A Brief Respite

In last week’s column, Defecate Etiquette 2, I asked for suggestions on how to properly dispose of dog poop when walking my dog and s/he decides to make a deposit en route. I am overwhelmed and grateful for the number of responses I’ve already received and encourage you to continue sending in your opinion.

Originally I was going to share in this week’s column a sampling of responses and advice I received; however, for two reasons I’m going to wait until next week. First off, next week is our annual Pet Appreciation issue and I thought it would be more appropriate to share that information in that issue. Secondly, this past weekend and the Independence Day celebrations have inspired me to share some thoughts with you.

In the Crescenta Valley, we historically have a vibrant Independence Day celebration that begins around 4 p.m. with access to the field at Crescenta Valley High School. There ticketholders would find a variety of booths, inflatables for kids to play on and live music. Outside the school were several food trucks that people could buy food from. Around 9 p.m. the recorded patriotic music would begin, signaling the start of the fireworks display. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday.

As we all know, pretty much all Fourth of July celebrations were cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This left a void that we were eager to fill this year. But as the holiday approached, restrictions weren’t lifted in the County of Los Angeles that would allow on-field access. Rather than canceling any type of celebration, the Crescenta Valley Fireworks Assn. chose to have a brilliant fireworks display that would be visible throughout much of the valley. This would be done by shooting the fireworks up higher into the sky so folks farther away from the school could more easily view them.

There was some limited seating available on a rooftop at the high school near where the fireworks were being shot. I was able to get a seat there and, before the display began, I visited with some of the others who were invited to attend. Former fifth district supervisor Mike Antonovich was there with his entire family. I shared a laugh with former CV High School principal Linda Junge and her husband Jason. CV Town Council president Harry Leon was there with his wife, whom I have never met before; what a pleasure that was! I also had the chance to visit with a couple who made a substantial donation to ensure a fireworks display would happen this year.

Probably like many of you, I watched the fireworks in awe. They were breathtaking and the patriotic music that accompanied them truly brought tears to my eyes.

I am so grateful to the CV Fireworks Assn. for having the confidence to move forward with having a fireworks display this year. The association raises money for the display through ticket sales – which were absent this year. Thankfully, the community – including some extremely generous donors – came together to fund this year’s display.

God willing next year we will be 100% free of COVID (and any other viruses) and the CV Fireworks Assn. will be able to return to offering the high-end celebration that we have come to expect and enjoy.