Getting Involved in 2022

As we move into the new year with hope and expectation, many of us will go through a process of evaluation and self-reflection. How can we be healthier, happier and more satisfied with our lives? What can we do to better our community and contribute to the greater good? For us, it started with our year-end giving.

My husband Jeff and I like to contribute to local organizations as a way to give back to the community we love. This year, we supported the efforts of Glendale Parks and Open Space Foundation and the educational programs planned at Deukmejian Wilderness Park by purchasing a tile for the newly-installed mural in the amphitheater outside the Stone Barn. The mosaic mural is lovely and definitely worth a look. We supported the ongoing conservation efforts of the Arroyo & Foothills Conservancy at Rosemont Preserve and throughout the local mountains. It is doing great work in wildlife and native plant education and with its land acquisition efforts. We continue to be Friends of Rockhaven during this pivotal stage in developing a community-focused museum/historical park, and again renewed our memberships in the Little Landers and Crescenta Valley historical societies. We also contributed to the newly-formed Chace Taylor Malone Impact Foundation to assist those struggling with drug and mental health issues. We look forward to watching this organization grow and getting involved where needed.

I will continue my volunteer efforts serving on the board of the Glendale Homeowners Coordinating Council (GHCC), the steering committee of the Crescenta Valley Community Association (CVCA) and the board of Crescenta Highlands Neighborhood Association (CHNA.) My personal goals align with the overall missions of these organizations to preserve and protect our history, open space and the suburban quality-of-life that we all share here by monitoring and encouraging thoughtful growth design. This “boots on the ground” approach is needed now more than ever since the passage of SB9 legislation, a state bill that mandated increased housing density in our neighborhoods, whether we like it or not. Petitioners are currently gathering signatures for the proposed “Our Neighborhood Voices” initiative that provides that local land use and zoning laws shall override conflicting state laws, bringing local control back to the communities.

The GHCC holds monthly meetings attended by representatives from homeowner associations throughout greater Glendale. The organization occasionally brings topics of interest to the general public for information and discussion. Look for some of these meetings in 2022.

CHNA will have its annual meeting on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 6:15 p.m. via Zoom (email for link) just prior to the CVCA monthly meeting at 7 p.m. The annual meeting discussion and business matters will be led by CHNA president Mary-Lynne Fisher. All are welcome to attend both meetings to learn more about the organizations and how to get involved.

Membership in CHNA is open to any resident in the community of La Crescenta who lives within the City of Glendale boundaries. The geographic borders are defined as: the area east of Lowell Avenue and west of Pennsylvania Avenue as far north as the San Gabriel mountains and as far south as the Verdugo Hills in the Crescenta Valley, excepting the neighborhoods of Mountain Oaks and Whiting Woods (each has its own associations). crescentahighlands@gmail.com

Membership in CVCA is open to anyone who has an interest in the Crescenta Valley from Sunland-Tujunga to Hahamongna. This is a cross-jurisdictional group that discusses local and regional matters of interest to all the foothill communities. Our motto is “one valley, one voice.” crescentavalleycommunityassn@gmail.com

These are just some of the opportunities that I have found to participate in my community but there is an abundance of need out there. Join us if you can or find your own passion and get involved. We all benefit from the effort. There is way more to do in 2022!