By Julian MITCHELL

The Crescenta Valley Town Council met on Thursday, April 18 to discuss a number of key issues, primary one being the financial situation presented by Glendale Unified School District Interim Superintendent Kelly King and school board President Jennifer Freemon.

GUSD stated that it has been facing financial hardship. The district recently made $5 million in cuts and is anticipating another $5 million cut next year. King stated GUSD is hoping for additional funding in the revising of California’s state budget next month, but is uncertain that will take place.

King was transparent and open regarding the current situation at GUSD.

“The funding system for schools is a little – a lot – messed up,” said King.

Monte Vista was highlighted as an example of the financial difficulties of GUSD. The school has brought in a number of temporary classrooms to house extra students. The students of Korean Foreign Language Academy of Glendale Program are the main occupants of the temporary classrooms.

In addition, according to parents the bathrooms are not suitable for students. One Monte Vista student told CV Town Council members that there were not enough urinals in the boys’ bathroom. Another parent stated her daughter would not use the temporary bathroom due to its low quality and sanitation.

King said that GUSD is planning to visit schools over the summer to determine which schools have the greatest needs and identify those needs. There are less than 30 days left until summer for GUSD schools.

The CV Town Council also received a visit from California Assemblymember Laura Friedman. The California State Assembly was on break last week, so Friedman took time to visit her constituents. While visiting, she shared many of the bills that she and her colleagues are working on. Friedman was concerned with potential bill SB-50.

SB-50 allows for denser housing next to “significant transit” lines. Friedman remained lukewarm on the idea, while understanding that the need for affordable housing in California is high.

“I’m still very unclear on how this bill affects our community,” said Friedman.

The bill does not address bus lines in a way that was satisfactory to Friedman. The assemblymember was also concerned with the possibility of dense housing in the La Crescenta area.

Friedman is also working on her own bill, AB-276, which would force gun owners in Los Angeles County to lock up their firearms before leaving their house.

Another tense topic that GUSD addressed is the Sagebrush territory transfer. King shared that the loss of the territory would cost the district upwards of $2 million. A member of the UniteLCF group contested these facts, stating that her math suggests that GUSD would only lose $200,000. King provided a brief breakdown of GUSD’s estimate and said she “was happy to show the woman in detail after the meeting.” The woman left before the meeting was over.

“Those kids are part of our community,” said King. “That community has always been a part of GUSD.”

A county committee meeting for the possible Sagebrush territory transfer is taking place on Wednesday, May 1 at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, 9300 Imperial Hwy in Downey. GUSD is offering a carpool to the 9:30 a.m. meeting. Those interested in attending to make a public comment can contact Kristine Nam at knam@gusd.net.

Finally, the Crescenta Valley Water District is looking for a new director. CV Town Council vice-president Mike Claessens is stepping down as director of the CV Water District. Claessens will finish his time on the board of directors on May 15 and CVWD will fill his position within 60 days. Those interested in applying for the position can contact General Manager Nemesciano Ochoa by May 6 with a letter of interest. Full information can be found on the CV Water District website.

  Julian MITCHELL