By Mary O’Keefe

After two weeks of postponing a car wash benefitting the Joo Lee memorial fund, the event is finally scheduled on a weekend without rain.

This Saturday, several student service clubs from Crescenta Valley High School will join forces to have the car wash at the school’s overflow parking lot on Ramsdell Avenue south of Office Depot. All proceeds will be donated to the memorial fund.

On Jan. 1, a vehicle struck Lee as he crossed the 3000 block of Montrose Avenue. He was transported to the hospital where he later died of his injuries. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. His youngest, Suzie, attends CVHS.

Peter Lee is president of the CVHS LOOK club and a friend of Suzie’s. He wanted to do something to help her family.

“I wanted to have a car wash but knew that we couldn’t because of water conservation,” he said.

That was when Crescenta Valley Water District stepped in. CVWD’s Christy Scott said she had been looking at a waterless car wash method.  She contacted the waterless company, learned about the system and the district donated enough materials to wash 500 cars.

Car wash tickets are on sale at the CV Weekly office, at the high school and at the car wash on Saturday. There will also be a bake sale so customers can enjoy a healthy snack.

By Mary O’Keefe

The driver of an SUV that struck and killed Joo Lee, 49, of Montrose has not been found almost two weeks after the tragedy. On Tuesday Supervisor Michael Antonovich announced that the Board of Supervisors has approved his motion to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the hit-and run driver. On the same day the Glendale City Council also approved a reward in the amount of $10,000.

The accident occurred on Jan. 1 at 7 p.m. in the 3000 block of Montrose Avenue. Joo Lee and his wife were taking their usual walk around the neighborhood. Lee was walking across the wide avenue to get his daughter Suzie from a friend’s house. When a driver stopped to let him pass the driver of the SUV drove around the stopped vehicle and struck Lee.

“He was thrown about 70 feet,” said Sgt. Dennis Smith.

Smith added that the SUV appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver struck the victim. Both the car that stopped and the SUV continued westbound on Montrose Avenue.

“We would like to speak with that driver [that stopped allowing Lee to cross],” Smith added.

One week later on Jan. 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Glendale police and volunteers handed out flyers asking for the public’s help. Many drivers that stopped had heard of the accident but none had seen anything.

“The kids just speed down this street,” said a resident that lives on Montrose Avenue. “We need speed bumps.”

That was a suggestion made by Lee’s wife Kyoung.

“We need speed bumps or lights. It is so dark here,” she said.

The family is trying to come to terms with what has happened.

“I want the [hit and run] driver to call the police. In honor of my father and because we are a Christian family I forgive [him or her]. But turn yourself in,” Suzie said.

Anyone with information concerning the accident can contact the Glendale police through CrimeStoppers at (818) 507-7867 or the Glendale police department at (818) 548-4840. Any information is valuable to officers and can be considered confidential.

Witnesses are urged to call Investigator Bill Frommling at (818) 548-3132 or (818) 548-4840 (after hours). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the toll free number 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a tip via text by: 1-Text ‘TIPLA’ plus your message’ to CRIMES (274637); 2- Upon reception of a tipster’s first incoming message, the system will auto-reply with a confirmation containing their unique Tip ID. 3-To submit follow-up information, the tipster simply replies. Nothing else is needed. All calls, texts or emails received are encrypted; no one can capture the caller’s location, identification, or phone number.

A Lee Memorial has been established for the family. Checks can be made out to Joo Lee Memorial and mailed to Crescenta Valley Weekly; P.O. Box 12269; La Crescenta, CA 91224 or dropped off at the newspaper office at 3800 La Crescenta Ave. #101; La Crescenta.

Takes issue with Lawler’s article

I found the slant of Mike Lawler’s article bias in favor of the neighbors (An annoyed neighborhood strikes back, Dec. 31). Why didn’t he interview the developer for his side of the story? Did Mike for one moment consider the other side or that he was getting wrong information? For instance, I know that the lot that he’s speaking of will only be split into two lots, not three. Only two homes will be built. Mike slanted the article against the developer, in his framing of the article, that this developer doesn’t appreciate the quiet, the loveliness of La Crescenta. It might surprise Mike to know that the developer has been living in the community almost his entire life and that he takes great pride in building beautiful homes that enhance the neighborhood. Also, he raised his family in La Crescenta and attends a local church. His ties to the community are deep and he is committed to building the right houses for the lot. Did Mike take into consideration that this developer has done everything by the book? He has not tried to do anything untoward but rather has done everything that the county has asked of him. I would like to add the fact Mike Lawler trespassed on this developer’s land as he did not get permission to go on it.

I know the neighbors have a right to fight for what they believe in but I think that it’s only fair that you get both sides, Mike.

Elizabeth Anderson

La Crescenta

GRATEFUL FOR CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCE

Thank you Robin Goldsworthy for honoring the real meaning of Christmas in your “From the desk of the publisher” in the Dec. 24 issue of CV Weekly. The world has tried in so many ways to distract us from celebrating Jesus’ birth. It is refreshing to read something like you wrote in our local newspaper.

Yes, thank you, also, for restoring for our community a local newspaper. It is truly appreciated by many of us. Keep up the good work!

Lois Herrin

La Crescenta

THINKING ALIKE ABOUT NEW YEAR CLEAN UP

I have been writing an article in my mind for the last two months about roadside trash (or finds), garage sales, recycling, and cleaning up for the New Year. I just wasn’t able to submit it before the holidays. Apparently, Robin Goldsworthy beat me to it (Out with the old – but how? Dec. 31).

Good job.

Susan Bolan

La Crescenta

DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN OF SCHOOL NEWS

Up until this year, we have taken advantage of the public school system in Crescenta Valley while participating in religious education after school. My son was hoping to attend Holy Redeemer for middle school, but I am hesitant to send him with the news we heard about (Holy Redeemer and St. James combining to survive, Dec. 17). With so many parents upset, it may pull the morale of the staff and families down. This may make it difficult for us to transition into a new setting. I have heard great things about Holy Redeemer and would hate to see any of the families/teachers uprooted or distraught about the upcoming change. The K-8 school setting in Catholic education is a tradition that has gone on for generations. Breaking it up may “break” the community and cause a ripple effect. I hope it works out. My son was looking forward to attending Holy Redeemer and excited about meeting new people.

via website

FAITH IN COMMUNITY COMES THROUGH AGAIN

When we first posted the story online of the hit and run and victim Joo Lee readers contacted us and asked how they could help. Then with the news of Mr. Lee’s death, more readers contacted us. On Wednesday afternoon we began exploring ways to set up a memorial fund for the family. One of our interns, Peter Lee, was a close friend of the family and through him we began working on a way to help. In only a few minutes Peter had contacted members of several Crescenta Valley High School clubs including LOOK and Prom Plus. The JROTC members had agreed to help and several other students began volunteering and there wasn’t even an event planned yet – they just wanted to help. Peter had mentioned that he wanted to do a car wash fund raiser but knew we couldn’t because of water restrictions. Christy Scott at CV Water District was called and said, “Let me see what I can do.” Within a few hours she had found a way to sponsor a waterless car wash. Robin Goldsworthy contacted the Glendale Area Schools Federal Credit Union where Rita gave her the simple instructions to establish the fund. They had done this for many others in the community and was eager to help.

I don’t know why this type of community spirit still amazes me. I have seen it over and over again with volunteers from the American Red Cross shelter to sandbagging. Local teens pack lunches for the homeless and spend time with seniors at nursing homes. I have seen kids and adults who have fought their way back from addiction help others who are going down that same road. I don’t know why I am surprised at this community’s volunteerism but I am. To think with only a few calls we had the beginnings of a memorial fund and a fund raiser being planned. People continue to add their name to the list of those who wish to help including Glendale Police Department and Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station. It is astonishing and inspiring.

Mary O’Keefe and

the CV Weekly staff

Family grieves the loss of father/husband after a New Year’s Day hit and run accident.

By Mary O’KEEFE

A 49-year-old La Crescenta man has died due to injuries incurred after being involved in a hit and run accident at 7 p.m. on Jan. 1. The Glendale City Council will consider a $10,000 reward for the identification and arrest of the hit and run suspect driver.

The accident occurred about 7 p.m. on New Year’s Day in the 3000/3100 block of Montrose Avenue, between Liberty and Ramsdell avenues. Joo Lee was crossing the street to get his daughter who was visiting at a friend’s home.

“Montrose Avenue is wide and [Lee] had apparently stopped in the median to allow cars to cross,” said Sgt. Tom Lorenz.

Lee was crossing from the south side of Montrose Avenue to the north. A vehicle that was traveling westbound on Mon­trose stopped or slowed down, yielding to the pedestrian.

“Another car drove [around] and passed the [yielding] car. That car struck [Lee]. He was thrown about 70 feet,” said Sgt. Dennis Smith, Glendale police traffic bureau.

Neither driver, of the car that slowed or the one that hit the man, stopped. Both continued to drive westbound on Mon­trose Avenue.

Lee’s wife, Kyoung, urged the city to make changes. “To the city I want to say these streets are very dark; there’s no lights. We can’t see anything at night and the cars drive very fast. It’s very dangerous. I want speed bumps or lights here.”

Police have little details on either driver however the one common thread in witness ac­counts is the vehicle that struck Lee was some type of SUV.

“We have been given two col­ors by witnesses, either black or white,” said Investigator William Frommling. He added that description was not un­common for the darkened av­enue.

Investigators believe that someone may have seen the suspect driving erratically be­fore or after the accident. The vehicle sustained front-end damage and possibly a broken windshield.

“The speed [which the sus­pect was driving] was up fairly high and should leave dam­age to the vehicle,” Frommling said.

Police are also interested in the driver of the vehicle that yielded to Lee as he was cross­ing. He, or she, may have in­formation on the hit and run vehicle.

The man or woman driver that yielded to the pedestrian did not break any laws by leav­ing the scene, Smith said. “But we would really like to talk to that driver. We know he or she saw a vehicle drive around the car but we don’t know if the driver was aware of the man being hit,” he said.

Several people came out of their homes after the accident and many comforted the family who had witnessed the tragedy.

“I came out of the Verdugo Vista [Health Care] after vis­iting my mother. The young daughter, Suzie, was there on the street,” said Crescenta Val­ley resident Richard Tovo.

“When I approached her she just passed out. I stayed and comforted her until a family or friend came over,” he said.

Lee was transported to Hun­tington Memorial Hospital and was in ICU until he passed away shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

Though visibly distraught, Kyoung made a plea to the public. “To the driver who hit my husband I want to say why didn’t you stop and take care of my husband?”

Lee is survived by his wife and two daughters, Amy, 26, and Suzie, 17, a student at Crescenta Valley High School.

Police are asking for the pub­lic’s help in identifying the hit and run driver.

“We are doing everything we can. We have placed electronic billboards on Montrose Avenue with our contact information. The only way this is going to be solved is with the police and the community working togeth­er,” Frommling said.

Lee was the sole provider for his family. The Crescenta Valley Weekly is working with LOOK, Prom Plus and other CVHS clubs and organizations along with the support of the Glendale police to establish a foundation for the family. Stu­dents will be involved in a fund drive at several local grocery stores and businesses in the area in the coming days and weeks. A larger fundraiser is being planned for the family. For information on how to help or where to send donations stop by the CV Weekly office at 3800 La Crescenta Ave. or email mary@cvweekly.com or call (818) 248-2740.

Anyone with information concerning the accident can contact the Glendale police through CrimeStoppers at (818) 507-7867 or the Glendale police department at (818) 548-4840. Any information is valu­able to officers and can be con­sidered confidential.

Witnesses are urged to call Investigator Bill Frommling at (818) 548-3132 or (818) 548-4840 (after hours). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the toll free number 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a tip via text by: 1 – Text ‘TIPLA’ plus your message’ to CRIMES (274637); 2 – Upon reception of a tipster’s first incoming mes­sage, the system will auto-reply with a confirmation containing their unique Tip ID. 3; To sub­mit follow-up information, the tipster simply replies. Nothing else is needed. All calls, texts or emails received are encrypted; no one can capture the call­er’s location, identification, or phone number.

The Glendale Police Department has released the following regarding the hit and run incident on New Year’s Day  that took place in the 3000 block of Montrose Avenue:

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Joon Lee as 0049 hours. Mr. Lee passed in the early morning hours at Huntington Memorial Hospital as a result of his injuries sustained from being struck by a vehicle.

The Glendale Police Department Traffic Investigators have very little information and is still seeking the assistance of public. Investigators believe that someone may have seen the suspect driving erratically prior to or after the accident. In addition, the vehicle sustained front end damage and possibly a broken windshield. The description of the vehicle is vague and is only described as a midsized SUV.

We hope that the party involved will turn themselves in and mitigate the consequences of the action for failing to stop after the accident.

Investigators also believe that others may have become aware of the incident, and should anyone assist or conceal information from the Police Department, they too will eventually become accessories and will suffer consequences. To avoid this, they should contact the Glendale Police Department at 818-548-4911 or the other tip lines listed below.

Mr. Lee is survived by his wife Kyoung and two daughters, Amy 26 years and Suzie 17 years.

Witnesses are urged to call Investigator Bill Frommling at (818)548-3132 or (818)548-4840 (after hours).

Any wishing to remain anonymous may call the toll free number 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a tip via text by:

1 – Text ‘TIPLA’ plus your message’ to CRIMES (274637)

2 – Upon reception of a tipster’s first incoming message, the system will auto-reply with a confirmation containing their unique Tip ID.

3 – To submit follow-up information, the tipster simply replies. Nothing else is needed.

All calls, texts or emails received are encrypted; no one can capture the caller’s location, identification, or phone number.

By Mary O’KEEFE

A 47-year-old La Crescenta man was a victim of a hit and run after a
vehicle struck him while he was crossing the 3100 block of Montrose
Avenue about 7 p.m. Friday night. Glendale police are asking for the
public’s help in identifying those involved.

“Montrose Avenue is wide and [the pedestrian] had apparently stopped in
the median to allow cars to cross,” said Sgt. Tom Lorenz.

The man was crossing from the south side of Montrose Avenue to the north.
A vehicle that was traveling westbound on Montrose stopped or slowed
down, yielding to the pedestrian.

“Another car drove [around] and passed the [yielding] car. That car
struck the man. He was thrown about 70 feet,” said Sgt. Dennis Smith with
the Glendale police traffic bureau.

Neither driver, of the car that slowed and the one that hit the man,
stopped. They both continued to drive westbound on Montrose Avenue.

The victim’s wife witnessed the accident however police need the public’s
help in identifying the driver of the hit and run. They are also
interested in the driver of the vehicle that yielded because he or she
may have information on the hit and run vehicle.

The man or woman driver that yielded to the pedestrian did not break any
laws by leaving the scene, Smith said. “But we would really like to talk
to that driver. We know he or she saw a vehicle drive around the car but
we don’t know if the driver was aware of the man being hit,” he said.

Though police have little information there is one common thread in that
all witnesses believe the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was some
type of SUV, Smith added.

As of 11 p.m. Friday night doctors were determining whether to put the
victim on life support.

Anyone with information can contact the Glendale police through
CrimeStoppers at (818) 507-7867 or the Glendale police department at
(818) 548-4840. Any information is valuable to officers
and can be held confidential.
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