Spring Congestion

Though the title might be referring to allergies from all the pollen in the air (exactly how much can cover my car?), I am in fact referring to the traffic congestion of late along Foothill Boulevard. The February CV Town Council meeting, which I attended, had representatives from Caltrans who gave a presentation on what the organization has done to alert drivers of freeway on- and off-ramp closures, freeway lane closures and detour signage. There were those in the audience who challenged whether Caltrans had done enough to alert drivers of changes, including ramp closures, preventing congestion on local streets resulting from freeway drivers avoiding the 210, and installing signs that prominently informed drivers of detours and closures. Initially, we were told that Pennsylvania Avenue ramps would be shut down and when they were reopened the La Crescenta Avenue on-ramp would be closed. Then Pennsylvania was closed – again. For how long? Caltrans only will qualify it as “long term.” (We’ll put a full list of current closures on our website.)

I’m certainly not qualified to say if the signs are working or not, but I listen to the radio and the number of accidents right around Lowell and Ocean View on the 210 has definitely gone up since the construction began.

The council meets again tonight, Thursday, at 7 p.m. at the La Crescenta Library. I haven’t seen the agenda, so I don’t know if there will be discussion on the matter, but you might want to plan to attend.

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Congestion of another kind might be found on Honolulu Avenue on Saturday night for the inaugural Wine Walk, sponsored by the Montrose Shopping Park. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., ticket holders will have 15 tickets to sample wines from over 20 pour stations that are hosted by merchants and businesses. Each location will be serving red and/or white wines and appetizers. Complimentary bottled water will also be available. Each ticket holder will also receive a shopping park logo wineglass, $10 in Montrose scrip, a wine map and a tote bag.

There will also be live music and activities throughout the Shopping Park that we’ll be enjoying. I say “we” because you’ll find me strolling and sipping along Honolulu Avenue on Saturday evening. I mean, a beautiful location with incredible people tasting delicious wine? Something I surely don’t want to miss!

Tickets are $45 with a portion of the receipts from ticket sales being donated to event co-sponsor, the La Crescenta Woman’s Club. You can buy them at Mountain Rose Gifts, 3808½ Ocean View Blvd.; Copy Network, 3600 Ocean View Blvd. #9; It Takes A Village, 2317 Honolulu Ave.; Casa Córdoba, 2331 Honolulu Ave.; Grayson’s Tune Town, 2415 Honolulu Ave.

See the ad on page 8 for more information.

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Finally, the ponies are running at Santa Anita Race Track on Sunday afternoon! The annual Day at the Races (see the ad below) is on March 19 and is one of my all-time favorite fundraisers. Not only is it a great deal – $25 gets you parking, lunch, special seating and “expert” handicapping advice from Rick Dinger – but a portion of the proceeds go toward the CV Sheriff’s Support Group, and the Montrose-Verdugo City and Crescenta Valley chambers of commerce. There are few ways better to spend a Sunday afternoon.

It’s going to be a busy weekend with wonderful weather. I hope you’re planning to spend it out and about – whether sipping wine and strolling Honolulu or cheering on your favorites at Santa Anita!

  robin goldsworthy