By Mary O’KEEFE

During the pandemic the streets throughout Crescenta Valley, and the nation, were pretty empty. Many people stayed home, which made traffic uncharacteristically light. But as students returned to in-person school, streets began to fill with cars and, according to law enforcement and local officials, traffic is worse than ever.

In the midst of all the traffic is a group of people who see firsthand the dangerous driving that is oftentimes way too close and personal. They are crossing guards.

Members of the Crescenta Valley Town Council took time on Tuesday to honor local crossing guards, thanking them for what they do and how they often put themselves between vehicles and the students they protect.

“They are out there, rain or shine,” said Harry Leon, president of the CVTC. “You want to make sure our children are safe.”

CVTC members were joined by California Highway Patrol Officer Bryan Bay and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station – Crescenta Valley Captain Robert Hahnlein.

Officer Bay praised the crossing guards for always being there for the kids.

“I have talked to you,” Officer Bay said to the guards. “I know how you can brighten [students’] days and make sure they are safe. Thank you; you are amazing.”

Capt. Hahnlein also praised the guards and acknowledged that their jobs are not always easy.

“It is a difficult time sometimes – but you are still doing it,” he said.

Capt. Hahnlein added that law enforcement is available to help the guards as well.

Glendale Unified School District representative Dr. Brook Reynolds also thanked the crossing guards for their steadfast service.

“You take care of the most precious thing we have,” he said. “That’s our children.”

Leon said the council wanted to honor the crossing guards for some time but it had been difficult to get organized. CVTC Outreach Committee members Kerri Lewin and Frida Baghdassarian worked to bring everyone together. CV Water District donated gift baskets for each of the guards.

The crossing guards in attendance were appreciative of the recognition.

“It feels good to be [recognized],” said Carlos Arevalo, crossing guard at La Crescenta Elementary School. He added that parents, for the most part, thanked them for what they do and he was surprised the CVTC and law enforcement took time to thank them as well.

“It feels really great,” added Edsel Espino, also at La Crescenta Elementary.

It also gave the guards a time to speak with law enforcement and share their concerns about traffic. They shared stories about parents stopping in crosswalks and, when asked to move, they either ignored the crossing guard’s request or got angry with them. In addition there were close calls and speeding drivers who seemed to always be in a hurry as they dropped off their children and then moved on to their work or wherever they are going.

Leon said the CVTC has been contacted by numerous residents about dangerous traffic around schools.

“Drivers are double parking and parking in residents’ driveways,” he added.

When crossing guards try to tell the drivers to move they respond by saying they will only be there for a short while. Some parents double park and let their children out into the street, which can also pose a danger, Leon said.

A parent told CVW of witnessing drivers speeding down New York Avenue near Lincoln Elementary on almost a daily basis. In addition she has seen parents walk their children across the street not using crosswalks, causing cars to stop quickly as they appear from behind parked cars.

Leon confirmed there have been numerous calls to council concerning speeding as well. He spoke to law enforcement and requested more patrols. Leon said CVTC is continuing to follow up with officials.

Leon reminded drivers who are dropping off their children at schools to use the posted drop off areas, to respect traffic laws and to respect the neighbors.

The crossing guards who were honored include from Valley View Elementary Antonio Camarillo; from La Crescenta Elementary Carlos Arevalo and Edsel Espino; from Monte Vista Elementary Loretta Winland, Monica Harris and Benjamin Coria; from Mountain Avenue Elementary Maria Feeney; and from Rosemont Middle School Angelica Gutierrez and Loretta Winland.