By Jackie HOUCHIN

The Flintridge-La Cañada Guild’s Annual Children’s Horse show is the oldest children’s Class A show in the nation. For 90 years, kids from across the nation have come to compete, show their horses and meet the requirements for later participation in the Olympic trials.
Over the weekend of April 29-May 1, nearly 200 young equestrians, aged 5-18 in immaculate riding costumes and astride gleaming horses with intricately braided manes and tails, wowed spectators as they cantered and sailed over strings of fences with the ease and style of seasoned professionals. Later these youthful riders could be seen around the Flintridge Riding Club with beaming faces and armfuls of fluttering multi-colored ribbons.
It was a weekend of excitement, thrills (and spills) for kids, indulgent pride for parents, and for the thousands of spectators an opportunity to support a worthy cause while having a good time.

Three special events offered entertainment to attendees for set donations. On Friday, the annual Wine & Microbrew Tasting coincided with the new “$500 Gambler’s Choice” Jumper Class event. On Saturday, 280 attendees sat down at the Ringside Dinner and watched the incredible “Children’s Tandem Precision Riding Show.”
In the tandem riding event – a favorite with the kids – teams of three riders choose a theme and then dress themselves and their horses in elaborate costumes. They perform a series of spaced jumps and then all three hurdle a wide fence at the same time. Prizes are given for precision and costumes.  Each team also creates an elaborate, themed bride basket full of assorted goodies, which are offered in the silent auction on Sunday. Bids of well over $100 proved the baskets’ popularity and the crowd’s generosity.
Food concessions, horse-themed jewelry, clothing and accessories vendors, and the magnificent bronze sculptures (Designs by Arlene), all provided attendees multiple opportunities to purchase. And the vendors each gave a percentage of their profits to help cover the cost of the show.
Since 1951, the children’s horse show has been the primary fundraiser of the Flintridge-La Cañada Guild of the Huntington Hospital.
“Millions have been raised over the years,” said co-chairman Lauren Oaks, “and recently we met a three-year, quarter-million-dollar goal in just two years.”

The Flintridge-La Cañada Guild is a “working guild” as opposed to a purely social group. Its 20-plus members and their families work hard to put on the annual show. In addition to raising funds, members also volunteer their time at the hospital gift shop. They welcome new members.
Recent proceeds from the children’s horse shows have purchased a heart-lung machine for newborns for the hospital’s neonatal unit and a fully equipped treatment room for the hospital’s new ER facility. The 2010-2011 goals are to support the continuing construction of the new level-1 trauma center.
Dr. Steve Ralph, CEO of Huntington Hospital, along with 30 other hospital personnel and their families attended Saturday’s Ringside Dinner. He reported on the progress of the building project and voiced his appreciation and thanks to the sponsors and for the equestrian and local communities’ continued support.

]]> http://www.crescentavalleyweekly.com/between-friends/05/12/2011/90th-annual-children%e2%80%99s-horse-show-benefits-huntington-hospital/feed/ 0 http://www.crescentavalleyweekly.com/between-friends/05/12/2011/new-look-same-cause/ http://www.crescentavalleyweekly.com/between-friends/05/12/2011/new-look-same-cause/#comments Thu, 12 May 2011 21:09:27 +0000 Robin Goldsworthy http://www.crescentavalleyweekly.com/?p=15219

The YMCA of the Foothills has begun the process of integrating the new branding released from Y-USA in July. People will not only start seeing the new colorful logos on display, but also a new opportunity to strengthen the foundations of the foothill community.
Today, across the United States, Ys are making a difference in three key areas of focus:
•Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
•Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being
•Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors
The Y’s former logo had been in place since 1967 and was the organization’s sixth since its inception. The refreshed logo, with its multiple color options and new, contemporary look, better reflects the vibrancy of the Y and the diversity of the communities it serves.  The new logo is bold, active and welcoming shape symbolizes the Y’s commitment to personal and social progress.

Verdugo Hills Hospital (VHH) is celebrating its 20th Annual Golf Classic Tournament on Monday, June 6 at Valencia Country Club. Those interested in participating are urged to register soon to take part in 18 holes that benefits a great cause. The golf tournament is VHH’s major annual fundraising event with proceeds going toward where the need is greatest in the area of capital equipment including a labor and delivery bed for new moms and a portable C-Arm fluoroscopy unit.
Leading the Tournament Committee efforts (which includes community members and hospital friends Kris Coontz, Dave Elliott, John Genovese, Kate Kaneko, Kevin Tsujihara, Darrell Spence, Drs. John and Terre Osterkamp, Rich Harris, Charlie Mason, Steve Wilder and Todd Reynolds) is Dr. Ron Woodard. Sue Wilder serves as Volunteer Chair.
Golf registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with the tournament play commencing at 10 a.m.
Organizers state that the tournament is always a sell-out event.
For more information on golf participation or sponsorships, contact the VHH Foundation Office at (818) 952-2226.

To help raise money for their favorite charity, Prom Plus, local holistic chiropractor Dr. Mark Anthony is offering the first two days of chiropractic services to new patients for only $49. All of this money will then be donated to Prom Plus. This service includes an initial consultation, orthopedic, neurological and kinesiological examination, any necessary X-rays, a report and explanation of all findings plus the first treatment – a $250 value.
This offer is good until May 23. Mention “Prom Plus” when scheduling to take advantage of this offer.
Call Dr. Anthony at (818) 957-7035 for an appointment. Office located at 3935 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta. www.acwellnessandlongevity.com

Kiwanis photo by Al RESTIVO
William Watts, president of the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, at left, presents a special award of La Cañadan of the Year to Clyde Hemphill.

Seller options when the appraisal comes in low

Dear Phyllis,
I have a sales contract but the buyer’s appraisal came back for $10,000 less than our agreed upon purchase price. After the buyer’s inspection, I agreed to credit $5,000 for an older roof. And because of the low appraisal, I now just offered to reduce the price another $5,000.
If the buyer does not accept can I cancel escrow?
Fed Up

Dear Fed Up,
You are under no obligation to reduce the purchase price because the appraisal came in low. Most real estate contracts are written with the contingency that the property appraise for the selling price (or higher). With this contingency in place, the buyer may cancel escrow and have his deposit refunded if the appraisal comes in low; however the seller does not have this option.
Many Realtors®, sellers and home owners just hoping to refinance have recently experienced appraisal problems. Unfortunately due to a somewhat recent revamp of how appraisals are ordered, fees payable to appraisers have often been cut. Many experienced appraisers refuse to work for the reduced fees.  Sometimes an appraiser may even be from a different county than the home he is evaluating.
When an appraisal comes in low, the seller’s Realtor® should closely review the information regarding the comparables used. The appraiser compared your home to what he determined were similar properties and then made adjustments based on his observation.
Appraisers don’t generally view the interiors of the comparables they are using.  Adjustments are made based on the appraiser’s assumption of condition, upgrades, floor plan, etc. Likely your real estate agent is more familiar with these comparables and may often find mistakes in the appraisal. In this instance the appraisal should be corrected, value increased and your appraisal issue resolved.
If your Realtor® is not successful in getting the appraisal increased, you need to discuss your next course of action with your agent. But be sure to discuss: How long was your home on the market? Do you have any back up offers?  Will a new buyer also expect a credit for the older roof? Will you sell your home for more money (or the same amount or less next time)? Will the appraisal again come in low?

The Foothill Municipal Water District has selected the winners in its Foothill’s California Friendly Garden Contest.
Judging took place on April 30 and consideration was given to overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance and efficient methods of irrigation when evaluating the gardens.
In first place was 4910 Burgoyne Lane in La Cañada; in second 2487 Highland Avenue in Altadena; third was 4622 Marellen in La Crescenta.

By Sue KILPATRICK

Water. Its presence and ability to create landforms were experienced with last weekend’s trip to Yosemite.

We hoped to enjoy one last snow storm of this season but the valley and higher elevations received only a light dusting of snowflakes during our visit. The many waterfalls and the Merced river gushing over and through the glacier-carved creation of Yosemite marked the beginning of the spring melt. So far the Sierras have accumulated a snowpack exceeding 100%. So how does the weather in northern California relate to life in Crescenta Valley?

Southern California has a Mediterranean type climate – warm, semi-arid with typically low rainfall totals. The weather is agreeable and attracts a larger population. Simply said: we have the people, they have the water. Although this season our area has received 10 inches above the average rain totals, we still depend on imported water from other sources. Water and where it comes from is intriguing. Time for some research and investigation.

When you turn on your faucet, where is the source of the water that comes out? My answer to this question came from the general manager of the Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) Nina Jazmadarian. Besides being friendly and helpful, she was very informative. The following is a brief summary of the facts I received:

Crescenta Valley Water District serves the unincorporated parts of Crescenta Valley. The Foothill Municipal Water District acts as a water wholesaler to CVWD. Historically ground water was the primary supply for this area. After WWII real estate development skyrocketed. With this came the demand for more water. In 1951 concerned citizens in Altadena, La Cañada and La Crescenta formed the FMWD to secure additional water for the growing population. In doing so, water was now imported from the Colorado River and Northern California delivered by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. You may think this seems very complicated and you are correct! It becomes even more so with an ever changing population, climate changes, variability of weather year to year and lack of conservation. This year the news is good. With reservoirs at above-normal levels and a deep snow-pack, Governor Brown has announced an end to California’s drought. Locally, the CVWD has lifted water restrictions except for daytime outdoor watering and washing down driveways. So, grab your broom, put away the umbrella (for now) and enjoy the upcoming days!

Wind out of the northwest will push the cloudy marine influence out of the Crescenta Valley and temperatures should warm into the low 80s for the weekend. The first of the week will cool into the 70s during the day and around 50 at night. A few weather people are calling for a chance of drizzle. Remember, as you sigh, it is that very water that allows us the freedom of picking up the hose!

Sue Kilpatrick is a longtime

Crescenta Valley resident and amateur weather watcher. Reach her at

suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

By Sue KILPATRICK

“In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.”

– Mark Twain

Mark Twain was a great American writer, known for his wit, humor and social commentary of life in late 19th century America. His experiences and travels were vast, thus giving him plenty to say and much to write about – including everything from fierce anti-slavery sentiments to the lighter subject of weather.

His following quote addresses both: “The rain is famous for falling on the just and unjust alike, but if I had the management of such affairs I would rain softly on the just, but if I caught a sample of the unjust out doors I would drown him.”

Back to the present life and weather here in the foothills.

Spring’s transition from winter to summer is like a rollercoaster ride, with its sudden ups and downs, then a complete turn in direction. Mr. Twain was not too far off about the many types of weather that can occur on a single spring day. Last weekend, as I sat with my morning coffee, I glanced into our backyard, north toward the San Gabriel Mountains. The sky was blue and the wind was blowing from the northeast – beautiful, warm day! Then I go into our living room to look out the window at the San Rafael Mountains to the south. Fog is moving up the valley and over the hills heading toward La Crescenta. The sky is gray and a breeze is coming from the southwest – an overcast, cool day.

What a change! Within a 24 hour period the temperature had dropped from 95 to 70 degrees. I may have mentioned last week that the weather may present us with a little April Fool’s trickery. No fools here!

Keep your umbrella within reach for the next several days for there is a good chance of a few April showers.

As said by English poet Thomas Tusser in 1557:

“Sweet April showers, Do spring May flowers.”

Its original meaning was based on the sentiment that good may result from unpleasant events – days of tiresome rain is rewarded with beautiful flowers.

The trip to retrieve your CV Weekly will be greeted by cloudy, cold and windy weather as a storm system moves into the area. Expect these conditions, plus a chance of rain and thunderstorms to remain into the weekend. Temperatures will be 10-15 degrees below normal with daytime highs in the 50s and nighttimes dipping to around 40. By the first of the week there will be a warm up with a few passing clouds. And once again, another cooling trend with partly cloudy skies will move in.

The weather rollercoaster ride continues, but when it is over, green hillsides and spring blooms await us.

Sue Kilpatrick is a longtime Crescenta Valley resident and amateur weather watcher. Reach her at

suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

By Sue KILPATRICK

“March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.”

~ English Proverb

This well known saying is most likely derived from the observation that March begins in the winter and ends in the spring. Thus being so, we could expect fierce (like a lion) storms at the beginning of the month and calm (like a lamb), temperate sunshiny days towards the end.

Overall, March is a month of very changeable weather. This year is no exception; the weather is so confused that the Lion and Lamb can be found lying right next to each other within just a few days. Here in the foothills, the month started with snow covered mountains, the result of a record setting snowstorm. Rainstorms, on and off, brought our season totals to 33.82 inches (so far).

The lion, whose stubborn presence has been ever lurking, has now been chased out of the area by a lamb.

Enjoy the warm days this week, with highs reaching into the low 90s! By this weekend – yes, there is a slight possibility of a marine layer and light rain. April 1 being April Fool’s Day, I guess we couldn’t escape a little weather trickery!

The history of April Fool’s Day is generally unknown, but there is one tale that seems to make the most sense.

In 16th Century France, the start of the new year was observed sometime late March/ early April. Then in 1562 Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and changed the start of the year to Jan. 1.

Some people refused to believe or acknowledge this calendar change and others didn’t even hear of it until several years after. News traveled slowly in those days. So, knowingly or unknowingly, they continued to recognize April 1 as New Year’s Day. These people were considered and labeled “April Fools” by everyone else. Over time, the custom of playing pranks or tricks to believe that something false was true became part of this day.

In reading this odd mixture of history and folklore, including lions, lambs, and April fools, one could surmise people have always tried to make sense of the world they live in and add a little fun in doing so.

As you venture out Thursday to pick up your CV Weekly, the weather could be mistaken for that of a summer day – as Santa Ana winds blow heat across the foothills. The night will also remain relatively warm in the upper 50s. This will be short lived; by Sunday expect cloudy skies and temperatures in the low to mid 60s.

Next week will remain cool-daytimes in the low 70s and nights around 50 degrees. As mentioned there may be drizzle, enough for an umbrella? We’ll see …

As said by computer scientist Rob Knauerhase, “Isn’t it appropriate that the month of the tax begins with April Fool’s Day and ends with the cries of ‘May Day!’?”

Sue Kilpatrick is a longtime CV resident and amateur weather watcher. Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.