“Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit
 And watch the leaves turn.”
~ Elizabeth Lawrence, 1930s writer

Thanksgiving is over. Our home was aglow with candles and autumn leaves on the mantle and a fire crackling beneath. Aromas of homemade rosemary rolls and turkey filled the air. Complete with family and friends, we had a lot to be thankful for. The cool weather even added a nice touch to the day, with below average autumn temperatures. Gentle breezes helped the trees drop their leaves. Some may rake their lawns; I prefer to leave the season’s offerings in place.

A few years ago (OK, maybe 40), Christmas decorations were not displayed until a week or maybe two before Dec. 25. Now, the day after Thanksgiving the rush is on! Not wanting to participate or shop “Black Friday” deals, we headed up the coast to visit my sister and her family. In my avoidance of rushing into the next season, the opposite seemed to happen. As we drove north on Highway 1 between here and Pismo Beach, we seemed to land right back in the middle of summer with surfer’s calendars stuck in August.

Boards were visible atop vehicles with many out trying “to catch a wave.”  Interesting contrast – in just 24 hours, the spoken words changed from “Bless this food” to “Surf’s up!” So goes the weather and seasons of Southern California – almost winter, but feels and looks like summer.

Several times a day, I check on the ever-changing weather data coming in from the National Weather Service (NWS). Complicated, no doubt, but a fascinating obsession as I attempt to assess the information. But in doing so, I may have discovered the underlying cause for the uncertainty we have with the appropriate time to decorate for the holidays. There is an actual name for it, a rather new one I believe, “Christmas Weather Confusion.”

Here’s the deal: We live in Southern California, not on the East Coast or Midwest. After Thanksgiving, it is not unusual to have temperatures in the 80s and within just a few days have snow in the local mountains. So as the Christmas lights are strung on your house, in addition to the many extension cords, will you need to apply sunscreen or put up an umbrella? No wonder we can feel little confused.

Perhaps when to decorate is a personal choice. We really aren’t confused after all. Thank goodness!

After solving that dilemma, an Urgent Weather Message has been posted by the NWS – 9 a.m. Wednesday: Very strong Santa Ana event expected tonight into Friday.

As you pick up your CV Weekly, evidence of this information may hit you as cold wind gusts of 80 mph or greater blast through local canyons and passes. By Saturday and the Christmas parade, winds should calm, but lows near 40 and highs around 60 will continue into next week.

Bundle up and enjoy the parade. And Santa: “Hold onto your hat!”

Attitude of Gratitude

Writing for the Thanksgiving issue is one of the easiest tasks of the year for me. Whereas some weeks it’s tough to grab onto a subject that I think will be interesting to CV Weekly readers, the Thanksgiving holiday gives me a chance to share how grateful I am for all that I’ve experienced over the past year. And believe me, I welcome the opportunity.

Just as it is said that confession is good for the soul, the soul is also rejuvenated when time is taken to step back and reflect on the good and positive things we’ve encountered. For example, this past week after sharing thoughts and observations on the future of journalism, I received a boatload of positive comments and “atta, girl”s from readers. I appreciate these comments and love to hear from readers. So thank you for taking the time to drop a line.

I’d like to take a moment now to offer thanks for all that has been gifted to me.

Not surprising, I am grateful for my family. The Goldsworthys are a prolific bunch that seem to be all over the foothills. Some of us are facing challenges in health, finances and relationships, but even though we are facing these trials, we are doing it together and know that we can rely on each other for strength and guidance. For that, I am grateful.

I am grateful for my co-workers. They are some of the hardest working folks you could ever meet.

More than one person has said that Mary O’Keefe seems to be everywhere. She is probably the closest thing to omnipresent found on earth. And lucky for me, she likes being in the middle of just about everything and has the skill of telling you what it is that she has learned. In addition, she is kind and is my friend. For Mary, I am grateful.

That gratitude is extended to my writers who rarely say “no,” and are instead eager to cover stories that we think are pertinent to Crescenta Valley Weekly readers. For them, I am grateful.

The way the pages of this newspaper come together every week is a thing of beauty and evidence of a talent that I don’t possess. Over the years I have had some gifted designers leave their imprint on the CV Weekly. I am especially grateful to Ezra Padua and Ryan Kelly who raised the bar and to JR Martinez and Steve Hernandez who confidently built on that foundation bringing the Crescenta Valley Weekly to a level that fills me with pride. For them, I am grateful.

The CV Weekly was one of the first newspapers in the southland to introduce QR codes to readers and to offer a digital format of the paper. That was due to our tech wizard Charly Shelton who is always on the look out for new ways to bring technology to the paper. For Charly, I am grateful.

The stories are what brings readers back to the paper week after week, but it’s the advertisers that pay the bills. My sales reps Kim Mekelburg and Lisa Yeghiayan are the ones who let business owners know the wonderful opportunity the CV Weekly provides in getting the word out about their business. These women propel us forward and for them, I am grateful.

A picture can tell a story and Leonard Coutin is masterful at doing this. The photos he gives the CVW enhance the paper, providing the artwork that makes people cut out articles that will be remembered for a lifetime. For Leonard, I am grateful.

Weather watcher Sue Kilpatrick always has a sunny disposition regardless of the forecast and columnists Jim Chase and Mike Lawler provide insights into the Crescenta Valley from a perspective that we may otherwise be unaware. They meet their deadlines and add value to the Crescenta Valley Weekly and for them, I am grateful.

Overseeing our office and managing every aspect as Joann Catalano does keeps me sane. For Joann, I am grateful.

Finally, our subscribers are the ones who plunk down $1 a week to help ensure the success of the paper. For their faith and support, I am grateful.

To those I have not mentioned but are in my heart, I thank you and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

“For each new morning with its light,
  For rest and shelter of the night,
  For health and food, for love and friends,
  For everything Thy goodness sends.”
                     ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

After their long voyage and experiences crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 1620, the Pilgrims were especially grateful as they began their new lives in America. Looking out on a very wet, windy and cold – 48 degrees the Sunday before Thanksgiving – my appreciation for this religious freedom- seeking group grows.

Much is known about the first Thanksgiving feast, from actual diaries kept by those in attendance and also the paintings by artists – some accurate and some not. The mental picture most of us share includes Native Americans dressed in beautiful, beaded deerskin clothing and feathered head adornment and the Pilgrims as prim and proper in their freshly starched and pressed white shirts and aprons with dark pants accessorized by hats, kerchiefs, boots and buckles. Together they shared the earth’s bounty. But the time between setting sail from England and actually gathering around the long wood-plank table in America was fraught with hardship. Weather conditions were more an adversary than a friend to the Pilgrims during the 65 days at sea.

Prompted by a comet sighted in the skies over Europe in 1618 signaling, many thought, the final apocalyptic battle of good and evil, this group of God-fearing people decided to leave their homeland. The plan had called for two ships, but one was not considered seaworthy so the Mayflower was chosen. She was a merchant vessel that had been used for transporting English woolens and French wine back and forth across the Channel. Instead of carrying 180 casks of wine, 102 people, including men, women (three pregnant) and children. Two dogs, a spaniel and a mastiff, came along too.

A trip that originally been planned for the balmy days of summer got a late start. Thin-walled cabins contained passengers, chests of clothing, barrels of food, furniture, rugs, and omnipresent chamber pots. Most of the time the passengers were kept below the deck, safe from the storms and rough seas. In their dark and wet confines seasickness and other illness were common. The final decision of Captain Jones to land on the shores of Massachusetts was dictated by the weather. At the time the Mayflower was passing Cape Cod, the wind and waves prompted the crew to make landfall out of danger, rather than proceed to the planned destination at New York Harbor. Weather placed Plymouth Rock on the map of history.

Back to Thanksgiving weather in the foothills 2011. Our expected rain has headed to Mexico, leaving us now with only a 20% chance of wet weather. The weekend looks clear and sunny, with temperatures in the 70s during the day and 40s at night, accompanied by gentle offshore breezes. Come Monday and Tuesday, the National Weather Service is suggesting temps the mid-80s, but November may come to an end under stormy skies.  ~ Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the  National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

The Definition of “Reporting”

With advances in technology happening as fast as they are, it is not surprising that truth and ethics are being debated and in some cases redefined. Especially in the industry of journalism, where the standard was that if it was in print it was considered almost sacred. Of course, this theory was flawed – “yellow journalism” and tabloid news found readership as the public showed interest – sometimes bordering on mania – to find out the most salacious bits of information about its celebrities, politicians or other high profile figures.

However, the power of the pen prevailed as it was hard to argue with someone who was holding the newspaper in their hand, pointing to the inaccurate news piece and demanding a retraction.

While the power of the pen is still mighty, one cannot ignore the availability for anyone to share information and opinion in cyberspace. The problem becomes the blurring of the two – what is factual information and what is opinion.

Being the CV Weekly publisher, I am accountable for those news items that appear in the Weekly. When one of my writers reports on a fire, a burglary or local development for example, I take responsibility that the information is accurate and fair. That is the foundation of truth in media.

While I know that there will be errors – all the fact checking in the world cannot avoid it – I will readily take responsibility and own those as well. After all, I am the one accountable.

And that is the challenge with blogging and online news sources. Who exactly is accountable for the inaccuracies that are posted “out there”?

Perhaps part of the problem is the definition of blogging. “Blog” has been described as a “personal diary,” “a daily pulpit,” “a collaborative space,” “a political soapbox,” “a breaking-news outlet,” “a collection of links,” “your own private thoughts.”

Note that none of these definitions has the term “truth” or “reporting” in it.

Understand that I am a lover of the Internet. I love that information is at my fingertips. However, I know the difference between a reliable news source and someone’s opinion. Not everyone does, however, and when something is posted or misrepresented as a news item it can cause damage.

Case in point is a recent comment by a blogger who was invited to blog about the Thieves Market on the Montrose Patch. Patch is an online service that is self-described as “a community-specific news and information platform dedicated to providing comprehensive and trusted local coverage for individual towns and communities.” The Thieves Market, a part of the Montrose Harvest Market, is going through transition right now. The Montrose Shopping Park Assn. oversees the market and is considering making changes to its Thieves Market. The vendors that make up the Thieves Market are understandably worried about the possible changes and how it affects their future.

On Nov. 6, the following was posted: “Let us not forget that Robin Goldsworthy of the Crescenta Valley Weekly is on the MSPA [Montrose Shopping Park Assn.] Board and cannot report with total freedom of press so we depend on media like the Montrose Patch to tell the Thieves Market story …”

I am not a member of the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. Never was nor could I be. The association is composed of those who own a business in the Montrose Shopping Park. I was, however, part of the MSPA Events Committee, along with representatives of the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce, the City of Glendale, the Sparr Heights Business District Assn. and the MSPA. One of the goals of the committee was to work together to coordinate events that would complement each area and not take place at the same time – not exactly a controversial committee.

I challenge this blogger to show examples of when I could not “report with total freedom” on something.

Anyone has the right to offer an opinion, but when wrong information is presented as fact not only can it damage the person who is in the accuser’s cross-hairs, but it also undermines the validity of the hosting agency.

Until a solid hierarchy of responsibility is established regarding information on the Internet and those who host random rantings, there is more truth than I care for as quoted by Elliott Gould’s character in the recent movie “Contagion”: Blogging is [just] graffiti with punctuation.

Changes for the Holidays

It’s already the second week of November – holy cow! One can’t help but think ahead to Thanksgiving taking place in just two weeks and on the heels of that is Christmas and all the wonderful things that entails.

I’m eager to share some changes that are going to take place this upcoming holiday season – and hope to let you know in the future of more events and activities that are tailor-made for our community.

As many of you know, the Friday after Thanksgiving is commonly known as “Black Friday” because for many merchants that is when their finances go from red to black. It is the biggest shopping day of the year and unfortunately can also be one of the most harried shopping days of the year.

We’ve all seen the news reports when folks – bellies still swollen from a Thanksgiving dinner – camp outside big name stores that promise bargain basement prices on (usually) limited quantities of popular items. The doors swing open at 4 a.m. and people surge inward running to grab that sought after merchandise.

Thankfully, the pace is a bit more civilized in the Crescenta Valley.

On Friday, Nov. 25 the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. is kicking off the holiday season by hosting “White Friday,” an event when many of the Montrose merchants are “whiting out” the sales tax on purchases, with the day culminating with a tree and park lighting ceremony complete with snow! There’s even carolers planned to serenade the crowd and usher in the holidays. The fun begins late Friday afternoon and I’m looking forward to taking part in the festivities.

The following week is the annual Montrose Christmas Parade. Thousands are expected to line both sides of Honolulu Avenue from the 2200 block west to wave hello to some of the biggest names in radio, television and business. Of course, there’ll be plenty of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies, plus marching bands from many of our schools. The grand marshals are Helen and Jack Nethercutt, founders of Merle Norman Cosmetics. The Nethercutts are also famous for their collections, perhaps best known for their expansive car collection, mechanical musical instruments and antique furniture. They have graciously offered four of their finest vehicles for to be displayed in the parade, weather permitting. For the third year, the staff of Crescenta Valley Weekly will be making its way down the avenue as well.     The parade begins at 6:10 p.m. on Dec. 3, but folks are encouraged to claim their viewing spot early.

The second Saturday in December is traditionally the holiday home tour and boutique benefitting CVHS Prom Plus. This year we are taking a break from the home tour portion of the day. As president of Prom Plus, I have to say that we just didn’t get the response we needed from homeowners in order to guarantee the successful tour that our supporters have come to expect.

Instead, Prom Plus is focusing its attention on an expanded, even more dynamic boutique at the beautiful courtyard at St. Luke’s of the Mountains at the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Rosemont Avenue. CVHS parent Evelyn McCall is spearheading the boutique and is securing some vendors that will have high quality, hand made items that are perfect for gift giving or for completing home holiday decorating. Prom Plus will also have its popular bake sale and opportunity drawing. Musicians from Rosemont and Crescenta Valley High School will be performing throughout the day as well.

We’re going to be at St. Luke’s from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10 – rain or shine – and look forward to seeing the familiar faces who come out for home tour every year plus new faces as well.

We appreciate the ongoing support for Prom Plus and while we’re disappointed that we won’t be hosting our annual home tour, we’re optimistic the community will visit our boutique.

And don’t count us out for home tour next year – we’ve got some phenomenal homes already lined up.

Remembering
the Best

The wheels of justice may be grinding to a stop – or coasting to the end of the road depending on your point of view – in the case of Paul Crowder, the local man who was a teen when he shot and killed 17-year-old Crescenta Valley High School senior Berlyn Cosman at an unsupervised post-prom hotel party in 1991.

For those unfamiliar, according to newspaper reports and court documents, Crowder – who hadn’t attended the prom but went to the after prom party – had been drinking and was waving around a gun that he brought to the party. He claims that it was an accident, that he tripped and the gun went off. However, the jury decided  otherwise and he was convicted of second-degree murder, serving a 15 years-to-life term. Since November 1991 he has been in prison. Two weeks ago at a hearing he was found suitable for parole. Gov. Jerry Brown has 150 days to approve or deny his parole.

The horrific loss – whether intentional or accidental – scarred the Crescenta Valley community. But our community is not one that crawls into a corner in defeat when confronted with loss.

The death of Berlyn infused us with a steely resolve to find a way to entice our kids to stay close to home after prom, to create an after-prom event that would be a natural draw for our seniors – most of whom have few choices on what to do after the last song plays.

A group of dedicated teachers, parents and other civic leaders created Prom Plus.

Since 1993, Prom Plus has hosted an after prom event that includes a full casino, mechanical bull, a rock climbing wall plus so much more. It has evolved over the years, and was originally held at Clark before it became a noted magnet high school and was just an empty campus. Prom Plus moved to the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA more than 10 years ago and the Y is now considered a partner in the yearly event.

I am proud to say that I am the president of Prom Plus and, as such, have been asked to comment on Crowder’s possible parole.

I have not heard all the evidence. I did not know Crowder. I do not know how he has behaved while imprisoned. I am not qualified to offer an opinion. That’s for the justice system.

I do know that the collateral damage of his action has been devastating. Neither the Crowder nor the Cosman families will ever be the same. In fact, several years ago, a member of the Crowder family called me at work. He was upset because it was drawing near to prom time again and stories were being done in the newspapers about Prom Plus and what the impetus was for the event. Obviously, Berlyn’s murder was brought up.

The family member said that every year when the newspapers printed the story of Prom Plus it was painful for his family and made it difficult for them. I told him that the thrust of the stories was not the murder, but the aftermath. I reminded him that I never referred to Crowder and told him frankly that I didn’t even recognize the name when he introduced himself on the telephone.

That’s because the legacy of Berlyn is not who killed her, but those who may have been saved because of her, because of the dedication prompted by her death to create Prom Plus.

If I had to choose which name to remember – Paul Crowder or Berlyn Cosman – I choose to remember Berlyn.

“Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new … but who can understand and measure its sharp breath, its mystery and its design?”
~ Paracelsus, Renaissance alchemist, physician and philosopher

This Sunday, Nov. 6, we once again change our clocks back to Pacific Standard Time. Rarely do you hear enthusiasm over this task. I am certainly no exception with my favorite time being a “summer evening!” Don’t misunderstand, I welcome the energy and excitement that comes with the changing seasons, especially the variety of weather. Bring on the drenching rains and the howling winds! Lightening that lights up the sky and thunder that shakes the house, are all good. But getting dark by 5 p.m. is really not okay, but thankfully “this too shall pass.”

A few weeks ago, I was shopping at a local drug store. While waiting for a prescription, I wandered aimlessly and turned down Aisle 4: Seasonal Décor.  Hmmm … do we really need another scarecrow, pilgrim or pumpkin around the house? My thoughts came to an abrupt stop mid-aisle. Blocking my way were boxes of Christmas and winter splendor. Their contents were quickly filling the shelves. With Thanksgiving yet to arrive and Santa’s elves working diligently to make their Dec. 24 deadline, why was autumn being pushed “out of the way” so hastily?

Honestly, I don’t have a good answer. It could be seen as rather symbolic of time quickly passing and people hurrying along to keep up. Throughout the ages, people have been perplexed by time.

Early man’s perception of time was based on natural occurrences – periods of light and dark, positions of the sun, moon and stars, animal behavior and weather phenomena. Jump ahead a few thousand years and daily schedules were dictated by crowing roosters, cows mooing, “Get out your bucket!” and church bells.

The real catalyst for synchronized time was the railroads. Then it became necessary for people in small towns to have the exact same local time as the next town along the track, so the train’s arrival and departure was predictable – Standard Time. Were people ever on time before this?

The idea of arriving somewhere at any given time really wasn’t a concern until the late 1800s and industrialization. Before this, “being on time” or “late” were not spoken of. Need to be somewhere by afternoon? Awaken at sunrise, do chores, eat and hitch up the horse and get on the road. Arrival time? No such thing. It was commonplace to just sit around and wait for enough people to start the school day or Sunday sermon. Sounds good to me!

At this current time in our area, the weather shifted to strong Santa Ana conditions with 50 mph gusts and a red flag warning. This is to be short lived, with possible rain in the forecast for Friday and again on Sunday. A cold air mass out of Alaska will bring us days in the 50s and nights in the 40s with snow possible in L.A. county mountains. Burrr … This calls for not only an umbrella, but time in front of the fireplace.

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the  National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

Saying Thank You

On Monday morning, I had the privilege of attending the dedication of the memorial at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station honoring those from CV who had fallen in the line of duty.

The skies over the parking lot at the sheriff’s station were overcast as a sizable crowd took their seats and, after the presentation of colors, station captain Dave Silversparre approached the microphone.

The captain recalled the history of the two men who were being remembered, taking the crowd back to those fateful days in 1957 and 1969.

Deputy David Horr had not been at the Montrose station for very long when he and his partner on Dec. 7, 1957 received a call of a domestic disturbance in the La Crescenta area. The pair arrived on scene and approached the front door. Though the house was lit, no one answered their knock, so they went around back and Horr knocked again. Instead of someone coming to the door, a shotgun blast met his knock, rocking him off his feet. He managed to tell his partner to take cover and that “he’d make it.”

Deputy Horr was rushed to a local hospital with wounds to his stomach and hand. The wounds in the stomach were especially bad because not only were there pellets from the 16-gauge shotgun embedded in his body, but also bits of the screen door that was blown out by the blast.

The deputy remained hospitalized for months until on Feb. 9, 1958 he died.

Deputy Horr’s son Donald Sutton was at the dedication. Don was gracious in thanking all those who contributed over the years in getting the memorial installed and who made it possible for the story of his father to be told, even thanking Mary O’Keefe and I.

Another local hero who was honored Monday was Chuck Rea.

Chuck was a reserve deputy with the Montrose Search and Rescue Team. Back in 1969, during a particularly nasty rain storm, Chuck and his fellow team members were called to Big Tujunga Canyon where 30 or so folks were trapped on the wrong side of a now-raging river.

Some of the team cut down trees to forge a path across the water. Apparently at one point, Chuck lost his footing and became trapped under the water. It pounded him and despite the efforts of his fellow teammates, they couldn’t keep him above the rapids and he drowned.

Some of Chuck’s family was also at the dedication on Monday. His daughter Debbie and grandson Kyle spoke for a few minutes, Debbie recalling memories of her dad and how much he has been missed over the years. It was heart wrenching and extremely sad to hear her recollections of a man taken too soon from his family.

The memorial was an idea initiated years ago by CV Sgt. Randy Sulstrom and ultimately launched due to the dedication of professional volunteer Steve Pierce, the CV Sheriff’s Support Group under the leadership Lisa Dutton and Leo Lesh, and CV Sheriff Capt. Dave Silversparre. The money was raised from fundraisers held and from generous donations from the community.

I was glad to see that the importance of the memorial dedication was not lost on our elected officials. L.A. County Mayor Michael Antonovich and Sheriff Lee Baca were in attendance as were members of the Montrose Search & Rescue Team, station volunteers, Volunteers on Patrol, uniformed Reserves, Explorers – who also presented the colors – and station personnel. Representatives from U.S. Forestry Service, Los Angeles County Fire Department plus our local dignitaries from the town council and chamber of commerce were also present.

Especially poignant was the attendance of a couple of Montrose Search & Rescue Team members who were in Big Tujunga the night that Chuck Rea died including my friend Warren Boehm.

Looking at the Montrose Search and Rescue Team members, the deputies, the volunteers – all those who actively work to serve this community and make it safe – made me very proud and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who uttered a quiet prayer for their safety.

“The sparrows are preparing for winter, each one dressed in a plain brown coat and singing a cheerful song.”
– Charles Kuralt 1934-1997

This quotation brings a smile and an image of a Walt Disney animation. Preparing for winter, before it actually arrives. is always preferable. Instinct-driven animals appear more capable of this yearly task than us humans. How often have we been witness to, or been that person on the roof, in the pouring rain, cleaning out the clogged rain gutters and downspouts? So, perhaps while the weather is still mild and dry, now is the time to winterize your home.

We spent last weekend in the eastern Sierras. A reminder of impending winter was visible on the higher elevations where more than a foot of snow fell three weeks ago. But like in the Crescenta Valley temperatures were comfortable. The aspens were incredible – a golden-yellow with tinges of red against the deep blue autumn sky. Our trees are just beginning to change color, but often don’t change completely until Christmas. With these conditions, it is easy to understand how we become complacent until winter is literally “on top of us.” The following are gentle reminders so you don’t get caught “with your umbrellas down!”

I consulted with a La Crescenta contractor at Foothill Construction for advice. He assured me being ready for the upcoming Santa Ana winds and winter rains could save homeowners both a lot of headaches and money. Our area is not considered a “hard winter” area like other parts of the country. Nevertheless, the following suggestions are generally “good home maintenance tips” no matter where you live. Some may require the help of a professional. Always be safe and use good judgment!

• Clean debris out of rain gutters after each windstorm.

• Keep roof clear of leaves and branches.

• Check roof for missing, cracked and curling shingles. Also for holes and bare spots.

• Don’t wait for Santa. Check chimney flue and clean out fireplace.

• Look for rotted, cracked or damaged wood around the house – trim, decks, doors and railings.

• Put away outdoor furniture or secure it. The wind is a master at relocation!

• Check your (non-wired) smoke alarms.

• Change air filters. And a few energy saving tips:

• Install ceiling fans. Tip blades to blow warm air down.

• Check weather stripping around doors and windows.

• Add more attic insulation, if needed.

• Wrap pipes and put blanket on water heater.

• Check gas and electric appliances. Gas Co. is free. SCE has energy saving ideas online.

• New windows are costly, but will help maintain indoor temperatures.

Good news! Expect ideal weekend weather conditions as you go about your winter preparations. No fun … well, at least carve a smile on your pumpkin! Our early week drizzle was replaced  by Santa Ana winds. By this weekend, temperatures will reach the upper 80s. First of the week brings cooler weather.

Just in: Whispers of rain mentioned for next week. Umbrellas?

Halloween Weather Alert: Daytime in upper 70s and night in low 50s. No full moon.

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the  National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

What’s Going On in Our Neighborhoods

On Friday, I attended the ribbon cutting of the new corral that the Angeles National Golf Club had installed for equestrians wanting to gallop over for a meal. It’s quite beautiful and spacious, easily able to accommodate 15 or more horses. Also at the ribbon cutting were fellow members of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce and it was nice to catch up with them. (To read more about the corral, read Jackie Houchin’s story on page 16).

Following the ribbon cutting, I joined fellow board members Rachel Seward and Warren Boehm and Warren’s wife Marilyn for dinner on the lawn at the golf club. The lawn was laid out with half a dozen tables and a buffet dinner of tri-tip arranged overlooking the golf course. With the sun setting, it was a beautiful scene and very relaxing.

As it was getting dark, the band in the meeting room adjacent to the lawn fired up. Not one to miss out on live music, Rachel and I headed in after bidding Marilyn and Warren good night.

The music was country and though not a genre I typically am drawn to, I couldn’t help but clap my hands and watch the dancers take to the floor. It became apparent that Rachel and I had wandered into the celebration of a local riding club. Thankfully, the group was very inviting and welcomed us two as we joined them on the dance floor to haltingly follow instructions for line dancing.

Though I’m still a disco diva at heart, I had a ball and want to extend my thanks to the riding club for allowing us to crash their affair.

__________________________

After taking part in the Kiwanis Incredible Duck Splash at Verdugo Park on Saturday with Prom Plus, I made my way to the corner of Ocean View and Honolulu around 7 p.m. for the launch of this year’s American Cancer Society’s Foothills Relay for Life.

The launch is an understated affair highlighted by one or two guest speakers and the arrangement of about two dozen lighted paper bags representing the extensive luminaria ceremony that is part of the 24-hour Relay for Life event.

Paula Warner, this year’s Foothills Relay for Life chairman, asked me to briefly speak on Saturday evening about how cancer has affected my life.

This is a personal subject – and a painful one as I’m sure you can understand. My mother, a devoted smoker, died of lung cancer that had metastasized to her brain. My father-in-law, who never smoked and rarely drank, died of renal cancer.

Recounting the journey of these two people that I loved was hard, but I hope that it was also inspirational and that someone who heard it will be moved to join the Foothills Relay for Life in May.

Check back regularly with the Crescenta Valley Weekly as we’ll keep you up to date with Relay news.

______________________

Finally, there have been some changes here in the foothill community.

This week the CV Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition announced that executive director David Marquez has moved on and Susan Dubin – one of the founding members of the organization when it first met in the downstairs of the high school – has stepped in to fill his shoes, at least temporarily.

Also, after much debate and a hearing downtown, it looks like Walgreens is getting permission to sell beer and wine.

So, you’ve got the CV Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition working to better restrict access to drugs and alcohol and Walgreens given permission to sell beer and wine.

Weird.