Local crossing guards get surprise visits by gift-bearing student ambassadors.

By Mary O’KEEFE

On Monday community members and Crescenta Valley High School students showed their appreciation for a few of the local crossing guards.

It was quite a scene as cars from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. – Crescenta Valley Station and two fire engines from LA County Fire Dept. pulled up to local schools and students hurriedly walked toward unsuspecting crossing guards. The students came with gifts to thank the crossing guards for helping students navigate the sometimes perilous streets surrounding local schools.

This outreach was sponsored by the CV Substance Misuse Prevention Coalition, aka CV Cares. During a meeting a few weeks ago sector coalition members heard CV Sheriff Deputy JR Ruiz talk about drug issues in the area. The coalition focuses on drug issues; Ruiz shared information on fentanyl and about a location where it was known that individuals were in possession of illegal drugs. (Due to the diligence of LASD the location has been cleared of those individuals.)

During the conversation Ruiz spoke about the traffic issues in the area, specifically at local schools during drop off and pickup times. Everyone at the meeting shared a negative traffic experience. It was at this time the idea was born of showing support to the crossing guards. 

“As a Los Angeles County commissioner, past president and current member of the Crescenta Valley Town Council it is very important to be involved in our community without any strings attached,” said Harry Leon. 

Leon is also a sector member of CV Cares. 

“[It is also important] to acknowledge the people who make our lives easier and safer, especially the crossing guards. [In my opinion] they don’t get paid enough to make sure our kids are safe in the streets. They are there, rain or shine, making sure our parents and kids cross the streets and get to school safely,” Leon continued. 

“Is this for me?” asked Tony, the crossing guard at Dunsmore Elementary School. 

The gifts included clothing items, like a jacket, vest and a warm hat, in a duffle bag from Albert Abkarian & Assoc. APC. In addition there were lots of cookies and snacks from Byblos Mediterranean Bakery. All the items were placed in a festive holiday bag and presented to the crossing guards.

Tony, like most of the crossing guards, was overwhelmed by the gifts and the presence of so many supportive community members. 

“I need to call my wife,” Tony added.

Glendale Unified School District board of education member Neda Farid, whose school site assignment includes CV High School and Rosemont Middle School, joined the support caravan. She took time to speak to each of the crossing guards and thanked them for what they do every day to protect GUSD students. 

CV Cares youth ambassadors, all students from CVHS, got up early to participate. Victoria Malone, executive director of CV Cares, said the outreach demonstrates the community’s support for the crossing guards. 

“We really want to acknowledge the crossing guards in our community and hand-in-hand with that the high school students, who did the gift giving. It’s important for them to exercise their gratitude,” Malone said, “and to exercise their advocacy.”

Traffic is not directly under the banner of what are the primary goals of CV Cares, which is drug education and student safety; however, shepherding students across the street during times of heavy traffic is another aspect of student safety. 

Students being involved in the outreach efforts empower them and is an opportunity for learning, Malone said. 

“This is the season of giving and our community is full of positive spirit and we would like to pass it along to others. When I was a kid, people did good things to make sure that I was safe and now it’s my turn to pay back my community,” Leon said. 

Kimberly, one of the crossing guards at La Crescenta Elementary, was moved that the community would show its appreciation in this way.

“It was very nice,” she said of the outreach. “I love working as a crossing guard because it is a way I can make sure the kids are safe.”

To say Damian, the crossing guard at Valley View Elementary, is popular would be an understatement. He is very positive and kids, and parents, all greet him with a smile and a wave. 

“Hi, Damian! How was your Thanksgiving?” A child yelled from his car as it turned toward the school and passed Damian. The student did a Spider-Man web slinging gesture.

“I had a great Thanksgiving, Spider-Man! How was yours?” Damian asked. 

When he was presented the gifts, parents who saw what was occurring were very moved. 

“He deserves recognition,” said one parent.

“He is super friendly,” said another, “and good at his job.”

“He makes a personal connection,” said a third parent. “And he has dog treats too.”

“CV Cares is doing a great job and we should acknowledge what they do for our youth to make sure they are safe too,” Leon said. 

The fact that LASD and LACoFD supported the effort to recognize the crossing guards made an impression on the recipients. All guards voiced their appreciation of the support of safety personnel. 

“The LA Sheriff Dept. and LA County Fire Dept. are always there to help our community. They are part of the community and they always contribute to our community,” Leon said adding how much he appreciated their presence at the presentations to the crossing guards.