Recognizing the Best in Crescenta Valley – Part II

Every year, the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes men, women, businesses, public servicemen, students, educators and organizations, etc., that contribute to the betterment of our community. That time of the year is upon us!     These remarkable members of our community have been visited and presented with certificates for their outstanding contributions. We invite you to join us at our annual Recognition Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club.

Continuing from last week’s article, here are the additional honorees that will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to our community. These men and women are our first responders. They pledged an oath to protect and serve and this they do indeed. These specific individuals have gone above and beyond their duty to ensure the safety of our community.

Los Angeles County Firefighter Specialist Kevin White – Currently at “House on the Hill” Fire Station 63, Specialist White comes with 17 years of experience. With health hazards and smoke conditions changing over the years, this dedicated firefighter spends much of his time educating others while training fire behavior and control to new recruits. Along with his knowledge of fire fighting techniques, a specialist is responsible for the operation of the station’s engine.

Glendale Fire Station #28 – Built in 1955 and nicknamed “The Cabin,” this facility houses an engine company and staffs the air utility on all 2nd alarm fires. Located in the Glendale portion of La Crescenta, Fire Station 28 overlaps its area as a backup to L.A. City Fire to the west and to L.A. County Fire to the east, something shared between the stations that keeps our community safer.

California Highway Patrol – Honoree Officer Manuel Rodriguez has been employed by the CHP for over 18 years. His experience serves the community in numerous capacities, in addition to road patrol duties. He has made great progress in educating the public by not only taking enforcement action, but by speaking at local schools and events. Officer Rodriguez also works with youth mentoring programs.

L.A. Sheriff’s Dept. – Deputy Mike Winter is a 25-year veteran who has been a training instructor in firearms and survival classes. His assignment in the CV community has resulted in numerous arrests and several items recovered. While patrolling the mountain roads, Dep. Winter’s experience as a skilled mountaineer resulted in locating and saving the life of victim trapped down a cliff, which also led to the rescue of two other victims.

Glendale Police Dept. – Officer Peter Robinson has been with the Glendale Police Dept. for the past five years and has spent most of that time working patrol. He is a field training officer and a member of SWAT. Officer Robinson has been described as a person with a sixth sense in working the streets, a thorough investigator and an overall great street cop. He might also suggest, “Get to know your Smartphone” and its capabilities.

California Dept. of Fish & Game – This department has had more than its share of calls in regard to bears roaming the area in the past couple years – perhaps the one most famous named “Meatball” due to his taste for frozen meatballs. After attempts to relocate Meatball back to the wild, he was finally transferred to Lions, Tigers and Bears exotic animal sanctuary in San Diego. You can expect to see the celebrated bear one more time, in a mechanical version at the Rose Parade. Special thanks to all at CA Fish & Game in the handling of our wildlife.

Don’t forget to make your dinner reservation through our chamber office at 3131 Foothill Blvd. Suite D, Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by visiting www.crescentavalleychamber.org/recognition-banquet-reservation-form.

Upcoming Events!
Taste of the Foothills is on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ralph’s shopping center in La Crescenta. This is a great event for family and friends to enjoy an evening sampling excellent cuisine from some of our local eateries. Entertainment will be provided by our very own CV Jazz Band. There will also be a raffle to win an iPad Mini, so you will not want to miss out on this event. Price is $20 for adults (includes one complimentary raffle ticket), $18 for senior citizens (includes one complimentary raffle ticket), children 5 and over are $10 each, and under 5 are free. Visit our website to purchase tickets or to learn more crescentavalleychamber.org/taste. This is another great opportunity to give back to the schools as well, with 20% of each school sale going back to the school. Contact your PTA or school office.

  Michele SIERRA