Rate Increases on CVWD Agenda
The Crescenta Valley Water District is holding a  public hearing for a proposed water rate increase on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the main office. The district encourages all CVWD customers or property owners to attend and participate in the discussion.

The CVWD is located at 2700 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta.

Dennis Prager to Speak at YMCA Community Prayer Breakfast
The YMCA of the Foothills will host the 18th Community Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 a.m. at the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA. The doors will open at 6:30 a.m. and tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door.

This year’s keynote speaker is La Cañada resident, radio talk show host, columnist, author and called by Toastmasters “One of America’s five best speakers” Dennis Prager. He joins a special group of prayer breakfast speakers including John Wooden, Rafer Johnson, Jim Nabors and Stephanie Edwards.

Local resident, comedian, actor and Disney Channel personality Ron Pearson will serve as master of ceremonies for this event.

Tickets are $10 per person if purchased prior to the event, $20 at the door. To purchase tickets, call the Y at (818) 790-0123, ext. 201. Y Members can visit www.ymcafoothills.org home page and purchase tickets online.

The Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA is located at 1930 Foothill Blvd., La Canada.

Gearing Up for Parade
The 35th Annual Montrose Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 3. Those wishing to participate as a sponsor and be part of the parade publicity, become a parade participant, or get information on the parade should visit the parade website www.montrosechristmasparade.com for all parade entry forms and information.

You may also call (818) 259-5195 for information.

Second Annual California Friendly Garden Contest Under Way
Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) is sponsoring its second annual  California Friendly Garden Contest, “Sowing and Growing.” Three prizes will be awarded to the winning customers in Foothill’s service area. Cash prizes include $500 for first, $250 for second and third place is $100. Judges will consider overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance and efficient methods of irrigation when evaluating the gardens.

Customers of Foothill Municipal Water District’s retail agencies, including Crescenta Valley Water District, can participate. Although applications are due no later than April 13, 2012, now is the time to plant most California native and friendly vegetation.

Judging will take place May 5, 2012 or soon thereafter in case of inclement weather.

Rules and an entry application can be found on the District’s website at www.fmwd.com.

Neighborhood Watch Training Available
Free Neighborhood Watch Training is available to help improve Neighborhood Watch activities by providing formal training for those law enforcement, volunteers and block captains interested in assisting with neighborhood watch and disaster preparedness.

Neighborhood Emergency Training (N.E.T.) provides resources for community disaster preparedness presentations and resources.

The information illustrates how to begin, conduct and maintain an active Neighborhood Watch program including step by step instructions on how register a Neighborhood Watch with www.USAonWatch.org.

The training session is on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Los Angeles Arboretum, 301 North Baldwin Ave. in Arcadia.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Deputy Doug DeCesare (CLEPP) at (323) 526-5015.

Program Targets Social Security Beneficiaries
The Glendale-based Verdugo Jobs Center announced that it has launched a new federal program locally called the “Ticket to Work” program to help disabled job seekers find employment.

Alana Theard, project director, said that the program is funded by the Social Security Administration to assist disabled Social Security beneficiaries that want to work or are already working. She added there are approximately 6,476 disabled Social Security beneficiaries in the Verdugo region.

The program is targeted to disabled Social Security beneficiaries in the Glendale, Burbank and La Cañada Flintridge regions, but it is able to serve prospective job seekers from throughout the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys, said Theard. Besides providing job opportunities and direct connections to employers who are hiring, the program can also provide resume development assistance and career advisement.

For more information on the program, disabled Social Security beneficiaries interested in finding work can call (818) 409-0476.

Dreier Testifies in Support of Protection Act
Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), chairman of the House Rules Committee, testified on Tuesday at the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands on behalf of his bill, H.R. 113, the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests Protection Act. Dreier said the legislation ensures the optimal protection for the forests, enhance recreational activities, allows for crucial fire management, and preserves natural resources.

The Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests Protect Act has received the support of a wide variety of organizations including the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Monrovia, and San Dimas. P. Michael Freeman, former Fire Chief for Los Angeles County, submitted a statement discussing his work with Congressman Dreier on the legislation.