In Brief

Rosemont Preserve Events

All are invited to the “open gate” events at the Rosemont Preserve on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This is a chance for visitors to see the Preserve and wander the trail at their own pace, enjoying the tranquil setting, the wildlife and the natural beauty. Photographers: Bring your camera to capture the afternoon light and citizen scientists, bring your iNaturalist app to add to the wildlife sightings!

Interns from Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy will be available on Saturday to answer questions and show this community resource. On Sunday, committee members will be on-site.

This event is free to the public and suitable for all ages; no reservations required. Rain cancels event. Sorry, no pets please.

The Preserve is located at the north end of Rosemont Avenue, just past the chain link fence. As street parking is limited, please park at Two Strike Park, 5107 Rosemont Ave., La Crescenta. Please wear sturdy shoes to walk the trail.

For further information please contact the Friends of the Rosemont Preserve at RosemontFriends@gmail.com.

 

Crooks Target Seniors with ‘Blessing’ Scams

Seniors with deep religious or spiritual beliefs, particularly those in immigrant communities, should be aware of a hoax that exploits those ideas and can result in the loss of cash and valuables.

The Blessing Scam is a con in which an elderly person is promised a blessing or spiritual healing by putting valuable items and cash in a bag that is then secretly swapped for an empty bag. The scam is particularly prevalent in the Chinese community.

Fraudsters working in a group will pretend to not know each other and befriend and sometimes corner the victim. They will ask personal questions that they then secretly transmit to a so-called spiritual doctor or psychic. The supposed spiritual advisor will then casually show up and use the information gathered to convince the senior of his or her psychic abilities.

The crook will then convince the victim that a terrible misfortune awaits the senior or a family member unless a blessing ceremony is performed by putting money in a bag, which the scammer switches with another bag.