By Mary O’KEEFE On June 4, several Crescenta Valley community members joined hundreds of others at Santa Monica Beach to participate in Life Rolls On, They Will Surf Again. Jesse Billauer, who in 1996 at the age of 17 had a promising professional surfing career, founded the organization Life Rolls On in 2002. When a wave pushed him headfirst into a shallow sandbar, he fractured his neck and injured his spinal cord rendering him quadriplegic. But his injury didn’t stop him from wanting to continue to surf; he also wanted to share that love of surfing with others. Several times a year volunteers on both coasts take to the beach to surf with wheelchair-bound athletes. “Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Believing that adaptive surfing and skating could inspire infinite possibilities beyond paralysis, Life Rolls On began as a splash into the unknown on Sept. 11, 2001; it achieved 501c3 nonprofit status in 2002; and now touches the lives of hundreds of thousands,” according to the LRO website. Surfers and volunteers preregister for the events. Volunteers can choose jobs that match their comfort level, from going into the surf as experienced surfers to staying on the sand. The waves are usually calm but then there are days like June 4 when Mother Nature tested the skills and energy levels of volunteers and surfers. “It was really rough for the event,” said Garrett Leum. Leum, along with his entire family, has been involved with LRO for years, and said that Saturday was one of the most challenging. “There was a sandbar out there that made the waves break sooner and they were a lot steeper,” he said. Leum and his brother Hunter are both experienced surfers, and both were at the event. “My main concern was keeping the [adaptive] surfer on the board,” Hunter said. Surfers are brought to the shore in a specifically designed wheelchair and then helped onto a surfboard designed for the wheelchair athlete. Volunteers carry the board into the water; other volunteers in the low, mid and deep levels of water support them. Then, when the wave is right, the board is positioned and a volunteer paddles and controls the back of the surfboard as the surfer rides the wave. Hunter guided the board. Under ordinary circumstances it can be challenging, but on June 4 it was a little more demanding. “The waves were so big and the board is so big I wasn’t heavy enough to [keep] the nose from going into the water,” said Hunter. “It was pretty tough.” Hunter and his dad, Mike, took turns controlling the board while Garrett and other volunteers kept a watchful eye on the surfer, making sure that if they fell into the water help would be there within seconds. “The waves were steeper and harder [than previous events],” Leum said. “You want it to be more cresting. It starts at the top and slowly works its way down.” In addition to the challenging waves there was a strong rip current and wind. The current was so strong volunteers had to swim rather than tread water most of the time to avoid being pulled out further into the sea. And the wind made the waves “choppy,” Leum said. And then there was the temperature. “It was cold, a lot colder than we expected,” Leum said. “The water was cooler than usual, the waves bigger and stronger than I have ever experienced with LRO,” Hunter added. But both of them, and the other CV volunteers, said they will be back next time LRO has an event. Uncertain weather and surf are just something surfers deal with, whether they get to the water via a wheelchair or by walking. It is the love of surfing and the experience that keeps those who volunteer, and the surfers, coming back. “I do it just because I like helping people,” Hunter said. “It is really a humbling experience.” He added the surfers have a positive attitude and are very brave and trusting to get on the surfboard. “It’s all just to see the reaction of the participants,” Garrett said of the reason he will continue to return to the LRO beach, “to see them overcome their fears and to see their faces as they [ride] the waves.”

 

 

On Sunday, June 5, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy held its annual graduation ceremony. Guests gathered on Crane Field to celebrate the 99 graduates of the class of 2016. The graduates wore white flowing gowns and carried red roses, a tradition since the earliest FSHA graduation in 1933. Valedictorian Kelly Fradet urged her classmates to "think like a scientist" and "never stop asking questions," while salutatorian Alyssa Carter compared the class of 2016 to an award-winning team, surrounded by cheering coaches.

The keynote speaker was author and alumna Jan Ellison ’83. Ellison recounted her journey as a writer, including winning an O. Henry Award for her first published short story and the publication of her first novel, "A Small Indiscretion" (Random House), last year. She asked the graduates to "handle life roughly."

The festivities closed with a singing of the alma mater and the traditional rose petal toss.

Photo by Leonard COUTIN

By McKenna MIDDLETON Churches all over the country will take part in the long-standing tradition of Vacation Bible School (VBS) this month, and the foothills community is no exception. Children attend VBS for about three hours a day for a week in the summer, but the memories and experiences of the event make VBS a favorite part of many children’s summers. “I love serving at VBS because seeing how much joy the kids have warms my heart,” said Amanda Burch, a member of Glendale Presbyterian Church who has volunteered at VBS for three years, but also attended the program as a child. “I remember loving to play with the older girl leaders when I was a kid at the same VBS. VBS not only is a time of fun, but seeing the kids learn about Jesus is truly what makes me come back every year.” Between learning Bible memory verses and worship songs, children build a community through fun activities and even service projects. “They have a blast and it’s a fun way to learn about the Bible. Also, they get to meet new kids in a fun and safe environment since the event is open to the community, not just people who go to the church,” Montrose Church member Susann Schick, who has sent her two sons to VBS for years, said. VBS takes on a new theme each year to teach the Bible in a fun, creative way to kids. This year the themes range from Deep Sea Discovery to Cave Quest. “This year, we are really emphasizing that God knows them,” said La Crescenta Presbyterian Church (LCPC) director of Children’s Ministries Ashley Pollock. “That God, huge though He may be, actually gets them and loves them as individuals.” Some churches in the foothills area host VBS in the morning, like LCPC, while others offer VBS in the evening, like Montrose Church. Regardless, kids and parents can expect a day of worship songs, fun activities, and creative ways to learn about the Bible. “VBS is interactive. It gets kids involved in music and art and reading and outdoor play,” Pollock said. “There is so much packed into each day that it always amazes me how quickly three hours flies by.” Most VBS programs charge between $30 and $50 per child for the week. Kids are often split up by age groups, especially at churches with larger VBS programs like Montrose Church and LCPC with about 300 kids. “VBS is an opportunity to share the gospel with children. It is a chance to not only tell them about Jesus Christ and His awesome love but also to show them that love in our words and actions,” said Pollock. “We get 15 hours to talk to kids, play with kids, teach kids and learn from kids.”

By Mary O’KEEFE For the past 10 years the Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge has held its Ramadan Interfaith Potluck Iftar, inviting the public and especially members of churches in the area. Each year the Islamic Congregation members share with those outside their religion what the time of Ramadan means to them as a way of building a bridge of understanding. Typically there are mentioned acts of violence made in the name of their religion. Islamic Congregation members take the opportunity to offer the core concepts of the Islamic faith, which are peace, love, community and a great respect for life. Ramadan is a time of fasting and reflection. The faithful fast from dusk to dawn and, much like the time of Lent for Christians, it is a time for reflection. And as Lent is a time to spend with the Bible, Ramadan is a time for Muslims to read the Quran. “It is a [season] to say more prayers, prayers for our community,” said Levent Akbarut, member of the Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge. Every year the congregation celebrates Humanitarian Day, which takes place the third Sunday of Ramadan. “For the first time we are partnering with the La Cañada Presbyterian Church [for Humanitarian Day],” Akbarut said. This year the Islamic Congregation is partnering with La Cañada Presbyterian Church and the Masjid Al-Taqwa Mosque in Altadena to support homeless programs in Pasadena. This is not the first time the Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge has partnered with LCPC; in March a forum was held where Islam was discussed and questions from the audience answered. The Congregation has had joint social functions with LCPC as well. Working with other faiths is nothing new for the Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge. For the past 10 years they have reached out to all churches and all faiths with their potluck events. They have volunteered hundreds of hours for projects like Habitat for Humanity, working alongside community members of various faiths. “We also do Run for the Hungry (in La Cañada) and our interfaith Baccalaureate in La Cañada,” Akbarut said. They also raise money and support child refugees from Syria, Palestine and Gaza. Unfortunately, during this most revered time of Ramadan and the ongoing work done within and outside of the Muslim community, this season was tainted with violence and, once again, those of the Islamic faith had to make a stand against violence to defend their religion against ignorance. Early Sunday morning a reportedly “home grown” terrorist armed with an assault rifle and a pistol killed 49 people and wounded 53 in an attack inside a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The New York-born terrorist reportedly claimed allegiances to Islamic extremists. The FBI continues its investigation. “The tragedy early Sunday morning really struck deeply within the Muslim community, the LGBT community and the rest of the country,” Akbarut said. He added this hate crime was heartbreaking; but then there was the added layer of hurt because the perpetrator had “some sort of an Islamic identification, perverted as it was.” “The Muslim [community] needed to come out and make a special statement,” he said. They did that through the Islamic Center of Southern California in partnership with Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace (ICUJP) that hosted an interfaith vigil against violence and hatred. The candlelight vigil on Monday evening included members from several faiths, the Los Angeles Police Dept. and the LGBT community. There was a strong police presence onsite for security. Akbarut pointed out that one thing the extremists do not like is those of the Islamic faith speaking out against this violence. “I think Muslim extremists of all things they would despise would be Muslims themselves delegitimizing their actions,” he said. The tragedy in Orlando hit the Muslim community hard in many ways, not only with the senseless attack against the LGBT community and the tragic loss of so many lives and so many injured, but the violence occurred during Ramadan – the time of reflection, peace and understanding. Akbarut said that it also happened during a time when many Muslims were still mourning the loss of Muhammad Ali. “It added another layer of anguish,” he said. “The loss of the world’s most famous Muslim person. [Ali] was a great ambassador, making [our] religion of Islam dignified … He was so adored for being an American and being a Muslim.” Akbarut, along with his family, his congregation and his community, will continue to honor the Ramadan season by reaching out to others to help, to educate and to pray for the victims of violence.

This free – yes, free – show brings together all types of helicopters for the public to learn about – and appreciate.

By Brandon HENSLEY

lthough they took different career paths, Jim Paules and Chuck Street grew up loving aviation, especially helicopters, and all those aircraft and their crews do for people. It’s why both men are excited to be a part of the American Heroes Air Show on Saturday at the Hanson Dam Recreation Area in Lake View Terrace.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the public can view – for free – the many helicopters on display from various L.A. County area police, fire and sheriff’s departments, as well as visit with the crews who fly and take care of them.

"It’s a great opportunity to remind people the role that helicopters and their crews play in the Los Angeles basin," said Street, who will work the event as public address announcer.

Previously this year, the Air Show was held in Austin, Texas in April and in Seattle in May. The show was first presented in 1993 at the Santa Monica Airport and, according to its website, has since become the nation’s premier helicopter-only event.

"It’s the only exclusive helicopter-only aviation experience anywhere in the state because we focus only on rotary wing aviation helicopters," said Paules, event volunteer director. "By doing so, our mission is to educate the community, the media and public officials about the dynamic and diverse role of helicopters in public service."

Besides viewing helicopters, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will be there to swear in 50 people during a naturalization ceremony.

Paules said the event has been in Lakeview Terrace since 1996. He’s seen larger crowds come out year after year, as well as the show being more family-oriented. To Paules, the message is about getting across how important helicopters are in people’s lives. This year, there will be about 25 helicopters on display. People will be able to talk to air crews about the role the flying machines have in putting out fires, in law enforcement and everything else they do in Southern California.

Paules is not a pilot, but he’s been around helicopters his whole life and has always had a passion and appreciation for their diverse capabilities.

"The aircraft and the crews, I’m just so fascinated by how much they do for us," he said.

From a young age, Street was fascinated with the capabilities of the helicopters, so he became a pilot.

"You could hover in one position like a hummingbird next to a flower," he said. "You could fly backward, fly sideways … it was that interest that developed into a passion and propelled me into a career."

That career included longtime gigs at KTLA and KIIS FM as a traffic reporter in the sky. Street said some of the younger crowds who come to these events may take an interest, like he did, and think about flying as a career.

"Some of the kids might be contemplating a career in aviation," he said. "I’m always asked, what can a young person do to prepare themselves for a career as a helicopter pilot, or in the military or something like that?"

Parking for the show may be limited. There will be remote parking by the aquatic center and it is suggested people go there and use the free shuttle over to the main field.

For more information about the show and for contact information, visit www.heroes-Air Show.com.

Dunsmore Elementary

Christian Abella Bryan Abrahamian Anna Agakhanyan Renee Andonian Ari Bakshi Gabriella Barsegian Monteh Biglari Alyssa Bojenkova Ryan Boyajian Evan Boyle Neil Breckow David Brown Mariella Cady Olivia Capgras Castellanos Carson Center Eric Chang Ryan Cho Tatyana Chorbajian Matthew Cueto Sofia Demirdjian-Lara Silas Earnhardt Michael Eck Anaia Elbaz Melvin Fitzgerald Zachary Garcia Alexandros Georgiou Lauren Graves Lauren Gubler Anneliese Guerrero Noah Hernandez Harmony Hsu Kevin Hwang Petre Inukai Martin Jarabanda Gabriel Kennedy Samantha Kerr Ellen Kim Sharon Kim Katherine Lee Munyoung Lee Sarah Levering Jeffrey Lewis Gillyan Lopez Evan Manjikian Andrew Manning David Martinez Annasimone Matthew Roudi Merkereh Jayson Mikel Jonathan Morataya Ian Parris Mycah Pasten Brooke Payton Zackary Petersen Shelby Pimentel Emily Romano Harry Ross Chris Saran Nicole Shirvanian Noah Shorkey Madison Smith Kaylie Sung Vaginak Tadevosian Alex Tambascia Siranush Tumasyan Andrew Wang Patrick Weinmann Ryan Williams Katie Yu Pauline Zargarian Eleni Zarokian Danny Zou

Fremont Elementary

Lucas Abrahamian Emily Aghajani Hayk Akopyan Avery Anderson William Andrew Leia Avakian Anthony Bedikian Andre Bedrossian Joel Bernal Andrew Bielek Avery Bradley Dyllan Bulaon Jack Bunting Audrey Byrd Nicholas Cabalo Gianna Caudillo Jihoo Chung Abby Clark Cailyn Clarke Noah Cooper Matthew Delfino Alexander DeMar Kevin Dilanian Gavin Dinger Stephen Ellson Benjamin Elster Ervin Engili Margaret Fuller Henri Gang Yvalisse Ganzon Trevor Geck Carly Godbold Lauran Godoy Elisabeth Goryan Makayla Graham Anika Grigor Harutyan Hajibekyan Jacob Halstead Christian Han John Hebert Brody Heim Connor Heim Elizabeth Heim Matthew Hernandez Jack Houghton Brian Hyun Ava Imburgia Angel Jimenez Sangeun Jin Lauren Karakas Daniel Khoshnudyan Nathaniel Kilgore Joshua Kim Nikitas Klapsis Brandon Koch Gor Kyupelyan Jalynn Laboy Elmer Leon Christopher Leventhal Garrett Li Jordan Lizaola Paul Lopez Sofia Magdaleno Narek Maghroochian Carly Martin Lori Mehdikhani Abraham Mendez Gavin Moehring Whitney Noh Sienna Noordermeer Mason Nuttall Dylan O’Meara Allen Pambukyan Megan Parada Rachel Park Ashley Park Ruben Perez Sydney Postelwait Mercy Prather Diego Pravikoff Ethan Quach Ryan Raad Lucine Rickey Diego Robles Kyra Rodriguez Zachary Roh Summer Ruyle Mikael Sakaroff George Saroyan Noopur Satsangi Jocelyn Savin Tobey Saw Rohan Schellenbach Kaylin Schroeder Nour Shammaa Anthony Sharlakian Taili Sherwood-Kong Edmond Simonian Reese Sion Isaac Smyth Ryan Sparks Joshua Stoic Myra Stringfellow Yeajin Suh Christie Suh Ella Summers Matthew Tahmasian Katie Thibault Roan Thibault Dylan Valdez Patrick Venezia Samantha Villasenor Marie Voskanyan Jager Wyss Caryn Yaguchi Eric Yoon Shanet Zargarian Jacob Zimmer

La Crescenta Elementary

Alex Aghajanian Jacob Aguilar Juliana Ahn Michael Alexandri Tyler Alvandi Matthew Ampil Zarah Ayazi Hasmik Balyan Damien Barnes Isabella Barrios Brody Biller Aden Boodanian Lucas Brown Khalil Bush Eric H. U. Chang Amy Chantrapanichkul Kyoungeun Kelly Cho Nolan Choe Justin Chon Justin Chung Joy Cobb Jonathan Crockett Leo Davtyan William Durkee Elli Ferro Hannah Forster Angelina Garabekyan Jesus Garcia Kayla Garcia Emily Gharakhanian Elin Gharibian Brandon Gonzalez David Grigoryan Ayk Hagopian Joanne Han Aleena Hayrapet Caleb Hughes Jacob Hurtado Madison Hyde Joseph Hyung Angel Jung Yeyoung Kang Faith Khechoom Shahryar Khezri Arno Khodaverdi Abigail Kim Andrew Kim Brandon Kim David Kim Nathan Kim Roy Kim Shawn Kim Genesis Kwon Agavni Anna Kyundibekyan Gevork George Kyundibekyan Joseph Lee Katie Lee Megan Lee Seung won Lee Timothy Lee Yujin Lee Angel Lopez Hayden Lunt Angie Ma Daron Mansourian Alyssa Marshall Eric Mecoyan Anisse Mehai Lyne Mehai Nyree Minas Maria Muradyan Peter Nam Matthew Nuñez David Oh Prenie Ohanian Mason Ouye Eugene Pak Daniel Panosyan Kaelyn Park Nikita Parthasarathy Seth Perez Ethan Rees Ashley Rios Chloe Roh Julia Sanbar Veronica Schluep Christopher Sinanian Maxwell Springer Ezra Suh Stella Tejidor-Hoffman Dilyn Tourville DeLacy Walch Jeffrey Wallasch Ella Wilson Benjamin Yeom Raffi Yerkanyan Ely Yoon Timothy Yoon Gabrielle Young

Clark High School

Fatma Abdel Rahman Tatevik Abrahamyan Monte Abramyan Andrew Abuhanna Lusine Agesyan Donara Aghajani Karine Akopyan Preny Alaverdian Tasneem Al-Debes Farah Ali Anita Allahverdian Arman Aloyan Aurora Elena Alparaz Teni Amadian Lilit Apikyan Roupen Arabian Alec Arakelian Aroutin Arakelian Dylan Archer Amalia Arzunyan Ani Asatryan Tina Asatryan Narek Asaturyan Annie Aschian Nanar Asdourian Andrew Aslanian Shakeh Aslanyan Hassan Atif Sion Avakiansn Akhjavanta Nicole Azzo Talish Babaian Sintia Babakhani Leo Babakhanian Cynthia Babakhanian Andre Babakhanyan Alec Badalian Armman Baghoomian Asmik Bagumyan Ani Bakmajian Laura Barsamyan Natalie Bazikyan Madeline Bejanian Shant Bekverdyan Lori Berberian Karlo Enrico Bernardino Liana Blkhoian Zachary Blue Dalare Bodagian Leo Boghozian Michelle Boodaghian Manuk Boyadzhyan Khachatur Bulutyan Luke Burbidge Russell Caletena Brandon Canedo Patrick Jason Castro Jacob Chong Michael Chuvanjyan Timothy Cruz Edit Davoodians Khas Ani Davtyan Joshua de Leon Bryce Dennison Aram Derderian Emanuel Diarbekirian Ejmin Ebrahemian Lauren Eby-McKenzie Andrea Estrada Trigueros Gagik Etibaryan Karo Gairamanyan Mary Galstian Araksi Gektchian Hayk Gevorgyan Gevorg Gevorgyan Levon Gevorkian Christopher Gevorkyan Biayna Ghahramanians Michael Gharibian Argeen Ghazarian Preny Gholian David Ghukasyan James Gill Mark Grigorian Henri Gurgenyan Roman Hacopian Christopher Haklar Artin Hakobyan Hayk Hakopian Elen Hakoupiani Arpier Haritoonian Selin Hartoony Mathew Hartounian Iren Harutyunyan Mohammad Mateen Hassan Arin Hayrapetyan René Hernández Robert Herrin Melia Honarchian Melineh Hovakimian Ani Hovasapyan Emmily Hovhannisyan Dustin Hunt William Hunter Natalie Isayan William Jacob Diana Jammal Jada Leona Javier Elice Jrbashyan Gayaneh Kahwajian Sridevi Kanduri Joseph Kang Maria Kaplanyan Lusine Karakhanyan Alisa Karakozian Paul Kellogg Tina Keshishian Lianna Keshishyan Araksya Khachatryan Vahe Khachikyan Arthur Khachikyan Gohar Khachikyan Celine Khanbabaei George Khdryan Lernik Khechadorian Marina Khechumian Arbi Khodaverdian Kristin Khoudoyan Vardazhpit Khudoyan Arman Kocharyan Gennine Tiffany Lagman Lilia Lamas Johan Landaverde Mayumi Lometillo Aria Kareen Maducdoc Aden Mahmoudi Evanjelin Mahmoudian Alisa Manoian Derick Manoukian Anna Manukian Narek Manukyan Mariam Margaryan Greg Marguerian Liana Markarian Marcelo Marta Pablo Martinez Gutierrez Hayk Martirosyan Khachatur Marutyan Rubina Mashadyan Kendra McKee Connor McGarrah Nareg Mehrabian Tirayr Melikjanyan Hovig Mesak Armand Minassian Peony Minassian Agavne Minasyan Anush Minasyan Melanie Mirzakhani Arlen Mirzakhani Hayk Mkrtchyan Matthew Mnasians Marcus Momjian Tristan Mouradian Nattalie Moussesian Narek Mughnetsyan Vanuhi Nadimyan Inesa Navasardyan Roudvik Nazarian Serlina Nazarian Saryana Nazarian Roza Nazaryan Argishti Nazaryan Sipan Nazaryan Alan Nazloomian Arpine Ogumtsyan Irnes Okanovich Jared Ortaliza William Ovasapyan Arthur Ovasapyan Sevana Panosian Aren Pariyani André Pascual Joanna Paz Omar Perez Suzanna Petikyan Derek Petrosian Tony Petrossian Monika Petrosyan Aelita Petrosyan Bela Petrosyan Evita Pogosyan Tarik Rajper Daniel Ramirez Arvizu Farzana Rashid Elika Haziel Reyes Preny Riganian James Rivera Espinoza Shay Sackett Arpi Safaryan Sevada Safaryan Reni Sahakian Rima Salman Shawkat Sanbar Harout Sardaryan Syuzi Sargsyan Davit Sarkeseans Sevan Sarkhoshian Haftvani Christine Sarkhoshyan Preni Sarkisean Chanaghchi Christopher Satoorian Adelina Sefiani Aleen Semerjian Cierra Serrano Helen Setian Alexan Shabanian Ani Shabanian Narek Shahbandarian Daniel Shahi Kristine Shahverdyan Jessica Shakian Cynthia Shamerzian Pete Sheurpukdi Nairi Simonyan Allen Sotiri Mika Stanghill Natalie Stepanyan Nicole Svare Marine Tahmazyan Rita Tanchian Araxi Tashchyan Devon Taylor Avedis Terezian Hakop Ter-panosyan Nazan Titizian Ovsana Tsaturian Anna Tsaturian Michael Tufenkchian Levon Tutlughyan Anna Tutlughyan Nataly Vardanyan Meher Vartanian Natasha Vartanian Joshua Windolph David Yaghootian Nickolas Yedgarian Tiffany Yemenian So Young Yoon Polin Yousefi Prenny Zadoorian Tedi Zadouri Gor Zalyan Meghedi Zargarian Mikia Zohrabian Babken Zohrabyan

Crescenta Valley High School

Fatma, Abdel Rahman Tatevik, Abrahamyan Monte, Abramyan Andrew, Abuhanna Lusine, Agesyan Donara, Aghajani Karine, Akopyan Preny, Alaverdian Tasneem, Al-Debes Farah, Ali Anita, Allahverdian Arman, Aloyan Aurora Elena, Alparaz Teni, Amadian Lilit, Apikyan Roupen, Arabian Alec, Arakelian Aroutin, Arakelian Dylan, Archer Amalia, Arzunyan Ani, Asatryan Tina, Asatryan Narek, Asaturyan Annie, Aschian Nanar, Asdourian Andrew, Aslanian Shakeh, Aslanyan Hassan, Atif Sion, Avakiansn Akhjavanta Nicole, Azzo Talish, Babaian Sintia, Babakhani Leo, Babakhanian Cynthia, Babakhanian Andre, Babakhanyan Alec, Badalian Armman, Baghoomian Asmik, Bagumyan Ani, Bakmajian Laura, Barsamyan Natalie, Bazikyan Madeline, Bejanian Shant, Bekverdyan Lori, Berberian Karlo Enrico, Bernardino Liana, Blkhoian Zachary, Blue Dalare, Bodagian Leo, Boghozian Michelle, Boodaghian Manuk, Boyadzhyan Khachatur, Bulutyan Luke, Burbidge Russell, Caletena Brandon, Canedo Patrick Jason, Castro Jacob, Chong Michael, Chuvanjyan Timothy, Cruz Edit, Davoodians Khas Ani, Davtyan Joshua, de Leon Bryce, Dennison Aram, Derderian Emanuel, Diarbekirian Ejmin, Ebrahemian Lauren, Eby-McKenzie Andrea, Estrada Trigueros Gagik, Etibaryan Karo, Gairamanyan Mary, Galstian Araksi, Gektchian Hayk, Gevorgyan Gevorg, Gevorgyan Levon, Gevorkian Christopher, Gevorkyan Biayna, Ghahramanians Michael, Gharibian Argeen, Ghazarian Preny, Gholian David, Ghukasyan James, Gill Mark, Grigorian Henri, Gurgenyan Roman, Hacopian Christopher, Haklar Artin, Hakobyan Hayk, Hakopian Elen, Hakoupiani Arpier, Haritoonian Selin, Hartoony Mathew, Hartounian Iren, Harutyunyan Mohammad Mateen, Hassan Arin, Hayrapetyan René, Hernández Robert, Herrin Melia, Honarchian Melineh, Hovakimian Ani, Hovasapyan Emmily, Hovhannisyan Dustin, Hunt William, Hunter Natalie, Isayan William, Jacob Diana, Jammal Jada Leona, Javier Elice, Jrbashyan Gayaneh, Kahwajian Sridevi, Kanduri Joseph, Kang Maria, Kaplanyan Lusine, Karakhanyan Alisa, Karakozian Paul, Kellogg Tina, Keshishian Lianna, Keshishyan Araksya, Khachatryan Vahe, Khachikyan Arthur, Khachikyan Gohar, Khachikyan Celine, Khanbabaei George, Khdryan Lernik, Khechadorian Marina, Khechumian Arbi, Khodaverdian Kristin, Khoudoyan Vardazhpit, Khudoyan Arman, Kocharyan Gennine Tiffany, Lagman Lilia, Lamas Johan, Landaverde Mayumi, Lometillo Aria Kareen, Maducdoc Aden, Mahmoudi Evanjelin, Mahmoudian Alisa, Manoian Derick, Manoukian Anna, Manukian Narek, Manukyan Mariam, Margaryan Greg, Marguerian Liana, Markarian Marcelo, Marta Pablo, Martinez Gutierrez Hayk, Martirosyan Khachatur, Marutyan Rubina, Mashadyan Kendra, McKee Connor, McGarrah Nareg, Mehrabian Tirayr, Melikjanyan Hovig, Mesak Armand, Minassian Peony, Minassian Agavne, Minasyan Anush, Minasyan Melanie, Mirzakhani Arlen, Mirzakhani Hayk, Mkrtchyan Matthew, Mnasians Marcus, Momjian Tristan, Mouradian Nattalie, Moussesian Narek, Mughnetsyan Vanuhi, Nadimyan Inesa, Navasardyan Roudvik, Nazarian Serlina, Nazarian Saryana, Nazarian Roza, Nazaryan Argishti, Nazaryan Sipan, Nazaryan Alan, Nazloomian Arpine, Ogumtsyan Irnes, Okanovich Jared, Ortaliza William, Ovasapyan Arthur, Ovasapyan Sevana, Panosian Aren, Pariyani André, Pascual Joanna, Paz Omar, Perez Suzanna, Petikyan Derek, Petrosian Tony, Petrossian Monika, Petrosyan Aelita, Petrosyan Bela, Petrosyan Evita, Pogosyan Tarik, Rajper Daniel, Ramirez Arvizu Farzana, Rashid Elika Haziel, Reyes Preny, Riganian James, Rivera Espinoza Shay, Sackett Arpi, Safaryan Sevada, Safaryan Reni, Sahakian Rima, Salman Shawkat, Sanbar Harout, Sardaryan Syuzi, Sargsyan Davit, Sarkeseans Sevan, Sarkhoshian Haftvani Christine, Sarkhoshyan Preni, Sarkisean Chanaghchi Christopher, Satoorian Adelina, Sefiani Aleen, Semerjian Cierra, Serrano Helen, Setian Alexan, Shabanian Ani, Shabanian Narek, Shahbandarian Daniel, Shahi Kristine, Shahverdyan Jessica, Shakian Cynthia, Shamerzian Pete, Sheurpukdi Nairi, Simonyan Allen, Sotiri Mika, Stanghill Natalie, Stepanyan Nicole, Svare Marine, Tahmazyan Rita, Tanchian Araxi, Tashchyan Devon, Taylor Avedis, Terezian Hakop, Ter-panosyan Nazan, Titizian Ovsana, Tsaturian Anna, Tsaturian Michael, Tufenkchian Levon, Tutlughyan Anna, Tutlughyan Nataly, Vardanyan Meher, Vartanian Natasha, Vartanian Joshua, Windolph David, Yaghootian Nickolas, Yedgarian Tiffany, Yemenian So Young, Yoon Polin, Yousefi Prenny, Zadoorian Tedi, Zadouri Gor, Zalyan Meghedi, Zargarian Mikia, Zohrabian Babken, Zohrabyan

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

Kaitlyn Arial, Anita Ayala, Julia Ayala, Danielle Azari, Bryce Bakewell, Devyn Bakewell, Emily Beeve, Riley Benjamin, Stephanie Beyer, Samantha Brown, Sarah Burrola, Mia Caire, Katrina Caley, Alyssa Carter, Tasha Chiu, Anastasia Christodoulelis, Caroline Clapp, Vanessa Clarke, Sara Collins, Madalyn D’Alfonso, Madison Dawn, Laura DiPietro, Alexandra Donner, Madeline Dulcich, Christina Dupas, Olivia Fitzpatrick, Danielle Fradet, Kelly Fradet, Lacie Fradet, Claire Furlong, Claudia Garcia, Ella Gmelich, Sydney Gonzalez, Clara Gross, Jia Gu, Alejandra Gurrola, Sarah Hankins, Dylan Harrow, Nicolette Harutunian, Jamie Helberg, Katherine Herrill, Juliana Hrovat, Casey Johnson, Camille Katz, Aileen Kim, Cailynn Knabenshue, Katherine Krappman, Yu-Chu Lai, Mary Laurance, Madeline Lewis, Pei Lin, Nicole Linden, Gabriella Lopez, Mia Love, Clare Lund, Hollis MacVaugh, Anne Marquardt, Isabella Martin, Julia Martin, Olivia Mathews, Kira Matsuno, Alison McCollum, Caroline McCreary, Julia Melehani, Tiffany Menendez, Kristina Mercolino, Monica Montes,  Priscilla Moreno, Dylan Neil, Vanessa Ocon, Nicole Pang, Allison Pieroni, Lindsey Pierson, Kirsten Polzin, Zhiqing Rao, Hannah Rouret-Valencia, Breanna Ryan, Stephanie Aprylle Salvador, McKenna Sandoval, Lana Sarkisian, Lauren Savo, Caitlin Sigler, Tanatorn Siriprabrydhi, Hyunjae Son, Tong Su, Crystal Toogood, Jenna Tran, Heather Turcios, Ruby Wellen, Cecilia Wiggins, Elektra Williams, Alexandra Wilson, Jessica Wirthlin, Xiangyu Wu, YueMing Xu, Kylie Yates, Yaqi Zhang, Wenjin Zhu, Kianna Zielinski

Rosemont Middle School

Abdalian, Nicholas Abed, Shelby Abeyta, Devon Abrahamian, Anthony Abrams, Alex Acosta, Brandon Adjamian, Edrin Agasyan, Michael Aghajani, Derick Aghakhanian, Nareh Aghakiant, Emineh Ahn, Siyeon Akhkashian, Levin Akopyan, Arthur Akopyan, David Akopyan, Yelena Alexander, Toddeh Allen, Daryn Allen, Mason Almouai, Isabelle Alvarez, Annamarie Anz, Jonathan Archer, Ian Arezoomanianss, Monique Arizanov, George Arnaudov, Daniel Asatryan, Milena Asgari, Kevin Ataya, Noah Atin, Sophia Austin, Kaitlin Auvazian, Sarine Avanesov, Yakov Avanosian, Henry Avedyan, Jessica Avila, Joshua Axinte, Alexis Azaryan, Leeanna Azoian, David Babakhanian, Peter Baca, Paul Bae, Candace Bae, Sean Baek, Grace Baek, Seong Min Balina, Abigail Balkin, Karlee Bamrick, Athena Barnes, Phoebe Barsikhian, Harout Beach, Naomi Beauchamp, Trevor Becerril, Josephine Bedrick, Kyla Bedrossian, Mariam Beglarian, Ariana Bell, Allysen Bell, Branden Bentivegna, Sofia Berg, Travis Bharuka, Vidhi Bishop, Fiona Bitetti, Natalie Boga, Kamila Bolan, Delaney Bouniatian, Tony Bouzikian, Amanda Bowie, Jess Boyle, Andrew Bradford, Kevin Bradley, Grace Bretz, Violet Brewer, Dylan Brodie, Jackson Bryan, Milana Bullard, Jackson Burcea, Adrian Burrow, Ashley Butterworth, Korinne Caceres, Renee Cady, Megan Cain, Macy Campanella, Lucien Campbell, Robert Camperos, Sofia Caneva, Cole Carey, William Carlson, Jasmine Carlson, Tyler Carney, Amber Carothers, Catherine Carp, Jessica Carris, Brandon Carvalho, Talon Cassin, Nicole Center, Chase Cha, Seung Whan Chang, Aaron Chanthorn, Kiattiphum Chin, Sara Cho, Eun Seo Cho, James Cho, Lillian Cho, Nicolle Cho, Sihyun Choe, Soujin Choi, Daniel Choi, Jessica Choi, Sunny Young Chow, Kayla Chu, Peter Chung, Alexander Chung, Joanne Chung, Sara Cicciarelli, Everett Cisneros, Angelina Clark, Owen Clarke, Hayley Clem, Katherine Conaty, Jackson Constantino, Ronnie James Contreras, Jason Cook, Jacob Cook, Kylie Cooperson, Jason Crastz, Lucas Cristal, Ella Cueto, Andrew Culbreath, Maia Dangah, Emiline Dayag, Denise De Vera-Drew, Zachary Der Avakian, Christian DerAvanessian, Emily Dermardirosian, Edward Dermody, Daniel Desmond, Nicholas Diaz, Amalia Diaz, Rachel Dickson, Lainy Dietl, Christina Dilanchian, Arpa Donabedian, Ani Doom, Isabella Drymiotis, Philippos Dunkin, John Duquette, Anne Ebrahimian, Tenni Edelstein, Trevor El Asmar, Lea Elze, Hayden Enright, Taylor Erdoglyan, Armen Erichsen, Conor Escobedo, Monserrat Eskandarian, Aren Essakhanian, Talia Faeustle, Erik Falcone, Kaylee Fangon, Jonathan Farmer, Claire Fay, Samantha Feddersen, Anna Ferderer, Eric Festen, Katherine Fietkiewicz, Dylan Figueroa, Isabella Firstman, Owen Fitzgerald, Laura Foster, Allison Fowler, Zachary Freire, Lucas Frink, Nathaniel Fuller, Jordan Gabon, Sarah Galeano, Samuel Gallagher, Reese Galstyan, Derik Galstyan, Zhanna Gang, Lauren Garcia, Aaron Garcia, Jesse Gasparyan, Adriana Geck, Lilyana Ghanati, Minoo Gharehbekloo, Brian Gick, Leila Gillins, Anna Goldsmith, Katherine Goldsmith, Nicholas Gonta, Leo Gonzalez, Rylin Goodside, Dana Grande, Jocelyn Grant, Maximus Greene, Mikala Grigorian, Edrick Grigoryan, Gregory Grodt, Tyler Guevondian, Elena Gutierrez-Brandon, Jesse Guzman, Dylan Guzman, Ivan Haas, Jaden Haiduk, Sofiya Hajari, Arya Hale, Nicole Halef, Andrew Hall, Leia Han, Ethan Han, Jenny Hanlin, Markies Hardy, William Harley, Brian Harper, Jake Harty, Sarah Harvengt, Cameron Harvey, Brendan Hasty, Ella Hauser, Zachary Hawes, Vienna Hayden, Kieran Hayes, Chase Hayhurst, Katherine Hayrapetian, Anise Hazarabedian, Evan Heberger, Austin Heeg, McKenna Herman, Otto Hernandez, Alexa Herrera, Benicio Hilke, Megan Hillquist, Jillian Hipolito, Victoria Hizon, Ethan Hofhine, Margaret Honda, Matthew Hong, Andrew Hong, Buyoung Hong, Dylan Hong, Seoyeon Housik, Julia Hovanesyan, Davit Hovhannisyan, Stella Hovsepian, Alexander Howard-Ron, Lucas Huang, Justin Huddleston, Crystal Hulley, Corey Hunter, Hannah Hwang, Jungwon Hwang, Yumin Hyun, Gianna Icheva, Gabriela Iracleanos, Mason Isagolian, Monteh Isais, Selena Isayan, Tigran Issakhanian, Sasha Jacobs, Juliana Jang, Jae Hong Januzik, David Jenks, Kristen Jeong, Irene Ji, Jasmine Jo, Junho Ju, Elizabeth Ju, Eunseo Jung, Isaac Jung, Jun Young Kalijian, Arax Kalsians, Renee Kamalian, Nairi Kang, Emily Kang, Yechan Karabidian, Angin Karami, Kaylee Kayseryan, Evelyn Kazarian, Levon Keogh, Christina Kerman, Elizabeth Kerr, Solana Keshishian, Derek Khachatourians, Serrineh Khachik, Sophia Khachikyan, Harutyun Khani, Daniel Khashadourian, Melanie Kibler, Joshua Kim, Allison Kim, Bo Eun Kim, Caroline Kim, Chloe Kim, Christopher Kim, Dayei Kim, Eliana Kim, Erin Kim, Erin Kim, Isaac Kim, Isis Kim, Ju Eun Kim, Justin Kim, Kyu Bin Kim, Lea Kim, Rachel Kim, Ryan Kim, Ryan Kim, Solomon Kim, Tae Wook Kim, Wonyong Kim, Yunyoung Koch-Kreher, Lucas Komjathy, Adam Krusee-Leaver, Khalia Kul, Mai Kunaschk, Clare Kupershmidt, Claire Kwon, Joonsu Kwon, Matthew Kyupelyan, Vartan Laboy, Mason Lahlou, Ghali Lai, Abel Lai, Nathalie Lamn, Agnes Lamoreaux, Lauren Langford, Noah Lanterman, Lauren Larsen, Tyler Layseca, Brianna Lee, Benjamin Lee, Chan Bin Lee, Crystal Lee, David Lee, Elliot Lee, Hannah Lee, Hyun Bin Lee, Isaiah Lee, James Lee, Meedum Lee, Michael Lee, Nathaniel Lee, Nicole Lee, Noel Lee, Parker Lee, Robert Lee, Shannon Lee, Subin Lee, Susie Lee, Yoo Na Lee, Younjae Lesh, Hayley Levonian, Khatchik Lewis, Mia Lim, Allison Lim, Sung Linde, Blake Lipscomb, Cade Longlax, Michelle Lopez, Anthony Lopez, Lou Angelo Loritsch, Julie Lovato, Thomas Luck, Leah Luna, Adela Macdonald, Lily Madatyan, Shant Mael, Arsen Magana, Jonathan Magana, Mark Magtesian, Serop Maifeld, Larissa Mallory, Maleehah Manning, Megan Manougian, Sharmagh Mansour, Lauren Manvelian, David Manvi, Rohin Mardiroussian, Lina Markarian, Shaghig Markova, Elena Marquiss, Dakota Marrero, Mya Marshall, Aaron Marshall, Daniel Marta, Eva Martin, Nicholas Martin, Sinead Martinez, Jazmyn Martinez, Raul Martirous, Natalie Masri, Tamara Matevossian, Eric Matthews, Devin Matthews, Victoria Mc Kinnell, Rachel McCreary, Eve McMillin, Matthew McWhorter, Jordan Mecham, Seth Medina, Carlos Mehta, Esha Mehta, Nish Melendez, David Melikian, Liana Melkonian, Jibid Menendez, Daniela Mercer, Miranda Merloni, Matteo Mesa, Alesya Mesnik, Maxfield Meyer, Charles Migliaccio, Andrew Militosyan, Ani Minassian, Garen Minassian, Melissa Minjares, Alyssa Mirzaian, Angelica Mirzayan, Kristin Moore, Emily Moore, Erin Moore, John Moore, Samantha Moradian, Alexis Morales, Jack Morales, Nubia Mosman, Micah Moyer, Nicole Murray, Allison Mushegyan, Sophia Myrant, Justin Na, Sojeong Nabong, Allyana Nayebyan, Aleena Nazaryan, Artur Nazaryan, Lilia Nazinyan, Narek Nelson, Ily Nelson, Maximus Nelson, Zackary Neven, Jordan Ngo, Carly Nicolai, Nicole Nima, Alexander Nima, Shereen Noble, Mhrxton Norkus, Anthony Novshadyan, Andrew Nuttall, Nathan O’ Neill, Rachel Ochoa Sarinana, Angel Oh, Aileen Ohanessian, Nicolette Olavi, Austin Olmos, Juanpablo Ombac, Camille Ortiz, Xavier Pacino, Martin Pack, Eliani Paik, Sarah Pak, Linden Pak, Sharon Paransky, Audrey Parekh, Kimte Parikh, Aangi Park, Annika Park, Bryce Park, Dillon Park, Eliza Park, Emily Park, Jonathan Park, Justin Park, Kimberly Park, Minnie Park, Rachel Park, Yejin Parks, Macy Parma, Michael Parrott, Vincent Patel, Tiya Patrikyan, Teresa Patvakanian, Ara Pauly, Justin Pedroza, Isabel Peplow, Lauren Peraza, Christian Petrosyan, Vahe Petty, Sarah Pezeshk, Arshia Phillips, Jasmine Phillips-Beachboard, Samuel Phimphachanh, Bryanna Pinal Jr., Ronald Pogossian, Anoush Pokrikyan, Diana Pontius, Zachary Portillo, Aileen Portuondo, Katie Postik, Alek Potikyan, Aida Pravikoff, Nikolai Pryor, William Quinonez, Kristen Ramirez, Jacqueline Ramos, Esteban Ramos, Melanie Ratliff, Grace Raymond, McKenna Redd, Taylor Rees, Colby Regan, Matthew Reyes, Alysha Reyes, Liezel Reyna, Marvic Riley, Priya Riley, Ravi Rincon, Christopher Robins, Jenna Robles, Martin Rodriguez, Julianna Roh, Gun Woo Roh, Jiyoun Rounds, Jocelyn Rovello, Shane Rowe, Allison Rowe, Amy Ruano, Emily Ruf, Chad Rusenko, Brandon Safaryan, Haik Sales, Faith Samkian, Cedric Sandoval, Nicholas Sarkisyan, Lily Scarborough, Daniela Schluep, Nicolas Schmit, Keegan Schwartz, Tyler Scott, Kayleigh Seidfathi, Emma Seo, Dahsom Seo, Xena Shah, Krish Shah, Tejas Shahbandarian, Nicholas Shahbazi, Sarineh Shahbazian, Raffi Shahgeldyan, Yana Sharma, Vibhu Shaverdian, Tiffany Sheikh, Kiran Sheklow, Maya Shim, Lena Shin, Adam Shin, David Shin, Eugene Shin, Jiseok Shin, Richard Shin, Sean Shin, Vince Shirvanian, Erika Shumate, Zeal Sidhu, Anissiah Simonyan, Hovhannes Skinner, Aubrie Smith, Chase Smith, Reily So, Irene Sofias, Liam Son, Taeyen Song, Ellie Sorber-Petrie, Matthew Stanley, Jack Stephan, Sarah Stickels, Matthew Stiles, Eileen Stoic, Jordan Stubbs, Laine Suh, Grace Summers, Shyla Sung, Isaac Sung, Kristen Sunwoo, Nathan Tadaki, Trenton Tak, Justin Talavera Santillana, Jasmine Tatevosian, Lucas Tatom, Elsa Thamasian, Kathryn Thomas, Jacob Thongcharoen, Andrew Tiu, Norberto Toma, Joshua Torok, Hunor Torosian, Adelina Torrone, Lucas Tourville, Logan Toyon, Rae Lynn Trotta, Emmalee Tsaturyan, Erik Tweedy, Daniel Tweedy, Isabella Uryeu, Dzianis Velona, Domenic Vicencio, Carlos Villa, Alejandra Villago, Kelvin Villalta, Ernie Villanueva, Leslie Vinceri, Karlie Viray, Sara Viray, Sophie Voors, Ian Voskanian, Alec Walker, Eileen Walker, Julien Wallasch, Brooke Wang, Emily Wang, Sophia Wee, Daron Wells, Samantha Wells, Sarah Welsh, Riley Wilbur, Dylan Wilson, Brenden Xie, Ken Yang, Andrew Yang, Jihoon Yedigaryan, Madlena Yeproyan, Michael Yi, Madeline Yi, Michele Yoo, Eugene Yoo, Eunbi Yoo, Haesung Yoo, Natalie Yoo, Ye Sung Yoon, Connie Yoon, Jaimie Yoon, JunSik Yoshida Silva, Kristy Yoshimura, Sydney You, Casey You, Ji Yeon Youn, Andrew Yu, Hye-Min Yu, Justin Yu, Rachel Yu, Steven Yu, Tyler Yun, Joshua Yun, Nathan Zabala, Jacob Zabala, Katelyn Zamani, Arbi Zaragoza, Grace Zargarian, Aline Zargarian, Nicole Zarifian, Alexiss Zarokian, Chris Zorilla, Randy

A candlelight vigil is planned for the victims of the Orlando massacre on Sunday, June 19 at Crescenta Valley Park , 3901 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta. There will be a picnic at 7:30 p.m. followed by the observance at 8:30 p.m. There will be a time to mourn and celebrate the lives of the LGBTQ people that were lost.

On Tuesday, May 31 at 11:07 p.m., two female suspects were walking northbound on Brand Boulevard in Glendale when they came to the Mamita Peruvian Restaurant at 714 S. Brand Blvd. They walked down the alley and then entered the building by unknown means. Once inside, they approached the register and removed cash as well as a knife before fleeing on foot northbound on Brand. The first suspect is described as female Hispanic, 18 to 25 years old, 5’2” - 5’5”, thin build with wavy hair. The second suspect is described as female Hispanic, 18 to 25 years old, 5’2” - 5’5”, thin build, wearing jersey-type shirt with/ “89” on front. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Glendale Police Dept. at (818) 548-4911. Callers may remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.  

At 12:24 today, Temple Sheriff’s Station deputies and Los Angeles County Fire Dept. personnel responded to a brush fire in the area of Brookridge Road and Opal Canyon Road in the Fish Canyon area.   Although Los Angeles County Fire Dept. personnel are actively engaged in extinguishing the fire, it appears that the fire has spread north into the forest.  Out of an abundance of caution, as well as the safety of the people living in the area, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies have begun to assist residents in the northeast area of Duarte in voluntary evacuations. Affected residents are asked to seek shelter at the Duarte Community Center, 1610 Huntington Drive, Duarte.  Residents can also board their small animals at a school facility located at 1850 Highland Avenue, Duarte.  Large animals, including horses, can board at the Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona. As of 2:59 p.m., no structures have been lost and there is 0% containment. At this time, there are no reported road closures or power outages. The Reservoir Fire was called in at 11:01 a.m. Monday near Highway 39 and the Morris Reservoir Dam. Brush and chaparral are buring. LA County Fire and US Forest Service have responded with about 300 personnel. As of 2:59 p.m., about 1200 acres have been burned with 0% containment. Hwy. 39 is closed; aircraft is working the incident. All residents in San Gabriel Canyon are being evacuated. CVW has contacted  authorities for more information and will update as information becomes available.

updated 3:54 pm Tuesday

The Fish and Reservoir fires that began on Monday morning have combined and are now known as the San Gabriel Complex. The fires are 0%  contained as of 3:23 p.m. and have burned a combined 5,400 acres, according to Inciweb. The lead agency for the fire is U.S. Forest Service with support from Los Angeles County Fire as well as other agencies with combined personnel of about 700. This includes handcrews, engines, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and bulldozers. There have been 770 home evacuated, according to Nathan Judy, U.S. Forest Service spokesman. It appears no other evacuations are needed unless the wind shifts and begins blowing the fire back down the canyon. That possibility is why residents in Monrovia and Bradbury have been warned to be ready to evacuate if needed. Judy advised residents to view Ready, Set, Go online at www.fire.lacounty.gov. The San Gabriel Complex is still under investigation.

updated 3:08 pm Tuesday

Los Angeles County firefighters and sheriff’s deputies, along with many other police agencies, organizations, and volunteers, continue to battle the Fish Canyon and Reservoir fires.

The following information is the most current available from the Unified Command: There are approximately 80 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. personnel deployed at the fires with 44 deputies securing the evacuated areas. Seven-hundred-and-seventy homes have been evacuated. In the city of Duarte, the areas include north of Royal Oaks Drive, west of Encanto Parkway, and east of Mount Olive Road. Please refer to the below city map for affected areas. There are no other mandatory evacuations required at this time. However, that can change based on the conditions of the fire.

Residents of Bradbury are asked to prepare for evacuations in the event they become necessary.  They are not needed at this time.  If additional evacuations become necessary, residents are reminded to bring medications, important documents, and emergency supplies in case you are away from your residence for a prolonged period.

Those city residents who have been evacuated are asked to seek shelter at the Duarte Community Center located at 1600 Huntington Drive in the city of Duarte. Small animals can also be taken to the Community Center.  The County of Los Angeles Dept. of Animal Care and Control has temperature controlled trailers at the location for pets. Large animals and livestock can be taken to The Fairplex in Pomona, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue - Gate 12 Pomona.  A total of 168 horses have been evacuated thus far. Reservoir Fire: The Sheriff’s Dept. has evacuated a total of 69 people from the areas of Camp Williams, Heater Flats, Burro Canyon, Crystal Lake, and Cold Brook. No additional evacuations are necessary at this time. With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the following mountain roads are closed: -        Glendora Mountain Road at Big Dalton Road -        Glendora Ridge Road at Mount Baldy Road Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel from the following stations are involved with the public safety efforts in the area: Industry Station, Crescenta Valley Station, San Dimas Station, Temple Station, Walnut / Diamond Bar Station, Altadena Station, Lancaster Station, Lakewood Station, West Hollywood Station, Malibu / Lost Hills Station, Pico Rivera Station, Transit Policing Division, Palmdale Station and Century Station. Deputies will remain in the area to provide security and escorts for fire personnel; assist with notifications and evacuations if they become necessary; protect residences, businesses and property; provide posts at road closures; and assist the community as needed. They will remain until the evacuations are lifted and the area is reopened. Residents are urged to remain prepared and informed in the event additional evacuations become necessary. *For older updates, please visit: https://local.nixle.com/alert/5665552/?sub_id=1000000286

SCAQMD Continues Smoke Advisory for Fires Burning in the Angeles National Forest

This advisory is in effect until further notice. SCAQMD will issue an update if additional information becomes available. Two brush fires, the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire, continue to burn in the Angeles National Forest near Duarte.  Smoke is currently moving eastward toward San Bernardino and Riverside counties.  Air quality may reach Unhealthy levels in areas directly impacted by smoke. Areas of direct smoke impacts and Unhealthy air quality will likely include:

• Portions of the West San Gabriel Valley (Forecast Area 8),
• Portions of the East San Gabriel Valley (Forecast Area 9),
• Portions of the Pomona/Walnut Valley  (Forecast Area 10),
• Portions of the San Gabriel Mountains (Forecast Area 15),
• Portions of Metropolitan Riverside (Forecast Area 23),
• Portions of Banning Pass (Forecast Area 29),
• Portions of Coachella Valley (Forecast Area 30),
• Portions of the Northwest San Bernardino Valley (Forecast Area 32),
• Portions of the Southwest San Bernardino Valley (Forecast Area 33),
• Portions of the Central San Bernardino Valley (Forecast Area 34),
• Portions of the East San Bernardino Valley (Forecast Area 35),
• Portions of the West San Bernardino Mountains (Forecast Area 36),
• Portions of the Central San Bernardino Mountains (Forecast Area 37), and
• Portions of the Big Bear Lake area (Forecast Area 38)

Air quality may reach unhealthful levels in areas directly impacted by smoke in significant amounts or for extended periods of time. All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke.  This includes areas where residents can see or smell smoke. In any area directly impacted by smoke:  Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors.  Keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter.  Run your air conditioner if you have one and keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Avoid using a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. To avoid worsening the health effects of wildfire smoke, don’t use indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces. To subscribe to air quality alerts, advisories and forecasts by email, go to http://AirAlerts.org To view current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map, seehttp://www3.aqmd.gov/webappl/gisaqi2/home.aspx For more tips on avoiding health impacts from smoke, see http://www.aqmd.gov/ej/CAC/wildfire_safety_tips.htm on SCAQMD’s website. SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.  

By Robin GOLDSWORTHY Montrose Travel celebrated its 60th anniversary like it does most things – in a family kind of way. On Saturday at its Honolulu Avenue location, the company hosted a family-friendly party that included two food stations, beverages and awards. And though the thermometer might have read mid-80s at Montrose Travel, there was snow on the ground – about 35 tons of it – trucked in for the kids for the annual Snowpalooza event. Typically held in the fall, Montrose Travel co-president Andi McClure-Mysza said it was decided to incorporate Snowpalooza into the anniversary festivities, adding to the fun. “This [party] is a team building and family building event,” said McClure-Mysza. Montrose Travel was started in 1956. In 1972, Joe and Leora McClure bought the company and built it into a thriving business. In 1989, the couple decided to sell their business, which sold about $6 million in travel annually, to their children Joe III and McClure-Mysza. Joe and McClure-Mysza had worked in many different departments of the company and were well- versed in its operation. Excited about their new roles, the younger McClures set their goals high. Under their stewardship, along with Joe’s wife Julie, the business exploded with sales estimated at $300 million. The buildings that house Montrose Travel have expanded including a new facility recently added in Palmdale. And whereas the employees in 1989 numbered 14, today Montrose Travel is proud to have a crew of over 200 people. The company also expanded its offerings by providing specialized travel for vacations, romance, businesses and groups and also offers a loyalty rewards program, which since its inception in 1994 has grown to be the third largest loyalty travel solution in the U.S. But, according to company president Joe, a key component to the company’s success is their employees. “The people make the business successful,” he said. That importance of having passionate people has resulted in high retention levels and keeping their employees on the payroll even during hard times. “We’ve never laid anyone off,” Joe added. “We also promote a family atmosphere.” That family atmosphere is one reason Daren Autry, the company’s Leisure manager, has stayed at Montrose Travel for nearly nine years. “We have fun in the office,” Autry said. “It’s an accomplishment to maintain a family-friendly [place]. If you’re going to be working eight or more hours a day with the same people, it’s important people like to come here.” McClure-Mysza agreed. “The people who work with us work very hard,” she said. “We want to keep morale high.” One way morale is kept high is the distribution of recognition awards, which was done at Saturday’s event. Twenty awards were handed out to those who in the last six months went beyond expectations in their performance (see the list at the bottom of this article). A highlight of the evening, in addition to the food, snow and awards, were heartfelt comments delivered by Joe. “You cautiously gave us the keys to your company in 1989,” he said to his parents from the stage, “but success is in our DNA. I hope that we have made you proud.” Awards Presentation        Winner Name Yes We Can/Team Player: Corporate        Patty Overton Loyalty    Palmdale    Linda Gonzalez Loyalty    Montrose    Meifaith Mims Group        Ronni Burns Leisure        Karen Kelly Preferred Supplier Sales: Home Based Agent        Barry Kelchner Leisure        Anita Kayekjian Achievement: Home Based Agent        Meredith McCutcheon HBA Support        Loretta Alva Loyalty    Palmdale    Tiffany Shaw Loyalty    Montrose    Destinee Winn Group        Teresa Owens Leisure        Rhonda Maroney Corporate        Ruby Yaboudjian #1 Sales Home Based Agent        Jaguar Travel Leisure        Carmela Flores Group        Jannette Dilley Corporate        Marilyn Manoel Independent Contractor        Cathy Nilsen Loyalty        Diana Duran

By Mary O’KEEFE In California years ago there was a fire season that began in October, but with the long-term drought and changing weather conditions fire season is now pretty much year round. Living along the foothills, residents understand just how fast-moving a wildfire can be and firefighters are on constant watch to make sure everything that can be done to prevent a fire is being done. The Station Fire was seven years ago, and before that blaze there were warnings about the “old growth forest” within Angeles National Forest that had not burned in decades. That same term is used to describe the area of the Verdugo Mountains today; however, Capt. Funke of Los Angeles County Fire Station 82 in La Cañada put “old growth” in perspective. “Old growth is new growth that is very dry, it is really like short grass. There are very flammable fire loads right now [in ANF],” Funke said. “It has been almost a whole decade [since the Station Fire] for regrowth.” He added this type of dry vegetation fuel can carry a fire for great distances and can run fast. One of the best ways to safeguard against the spread of fire is abatement. “Brush clearance is huge, it is the biggest thing we as residents can do to try to assure [ourselves] that there is [some degree] of survivability of our homes and of our neighbors’ [homes],” he said. The LACoFD has already conducted its initial brush clearance inspection and now during July are in the process of re-inspecting those residences that were found to need abatement. Abatement is a very important part of fire prevention for the city of Glendale as well. The Glendale Fire Dept. began its abatement inspections on May 1 and will complete all of the inspections by the end of July. If abatement or additional abatement is required, GFD will contact the resident. “A notice is mailed to [residents] with different actions that are required for their property,” said Doug Nickles, fire prevention coordinator, GFD. The City of Glendale has determined about 12,000 parcels lie within the high fire hazard area of the city. Of that, about 1,000 are vacant lots and about 5,000 of those parcels are inspected annually while 6,000 are monitored but have not had any notifications of abatement sent to them in the past, Nickles said. People may think that abatement only pertains to homes that butt up against or near the mountains but, in fact, everyone is vulnerable when it comes to wildfires. Embers can travel from wildfires to homes far away from the main wildfire. “We call that spotting,” Funke said. Firefighters saw spotting in the Sage Fire in Santa Clarita, he added. “Embers can fly for miles, then they end up going onto a property that has not been attended to very well, and that becomes another issue,” he said. A small ember can find itself in a rain gutter that has not been cleared and is filled with dry leaves. “That little ember will stay inside the leaves in that rain gutter and fester and smolder for some time but then you have a roof fire,” he said. Nickles added that years ago Cal Fire (the California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection) conducted an extensive analysis of the state to determine high, medium and low fire hazard areas. They released the information to local cities that then used that information with their own data to determine their designated fire areas. Within that study, Nickles said, was an ember intrusion zone. The city does not regularly inspect the existing homes in the ember intrusion area, but if a new home is to be built within that zone, they must comply with the building and fire codes. Local fire departments are often called to assist other agencies especially during wildfires. “[Fires] are increasing in the Southern California area. These fires we are seeing right now are [more] typical of what we would see in northern California,” Funke said. “It is because we are so dry, the humidity level is down so dramatically. And every day we are getting temperatures in the 80s.  Everything already is a tinderbox.” If, and when, a wildfire occurs in the area and residents are asked to evacuate it is important for people to be prepared. The LACoFD has information titled “Ready, Set, Go” that encourages people to be prepared in the event of a brush fire. If residents have a question about abatement for their own home they can contact the LACoFD station closest to their residence: Station 63 at 4526 Ramsdell Ave. in La Crescenta, (818) 248-2741; Station 19, 1729 W. Foothill Blvd., (818) 249-1562; Station 82, 352 Foothill Blvd., (818) 790-4686; Glendale Fire Dept. (818)548-4814.

Here is the paper for Thursday, July 14, 2016. Check back every Friday to get your copy on your computer, Smartphone, eReader or tablet to take with you on-the-go! If it works or doesn’t work on your device, let us know and we can make a note of it to improve the experience, or if you have any new ideas to make it better. Just email our Techno Wizard at wizard@cvweekly.com

By Mary O’KEEFE ~ To all the days here and after May they be filled with fond memories, happiness and laughter. – An Irish toast Memories, happiness and laughter seem to be the ingredients that go into making great friendships and can be found in a group of women that meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They don’t meet at a clubhouse and there are no officers, although there are distinct leaders. “We all met at Curves,” said Marie Shaw. That would be the Curves in Montrose. Some started at the health club at the location in Sunland-Tujunga, some in Glendale, but as those clubs closed they moved, and met, at the Montrose location. “Marie is our social director,” said everyone in the group. It’s a simple formula: Marie finds trips and events for them to go to and if they are interested they go. No pressure to show up, but anyone who spends a few minutes with these women will find they love to be together … they love showing up. CVW was recently invited to the birthday celebration for Carol Sanford, 80, and Shaw, 90, at the home of Phil and Charlene Downs. Downs had arranged for classic cars to be parked in front of his home, adding to the festivities. Three things were obvious from the start: These women love hanging out with each other, age is absolutely a state of mind and Phil was hopelessly outnumbered. “We have gone to Solvang and Catalina and went to the Sawdust Art Festival (in Laguna),” Shaw said. They also went to the Strawberry Festival in Oxnard and on a day cruise. The women all agreed that Shaw is the one who got them together and keeps them going to a variety of places, but if Shaw is the happy social director, Sanford is the ball of fire that keeps the group moving. Sanford, like Shaw, has lived in the Crescenta Valley area for decades. At 80, she still works at her son’s business, Charles H Sanford Plumbing, located in Sunland Tujunga. She said she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Shaw moved from Chicago to the La Cañada area over 50 years ago, then later to La Crescenta. “We didn’t realize that we lived just four or five houses away from each other for so many years,” Sanford said. She and Shaw found they were neighbors long after meeting each other at Curves. The birthday celebration was an example of how these women enjoy sharing their many trips and events. There is a lot – really a lot – of banter, of teasing each other and just out-loud laughter. Shaw’s husband passed away when their children were young but through it all she has kept her positive attitude, and that outlook has helped her stay young and very active. She attributes her positive outlook and ability to laugh for staying a very young 90-year-old. Shaw also attributed friendship to her longevity. “We are all very fortunate to have met each other,” she said. “We don’t talk about politics or religion.” “It is just a great support system,” Sanford added.

By McKenna MIDDLETON Crescenta Valley Town Council member Desiree Rabinov accomplished no small feat last month when she completed the AIDS/Lifecycle bike ride. Participants rode from San Francisco to Los Angeles – 545 miles – in seven days. The event aimed to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS. This year marked the AIDS/Lifecycle 15th anniversary and held personal significance for Rabinov. “The reason why I decided to do it this year was because it marked 25 years since my brother passed away from AIDS,” Rabinov said. “For me it was a way to recognize the people who we lost back in the early days of AIDS. [It was] for my brother [who had] to go through such a horrific period of hate and not getting the needed services. I missed him so much and it was something I wanted to contribute to. There’s more work that needs to be done and we can’t forget how far we’ve come and more we need to do in the future to find a permanent cure.” Rabinov spent six months training for AIDS/Lifecycle, riding with her husband on the weekends, taking cycling classes and attending training clinics. On June 5, Rabinov and about 2,500 other riders began the ride from San Francisco. Cyclists rode between 80 and 100 miles per day, mostly along Pacific Coast Highway with rest stops every 20 miles and overnight stays at campgrounds or hotels. “You just don’t see it that way in a car,” Rabinov said of the scenic route. Rabinov explained that camaraderie and encouragement define AIDS/Lifecycle, with a uniting goal to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS. Rabinov raised almost $6,000 with the help of friends and family. “You get to a place psychologically where you are really pushing your body and you wonder if you can keep going,” Rabinov said. “Everyone was encouraging and helping each other. It wasn’t a race; everyone was there to support each other. It’s like a party every time you got to a rest stop.” Rabinov concluded the ride in Los Angeles on June 11, taking with her 545 miles of memories, athletic achievement and new friendships.

Verdugo Hills Cemetery Today

This column wraps up a short history of the Verdugo Hills Cemetery in Tujunga. Although the graveyard is a historical treasure, it has also taken an infamous place in L.A. history. For it was here in 1978 that the cemetery hillside containing long dead bodies gave way during a rainstorm and tumbled into the neighborhood below. After the decaying bodies had been picked up and the mud cleared, a serious round of finger pointing began. Who was to blame, and who would be responsible? There was (and still is) little government oversight of cemeteries. The owners had operated pretty much as they pleased in order to squeeze what operating funds could be had from the old burial ground. There had never been enough money endowed to the cemetery from the beginning. The cemetery had received little maintenance, there had been unsafe grading of the hillside (cemeteries were exempt from County Code), and the finances of the cemetery corporation were sketchy, perhaps even illegal. No government agency wanted to get involved in the expensive cleanup and reburials, and the owners were pleading poverty. The hillside needed retaining walls built and proper drainage established. Burials that had been compromised needed reburial. The County was hesitant to cough up the estimated $200,000 needed. But the money would come from nowhere else, and the problem would remain unresolved, so by the end of summer the County reluctantly caved. The stabilization was done, the bodies were reburied, but the neglected cemetery remained just what it had been before – neglected. The cemetery’s owners faded away in the ‘80s, and eventually the state seized what little was left of the endowment. A few more years of headstone theft, homeless encampments and vandalism followed, including one much publicized event in 1996. In that act, carried out on or near Halloween, eight crypts were broken open and the bodies pulled out. One of them was posed leaning against the crypt wall, a cigarette dangling from its mouth. That atrocity seemed to signal a turning point for the old graveyard. A handful of community members rallied to the cemetery’s cause. Weeds (both botanical and human) were cleared from the site, and some maintenance was performed, funded from the volunteers’ pockets. The L.A. City Councilmember for Sunland-Tujunga at that time was Wendy Gruel, and she was a special friend to the cemetery. Through her efforts, the City funded some larger repairs. Most importantly a tall fence was erected around the main area of the cemetery, which ended most thefts and vandalism. Since then community organizations, veterans’ groups, and Scouts have maintained and improved the site. The cemetery has proved fertile ground (no pun intended) for scouting projects. An Eagle Scout project by Hunter Kirkwood in 2005 is one example, out of the many that have been completed. With 21 Scouts from Post 288 here in La Crescenta, he did some major brush clearing and established some permanent paths through the graves. Other Scout projects have included using a metal detector to find a few buried bronze grave markers. It’s hoped in the future that a ground penetrating radar search can be funded to locate the nearly 2,000 unmarked graves. A few relatives of those interred have visited and helped with maintenance or to supply details of obscure grave markers. One particularly poignant marker was placed recently bearing the photo of a beautiful young woman. She was just 24, the mother of four small children, when she was crushed under a bedroom wall in the 1971 Sylmar quake, and she was laid to rest in Verdugo Hills Cemetery. Seven years later – to the very day – her body was violently unearthed in the ’78 landslide. Forty years after her death – to the day – a touching headstone and monument bearing her image and story was placed on her grave by her now-grown children and their children. The cemetery is not open to the public, but a few group tours and volunteer cleanup crews have been inside. It’s my hope that in the near future, the Verdugo Hills Cemetery will reopen and receive the honor and reverence that it deserves.

By Charly SHELTON Those under the age of 35 know what a Pokémon is. There are those over the age of 35 who have good taste and play the games, but they are not expected to know Pokémon. Those under 35 years old were at most 16 when Pokémon was released in America – Sept. 30, 1998 – and played or knew someone who played the original Pokémon. Here’s the core concept – cute little animals, throw a Pokéball and catch them, train them and have battles. Pokémon touched so many people during the last nearly 20 years, and that is probably why Pokémon Go has taken off with such force. For those who have been asleep for the last week, waiting for the Poké-Flute to come wake them up, they may not have heard of Pokémon Go. Since launching last Wednesday night, it has become the number one news story, the number one trending topic on Google search, and the top grossing app of all time in both the App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android. It’s a new take on a classic favorite. Rather than walking around the digital world to catch Pokémon, battle trainers and visit gyms, players walk through the real world to catch Pokémon, hatch eggs and visit gyms. It’s getting people up off the couch and out into the world. This iteration of the game cannot be played on the couch, in air-conditioning, as it bases all of the gameplay on movement of the GPS signal. Pokémon Go is like the previous iterations of the game in that when players see rustling grass on the screen they head towards it because a wild Pokémon is lurking somewhere nearby. And just like in those iterations, players have to run in circles through the rustling grass until the Pokémon spots them. When a Pokémon appears, players can see it on the screen through augmented reality and snap a quick picture with it before flicking a Pokéball at it to capture it. The other way to get Pokémon is by hatching eggs, each one dependent on how far the player walks – rated at 2 km, 5 km or 10 km each. Pokémon Go brings a new appreciation for how much work Ash Ketchum was made to do in the games, running back and forth all over the Kanto region before players got the bike. I’ve had the game since seven minutes after it launched and, in that time, I’ve logged almost 20 km walked, reached level nine and caught 31 kinds of Pokémon. My fiancé Sabrina doesn’t care at all about Pokémon but is taking a small victory in that I’m constantly wanting to go on walks in the park, and she humors me by begrudgingly posing with the Pokémon in pictures like trophy hunting. The gameplay is insanely addictive, especially for those who grew up with Pokémon. I was 9 when Pokémon Blue came out, and it was the first game I ever beat all the way through. I have a special connection to the series and played it all the way into college. And now with this newest iteration, I’m absolutely in love and I’m just as addicted as everybody else. As I sit here writing this article, I have my phone open just in case a Cubone happens to hover into my circle of influence. The first few days, the servers were constantly down but it’s gotten better with each passing day. Pokémon Go is being rolled out to more countries in the next few weeks, reaching Europe within about two weeks, and I hope it stays strong. I really like the community aspect of this game because those who are playing the game can always see the other people who are in the same area for the same reason. It’s easy to spot them – usually a group of people using their phones to look around, or one player is very excited on the phone, towing a nonplussed significant other who is taking that same small victory as Sabrina. Once you know how to spot them, it becomes like a secret club you’re in together as you exchange knowing smiles and a quick nod. It’s kind of a novel feeling to stop and chat with another trainer without being immediately challenged to a battle. Players swap secrets and share where they had seen the best Pokémon, how to use items and any of the information left out of the very brief tutorial in the game. I find it interesting that for many years of playing Pokémon, I spent a good majority of my time in games trying to avoid trainers and wild Pokémon and now all I do is seek them out. This game is a lot of fun when used responsibly, and has room to grow on a solid base. So like any good Pokémon trainer nowadays, it’s my turn to impart some of what I’ve learned so far to help up-and-coming trainers: You’re going to get a million Ratatta’s and there’s nothing you can do about it; choose Team Mystic – just trust me; there is no solid evidence as of yet that Mew or any other legendary Pokémon is actually in the game; and the most useful thing I’ve learned so far – if Eevee knows dig, she will evolve into Flareon, if she knows body slam, she will evolve into Jolteon and if she knows swift, she will evolve into Vaporeon. You’re welcome, and spread the love. Pokémon Go is available now for iPhone and Android in their respective app stores.

Food, fireworks and (oh yeah) cars make this a premiere family event.

By Dylan SYLVESTER Since their creation, cars have been headline news. From the sound of a muscle car’s powerful engine to the sleek design of a racer, cars have been known to turn heads. That’s why car fanatics and novices alike will gather at the 23rd Annual Glendale Cruise Night on Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. This is a free event. Cars – vintage, classic, hot rods and more – will be lined up  along Brand Boulevard between Milford and Broadway as far as the eye can see. Although Brand is usually lined with cars, on this special evening it won’t be because of heavy traffic. Visitors to Cruise Night will be taken on an automotive journey from the inception of the “horseless carriage” to the ’50s hot rods and beyond – and that beyond includes some very special futuristic vehicles that will become the classics of the next decade. Livening up the night with a little music will be some special bands entertaining the audience. Desperado Eagles, a premiere tribute band to the Eagles, will be offering all the best songs played by the ’70s rock band. On Saturday, Desperado will be dedicating their performance to Glenn Frey, founding member of the Eagles, who passed away earlier this year. Surfin’, which celebrates the music of the Beach Boys, will be playing as well, bringing audiences the experience of being with the Beach Boys live in the ’60s and ‘70s. The band will be celebrating the anniversary of the Beach Boys album, “Pet Sounds,” which was released 50 years ago. This is an album that came to be realized as one of the most influential music albums in history. Last but not definitely not least, the Surfaris will be bringing their hit song “Wipeout” to the stage and will entertain with their unique style of surf rock that shaped the ’60s and ’70s. All three bands celebrate the culture of Southern California – sand, surf and sun. “Glendale Cruise Night is a great community event to get people to the heart of Glendale, to check out the restaurants and stores,” said Patricia Betancourt from Glendale Community Services and Parks. “It is a good summer fun event for the whole family.” The event is made possible through the generous support of the Glendale City Council, Glendale Economic Development and Glendale Downtown Merchant Association, Betancourt added. The restaurants along and near Brand Boulevard will be open, as will the retail stores, many that will be offering special Glendale Cruise deals. There will be a youth area that will include some carnival rides and a rock wall, but the real stars of the event are the cars – an expected 400 classic cars and hot rods will reside for a few hours at least along Brand. Ending the festivities is a spectacular fireworks show located at the main stage at Brand Boulevard and Milford Road. The fireworks are made even more “spectacular” as their light will be reflected off the windows of the high rises lining the boulevard. Mary O’Keefe contributed to this story.

NASA will host a Facebook Live event at 10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT) on Friday, July 15 to talk about the science and technology aboard NASA's next Mars rover, Mars 2020, and the significant step the agency is taking on its journey to Mars, proceeding with final design and construction of the robotic explorer. During the event, viewers will get a glimpse of the Mars Yard and rock drilling facility at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and can ask questions during the program via Facebook. Participants will be:

• Kenneth Farley, Mars 2020 project scientist at Caltech in Pasadena
• Matt Robinson, Mars 2020 sampling and caching team deputy manager at JPL
• Allen Chen, Mars 2020 entry, descent and landing lead at JPL

The event can be viewed live on NASA's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/nasa

The event also will air on NASA Television and stream on the agency’s website at http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv http://www.nasa.gov/live

 Mars 2020, which has just passed a major development milestone, will look for signs of past life in a region of Mars where the ancient environment is believed to have been favorable for microbial life. It will collect samples of Martian rock and soil that a potential future mission could return to Earth for analysis. It also will assess Mars’ geology and modern environment, providing context for other investigations. These studies will address high-priority goals for planetary science and further aid NASA’s preparations for a human mission to the Red Planet.

For more information about NASA’s Mars missions, visit http://www.nasa.gov/journeytomars

Angel Castro, a 24-year-old, male was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon. He was wanted by LASD Transit Policing Division detectives in connection with the defacement of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Venice, California just before Memorial Day this year.  The wall is located at the rear of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Division 6. Castro, who uses the moniker “LITER” (pronounced LIGHT-er) was one of the four monikers identified earlier this month by the lead detective on the case, Michael Thibodeaux.  Detective Thibodeaux secured a warrant for Castro’s arrest.  Castro was taken into custody without incident in the Exposition Park area of Los Angeles by members of the Sheriff’s Department’s Transit Policing Division Crime Impact Team. During the initial interview with Detective Thibodeaux, Suspect Castro allegedly admitted to his role in the vandalism of the Veterans Memorial Wall.  Castro was booked at the LASD Century Regional Detention Facility for felony vandalism. His bail is currently set at $95,000.  He is scheduled to be arraigned later this week and could face additional charges as the investigation is still ongoing.  LASD Transit Policing Division detectives continue to seek additional information regarding additional suspects, with monikers “PHEB”, “NONER”, and “SNAKE”, that are connected with the tagging of the Veterans Memorial Wall. Anyone who has  information regarding the identities of the other monikers believed to be connected to this crime or any additional information please call the LASD Transit Policing Division detectives at (888) 950-SAFE(7233), or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477).  You also can text the letters “TIPLA” plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org