If you’ve been following the crime blotter in the Crescenta Valley Weekly, you’ve no doubt noted the increase in “fishing” expeditions in the area. Fishing is the term used by law enforcement to describe when a criminal travels down a street, trying car door handles to see if they’re unlocked. When they find an unlocked car door, they’ll enter and steal everything from computers to spare change. The punishment for a thief who enters a car that is unlocked is lighter than if the perpetrator actually breaks into the vehicle to gain access.

I drive an older model Toyota and I’ve gotten into the habit of locking my car doors even though I don’t leave anything of value in it. The thought of some punks going through my stuff to see if there’s anything they want to steal just chaps me.

It’s a good thing I do lock it, too, as last weekend our street was the site of a fishing expedition by a couple of young jerks.

My neighbor had come home after midnight and was getting ready for bed. His bedroom window overlooks our street and apparently he saw these jerks going from car to car trying the door handles.

Thankfully he was able to scare them off – I’m sure he wanted to do more than just scare them – and I don’t think anyone in the neighborhood had anything taken from their car.

Lesson learned, however, and I want to pass on to you: lock your car! It doesn’t matter whether or not you think there’s anything of value in there. If everyone locks their car, these punks will hopefully move on.

And be aware, too. These kids were on our street after midnight and didn’t belong. If you see someone who doesn’t belong, turn on your porch light and call the cops.

Last week was election week for us in the unincorporated area. Candidates were running for the Crescenta Valley water board and for the town council.

On Tuesday, the water board elections were held with voting taking place at several different spots around town. On Saturday, ballots for the town council were cast over at Rosemont Middle School. It was held in conjunction with a safety expo and a pancake breakfast benefiting the school’s music department. There seemed to be a fair turnout of voters (I was one) and it was nice to have a chance to visit with folks that I generally don’t get the chance to see except maybe at Harvest Market or polling places.

I want to congratulate the winners and commend all for running. It’s not an easy decision to run for office, especially when you factor in how much time and money is spent during the campaign, not to mention being held up to public scrutiny. For those elected, the amount of time dedicated can be exhausting and the job seemingly thankless.

So, thank you candidates, one and all, for the willingness to contribute to our community at this level.

Now to those candidates who have not already addressed this: it’s time to gather up those lawn signs and banners that are still around town. The elections are over already! What were once important campaign tools are now outdated and unnecessary. Please be good citizens and collect your materials.

And finally, we are officially preparing for the holiday season. The CV Weekly is launching an enticing advertising campaign that is an affordable way for our local merchants and service providers to get the word out about what they’ve got going on over the next few weeks.

Readers will often ask us how they can support the paper and we always answer: Support the advertisers! They’re the ones, along with our subscribers, who make the paper possible. So plan to shop locally and support those who support us so we’ll all benefit.