A two-day rainfall total brought 5.38 inches to La Cañada Flintridge. For the same period, Pasadena saw 5.41 inches, the Eagle Rock Reservoir recorded 5.9 inches and one of the largest total rainfall amounts was 18.31 inches recorded at Nordhoff Ridge Road in Ventura County, according to David Sweet, NOAA.
Five Glendale Unified Elementary District schools were recognized as 2023 California Distinguished Schools by the California Dept. of Education: they were Dunsmore, Fremont, Monte Vista, Mountain Avenue and Valley View.
Rockhaven Sanitarium, a historical property, celebrated its 100th anniversary.
The Glendale Teachers Association and Glendale Unified School District were still in negotiations. The teachers’ contract term was from 2017 to 2020; they are now negotiating wages going back to 2020-21.
Chris Kilpatrick was named the new CV Town Council president. Harry Leon, who served as president for the last seven years, is now serving as vice president.
Kilpatrick grew up in La Crescenta and is a 2003 graduate of Clark Magnet High School.
A vehicle came inches away from plowing through the front entrance of Robbin’s Nest Preschool and Kindergarten in the 2900 block of Honolulu Avenue. No injuries were reported.
February 2023
Deputies arrested a man who had entered Crescenta Valley High School resulting in a shelter-in-place and evacuation of the school.
“One of our deputies saw someone who matched the [man’s] description in the 3500 block of Foothill Boulevard in Glendale,” said Sgt. John Gilbert of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station.
The man was found inside a local coffee shop about 3 p.m. He was detained and a witness from CVHS was brought to the location. “The witness positively identified this was the person who was in the school. A search of [his person and bag] didn’t reveal any weapons, drugs or devices,” Gilbert said.
The man was arrested for trespassing but later released. A few days later he was arrested again and charged with possession of child (individual under the age of 18) pornography and the second count was criminal threats.
Across Los Angeles County, volunteers, city workers and law enforcement participated in the 2023 homeless count. The annual count is conducted through the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). The count included unsheltered, youth and housing inventory counts (a census of people living in interim and permanent supportive housing).
The Glendale police substation that was located at 3808 Ocean View Blvd. in Montrose was closed.
Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein announced that she would not run for reelection in 2024
Rep. Adam Schiff launched his campaign for U.S. Senate.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. Montrose Search and Rescue team members joined other search and rescue departments and members of the military to search for the body of 22-year-old U.S. Army soldier Anna Laura Costa Porsborg.
The Perseverance rover celebrated its second anniversary on the surface of Mars.
A massive and destructive 7.8 earthquake devastated Southern and Central Turkey as well as parts of Northern Syria. Entire cities were leveled, millions were displaced and close to 50,000 lives were lost as a result. Seven members of the Montrose Search and Rescue team went to Hatay, Turkey in a six-day humanitarian mission to locate and rescue individuals trapped beneath the destruction.
March 2023
It snowed throughout Southern California, including in the Crescenta Valley.
The Chace Taylor Malone Impact Foundation LA hosted a Valentine’s Day discussion at Crescenta Valley High School that focused on how students, and adults, can practice loving who they are. The event was titled “Self-Love Seminar: Positive Self-Talk.”
SoCalGas filed an application with the CPUC prior to the dramatic increases in natural gas bills. The application also included a request to include more price increases to be implemented until 2027.
Glendale Unified School District and Glendale Teachers Association bargaining teams reached a tentative agreement on a contract for the 2020-23 school years.
The County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors appointed Anthony C. Marrone to serve as the 10th fire chief of the County of Los Angeles Fire Dept.
Eli Lilly announced a price reduction of 70% for its most commonly prescribed insulin and an expansion of its Insulin Value Program that caps patient out-of-pocket costs at $35 or less per month.
Congressman Adam Schiff announced the Hollywood Burbank Airport will be awarded $30 million as part of a grant program provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
A suspect was arrested in connection with a series of sexual assaults that took place on the campus of Burbank High School.
The Crescenta Valley High School symphony orchestra and concert band, directed and conducted by Mathew Schick, head of CVIM (Crescenta Valley Instrumental Music), once again performed at Carnegie Hall.
An emergency pipeline repair had numerous customers without water service for several hours. This was the second water interruption of the week; the first affected many of the same customers. The pipeline was located at Ocean View Boulevard near the on-ramps and off-ramps of the Foothill (210) Freeway.
In recognition of his achievements in poetry and his goal of promoting self-expression, finding common ground across communities and fostering solidarity that celebrates diversity and individuality, Raffi Joe Wartanian was chosen as Glendale’s inaugural poet laureate.
The La Crescenta Avenue Rehabilitation Project, spearheaded by the City of Glendale, held outreach concerning the Alternative 1 choice of reducing La Crescenta Avenue traffic lanes from four, two in each direction, to two, one lane in each direction. According to the City, the project will improve walking areas and street surfaces, and include the installation of new curb ramps, the modification of traffic signals, the use of “cool” pavement to mitigate heat island effects, improve the sewer system and plant trees.
Glenoaks Elementary had a ribbon cutting for the school’s newly created “wellness room.” Glenoaks is the first elementary school to have one.
April 2023
This month marked the 20th anniversary of Maureen Palacios’ ownership of Once Upon a Time, the oldest children’s bookstore in the country. Palacios, who had no previous retail experience before buying the store, has worked tirelessly over the past two decades to keep Once Upon a Time thriving as a community hub.
A search warrant was served in the 2700 block of Foothill Boulevard. “Six adults, both male and female, were detained and seven firearms were recovered,” said Officer Lopez, Los Angeles Police Dept.
The Crescenta Valley Town Council held a brush fire clearance meeting with members of the Los Angeles County Fire Dept. (LACoFD). During that meeting LACoFD Chief Pat Sprengel told the audience that brush clearance notices had been sent to residents in February and again in March. These notices were going to many more addresses than in the past because of the new fire zones that had been implemented.
The Burbank Police Dept. received a false report of a school shooting at John Burroughs High School from an unidentified caller.
Some parents and community members attended the Glendale Unified School District meeting voicing concern about their children being “indoctrinated” – though it was not clear what they were being indoctrinated into. However, the basis of the concerns of the parents focused on transgender students and the way the district approaches that issue.
The 22nd Annual Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event was held on the day of the Armenian Genocide Remembrance. The Armenian Genocide occurred 108 years ago and for years the nation asked the United States to recognize what happened to its citizens as genocide. President Joe Biden in 2021 was the first President to recognize the atrocities that occurred as genocide.
May 2023
The Glendale Police Dept. arrested a male suspected in the 2021 death of a Glendale/La Crescenta teenager. 23-year-old Heriberto Galvan of North Hollywood was arrested on May 5 in association with the death of Tevan Gevorkian.
The Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC) opened its doors to the public for in-person meetings after three years of Zoom meetings due to the pandemic. The main purpose of neighborhood councils is to promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) officially went on strike both in New York City and Los Angeles. The WGA Negotiating Committee unanimously rejected the final offer of the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) before the midnight deadline.
June 2023
CVWD proposed a capital charge on the 2023-24 property tax roll. A public hearing was conducted to consider the proposed capital charge on the property tax roll to fund pipeline replacements. If approved, the capital charge would take effect on the 2023-24 property tax roll and, with annual board approval, continue for several years.
The Los Angeles Police Dept. made an arrest of an alleged arsonist who set fire to over 20 vehicles in the Sunland Tujunga area.
A volatile Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) meeting took place at the school board’s regular meeting. Responding to recent GUSD board meetings that had become contentious, the Glendale Police Dept. (GPD) provided staff with some safety suggestions. The parking lot was cleared of all cars and blockades were placed at its entrances and exits. There was a large police presence and, as a safety measure, most of the GUSD staff left earlier in the afternoon to work from home. GPD officers attempted to deescalate the situation and three individuals were arrested on various charges including unlawful use of pepper spray and willfully obstructing officers in the course of their duties.
The 10th anniversary of the running and cycling racing event “Finish the Ride” took place.
The third annual Sunland-Tujunga Pride event was held at Sunland Park. The event was founded by a 15-year-old Verdugo Woodlands High School student. She felt the school wasn’t welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and wanted to create a safe event for her fellow students, and the community, to take part.
The Glendale City Council meeting turned contentious once public comment began, mirroring contention found at recent Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) meetings.
Councilmember Elen Asatryan and Mayor Dan Brotman spoke about recent acts of hate in addition to the GUSD demonstration that had turned violent at the previous week’s school board meeting. These included the recent anti-Semitic flyers that had been distributed throughout the City, assaults on LGBTQ+ community members as well as vandalism of a vehicle that displayed an Armenian flag.
Crescenta Valley Water District hosted a public hearing regarding a proposed capital charge on the property tax roll. Disgruntled people arrived in droves, with attendees spilling out in two different directions toward the street.
Two men were arrested in connection with a carjacking of a pizza delivery driver.
Burbank Police responded to the 1500 block of North Naomi Street regarding a report of a carjacking that had just occurred.
Glendale City Council meeting was contentious and, at one point, Mayor Dan Brotman called for a “time out” to calm the situation. When the meeting resumed, due to ongoing interruptions by several audience members, City Attorney Michael Garcia suggested the mayor had been patient and advised it was time to think about clearing the chamber. The mayor gave the audience one more chance to act respectfully; however, the audience did not respond and the chamber was cleared.
Speakers during the public communication portion of the meeting focused primarily on Glendale Unified School District issues.
The Tuesday night Glendale Unified School District board meeting was once again the scene of chaos, anger and concern. Parents shared their opinions; some praised the district for its inclusivity of all students while others chastised the board for its LGBTQ+ policies, although there was nothing on the agenda concerning that issue.
At the end of the meeting Superintendent Vivian Ekchian announced her retirement from the District.
The Historical Society of Crescenta Valley (HSCV) held an informational tour of the recently renovated Montrose Bowl. HSCV is an organization that strives to keep history alive and historical places intact. Its members have been watching this famous Montrose landmark for a while and were very excited about its upcoming grand opening.
July 2023
The Montrose Shopping Park was packed as nearly 15,000 people turned out for the 21st annual Montrose Car Show. Over 300 vehicles registered for the event, filling the 2200-2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue. Though most of the cars were classics, there were a few newer models on display as well as motorcycles.
An awards ceremony was held, recognizing autos in a variety of categories. Among the winners was Ted Saraf who entered the car show with his 1968 Dodge police car, which displayed Pasadena police decals on the doors. It was also fitted with the old lights and sirens.
The Crescenta Valley Meher and Satig Der Ohanessian Armenian Youth Center held an “Evening with Glendale City Mayor Dan Brotman.” Discussion turned to June 6 events at the GUSD board meeting when violence had resulted in the arrests of three people. Parents at the Armenian Youth Center meeting said they did not like how they had been characterized as being the issue when, in their points of view, it was antifa members who had caused the violence.
In addition, the mayor grappled with questions regarding the cost of living, which was on the rise, and traffic in Glendale.
Starting the Independence Day festivities was a parade down Foothill Boulevard in Sunland-Tujunga. About 7,000 people lined up to see the 60 entries that ranged from dignitaries to local businesses and non-profits. The Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council – Beautification Committee took on the role of grand marshal.
Later in the day, thousands of folks poured onto the Crescenta Valley High School track and field for the annual fireworks display. The event, which started at 4 p.m., included live music and food trucks.
Personnel from LA County Fire and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept.-Crescenta Valley Station responded to a fire at the restaurant Byblos Mediterranean Bakery at 2948 Foothill Blvd. at Ramsdell Avenue in La Crescenta. According to LA County Fire spokesperson Maria Grycan, the roof of the restaurant collapsed from the fire.
A firefighter was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.
Administrators at Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) confirmed that the track and field would be closed as construction began on new stadium seating.
“It will be closed to the public,” confirmed CVHS Principal Christine Benitez.
The construction is scheduled to take nine months to complete so hopefully the area will reopen before graduation in 2024. For most of the school year the school should be able to hold regular sport and physical education programs when school representatives are present.
The construction base of operations will be the coaches’ parking lot, which is the most southern parking lot on Ramsdell Avenue south of the gym.
Members of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike after talks with the studios stalled.
The strike continued for several months.
Thousands came to Brand Boulevard for the annual Cruise Night. The stars of the night were the vehicles. Whether classic or vintage, standard or “movie star,” cars, motorcycles and more could be seen (and ogled) along the boulevard.
In addition to the vehicles, there was live music and the evening ended with a dynamic fireworks show indicating that folks should mark their calendar for next year’s show.
Members of the Montrose Search and Rescue (MSAR) team accessed iPhone technology to find the victim of a car that careened over the side of the highway.
Newer iPhone cellphones signal when a vehicle is involved in a crash. In areas that may not have cell service available, like most of the Angeles National Forest, the phone’s program would notify an emergency operator via satellite phone technology. That is what happened in this case.
After MSAR members found the victim he was transported to a local trauma unit.
August 2023
Goats were used to clear brush in Glendale’s Brand Park in order to spare nearby homes from fires.
Then-Glendale Fire Chief Tim Ernst oversaw the chomping goats with only several yards of a low voltage electrified fence to keep the goats in and curious onlookers out. The fences also protected the goats from predators, like coyotes, that roam the hillsides.
Once a year the Glendale Fire Dept. brings in the goats to clear the land in fire prone areas and an Australian shepherd dog does the goat herding.
Neighborhood residents gathered to meet their local law enforcement and safety personnel as part of National Night Out (NNO). The Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station/Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. took part in the annual event hosting several information booths and handing out more than 500 free hot dogs. The station had representatives from public safety including LASD, California Highway Patrol, U.S. Forest Service with Smokey Bear and LA County Fire Dept. Montrose Search and Rescue team members were on hand to talk to people and answer questions.
The Glendale Kiwanis Club joined Home Again LA (HALA) for its annual Back to School Shopping Spree. HALA connected 25 volunteers from the Glendale Kiwanis Club with 25 children from their housing program. Through funding provided by HALA each child was given a $100 gift card to purchase school supplies at Target for the upcoming school year.
As students prepared to return to school, drivers were put on alert as more law enforcement was present to control safety and prevent accidents. Officers were looking for anything that puts pedestrians/students in undo harm.
Fire and law enforcement agencies and a crew from Crescenta Valley Water District responded to a water main break in the 3000 block of Montrose Avenue west of Ramsdell Avenue. The water came up through the street buckling it. The pipe was apparently installed in 1961, according to James Lee, CVWD interim general manager. Sheriff deputies were blocking vehicular traffic along Montrose Avenue though north/south traffic on Ramsdell and Pennsylvania avenues was not affected.
CVWD reported that the damage was caused due to a lateral split along the pipeline main. According to Lee, the repair plan included replacing about a 10 ft. section of the main.
Hurricane Hilary was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached California. During its stay it dropped a lot of rain from the mountains to the valleys.
The brunt of the storm was felt in low desert areas like Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Coachella Valley.
A project was filed with Los Angeles County Regional Planning where the La Crescenta Motel is located at the northwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and Briggs Avenue.
The plan is for a new five-story, 81-unit multifamily development, including six units restricted to extremely low-income households. The plan includes 96 parking spaces provided in a surface lot. The applicant will utilize a 53% density bonus, as well as waivers for height, reduced rear yard landscaping, reduced parking and reduced ground floor transparency, according to the Dept. of Regional Planning.
Glendale police responded to a bomb threat at the Americana at Brand. An object resembling a toilet was left on the property, along with a note indicating the object was a bomb.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. (LASD) – Bomb Squad was requested to assess the scene and the item. Using witness accounts and security footage, a suspect was identified. Glendale police officers successfully located and arrested 22-year-old Timothy Taratchila of Burbank for making a false bomb threat.
September 2023
The Superior Court of Los Angeles County approved a new set of bail schedules for suspects arrested in non-violent felonies and misdemeanor crimes. The new bail schedule, slated to take effect in LA County on Oct. 1, dictated one of three possible actions by law enforcement for an arrestee’s release: Cite and Release (CR), Book and Release (BR) or Magistrate Review (MR). Capital offenses, such as murder with special circumstances and limited felonies, are not eligible for pre-arraignment, zero bail release.
The Sheriff’s Dept. and all police departments in the County must comply with this protocol.
The neighbors in the 3000 block of Frances Avenue voiced their concerns regarding a new neighborhood business.
U Matter Luxury Resort purchased a home on a large parcel in the area and has created an oasis for “detox.”
The resort is designed as an “intense detox program” that proposes to offer detoxification for a number of issues ranging from food allergies to over-indulgence with alcohol and drugs. However, Prescilla Cardenas, spokesperson for U Matter Luxury Resort, stressed the property is not a rehabilitation center for those who wish to go through a program that involves medical withdrawals.
The 10th Annual Patriot Day Motorcade made its way through the Crescenta Valley and La Cañada Flintridge on Sept. 11.
“Remember Honor Respect” was the focus of the motorcade – regarding the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. These included not only those who died on that day – Sept. 11, 2001 – but those who were at ground zero, including the emergency responders who came from all over the country days and months afterward to help. It was also a chance to honor and respect all emergency responders and military.
Among those who came out to watch the motorcade were firefighters and hundreds of school students waving flags and yelling “Thank you” to the emergency responders.
The motorcade ended with a barbecue honoring Jean Maluccio, co-founder of the event, at Twelve Oaks Assisted Living in La Crescenta.
CV Water District board member Judy Tejeda announced her resignation from the CVWD board, effective Dec. 31, after serving more than 30 years.
For her years of service, the District dedicated a reservoir site in her name.
October 2023
It was a bevy of pancake breakfasts in October. Crescenta Valley Town Council members donned their aprons and grabbed their pancake spatulas as they hosted their traditional pancake breakfast. Unlike previous years, it was held in Sadler Hall at the historic “rock church” – St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church.
Rosemont Middle School then hosted its annual Pancake Breakfast and Concert. The funds raised were dedicated to the music program students to pay for instruments, music and supplies. Half of every ticket sold by students went toward their end-of-year trip to perform at Disneyland.
Montrose Oktoberfest, one of the biggest events and fundraisers held in Montrose, hosted thousands of celebrants who flooded Honolulu Avenue to enjoy live music, food, beverage, games, rides and more.
Longtime Crescenta Valley resident Don Norbut was honored with the World War II Registry of Remembrance. Norbut served in the U.S. Navy beginning in 1944. American Legion Post 288 member Dick Clubb created the plaque and registered Norbut.
The Glendale Unified Board of Education unanimously approved a contract to affirm Dr. Darneika Watson as the next Glendale Unified School District superintendent of schools. Dr. Watson served as the district’s interim superintendent after the previous superintendent, Dr. Vivian Ekchian, retired at the end of June.
CVW was invited to an active shooter training involving Glendale fire and police departments.
Officer Andres Rico, a member of GPD’s Training Bureau, and Battalion Chief Todd Tucker, Emergency Medical Services Bureau, led the officers in the training.
November 2023
Local Halloween events kept residents on their toes as ghosts and goblins converged on the Valley. Events included the annual Spooktacular hosted by the Montrose Shopping Park, “Mystery of the Verdugo Mines” held by the Dads’ Club in Glendale, various “trunk-or-treat” events and the Haunted Hotel at 413 Whiting Woods.
The American Heroes Airshow celebrated its 30th year at its event held at Hansen Dam Sports Complex. Over 75 information booths were on-site ranging from vector control to law enforcement to fire departments to probation departments and more. A highlight of the day was the naturalization ceremony where about 50 people were administered the Oath of Allegiance becoming the newest U.S. citizens.
A special community meeting was held focusing on the business U Matter Luxury Resort, which has been permitted as an adult residential facility in the 3000 block of Frances Avenue in La Crescenta. Members of several Los Angeles County departments were present to answer questions from the standing-room-only crowd. This was the first meeting that hosted the owners and representatives of U Matter Luxury Resort.
The Crescenta Valley Town Council election was held. Incumbents Kerri Lewin Brautigam, Chris Kilpatrick and Jeffrey Rodriguez were elected to regular positions. Daniel Kim secured a place as an alternate.
Members of the American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614 held their annual Veterans Day commemoration at Two Strike Park.
An estimated 60 people, including veterans, members of the CV Sheriff’s Station, Glendale Police Dept. and several Boy Scout organizations, were on-site.
Highlights of the day included the singing of the national anthem by The Carothers Family Singers and the playing of “The Armed Forces Medley.” Commander Robert Wollenweber recited the poignant war poem “In Flanders Field.”
The day before the ceremony, the Don Jose Verdugo Chapter, Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) placed a wreath at the Montrose Vietnam Memorial in recognition of Veterans Day.
The 5th Annual Holiday Wine Walk was held in the Montrose Shopping Park to a nearly sold-out crowd. Wine enthusiasts gathered, eager to explore the offerings of the 35 “pour stations” set up by the participating businesses in the Shopping Park. Each station presented a selection of red or white wines, each chosen by the business owner to showcase their own tastes and favorite wines. Many of the stations were complemented by small bites, ranging from charcuterie spreads to samples from some of the local restaurants, and even scoops of ice cream at Moo Moo Mia.
Glendale Unified School District board of education members recognized high achieving schools for their academic and student support successes at the board meeting. The board also recognized Holocaust survivor Joseph Alexander.
Alexander, a Holocaust survivor known for speaking about his experiences at local schools for Holocaust Remembrance Day, celebrated his 101st birthday on Nov. 20.
December 2023
Plaid Friday and the lighting of the Montrose Christmas tree brought hundreds of people to the Montrose Shopping Park. Hummingbird Conservatory Carolers sang for the crowd and the Glendale Fire Dept. was on hand with their “Cram-A Classic Toy Drive” gathering toys for those in need this holiday season.
State Senator Anthony Portantino was joined by Glendale City councilmembers Ara Najarian and Paula Devine and Mayor Dan Brotman.
Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to the 800 block of Berkshire Avenue in La Cañada regarding a trespassing call. Deputies arrived and during an investigation the property owner saw the suspects and pointed them out. The two suspects were detained without incident. They were arrested for burglary, driving a vehicle without owner’s consent and possession of burglary tools.
They were booked at the CV Station and held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Kicking off the holiday season, Santa Claus visited various neighborhoods within the City of Glendale accompanied by members of the Glendale Police Dept. He was easily identified as he was perched in a SWAT vehicle with several GPD enforcement vehicles, including several motorcycles, accompanying him, lights blazing and sirens blaring.
The Montrose Christmas Parade featured cheering crowds and over 1,400 people marching down the Honolulu Avenue representing local officials, organizations, businesses and schools.
There were 100 entries total in the parade this year and the parade watchers were there to support them.
The conservative estimate is anywhere from 18,000 to 20,000 people were in attendance to support the parade along the route.
Elf on the Shelf, aka Corky O’Rourke, was found in an assortment of places on the campus of College View School in Glendale. The school specializes in instruction in functional academics, life skills, communication, socialization and motor skills. Classrooms serve students ranging in age from 3 to 22 with severe intellectual and physical disabilities, according to the College View website.
The Glendale Unified School District addressed a cybersecurity breach at its board meeting. President Jennifer Freemon said district staff worked diligently to resolve the issue and continued to monitor the situation. The ransomware incident disabled certain computer systems and networks causing many of the teachers to revert to using paper and pen to complete lessons.
The City of Glendale designated the intersection of Isabel Street and Broadway as Sadao S. Munemori Memorial Square. The dedication was done in the hopes that the bravery of Sadao S. Munemori will be better known. The Square contains a listing carved in stone of the names of Glendale locals who died in combat, extending from WWI to the present day.
Glendale Police Dept. (GPD) officers and volunteers delivered gifts to Glendale families as part of the Glendale Police Officers’ Association Cops for Kids program. Members of the GPD and department volunteers adopt families during the holidays, delivering trees and gifts in time for Christmas.
This year, 25 families throughout Glendale, Montrose and La Crescenta received gifts.