The Burning Question - Are You Ready? FREE
FRIDAY • JULY 15, 2016
TELLING THE TRUTH FOR OVER 11 YEARS!
Another Tragic Death On Foothill Boulevard by
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15
Latest 4th of July Parade Is Best Ever
Karen Perdue
A vigil for Max Gonzalez was held Friday night in front of the old K-mart building. Family, friends, and members of the foothills communities attended. A vehicle was reported to have made an illegal U-turn in front of his motorcycle, tragically causing his death. He was on his way to the skate park at Sunland Park where he enjoyed spending time with friends and bicycling. Gonzalez lived in La Crescenta with his mother Lynda Green. Max’s father passed away a couple of months before and he and
photo: Dyan McManus
A few of the entries in this year’s 4th of July parade.
A simple memorial on Foothill Blvd. marks a great loss.
see Vigil, page 3
INSIDE:
VHWC
4
................ More “Wrecks of The Week”
10
............ 4th of July Parade Photos ............
12
DEPARTMENTS Foothills Happenings............. 2 News from Your Clinic........... 2 View from the Rock.............. 3 Legion Post Calendar............. 4 Movie Review...................... 4 Chef Randy........................... 5 Artfully Speaking.................. 5 Jim Laris............................... 8 Crime Stats......................... 10 Take My Card..................... 11
by
David DeMullé
The 4th of July Parade presented by the Rotary Club of Sunland-Tujunga/ Shadow Hills began at the
bend of Foothill Boulevard and Mount Gleason at 10 a.m. and traveled two miles down the community’s main thoroughfare to finish at the see Parade, page 11
It’s Wildfire Season in S-T by
David DeMullé
The risk of wildfire in Sunland-Tujunga is a reality. Fire officials are particularly concerned about the rain that came just after the wildfires. As a result,“fire season” began early, as indicated by the recent brush fires in Calabasas, as well as Ventura County. We’ve had smaller fires in Sunland-Tujunga with some threatening local homes. Some firefighters, with many years of experience, have noted with concern that the hills are drier than they have ever seen. We can expect that conditions will worsen with extreme heat, low humidity and dry winds. It’s a given: we all must be prepared for the risk of fire. We can’t depend on Stations 24, 74 and 77 being able to respond quickly enough if there is a fire in our neighborhood. We have to be prepared for the coming fires. “Brush clearance and weed abatement has made
a huge difference in firefighters’ success in saving lives and property over the past years,” said Rush of Aspers Brush & Tree Service. “It was only less than two months ago that our mountainsides were ravaged by the Azusa and Duarte fires. In talking with US Forestry members, it was pointed out that the recent rains that posed flood and mudslide problems, also caused a greening of the hills and mountains. “Weed abatement and brush clearance must be planned,” said Rush “it is important to both remove or reduce the dense vegetation that has just sprung up. So in planning Brush clearance and vegetation management, consideration must be given to both fire and flood risks. Remember that the same vegetation that must be cut-back for fire prevention also stabilizes the hillside, protecting your family and home from mudslides. Proper brush clearance requires moderation, to protect
When wildfires get this close to your house, shrubbery can kill! against slope instability.” Brush Clearance We are all subject to the special Brush clearance requirements for “Very High Fire Severity Zones.” Brush clearance inspections usually begin in May. But it is critical to remember that Brush
Clearance is a year-round responsibility. We have a duty to each other to maintain our properties in a fire-safe condition. The importance of Brush-Clearance vigilance has been well-illustrated during the recent fires in Santa Clarita where hundreds of people see Wildfire, page 11
OVER 200 DISTRIBUTION SITES IN THE FOOTHILLS AREA
2 — FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15
SPORTS PHYSICALS Sunland Student Graduates Fort Lewis College
Engineering. More than 500 students participated in the Spring Commencement ceremony. Fort Lewis College is the Southwest’s crossroads of education and adventure. The blend of small classes, dynamic academic programs, and a liberal arts perspective leads to transformative learning experi-
Pamela Bogust, of Sunland, graduated Fort Lewis College on Saturday, April 30. Bogust received a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a major in
Sandports are what define our schools are a great break from academics. You already know that participating in sports helps keep you fit. You also know that sports are a fun way to meet people and have fun. But do you know why the physical you have to take at the beginning of your sports season is so important? In the field of sports medicine, the sports physical exam is known as a Pre-participation Physical Examination, or a PPE.
Rotary Club of S-T/Shadow Hills Thanks for 4th of July Parade The Los Angeles Fire Dept. • The Park Rangers • The American Legion, Color Guards & Scouts The Foothills Paper • Marcus Klemm All of the parade entries and all the people who provided donations to the parade: Kathleen and R.M. Buffum • David Long • Roberta and Ivan Cole • John Flavin Girl Scout Troop 516 • Joe DeCenzo • Lisa and Joel Moss • Richard Bittle Sponsors (from The Foothills Paper): STNC & The Chamber of Commerce • Caruso’s Restaurant • Vons • Ralphs • Trader Joes • Verdugo Hills High School & Julie Cuddihy • Ahern Rental • Luis Lugo & the D.O.T. All of our Rotary Club family,friends & volunteers: Reed Barr • Karen & Jon Von Gunten • MedEx Pharmacy • Agave Grill • Tujunga Little League Kresse Armour • Pat Kramer • Jay Vunder • Sunland/Tujunga neighbors and store owners and everyone who attended the parade!! As a community, we made it happen!
This exam helps determine whether it’s safe for you to participate in a particular sport. The State of California requires that kids and teens have a sports physical certificate before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season. Your local Urgent Care Clinic located at the Commerce Center on 7204 Foothill Blvd. is offering a special $20 PPE. All you have to do is bring in your school ID. The exam is really fast, and you’ll be out in 20 minutes.
Local Boy Wins USA Weight-lifting Youth Nationals A La Crescenta boy took home the gold medal this past weekend at the USA Weightlifting Youth Nationals meet in Austin, Texas. Michael Melendez, 13, won gold for best overall total in his weight class, and additionally won gold in both the Snatch and Clean & Jerk events. He also went 6 for 6, meaning he hit all six of his lifts — which is an accomplishment in and of itself —as well as set new personal records of 65 kg in the Snatch (143#) and 80 kg in the Clean & Jerk (176#).
The American Records for boys 13-and-under in the 69 kg weight class is 88 kg for the Snatch and 105 kg for the Clean & Jerk. The young man’s next goal is to try to break both of those before he turns 14 in February of 2017. Melendez has been training for more than three years at CrossFit Survival, first as a member of their youth classes and now as a member of their weight-lifting team where he is coached by USAW Sports Performance Coach Shannon Franklin.
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THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 — 3
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
What an incredible 4th of July we had here. For the first time in about four years, the community came together to have fun — some by participating and some by providing support by cheering the participants on. Our local clubs and organizations that were almost driven out of existence by apathy came together and created a moment in time where everybody from the homeless in Sunland Park to the ranchers of Shadow Hills put aside their differences and proudly marched down Foothill Blvd. Maybe this is the start of a new beginning for us. Maybe we have actually overwhelmed the haters in the community. Hell, I even saw Kurt Koesler — who had demanded on the Facebook hate sites that everyone boy-
cott the parade — making himself useful on the parade route. (That meant that he wasn’t out stealing newspapers!) Good boy, Kurt. I saw so many people having fun that it was fun just watching them. The SunlandTujunga, Shadow Hills Rotary Club pulled it off. And the American Legion was cooking hot dogs and hamburgers for anyone who dropped by the hall after the parade. If we can keep this up, we have a good shot of becoming a fun community with lots of great things for people to do. Now the next thing we have to work on is the traffic accidents and fatalities we’re seeing on an almost daily basis. Three traffic fatalities and 15 serious accidents in five weeks isn’t something we can be proud of. After nine
VIEW
R OCK years of banging the drum and talking to anyone who would listen, The Foothills Paper is finally getting people’s attention on how serious the problem is. In fact, the STNC has finally gotten around to forming an ad-hoc committee to look into the problem. That will be interesting. But I’m willing to give them a chance. If you’ve ev-
er watched the video on the “Stop The Car-nage” site, you’d see more than 1,000 of the 5,000+ accident photos we have in our archives. Now would be a good time to publish them. We just need some people that are serious about stopping the crazy and distracted drivers. Funny thing though, with all the accidents, no one has claimed that“It’s The Water!”
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
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EXECUTIVE EDITOR/PUBLISHER Dr. David DeMullé
editor@thefoothillspaper.com TECHNICAL EDITOR Randall Fleming ftp@thepaper.ws STAFF ASSISTANT Dyan McManus WITH THANKS TO The ILS Foundation for Their Support
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his mother were still reeling from the loss of his father when the accident took the young man’s life on July 2. An outpouring of love and compassion for his inconsolable mother was expressed by the community. Many were deeply saddened that Gonzalez lost his life in our town. His sister, Crystal Young, was thankful for the support to help them through this very difficult time. Both women expressed gratitude for every act of kindness shown them. A deputy sheriff traveled from the Briggs station to offer kind words to the family of the young man he’d grown to know as part of his community. A nearby Mexican restaurant across the street provided tamales to the family. Flowers and candles were brought and shared. A rally was initially scheduled to follow the vigil, but at the family’s request, it was not held that night. The rally was to bring attention to the increase of dangerous and reckless driving that plagues the foothills communities. Traffic accidents and deaths have skyrocketed in Sunland-Tujunga. A special meeting was held at the North Valley City Hall a couple of weeks ago to address this and other problems — but apparently, nothing came of it. The spontaneous vigil was quickly organized by local residents to bring friends and neighbors together to make some sense of this terrible
photo: Dyan McManus
Vigil, from pg. 1
Many people brought remembrances to the vigil for Max. tragedy. More than 60 people comes down to increasing our enforcement, education, of all ages came, gave their talking with city and county condolences, lit candles and engineers about the engineertalked amongst themselves ing of future streets, but it’s about what a wonderful really about being engaged person Gonzalez was. as a community member.” One person at the vigil People are just driving said, “It’s just really good crazy, another person said. to see everyone get together, “All I want is for people to you know, no matter what,” look both ways and to stop at he said. “Everyone here stop signs, because it literally considered Max a friend.” could save somebody’s life,” The gathering was filled she said. The driver who hit with some laughter, some tears, some moments of quiet Gonzalez has not yet been cited by police. as the realization that their “They say that time heals friend was gone. A small all wounds, but right now, group of STNC members quite honestly, many of us were quietly talking and one are thinking there’s just said, “As a community, this not enough time in eternity. should be a major red flag going up, as like: why do we There’s so much pain and suffering because people have this many fatalities?” are distracted or just flat-out One woman said in defense speeding.” of the LAPD, “We only The vigil was organized have so many cops. There’s by a few people in the comnot enough cops for every munity who wanted to show intersection, so it really
support to the family of the victim. “Basically, we’ve just got a few people in our community and our hearts are broken. They were looking for a way to show support to the family, to show support for each other. It’s really been an organic event, not one real organizer, just everybody coming together and wanting to come out and show their support for Max’s family,” said a friend and mourner of Gonzalez. A makeshift memorial has sprung up at the scene of the crash on Foothill Boulevard and Rhodesia Avenue. People have left photos, signs, candles, flowers and crosses to honor Gonzalez. A GoFundMe Page memorial fund by Robert Faulkner has been set-up to help the family, and it may be found at www.gofundme.com/ MaxGMemorial.
4 — FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15
Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus Invites Singers Attention All Veterans, Sons, Daughters and Wives of Veterans
Come and Enjoy your local American Legion Post Help support Veterans and Veterans’ Causes
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The Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus by
Are you man enough for this “Fru-Fru” drink?
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10039 Pinewood Avenue, Tujunga
(818) 353-9856
Events open to the Public Canteen Hours - 7 days a week, 2- 10 p.m.
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For Hall Rental, call Commander Dan at (818) 521-1137
The Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus (VHWC) has a great way to spend Monday mornings, catch up with old friends, create new ones and have fun all at the same time. The secret is singing! Benefits of singing and music in general cannot be measured; they are so numerous. Chorus
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members say there is no better way to start the week. Women who used to sing in high school or have never sung in a chorus before can give it a test run by attending the annual Summer Fun Rehearsal on August 1 at 9 a.m. at the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church (LCPC), 2902 Montrose Avenue, La Crescenta. The chorus, which is not as-
sociated with any church, utilizes the LCPC for their weekly Monday morning rehearsals September to June and for the Fun Rehearsal in August. The VHWC has entertained in the Verdugo Hills/Foothill community for more than 60 years and is a member of the state-wide organization, Calsee VHWC, page 9
Movie Review: The Secret Life of Pets by
CHECK OUT OUR LUNCHEON SPECIALS
Arlene Massimino
Bob Garver
“The Secret Life of Pets” is an animated kids’ movie where two dogs don’t like each other, but they find themselves stranded and in danger, so they have to work together if they ever want to get home. Just like in “Toy Story.” And “Inside Out.” And “The Good Dinosaur.” And “Finding Nemo.” And “Finding Dory.” But this one is also about what non-humans do when humans aren’t around. Just like in “Toy Story.” And “The Lego Movie.” And “The Brave Little Toaster.” And “Finding Nemo.” And “Finding Dory.” Yeah, there’s not a lot of originality in this movie. But some of it is delivered well, I’ll give it that. The plot sees terrier Max (Louis C.K.) living a comfortable life with his owner Katie (Ellie Kemper). His world is turned upside down when she brings home a rescued beast of a dog named Duke (Eric Stonestreet). Each dog feels threatened by the other, neither is good at sharing, they end up stranded together. Max’s neighbors try to save the two. There’s his
Pomeranian wannabe girlfriend Gidget (Jenny Slate), wisecracking cat Chloe (Lake Bell), barking bulldog Mel (Bobby Moynihan), elongated wiener dog Buddy (Hannibal Buress), reformed predator hawk Tiberius (Albert Brooks), and veteran Basset Hound Pops (Dana Carvey). Max and Duke, for their part, get themselves in even more trouble by getting on the bad side of crazed hairless cat Ozone (Steve Coogan) and human-hating bunny Snowball (Kevin Hart). The biggest problem with this movie is that the two leads are badly miscast. Stonestreet is too obviously likeable to play the hardened, just-got-out-of-prison Duke. But at least with him I can somewhat understand that his range is not limited to the genial character he plays on “Modern Family.” Louis C.K, on the other hand, has spent decades crafting a specific persona that is recognized across several mediums. He has made sure that we always think of him as a cynical schlub. So it’s jarring when he tries to play the happy-go-lucky Max in early scenes. I can’t help
but feel like his more wellknown persona is always poking through, even if he’s genuinely trying. It seems like there’s an episode of his show being taped off-camera where the joke is that he’s been cast in this role that’s completely wrong for him and there’s an annoying director telling him to be happier, without much success. That’s not to say that the whole cast is wrong. I like Lake Bell as the smart-aleck cat. She perfectly captures typical cat apathy (catpathy, if you will) along with cats’ tendency to freak out over the tiniest things. Alsee Secret Life, page 9
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 — 5
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Asparagus and Sun Dried Tomato Frittata
Artfully
SPEAKING
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The Art of Creating by
Chef Randy
There is something about the combination of asparagus, tomatoes and Fontina cheese that makes this recipe unique. I’ve made this same frittata with a number of different cheeses and always come back to Fontina. Fontina is a versatile cheese often used in egg dishes because it melts easily and compliments, without overpowering, the eggs. Although there are a few varieties on the market, I like the Swedish variety best because it is slightly tart and nutty. It has a mild earthy flavor that runs from mellow to sharp depending on age. Whether you make this for breakfast or for a late brunch, it is quick easy to make. I
can get it from prep-to-the table in less than 30 minutes. I’ll bet you can too. Ingredients: 8 large eggs ½ cup heavy cream ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 small garlic clove (minced) 1 pound fresh asparagus ½ cup sun dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) 2/3 cup Fontina cheese (shredded) Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the eggs, cream, salt and pepper, and whisk thoroughly. Cut the bottom
2-3 inches off the ends of the asparagus and discard. Cut the remaining asparagus into 1 inch sections. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and asparagus and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Then add the sun dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Sprinkle the cheese on top and place the pan, uncovered, in the oven for 14 to 15 minutes until cooked through. Remove the frittata from the oven and allow to cool for approximately 5 minutes. To serve, carefully slide it onto a cutting board. Cut into 6 wedges and serve with a side of fresh fruit for breakfast or brunch.
For additional recipes, see Chef Randy’s website at
valley-vegetarian.com
Artists have storehouses of work and few places to sell it. Especially when you paint every day, it becomes a problem. Galleries don’t sell great work, they sell what sells. Contemporary art is the big mover and shaker today. It is the eye of the storm today; contemporary galleries, fewer traditional galleries. At the turn of the first century when America was expanding west, landscape became king. People had never seen the land being newly discovery and were enthralled. Also America was expanding and trying to find its identity and uniqueness as a new nation. Some were getting rich quick in manufacturing, industry, railroads. They had money to burn then. These movers and shakers wanted to show their wealth by building huge homes and of course they had to fill them with furniture and Art. At first they bought European art or classical art because there was virtually no “American” art. American artists even trained in Europe. You couldn’t get arrested as an artist without having studied in Europe. When they returned they painted this new land. The landscapes they painted then had context. A reason, so to speak, for being painted. This continued through the thirties and forties. Things changed in the fifties after the War. Prosperity made more wealth for average people and our attention shifted to commercial goods, diversion, movies became the big thing, photography took a big chunk
t
e
out of art making. Galleries sold photos of landscapes for those to buy for much less. Art became an item for the rich and not the common man. And they already had all the “good” art. So Art became “common”, down to earth, made less well by lesser artists or artists with questionable training, weekend painters. Artist didn’t have to acquire a European pedigree any longer. Anyone could paint with a few lessons and the prices were made more affordable. To make this already long story shorter, Art made today has less worth and is made lesser by the fact that many buyers think anyone can do it. The idea that there is “quality” art has to be manufactured in the minds of the buyers because no one can really tell you with any certainty- what good art is anymore. There is technically good work, well painted art, but art today has no context. It is just painted to fill a gap in one’s life, a diversion from retirement, release from the routine of work or the children. It’s fun to paint regardless of its quality or meaning. The idea of art has lost its seriousness, it meaning. We make pretty pictures for no apparent reason because we are “artists”. And we wonder why no one cares enough to pay even $50.00 for it. Art making is an industry, somewhat insular and egocentric and so much more is unknown about why art sells and who sells it and to whom it gets sold. It has little to do with “quality” or even pedigree any longer.
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6 — FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15
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VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Pets and Social Media Aper’s Animals garner increased online attention
From dogs and cats filling up social media feeds — some even with their own profiles — to true pet celebrities who command the attention of millions, animals have become a major part of the digital landscape. With this in mind, Mars Petcare conducted a survey to learn more about people’s social media habits when it comes to animals. Here are some of the top findings.
Pet Love Trumps Personal Vanity More than half of pet owners polled care more about getting “likes” and/or comments for their pet-related posts than they do for most other topics, including
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All Animals, All the Time About 65 percent of pet owners post about their furry friends on social media an average of two times per week. One in six said they’ve created a social media profile specifically for their pet — and half of those pet owners say their pets get more social attention than they do online. One third said they post about their pets as much, and as often, as they do about their human family and 13 percent admitted to posting about their pets even more than they do their human relatives.
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changes to their own profile picture. Whichever way you throw the ball, pet posts matter most. Call Them the “Paw-Purratzi” Thirty percent of pet owners follow famous animals on social media. The bottom line is people love pets, whether it’s their own or one
with real rock star status, and love sharing their stories with the world. The survey underscores what was already known: Pets have become an integral part of people’s lives and pop culture. To learn more about how to make a Better World for Pets, visit facebook.com/ABetterWorldforPets.
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8 — FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15
Not Just Another Shaggy Dog Story by Jim
Laris
to pick up an Airedale who had been picked up off the Well, I knew it was going street. Well, I went down to happen. Yes, I shot a there and got him. And he few Democrats just to was one rattylooking dog. watch ’em die. No, that was His hair was all matted and Johnny Cash in “Folsom his head was bald and he Prison Blues.” I always liked was scary skinny and he had Johnny. No, no, I didn’t shoot a trailer-trash long tail, and anybody. he smelled like no. 2 and he What I did was get another had just been neutered. I got dog. Yup, my life was just him in the car and he nipped getting too comfortable at me. (Hey, I would have and I was enjoying myself nipped at someone too if I way too much to not have had just had my nuts snipped another furball around. And, off.) of course, my good friend We got him home and he Paula Johnson had something started to get acclimated by to do with it. She suggested taking a dump on the living that I get a rescue dog from room carpet that was bigger the pound and not get another than any dump Hadley had damn purebred like my last ever taken and would have dog, Hadley. And she kept given a rhinoceros dump giving me subtle hints, like, a good challenge for both “Got another dog yet, you texture and total volume. jerkoff commie heartless bas- I scolded him and he intard who likes to see dogs put stantly rolled on the floor in down at the pound?” (Are a submissive posture. I told you able to get new friends at him I didn’t want him to be the pound?) submissive because that’s So, as it happened, I had what I want out of my wife, recently joined the Airedale not my dog. Rescue Society, and my main Then we had to give him function was to help them a name. My first choice was haul rescued dogs to kennels Dumpy, but I didn’t share and homes. So they called that with Marge. So, because me and had me go down to he was bald, I said how about the animal shelter in Downey ArchiBALD? She thought
that was just a little too cute, so I came up with Jughead because he has a jughorse head. That didn’t fly, either. Then we remembered that Jughead used to hang out with Archie in the comics. So his name is officially Archie. Archie the Airedale. I asked him how he liked his name and he didn’t say much. Then I asked him how he liked being rescued from the shelter and being with us, and he paused and said, “I would have preferred the 8 year old boy on a Montana ranch, but seeing as I am nutless, I might like it here in the old folks’ home.” I told the Rhino Defecator not to press his luck. Let me tell you a few things about this dog. We’ve only had him for three weeks but we are starting to see a trend. And the word “psycho” is in a lot of the early data. He likes to dig holes in the backyard; he likes to eat shoes; he is sneakier than Pete and waits until we leave a room before he shreds our valuables; he has squeezed under a fence and run away three times; and he likes to seriously haul ass around the house just tucking in his Airedale butt
and crashing into things that used to be whole. I mean this sucker moves like Clinton after an intern, baby. And one time while I was out playing Scrabble, and Marge had to go out for a few hours, she put him in the laundry room. When she got back, she opened the door and there was Archie, looking at her eyeball to eyeball. He had jumped up on a counter and ripped open some dog food packets and was trapped up there. But not before tearing down the curtains and overturning his water and food dishes. Psycho. Archie, not Marge. And get this: I have never seen Archie either pee or go dumpypoo. Never. Not once. Yes, I see the results, but I have never seen him do these things. Hadley would do these things until I cried. Archie is different. Oh, and Archie does not lick, either. Have you ever heard of a dog that doesn’t like to slobber on you? Me neither. He’ll put his mouth up to yours to smell what you’ve just eaten and try to remove it before you can swallow it, but he won’t lick. I think this is a case for The Dog Whisperer.
Jim Laris is Jim Laris. Maybe even The Dog Hollerer. But we love the big lug already. He’s very sweet. He is just a gentle giant of a dog. He now weighs more than 70 pounds and you can’t feel his bony sides anymore. And he’s getting healthier after the antibiotics and the deworming and the deficit building vet bills. And his hair is starting to grow out. And he smells a little better after the industrial bath and chemical dip. But he’s still pissed off about his nuts. Jim Laris is a former publisher and owner of the Pasadena Weekly. Contact him at jimlaris@mac.com.
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THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 — 9
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Two Robberies In One Night
VHWC, from pg. 4 ifornia Women’s Chorus, Inc. (CWC). As such, they perform in a combined state chorus concert once a year. The VHWC performs for local venues during the Christmas and spring seasons. Current membership is 30-plus friendly, energetic and dedicated singers and is open to any woman who has a love of music and a desire to sing. No auditions are required. Sharon Schlarb, the VHWC’s amazing choral director since
Secret Life, from pg. 4 Peñas Tacos by
Karen Perdue
Two burglaries occurred at two separate restaurants in the early morning hours on June 21. The glass doors of My Thai and Peñas Tacos were smashed open, making entry possible for the three persons caught on video tape. It is believed the same suspects are responsible for both incidents. Both locations had surveillance cameras which captured the burglars’ images that were partially masked by hoodies, a bandana, and dust masks. They were also wearing gloves and carrying flashlights. At My Thai in Sunland, a pest control contractor discovered their broken glass door at 3:40 a.m. The police were summoned. The restaurant was ransacked. Missing from the premises
were coins for change, an older model iPhone used for playing music and an even older model iPad. At Peñas Tacos in Sunland, the restaurant owner was in his office doing paperwork at approximately 3:50 a.m. when he heard the breaking of glass and saw three men entering his restaurant through the damaged front doors. The owner exited his office and apparently surprised the burglars. Upon being confronted by the owner’s yelling, the suspects ran out the same way they entered: through the broken front doors. They ran up the street where another surveillance camera caught the image of their car. Both restaurants wish to extend their gratitude to the community for the concern and support upon learning of the burglaries.
bert Brooks continues to impress in his string of dark roles as the initially-villainous Tiberius. Dana Carvey makes the most of his juiciest role in years as Pops. And I can’t believe I’m about to type the following sentence: Kevin Hart is the best thing about this movie. I feel like there should be a red zigzag under that sentence but it’s true. His broad, manic style that annoys me 95% of the time is a perfect fit for playing an animated villain. And speaking of animation, there seems to be
WC is consistent with that 1999, presents the chorus with a variety of challenging and fun of CWC: to encourage choral singing among wommusic. Accompanist Diana Tyson is simply brilliant at the pia- en and to raise funds for muno. Together they instill a desire sic awards for vocal students. to learn and perfect new muAttend the August 1 rehearssic and polish up older songs. al and lend your voice and experience the joy of singing. Chorus members reside in For more information, please La Crescenta, La Cañada, Pasadena, Altadena, Glendale, contact Sharon Schlarb at (626) Burbank and Sunland-Tujun403-5622 or Arlene Massimiga. There are no geographino at (818) 409-9209. Please cal boundaries. The VHWC, RSVP if you plan to attend “the friendliest group in town,” the Summer Fun Rehearsal and a packet of music will wants you to check them out. be available for you that day. The goal of the VHsome extra effort put into his character’s facial expressions. He has this way of trying to be vicious, but subconsciously he always reverts back to being human-pleasingly cute. It’s a delightful, adorable, and surprisingly subtle creative choice. There’s actually a lot to like about “The Secret Life of Pets,” but unfortunately there’s even more to dislike. The miscast main characters weigh the movie down, the story and adventure are uninspired, and lazy humor abounds. This is a movie that loves its bathroom gags, obvious pratfalls, and overeat-
ing jokes ripped off from “Garfield” (though one overeating scene is funny on an unintended level if you know about an upcoming animated feature). As animated animal movies go, this is inferior to “Finding Dory” and “Zootopia.” But as movies in this disappointing summer season go, it’s not that bad. Two Stars out of Five. “The Secret Life of Pets” is rated PG for action and some rude humor. Its running time is 90 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at: rrg251@nyu.edu.
10 — FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
W r e c k S Oo f Tt Hh eE W E E K
It’s about time that we seriously consider slowing down and living another day. It’s not all about YOU, it’s about those who love you and would like to see you return home safely. In the past three weeks, there have been 15 serious accidents — and two fatalities.
Another fatality on La Tuna Canyon Boulevard.
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15
Local Toastmaster’s Club Achieves “President’s Distinguished” Status
On June 27, the Foothills Community Toastmasters Club installed their new board of directors. At the ceremony, it was announced that the club had achieved the status of “President’s Distinguished” in their first year as a club. This status is awarded by Toastmasters International to clubs which meet specific goals in club growth as well as leadership and educational advancement of the members. “Foothills Community Toastmasters has had a great first year,” said the outgoing president, Alithea Coleman. “We achieved the status of ‘President’s Distinguished’ which is the highest annual award that a Toastmaster Club can achieve. To have achieved this status in our very first year is nothing short of amazing. I am very proud to have
helped to found this group.” Each of the outgoing officers was given a certificate. Each incoming officer was given a ceremonial key representing their commitment to both self-improvement and service. Then the outgoing President, Alithea Coleman, “passed the gavel” to the new President. The new board consists of President Dennis Coleman, Secretary Chris Rowe, Treasurer Beth Franklin, Sargent-at-Arms Ginny Atherton, VP Education Ruth de Silveira, VP Membership Sharon Bates and VP Public Relations Lallah Rowe. “I want the members of our community to know that we are here for them,” said newly installed Club President, Dennis Nordstrom. “Whether someone is speaking at their local PTA meetings, leading a boy scout troop, trying to better
handle their job and co-workers, supervising a construction site, trying to get a promotion, running a small business or improving their sales, they can benefit from the Toastmasters program. It is not just about giving speeches. It is about learning how to lead. Our motto is ‘Toastmasters – Where leaders are made.’ That is what we do and that is what makes us such a great club.” The club was founded in May, 2015 and became an officially chartered club of Toastmasters International last October. They meet every Monday night at the home of Richard and Susan Stewart, 10700 Hillrose Circle in Sunland. For more information, they can be reached via their Web site: www.foothillscommunitytoastmasters.club or email: fctm.club@gmail.com.
Assemblyman Gatto and Gov. Brown Announce Sweeping CPUC Reforms A single-car “flip & roll” accident on the 210 EB freeway.
Making a left turn into an on-coming car is never good.
Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), the author of ACA 11 (which passed the Assembly by a 61-9 vote on June 2nd), and Governor Jerry Brown announced reaching agreement on extensive reforms to the California Public Utilities Commission, which will vastly improve the way California’s utility regulators serve the public. The reforms, which number in the dozens, will affect everything from the commission’s governance, accountability, transactions, transparency, and oversight. Reforms to the CPUC in recent years had proven elusive; this package represents a significant accord toward remaking
and rehabilitating the CPUC. “It’s hard to find a community in California that wasn’t affected by the CPUC in recent years,” said Assemblyman Gatto, Chairman of the Assembly’s Utility and Commerce Committee. “These much-needed reforms are a significant step to restore the public’s trust in the commission, and ensuring that it does what is best for ratepayers.” Assemblyman Gatto and Governor Brown have agreed to the following principles to reform the CPUC, most which will appear in legislation that Gatto will carry. “The reforms in this package overhaul the CPUC and
subject it to more transparent good-government principles,” said Gatto. “It will now be able to focus on the things that are most important to Californians and our communities – safety, the environment, and keeping utility rates low.” Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Utilities & Commerce Committee and the longest-serving current member of the State Assembly. He represents California’s 43rd Assembly District, which includes Burbank, Glendale, and Los Angeles. For details on these reforms and the agencies and departments that will be affected, please visit www.asm.ca.gov/gatto.
Timothy Rakisits An illegal U-turn killed this motorcyclist on Foothill Blvd.
July 24, 1954 - June 11, 2016 Timothy Rakisits passed away at Verdugo Hills Hospital on June 11, 2016 after a short illness. Tim was born in Glendale on July 24, 1954 to Julius and Irene Rakisits. Tim grew up in the Montrose-La Crescenta area and attended local schools. After high school, he learned the art of plastering from his father who was a local contractor and he worked in that trade for more than 40 years. Tim had a real passion for reading and family and also devoted a good portion of his life in raising his nephew Patrick Rakisits.
This gives new meaning to the term “going postal” when a distracted driver side-swiped this truck.
There were way too many accidents to cover here; visit Facebook.com/StopTheCarnage
During Tim’s younger years he made numerous trips to Colorado to hunt with his father and brothers. Timothy was a loving and caring person with a smile for everyone. He will be missed by all who knew him. Timothy is survived by his brothers and sisters: Julius Mary, Martha, David, James, Sarah, Becky, Donald, Janet and many, nephews, nieces and cousins.
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 — 11
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
they had to work with local volunteers Peggy and Don Cates to determine the amount and kind of barricades that were needed, to make arrangements with the Department of Transportation to deliver the barricades, to arrange the putting up and taking down of “No
Parking” signs, provide for traffic control and to insure post-parade street sweeping. A lot of behind-the-scenes planning had to be done before the parade could even be promoted. This year’s parade featured Brian Schneider as the parade grand marshal,
feet of structures: • Remove all dead materials were forced to evacuate their from live plants, such as homes, where firefighters have needles, leaves, and branches reported that many neighbor• Remove all dead trees, plants, hoods had been spared beand shrubs, but leave the lowcause of strict compliance with est 3 inches and root structure Brush Clearance Rules and to help prevent erosion wise Landscape/ Vegetation • All grass, brush and weeds Management, preventing fires must be cut to 3 inches or from destroying their homes less in height, unless it is and taking lives. well-maintained and irrigated landscaping (single trees, landVegetation management as it scape shrubbery or cultivated relates to wildland fires refers ground cover, however, may to the total or partial removal be permitted) of high fire hazard grasses, • Reduce fuel load by pruning shrubs, or trees. Wildfire the lower 1/3 of native brush, behavior is strongly influenced plants, and shrubs by vegetation type, terrain • Give special consideration to and weather. Castor Bean and problem trees such as EucaSumac are vegetation that lyptus and Palms. Remove all are ready to explode when lit leaves, limbs, litter and loose because of the high concentra- bark from the ground and tion of oils contained in their trunks of the trees to a height leaves. of 20 feet • For trees taller than 18 feet, Basic requirements for remove lower branches within brush clearance within 200 six feet of the ground
• For trees and shrubs less than 18 feet, remove lower branches to 1/3 of their height
Parade, from pg. 1 Sunland Park. Putting a parade together is not an easy feat. The Rotary Club began in February to obtain the necessary permits from the City of Los Angeles as well as to gain approval for the street closures. Then
Wildfire, from pg. 1
the Verdugo Hills High School Cheerleaders whose performances prompted rousing cheers, mounted and marching color guards, floats of all shapes and sizes, and vehicles representing the Fire, Forestry and Police Departments. Of course, there was the volunteer fire department
with its yearly water event. Everybody that was anybody was there having fun. It is estimated that more than 2,000 people lined Foothill Boulevard for the parade — making it the largest and most successful community event in the past four years.
clearance around fire hydrants on or near your property • NEVER park in front of a fire hydrant (It is unsafe and illegal Roadways and private streets to park within 15 feet of one.) • Clear all flammable vegeta• Make sure that those working tion within 10 feet of roads for you comply with all fire and driveways safety rules including contrac• Cut all brush, weeds and tors and construction workers grass to three inches in height • Protect the community by for a distance of 10 feet from reporting any vehicle parked all highways, streets, alleys in front of a fire hydrant. and driveways Call Parking Enforcement • Cut back overhanging tree 24-Hours (213) 485-4184 or branches above roads to pro311 from any land line in L.A. vide at least 14 feet of vertical clearance Fire protection landscaping • Make sure your address is The plants, trees, shrubs and clearly painted on the curb for ground cover that beautify identification purposes your property are also fuel • Make sure that your address for fire. That, of course, is no can be seen on your house reason to strip your land of or mailbox from the street, vegetation. Indeed, it is also using numbers of at least four critical that the hillsides reinches high and in a color that main stable, and vegetation is contrasts with the background essential to maintaining such • Park vehicles in your drivestability. Plants and trees that way or garage, not the street have rooted on the hillsides • Maintain three feet of brush provide this stability, without
which the community would be washed away in floods. But it is nevertheless important to remember that plants are fuel for fire. Some forms of vegetation create high fire hazards, while others are fire resistant. An essential aspect of landscaping in the Canyon is therefore fire protection, with a vigilant eye towards flood control. Now is the right time to consider making changes to maximize your safety. In terms of vegetation planning, the most critical space is the 100 feet surrounding structures on your property. On flat areas surrounding your home, you will help reduce fire hazards by planting and maintaining nonflammable soft-scape lawns, border plantings, flower gardens, and vegetation beds, along with hard-scapes, such as pools, concrete, brick, or stone decks.
12 — FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 15
Pictures of a Parade! The Rotary Club of Sunland-Tujunga & Shadow Hills would like to thank all the participants who made this 4th of July parade such a success. We couldn’t have done it without you. Congressman Adam Schiff Assemblywoman Patty Lopez District Attorney Mike Feuer President BPW Kevin James City of Los Angeles LAPD & Sergeant Ojeda, the Cadets, LAPD Motorcycle Drill Team & Flyover Peggy & Don Cates Angel Espindola & VHHS Baseball Team