By Mary O’KEEFE

The public is invited to join Captain Todd Deeds of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.-Crescenta Valley Station for Coffee with the Captain on Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Starbucks, 2230 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.

“It is just a time to interact with the community and answer questions,” Deeds said.

The event is being organized by Rev. Beverly Craig of the Center for Spiritual Living-La Crescenta, the founder of the Clergy Council at the CV Station and a member of the CV Chamber of Commerce.

Deeds said the coffee is to give the community a chance to talk to LASD personnel and ask any questions and/or share concerns.

Deeds took the position of captain at the CV Station at the end of May after former captain Christopher Blasnek was promoted and transferred. Deeds has worked in the CV Station before and was in the Crescenta Valley during the Station Fire in 2009.

When asked how his time thus far has been at the CV Station, he replied, “Really good.”

“I was told to expect a great station and a lot of community support,” he said. He added he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received by the station personnel and the community.

Although the areas of Crescenta Valley and La Cañada have low crime rates compared to other areas, residents still have concerns including residential and vehicle burglaries. As in the rest of the nation, there is also a growing fear of violence at events. Deeds understands these concerns and hopes that Coffee with the Captain will help answer some of the public’s questions.

“If you see something unusual or something that raises concerns, call us,” he instructed. “It is better to be safe.”

Many times people will notice something suspicious but not want to call the CV Sheriff’s Station. Deeds said it is important to call.

“We are never bothered when [a resident calls in]. We would rather be notified,” he added.

Coffee with the Captain is at the drive-thru Starbucks at 2230 Foothill Blvd. east of Ocean View Boulevard.

  Mary Okeefe