed siting and statistics reflecting its safety for public health. Time: 6:30 pm Date: June 11, 2015 Place: La Crescenta Library Community Room (back of building) 2809 Foothill Blvd. La Crescenta, CA 91214 For more information about the project, please go to “Understanding LA RIC’s Project” on the home page of the CV Council website: http://thecvcouncil.com/ 2015/05/14/understanding-la-rics-project/ Or you can call LA RICS at 323-881-8311 or the CV Council offices at (818) 970-0976. We’re here for you! Obituary Sallie Anderson Crowdy Barengoltz May 20, 1942 – May 11, 2015 Sallie Barengoltz passed away in hospice care at home with her loving husband of 42 years, Jack, by her side. Sallie was born in Seattle, Washington to Lucille and Walter Anderson. She attended the University of Washington, receiving a BA in education and an MS in special ed. She was an avid Huskies football fan. Sallie and her son John Crowdy moved from the Seattle area to La Crescenta and Glendale to be with Jack. She taught elementary, high school and special education in Rosemead area schools for 20 years before she had to retire on disability. John became Jack’s son as well. Sallie loved flowers, birds, dogs and baroque music. In their early years together, Sallie, Jack and John enjoyed hiking and backpacking. Later Sallie and Jack did some serious traveling. They also enjoyed taking their dog Lacey for walks in Whiting Woods and greeting everyone. Her great joy was the family that John provided for her to be Grammy … her loving daughter (forget the “in-law”), Suzy, and two wonderful grandchildren, Tori and Tim. Sallie is also survived by her sister Dolores Potter of Wrightwood and her brother Donald of Olympia, Washington. Please visit a memorial tribute to Sallie at CrippenMortuary. com. Donations may be made to Transplant Recipients International Organization, New York. May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Page 9 VIEWPOINTS Treasures of the Valley » Mike lawler “Nature Boy” Lived in Big Tujunga Canyon “There was a boy, a very strange enchanted boy…” These were the opening lines of Nat King Cole’s hit song, “Nature Boy.” The song was a semi-autobiographical piece written by the famous Los Angeles pre-hippie icon Eden Ahbez, whose main home (campsite really) was in Big Tujunga Canyon. Eden was born in the slums of New York in 1908 as George Alexander Aberle (Eden Ahbez was a name he adopted in the early ’40s). He grew up in an orphanage, but was adopted as a teenager by a family in Kansas. In the 1930s he developed his musical talent in Kansas City and New York. He joined the thousands of jobless men who lived in vagabond style, crisscrossing the country by rail, thumb and foot. During this period he read up on Eastern philosophy and the nutritional benefits of natural foods. In 1941 he landed in L.A. and got a job playing piano in a health food restaurant called Eutropheon on Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Eutropheon was one of the centers of the protohippie lifestyle of that era that promoted primitive living and raw foods. (L.A. had, since the 1880s, been a center of the health food movement. We had a health food store in Montrose in the ’20s!) Eden was influenced by the owners of the restaurant, natural-lifestyle pioneers John and Vera Richter. Eden and others associated with the restaurant adopted Eastern philosophies, grew their hair and beards, wore robes, and camped outdoors, eating only raw foods (the famous Gypsy Boots was one of this group). They were dubbed “the California Nature Boys.” The years just after the war found Eden regularly camping with his new wife Anna in Big Tujunga Canyon. Old-timers place that site as being between the modern-day Little League field and the detention camp. In 1947, Eden penned “Nature Boy” and tried to get the sheet music to the moderately successful Nat King Cole, then playing in a Los Angeles theater. The long-haired oddball was ignored, but he left the music with Cole’s assistant. Later, when Cole read the music, he was taken with its haunting melody, and tried the song out to live audiences with great success. Cole wanted to record the song, but needed to get the rights from Eden who had disappeared back into his temporary campsites around L.A. Legend says that Cole finally tracked him down camped under the Hollywood sign. The song was a No. 1 hit for Cole, and introduced him to a wider audience, cementing his fame. As a result of Cole’s hit, Eden became a celebrity, and his thenodd lifestyle became a focus of a fascinated America. The term “nature boy” became a part of our language and culture. Photos of him, his wife and son preparing raw foods or playing bongo drums in Big Tujunga Canyon were widely viewed. Characters based on “Nature Boy” popped up in movies, prowrestling, Bugs Bunny cartoons and comic books. As a result of his fame, other musicians and songwriters flocked to Eden. He churned out a string of minor hits for Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Eartha Kitt and many others. His songwriting ranged from the easy-listening style of “Nature Boy” to jazz, rock ‘n roll, and country western. He even collaborated (un-credited) with songwriter Stan Jones on the cowboy classic “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” All this time, he was camping outdoors in various sites ranging from Silver Lake and Whittier to Joshua Tree and Indio, but returning often to Big Tujunga. In the ’50s and ’60s, American culture caught up with Eden, first with the beatnik movement then with the hippie movement. Life’s tragedies caught up with him as well when his wife died in 1965 of leukemia, followed by his son in 1971 in a drowning accident. Eden himself died in a car crash in 1995. Eden Ahbez’s physical life was filled with pain and tragedy, but his mind and spirit existed above it all, always promoting a message of peace and tranquility. “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn, Is just to love and be loved in return.” Mike Lawler is the former president of the Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and loves local history. Reach him at lawlerdad@yahoo.com. News from CV Alliance Hi, CV! It’s Memorial Day as I write this column and I am struck by all the posts my friends put on Facebook to honor the fallen. My experience in the military was through free ROTC classes offered at college designed to get people interested in signing up for the military. In Wilderness Survival, I “learned” how to rappel from a rock quarry, orienteer through the forest and lead a platoon using a terrain map. When my platoon reached the rendezvous point from the opposite direction, Captain Fritchley demanded I show him where we were on the map. Sheepishly I admitted I couldn’t read the terrain map. “How do you expect me to pass you if you can’t read the map?” “Because I was leading and they followed.” In leadership and management training, I would beat the geeky guys in weekly challenges using examples from the real world. It took My Gun and Its Maintenance, and, not being much of a joiner, to end my ROTC career. My brother joined the Navy to change his life path and my dad, a Korean War vet, ran the Naval Reserve in Coconut Grove throughout our childhood. I loved watching him walk across the field in his uniform to pick me up from cheerleading. Working in government was my way of giving back. Today, I ask you to remember the sacrifices made by those living with PTSD who might still be alive, but the person they were is not. According to dosomething. org, 11-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD, and 30% develop mental problems within three to four months of being home. These wars gave rise to canine PTSD, a recognized combat affliction. Let us remember, and honor, those deaths that were self-inflicted. A 2012 VA Suicide Data Report found that 22 veterans die every day by suicide. According to a 2014 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) survey, 40% of IAVA members know an Iraq or Afghanistan veteran who has died by suicide. These brave men, women and beasts deserve to be honored by a grateful nation. Suzy Jacobs, Executive Director, CV Alliance 3131 Foothill Blvd. Suite D La Crescenta, CA 91214 (818) 646-7867 • cv-alliance.org/ news from WASHINGTON » ADAM SCHIFF Preserving Open Space in the Rim of the Valley Los Angeles is one of the rarest of the big cities in America, with millions of people living in close proximity to nature. We have mountain lions like P-22, who visit Griffith Park (and an occasional crawl space under our homes), and bears that eat the meatballs right out of your garage refrigerator. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is part of the very fabric of Los Angeles and deeply contributes to this unique link between the urban and natural world in our city. After a long wait and much anticipation, we now have a draft recommendation from the National Park Service to significantly expand this recreation area. While we still have a lot of work ahead of us, this is an important milestone in the decadelong effort to preserve open space and connect urban populations to nature. If we don’t act now to maintain these wildlife corridors and open spaces for us to enjoy they will be gone for good and, along with them, some of what we love about Los Angeles. How did we get here? Back in 2003, I introduced legislation along with Sen. Dianne Feinstein which directed the National Park Service to conduct a special resource study to determine if the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) should be expanded to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor – a vast area stretching from the existing park through the Simi Hills and Santa Susannas, the Verdugos, and on to the San Gabriel Mountains. The legislation was signed into law in 2008 and the study began in 2010. In 2012, the Park Service released its preliminary findings and alternatives to the public – which overwhelmingly favored the largest expansion to park possible. In April, the Park Service released its draft report, which included four updated alternatives for how the federal government can best provide assistance to the Rim of the Valley study area. The first is the “no action” alternative, where the Park Service would not have any additional authority. The second, Alternative B, would authorize the Park Service to provide assistance to areas within the study area but would not expand the boundary of the SMMNRA. Alternatives C and D would expand the boundary to enable the Park Service to utilize its full range of tools in order to assist local land managers in preserving open space and to connect urban communities to nature. In its draft report, the Park Service indicated that it supported more than doubling the size of the existing park (Alternative C), but not the even more expansive option (Alternative D). Alternative C would expand the recreation area to the areas bordering the most populous areas of the Los Angeles region, including the mountains surrounding the San Fernando and La Crescenta valleys, as well as the Los Angeles and Arroyo Seco corridors. I was pleased to see that the Park Service recommended such a substantial enlargement of the existing recreation area. However, I was disappointed that the Park Service did not embrace Alternative D, which includes all land within Alternative C along with some additional land in the western portion of the study area that may be essential to the wildlife corridors connecting the study area to the Los Padres National Forest and the upper portion of the Angeles National Forest. Any boundary expansion would authorize the Park Service to become a partner in the management of the land, provide technical assistance, expend funds on resource protection, visitor services, and land acquisition from willing sellers. Importantly, there is no eminent domain aspect in any of the recommendations. This is a critical period in the process for residents in the 28th District and the entire Los Angeles area, as we have the unique opportunity to take part in preserving open space and ecosystems for our community to enjoy for generations to come. I encourage anyone interested in the study to review it and submit comments to the Park Service. You can find the information and comment at Park Service website (http:// www.nps.gov/pwro/rimofthevalley/). The comment period closes on June 30. It will consider all comments submitted during the comment period and will adjust its final recommendation accordingly. Therefore, it is critical that we all share our reactions to the Park Service. What do you feel are the most important aspects to be included? What are your concerns? Please join me in advocating for the protection of our natural surroundings. It’s just one of things about our city that makes it so special – and it is something we as a community must fight to protect. Family owned business, servicing the area for 40 years Serving La Crescenta, La Canada, Glendale, Tujunga, Sunland, Shadow Hills, Sun Valley, Burbank, Eagle Rock, Pasadena, Altadena, and more! Complete Maintenance & Repair, Call Today! POOLS AND SPAS (818) 248-8769 www.splashpoolandspa.net Page 10 www.cvweekly.com May 28, 2015 YOUTH Students Present Solutions to State Drought Photos provided by Jin Mary OH Local students (in yellow ties and red shirts) presented options to the Crescenta Valley Town Council on water conservation. Pictured with the council members are students (top row) Jason Choi, Kevin Park, Matthew Chung, Joshua Rhee, Minsoo Sung. Bottom row from left are Andie Chung, Irene So, director Jin Oh and Jilly Choi. By Brandon HENSLEY L ocal middle and high school students presented their possible solutions to California’s drought before the Crescenta Valley Town Council meeting on May 21. As part of the Global Initiatives Alliance, two separate panels from La Crescenta’s New Hope Academy addressed the major water issues, including recommendations for the Town Council to possibly take to the Crescenta Valley Water District. “I think they’re realistic. You could implement them and see a change from them,” said Jason Choi, student president of the panel. “If the CVTC is willing to take them into consideration, I think it’d be beneficial to the community.” Those recommendations were presented by the second panel, consisting of Jilly Choi, Kevin Park, Irene So and Matthew Chung. Park suggested a five-tier system for CVWD users, instead of the existing four-tier system. If a user goes over 52 units of water in a period it would equal $15 per unit. “Our goal is to pressure those who waste water,” Park said. “That makes people want to stop using water immediately because they’d have to pay more.” CVWD recommends people shorten their showers by two minutes, and wash only full loads of laundry. Park said if everyone had already been following the district’s recommendations, which also include letting grass grow two or three inches higher, it would have already saved 230,000 gallons of water. Chung said a change to highefficiency toilets would save 27,000 gallons over eight months, and a switch from flush urinals to nonflush urinals would save 25,000 gallons over that same time. Chung also recommended holding a Desert Plant-Palooza, a one-day per month event where people would buy and sell desert plants in the community. “By increasing visibility and usage of desert plants, we can create a synergy effect in which the community as a whole can decrease water usage,” he said. Irene So, a seventh grader from Rosemont Middle School, recommended water education training, or W.E.T. She said elementary schools could hold assemblies and run PSAs. There could be mascots (“Wanda the Water Waster vs. Wendy the Water Hero”) that would also help teach kids about conservation. Park said he spoke to 250 CV residents for this project, and Chung said with the help of the CVTC, the CVWD and social media, people could become more aware of the need to conserve water. Jin Mary Oh, advisor to the group, said it is possible to implement some of the policies the students brought forth, but support from CVTC would be beneficial. Oh added that these ideas could expand to La Cañada and Glendale. President Choi, a junior at Village Christian, said it took the group three weeks of intense research, including speaking with employees at CVWD, to prepare for the speech. He was part of the first panel, with Andie Chung, Minsoo Sung and Joshua Rhee. YOUTH NOTES Scholarship Opp Exceptional student leaders are invited to apply for the 2014 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program. In honor of the legacy and character of President Ronald Reagan, this program annually rewards up to 20 college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships (up to $40,000 per recipient). Applications for the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program will be accepted online until Jan. 9. Additional information, eligibility requirements, and a link to the application are available online www. They addressed the big picture of the state’s water problem including that 80% of water use is for agriculture. Choi proposed gradual crop diversification, with less of an emphasis on corn. “A wiser, more comprehensive form of regulation is necessary such as advancing programs that promote crop diversity, conserving soil and water resources,” Choi said. He also said more exploration of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, is needed, because the ability exists to create crops with genes that are more drought resistant. Rhee said California is second only to Texas for the largest amount of irrigated land, and that there is too much dependence on engineered irrigation systems. Sung cited the widely shared online article by Steven Johnson, “Apocalyptic Schadenfreude: What the New York Times – and everybody else – gets wrong about California’s water crisis.” Sung quoted part of the article that states, “California is running through its water supply because, for complicated historical and climatological reasons, it has taken on the burden of feeding the rest of the country.” The water problem is not a state problem, Sung said, but a national problem because of the amount of crops California provides to the rest of the U.S. When it was time to answer questions from the audience, the students admitted their research was dedicated solely to the content of their presentation, meaning reaganfoundation.org/GE-RFScholarships.aspx. There is also a Facebook page. Calling All to a Bike Rodeo All bikers from preschool to fourth grade are invited to a Girl Scout bike rodeo on June 6 at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church from 10 a.m. to noon. “Our Girl Scout Troop is planning it to earn our Silver Award,” said Girl Scout Kayleigh Scott. The event will promote bike safety and will have several booths with related activities. The Bike Rodeo is free. LCPC is located at 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta. they could not adequately answer questions about recycled water, or jobs that would be affected if irrigation responsibilities moved out of state. Both Choi and Andie Chung, who is a sophomore at La Cañada High School, started the academy this school year. They said they didn’t know anyone when they started, but the experience has been a solid one. “I personally enjoy it,” Choi said. “I don’t get to do this with other groups. It’s fun meeting with everybody.” Debating and making presentations might not be what both want to do as a career, but impacting people while using these tools is intriguing to Andie. “It’s not so much career-wise, but more for the experience,” she said. “Trying to reach out to the community and do something memorable and give back – that’s something worthwhile to do.” Nesbitt Coming to Salem Lutheran Unlikely Hero Productions, and the producers of its forthcoming documentary “Skipping Joy,” announced that they will be filming children’s poet laureate Kenn Nesbitt’s upcoming visit to Salem Lutheran School in Glendale. Nesbitt will present a “standup comedy, poetry-writing assembly program” to show Salem students how much fun they can have with a book and how easy it is to write poetry that they and their friends will enjoy. Nesbitt’s work has been published in hundreds of school textbooks around the world, as well as on national television programs. His website, poetry4kids.com, is the most visited children’s poetry website on the internet. Glendale’s Salem Lutheran School serves JK through seventh grade is a National Blue Ribbon School, and has been recognized with local awards including the Principal of the Year award by Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, National Distinguished Principal award presented by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. More information can be found at www. salemlutheranglendaleschool. org. May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Page 11 SPORTS Falcon Baseball Back in Quarterfinals By Vincent PAGE, intern B uoyed by the pitching of Brian Gadsby and some timely offense, the Crescenta Valley Falcons’ baseball team is back in the CIF Division II quarterfinals for the second straight season. The Falcons (24-5) defeated Trabuco Hills in Orange County on Tuesday 5-1, pushing them to the third round. They’ll play Carter at Stengel Field on Friday at 6 p.m. Gadsby, the senior ace, went the distance, allowing an unearned run and three hits. He struck out five batters. Sophomore catcher Kewin Ledesma collected three hits, including a two-run double in the seventh to essentially put the game away. The Falcons are once again three wins away from a CIF championship, which the program last won in 1998. Last week at Stengel Field, the team took on the Ventura Cougars in a battle between second-place league teams. CV proved to be the better team in all aspects of the game, as they shut out the Cougars 4-0 behind Gadsby. Drawing comparisons to past Crescenta Valley baseball stars such as Trevor Bell and Dustin Emmons, Gadsby again proved how clutch he is in the playoffs. However, it was a total team effort as the offense scored all four runs in the first inning. Sophomore shortstop Ryan Lynch led off with an infield single, and waited briefly until the Falcons started a two-out rally with backto-back singles by seniors Weston Walker and Jimmy Smiley. Both scored shortly after on senior Brett Klein’s double. Sophomore Nico Arredondo recorded his first playoff hit and RBI in his first at-bat, bringing in Klein for the last run of the game. Arredondo would finish the game as the offensive player of the game with two hits, one a double and hit by pitch. Meanwhile, Gadsby, who led the CV football team to a CIF championship this past season, continued his playoff dominance. Being clutch in the playoffs seems to be in Gadsby’s blood as he orchestrated two straight masterpieces last year on the mound to get the Falcons to the quarterfinals. Gadsby pitched over the top, sidearm, and submarine throughout the game to finish with seven strikeouts, no walks, one pickoff, and the most important stat, the win, which brought CV straight to the second round. Support this paper! Visit our advertisers! Bring in this ad when you purchase a vehicle from us and we will donate $200 to your favorite school! AD MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF PURCHASE. NO EXCEPTIONS. Serving Southern California Since 1934 SALES • LEASING • PARTS • SERVICE 818-248-9363 3333 Foothill Blvd. La Crescenta, CA 91214 www.bobsmithtoyota.com Local Crescenta Valley Residents • Community Support Family Owned & Operated for Four Generations Photos by Dan HOLM TOP: At Friday’s game against the Ventura Cougars, Brian Gadsby pitched a two-hit shutout against Ventura in last Friday’s opening round playoff game. The Falcons won 4-0. ABOVE: Jimmy Smiley scored on senior Brett Klein’s double. LEFT: Sophomore shortstop Ryan Lynch led off the scoring with an infield single. SPORTS Page 12 • May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Flintridge Weiss Twins Place Well at CIF Finals By Leonard COUTIN The promise of exciting CIF track and field finals at Cerritos College last weekend brought an abundance of spectators eager to witness the best in high school athletic competition offered by the Southern CIF Section. Local talent has had a strong showing in recent events including the Weiss twins from Flintridge Prep. Gareth and Barrett Weiss, who attended last year’s state meet, brought key points to their team winning first place and second place in the Division 4 pole vault, both clearing 15-6. Gareth won with one less miss at 15-6. Also from Flintridge Prep was powerhouse distance runner Jack Van Scoter who took second place in the 1600m with a time of 4:17.04. Teammate Nikhil Poole placed eighth (4:29.59). Van Scoter also placed fifth in the 3200m with a time of 9:27.89. The boys’ team won the fourth place team standing title with 31 points. Nordhoff won first place with 53 points, followed by Serra with 47 points and Templeton with 36 points. Flintridge Prep’s Sophia Saldivar took fourth running the 800m in 2:18.98. Natalie O’Brien won fourth in the 3200m with a time of 11:30.20. Flintridge’s 4 x 100 relay and 4 x 400 relay took fifth place running 50.15 and 4:00.08. Girls snagged seventh place in the final team standing. The CV Falcons had a strong showing at the CIF finals, but unfortunately did not qualify to advance further in competition. “Sammie [Phinney] had a good race. She ran 15.23, which is her fourth fastest time ever,” said CVHS coach Mark Evans. “It is always tough at CIF finals. Megan [Melnyk] and Emmie [Walker] had good efforts; it just was not enough. They all had great careers at CV and great seasons this year.” Phinney, (top left), a first time Kim Kelly Kris Kline 2341 Honolulu Ave., Montrose (818) 249-1743 Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5 Where grandma can have a grand time. At Elmcroft, life-enriching programs like our enable seniors to meet people, go places and experience new things. Schedule your personal visit! 818.254.8014 Assisted Living | Memory Care 2640 Honolulu Avenue | Montrose, CA 91020 | elmcroft.com Lic# 197607164 Falcons runner, performed well all year. She took eighth in the 100H at Cerritos. Over the course of her CVHS career, Phinney showed her versatility in running both the short and long distances making her a valued team member. Fellow senior Melnyk (bottom left) was also a valued team member, both in cross-country and track, for four years. She had the determination to run three to four races at every meet and maintained an optimistic disposition despite suffering injuries throughout this year. She was honored with the Falcons highest scholastic award at the CV banquet, earning a GPA of 4.37. At the finals, she ran a time of 2:14.04 to place seventh in her final race. Cassie Durgy of Huntington Beach won with 2:09.57. Walker placed seventh, clearing a height of 5-3 at Cerritos. She and three others tied with the same height. Scoring was determined on the number of misses. Huntington Beach’s Taylor Eddleman took the win clearing 5-7. Walker has proven to be more than just a jumper for the Falcon team. Contributing in two relays, the 4x100 and the 4x400, as well as open 400 and sprint races, she has been a key scoring member for the Falcons. She is another CV athlete who will be missed after the June 3 graduation. Also in Division 1, Apache Phillip Rocha took second in the 3200m running a time of 9:06.40 behind Loyola’s Robert Brandt (8:59.40). Rocha continued to trade wins with rival Brandt all year. The Arcadia 4x400 relay team advanced to the Master Meet running 3:48.33 and taking second behind Roosevelt’s winning team (3:44.76). Arcadia’s Daijuan Buchanan took seventh in the high jump clearing 6-1 to tie with three others. Lee Sean of Trabuco Hills won clearing 6-7. Arcadia Apache Rebecca Troescher took eighth in the 400m running 58.65. Sarah Prystupa of Burroughs took seventh in the pole vault at 10-6 and Burbank’s Julia Newton took eighth clearing 10-6 (also to tie with three others at same height). Kent Truong of Burroughs placed sixth in the pole vault clearing 14-6. In Division 3, St. Francis’ Jasher Foster won first place in the 110H 14.30 and placed seventh in the 300H with 39.86. The CIF Master Meet will be held at Cerritos College on Friday, May 29. Field events start around 3 p.m., running at 5 p.m. All division finalists will run in one open division. Finalists from the Masters Meet will move forward to the CIF state track and field meet in Fresno on June 5 and June 6. May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Page 13 BETWEEN FRIENDS ALG Installs New Board T he 72nd board of the Assistance League Glendale was installed on May 15 at the Oakmont Country Club. Karen Millman passed the gavel to Mary Lo Follett at the club’s annual meeting and installation of new officers. Millman completed her two years as president of the thriving club when she handed over the reins to the new president and her officers. The club, started in 1943, continues its work to help children and seniors in Glendale by supplying school uniforms to children in need, encouraging reading by bringing children’s authors and illustrators into the classroom, providing low cost SAT classes, encouraging women to go to college with scholarships, imparting vocational education and subsidizing a monthly lunch for seniors. Nancy Frazee, past president and the first chairman of Authors and Illustrators in 1997, was recognized during the event for her 40 years of service to the chapter. ABOVE: From left are Karen Millman, Ruby Hardy, Mary McVay, Rita Burns, Bea Wojtyla, Mary Lo Follett, Karen Saunders, Claire Collins, Karin Jonke, Carol Russell Eldred, Rita Cohen, Sue Barns, Nicole McNevin and Alma Tycer at Oakmont Country Club. LEFT: Karen Millman and Mary Lo Follett share a hug on the gavel exchange day. RIGHT: Nancy Frazee, left, was celebrated for her 40 years of service to Assistance League of Glendale in a recognition ceremony by Rita Burns. American Heart Association, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Promote Heart and Brain Health The American Heart Association (AHA) has forged an alliance with USC Verdugo Hills Hospital to empower residents of Glendale and the foothill communities to live healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. The three-year collaboration includes sponsorship of the Greater Los Angeles Heart Walk, the AHA’s biggest fundraising event. Paul Craig, chief administrative officer for USC Health and interim chief executive officer of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, will take on a leadership role and serve as chairman of the Heart Walk. The annual 5K walk engages the community in raising awareness and funds to fight heart disease and stroke, the nation’s leading killers. The Heart Walk will be held in Pasadena on Sept. 26, in Long Beach on Oct. 3, and Santa Clarita on Oct. 10. Visit www. heartwalkla.org to form a team or get more information. “It’s a pleasure to be the incoming chairman of the Heart Walk,” said Craig. “At USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, heart health and stroke prevention are among our top priorities. We are a primary stroke center and have a strong cardiac rehabilitation program, to help our patients take care of their hearts by adopting lifestyle changes.” The AHA and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital will also bring programs and initiatives to the community designed to promote heart and brain health. For American Stroke Month, the two organizations will cohost Strokes for Stroke, an art therapy program for stroke survivors, at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital today, May 28, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event uses art therapy to assist stroke patients overcome challenges associated with stroke, including verbal communication, depression and physical pain. To RSVP or learn more about Strokes for Stroke, contact Amanda Naughton at amanda.naughton@heart.org or (213) 291-7102. Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of nearly 800,000 men, women and children in the United States every year. The American Heart Association’s mission is building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. Its goal by 2020 is to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% while reducing deaths from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases by 20%. BETW EEN FRIENDS Page 14 • May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Questions About Today’s Real Estate? Ask Phyllis! Pros And Cons Of Waiving An Appraisal Contingency Dear Phyllis, We have been looking at homes for over a year and prices are only going up. We have written four offers on homes only to get beat out (once was even by a cash buyer). On the most recent offer, the seller’s Realtor® countered us to waive the appraisal contingency. Our offered price was higher than everyone else’s but it was contingent on the home appraising. Our offer was not selected. Now I am thinking that next time we should just write the offer without the appraisal contingency – we have 25% down payment. What are the pros and cons of waiving this appraisal contingency? Jenny Dear Jenny, I am sorry that you are still writing offers. What is an appraisal contingency? Lenders base their loan amount on a percentage of the appraised value or purchase price, whichever is less. It’s an extremely strong seller’s market. There are many components of a strong offer other than price. When the price offered is contingent upon the home appraising – the buyer has an “out”. Most buyers write an offer with an appraisal contingency; meaning that if the home does not appraise for the full amount, the buyer can cancel escrow and have their deposit returned. An example: A home is listed for $1,000,000 Because the seller already has of- fers, the buyers submits an offer for $1,050,000 Their 20% down payment is $210,000 Escrow is opened; unfortunately the home is appraised for just $1,000,000 – the bank will lend the buyer 80% (of the lower amount) or $800,000. In order to obtain financing the buyer needs to increase his down payment by $40,000. OR the seller needs to reduce the purchase price or the two parties can negotiate somewhere in the middle. BUT when the buyer has waived their appraisal contingency the buyer must increase his down payment (in this example) by the $40,000 OR risk losing his escrow deposit. If you are a home buyer unsuccessfully making offers, waiving an appraisal contingency will increase your chance of success. Hopefully you are working with an experienced real estate agent who can analyze comparable homes that the appraiser will likely use (similar homes sold in the last six months within one mile). If your Realtor® thinks it’s likely the appraisal might come in low and increasing your down payment is difficult, you might consider making two loan applications – this will give you two different appraisals. Do you have a real estate question? Ask Phyllis! Email her at Phyllis@HarbandCerpa.com or contact her directly at (818) 790-7325. Phyllis Harb is a Realtor® with Dilbeck Real Estate. & WELLNESS Manicurist Enrolling Now for SUMMER Session XTREME E Lori Self Vella BOOT CAMP ® Formerly at Monet Hair Studio, is pleased to announce her new location in Montrose: Session Begins June 1st! Call to Enlist 3720 N. Verdugo Road (next to Divina’s) 1424 Foothill Blvd. La Cañada CA 91011 818.790.2770 Call Lori for an appointment 818-926-1823 www.ExtremeBootCamp.com Get Your Life Back At Standing Tall Chiropractic Dr. Dale Ellwein of Standing Tall Chiropractic wants you to take a big leap forward in the pursuit of your ideal life. Get his new workbook “Life Alchemy 1.0” and discover the catalyst that will ignite your life and transform it into the brilliant, glorious, bright life you have been craving. Dr. Dale Ellwein Standing Tall Chiropractic 3436 N. Verdugo Rd, Suite 250 Glendale, CA 91208 To purchase your copy of “Life Alchemy 1.0,” go to www.lulu.com/lifealchemy or call Standing Tall Chiropractic at (818) 249-9355. People Making News California Moving and Storage Assn. – CMSA – announced that Patrick “Pat” Longo, owner/general manager of Andy’s Transfer & Storage (an agent for North American Van Lines) of Glendale as the 2015–16 chairman of the board for the CMSA. The announcement was made May 2 during the 97th Annual CMSA Convention at the Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego. _______________ Seth Coffman was named one of 528 students to the dean’s list Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Oregon for winter term 2015. Qualifying students achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the duration of the term. _______________ Anahit Airabedian and Edward Duran, both of Tujunga, were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, at California State University, Los Angeles. They are among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10% of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. _______________ Army and Navy Academy recognizes those students who have exhibited academic excellence during the fifth grading period of the 2014-15 school year. Those who have achieved a grade point average of 3.80 or higher have been named to the dean’s list. Students named to the dean’s list include Brandon Um of La Cañada and Ian Kim of Shadow Hills. _______________ Abigail Roberts of Tujunga has been named to the dean’s list at Simpson University in Redding, California for the spring 2015 semester. Roberts is majoring in liberal studies. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must have a semester grade-point average of 3.50 or higher. Veterans Corner Veterans, Mark Your Calendars Submitted by Andy Gero On June 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a veterans hiring expo at Los Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Ave. in Valley Glen in the campus’ Monarch Hall. This event is open to the public. Those career seekers interested in attending need to register by visiting www.eventbrite.com and entering Veterans Hiring Expo in the search bar. STYLE Keynote speaker is Congressman Tony Cardenas. Andy Gero is a life member of American Legion Post 288 and VFW Post 1614. He may be reached through the CV Weekly by calling (818) 248 2740 or writing Crescenta Valley Weekly at 3800 La Crescenta Ave., Suite 101, La Crescenta, CA 91214. 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Our amazing life-character-building Martial Arts classes can help. Call Now! 818.957.7544 3601 Oceanview Blvd, Glendale/Montrose, CA 91208 www.villariglendale.com Lori Self Vella, manicurist, calls the foothill community home. I lived for years in the Sunland area and was active in the community. I returned a few years ago to Southern California after spending several years in Humboldt County where I founded, owned and operated the first full service day spa in Humboldt County – Essentials Day Spa from 2002-2010. The spa was located in Fortuna, across the Eel River, and the Victorian town of Ferndale. Since returning to So Cal, I was at Monet Hair Studio in La Canada. I am now pleased to announce my new location at the Hair Studio in Montrose. I offer gel nails, manicures, and pedicures. I take pride in knowing each of my clients personally. I strive to make my clients comfortable in a hometown environment. There is good off street parking (next to Divina’s). I will happily share my experiences living in the beautiful redwoods while giving you professional nail services. I am flexible and can accommodate to your schedule. Please give me a try and you will not be disappointed. 818-926-1823 Hair Studio 3720 N. Verdugo Road Montrose, CA 91020 May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Page 15 LEISURE Lark Celebrates Armenian Culture, Universal Values With ‘Anoush’ By Ted AYALA I s it a coincidence that the rise of opera coincided with that of nationalism? There was no musical genre more praised, more beloved in the 19th century than opera. Even across international borders, with the sundry political and linguistic divisions they embodied, opera spoke to audiences far and wide, from the elite classes down to the workers and peasants on the bottom, in a way virtually unmatched by other kinds of music. It was in opera where some of the most far-reaching and lasting innovations in musical language – think of Wagner’s push towards a chromatic frontier that augured already in the 1850s the coming dawn of the 20th century – took place. It was this genre, with its worldwide audience, that gave ethnicities oppressed or simply ignored by the larger kingdoms and empires that then dominated Europe the opportunity to impress themselves upon the global consciousness. In 1868 Germans could still only dream of the unification of their people. But in Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger” they had music in which the German communities could celebrate their collective culture before unification became a reality. In that same period, the Czechs could only grumble with resentment of having to live under Austro-Hungarian control. But Smetana’s “The Bartered Bride” not only was a joyful shout of Czech exuberance, but also became a de facto calling card of Czech culture on the international opera circuit. Nor did these operas remain beloved merely by their home audiences. Like all great works, they transcended the boundaries of time and place, eternally alive. The first opera by Armenian composer Armen Tigranian is such a work, said Lark Musical Society founder and artistic director Vatsche Barsoumian. Tigranian’s “Anoush,” which is an adaptation of a poem by Hovhannes Tomanyan, was first performed in 1912. It has since become Armenia’s national opera, enjoying frequent performances in that country. The opera’s ethos, according to Barsoumian, embodies the finest qualities of the Armenian national character. But the music, he continued, is “universal.” “The values it carries, especially those of honor, speak to Armenians, of course,” he said. “But it also speaks to everyone else.” Barsoumian will be conducting the last two performances of the Lark Musical Society’s production of “Anoush” this upcoming weekend at Pasadena’s Ambassador Auditorium. He decided to stage the work in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. For him, the opera isn’t merely a story of doomed love. “There are subtle references to what was about to happen to the Armenian people,” he explained. “In many ways, ‘Anoush’ represents the story of the loss of our mountains, of our lands, of our families.” Andy Torosyan, chair of Lark Musical Society’s board of directors, agreed. The opera’s foreshadowing of the tragedy of 1915 was one of the reasons he felt it urgent to produce in Southern California. He was also dogged by memories of how difficult it was to come to know the work in the United States. Since coming to this country at the age of 7, Torosyan said that “Anoush” was a work he would often hear about in his boyhood, but always remained outside of his grasp. Performances of the opera – aside from an English language version with cuts produced in Detroit in 1981 – were exceedingly rare. “It’s important to bring a piece of our history to the diaspora in America,” he said. “Now young people can see and hear what the older generation talked about with such passion.” He also felt that the opera speaks to audiences, Armenian and international, for other reasons. “It’s very raw in the sense that you see life as it was then before the urbanization of the world,” said Torosyan. “It feels very real. In this era there is a lot of stress towards individualism. It has Photo provided by Lark Musical Society Painting by Grigor Khanjian of Anoush with Saro, her beloved. spread so far that it’s cool to not have responsibilities. But ‘Anoush’ shows the beauty of community life. It’s a work that appeals to people who are seeking answers out of life. In a sense this opera shows how the human story began, before the age of big cities. “The music plays on the string of your heart,” he added. “It makes you happy.” Audiences last week shared Torosyan’s sentiment, greeting the work with resounding acclaim. “Not just our singers, but even our crew, are all in love with this opera,” Barsoumian said. “Even those Armenians who had dismissed this work previously now see how worthwhile this endeavor is. [Lark’s] production is not just of an Armenian opera, but an opera worthy of the world stage.” Lark Musical Society’s last two performances of Tigranyan’s “Anoush” will take place at the Pasadena Ambassador Auditorium (131 S. Saint John Avenue, Pasadena) on May 30 and May 31, starting at 7 p.m. on both nights. To obtain tickets and more information, visit www.itsmyseat. com/Lark/ or go to www.lark2015. com. You can also call Lark’s offices at (818) 500-9997. Magical Night with Towne Singers By Isiah REYES The Towne Singers recently presented the Broadway Bash choral concert at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center, performing Broadway favorites to a full house. The performance was conducted by Lance Merill who has been directing and accompanying musical theatre and choral groups for more than 25 years. Although the Towne Singers sing in all musical styles of choral music, the content in this concert was specifically from Broadway musicals and featured choral arrangements and singing solos. The show opened with solos by Dan Carrillo and Howard Bucey who both entered from the sides of the stage to join the rest of the Towne Singers for the song “On Broadway!” The songs that followed were based on “West Side Story” and “42nd Street” and were performed in stride. Throughout the show, narration and humor between songs was provided by Michael Shaughnessy, who performs regularly as a character actor, humorist and general Then & Now | Bob Wright Motor Center Then » In the 1950s, when this photo was taken, automobiles required much more maintenance than today’s cars. As a result, gas stations and auto repair were more common than today. Bob Wright had this very large “motor center” spanning the lot on the northeast corner of Foothill and Tujunga Canyon boulevards. purpose smart-aleck at various entertainment venues in the local area. The tone of the show went from the humor of “The Song That Goes Like This” based on Monty Python’s Spamalot, to the hauntingly beautiful “Beauty and the Beast” featuring soloist Lauri Allen. The songs “And All That Jazz” and “Luck Be a Lady” showcased the jazzier and upbeat side of the Broadway renditions by the Towne Singers. Aside from the vocal performances, there were costume changes, stage props, thunder sound effects signaling an incoming storm, and masks worn by the performers during the Phantom of the Opera-based see TOWNE on page 16 Courtesy of the Historical Society of CV Now » In the late ‘70s, this bank, along with a mini-mall, was built on the site. This Chase Bank is significant in that it has on its front façade an important piece of art, one of the very famous Home Savings murals created for the Ahmansons by artist Millard Sheets. This mosaic portrays Tongva Indians and a vaquero. Stop off and view this oft overlooked famed piece of L.A. public art. LEISUR E Page 16 • May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com TOWNE from previous page song “Masquerade.” The concert was a welcome throwback to anyone who enjoys Broadway shows, and the performances went especially well with the 1930s Chicago-style backdrop artwork. Other songs in the concert were based on the plays Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, Gypsy, Oklahoma!, Sweeny Todd, Rent, Los Miserables among others. The Towne Singers was started 28 years ago by Phyllis Winnaman when a group of friends in La Cañada decided to form a community chorus. The chorus is open to anyone who loves to sing, and its members come from all over the Los Angeles area. “The Towne Singers is an independent, 100-voice community chorus that is not sponsored by any school or church or other organization and run entirely by volunteers from within the organization,” said Merrily Hake, membership coordinator. “An election is held each May to elect a board of directors to coordinate the business and activities for the year.” In the early years, the concerts were held in local churches and later at the Lanterman Auditorium in La Cañada. In recent years, the concerts have moved to new venues in Pasadena with larger stages to accommodate growing membership. Each year, the Towne Singers present two concerts, including a spring concert in May and a holiday concert in December. The choir does not meet during the summer months but reconvenes in September to prepare for the holiday concert. For more information, visit townesingers.org. Dining May 28 Delights SPECIALS!! th Montrose’s Iconic City Hall Coffee Shop City Hall Coffee Shop is a local Montrose restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. From the excellent service you will receive from Wanda, an icon in the community, to the delicious pancakes you may enjoy for breakfast, dining at City Hall is an experience you don’t want to miss. Breakfast is served all day, the chicken fried steak is one of the best in the west, says Steve Pierce. You can enjoy a delicious hamburger, yummy egg salad sandwiches and crispy french fries. They offer daily specials including soup of the day, Korean Bul Gogi or Huevos Rancheros. Don’t wait to come in and see why this local eatery has won “Best Coffee Shop” in reader polls year after year. Support this paper! Visit our advertisers! City Hall Coffee Shop Open for Breakfast and Lunch 7 days a week! !!! play ball Watch the Dodger games here... and the rest of the MLB too! ~•~ JoiN uS For BreAkFAST, LuNCh or DiNNer. ~•~ 40+ beers on tap, pool tables and over 20 TVs Buy one B Entrée, Greakfast 2nd one et the 1 One coup on per pers /2 off! on. Expire s 6/4/15 www.giosbaguettes.com M-F 6am to 3pm Sat 7am to 3pm • Sun 7:30am to 3pm Imported French pastries & baguettes Free salad with purchase of sandwich The Crows Nest Sports Grille 7279 Foothill Boulevard Tujunga, CA 91042 818-248-4905 3805 Ocean View Blvd., Montrose 91020 www.thecrowsnestsg.com 2327 Honolulu Ave • Montrose 818-330-7135 (818) 353-0852 or fresH COOKies Gift s CertifiCate Spring iS here! Gift ates fic le Mini CupCAkes MAke GreAt Gifts! i t r e C ailab Av Buy one cupcake get one free! Famous Catering For any Special Event! ExpirEs 6/3/15 Call us for details! Open for Breakfast and Lunch 7 days a week! 2327 Honolulu Ave Montrose 818-248-4905 Got Good Food? Call 818.248.2740 for advertising info. Available sizes: 2x2, 2x4 or 4x4. The Ocean View Tournament of Voices Mon-Thurs Daily SpecialS** Monday $3 Drinks tion ompeti C y a M April & Big Success! a Sign in the -up Sheet Restau rant! A Monthly Singing Competition for Cash Prizes! 3rd MONTHLY COMPETITION THURSDAY, JUNE 4 at 8:00 P.M. Ocean View RestauRant 3826 Oceanview Boulevard I Montrose CA 91020 I 818.248.2722 Excellent Food, Full Bar, Free Parking, Free Admission, All Ages TalenT Sign Up Call: Michael Fields, General Manager 818.319.3871 Presented by Michael Fields and Hosted by Lloyd Stout facebook.com/OVTOV We now deliver! Tuesday Taco Tuesday $1.60 tacos Wednesday $3 Margaritas Thursday Special Menu for $5.95 ** Restrictions apply for specials. See restaurant for details 2272 Honolulu Ave., Montrose (818) 248-6622 • pepesmontrose.com May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Page 17 JUST FOR FUN Weekly Horoscopes by John Deering and John Newcombe Provided by horoscope.com May 25, 2015 - May 31, 2015 Confusion reigns this week, not only because Mercury is retrograde but also because of a number of Neptune influences. On Monday Venus squares Uranus, while Mars squares Neptune. Mercury conjuncts Mars on Wednesday, encouraging plenty of plain talk! On Friday Mercury squares Neptune, while on Saturday the Sun conjoins Mercury. On Sunday the Sun squares Neptune, so it helps to make clarity and discernment your mantras. Beware of those who seem pleasant on the surface but may have a hidden agenda. CALENDAR this RAPP SCREENING PLANNED RAPP – Read And Practice Peacemaking – is presenting“Bidder 70,” a film that centers on an extraordinary, ingenious and effective act of civil disobedience, at CV United Methodist Church on May 29. A charismatic college student, Tim DeChristopher takes on the Bureau of Land Management and saves thousands of acres of gorgeous wilderness from harm. In doing so, he risks a jail sentence and inspires some positive youthful activism. All are invited. Doors open at 7 p.m.; film begins at 7:30 p.m. Lively discussion and refreshments afterwards. Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church, 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose. CEC ONLINE FUNDRAISER The Child Educational Center (CEC) is having its “1000 Suns” online auction fundraiser starting on May 29 at 8 a.m. The online auction fundraiser features several unique items including family and child-centered services, gifts, and vacation getaways that will be auctioned to raise money for the non-profit organization. Visit www.cecbenefit.org to bid on such items as a week at a Paris apartment overlooking Notre Dame, Clippers tickets, and gourmet dinners. Following the auction’s close at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 12, the CEC will celebrate with a cocktail party on Saturday, June 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will feature fine wine, beer and margaritas, delicious food, music from the Robert Kyle Quartet, and a raffle drawing for various Apple electronics. The cocktail party will be held at a private residence in La Cañada Flintridge, and tickets will go on sale in mid-May. The CEC is now accepting auction item donations and sponsorships from local businesses and community members. All proceeds from“1000 Suns” will directly benefit the children and programs of the CEC. For more information, contact Sheryl MacPhee, director of Development & Communications, at (818) 354-3418 or smacphee@caltech.edu. JEWEL CITY KNITTERS NEWS Jewel City Knitters will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Scholl Canyon Estates, 1551 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale. Membership is free. Knitters, crocheters, and those who wish to learn are welcome. For more information visit www.jewelcityknitters.com or email susandietel@yahoo.com. Jewel City Knitters will hold its monthly JCK Charity Knit & Crochet on Saturday, June 13 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Library, 3301 E Chevy Chase Dr., Glendale. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of knit, crochet and conversation. For more information, visit www.jewelcityknitters.com or email sandracanfield@yahoo.com. NOON CONCERTS OPEN TO PUBLIC Glendale Noon Concerts is a free admission concert series taking place every first and third Wednesday from 12:10 p.m. to12:40 p.m. in the restored chapel and sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Glendale (downtown at Louise & Wilson, no religious affiliation). The next concert is on June 3 and features the Los Angeles Horn Trio performing works by Fredric Duvernoy and John Scott. First Baptist Church of Glendale, 209 N. Louise St. in Glendale. La Crescenta Library is located at 2809 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta. AGENDA 21 ON REPUBLICAN CLUB ROSTER The Republican Club of the Foothills is hosting an evening with Joe Panzarello on June 10 at the La Cañada Thursday Club. He will be speaking about the dangers of Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is short for the United Nation’s Agenda for the 21st century, something that was never voted on. Agenda 21 affects every area of the public’s lives from the air we breathe to the water we drink, from the food we eat to the electricity we use. Panzarello is the field coordinator for the John Birch Society for Southern California. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner and program begin at 6:45 p.m. The cost $25 per person for members; $30 for nonmembers; students are $5 per person. Catered dinner by New Moon Montrose. RSVP to rcotf1@gmail.com or Mary Smith (818) 790-1959 or Jill Williams (818) 952-5508. Make checks payable to Republican Club of the Foothills (or RCF) and mail to RCF, 2029 Verdugo Blvd., Box 275, Montrose, CA 91020. www.rcotf.info La Cañada Thursday Club, 4440 Woodleigh Lane, La Cañada SALON DE MUSIQUES SEASON FINALE The final presentation of the Salon de Musiques season is on June 7 and features a Russian and Czech masters program by Glinka, Gnesin, Andriasov and Novak, including two U.S. premieres, and performed by world renowned artists as Jessica Guideri and Serena MC Kinney, violins, Rob Brophy, viola, Eric Byers, cellist and Steven Vanhauwaert, pianist. An informal Q&A with the artists will follow the performance and a gourmet buffet dinner provided by Patina with French champagne will be served. Tickets are $39 for students, and $75 general admission that includes dinner and drinks. The performance takes place at 4 p.m. at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, fifth GAMC HOSTING CANCER floor, 135 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles. SURVIVORS’ LUNCHEON URGENT CENTER GRAND Glendale Adventist Medical Center OPENING will host its annual cancer survivors’ Dr. Manual Momjian announced luncheon and Flame of Hope Award the grand open house event of Urgent ceremony on Friday, June 12 from 9 Family Medicine Urgent Care and 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will Imaging Center. On Tuesday, June 9 celebrate cancer survivors and their from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the public is caregivers. The event will also feature invited to join Dr. Momjian and his staff the quality award announcement and for free blood pressure screening, food, cancer survivors’ recognition. This year’s keynote speaker is entertainment and tours of this new center. The Urgent Care will be available Melina Thorpe, cancer survivor and to both children and adults and will former director of cancer services at include a short stay observation and Glendale Adventist Medical Center. The canDancers (also cancer survivors) will imaging center. Urgent 9 Family Medicine Urgent dance and entertain participants. To RSVP, please call (818) 409-8100, Care Imaging Center is located at 1000 N. Central Ave Suite 140 in Glendale. For Ext. 1. Glendale Adventist Medical Center, more information call (818) 662-7000. Main Auditorium, 1509 Wilson Terrace, Glendale. MONSEN GUEST SPEAKER AT CV SIERRA CLUB The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club will THE STORY OF THE WILDLIFE feature John Monsen’s Preserving the WAYSTATION Little Landers Historical Society is Condor Peak Wilderness in the Angeles National Forest on Tuesday, June 9 at hosting a presentation on the 50-year old Wildlife Waystation, the first exotic 7:30 p.m. at the La Crescenta Library. Monsen is co-chair of the Sierra Club animal sanctuary in the country, on June Angeles Chapter Forest Committee. He 13. The program presenter is Wildlife brings his knowledge and expertise to Waystation owner and founder Martine urge community support for this project Colette. Colette will share stories about to preserve the natural character of Big the organization and its incredible exotic Tujunga Canyon. Efforts are underway animal residents. This program is free and open to the to complete the wilderness preservation system in the Angeles National Forest public. Everyone is welcome. It takes to protect all of the major undeveloped place at 1 p.m. at Bolton Hall Museum, natural areas in the San Gabriel 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. Parking is available a few doors uphill Mountains. Monsen will bring maps, slides and information to illustrate the at the Elks Lodge. Additional information is available importance of preserving this pristine from Little Landers Historical forest. The program begins following Society, (818) 352-3420 or www. news of conservation and outings. littlelandershistoricalsociety.org or email This is a free program and everyone is littlelanders@verizon.net. welcome. Refreshments will be served. Please contact Wayne Fisher for further see CALENDAR THIS on next page information at (818) 353-4181. A ARIES March 21 - April 19 G LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 This week can be a lot of fun, with plenty of interaction and opportunities to relax in good company. Enjoy a lunch with interesting people or spend time with a significant other. However, there’s a chance of mixed messages and misunderstandings. It could be too easy to get the wrong end of the stick, even if you make an effort to be as clear as possible. Energy levels could drop, too, which means you’d be wise to lighten your schedule. It’s unlikely this week will go as planned, as someone may have to break a promise or cancel an outing. You’ll also need to keep your wits about you at work, as nebulous influences might cause you to make a mistake or neglect an important task. Writing down a daily to-do list and ticking off each item in turn can help you navigate a maze of activities. That said, grab any chance you get for a new experience or travel adventure! B TAURUS April 20 - May 20 This week it could be easy to grow complacent and forgo tasks and activities that are necessary to your progress. Trying to meet deadlines or reach targets could seem like paddling upstream. Potent energies can coincide with escapist tendencies that could see you dreaming of exotic shores or craving a duvet day. Your best bet may be to cut out activities that aren’t strictly necessary and leave plenty of time to relax and rejuvenate. H SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 Business matters and joint finances may need careful handling this week, as the blend of energies will only add to the confusion. It’s unwise to invest money in schemes about which you know very little or that have dubious designs. In fact, it’s probably best to postpone important financial decisions until next week. You’ll have more clarity and more information at hand. Although your love life seems to be sizzling, someone could undermine your confidence. Stay strong. C GEMINI May 21 - June 20 Art, music, culture, and other fun activities could be delightful and inspiring this week. You can harness your imagination and use it to your advantage, particularly through visualization and creative activities. If you haven’t dabbled in a favorite hobby or pastime lately, doing so can be very fulfilling. Where romance is concerned, someone may be more of a taker than a giver. Watch for hidden agendas or too many little lies. Let your intuition be your guide. CANCER June 21 - July 22 With the Gemini focus, you’re in a natural phase in which it’s a good idea to slow the pace. This is one time of year when you’ll benefit from a lighter schedule. Allow more time to meditate, reflect on life, and decide what’s best for your future. You may notice that you’re more sensitive than usual to other people’s moods and feelings, which you can use to your advantage. You may crave peace and quiet after spending time in crowds. E LEO July 23 - August 22 I SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Unexpected events could disrupt routines this week - just about anything could happen. Effective solutions may be only a phone call away if you’re willing to ask a friend or expert for advice. If you need a second opinion, check that it comes from a reputable source before you share it with others. A situation at home might need attention, although it would be unwise to make any major decisions this week. A loved one’s attentiveness can boost your spirits. J CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 The secret to getting the most out of this week is to delegate wherever possible. A strong Neptune focus could not only sap your energy but also cause delays and confusion. The less work you take on, the better the chance of dealing with it efficiently. Don’t believe everything you hear, especially if it comes from the lips of someone with a tendency to embellish the truth. Regular workouts can go a long way toward helping you stay positive. Be careful when discussing work or closing deals. With Mercury retrograde and Neptune’s influence, things may not be as they seem. Read the fine print on any documents you need to sign, and keep your financial and personal information safe. Double-check facts given to you by others, as they may have dubious origins. Even so, it’s possible to make progress if you keep your wits about you. In romance, remember that all that glitters isn’t necessarily gold. K AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 F VIRGO August 23 - Sept. 22 . PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 There’s pleasure to be had in sprucing up your home to make it cozier and happier. Your creative skills and talents come to the fore this week, helping you devise delightful color schemes or bright ideas for new curtains or soft furnishings. Have a clear plan before you invest in paints or materials. There’s a chance you could change your mind halfway and lose out in the process. There’s potential for romance with someone who’s been a supportive friend. Though your best qualities may be on display at work, someone’s incompetence could spoil your time in the limelight. Disruptive and unsettling influences can cause misunderstandings, missed appointments, and mixed messages. If you want something done this week, it’s best to do it yourself. Leaving it to others could undermine your reputation. While there may be many romantic opportunities open to you, choose carefully. Someone could take advantage of your willingness to help. This isn’t the best week for financial matters, particularly if you’re thinking of buying or selling big-ticket items. In fact, you may be better off waiting until Mercury turns direct on June 11 to ensure a smooth transaction. A lively Gemini focus could keep you busy in the realm of romance. You seem to be the life and soul of the party, so you shouldn’t lack invitations. But beware of someone who’s too friendly or flattering for their own good. JUST FOR FUN Page 18 • May 28, 2015 www.crescentavalleyweekly.com CALENDAR THIS from previous page 12TH ANNUAL CERAMICS EXHIBITION AT MCGROARTY The 12th Annual Ceramics Exhibition and Student Sale is being held at McGroarty Arts Center starting Saturday, June 13 until Saturday, June 27 Admission is free. Viewing hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center is closed Sundays. A general reception is being held on June 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibition is curated by Ray Yocum and features Southern California artists Bobby Free, Jack Halpern, Heidi Kreitchet, CJ Jilek, Nikki Lewis, Katie Queen, Dino Sophia and Vincent Suez. Also featured are wares from Vietnam dating from the 15th century. These historical pots were excavated from the shipwreck Hoian. In addition, McGroarty students will also host a student ceramic sale. All ceramic work will be available for purchase. In conjunction with the ceramics exhibition, McGroarty will be hosting other events including Timeless Tiles on Saturday, June 20, and will be participating in an Artist Studios Tour on Saturday, June 27. Visit the wwwmcgroartyartscenter.org for details or call (818) 352-5285 for additional information, ticket purchasing and sponsorship opportunities. McGroarty Arts Center is located at 7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga. JUNE EVENTS AT FLINTRIDGE BOOKSTORE During the month of June, Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse presents three young adult (YA) authors whose stories cross over to appeal to an adult audience. On Thursday, June 4 at 7 p.m., Michael Mullin signs “Simon,” a modern day Hamlet. Simon’s father is dead. His mother has remarried. His uncle is . . . his new stepfather? When the ghost of Simon Elsinore’s father returns and claims he was murdered by his own brother, the 19-year-old film student must determine what is true and exact the revenge his father demands. On Saturday, June 13 at 4 p.m., Lisa Gail Green signs “Soul Crossed,” the first installment in the series “Of Demons and Angels,” which delves into the grey area between good and evil and the twisted rules of heaven and hell. Bad boy Josh Gaynes and good girl Grace Howard are transported from hell and heaven respectively into a suburban Michigan high school where their fates are intertwined in an apocalyptic love story. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to the other, each is on a mission to save or damn someone’s soul. On Saturday, June 20, at 4:30 PM, Catherine Linka signs “A Girl Undone.” In her debut novel, “A Girl Called Fearless” (2014 winner of the Southern California Booksellers Association Award in Young Adult Fiction), a synthetic hormone in beef killed 50 million American women 10 years prior. The Paternalist Movement took power in order to“protect”young women and control the decisions they make. Avie Reveare’s dad “contracts” her to marry a rich, older man leaving her with two choices: be trapped in a marriage with a scheming politician or escape with Yates, the boy she loves. For more information, contact Gail Mishkin at (818) 790-0717. Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse is located at 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and the Angeles Crest Highway. Parking is in the rear of the store. NEXT MEETING OF MONTROSE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY The Montrose African Violet Society is having its next club meeting on Wednesday, June 24 at 10 a.m. at Descanso Gardens (Birch Room). The program will be “Leaf Bingo” and the annual potluck. Guests are always welcome to attend the meeting and will have the opportunity to win the door prize, participate in the silent auction and raffle table. Refreshments are served and friendships are made. For more information, contact club president at lmpineda.77@ gmail.com or visit www. montroseafricanviolets.weebly. com. Descanso Gardens (Birch Room) 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge RANDY VAN HORNE SINGERS AT BOLTON HALL Little Landers Historical Society will host the Randy Van Horne Singers t Bolton Hall for a special afternoon performance on June 27 at 2:30 p.m. The singing group has been performing and leading group caroling for a number of years for the Little Landers holiday party in December. The event, emceed by SunlandTujunga’s own songstress Franny McCartney, will be a new show created for this performance. Tickets are on sale for $12.50 and must be purchased in advance. Ticket information is available from Little Landers Historical Society, (818) 352-3420 or www. littlelandershistoricalsociety.org or email littlelanders@verizon. net. Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave. in Tujunga. Parking is available a few doors uphill at the Elks Lodge. OUTDOOR SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES For the second year, the City of Glendale will offer free concerts every Friday night at 7 p.m. from June through August at the recently remodeled Brand Library & Art Center. Performances will run 60 and 90 minutes without intermission and will be available to the general public. The free performances are supported by the City of Glendale and Glendale Arts & Culture Commission, with funding from the Urban Art Program and the Brand Associates. For more information see the Arts & Culture Commission Performance Series website at: http://bit.ly/1pD4l8u or call Brand Library & Art Center at (818) 5482051. On June 5 theTikiyaki Orchestra kicks off the series. Tikiyaki Orchestra is known for exotic lounge music and its unique and charismatic showmanship. Not simply content to replicate the sound of classic Exotica such as Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman, Tikiyaki, a six-piece orchestra led by main composer Jim Bacchi pulls many different musical food groups into the mix … bachelor pad lounge, crime jazz, surf, spaghetti western, Latin and Hawaiian music … to broaden the musical spectrum of what is known today as “Exotica.” ORCHID AUCTION PLANNED Hundreds of beautiful orchids will be on the block at the Orchid Society of Southern California’s Annual Orchid Auction. The auction will be held on Saturday, June 20 starting at 2 p.m. at the meeting hall of the First Christian Church, 221 S. Sixth Street, Burbank. Doors open at 1 p.m. for plant inspection and bidder registration; plant donations will be accepted after 12:30 p.m. The bidding should be over by 5 p.m. A wide range of orchids will be available, with well-grown varieties of species and hybrids suitable for everyone from the orchid novice through the advanced collector. Free door prizes and refreshments will be offered, and admission is free to all. Additional information about the auction can be found at www.orchidssc. org/ossc_auction.aspx. NAWIC SGV ANNOUNCES MAGIC SUMMER CAMP San Gabriel Valley chapter of National Assn. of Women in Construction is sponsoring MAGIC (Mentor A Girl In Construction) Camp. The camp provides a supportive and nurturing environment for high school girls (ninth through 12th grade) to explore and develop basic skills in the areas of carpentry, electrical and plumbing. This free event helps girls develop a safety first attitude and builds self-confidence and self esteem for girls who tackle challenging projects, both individually and as a work team. It takes place at Pasadena City College Campus June 22-26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Lunch and snacks included. All registrations must be received by June 1. Registration forms provided at www.nawic110.org or from school counselors. To learn more about NAWIC visit www.nawic110.org. FOOTHILLS PRO GROUP The Foothills Professional Group meets every Wednesday morning from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Leon Lounge and Café. The group provides a structured and supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment in which participants develop personal relationships with many other qualified business professionals. By establishing this “formal” relationship with other people, you may have the opportunity to substantially increase your business. The cost is $15, which includes breakfast. Leon Lounge and Café is located at 2519 Cañada Blvd., Glendale. FREE WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN The Church of Scientology – Mission of the Foothills is hosting free workshops for children on how to make good choices in life. It gives a clear-cut guide to making good choices and finding the way to happiness. The booklet “How to Make Good Choices,” based on the book “The Way to Happiness,” will be used. This workshop is for children 6 to 11 years old. It is on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Snacks served. Call to reserve seat (818) 9571500. Church of Scientology Mission of the Foothills, 2254 Honolulu Ave., Montrose May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Page 19 RELIGION Q uestion: We have neighbors who sit on their porch with binoculars and watch everything that’s going on in our neighborhood. We have Neighborhood Watch and that’s the reason they give, claiming they’re looking out for the safety of our neighborhood. Several of us think they’ve gone too far because for hours, day and night, it seems they are scrutinizing our every move. To us, they are just plain nosey and we feel our privacy is being invaded. Other than that annoying situation, they are nice people. We appreciate that they’re looking out for us; however, when it’s all said and done, we are all watching out for each other. They’re not the only ones keeping an eye on the neighborhood, although they act like they are. We’d like to put a stop to this. Do you have any suggestions that wouldn’t be hurtful to them? ~ Stymied Neighbor Dear Stymied neighbor, Since you are friendly with these neighborhood watchers, I would walk right over there when you notice they are watching, when the two of you can comfortably spend a few moments. Thank them for their vigilance and say they are way too dedicated. In fact they might not realize it, but their vigilance has translated to a feeling that you are being watched all the time, something no one ever wants. Say that you know they do not intend to give you that creepy feeling, however, it happens as a result of their constant watching. Perhaps they could orient their chairs in a different direction. Say all this while calm in demeanor and friendly in attitude. It may take them a few days to “reorient” their chairs, though at least they will know that you know they are looking way too much. That alone will curtail their intrusive behavior. If that doesn’t work, you may have to plant a row of those fast-growing cypress trees that grow up to create a forestry wall between you. I hope that won’t be necessary. Also realize that they probably do not have enough in their lives to keep them occupied. This will give you a heart of compassion while taking care of this situation. You might see a solution I cannot if you consider the reasons they are carrying out this behavior. You might find just the right thing that will unravel this bad behavior. Patience and equanimity are your friends. Rabbi Janet Bieber jbieber1155@aol.com Dear Stymied Neighbor, Some seniors have a tough time seeing their own value RELIGION SERVICE DIRECTORY (Missouri Synod) Sunday services 10:45 a.m. www.lightonthecorner.org Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church (Missouri Synod) COME JOIN OUR CHURCH FAMILY 2723 Orange Avenue, La Crescenta, CA 91214 818-248-3738 www.glcmslc.org Adult Bible Study: Sundays 9AM Worship & Children’s Sunday School: 10AM Koinonia (Singing & Bible study): Wednesdays 7PM Lutheran Church in the Foothills WORSHIP Sunday 10am 1700 Foothill Blvd. La Cañada Flintridge Childcare and Sunday School offered at 10 am. SUNDAYS AT LCIF Worship and Communion 10AM Children’s Church 10AM Sunday School for Youth & Adults 9AM REV. STEVE POTEETE-MARSHALL 2700 Montrose Ave Montrose, CA 91020 www.cvumc.org Spiritually Speaking answers personal questions and concerns from a spiritual perspective. Local religious leaders taking part in the discussion include Mark Yeager/Chaplain YMCA of the Foothills; Bryan Griem of Montrose Community Church; Jon Karn of Light on the Corner Church; Kimberlie Zakarian of Holy House Ministries; Skip Lindeman of La Cañada Congregational United Church of Christ; Rabbi Simcha Backman of Chabad of Glendale; Rabbi Janet Bieber of Jewish Community & Learning Center of the Foothills; Levent Akbarut of Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge; Betty Stapleford of Unitarian Universalist; Steve Marshall of CV United Methodist Church; Elaine Cho of La Canada United Methodist Church; Holly Stauffer of St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church; Beverly Craig of La Crescenta Center for Spiritual Living; Randy Foster of Christian Life Church; Centers for Spiritual Living Practitioners: Laney Clevenger-White, Sandra Shields, Anthony Kelson, Gary Bates; Marsalee Forrestar/Shamanic Practitioner; Mary Morgan of Redondo Beach Center for Spiritual Living; and Sharon Weisman, atheist/agnostic/secular humanist/free thinker. We welcome your questions and comments. Email us at spiritual@cvweekly.com. Responses are offered from the perspectives of individual clergy members, which may or may not be in agreement with other respondents of Spiritually Speaking nor the editor and staff of the Crescenta Valley Weekly. especially when they no longer have the value their former work brought to their lives. What is worse, many lose their sense of community derived from being with others in a workplace to isolation at home. Regrettably, in our modern society, we often don’t have the strong, connected and interactive local communities and neighborhoods we once had. I can understand where someone in such a situation would eagerly grab at a role that would give them some sense of meaning, value and importance as well as some sense of connectedness to others … even if it meant that connectedness was only just observing their neighbors’ lives under the cover of a neighborhood watch. As you have hinted at, they may take up this role with all the zeal, self-righteousness and Center for Spiritual Living - La Crescenta Light on the Corner Church Pastor Jon Karn 1911 Waltonia Drive Montrose (818) 249-4806 Spiritually Speaking The Rev. Jim Bullock, interim Pastor www.lcifoothills.org / 818-790-1951 )LUVW%DSWLVW&KXUFK DW/D&UHVFHQWD ^hEztKZ^,/W ϭϬ͗ϰϱĂŵ ŚŝůĚĂƌĞͲͲͲ^ƵŶĚĂLJ^ĐŚŽŽůϵ͗ϭϱĂŵ KĨĨŝĐĞ,ŽƵƌƐ DͲͲͲdŚ͘ϵ͗ϬϬĂŵƚŽϰ͗ϬϬƉŵ ϰϰϰϭ>ĂƌĞƐĐĞŶƚĂǀĞ͘ ;ϴϭϴͿϮϰϵͲϱϴϯϮ tĞďƐŝƚĞǁǁǁ͘ĨďĐůĐ͘ŽƌŐ “Where it is our dream to help you build and manifest your dreams!” 4845 Dunsmore Ave. La Crescenta, CA 91214 (818) 249-1045 Celebration Service Sunday 10:00 a.m. Ongoing spiritual growth 7:00 classes Wednesday Night Service p.m. and counseling available ST. BEDE the VENERABLE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH A Catholic Community ~ Here to Worship, Called to Serve ALL ARE WELCOME Rev. Msgr. Antonio Cacciapuoti, Pastor Rev. Greg Dongkore, Associate Pastor Deacon Augie Won SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Masses Monday-Friday: 8:10 a.m. Saturday: 8:10 a.m., and Vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Others Vespers: Monday-Friday 5:30 p.m. Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. or by appointment Rosary: 8:30 a.m. Weekdays and following Vespers 215 Foothill Boulevard La Canada Flintridge, California 91011 (818) 949-4300 • www.bede.org inflexibility of a missionary or a man desperately holding onto a lifesaver. But in any event you are quite right in your concerns. There is a point at which vigilance can turn into unwanted intrusion and discomfort. The question you ask is how to deal with it in a way that would be respectful and not hurtful to them. There are three options: to confront them, ignore them or pray for them. Regarding confrontation, it appears from your letter others in the neighborhood feel the same as you. It also appears past approaches have not left your concerns addressed. If this route is your choice, I would hire a professional mediator to accompany you and another neighbor to a prearranged meeting with the other couple to discuss the Neighborhood Watch COME MEET US! St. Luke’s of-the-Mountains Episcopal Church Sundays Gathering 9:30AM Worship 10:00AM Domingo Misa en Español a las 12:00PM Sunday School and Child Care All are Welcome 2563 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta 818-248-3639 http://stlukeslacrescenta.org/ www.facebook.com: St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church To be in our Service Directory contact Emily Fairchild at (818) 248-2740 issue. A mediator knows how to control the discussion, respecting the issues, needs and feelings of all parties involved, get the facts out there, and bring it to a successful win/win conclusion for all parties with harmony and goodwill left intact. The other option is to ignore them. This entails changing your perspective. In this, it is helpful to recognize and understand why they are doing what they are doing, and forgive their limitations. As long as no one is being harmed, the perceived problem of their behavior does not have to be your problem unless you choose for it to be so. Moreover, whatever you might think they think of you from their observing is pretty much their business as long as they keep it to themselves. So it is okay to let it go if you choose and not torture yourself over it. The last option is prayer which, of course, may seem absurd as far as effecting the change you desire. But not so. The world is created from the inside out. Life reflects back to us what we think, feel, imagine and believe into it. Therefore, nothing outside of us needs to be changed. The change comes from within, from within our own consciousness. Just as God see SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING on next page NOTES & NODS Tuesday Table Talk On Tuesday, June 2, Bethel Church will offer a showing of the film “42” (rated PG-13). This film depicts the historic events involving baseball icon Jackie Robinson and Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, who signed Robinson and in 1947 made him the first black major league baseball player of the modern era. The video will be preceded by a potluck supper. The potluck starts at 6:30 p.m., the video presentation starts at 7:15 p.m., followed by dessert and discussion at about 9:15 p.m. Free. Bethel Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley. R ELIGION Page 20 • May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com SPIRITUALLY continued from previous page created the world from speaking His word, so can we. Affirmative prayer is where we speak our word to create the good we desire to see manifest. Here is a short helpful little affirmation for this situation. You may say it until you see there is no longer a need for it: “All of my neighbors are good and wonderful human beings. They fully respect my needs, and I fully respect theirs. There is only perfect harmony, peace, good will at work in this situation, and a perfect resolution where the rights and feelings of all are acknowledged and honored, and the neighborhood becomes an even more wonderful place to live.” Anthony Kelson, RScP. anthony@apkelson.com Q uestion: I never thought I’d be writing for advice, but here’s the scoop: I’ve been married to an almost wonderful man for seven years. We have two beautiful children ages 2 and 4. Although we both work, my husband won’t help me with the housework. He makes more money than I do, so he thinks it’s okay to hire a gardener, but not a housekeeper. While we’re working, our children are well cared for at a daycare center. I spend most weekends cleaning and doing the laundry, which leaves very little time for family time, although I always read to our children before I put them to bed. I don’t believe in divorce, but I’m on the verge of considering that move because I’m having a YOUR LANDSCAPE LIGHTING EXPERTS DBA LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING • LICENSE #994733 www.lighthouse-lights.com/socal email: kim.m@lighthouse-lights.com New Installations LED Retrofitting LED Bulbs Solid Brass Fixtures • • • • tel: 818-541-0745 Come in & meet our friendly team of professionals Make Life less complicated, Let us Clean your house! Free Estimates, We Clean Green When you call J’s Maids, you know your cleaning team is responsible, trustworthy, trained, experienced & local. 818.248.2001 www.JsMaids.com V V C kly Wee 2014 C kly Wee 2012 V C kly Wee 2012 V C kly Wee 2014 All employees clear our thorough background check. Insured, bonded, trained and supervised. J’s Maintenance and J’s Maids, proudly supporting our community since 1969. Visit Us At 3550 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta very difficult time squeezing in everything that must be done. ~ Exhausted Wife & Mother Dear Exhausted Wife and Mother, I bet that there are a lot of women in this same predicament trying to juggle all the balls of being an income provider, a wife and a mother at the same time. I just don’t know if men understand the implications of it all and what effect it can have on a relationship/marriage. Good communication is the most important thing to maintain and I don’t mean nagging or staying silent and suffering and resenting. If you don’t at least let him know your feelings then you aren’t giving him a chance to make it better. Some men (sorry, guys) can be clueless because they are caught up in being the provider and they think that lets us know they love us … or they were so taken care of by their mother, who didn’t teach them household responsibilities and, consequently, they expect it to be a woman’s job. Tell your husband it’s very important, that you need to talk with him and you need him to just listen to you without interruption. Be calm and positive with the attitude of making it a win-win for everyone. Don’t make it a “I’m right and you’re wrong” kind of conversation. Let him know your true feelings and the thoughts you have been considering because you are so worn out. Let him know how much your marriage and family are important to you, and it could be even better if you had the space and time to relax and enjoy the family instead of doing all the household work. Tell him you would at least like to give it a try for a couple months so he and you can see the difference in your relationship. And you have to allow it to happen as well (women can also feel like they can only do it right versus handing over the work to helpers). Also, start teaching your children household responsibilities at a young age. I always said if I had a boy, I’d raise him so that his future wife would appreciate what I taught him. Let him know how important this is to you and the survival of your marriage. Men will step up, if they really understand how the woman feels. Also, I’d recommend reading, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.” It’s an old book, but has valuable information to help men and women understand their thought processes. Example: If you ask a man, “Can you take out the trash?” they interpret that to mean you are questioning their capabilities. If you ask, “Would you…” they feel like the knight in shining armor coming to your rescue. Best of luck in allowing your knight in shining armor come to your rescue. Laney Clevenger, RScP laneycl@ca.rr.com Dear Exhausted, Yes, life can be very exhausting. Just being married and raising a family can be quite demanding. The best way to make it go well is for the husband and wife to share and carry the load together. For that to happen, an essential element is having good, open communication with each other. Without openness and honesty, it’s too easy to make assumptions and form negative thoughts about each other. Have you and your husband had times recently when you’ve shared your hearts, your feelings and your thoughts with each other? If not, I would strongly encourage you to pursue doing that. To avoid distraction when you do, it would best be done after your children have gone to bed. To move in that direction, you might approach your husband saying something like this: “I have some things I would like to share with you … could we set a time to sit down and have a conversation together?” Then when that time happens, be very open, honest and sincere about what you’ve been feeling in regard to the busyness of your life. As you share your heart, resist being accusatory or demanding of him. Express how you would like to have more time for him, for your children, and just to enjoy life. Then ask: “Could we begin having a housekeeper come help lift some of the workload off of me so we don’t miss the chance to make good memories with our children?” My hope is that both of your incomes are equally shared as one. The Bible says that when a husband and wife become married, God unites them into one. If that’s how God sees you, why not see yourselves the same way? As far as you considering divorce, I would caution you allowing your thoughts to go in that direction. Take time to think about the hurt divorce causes and not just to you and your husband. When divorce happens, it’s the children who suffer the most. Do you want to do that to those two precious little ones of yours? I would think not. Tim Beck YMCA Chaplain Services snoopytpb@gmail.com May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Page 21 BUSINESS » Montrose » Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce “Your Business is Our Business” On Friday, June 26, the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its annual scholarship golf tournament at Scholl Canyon Golf Course. The event includes golf (with cart), trophies, prizes and a delicious lunch. Our sponsors, who lend their names and financial support each year, are largely responsible for the tremendous success of this worthwhile program. Each year we are able to provide grants to several deserving graduating high school students in our community. These grants are made possible by the generous support of community leaders. We recently informed the five graduating seniors of their sponsorships. They will be honored at the tournament itself on June 26. Please consider sponsoring this event. By participating as a sponsor, your organization will benefit from extensive advertising via media campaigns and promotional materials. For a small donation, you will enjoy excellent exposure in addition to knowing that your sponsorship fee will be used to help students in continuing their education. We have several levels of sponsorship packages. You can select the level of participation that best meets your needs. Your company name will be included in our program and recognized at the event. Advertise your company name on a tee sign for $150, be a beverage sponsor for $500, a goodie bag sponsor is $1,000 or a lunch sponsor is $1,500. If you choose to be our title sponsor ($3,000), you’ll receive maximum exposure for your business as well as free tournament entry for eight players. The deadline to become a sponsor and be included in all our promotional materials is May 29, so call the office today at (818) 248-4957. Whether or not you sponsor the event, if you’re a golfer the CV Chamber golf tournament at Scholl Canyon is the place to be on June 26! There are three opportunities to win a prize in the hole-in-one contests. You might just go home with a new Toyota Prius courtesy of Bob Smith Toyota, a three-day cruise from Montrose Travel or $10,000 thanks to State Farm Agent Chris Aristo. Your entry fee of $125 ($135 the day of the event) gets you 18-holes of golf, a two-person cart, a bucket of range balls, a goodie bag, refreshments on the course, plus a continental breakfast and a delicious lunch of freshly grilled steak and salmon. Available for purchase at the event will be a putting contest, mulligans, raffle tickets and a closest to pin contest. This event is limited to the first 72 golfers that sign up so get your registration form in soon! Visit the Chamber website at www.crescentavalleychamber. org to sign up. Finally, a big thank you to all who participated in this year’s Smart-a-Thon. We raised over $6,500 to help local educational organizations. The competition was tough for the trivia test but J’s Maintenance in La Crescenta won first place! The winners of the $500 drawings were the La Crescenta Woman’s Club, Glendale Healthy Kids, and GUSD. The top guesser on the pot o’ gold was Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jesse Alcala. The charity he selected to donate the money to was the Fire House Teen Center. Most importantly, fun was had by all! Lisa Dupuy, executive director CV Chamber of Commerce 3131 Foothill Blvd. ‘D’ La Crescenta, CA 91214 (818) 248-4957 » Montrose Verdugo-City Chamber of Commerce Glendale Police Department Open House The Glendale Police Dept. is holding an open house this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Glendale at the police headquarters at 131 N. Isabel St., Glendale. You can find free parking at the Civic Center parking garage right behind city hall. You enter the parking lot on Wilson Avenue and walk to the police department on Isabel Street. At the event you can meet members of the department’s SWAT team, crisis negotiations team and air support team that will be have the department’s helicopter on display. (I think it’s the one that Santa borrows to fly over our annual Montrose Christmas Parade, but don’t tell anyone – it’s a secret!) They will have tours of the police facility, tables where you can learn about GPD career opportunities and see SWAT gear and tools they use. You will also be able to meet the K9 team, learn about safety awareness programs, and meet people from the Pasadena Humane Society. There will be lots of different kids’ activities, a rock climbing wall, a face painting booth and much more. For details please call (818) 548-9140. This past Monday we held our annual Memorial Day service at the Vietnam War Memorial in Montrose. It is a unique ceremony that not only honors all military servicemen who were killed in the line of duty, but specifically those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The 24 names on the wall are men who were from the La Crescenta, Montrose, La Cañada and Tujunga areas. Our ceremony started with a bagpiper and ended with Joseph Stiles from Crescenta Valley High School playing a moving rendition of “Taps.” We had comments from Congressman Adam Schiff, Assemblyman Mike Gatto, L.A. County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and the City of Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian. They all brought a unique message regarding the country and the men who fought for it. Each name on the wall was read followed by the ringing of an old antique bell in their honor. Firefighters from Station 28 along with representatives from the Glendale Police Dept., local Boy Scout troops, California Highway Patrol and the entire Glendale City Council also were in attendance. It was a moving ceremony on a crisp cool morning. Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce: Your S h o p p i n g Pa r k N e w s Get Ready For the Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival! The weekend we’ve all been waiting for is almost here! Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 is the 32nd Annual Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival! Over 300 crafters, artists and unique food vendors will be filling Honolulu Avenue from one end to the other. Colorful tents are artfully arranged and displayed with an abundance of handmade, quality goods ready for you to purchase. There are so many that I recommend coming both days to shop all the crafters and the stores who also gear up for the big event … this year there are over 45 new vendors! There are also 40 phenomenal handmade jewelry vendors! Owning two stores, I cover all the fashion and home décor markets yet every year I look forward to buying a “bunch of loot” at Arts & Crafts because you find irresistible things and get to meet the crafters. It is such tremendous fun! Now here’s the plan: Come with a friend, wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring a big bag to hold all your purchases. If you get too warm, take a break and enjoy the a/c as you shop our over 150 “one-of-a-kind” boutiques and cafes … one-of-a-kind pillows, fabric handbags, garden markers, pottery, wine décor, spices, mixes, vinegars, oils, beach hats, tie dyed tops, summer dresses, hanging planters, violets in pots, wind chimes, wall art, sterling silver, wooden signs, and much, much more will all be here. Can’t wait!!! source for all things local! Our mission is to actively support and enrich the community, vitality and pride of Montrose, to help preserve the historic district and small town atmosphere, to promote economic stability and positive, productive relationships within Montrose and the surrounding communities. Upcoming events Montrose Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the 2200, 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue. 14th Annual Old Town Montrose Car Show on Sunday, July 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 2200, 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue in Montrose. Melinda Clarke Executive Director 3516 N Verdugo Rd. Glendale, CA 91208 818-249-7171 www.montrosechamber.org mvcc@montrosechamber.org CV WEEKLY is online! www.CVWEEKLY.com And then there’s the festival food! There’s nothing like the smell of grilled hot dogs, burgers and chicken filling the air as you shop. Make sure to save room for Mr. Fudge, one of many “must try” booths. Once a year they bring their authentic Mackinac Island fudge to Montrose. The fudge is made by hand in copper kettles following a recipe that is over 112 years old and part of the Legend of Mackinac Island. Try a sample and experience the creamy consistency. Then follow it up with some Papa Nacca’s cowboy-style jerky made of the finest ingredients like grass fed beef. They have quite a following so load up! Meet me back here next week and I’ll share some more “inside” info and festival tips. Thanks for shopping the small stores of Montrose and keepin’ it local. For more info, see www.shopmontrose.com. Mary Dawson Montrose Shopping Park Love To SHOP & Dine Montrose! Page 22 www.cvweekly.com May 28, 2015 Medical & Dental Benefits • Full Salary & Benefits While You Train • Exceptional Pension Plans CLASSIFIEDS & Service Directory Public Notices Fictitious BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE No. 2015102910 FIRST FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as BESHMART, 2029 Verdugo Boulevard Suite 228 Montrose, CA 91020. Registrant owners Wendy E. Hartmann 2029 Verdugo Boulevard Suite 228 Montrose, CA 91020 and Lynn D. Harrill 2940 N. Verdugo Rd. 102 Glendale, CA 91208. This business is being conducted by a Joint Venture. Registrant(s) has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Signed Lynn D. Harrill, General Partner. The statement was filed in the office of the County Clerk of Los Angeles on April 16, 2015. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be files prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business names in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (See Section 14411 ST SEQ., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Crescenta Valley Weekly April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 2015 Employment For Rent FOR RENT Studio guesthouse. Single, non-smoker, please no animals. Utilities paid. Available June 1, 2015. $1,200 per month. (818) 249-7880. SPACE FOR RENT Secure storage space available on Foothill. 24-hour access. 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Call Mario (818) 426-3949. wanted Plumbing Service PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & REPAIR ★ BATH REMODELING ★ Serving The Crescenta Valley Since 1985 (818) 249-6470 Contractors License #469492 Bonded • Insured Fred • Roofing • PINECREST ROOFING All Types of Roofs Repairs Gutters Residential & Commercial LIC. #564628 / Free Estimates (818) 957-5238 818-823-7187 Lic. #858352 • Your business here • WANTED! YOUR BUSINESS 2X2 SERVICE DIRECTORY AD HERE! Call Emily F. TODAY @ (818) 248-2740 Maximize your ad’s potential. Call Emily @ (818) 248-2740 Use print and online services to enhance your ad’s visibility and get more eyes on your ad! May 28, 2015 www.cvweekly.com Page 23 E S M N HO TIO W! EE UA NO R F AL LL EV CA AmyandMarlin.com Real Estate - Redefined! 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