By Mary O’KEEFE

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends, but there are two families in the area that will have an empty place setting at the table this year.

Kimberly Blum, 45, was last seen at a family home in the 2000 block of Cinco Casitas Lane in La Crescenta on the evening of June 5. She got into her car and drove off – and that was the last time any of her family and friends saw or heard from her.

Her family and friends have repeatedly searched the Angeles National Forest. It is thought she may have been in the ANF after a Caltrans worker found Blum’s cosmetic bag on June 9. Montrose Search and Rescue has also covered the area hoping to find some sign of her, but so far have come up with nothing.

Her mother Rosalie reported her daughter missing to the Los Angeles Police Dept. and has been working closely with them, following every lead without success.

Blum’s vehicle has not been found.

Det. Carlton, LAPD, is in charge of the case.

“We have nothing new,” he said. He encourages the public to come forward with any information on Blum’s disappearance and reminds those who hike and camp in the ANF to call in anything suspicious.

In September, Blum’s family offered a $5,000 reward for any information leading to valid information concerning Blum’s disappearance.

Kimberly Blum is 45 years old, Caucasian with brown hair, blue eyes, and 5’2″ tall and weighs 140 pounds. She may be in need of medical attention.  Her vehicle is a silver 2004 Honda CRV, California license plate 5JVU774. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Carlton (213) 996-1805, (213) 996-1800 or RACRA Division after hours at (213) 484-6700.

Megan (Ganajian) Dipiazza’s family is also facing another lonely Thanksgiving. Dipiazza, 33, went missing on Nov. 11, 2012 after an argument with her husband. The two were separated and Dipiazza was living in an apartment in far north Glendale.

Like Blum, Dipiazza’s vehicle has not been found. Glendale police have stated they have found no indication of foul play and no suspicious activity had been identified.

  Mary Okeefe