CV Weekly looks back at a year filled with controversy, change and celebration.

January

Snow fun was found at Two Strike Park when the LA County Board of Supervisors approved funding for tons of snow to be trucked into the local park. About 500 kids and their families made their way in the 80-degree heat to cool off and play in the Winter Wonderland.

The Bob Hope Humor Award was presented to the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses entry, “Backyard Rocketeer” that celebrated the accomplishments of JPL. The award was one of several given to outstanding floats entered in the 2017 Rose Parade.

New laws that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2017 included changes regarding driving while intoxicated, lane splitting while traveling on a motorcycle and safety seats for children. On Jan. 1, 2018, additional laws will be passed.

A meeting was held by the Land Use Committee of the CV Town Council to open discussion regarding current neighborhood lighting issues, options and opportunities. A proliferation of streetlight applications in more semi-rural neighborhoods sparked the discussion.

Lt. Col. Robert Friend, a Tuskegee airman, visited Crescenta Valley High School where he spoke to the JROTC cadets about his life in the military and shared a film of the history of the Tuskegee airmen.

Ongoing closures on the 210 (Foothill) Freeway were announced throughout the year as Caltrans continued its pavement rehabilitation project.

The Crescenta Valley Town Council Land Use Committee meeting heard details of a Foothill condo development project. The project, proposed for the 3000 block of Foothill Boulevard, would include a pedestrian-oriented commercial corridor with subterranean parking for condo owners, guests and commercial use. A petition calling for further investigation was presented at the meeting.

Concerns regarding the implementation in Glendale of Proposition 64 were addressed at a forum. Primary concerns included how to implement the state law allowing the recreational use and cultivation of marijuana with city ordinances that do not allow the opening of marijuana dispensaries within city limits.

Though heavy rain hit the foothills, making it difficult for people to make their way across common areas, the California drought was not officially declared over.

Women from around the nation – including from the Southland – took part in the Women’s March, a worldwide protest to advocate legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues.

February

“Quiet zones” were instituted in Glendale at three railroad locations. The zones bar trains from sounding their horns in designated areas except in an emergency. The goal was to significantly reduce the amount of noise pollution throughout the neighborhoods that border train tracks.

Local car owners were warned to be on the lookout for “critters” that might be lurking under car hoods. Furry wildlife residents would often take refuge under warm car hoods when winter storms hit that brought low overnight temperatures.

The City of Glendale was found in violation of Prop 26, a judgment that stated the city violated its city charter when it transferred $85 million from its electric revenue fund to the general fund during fiscal years 2010-14. The lawsuit was filed by the Glendale Coalition for Better Government.

Ascencia, a Glendale-based program that works to lift people out of homelessness, held its annual gala at the Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. Hundreds of people attended the affair that raised funds and awareness of the homeless population in the local area.

In one of her first acts since taking office, LA County Supervisor – Fifth District Kathryn Barger requested and received approval to double the number of Mental Evaluation Teams (MET) and to develop a mental health triage help desk.

Friends of Rockhaven held a unique fundraiser that benefitted two iconic properties – Rockhaven in La Crescenta/Montrose and the Rialto Theatre in Pasadena.

The Glendale City Council voted to install an interim urgency ordinance after listening to comments from residents and the city’s principal planner regarding the establishment of standards and ministerial process for approving Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Nestlé USA announced that it would be moving out of Glendale and to Rosslyn, Virginia. About 1,200 people were employed at the Glendale facility.

The City of Glendale reported an increase in revenue for the second fiscal quarter that ended on Dec. 31. City Manager Scott Ochoa attributed the bump in part to the expected acceleration of repayment from the State of California to the city.

State Senator Anthony Portantino introduced legislation that would require California school districts to start their middle and high school days no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Portantino cited data that the later start will “improve the quality of education, health and welfare of our children.”

Firefighters were called out to local streets following heavy rainfall. According to Glendale Fire Chief Bill Lynch, call volume increased by 52% during recent storm activity. The calls ranged from traffic collisions to trees and wires down.

A sweet time was found by attendees of LA Cookie
Con held at the LA Convention Center. Purveyors of cookies, cakes and treats of all kinds were on hand to introduce convention-goers to their fare.

Continued traffic and safety concerns were among the issues raised at the monthly meeting of the Crescenta Valley Town Council. Assemblymember Laura Friedman and State Senator Anthony Portantino were in attendance and invited the representatives of Caltrans to report regularly to their offices so constituents would be informed of the progress of the ongoing pavement improvement project.

The Glendale Unified School District adopted the Safe Haven Resolution, which supports all district students regardless of immigration status.

March

Family business Bob Smith Toyota celebrated its 100-year anniversary.

A special Land Use Committee meeting was held to discuss the level of community support for a possible county-conducted survey to determine what the community wanted regarding street lighting.

The Holy Redeemer-St. James the Less community mourned the passing of Monsignor John Kieran Foley, known locally as “Father Jack.”

With the relaxation of water restrictions, Montrose Shopping Park saw the installation of soft green landscaping, replacing brown hardscape put in use during the years of drought experienced by Southern California.

A garden specifically tailored for students with special needs was created at Crescenta Valley High School. Boy Scout Ash Ghiya oversaw the installation of the garden. His goal was to “create a sensory garden for special education students.”

A new sheriff (captain) came to town. LA County Sheriff’s Dept. Captain Christopher Blasnek replaced Captain Bill Song at the CV Sheriff’s Station. Blasnek brought 33 years of experience to the position.

The inaugural “sip and stroll” hosted by the Montrose Shopping Park was deemed a success by the hundreds who bought tickets and the many shopping park merchants who took part in the wine walk.

Candidates for the Glendale City Council attended a forum to introduce themselves and their positions on a variety of topics to local voters. Ten candidates were running for three seats.

Local “toolman” Scott Toro of Toro’s Lawnmower, Garden and Chain Saw Center died unexpectedly leaving behind his wife of 36 years and a daughter.

April

Glendale voters were urged to cast ballots for three of 10 candidates vying for seats on the city council. In the end, incumbents Ara Najarian and Zareh Sinanyan and newcomer Vrej Agajanian were elected to the council.

Over 25 breweries and food vendors took part in the annual Montrose Food & Brewfest, held on Honolulu Avenue in Montrose.

Mission College opened a campus in Sunland-Tujunga. Funding was provided through Measure J for a satellite college in Sunland-Tujunga. Among the offerings is a culinary arts program.

Robotics teams from Crescenta Valley and Clark Magnet high schools advanced to the world championship of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology). Clark’s team was named the number one team at the Los Angeles Regional Competition in Long Beach.

CV Water District manager Thomas Love changed the conservation status from Yellow-Extraordinary to Blue-Standard/Voluntary after Gov. Jerry Brown issued Executive Order B-40-17, ending the drought state of emergency.

California Highway Patrol hosted a California Teen Safe Driving event at Clark Magnet High School as part of April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the CHP, traffic accidents are the number one killer of teens across the country.

The Disney Conservation Fund awarded Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, which oversees the Rosemont Preserve among other open lands, a $25,000 grant as part of the Fund’s focus on reversing the decline of the threatened mountain lion population in the LA area.

Civic leaders gathered to kick-off We Own the Health of Our Community, a collective impact initiative whose members are dedicated to improving the health of Glendale residents.

Crowds gathered at CV High School in support of the Tri-Valley Special Olympics Games that took place on the campus field. Approximately 300 athletes from across the Southland came to the foothills to compete n a variety of track and field events.

Volunteerism and collaboration was celebrated at the annual Mountain Avenue Elementary 50th anniversary gala. The Golden Gala was hosted by MACK, the school’s foundation.

Hundreds of parents and friends streamed into Glendale High School’s John Wayne Performing Arts Center for the GUSD 16th annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The evening included performances and presentations from several GUSD schools Armenian Clubs including from Clark Magnet, Crescenta Valley, Glendale and Hoover high schools.

Scholl Canyon Estates held a senior prom for residents of the retirement home. The theme was a Prom Night in Paris. Kaline Rogers and Carl Held were named prom king and queen.

The call was sounded in the search by LA County Sheriff’s Dept. for Aramazd Andressian Jr., a 5-year-old boy who went missing while in his father’s custody. The father was found unconscious in Arroyo Park in South Pasadena without the boy.

Rosemont Middle School held its annual Civil War Days at the school. Among the presenters was Charly Shelton, who demonstrated how early field doctors handled injuries on the battlefield, and teacher Mike Anker, who portrayed President Abraham Lincoln.

May

Strong winds took down local trees, damaging cars and homes. Many of the trees were already compromised after years of drought.

Glendale City Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian was selected as mayor of the city replacing Paula Devine.

After over three hours of deliberation, some confusion and vote reversal, the Los Angeles County committee on School District Organization voted to accept the petition for territory transfer of the Sagebrush area from Glendale Unified School District to La Cañada Unified School District.

Pie-eating contests, dog parades and an overall good time was enjoyed by attendees of the annual Hometown Country Fair hosted by the CV Chamber of Commerce and other local civic organizations. The annual fair brings hundreds out to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon, though fair organizers feared the winds may have kept some fair-goers at home in 2017.

Glendale City Council made a proclamation designating May as Historic Preservation Month. The mayor delivered the proclamation stressing the importance of honoring and maintaining the tangible heritage of Glendale.

Hungry folks eager to support Prom Plus and local eateries came to Honolulu Avenue to buy tickets to the annual Taste of Montrose event. More than 20 restaurants offered tastes of their fare. In addition, the day spotlighted Kids & Kritters and Wags N Whiskers and included performances by Revolution Dance Center and a kids’ fashion show.

Assemblymember Laura Friedman hosted “Coffee & Conversation,” an opportunity for constituents to hear her first impressions of Sacramento and sharing the highlights of her legislative agenda.

The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors approved a motion instructing county staff to look into the feasibility of issuing an ordinance against social hosting – private parties held in homes that provide liquor to minors.

Glendale celebrated the long-awaited grand reopening of downtown’s Central Library. Tours were given of the library and programs introduced that showcase the new and improved facilities.

The year-end banquet for the CV High School JROTC was bittersweet for Lt. Col. Dave Worley, the school’s teacher and mentor of the program. After 14 years, Worley retired from his position at the high school.

The reward to find 5-year-old Aramzd Andressian was increased by $20,000 after the LA County Board of Supervisors approved the additional reward. The search for missing Elaine Park also continued with a reward of $55,000 issued for information leading to her whereabouts.

Citizens of La Cañada mourned the unexpected passing of city councilmember Dave Spence. Spence suffered a heart attack at his home. He was 80.

A combination of a state budget deficit and growing headwinds from the federal government led supporters of the 710 Freeway Tunnel to abandon the project.

Military personnel were honored at Armed Forces Day held at CV Park. Hosted by the American Legion and VFW, the event recognized the day with classic cars, law enforcement and military and veteran-owned businesses.

Memorial Day weekend festivities included the annual Fiesta Days celebration in La Cañada that featured a parade, barbecue, movies in the park and more. Memorial observances for fallen military personnel were held at Memorial Park in La Cañada, the Vietnam War Memorial in Montrose and at Two Strike Park in La Crescenta.

June

Dr. Cynthia Livingston, principal of Rosemont Middle School, retired after 28 years of service with the Glendale Unified School District.

The annual Arts & Crafts Festival held on Honolulu Avenue in Montrose featured food, handmade crafts and clothing. More than 250 vendors made their way to the annual fair that saw between nearly 50,000 shoppers along the avenue during the two-day event.

Vito Cannella was recognized for his continuous efforts to promote Flag Week. The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors presented a commendation for his work.

The City of Glendale reached an agreement for a $1.1 million settlement with consulting firm Willdan Financial Services. The settlement came three years after the city filed a breach of contract lawsuit that claimed the city lost revenue due to faulty methods in a water-rate study conducted by the company in 2011.

Crescenta Valley High School graduated its senior class at the school’s campus. “We will always find our way home because once a Falcon, always a Falcon,” said senior class president Nicole Min Joo Lee.

After being shuttered since 2013, Twelve Oaks Lodge prepared to accept new residents to its facility. Repairs were being done on the property to return it to its former splendor.

The CV Radio Club participated in Field Day, joining other ham radio operators throughout North America as they participated in the annual open house-type event.

Darren Azarian was named the new commander of American Legion Post 288. Among his goals as commander was raising awareness to local vets of the resources the Post offers.

Despite complaints from the community, the CV Water District board decided to raise rates for its customers. According to the district, revenue from water sales had dropped dramatically I the past three years while the expense for imported water had increased $630,000 in the past year.

In an effort to address the opioid epidemic, LASD deputies were given permission to carry Narcan, a quick-acting medicine that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose.

The apparent rise in coyote sightings locally were responded to by Jim Hartman of the Dept. of Agriculture Commission/Weights and Measures. Hartman oversees coyote management for the county and told audience members at the monthly meeting of the CV Town Council that “coyotes are predators of opportunity; they are not trying to annoy you.”

The removal of several silver maple trees and one sawleaf Zelkova tree from Two Strike Park caused concern among CV residents. The Los Angeles County Dept. of Parks and Recreation removed the trees because they were dead or in “severe decline.”

Aramazd Andressian Sr. was arrested for the murder of his 5-year-old son.

July

Honolulu Avenue came alive with hot rods, dragsters, classic cars and more for the 16th Annual Montrose Car Show.

Crowds converged on the campus of CV High School for the annual July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza. Inflatable slides, food trucks and live music greeted the 5,000 attendees who paid a nominal fee to see the colorful display.

A group of Glendale residents came together to establish the city’s first tenants union. The hope was to combat the rapidly increasing cost of rent in the city.

Public input was requested by the LA Sheriff’s Dept. on its unmanned aircraft system program. The department wanted to gauge the public opinion on the progress of the program thus far.

A house fire in the 2800 block of Altura Avenue snarled traffic on La Crescenta Avenue and the nearby 210 Freeway, but there were no injuries because of it.

The Annual Glendale Cruise Night, one of the most popular car shows in the nation, invited visitors to Brand Boulevard to check out the more than 350 classic and collector vehicles.

Four bags of marijuana were found on the La Crescenta off-ramp of the 210 (Foothill) Freeway. The garbage bags were found during the monthly clean up of the off-ramp by civic members, including members of the CV Chamber of Commerce and CV Town Council.

Former Montrose Search & Rescue Team member and CV Chamber of Commerce board member Warren Boehm passed away on July 4th. He was 81.

A survey was circulated by the County Dept. of Regional Planning to local county residents to assess whether the current regulations for outdoor residential lighting are acceptable or if residents wanted to go in a different direction.

The Glendale City Council gave the go-ahead to contribute $26.5 million of the city’s general fund into the Pension Rate Stabilization Trust in an attempt to help mitigate increasing pension contributions.

The Glendale Unified School District board of education looked at a property exchange in order to replace its aging headquarters at no cost.

Rodenticide near Rosemont Preserve was thought to be responsible for the deaths of two foxes and impairing the abilities of other Preserve animals. Residents near the Preserve were asked to not use rodenticide for pest control as it could be ingested by other animals and to instead utilize other means to discourage rats and mice.

August

It was announced that Gus & Andy’s Montrose Grill would be moving into the long-vacant former site of Rocky Cola Café. The café sat empty since closing in 2012.

Several locations celebrated National Night Out with food, music and the chance to meet local law enforcement. Glendale hosted over 20 NNO locations. “We like to come out and talk to the people in the neighborhood,” said GPD Officer Wessel.

Glendale City Council voted to provide an additional 12 months to the development company responsible for revitalizing the Rockhaven Sanitarium in order for it to complete its Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with the city.

Glendale police responded to a fatal shooting in the 2900 block of Montrose Avenue. The 67-year-old woman was shot and killed in the parking garage beneath her Montrose Avenue apartment.

Scott Anderle took over the reins as principal of Rosemont Middle School. Anderle was with the school district for 20 years and previously was assistant principal at Toll Middle School.

Joe Rinaudo brought his silent movie magic to Two Strike Park for Silent Movies in the Park. The audience brought their own picnic dinners and enjoyed popcorn under the stars while watching the historic films.

Glendale City Council expressed its solidarity with residents in response to Americana at Brand’s decision to reject a request to use billboard space to advertise a documentary film that focused on the Armenian Genocide.

The Montrose Search and Rescue Team celebrated its 70th anniversary with a fundraiser and lunch at Newcomb’s Ranch at mile marker 50.93 on Angeles Crest Highway.

GUSD students were welcomed back to another school year.
The community looked skyward as the great eclipse of the summer passed from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina.

It was announced that a Target store would be moving into the site formerly occupied by Sport Chalet in La Cañada. The opening is expected in July 2018.

The reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Elaine Park was increased to $250,000 through Sept. 15.

Results from an outdoor lighting survey within the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County in La Crescenta were brought to the CV Town Council, but ended up causing confusion when certain questions were thought to be misrepresented.

After much debate, a sign was unveiled at CV Park that acknowledged the park’s Nazi history while focusing on the positive aspects of the property.

A new hotel in heart of downtown Glendale – Hotel Louise – was approved with a number of exceptions that go beyond the city’s land use ordinance and standards.

September

The eighth anniversary of the Station Fire was remembered.

The La Tuna Fire burned over 7,200 acres and was battled by 211 firefighters, six bulldozers, three helicopters, 10 fire engines, four crews and three ambulances. The blaze affected traffic patterns across the foothills including the closure of the 210 Freeway in both directions.

Glendale College celebrated its 90th anniversary with a reception, silent auction, dinner and awards.

After Hurricane Harvey pounded Texas, volunteers from the Southland made their way to Texas to lend a hand. Among these were Glendale Police Officer Steve Koszis, MS&R Team member Mike Leum and volunteer Jennifer Dutton.

Funeral services were held for Flag Week founder Vito Cannella who died at the age of 89.

Patriot Day was commemorated in the Crescenta Valley with a motorcade that stretched from Tujunga to La Cañada and passed the sheriff’s station, local schools and residences. The event culminated with a service held at Bob Smith Toyota.

Local crafters gathered at Quilt ‘n’ Things in Montrose to create signs of welcome and encouragement for immigrants to the United States. The group made welcome blankets to be distributed.

The possible expansion of the Scholl Canyon Landfill drew concerns from local residents, many of whom preferred a closure of the facility by 2028 rather than expanding the facility.

The CV Town Council Land Use Committee recommended a change to the process of petitioning for a street-lighting district that would maintain existing residential street lighting in La Crescenta and Montrose.

Members of Radio Science Team watched as the Cassini spacecraft ended its 20-year mission in space by plunging into Saturn’s atmosphere, giving in to gravity and being pulled into the clouds of the gas giant. “To the very end the spacecraft did everything we asked,” said Earl Maize, program manager for the mission.

The Crescenta Valley Town Council held its annual pancake breakfast at Crescenta Valley High School. Local dignitaries, including county supervisor Kathryn Barger, donned a chef’s hat to lend a hand in the kitchen.

CVHS ASB president Joe Suh was among the many who spoke to the GUSD board of education asking for improved school lighting and seating to accommodate sporting events at the school.

It was a “beary” crazy morning when two bears stopped by St. Luke’s of the Mountains Church in La Crescenta before strolling through nearby neighborhoods. No one was hurt during the adventure – including the bears, which were returned to the forest.

A prioritization study session was organized by the GUSD board of education on how to spend Measure S funds. Among the projects discussed were new lighting and seating at CV High School to accommodate sporting events.

October

Local students and parents joined together to celebrate Walk to School Day. The national campaign aims to increase students’ physical activity and raise awareness for walkable communities.

CV Weekly announced the winners of its annual The Finest contest. Over 9,000 ballot entries were tallied in order to arrive at those chosen by readers of CV Weekly as The Finest, the best, in a variety of categories.

A former employee of the Glendale City Attorney’s Office was charged with embezzling $609,764 by creating documents to make it appear the money was being used to pay civil claims against the city.

The 40th anniversary of Oktoberfest was held along Honolulu Avenue, which saw between 20,000 and 25,000 people fill the street ready to celebrate all things German.

After months of organizing and collecting over 11,000 signatures, Glendale residents seeking rent stabilization hit their first roadblock after the city clerk found the submitted paperwork to have a number of technical issues and deemed it deficient.

The Little Landers Historical Society of Sunland-Tujunga welcomed guests to the Verdugo Hills Cemetery, offering a tour that gave a glimpse into local life during the time the cemetery was established.

A special meeting at city hall of the GWP commission was flooded by residents eager to voice their concerns with a proposed project to upgrade Glendale’s aging natural-gas power plant.

Foothill residents were surprised to see a bull wandering down the boulevard. The bull got loose from a local petting zoo that was part of a pumpkin patch in the 3000 block of Foothill Boulevard.

The Glendale Police Museum project hit two roadblocks when it failed to receive bids satisfactory to the Glendale City Council budget of $125,000. Staff requested that the budget for the Museum be more than doubled to a total of no more than $280,000.

Local politicians, including Rep. Adam Schiff, took legislative steps to make the long-imagined Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act a reality. The Act, if adopted, would add more than 191,000 acres to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Halloween filled the Crescenta Valley with spooky things to do, including visiting local residences that created elaborate Halloween displays, including 413 Whiting Woods Lane, and visiting local merchants in the Montrose Shopping Park who had sweet treats for trick-or-treaters.

The Glendale club of the Kiwanis held its annual KIDS – Kiwanis Incredible Duck Splash – at Verdugo Park. The family-oriented event offered plenty for visitors to do while they waited for the completion of several “heats” and the distribution of thousands of dollars in prize money.

The 2018 Rose Queen and her Court was named. Isabella Marie Marez of La Salle High School, was crowned the 100th Rose Queen. Her court includes Princesses Alexandra Artura, Savannah Bradley, Lauren Buehner, Georgia Cervenka, Julianne Lauenstein and Sydney Pickering.

November
Glendale City Council voted to maintain the status of prohibition of the commercial sale and cultivation of marijuana within the city.

Veterans were honored at Two Strike Park during the Veterans Day ceremony.

A mother and daughter who fled the scene after hitting and killing an 81-year-old Glendale resident were convicted of felony hit and run and felony vehicular manslaughter. The mother, 67-year-old Goar Davtyan, was sentenced to three years formal, or federal, probation and 720 community service hours. Her daughter, Alina Davtyan, was given three years of summary probation and 30 days of community service.

The community was in shock after learning of the untimely death of 20-year-old Brett Tyler. The CVHS graduate was attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo when he died from a tiny blood clot that obstructed an artery that fed the muscle of his heart.

Yasmin Beers was named the interim city manager after current manager Scott Ochoa announced he would be leaving his position.

The American Heroes Air Show, held at the Hansen Dam Recreation Center, was the site of the swearing in of 60 children under the age of 18 who took the Oath of Allegiance to become the newest citizens of the USA.

December

Brightly decorated collection barrels were placed around town for the annual CV Sheriff’s Station and CV Park annual toy and food drive. Around 100-150 families request help with food and toys during the holiday season.

Two monument signs reading Welcome to Glendale reignited a dispute between members of the community and residents of the unincorporated area of La Crescenta. Those opposing the signs did not like the “exclusionary nature of the message.”

Thousands lined Honolulu Avenue for the 41st Annual Montrose Christmas Parade.

Assemblymember Laura Friedman was named chair of the Subcommittee on Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention and Response.

The La Crescenta Christmas tree lighting was held at La Crescenta Library. The event had been postponed due to weather, but a strong crowd still turned out for the annual event.

Glendale Police Chief Robert Castro announced his resignation from the GPD, capping a 32-year career.

Santa Claus made several appearances around town, from strolling along Honolulu Avenue and the Montrose Shopping Park on weekends to visiting local schools and even flying overhead in a helicopter to kickoff the Montrose Christmas Parade.