By Nicole MOORE

At the Feb. 1 meeting of the Montrose Shopping Park Assn., Lt. Oscar Rodriguez and Sgt. Patrick Magtoto of the Glendale Police Dept. touched on the issue of homelessness. In the Montrose/La Crescenta area, they said there are seven chronically transient people. GPD was able to provide services and shelter to those individuals. 

“We have some really good success [with helping transient people] because of [the GDP’s homelessness team’s] involvement,” said Lt. Rodriguez. “We are enjoying our success but the fight’s not over.”

Sgt. Magtoto reported Glendale has been ranked number six as one of the safest cities with a population over 200,000 in America due to its low crime rates. On a similar note, Sgt. Magtoto related there were not any reported crimes for the month of January in the Montrose area. 

 “It’s important that we all feel safe,” affirmed Magtoto. 

Then the president and superintendent of Glendale Community College, Dr. David Viar, presented GCC’s plan to facilitate classrooms in the vacated Citibank property on the 2300 block of Honolulu Avenue. 

“We are very proud of the strong and positive relationship we have with [the MSPA] and this purchase will not jeopardize this relationship,” said Dr. Viar. 

Dr. Viar clarified the only remodel that will be made to the building will be to improve the lobby and make sure its accessibility is up to current standards. Additionally, he assured the MSPA that roughly 200 adults with a spending income will be taking classes in the building. Therefore, Montrose shops and restaurants can expect a surge in their businesses. 

The members of the MSPA, though, expressed concern over the lack of parking spaces for incoming students. 

“We will listen closely to the recommendations to what you have in mind,” promised Dr. Viar. 

Next to the podium was Julie Kay Stallcup, owner of Revolution Dance Center, who requested the members of the MSPA board support her event on March 4 to advocate for the victims of human trafficking. Stallcup believes spreading awareness can help protect the local youth. 

“I want [Montrose] to be known as a safe place to go to … We need to bring the youth back into the community,” said Stallcup.

The MSPA members were quick to offer their assistance to Stallcup.

“I am a huge advocate for [this event]. We applaud you for it.  We will give you all the help you need. This is a worldwide matter,” said Andre Ordubegian, president of the MSPA. 

The next Montrose Shopping Park Assn. meeting will be on March 1 at 8 a.m. The meeting, open to the public, will be held at the Glendale Community College Professional Development Center, 2340 Honolulu Ave.