By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The community on Saturday welcomed recently opened Wells Fargo Bank to the La Crescenta area. The bank held a ribbon cutting and family fun day at its new location at 3200 Foothill Blvd. at Pennsylvania Avenue. A few game booths were on-site as was a miniature version of the legendary Wells Fargo stagecoach. The Crescenta Valley High School jazz band also kept attendees entertained.

Branch manager Romina Aladadyan told the crowd that the branch wants to be an integral part of the Crescenta Valley. Among its many services, it provides a holiday mail station for letters to be deposited for military service personnel. Aladadyan introduced David DiCristofaro, senior vice president and regional president for Wells Fargo’s Greater San Gabriel Community Bank in Los Angeles. DiCristofaro acknowledged that the grand opening of the branch was a long time coming.

“It took us four years to open,” DiCristofaro told the crowd. “But it’s special. Already team members have worked [together] with community members. Team members have already donated 30 hours of service to the community.”

Joining Aladadyan was Erica Tejeda, Wells Fargo Pasadena district manager. Tejeda also welcomed the crowd, then the pair presented two grants to surprised recipients. Scout troop 288, which presented the colors for the grand opening ceremonies, and the CVHS jazz band each received grants of $1,500.

Talin Mangioglu from Senator Anthony Portantino’s office presented a certificate to     Aladadyan for the bank as did Leslie Dickson from the Crescenta Valley Town Council and Kaipo Chock from the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce.

DeCristofaro seemed pleased by the grand opening.

“It was worth the wait,” he said.

  robin goldsworthy