THE FOOTHILLS PAPER - MAY 14, 2010

“PEOPLE POWER” ISSUE FREE FRIDAY • MAY 14, 2010

THE PAPER WITH AN ATTITUDE!

Graffiti Busters join locals in Verdugo Hills Cemetery cleanup task

On the Inside: Grieving mom on North Valley Reporter.........

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“Learn To Fly” event is this weekend........

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A $500K dog park in S-T?....

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WRECK of the WEEK

now on page

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Time to rethink all the pot laws?.............

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Women biz awards .....

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An editor’s life.............

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DE PA R T M E N T S Auntie Gail’s Pet Corner............. 2 View from the Rock.................... 3 Letters and Perspectives............. 3 Your Representatives Speak....... 4 Kidz Korner............................... 6 Mommy & Me............................ 6 Wrecks of the Week................... 7 Take My Card............................ 9 Laura on Life........................... 10 My Space................................ 11

VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9

Lipizzaner horse from Tujunga’s Equestrian Trails Ranch takes to air.

“Fiesta of the Spanish Horse” supports cancer cure research This is the 12th year of the equestrian-themed “Fiesta of the Spanish Horse” fundraiser that supports the USC/Norris Cancer Center and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

“A dear friend of ours was battling cancer and we wanted to do something,” says Joanne Asman, director of this year’s show.

“We decided we wanted to incorporate the horse with a fundraiser. We’re giving people entertainment and hope everyone has a good time. The biggest compliment are the people who come out each year,” Asman says. “At least 50 percent of those who come will be repeat visitors. Each year, our show is bigger and better.”

“The five day fiesta honors and demonstrates the rich history between horses and people. The kids love it because it’s a high- energy show,” trainer Lauren LaVine said recently as she guided a tall Andalusian mix named Beau around one of the training rings.

Our own local Academy of Dancing Horses stables, owned by Barbara Gjerset

and located in the Big Tujunga Canyon, put on one of the performances that displayed the agility of the Lipizzaner, Paso Fino, Andalusian, Lusitano, Friesian and Peruvian horses.

Last Saturday’s performance drew over 3,000 visitors and featured a silent auction, vendors and a wonderful variety of Spanish and Mexican food.

The event featured an entertaining, multicultural, Broadway-style equestrian and musical spectacular. It was an incredible display of the beauty and agility of the equestrian community, complete with Latin, Mariachi and other music, as well as performances of flamenco and folkloric dancing.

The extravaganza also included a “Parade of Cancer Survivors,” symbolizing the heart of the Fiesta of the Spanish Horse event, Asman said.

Past recipients have included the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Roy & Patricia Disney Cancer Center.

Starting on “Big Sunday” volunteers from The Foothills Paper and a few local residents kicked off the Verdugo Hills cemetery cleanup project.

Last Saturday, Sue Bartlet brought 15 people from the Sun Valley Graffiti Busters to help the STA members Joe Barret and Abby Diamond. Mary Benson enjoyed a day in the sun pulling weeds and representing Councilman Paul Krekorian.

“We Toad You So!”

... as one frog said to another.

In the last issue of TFP, we wrote about the safety hazards posed by the County, City and Corps of Engineers in neglecting to dredge out the Riverwood Ranch Bridge.

As algae and silt continue to cover the concrete bridge, you can expect more accidents.

Pictured above: A group of teens driving across the Riverwood Ranch bridge Sunday May 9th, lost control of their car when it began to hydroplane and hit a “K-Rail.” Four people were in-

ABOVE: Mary Benson pulling weeds and enjoying the view.

BELOW: Members of the Sun Valley Graffiti Busters bustin’ weeds!

Correction The April 30 issue of TFP ran a story on page 11 about an event, “A New You,” being held on Friday, May 21 at Sunland Neighborhood Church (SNC).

The article stated, incorrectly, that SNC was sponsoring the event, when in fact it is merely making space available for it. “A New You” is not a church event. It is being sponsored

by NSA International (JuicePlus).

We apologize for any confusion.

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9

Tujunga author makes good

by Shari Emami Author Ann Finn makes her writing debut with her first published novel, The Sorcerer of Saint Felice. Even though this Harry Potter-esque novel is geared towards the teen market, don’t expect to be entertained by astonishing magic.

This tale deals with the trials and tribulations of a 15th century French monastery, yet it is lighthearted, heartwarming and makes for an

interesting read. Move over J.K. Rowling fans, this author brings new light to the world of the supernatural.

The story is about a young man who finds himself in a French monastery where he notices that the monks are practicing the “forbidden” arts that eventually become modern day science. It’s the alternative world of magic that sets this book apart from other related books.

This book is of interest to both young and old because it deals with a time period that a lot of people don’t know much about. It is actually an intriguing time when alchemy and chemistry first get introduced into the world.

As fascinating as it sounds, Ann did not always have luck with being an author. When she was 19 years old, Ann wrote her first novel, but

By

Gail Carlson Pet Nanny

What’s in Shadow and Sassy’s Bowl?

never sold it. Now in her early 50s she has sold her second novel. She says that all it really takes is “finding the right editor to believe in you.”

Ann comes from a biology background and has lived in Tujunga with her husband Dave since 1977. A former lab technician, Ann wanted to be an author from the age of nine. She went to college in Riverside, California, and continued to work on her writing skills. She graduated with a degree in biology and moved to Pasadena. A few years later she decided to re-locate to Tujunga.

The inspiration behind her novel was the fact that she always wanted to write a fantasy book, but one that was set in a historical time period, such as the 15th century. This was end of the Black Plague and the beginning of the European Renaissance, with its achievements in medicine, the arts and science. “It’s the time period that fascinates me the most,” says Ann. “It was the end of an era, and beginning of a new one.”

Local residents can really relate to a book like this, because it shows a way to put hope back into people’s everyday lives. It also educates youngsters about a time period not to be ignored. Overall, the book is quite enjoyable and worth the read. For more information, write to ahfinnin@yahoo.com.

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Volunteer with The Foothills Paper. We can use your help in the office, writing stories, taking photos, and plenty of other helpful things. Support your local independent newspaper!

What is preventative medicine? Besides regular checkups by the veterinarian, preventative medicine means making sure nutrition, socializing, exercise, and other routine needs are being provided to your pet. Many in the animal health field consider the nutrition value in quality pet food as a type of preventative medicine. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires that pet foods, like human foods, be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances and be truthfully labeled. So what are meat/poultry “byproducts” listed in pet food?

To make the most return on their investment, slaughterhouses sell leftover meat, and other animal parts which are unsuitable for human consumption, to rendering plants. The rendering plants combine these leftovers along with road kill from animal control units, and 4D (which stands for dead, diseased, disabled and dying), and are cooked together at high temperatures. The ingredients are then transformed into what is called a “run” of byproducts that are made for pet food. The byproducts are sold to pet food companies to be combined with other ingredients that make a complete, nutritional, economic meal.

Fast Food Nation author Eric Schlosser writes, “Although leading American manufacturers promise never to put rendered pets into their pet food, it is still legal to do so.” Do not be misled by colorful packaging and cute commercials. Read the ingredients on the package or can to get the facts. Often we will find ground corn and meat or poultry bi-products listed first or second with many brands that advertise on TV with cute animals eating up a storm.

Many reports state that feeding slaughterhouse leftovers to animals increases their chances of getting cancer and other degenerative diseases. Some meat, especially glandular tissue, may contain high levels of hormones, which may also cause serious health problems, including cancer. Unlike bacteria, these hormones are not destroyed by the high temperatures or pressure cooking used in the manufacture of pet food.

With so many choices available, what should we pack leaders feed our pets? There are many outstanding pet food brands which are not often found at the grocery store, Petco or Petsmart. However, many of these brands do not advertise on TV so the general population only sees the brands that have big marketing budgets. Many of top quality brands are in pet stores like Andersons Pet Store, in Montrose, or at Tom-Cat Pet Food Supplies, located behind Blockbuster on Foothill Boulevard in Sunland.

Some of the best quality brands that I like for dogs are: Innova Holistic, Natural Balance, Karma Organic, and Wellness. All of these brands list turkey, lamb, salmon, eggs, etc., first in the ingredients. These brands all have a complete and balanced blend of a fresh and healthy combination of proteins, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. The benefits to your beloved pet’s health make it worth the few dollars extra to buy a healthier product.

As the pack leader, we decide what our pets eat. At a minimum, we can start by reading the ingredients in our pet’s food. We can investigate the products for ourselves online, do our own research and make an educated choice.

We can discuss the information in this particular column with a veterinarian or go into Tom-Cat and talk with the Manager, Karen Henderson. The wellbeing of our pets is worth a few extra bucks, along with having confidence in what is in Shadow and Sassy’s bowl. Preventative medicine starts with you.

Auntie Gail is a Certified Vet. Assistant, and has a Pet Sitting and Dog Walking service in the Foothills. She can be reached at 818-605-9675 and at carlsongtoprep@ yahoo.com.

THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010

VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9 • www.thefoothillspaper.com

City getting further in debt And it keeps getting worse. As Mayor Tony runs around ranting about the “Arizona Decision,” no one is talking about the fact that the City of Los Angeles is being forced to turn over millions of dollars to the Los Angeles County Auditor, a required payment resulting from the State’s decision to raid $2.05 billion in local redevelopment funds as part of the 2009-10 State Budget.

Instead of funding local job creation, economic growth and urban revitalization projects, this money will now be siphoned off to help pay the State’s obligations.

THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

is published weekly. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. All submissions to this newspaper become property of The Foothills Paper and may not be republished in whole or in part. The opinions expressed by contributing writers do not necessarily express the views of the publisher nor Staff of this newspaper. The Foothills Paper is available free of charge.

No person may, without prior written permission from TFP, take more than one copy of each edition. Only authorized The Foothills Paper distributors may distribute The Foothills Paper.

The Foothills Paper is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit community benefit cor-poration. Donations are fully tax-deductible.

EXECUTIVE EDTOR & PUBLISHER Dr. David DeMullé editor@thefoothillspaper.com SPECIAL THANKS TO Claudia Holloway The Foothills Paper may be reached by e-mail at editor@thefoothillspaper.com THE FOOTHILLS PAPER, INC. 7125 Foothills Blvd. Tujunga, California 91042 818-951-0943 Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles International Combat Camera Association

Los Angeles County will lose $418 million and severely cut back on 43 CRA/LA projects. State Assemblymember Chris Norby (R-Fullerton), a strong critic of redevelopment agencies, was unapologetic about the diversion of funds.

“Redevelopment agencies are not local agencies, they are state agencies administered by cities to further the state interest in alleviating blight,” he said. “None of this money is leaving local communities. It’s going to fund local schools in these exact same redevelopment areas.” L.A. City Councilmember Paul Krekorian (District 2) is “looking into how deeply

Animal lover thanks our Auntie Gail Dear Auntie Gail, I just read your last pet column – a well-written article, interesting, excellent English and a timely topic.

I’m so, so, so happy for these terrific pet articles you create. When I read the paper, I can see that your writings are getting better and better! I hope you feel proud of yourself too! It takes a special combination of talent, intelligence and creativity to write anything and you have them all!

Just wanted to send a big congratulations hug to you!

— A Fellow Dog Lover

this will affect City residents.

The payment is being made in accordance with last week’s ruling

by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Lloyd Connelly that instructed local redevelopment agencies to abide by the provisions of ABX426, passed last year as part of the state budget.

The bill allows the state to take $2.05 billion in redevelopment funding to use for state obligations.

L.A.’s money, part of a $1.7 billion payment this year coming from about 400 such agencies across the state, will be used to help close the state’s $18.6 billion budget deficit. The money will

be used primarily to fund education programs.

Redevelopment agencies will pay an additional $350 million in the budget year that starts in July, for a total payment of $2.05 billion.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration said Tuesday that the funds are going right back to the communities where they originated. “Having quality schools funded is just as important to local economic development as other types of redevelopment projects,” said H.D. Palmer, the governor’s spokesman on budget matters.

State officials said Tuesday that

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VIEW

ROCK redevelopment areas will be allowed to extend their “life” by one year.

“That gives them one more year of revenue that more than makes up for this,” said one state finance official. “That’s $4.5 to $5.5 billion. They’re only taking $2 billion. And that’s in today’s dollars.”

Boy, oh boy, I’m waiting for them to try and find someone else to blame, and I’m sure they’ll say, “It’s The Water!”

My friends, my neighbors, my community

by David Cain Most of my friends live in my community; many are my neighbors if not next door, then around the corner and up the street. I don’t always like what my friends do or say yet I still care about their wellbeing and am willing to like them in spite of themselves.

Many are the times when I grit my teeth and remind myself that they are doing the best they can, no matter how silly their actions or words.

I hope they do the same for me.

I don’t get to choose my neighbors like I do my friends and must play the

cards that are dealt me, and even with the jokers it might be a winning hand.

The neighbors do some rather irritating things sometimes, like having parties that are too loud, taking up all the parking on the street or cutting the beautiful old trees that I love so much.

Again I grit my teeth and remember that they do the best they know how, even when I don’t like it. I’ll be there the best I can, to help them if they need it.

I hope they will do the same for me.

My community is not only my neighbors, but the shopkeepers, dog catcher,

city workers and the panhandler in front of the 7-11.

All the people who come and go and live or work here give my community that special flavor that makes it unique, and lets me know this is my town.

I guess that with all the irritations and inconveniences that come with friends, neighbors and those that make up my community, it’s the warmth of the smiles, the offers of a helping hand or the unselfish acts I witness every day that remind me why I consider you all my friends.

I hope you will do the same.

The Foothills Letters & Perspectives Grieving mom rips on North Valley Reporter My son passed away in February of this year, after a very nasty one-year battle with cancer. While his passing was a welcome release for him, like any mother who has lost a son, I felt disconnected from the world, and lived in tunnels of grief and pain.

A few days after his demise I took his obituary to the North Valley Reporter. The C&M office, where I was instructed to take the obit, seemed woefully understaffed. I left the obit there and a gentleman put my son’s picture into the computer.

I had never had to submit an obit before, so I went back the next day

to make sure I had done it right. Somebody called Linda checked the copy I had written and checked to see that the photo was in the computer. I waited for the obit to be printed in the hope it would represent some measure of closure.

When the next issue of that paper came out, no obit. It got lost, notwithstanding the photo in the computer, or they forgot, or a myriad of other excuses, depending on who I talked to on any given day. They assured me it would appear in the next issue.

I later found out that the “staff” of the North Valley Reporter were busy elsewhere, like running for

some local office. Too bad for my son and my closure, which were sacrificed. The obit did indeed appear in the next issue, but the word “peace” was mispelled, so my son was “now at piece with the Lord.”

One can only suppose they are a bunch of incompetent boobs. No word of apology has ever been given to me from the “staff.”

In fact, after this comedy of errors, the “staff” has taken a giant step backward, and everyone involved is quick to point out that they aren’t actually on the “staff” of the Reporter, but just “help out.”

Seems the blame comes down to one person, who

was too busy trying to get elected that she didn’t have time to take care of mundane business like my son’s obituary, his “final article.”

Here’s my suggestion to “Nina”: trade in your printing press for pieces of eight, buy a parrot and a peg leg, move to some island far away from Sunland-Tujunga and run for the office of pirate queen.

You are too incompetent to run a paper!!

Once again, “PIECE” on you all for your blundering with my son’s obit. An apology would have have been nice - between, during and after the blunders.

— Disgusted and grieving in Sunland

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

Learn to Fly Weekend offers free flights, soaring sights This Saturday, May 15, people around the world will celebrate the first-ever International Learn to Fly Day. In Van Nuys, it’s the Rotor F/X Learn to Fly Weekend, on May 15 and 16.

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), which originally announced this special aviation day at EAA AirVentureOshkosh 2009, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) are teaming up with other leading aviation organizations to support community events aimed at getting future pilots up in the sky for their first flight.

“We created this day to increase awareness of personal flying,” EAA President Tom Poberezny said. “Our goal is to grow general aviation and do it in a collaborative way.”

“It’s incredible to see pilots’ enthusiasm for inspiring others to learn to fly,” said Craig Fuller, president of AOPA. “The international aviation community is coming together to introduce people around the world to the excitement of general aviation.”

The official website, www.learntoflyday.

com, lists a searchable database of events.

In the United States and Canada alone, over 400 events are currently scheduled with more being added every day.

Attending an event on International Learn to Fly Day is just the first step toward learning to fly. AOPA’s Let’s Go Flying website (www.letsgoflying.com) includes free resources and a database of more than 3,500 flight schools that can be searched by zip code.

If you want to experience the thrill of piloting your own aircraft, visit ROTOR F/X, Van Nuys, CA (www. rotorfx.com) for their International Learn To Fly Weekend, a free two-day event filled with flying, helicopters & airplanes. Talk to instructors & pilots, free flight simulator time all weekend, UAV systems & RC models on display as well as ultralight & experimental helicopters.

Discovery flights available in both helicopters & airplanes or book an exciting scenic Los Angeles city tour. Event runs Saturday & Sunday, May 15-16, 2010 from 10AM-10PM. Email or call for your free event pass. Make 2010 your year to soar!

Assemblymember Portantino and Pasadena City College to host Town Hall on foster care issues On your way to college and interested in learning more? If you are in foster care, Saturday, May 22 may answer your questions. Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and the Independent Living Program at Pasadena City College are presenting a FREE town hall on “Breaking Barriers to Higher Education.”

California has the most youth in foster care and each year about 1,000 in L.A. County turn 18 and leave the foster care system. For many, life after foster care can be daunting, and navigating the college application and financial aid processes can be overwhelming.

This educational Town Hall is for current and former foster youth who are interested in learning more about the path to college – how and where to apply, paying for college, filling out forms, living and housing options. etc.

Join Assemblymember Portantino and a host of experts and former foster youth who will respond to your questions and share their expertise.

Time: 11:00AM to 1:00PM ( free breakfast served at 10:30AM and box lunch) t PCC Community Education Center, Jack Scott Room, 3035 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. Register with Kristi.Lopez@asm.ca.gov. Call (626) 577-9944 for info.

www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES SPEAK Representing California’s 27th Congressional District Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Senior member of the Financial Services Committee

THE “PLANE” FACTS FOR DOMESTIC AIR PASSENGERS As of April 27, 2010, domestic air travelers were spared further lengthy airplane delays on the tarmac and will enjoy additional consumer protections. Although not everyone considers air travel to be fun, it should certainly be safe and free of suffering.

Under a new rule, U.S. airlines operating domestic flights may not permit an aircraft to remain on the tarmac at large and medium hub airports (LAX and Burbank Airport) for more than three hours without deplaning passengers. Three hours is still too long but this is a reasonable start.

U.S. carriers operating international flights departing from or arriving in the United States must specify, in advance, their own time limits for deplaning passengers.

Carriers are required to provide adequate food and water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed on the tarmac and to maintain operable lavatories and, if necessary, provide medical attention.

The rule limiting tarmac delays was adopted in response to a series of incidents in which passengers were stranded on the ground aboard aircraft for lengthy periods. The only exceptions are for safety or security reasons, or if air traffic control advises the pilot that returning to the terminal would disrupt airport operations.

Clock Tower to be built, red curb to be fixed As a direct result of recent efforts by Councilmember Paul Krekorian’s office, two important issues in the community, the Commerce Avenue town clock and an inconveniently painted red curb also on Commerce Avenue, are in the process of being resolved.

On Wednesday, Councilmember Krekorian sent a letter to the Bureau of Street Lighting to place a street clock at the corner of Commerce Avenue and Tujunga Canyon Boulevard as part of the revitalization of Historic Old Towne Commerce Avenue in Tujunga.

One day later, the clock tower was approved and installation is scheduled to begin as early as mid-May, due to an innovative process the Councilmember proposed.

In his letter, he asked the Bureau of Street Lighting to use the existing streetlight electrical system for the clock, as it “makes the best fiscal sense,” he wrote.

With the rise in a pedestrian traffic along Commerce Avenue, residents took note when a freshly painted red curb seemed to eliminate needed parking spaces near Greeley Street. Councilmember Krekorian urges the City’s Department of Transportation to remove a portion of the red curb to allow for additional parking spots Officials hope to have a resolution on this issue very soon.

Ready to CLEAN? Starting May 8, for three consecutive Saturdays, Councilmember Paul Krekorian and the Bureau of Street Services Investigation & Enforcement Division will hold a series of meetings to help residents build a stronger community by working with City agencies to identify, report and resolve quality of life issues in your neighborhood.

Help reduce illegal signs, illegal vending, potholes, graffiti, blight, illegal yard sales and other City Code violations in your area. If you missed the first weekend meeting, call Councilemember Krekorian’s Tujunga field office at (818) 352-8563 for more information.

THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010

VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9 • www.thefoothillspaper.com

KNOW YOUR REPRESENTATIVES Councilmember Paul Krekorian was elected in 2010 to represent the residents of Los Angeles City Council District 2. The District stretches from Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills to Big Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest, encompasing the communities of Lakeview Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sun Valley, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Van Nuys.

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich has represented the Fifth Supervisorial District of the County of Los Angeles since 1980. Over 2,000 square miles in area, the Fifth District includes all or part of the San Gabriel, Pomona, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. He also serves on the Boards of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Congressman Brad Sherman represents California’s 27th Congressional District, encompassing the San Fernando Valley, and has served in the House since 1997.

Congressman Sherman is the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, and is a senior member of the Financial Services Committee.

State Senator George Runner represents California State Senate District 17, which incorporates portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties. He is Vice-Chair of both the Banking, Finance, and Insurance Committee, and the Environmental Quality Committee. He is also a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Revenue and Taxation Committee.

State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino was elected to serve the 44th Assembly District in 2006. The district encompasses Altadena, Duarte, La Cañada/Flintridge, Pasadena, South Pasadena and Temple City, plus portions of Arcadia, Monrovia, Mayflower Village, Glassell Park, Hermon, Highland Park, Mount Washington and Eagle Rock.

California, Colorado Guardsmen win “Soldier/NCO of the Year”

by Staff Sgt. Aaron Rognstad Staff Sgt. Michael East, 95th Civil Support Team of the California Army National Guard and Spc. Ryan Teter of the 5-19th Special Forces Group, Colorado Army National Guard, took top honors at the 2010 Army National Guard Region 7 Soldier/Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Competition.

East, Teter and 14 of their fellow Soldiers and NCOs from eight states took part in the competition. It included Army Warrior Tasks and tests of physical and mental abilities.

“I gave it my best and Staff Sgt. Michael East scaling an was lucky to be selected,” obstacle during the Warrior Tasks East said, “but truly this Competition. award shouldn’t be given to just one person. It represents the NCO Corps.”

Conducted at Bellows Air Station and Schofield Barracks, the S/NCOY competition featured seven events, from a physical fitness test and a weapons qualification to an obstacle course and, finally, an appearance board.

“I am honored to represent my unit, my state and myself,” Teter said. “This competition gauged your level of ability as a Soldier.”

East and Teter will move on to the national “Best Warrior” Competition in October in Washington, D.C., to vie for the Army National Guard’s top Soldier and NCO of 2010.

Dog-loving businesswoman leads effort to win $500K for dog park The dog lovers of the Foothills community have been clamoring for a dog park in the area for years. Now they have a chance to win a beautiful half-milliondollar park in an exciting new contest.

The makers of Beneful dog food are running a contest seeking Americans’ best ideas for the ultimate dog park. The winning idea gets $500,000 from the company to build the park.

The entry must have a twominute video including the entrant and dog at the site of the dream park, which can be privately or publicly owned, and even be a nonprofit entity.

Local resident Sharon Mills of SS Property Management is trying to build local interest in the contest. ”What I would

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really like,” says Mills, “is to get together with a whole group of dog owners

upkeep.”

The deadline for entries is June 18th. Mills says that anyone who wants to team up on community entry can write to her at sharon@ sspropertymanagement. com to talk about it.

in the area and their pets, talk about doing videos and sit down to come up with some plans.”

Mills encourages all interested parties to read the terms and conditions of the contest at www. benefuldreamdogpark. com and then come up with ideas. “My ideas so far,” she says, “include a possible entry-card system, making sure pets are spayed or neutered, checking to see that the pet is currently licensed, and a nominal fee toward

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Free Music Under the Stars concert, Pasadena, May 22 With generous support from Parsons, Target and the City of Pasadena, The Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall will be transformed into a spectacular outdoor concert space for Music Under the Stars this coming Saturday evening, May 22nd.

The community is invited to gather with family and friends for a wonderful night of fun and entertainment, featuring the Pasadena POPS led by Maestra Rachael Worby.

Vocalist Dennis McNeil will join the orchestra for this unforgettable free concert and sneak peek at the POPS’ super season to come!

Pre-concert family fun begins at 5:30pm and will feature Kidspace Children’s Museum activities along with

performances by Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and The Donald Brinegar Singers.

And for gourmet food truck enthusiasts, The Place LA, The Green Truck and The Sweets Truck will be selling culinary delights of all kinds.

The Place LA offers classic comfort food such as burgers, fries, grilled cheese sandwiches and Mexican dishes.

The Green Truck specializes in healthy, gourmet, organic eats.

The Sweets Truck offers a variety of fabulous baked goods, coffees and much more.

The Music Under the Stars repertoire will include: Star Wars Suite, Circle of Life from The Lion King, Ragtime, Pink Panther, There’s No Business Like Show Business, a Duke Ellington medley, Firebird Suite and much more.

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9

Hiking with Lola

Simon the cat

by Anastasia Cokas Last summer, our 16-year-old cat, Bravo, fell ill. He no longer jumped on our laps to say hello; he no longer ate food or drank water. He would simply lie next to the window in order to feel the sun on his fur.

Nothing would tempt him to move and when we would pick him up to hold him, he would simply close his eyes and purr away.

We took him to the veterinarian who ran a battery of tests and we found out that he had lung cancer. His lungs were simply filled with tumors.

She tried everything – pills, shots, nothing helped. The tumors had simply taken over and it was too late.

At that point, she said that there was nothing else to do but let him go. So, we had to let him go. That had to be one of the hardest things I have ever done, being in that room trying to comfort him, knowing that it would be the last time I would see that face and pet his fur. Bravo had been a part of my life for so long that when we went home, I half-expected him to be there waiting for me. I missed him something fierce. Quite simply, it broke my heart.

We have two children who were 6 and 7 years old at the time. About a month after Bravo passed, they started asking for a new cat, another Bravo. I searched my soul and had to say no, just not ready. It didn’t feel like I’d ever be ready but, as always, time heals even the most broken heart.

Two weeks ago, we were running our

Turn the waiting “game” into a good lesson for your children Waiting is hard for children. The concept of “later” is just too abstract. It’s not an easy thing to understand when you’re told “not now, later.” Here’s how you can put some parenting magic into the process.

Define “later.” For instance, “Mommy can play with you after I finish washing the dishes.” Giving your child a clear understanding of when his need will be met will help you set a standard of straightforward communication with

Your dog hasn’t experienced the great outdoors, until it has gone hiking!

Lola is a twoyear-old English Cavalier mixed with dachshund, which enjoys hiking. She loves to meet new friends and take them on 1½-to3-hour round-trip hikes on hiking trails in Montrose, LaCanada, Pasadena, Monrovia and Griffith Park.

Lola is very energetic, and could hike for hours, but she knows that not all dogs can keep up. So she is willing to take shorter hikes.

She will bring ample treats and bottled water to share with friends.

Rate for hiking is $35.00 a day, with pick-up and dropoff.

Please contact Lola’s mommy at (818) 7957067, or via e-mail at norma.christie@hotmail.com, to schedule a meeting with Lola.

This is a golden opportunity parents!

This is your chance to make your child feel their question is important, to be able to set a clear, firm boundary with your child and save energy all at once.

For example, when your I Spy, tell jokes or find child asks you at 4:30 a way to have your child in the afternoon if they help you. can have a cookie, your Think about the times automatic response may be you’ve answered your “not now.” Well, who can child with “maybe,” or blame you when you’re “we’ll see.” Did that making dinner, on the satisfy your child’s phone trying to change question? Or did they a doctor’s appointment, continue to ask, whine trying to get one child to or even argue with you? do their homework AND In my experience, some watching to make sure parents use these answers the baby isn’t eating dog to avoid really answering kibble? their child’s question.

Set the limit from the This is not a good habit very beginning. Try because it makes your child feel their inquiry isn’t saying, “You can have a cookie after dinner. But important. True, it may if you are hungry, you not be your priority at the moment, but it’s a priority may have a piece of fruit to your child, who deserves now.” This simple and clear response sets many an honest, straightforward boundaries all at once answer.

for you. It acknowledges your child, it sets the limit that cookies are for after dinner and what an acceptable snack is before dinner. More importantly, it says to your child that they are important to you.

Now, this is not to say an argument won’t ensue after you set your limits, but these boundaries are easier for you to enforce than if you say, “not now.” The boundaries are clear, defined and non-negotiable, from the beginning. Children need things said in a clear manner. When the expectation is clear, their behavior will reflect that.

Make it your goal to replace one “not now” with a clear expectation.

Remember, the less arguing you have with your children, the happier everyone will be.

Confident parents equal happy parents and we all should have some happiness in our parenting.

errands around town and my husband had heard that at Petco on Saturdays, they set aside an area of the store where they have cats and kittens that are being raised in foster care and are ready to be adopted into a new family. He said those famous words “let’s go look and see” what was there and how it was run, etc.

We went and one of the ladies there was holding the tiniest kitten. She said his name was Simon and that he was staying in her home. She had grandchildren who were about the same age as our kids and the kitten loved the playing with the kids.

It all sounded good and then she turned around and I saw that little face and knew I had found my new friend.

We went through the adoption process and about an hour later, we had a new addition to our family.

Simon is a precious and precocious little kitten. He is already a part of our family.

The kids are excited to come home from school and feed him and play with him.

He especially seems to like laying on my pillow and hiding under the bed for an extended version of hide-and-seek.

They are always looking for families to place animals. If you are ready for some love and to take care of a pet, check out Petco and the Pasadena Humane Society for new friends.

your child. Consider the argument that follows from your child when you tell them to wait, to hold on or simply “not now.”

Reassess what you’re making your child wait for. Can the dishes wait instead of your child? If not, remember to keep the wait time age appropriate.

About one minute per year of age is a good standard to follow. If you need a break, take a real break and separate yourself from your child. It isn’t really a break with your child staring you in the face.

Try to use techniques that engage your child instead of making them wait. Chat with them while you do the dishes. Play 20 questions,

THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010

VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9 • www.thefoothillspaper.com

7

Calling all artists and arts groups: Annual Open Studio Tour is organizing now Artists and art organizations are invited to participate in the City of Glendale’s 6th Annual Open Studio Tour (OST) being held Saturday, July 24. The event is free citywide, with no cost to artists. All OST participating artists will be eligible to exhibit in the Brand Library Art Gallery from July 17 to August 13.

Applications are available online at www.

GlendaleArtsandCulture. org. Submissions will be accepted by mail and in person on Friday, May 28 from noon to 5:00 pm at the Cultural Affairs office, 613 E. Broadway, Room 120.

Glendale artists and art organizations will open their studios to the public.

This free, self-guided tour is a rare opportunity to peek into the creative minds of many talented and award winning artists who live and work in City of Glendale.

Artists from Burbank, Los Angeles, Pasadena and other cities in the region will also be exhibiting their work alongside Glendale artists and become part of this Glendale tradition.

From July 17 to August 13 all participating artists will showcase one of their best pieces at the Brand Library Art Galleries (1601

West Mountain between Grandview and Western) during the library’s regular open hours. The Tour and the Reception are free to the public and all are welcome.

The Open Studio Tour is sponsored by the City of Glendale’s Community Services and Parks Department, Arts & Culture Commission, the Glendale Public Library

and the Associates of Brand Library and Art Center.

For information, please contact Ripsime Marashian at (818) 548-2780 or send an e-mail to rmarashian@ ci.glendale.ca.us.

and applied to the Guiness Book of World Records for the most cans used in an art piece, but was beat out by someone in Thailand who used 100,000. Why cans? Brown wanted to use a medium that would stand out and cans come in all colors of the spectrum.

How long did it take? Six weeks. And now, by virtue of the medium, Brown is indeed a «pop» artist.

Brown's goal? To sell

it to a Michael Jackson collector as it is certainly one of a kind. He almost sold it to CityWalk, but all the cans weren't from the Coca-Cola Corporation.

Bummer.

More of Seaton Brown's works can be seen at www. artist-for-hire.com. To view the Tribute to the King of Pop in progress, go to www.youtube.com and search for Seaton Brown.

King of Pop, in pop cans

by Liz Thompson On Saturday, April 24th, Pacific Outdoor Living Design Center (2727 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta) held a local Artisan Fair featuring 20 artists from the area who displayed their wares, sculptures and fine arts in a beautiful outdoor space with rock gardens, fountains and grass.

KidsArt, a local art school in La Crescenta, had a booth and exhibited artwork from some of their many talented students.

Guests drank wine, ate cheese and wandered around the wonderful zen-like environment and enjoyed the afternoon.

The featured artist was Seaton Brown, a resident

of Sunland via route 66 from Minneapolis, who has been both a graphic and fine artist for most of his life. And like Pop Artists before him such as Andy Warhol, Brown has been a commercial artist, as well, and has done work for such brands as CocaCola, General Mills and Dairy Queen, in addition to illustrating three children's books called The Impatient Pamela series.

His display was a 12-by12-foot portrait of Michael Jackson made out of aluminum soda cans.

Viewers had to stand back by at least 10 feet to see for sure that it was Mr. Jackson himself. The piece was created in six separate 6-by-4-foot sections

with the cans attached to styrofoam insulated panels. The insane part of the project is that until almost all of the panels were completed, it wasn't possible to see if it would work because of its size.

Brown was viewed as an oddball at the recycling centers where he went to get his cans as everyone else was bringing cans in, and he was the only one taking them out. Each can had to be a specific color pattern in order to match the pixelated photo of Michael Jackson. Because of the difficulty of finding specific colors, he was only able to recycle 20% and had to purchase the others.

Brown used 1700 cans

WRECK OF THE WEEK D R I V E

S A F E Station 74 personnel assist accident victim at Foothill Blvd. and Pali while waiting for Rescue Ambulance 24.

L Y

What does this mean on the corner of St. Esteban and Samoa in Tujunga?

8

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9

Is it time for a big, green revenue machine?

by Doc In the not too distant future, after a tough week of work, those so inclined could legally fire up a joint instead of knocking off a six pack of beer. Look around you at what people are doing.

People show up at work with a Red Bull or Monster drink in hand to start their day. At lunch they have a favorite drink with lunch.

When they get home their options multiply. Maybe it’s time for an alternative rest-style. And who knows, if California voters agree that this is a good idea, some of this might happen: (A) The City tax base gets a helping hand.

(B) Our cops can chase real bad guys, not recreational pot smokers.

(C) The medical marijuana farce goes up in smoke because now the drug can be had legally.

(A lot of migraines and bad backs, all mysteriously cured!)

(D) And another possible consequence: Prisons would have more room to house society’s worst criminals, particularly violent sex offenders.

On the local level, the Los Angeles City Attorneys’ Office has begun notifying dispensaries, via direct contacts and/or official correspondence, that they must shut down by June 7, when the city’s ordinance to regulate the stores finally takes effect. This is the first step in attempting to take back control of marijuana sales in the City, and that means that S-T drops from 15 to 7 “pharmacies.”

“Because the city has not effectively curbed the proliferation of outlaw medical marijuana clinics, we now have more clinics than we have Starbucks Coffees,” says Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the Education and Neighborhoods Committee and the voice of (and for) District 2, which includes Sunland and Tujunga, on the Los Angeles City Council. “While I support true compassionate use under the law, I will continue to fight to prevent these clinics from

endangering public safety and damaging the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

The City Attorney’s letters, which were sent to both dispensary operators and property owners, warn that violations of the city’s laws are a misdemeanor, and could lead to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Shops that stay open after the June 7th deadline could also face civil penalties of $2,500 a day.

“We’re hopeful that the fact that we’ve given them more than 30 days to comply that a significant number of them will cease operating,” says Asha Greenberg, the assistant city attorney who has handled most of the efforts to close dispensaries.

Councilman Ed Reyes who was the spark plug behind the ordinance that was two years in the making, says, “We’ve arrived. It’s like being on a journey and saying, ‘Are we there yet? Are we there yet?’“ Down the street in Eagle Rock, Neighborhood Council board president Michael Larsen has been the most aggressive spokesman for stakeholders worried about the unregulated dispensaries and the doctors that give out pot prescriptions like peanuts at the zoo. “There’s actually something happening based on an ordinance that we worked very hard to get into place. On that level, I am relieved,” he says. “The truth about the actual enforcement, well, that will just be a big question mark.”

Under the new ordinance, only dispensaries that registered with the city after the council adopted the moratorium in 2007 will be allowed to operate. City officials estimate that more than 130 of the original 186 registered dispensaries are still in business and another 300 or so are operating unlawfully.

Greenberg says the City Attorney’s office will send out more letters if residents point out additional dispensaries. “We’re making our best efforts, and we’re using information from really our eyes and ears out there, which is

the community,” she adds.

Los Angeles became the epicenter of the state’s dispensary boom last year, following the Obama administration’s announcement that it would not prosecute medical marijuana stores that adhered to state law.

Although the city had a moratorium on new dispensaries, it failed to enforce the ban and hundreds opened with no oversight, drawing complaints from neighborhood activists. One of our local pharmacies that is slated for closure, Cloud 9, has also been operating in defiance of the Foothills Specific Plan with their hooka bar, after-hours night club and pharmacy.

Those Medicinal Marijuana Collectives that met the City’s requirements had to undergo the electronic “Live Scan” fingerprinting, be in compliance with the location requirements and have been in business before the moratorium was enacted.

One such is the Toluca Lake Collective operated by past CD2 candidate Frank Sheftel. “I’ve

continued on page 11, lower right

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Successful rummage sale aids cancer awareness group Paula Warner, Team Recruitment Chairman for the S-T Relay for Life, held a successful yard sale in the Albertson’s parking lot on Foothill Blvd. last Saturday morning. All proceeds went to the cancer awareness group.

Local residents dropped by to say hello and help out, as well as to score some great deals on rummage sale relics.

In the photo at right, Paula is perusing some of the many bargains.

done everything necessary to comply with the law and the City’s wishes,” he stated. “And yet they still sent me the closure notice. I was able to talk to the City Attorney’s Office, who after great amount of discussion, acknowledged that the letter had been sent in error. I have asked to be removed from the closure list and another new letter sent to me letting me know to disregard the closure notice.”

If a law-abiding collective that complies with the law is targeted as being non-compliant, what do you think is going to happen with the scofflaws that opened up in defiance of the law? Although they are deemed to be illegal, this

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

Tapestry of life Did you ever take a walk along a stream or lakeside early in the morning when the sun is still low in the sky?

Early morning is not my favorite time of day either, but the reflection of the rippling water on the breezy foliage creates a beautiful, shimmering tapestry of bright lights and dark places. It’s almost worth it to get out of bed.

I have never felt so at peace than when I see one of nature’s presentations. If you look at it long enough and let yourself become involved in it, you almost feel as if nature is telling you a secret. You have to listen long enough to hear something besides: “Go back to bed.”

That’s not nature, that’s your tired body begging for mercy.

The shimmering tapestry I saw is like life. The bright lights and dark places are all part of it. Together they make something extraordinarily beautiful.

Without seeing this larger picture of life, we can sometimes get caught up in an individual moment. If that moment is a bright light, you will, hopefully, recognize it as such, hug it to you, and savor every second of it like a big piece of cheesecake.

Before long, however, you will come to a dark place.

These are just as much a part of a beautiful life as the bright lights. You should let yourself feel the pain and anger and utter helplessness… for a time.

Take it all in and then… let it go.

Free yourself to experience the bright lights once again.

You are entitled to be happy. There will be cheesecake again, I promise.

The shimmering tapestry of life is not a tapestry at all if you allow yourself to dwell on the dark places so much that the bright lights go unnoticed. When we took my 8-year old to a Lego exhibition – his idea of nirvana – all he could think about when he got home was how he didn’t get to play with his friend that day. That’s a dark place for an 8-year old. He didn’t even recognize the Lego convention as a bright light.

You have many things for which to be thankful. If, try as you might, you cannot think of any, go somewhere that people need help and share what you have. Many people have less to be thankful for than you do, yet you will see a smile on their face when you come to share. For them, the bright light… is you.

The tapestry of your life is interwoven with the people you spend time with. Their bright lights and dark places are entwined with yours; in and under, around and through.

Seeing the reflection of the water dancing on the trees is possibly one of the brightest lights in my tapestry, because, during the hectic pace of my life, I have been given a treasure: A secret that nature only imparts when one is very quiet, very still, and very receptive. If your life is like mine, these three things do not happen very often.

I have shared the secret with you, however, so now, go and wrap your bright light around someone who is in a dark place. Give them hope and a smile. You will find that the tapestry will shimmer brighter still.

Laura Snyder is a nationally syndicated columnist, author and speaker. You can reach her at lsnyder@lauraonlife. com or visit her website at www.lauraonlife.com for more information.

Volunteer with The Foothills Paper. We can use your help in the office, writing stories, taking photos, helping with our TFP Web site and lots of other newspaper-y things.

Support your local independent newspaper!

www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9

Pampered Poochez in La Crescenta pampers pooches – and owners, too!

by Shari Emami Multi-colored tiles and yellow painted brick walls make up the interior of this charming new petgrooming salon known as Pampered Poochez.

When you first walk in you are pleasantly greeted by the owner Lala, as well as a mural of dogs. Customers are enthusiastically waiting their turn for their pet to be pampered. There is a lounge to sit in while the dogs go in to get the full royal treatment.

Located on Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta, Pampered Poochez has been in business for only nine months, but they have plenty of regulars.

They specialize in bathing, brushing, nail trimming, expressing glands, hand scissoring and custom special shampoos for all skin types.

There are many benefits to regular grooming including prevention of the dog or cat’s hair from becoming matted and endangering their health. However, with a pet salon like this it’s not an issue because you get excellent service that is very affordable.

One of the more popular groomers here is Veronica Bravo (aka Verona Bravo) who not only has been a dog trainer for 20 years,

but is also This is the way to get them clean. certified by the Southern California Grooming Association.

Verona usually gets up very early and stays until about 7:00PM or until is applied to give extra sheen and luster to the fur. closing. She really enjoys Then after a cool rinse, a her job and finds it to be conditioner is applied to very comforting. Because condition the fur, smooth of her kindheartedness out any kinks and also and temperament, she is soothe the skin. prepared to handle even In addition to various the most aggressive dogs without putting them under shampoos, Pampered Poochez also carries anesthesia. products such as a Her services include conditioning fur spray to everything from combing the pet’s fur to hair cutting, give your pet that final glow. All treatments are shampooing and even good for the skin and fur. dental cleaning. Just call They also have ointments for an appointment and be prepared for the groomer to and creams for ear cleaning spend at least two hours on and other pet worries.

After the dog is washed, each dog.

Verona carefully dries the As the process begins, dog and decides how she Verona places the dog wants to cut the fur. For in a tub for shampooing. every dog there is a custom Both the shampoo and haircut, so you’re actually conditioner contain kava, getting a dog stylist and oatmeal and other fragrant groomer at the same time. oils such as coconut and After the dog has been papaya. All products are shampooed, conditioned hypoallergenic, tear–free and styled, different and soap-free. accessories are used Sometimes if the fur needs any brightening then to make the dogs look precious and prized. a special harmless product It is evident how much work and love is put into this and it also looks like the dogs enjoy it, too.

Pampered Poochez is an exquisite place to have your dog groomed. In fact, it’s like a good ol’ fashioned time for your pet.

Pampered Poochez is located at 2868 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, CA. Phone is (818) 249-7297.

Jokes by Phyllis “When You Are 97 Years Young, You Can Say What You Want!”

There was a preacher whose wife was expecting a baby so he went before the congregation and asked for a raise. After much discussion, they passed a rule that whenever the preacher's famiy expanded, so would his paycheck.

After six children, this started to get expensive and the congregation decided to hold another meeting to discuss the preacher's salary. There was much yelling and bickering about how much the clergyman's additional children were costing the church.

Finally, the preacher got up and spoke to the crowd. “Children are a gift from God,” he said.

Silence fell on the congregation. In the back pew, a little old lady stood up and in her frail voice said, “Rain is also a gift from God, but when we get too much of it we put on rubbers.”

And the congregation said, “Amen.”

VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9 • www.thefoothillspaper.com

Woman general will speak at Women In Business awards Brigadier General Mary J. Kight, the first woman general in California’s National Guard and its first woman leader, has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the Women in Business Awards hosted by area legislators.

Brigadier General Kight, whose official title is The Adjutant General, California National Guard, was recently appointed to to head the service. She is the first African-American female Adjutant General

in the nation and has a long history of service to California and the country.

This will be the 11th year celebrating local businesswomen at the Women in Business Legislative Update and Awards hosted

by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and State Senator Carol Liu. This year’s event is scheduled for July 16 at the Pasadena Hilton and will honor women selected from the two legislative districts.

OBITUARY NOTICE

I Didn’t Mean to Insult You

• • • The other day I received a backhanded compliment from a woman who said my hair finally looked good which made her suspect I was wearing a wig. What does one say to a compliment that has you rubbing your cheek to ease the sting? I’ll tell you what I said. I said, “No, Mother.

It’s not a wig. It’s my real hair.” It cut deep coming from my own mother.

Some people don’t mean for their compliments to be backhanded and yet, they are. It’s like when someone compliments your weight loss with, “Boy, you look really good. You should be proud of yourself. At least now you don’t look as bad in that dress.” What do you say?

What do you say to the person who compliments your newborn baby with, “Oh, she’s adorable. I’m sure she must look like your husband.” You’re torn between thanking them and

THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010

punching them.

Sometimes it’s not what a person says, but the tone in which they say it. A person’s tone can convey if they’re insulting you, mocking you and being funny or sarcastic. By now most of you reading this column have already decided which tone you think I’ve written it in and that’s the tone playing in your head during the entire read. Only, since your tone may be different than the tone I wrote it in, it opens the door to misinterpretation.

Sometimes it’s easier to say what you mean without using any words.

Married couples have their own non verbal world of communication. Eye rolling on the wife’s part silently tells the husband,

Pot tales cont. from page 8

Advertise with The Foothills Paper and you, too, can be

It will be interesting to seen in these wonderful sursee what will happen next. roundings where all the good Will the City bog down folks of the Foothills congrein paperwork again, or gate every other week. Call will they actually do what us or send an e-mail to: they’re supposed to do and  editor@thefoothillspaper.com enforce their own laws?

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Jeannie Ray Grover Moneypenny McDonough Sunrise: July 31, 1947 Sunset: March 24, 2010 Jeannie died peacefully after an extended illness, at the home of her daughter Kelly Bradish in Flagstaff, AZ, surrounded by family. She passed away just 10 days after relocating to Flagstaff to be with her family.

The family thanks Hospice for the wonderful care.

Jeannie was born in Fort Benning, GA to Audrey and Marvin Grover. In addition to her parents, Jeannie was preceded in death by her husbands, William “Bill” Moneypenny and Robert McDonough, and a brother Ronald Grover.

Jeannie resided in the Sunland-Tujunga community for 51 years, graduating from Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga in 1963. She spent many fun years during the late 1970s and 1980s serving in the Tujunga Little League as well as working, Jeannie retired from Washington Mutual in 2006 and was able to travel across the United States to visit her children and grandchildren. She also treasured the times they came to visit her at her Sunland home.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law Kenneth and Chris Moneypenny of Sunland, CA; son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Heather Moneypenny of Flagstaff AZ; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Ryan Bradish, also of Flagstaff AZ; six grandchildren, Ryan Jr. and Taylor Bradish, and Kylee, Jake, Dylan and Rhyannen Moneypenny; two sisters, her twin, Joyce, and sister Wilma, and one brother, Randy Grover.

Family and friends gathered for a Celebration of her life at the home of Kelly and Ryan Bradish on March 27, 2010. Though she will be missed by all, many lives are richer for having known her.

“You’re such an idiot.”

When a wife kicks her husband under the table it means, ‘Shut your mouth before you land in hot water.’

Even with non verbal communication there’s room for misinterpretation.

It’s easy for a husband to misinterpret a wife’s smile, come- hither look and beckoning finger to mean he’ll get lucky tonight.

However, it’s hard for a wife to misinterpret the hand gesture given by the husband when he’s told, “No. Not tonight. I just needed you to take out the trash.”

Yep, that particular hand gesture has one meaning and one meaning only.

The wife gets the message.

There’s no room for misinterpretation.

ACCORD

(Left to right) Jeannie and sisters Joyce and Wilma.

reporter thinks that they will muddy the waters with frivolous lawsuits to slow down, even stop, closures in this lucrative industry.

So is it time to take the bold step and legalize marijuana, which might help ease the problem?

Momentum is growing.

A referendum will be on the November ballot, permitting personal use of the drug for those 21 and over. Cities or counties could allow for its sale and tax it (or not, it’ll be up to them). And it’ll also be okay for people to grow small amounts of it.

It seems as if a lot of people in City Hall were smoking that funny stuff when they were crafting the current marijuana dispensary laws. To learn firsthand what this was really about, I had to go to a medical marijuana storefront. When I did, I saw mostly young people, um, in pain. In Eagle Rock, it’s pretty easy to get a doctor’s approval for medical marijuana.

You don’t have to have something horrible like cancer, insomnia will do.

And with this economy, who can sleep well?

11

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12

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 6 • NUMBER 9

The real story of “the most interesting man”

by Adam Wills You’ve seen this man on the billboards up and down Foothill Blvd. and on television. Seated at a table, surrounded by beautiful women, a bearded man with salt-andpepper hair looks into the camera: “I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis. Stay thirsty, my friends.”

At a time when many viewers use DVRs to skip over TV commercials, Dos Equis gets people to stop

and watch its ads for their potent blend of machismo and absurdist humor. The debonair Latin pitchman, a creation of Euro RSCG, appears one part Earnest Hemingway, one part Baron Munchausen. We learn his “beard alone has experienced more than a lesser man’s entire body.”

But the actor who portrays the Most Interesting Man in the World is more likely to attend a bar mitzvah than a Quinceañera. Jonathan Goldsmith, 72, whose face and voice are now inexorably linked with one of Mexico’s topselling beers, is a New York-born Jew who lives with his wife on

a 50-foot Beneteau sailboat in Marina del Rey. Goldsmith says he had a nice career as a character actor before his Dos Equis stint began in 2007. He appeared in films, like Go Tell the Spartans, and TV shows such as The A-Team, Knight Rider and MacGyver. “But I’ve never gotten the accolades that I’ve gotten since this wonderful campaign started,” he said.

Given the campaign’s popularity, Goldsmith says

he can’t venture outside without being recognized.

“I was sitting with my wife in a little Mexican restaurant that we love to go to for breakfast. A fellow came over and said … ‘I was speaking with my little boy yesterday, who is 7, and I asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up. Unhesitatingly,

he said he wanted to be the Most Interesting Man in the World.’ And [once] we were on a bus, and an elderly gentleman on a cane came over and said, ‘When I come back, I want to be like you.’”

So, the next time you’re on Foothill Blvd. thinking of a cold one, he’ll be there to inspire you.

Robin Goldsworthy: A day in the life of an editor

by Shari Emami Robin Goldsworthy, editor of the Crescenta Valley Weekly, is anxiously waiting for the weekend.

It’s no surprise how hard she works, but with all of those solid ­­hours she puts in, she definitely deserves to have some down time.

Robin is not at all what you’d expect her to be, especially in the stressful world of journalism.

She is she hard working, but

always keeps her composure while doing many different tasks. She is fun-loving and her attitude is contagious. Her overall carefree manner and her pleasant conduct make her very easy to be around.

Robin’s day usually consists of writers’ meetings, editing stories and getting ready for production.

It’s not uncommon for her to stay until 2:30AM just to finish the paper for Friday. Production is usually on Wednesday a d iv i si o n of and meetings P a c i f i c are on Outdoor Living Monday.

The staff is really close, and all come from various backgrounds.

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from a different perspective gives the paper a distinct feel that La Crescenta residents really like.

The way the paper got started was a simple twist of fate.

After three years of being editor at the Crescenta Valley Sun, Robin left the newspaper Robin Goldsworthy at her desk. when the Tribune/ this one delivers the local news that L.A. Times bought it. Other staff the community asks for. Readers members saw this as another call in with their ideas, and the opportunity to pursue. It did not paper really takes the time out to take long for the universe to unfold consider them. Robin also knows and bring her a chance to own her how to balance her life, workload own newspaper. and family, and that “family comes In late August of 2009, disaster first.” It’s that motto that really sets hit the community with the Station her apart from other bosses as well Fire that engulfed La Crescenta and as newspaper editors. She has a Tujunga. As stated by our governor heart, she knows what people want Arnold Schwarzenneger, “Tujunga and she listens. This does not mean can wait.” That was neither fair that her work as an editor is any nor just and Robin knew she had to less efficient, just that she knows do something. She talked to Mary how to balance everything.

O’Keefe and they both decided Owning her own newspaper is to cover the real story. Heartfelt very rewarding, but Robin says that responses from appreciative locals the biggest challenge is “coming up came pouring in and on Sept 8, with advertising dollars, especially 2009, the Crescenta Valley Weekly in a depressed economy.” Still, was born. even though the Internet is As they booming, many La Crescenta say, “The residents want their “local” rest is newspaper. The Crescenta Valley history.”

Weekly even makes the effort to As hand deliver the newspaper to opposed residents. It’s that kind of personal to largetouch that makes the paper what circuis is, and is the real reason that it lation will continue to flourish. You can newsview the online version at www.

Robin, Mary and Charley – “the crew.” papers, crescentavalleyweekly.com.