As most of the rainy season is behind us and we move into spring, your Crescenta Valley Town Council is hard at work serving the community.

Last week, our Outreach Committee hosted a town hall meeting to discuss the new brush clearance guidelines being proposed by the County. This issue disproportionality impacts the Crescenta Valley since a large portion of our community is located in the high severity fire zone. Among the proposed guidelines is the prohibition of any vegetation within five feet of homes. This is of concern since most homes have landscaping within this area.

At the meeting were representatives from the Los Angeles County Fire Dept. who took questions about the new guidelines. We are proud of the turnout and are very fortunate to have so many residents voice concerns about the issues that matter to them.

The CVTC will continue to follow this issue and will represent the community as it develops.

The Crescenta Valley Youth Town Council is sponsoring an event called Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow. They have secured space at the Montrose Farmers Market for local youth to showcase their products and/or businesses. This is open to grades seven-12 and anyone interested can contact them at youthtc.cv@gmail.com. This is a very exciting opportunity that encourages the entrepreneurial spirit to thrive in our community. (Date TBD.)

A very important issue that our community continues to struggle with is traffic safety. Our neighborhood streets were never intended to accommodate the traffic volume they receive. In addition, when they were constructed, children mostly walked to school. At present, increased usage coupled with poor driving behavior gives the community cause for concern.

Last year, in response to these concerns, the CVTC assembled a task force consisting of the sheriff’s department, CHP, Public Works and GUSD. This has helped to encourage communication as we continue to address this multi-facetted issue. Our Streets and Transportation Committee routinely fields citizen concerns and helps direct them to the correct agency.

Currently, with the help of residents and GUSD, we’ve identified many of problem areas in the community. From this, Public Works is looking at the possibility of new signs and other improvements. The sheriff’s department and CHP have nearly doubled the level of traffic enforcement. We are very thankful for their efforts.

Although we’ve seen anecdotal evidence of improvements, our efforts to improve safety will continue. Community members can do their part as well. Everyone is responsible for their driving behavior and the example they set. We would like to again encourage everyone to slow down and obey all traffic laws (especially around schools). The life you save may be that of your neighbor.

Please visit the CVTC at the upcoming Hometown Country Fair (on Saturday, April 29 at CV Park). We will be there and would love to visit and talk with members of the community.

Our next general meeting will be held at the La Crescenta Library on Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m. We will have updates on disaster preparedness in the community from CV CERT. We hope to see everyone at this meeting!

Chris Kilpatrick, President
CV Town Council