By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The meeting of the Crescenta Valley Town Council, held on Thursday at the La Crescenta Library, was one of reflection and preparation. This was the last meeting overseen by CVTC president Robbyn Battles. Battles opted not to run for re-election in November and the Dec. 17 meeting was her last as a councilmember.

Many came to wish Battles well and to thank her for her years of service to the Crescenta Valley. Among these was Supervisor Michael Antonovich from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who extended his appreciation to not only Battles but also to the entire council.

“Thank you all for serving and for all you do,” said Antonovich. He added that in January there will be a proclamation issued recognizing the CV Town Council and the library.

Battles in turn thanked the supervisor for the support he has given the council over the years. Projects completed with his backing include establishing the Crescenta Valley dog park, building the La Crescenta Library and creating the Crescenta Commons.

Also stepping off council were Kyle Studebaker and Kevin Kang. After thanks from representatives of several organizations, the former councilmembers stepped down and the new council was sworn in. They include returning members Mike Claessens, Leslie Dickson, Harry Leon, Desiree Rabinov, Cheryl Davis, Lisa Griffin, Dr. Suh, Mariam Barnes and alternate Charles Beatty. Newly elected councilmembers are Sophal Ear and alternates Aram Ordubegian and Jo Ann Stupakis. A slate of officers was presented and voted in. They are Leslie Dickson, president; Harry Leon, vice president; Desiree Rabinov, treasurer; Cheryl Davis, recording secretary; Lisa Griffin, corresponding secretary.

Other items covered during the meeting were crime stats provided by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. – CV Station. Sgt. Cynthia Gonzales noted that crime is up, which she said is not surprising during the holiday season, with a lot of vehicular burglaries taking place. She reminded residents to not leave valuables visible in their vehicles and to lock car doors to avoid a car burglary.

Officer Cooper with the California Highway Patrol reported on an uptick in traffic accidents in the period from April through September. As of Sept. 30, there had been 30 more accidents reported to the highway patrol in the local area. Cooper said the increase could be attributed to the construction along the 210 corridor. Other factors could be rain, distracted driving and an increase in people on the roads – a fact not uncommon when gas prices fall.

Tom Love with the Crescenta Valley Water District commended district customers for their conservation efforts, which reached a rate of 30%. He added that the mandate for water conservation was supposed to end in February but may be extended. He also reminded the community that the second of three workshops would be held in January and will provide information on their partnering with Raftelis Financial Consultants. The firm will analyze the district’s financials and design new water and sewer rate structures.

Pipeline replacement in four local neighborhoods will begin at the end of January and continue through July. Work will take place in the 3900 block of Park Place January through February, the 2600 block of Harmony Place will be the focus of work in March and April, the 3700 block of Glenwood Avenue will be worked on in May and the 2800 block of Prospect Avenue will have work done in June and July. Love said that detailed notices will be given to homeowners in the construction areas but expects a minimal impact to residents.

Mountain Avenue Elementary School parent Kartik Sundran announced that the school’s science fair is on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. at the school. He said that the fair will be expanded this year and will feature partnerships with the library and JPL. He said the community is invited to attend.

The Youth Town Council president Elektra Mirzakhanian presented certificates for this year’s Christmas Spirit Awards. The two La Crescenta homes recognized were 2812 Alabama St. and 2357 Mountain Ave. The homeowner at 2812 Alabama – Doug Laing – was on hand to receive the certificate.

CVCA member Sharon Weisman reminded the audience and council that comments on the draft environmental impact report of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course are due by 4 p.m. on Jan. 19. She urged all to submit comments regarding the proposed development of the 58-acre site. For more information, visit savethegolfcourse.org.

President Leslie Dickson announced plans for community outreach on the proposals for the new medians on Foothill Boulevard. She also reminded the audience of the Parks Outreach Community meeting on Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. at Rosemont Middle School that will be held to discuss the needs and assessments of local parks and green spaces. Representatives from L.A. County Parks and Recreation will be in attendance. She then adjourned the meeting inviting everyone to refreshments set up in the back of the community room.

The next meeting of the Crescenta Valley Town Council is on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd.